New Song Church OKC

WHAT IS THE CALL?Genesis 2:15 - The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (NIV)Part of who we are is made up of what we are called to do.Man is given work before he is given a partner.Ephesians 2:10 - For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (ESV)Romans 11:29 - the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. (ESV)There is a difference between work and a job.Work is attached to the God-vision that is inside of us.A job is a task, especially one that is paid. WHO IS CALLED?Ephesians 4:1 - Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. (NLT)Calling - klésis - a summon to walk in the way of salvationWorthy - axios - weight to weight2 Timothy 1:9 - For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. (NLT)Hebrews 3:1 - Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. (NIV)1 Peter 4:10-11 - Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (NIV)HOW WE RESPOND1 - We love one another. John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (ESV)2 - We show up and serve. Mark 10:45 - For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (NIV)Matthew 5:14 - You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. (NLT)3 - We go into all the world. Mark 16:15 - "And he said to them, 'As you go into all the world, preach openly the wonderful news of the gospel to the entire human race!'" (TPT)Matthew 28:18-20 - Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)POSITIONING OURSELVES FOR THE CALLTHE HEARTBEATS OF THE CALLNew Song Answers exists to position believers to be a conduit through which Christ’s love is ministered.Family - “Father to the fatherless, defender of the widows -- this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families." Psalm 68:5-6a (NLT)Education - “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” Luke 2:52 (NIV)Restoration - “‘But I will restore to you health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’” Jeremiah 30:17 (NIV)“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Proverbs 11:25 (ESV)MATURITY FOR THE CALLYou are a saint and you are called to ministry.Ministry = serviceEphesians 4:1 Ephesians 4:11-12Being a disciple, or one who follows God, means walking like Jesus did.RECEIVE HIS CALLDon’t get hung up on the what when we’ve been told what to do.Proverbs 29:18 Isaiah 6:8

1 Samuel 12:24But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve Him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.John 12:26Anyone who wants to serve me must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.Matthew 23:11-12The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.Serving - Service = keeps us aware of other’s needs and it stops us from focusing only on ourselvesTo be a servant, you must surrender your will to God’s willSurrender is an act but it is also a processSurrender = to yield to the power, control or possession of another upon compulsion or demandBiblically as believers, we completely give up our will to His willWe will all experience disappointment and discouragement at times. But if we ever understand servanthood is surrendering our will to His will, we won’t stay there.When we aren’t true servants, we get stuck in our disappointment and discouragement… We are always thinking, “if I had more I would be happier or more successful.”BUT God says “serve me where you are” - use what He has put in your hands firstMatthew 25:29To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away.Numbers 14:27How long must I put up with this wicked community and its complaints about me? Yes, I have heard the complaints the Israelites are making against me.Philippians 2:14Do everything without complaining or arguing.God wants us to serve Him - to surrender our will to Him. It will help us all enjoy the process more.We look for comfort and material blessings, but God is more concerned with character development.We tend to hate testing and spiritual exercise that will strengthen our faith and make us stronger.If you can’t surrender with what is in your hands right now, even if you get more, you wouldn’t be able to.

James 2:14-26 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? 17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. 18 But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” 19 You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder. 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? 22 You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; 23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God. 24 You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? 26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.Ditch 1: It’s All About Works Ditch 2: It’s Not At All About Works Truth #1 Faith Alone SavesEphesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith“Do” “Done”It’s not about what you do, it’s about what Jesus has done. Jesus has already done the doingEphesians 2:8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— so that no one can boast.James 2:23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.Reckoning is the act of God where he credits christ's perfect righteousness to the sinner's account and declares the debt fully forgiven.2 Corinthians 5:21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God in Him.Truth #2 The Faith That Saves Is Never AloneJames 2:14 What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him? James 2:17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself. James 2:26 For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.Matthew 12:33 a tree is known by its fruit.Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:8‬ ‬This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone.Good works are the life of Jesus in me being lived through me1. Being Saved By Faith Means God Is Now Changing Me 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.Philippians 1:6 Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.2. Works Give Evidence To The Change James 2:15 - 171 John 3:17

A Warning Against Prejudice My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.Discrimination has no place in the life of a disciple of Jesus. “If you then, being evil” - Jesus Misguided View (flesh) vs. Merciful View (spirit)Misguided View (flesh): We discriminate based on outward appearance.Merciful View (spirit): God looks past outward appearance to the heart. 1 Samuel 16:6-7 When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!” But the Lord said to Samuel, “Don’t judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”“The world is full of idolatries, but I question if any idolatry has been more extensively practiced than the idolatry of the outward appearance.” (Blaikie)When you look at people, what’s your metric for determining what kind of seat they get in your life?Romans 8:14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.Misguided View (flesh): We favor people with material wealth. Merciful View (spirit): God chose the poor- those with nothing to offer but faith and obedience. James 2:5 Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?How do you treat the poor?In God’s Kingdom, rich in faith is always greater than rich in finances.Misguided View (flesh): We discriminate based on selfish ambitions.Merciful View (spirit): God serves those who could never repay Him. How do you cast the neighbors in your life? James 2:8-9 Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.James 2:12-13 2 Corinthians 5:10 Luke 6:38 Luke 6:37

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:James 1:16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.The Blessing of God comes through the Word of God.Your Attitude towards the Bible Your Actions based on the Bible.James 1:17 Every good and perfect gift is from above The Word Of God Is A Good And Perfect Gift That God Has Given To UsGenesis 3:1“did god really say”…God’s Word is Living and Powerful. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is Say this next word with me: living and powerful. 2 Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is God-breathedHebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful. It is sharper than a sword that cuts both ways. It cuts straight into where the soul and spirit meet and it divides them. It cuts into the joints and bones. It tells what the heart is thinking about and what it wants to do.You need to have FAITH in it.In order to have faith in it , you need REVELATION from itIn order to get a revelation from it you need to MEDITATE on it.FAITH INREVELATION FROMMEDITATE ONFAITHHebrews 4:2 For we also have had the gospel preached to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because those who heard did not combine it with faith.REVELATIONRevelation activates faith logos = written word of God, the General, constant, consistent voice of GodRhema = a instant, personal revelation from GodLuke 1:34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”Luke 1:35 “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.”MEDITATIONMeditation Activates RevelationPsalm 1:1-3 “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night. Joshua 1:7-8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.#1 Accept the authority of God’s word1 Thessalonians 2:13 We also thank God continually because, when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it,not as the word of men, but actually as it is, the Word of God, which is at work in you who believe. #2 Work God’s Word into your lifeJames 1:22 _ Read_ Reflect_ Research_ React2 Peter 1:3-4

James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, James 1:3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.Trials Are TestsGod tests but the devil tempts. James 1:13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of deathGod will require us to prove our potential through tests on one level before He will promote us to the next level.Let It Do What It DoJames 1:4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.Every test has questions that have to be answered. John 6:5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. John 6:7 “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” 8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, “Make sure you show your work”#1 The Test of Small Things #2 The Motivation Test #3 The Credibility Test #4 The Wilderness Test#5 The Authority Test #6 The Warfare Test #7 The Lordship test #8 The Offense Test #9 The Test Of Time The Test of Small Things Can you handle more? Luke 16:10 “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.The Wilderness Test Can you change in the wilderness?James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.Look into the future.Hebrews 12:1 Let us run with endurance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God

“WorkmanShip”Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s workmanship. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. A disciple is one who finds, follows and becomes fully formed to be like Jesus.Jesus was a difference maker.Matthew 5:13-16 Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God.God Needs Me To Make A DifferenceGod Always Works With Human ParticipationGod does the miracle but you play a part. John 11:34 “Where have you laid him?” he asked.“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.John 11:39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.”Expose itJohn 11:41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”#1 Give Permission#2 Play Your PartNobody has everything but everybody has something. 1 Peter 5:8 "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." #1 We listenJeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me and I will answer you, and tell you [and even show you] great and mighty things, [things which have been confined and hidden], which you do not know and understand and cannot distinguish.’#2. We find people.Luke 19:10 The Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.Found people, find people. #3. We serve peopleSaved people serve people!Matthew 9:37 (NIV) "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only son.We’re Never More Like God Than When We Give 2 Corinthians 9:11 your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.Generosity takes intentionality… Isaiah 32:8 But a generous man devises generous things, And by generosity he shall stand.A generous man has a generous planMatthew 10:7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. Luke 7:36 - 47 37 …she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’SGENEROSITY IS GENEROSITYGenerosity Freedom or liberality in giving Generosity - an overflow of gratitude and trust in the goodness of God that produces an aggressiveness to give freely and faithfully. Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Proverbs 11:25 Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.#1 Be Generous With Your Time Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.#2 Be Generous With Encouragement Acts 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),Proverbs 18:21“The tongue has the power of life and death.” Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Before you speak THINKT - Is it TrueH - Is it HelpfulI - Is it InspiringN - is it NecessaryK - Is it Kind#3 Be Generous With HonorRomans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.#4 Be Generous With Your FinancesLuke 12:32 Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.John 10:10 My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.Malachi 3:10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. Malachi 3:8-9 "Begin by being honest. Do honest people rob God? But you rob me day after day. "You ask, "How have we robbed you?' "The tithe and the offering–that's how! And now you're under a curse–the whole lot of you–because you're robbing me.

“If the fruit of sin is a broken fellowship with Jesus, then the fruit of fellowship with Jesus should be FREEDOM.”2 CORINTHIANS 3:17-1817 Now the Lord[d] is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord,[e] are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.[f] For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.What happens when your identity, your habits, your preferences, even the way you believed you are wired; contradicts where God is leading you?2 CORINTHIANS 3:17-1817 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom]. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the SpiritFREEDOM IS THE PROCESS OF BECOMING LIKE JESUS.SANCTIFICATION.SALVATION and SANCTIFICATION; and both are important to God. EXODUS 19:44 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself.EXODUS 19:44 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; 6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’GOD IS RELATIONAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL.1 THESSALONIANS 4:3a3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification:1 THESSALONIANS 4:3a7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. 8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.When we don’t allow God to be relational AND TRANSFORMATIONAL, we miss out on God’s best.EXODUS 16:3The Israelites said, “Why didn’t God let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You’ve brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!”EXODUS 16:3“Why didn’t God let us die in comfort in Egypt where we had lamb stew and all the bread we could eat? You’ve brought us out into this wilderness to starve us to death, the whole company of Israel!”THE PROCESS OF BEING TRANSFORMED IS HARDLY EVER COMFORTABLE.FREEDOM IS POSSIBLEFREEDOM IS PROGRESSIVE2 CORINTHIANS 3:17-1818 And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the SpiritFREEDOM IS UNLOCKED THROUGH OWNERSHIPHEBREWS 12:12-1412 Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. 14 Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.GUZIK“Almost like a coach or a military officer, the author told his fellow followers of Jesus to take courage and be active. He gave exhaustive reasons to be strong in the Lord and to put off discouragement, the time had now come to do it.”

Philippians 2:5-8 In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross.What is “The Main Issue Jesus Came To Fix”?The sin issue?“The Main Issue Jesus Came To Fix” was a relationship issue. God wanted His family back!Sin Is An Issue#1 Sin hurts peopleRomans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death#2 Sin Keeps People From GodIsaiah 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear. Whatever you are going after first orders the rest of your life.Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.If what God wants most becomes what want most… everything else will fall into place.Without Jesus we’re dead.Ephesians 2:5 even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.Colossians 2:13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. Jesus did not come so bad people could become good, but so dead people could come alive. John 10:10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 14:6 "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”Jesus came so we could have Him!John 1:12 But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.Hebrews 2:11 Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. And that is why Jesus is not ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters. If Jesus is your Lord God identifies you based on the cross.Ephesians 2:19 You are therefore no longer mere foreigners or persons excluded from civil rights. On the contrary you share citizenship with God's people and are members of His family.The goal is not to stop sinning, The goal is to know God! Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV) looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He endured the cross, despising the shame,If you don’t get the “know God” issues settled… you will not have the ability to overcome any other issue in your life. BAD NEWS:We have all sinnedRomans 3:23 All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.The penalty for sin is death.Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death”GOOD NEWSJesus died for you.Romans 5:8 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”You can be saved through faith in Christ.Ephesians 2:8-9 For it is by grace [undeserved favor] you have been saved [delivered from sin’s penalty] through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one can boast.Romans 10:9 if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Matthew 28:19-20 Go andmake disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” For everything else the church does make disciples is the center, It is core. A disciple is one who finds, follows and becomes fully formed to be like Jesus.“When Christ bids a man come He bids him come and die.” - Dietrich BonhoefferAre you living the call?1. Converts are believers who live like the world. Disciples are believers who live like Jesus.2. Converts are focused on their values, interests, worries, fears, priorities, and lifestyles. Disciples are focused on Jesus.3. Converts go to church. Disciples are the church.4. Converts are involved in the mission of Jesus. Disciples are committed to it.5. Converts cheer from the sidelines. Disciples are in the game.6. Converts hear the word of God. Disciples live it.7. Converts follow the rules. Disciples follow Jesus.8. Converts are all about believing. Disciples are all about being.9. Converts are comfortable. Disciples make sacrifices.10. Converts talk. Disciples make more disciples.1. To be a disciple I must follow Jesus. John 12:26 If you want to be my disciple, follow me and you will go where I am going. And if you truly follow me as my disciple, the Father will shower his favor upon your life. 2. To be a disciple I must love Jesus supremely. Luke 14:26You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot follow me unless you love me more than you love your own life. 3. To be a disciple I must love other disciples. John 13:35 If you have love for one another, then everybody will know that you are my disciple. 1 Timothy 3:15 This family is the church of the living God. 1 John 4:20 “If someone says I love God but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar. For if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God whom we have not seen?” 4. To be a disciple I must do what Jesus tells me. John 8:31 If you continue to obey my teaching, you are truly my disciple. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. I only believe the part of the Bible I do.Logos - the sayings of God, the moral precepts given by God, the word of God…5. To be a disciple I must serve others like Jesus. Luke 14:27 Anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.6. To be a disciple I must purpose to grow and produce fruit that glorifies God. John 15:8 This is to My Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, proving yourselves to be My disciples. the fruit of your life proves that you are a disciple7. To be a disciple I must pass on the Good News of Jesus Mathew 4:20 Jesus called out, ‘Come! Be my disciple. And I will show you how to fish for people,’ and they left their nets at once and went with him. Is there a chance that anyone will go to heaven because of you?

Bowing down before God is the very essence of Biblical worship. Matthew 15:8 These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God.Worship is a holistic act.Biblical worship is more than LOVE expressed. It is KINGSHIP expressed.Worship is acknowledging that God is not just THE King but YOUR King and then living every day in light of that.John 14:15 If you love Me, keep My commandments."It is easy to think of loving Jesus in merely sentimental or emotional terms. It is wonderful when our love for Jesus has sentiment and passion, but it must always be connected to keeping His commandments, or it isn't love at all." -GuzikWorship is more than love expressed. It is kingship expressed, and we express kingship by keeping the commands of our king!John 14:15 If you LOVE Me, keep My commandments.John 15:13 There is no greater love than to lay down one's life for one's friends.John 13:4-5 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples' feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.John 13:12-15 …. "Do you understand what I was doing? You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right, because that's what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.If we love him, we will keep his command to wash other's feet. "If we are going to wash one another's feet, we should be careful of the temperature of the water. Sometimes we try to wash someone with our water too hot – we are too fervent and zealous. Sometimes our water is too cold – we are cold and distant in heart to them. The temperature needs to be in the middle. We should also remember that we cannot dry-clean someone else's feet. Jesus washed us with the washing of water by the word (Ephesians 5:26), we should use the same "water" in ministering to others." -GuzikJohn 13:33-35 Dear children, I will be with you only a little longer…. So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.If we love him, we will keep his command to love each other, just as he has loved us. "We are to love our neighbor as ourselves, but we are to love our fellow-Christians as, Christ loved us, and that is far more than we love ourselves." -SpurgeonJohn 14:1 Don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.If we love him, we will keep his command to trust him. When we embrace God as King and live the Kingdom Way- serving others, loving each other, and trusting God true worship will naturally follow. Psalm 5:7 Enter God's house through the abundance of His steadfast love and tender mercy; At His holy temple we will bow [obediently] in reverence for Him.Psalm 95 Shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us!We'll march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!And why? Because God is the best, High King over all the gods. … We will bow before him, on our knees before God, who made us!

The call of God cannot be fulfilled through human strength alone.Zechariah 4:6 Your help will not come from your own strength and power. No, your help will come from my Spirit.’ This is what the Lord All-Powerful says.Spirit = RUWACH = A mighty wind, a powerful breath, a violent exhalation. Spirit = PNEUMA = a current of air, a blast of breath.“CitizenShip”Philippians 3:20 But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.We Are Christ’s Ambassadors2 Corinthians 5:20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” Kingdom Of Heaven Citizens Are Called To Make Kingdom Of Heaven CitizensMark 16:15 “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. God Loves The LostLuke 15:3 Jesus told them this story: 4 “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it , he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. 6 When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away! John 10:11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father —and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd. John 10:12 a hireling, he who is not the shepherd, one who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf catches the sheep and scatters them. Luke 15:4 Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness wilderness = an area fit for pasture. 1. Connect With People Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.Luke 19:1-10Listen FirstProverbs 18:13 Always listen before you answer.#2 Share Your StoryMatthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. Acts 1:8 You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere— 1 John 5:10 Those who believe in the Son of God have the testimony of God in them#3. Invite Them To An Encounter.John1:45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

God is a God of New2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.1 Corinthians 2:9 “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.”Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heavenThe Favor Of God Is For The Assignments Of GodGod's presence over your life to accomplish God's purposes in and through your life.God’s Favor Is Not Subject To CircumstancesGenesis 39:2 The LORD was with Joseph so that he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.Genesis 39:21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor.God’s Favor Grows When We Are Persistent To Pursue God’s Presence & Plan.Genesis 41:38 Then Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, who has in him the Spirit of God?”God’s Favor Grows When We Are Persistent To Pursue God’s Presence & Plan.Favor Is GrownLuke 2:51Then He went down with them Hand came to Nazareth, and was subject to them Luke 2:52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people.God’s Favor Grows When We Are Persistent To Pursue God’s PresenceJeremiah 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.James 4:8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.What about your life says to God, I want you to show up on the scene today?God Favor Grows When We Are Persistent To Pursue God’s PlanProverbs 3:3-6 Let not mercy and truth forsake you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 And so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.WHAT IS TRUTH?John 17:17 Thy word is truth. Word = LOGOS = “of the moral precepts given by God, the sayings of God”Romans 3:4 Let God be true, and every human being a liar. God’s Word is absolute truthJohn 1:14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us John 14:6 Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me. WHAT IS MERCY?Mercy is when we don’t get what we deserve. Under the covering of mercy supernatural life can take place.

The Enemy Of Deep Is FastGod’s word never says hurry up.Proverbs 19:2 A person in a hurry makes mistakes.Proverbs 21:5 Careful planning puts you ahead in the long run; hurry and scurry puts you further behind.Jeremiah 2:25 Slow down. Take a deep breath. What’s the hurry? Why wear yourself out? Just what are you after anyway? Deep living requires slowing down.Mark 5:21- 34John 11:1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. 3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days, 7 and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”Jesus put on display a non-hurried, present way of living life.Luke chapter 10:38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! 42 There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Jesus is calling His people to slow down and go deep!HURRY HURTS OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GODPsalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God.HURRY HURTS YOUR CAPACITY TO LOVE OTHERSHURRY HURTS YOUR ABILITY TO OVERCOME TEMPTATIONHURRY HURTS EMPATHYYour life’s pace matters. #1. TAKE A DAY OFF EVERY WEEKGenesis 2:2 On the seventh day God had finished his work of creation, so he rested from all his work. God gave the Sabbath to enrich our lives. Break from and break for. Ecclesiastes 10:10 Using a dull ax requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom; it helps you succeed. #2. WATCH YOUR SIX#3. CALENDAR FOR PURPOSEDoes your calendar reflect who you want to be?The thoughtful arrangement of your daily and weekly calendar is one of the holiest endeavors you can put your hand to. Ephesians 5:15-16 Be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Deep living requires slowing down.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NLT) Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.This life of faith is likened to a race.Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, This race is an endurance race…not a sprint!There are obstacles in a race 2 Timothy 4:7 (NKJV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.8 And now the prize awaits me--the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.This race is a relay race.There are 3 generations involved in our handoff.Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:Sons and daughters prophecy.Young men see visions. Old men dream dreamsIt all starts with the older generation turning.Malachi 4:5 (NLT) “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the LORD arrives.6 His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.”3 things to do.1. Flow with the changing methods of the time2. Be encouraging 3. ListenJames 1:19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.ConclusionHebrews 12:1 (KJV) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset [us], and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,2. looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrew 12:2 MSGKeep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed—that exhilarating finish in and with God—he could put up with anything along the way: Cross, shame, whatever. And now he’s there, in the place of honor, right alongside God.Matthew 24:10 says And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Luke 17:1 says this and this is Jesus talking it says Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no offenses should come..” Hebrews 12:14-1514Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord: 15looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;Luke 23:24 “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they do…”What Jesus went through.-betrayal-wrongful accusations -Abandonment-abuse -Humiliation Hebrews 2:17-18 MSGThat’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.How do we forgive? -We PrayMatthew 5:43-44 43“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,We Bless Them. Luke 6:27-2827 But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.Romans 12:14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. -We do good to themRomans 12:17-21 17Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. 18If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. 19Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.”21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.“Our revelation of the forgiveness that we have received from Jesus, fuels the fire for the forgiveness we can release through Jesus.”-Josh BlountTwo quotes: “Unforgiveness or even delayed forgiveness leads cause collateral damage to those who had nothing to do with the offense and often times requires that we have to ask for forgiveness.”“We will never have to forgive someone more than Christ has forgiven us, those who are forgiven, forgive.”

Imagination is a tool God has blessed us with.Isaiah 46:10Imagination gives us the opportunity to see the end from the beginning and to form a vision.Imagination distorted leads us into a realm called Fantasy.Fantasy is setting your heart or your mind on something that is unrealistic, impossible, or improbable.The Realm of Fantasy is where we chase the satisfaction of life by our own means. Fantasy hinders us from experiencing the fullness of God’s goodness. What are some of the ways we get into the Realm of Fantasy?1 - THEY ARE BETTER2 - I AM BETTER3 - IF I ONLY HAD4 - CALLED BUT INACTIVE5 - THINGS AREN’T SUPPOSED TO BE THIS WAYGod created imagination and it has a purpose. Satan manipulates and pushes us towards fantasy, but God pushes us towards vision.Vision is the ability to see with our spiritual eyes the things that God has set for us.Proverbs 29:18 KJVVISION VS. FANTASYVision is something God gives. Seeing what God hasn’t given is Fantasy.Inspiration is the gateway to Vision. Sensuality is the gateway to Fantasy.Fantasy is the realm of self-gratification.What gives power to fantasy is a lack of vision and a goal of satisfaction.Philippians 4:8 NIV - Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.2 Corinthians 10:3-5 KJVRomans 12:2 ESVHow do you renew your mind and cast down imaginations? You’ll need:1 - UnderstandingProverbs 4:7 NKJV - Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. In all your getting, get understanding. You can not do anything outside of your understanding.When we flirt with information and don’t have the level of depth we need, we end up easily misled.Proverbs 24:3-4 NKJVThrough wisdom a house is built,And by understanding it is established;By knowledge the rooms are filledWith all precious and pleasant riches.2 - DiscernmentIf your ratio of general information is higher than the truth coming from the Word, it is going to be difficult to walk in inspiration. Colossians 2:8 NIV - See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. James 1:5 NKJV - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.3 - Clarity of FaithRomans 10:17 NKJV - So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.Hebrews 11:1 NIV - Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.God is not asking for blind or visionless faith. 4 - To Study the Word of GodIf you’re going to move out of fantasy, you’re going to have to work. 2 Timothy 2:15 - Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousnessStudying the Word of God allows you to see truth, know truth, and understand truth..In the path between Vision and Fantasy lies a battle for the heart.Proverbs 4:23 TPT - So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.

ACTS 9:10-12STREET CALLED STRAIGHT.When the will of man (you and me) comes into alignment with the spirit of God, TRANSFORMATION is always the goal.The spirit of religion is a shift from joyful obedience in God and a transformed life, to simply doing the right things and abstaining from the wrong ones. The spirit of religion only allows for outward righteousness. It does not transform the person or the heart. Rather, it puts on a front and appearance that is no greater than skin deep. This impacts the local church by creating divisions between individuals and stealing the joy, freedom, healing, and transformation that comes through the power of God.“THE SPIRIT OF RELIGION’S MAIN FOCUS IS CURRENT FRUIT OR LACK OF FRUIT.”“THE SPIRIT OF RELIGION’S MAIN OBJECTIVE IS TO ATTACK BAD FRUIT, INSTEAD OF CULTIVATING GOOD FRUIT.”MATTHEW 13:24-30 9:1-4“As the heavenly light overwhelmed him, Saul was confronted by the true nature of his crime: He persecuted God, not man. Saul thought that he was serving God in viciously attacking Christians, but he discovered that he was fighting God. This has been sadly true through history. Often those who are convinced they are doing God a favor do much of the worst persecution and torture ever practiced.” - David Guzik “THE SPIRIT OF RELIGION’S MAIN BLINDSPOT IS GOD’S TRANSFORMING POWER.”“The people of God operating in the Spirit of Religion is being in a state spiritual blindness.”13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” ACTS 9:13-1415 But the Lord said, “Go, for Saul is my chosen instrument to take my message to the Gentiles and to kings, as well as to the people of Israel. 16 And I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.”17 So Ananias went and found Saul. He laid his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road, has sent me so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. 19 Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.ACTS 9:15-19“Ananias was an ordinary man – not an apostle, a prophet, a pastor, an evangelist, an elder, or a deacon. Yet God used him because he was an ordinary man. If an apostle or a prominent person had ministered to Saul, people might say Paul received his gospel from a man instead of Jesus. In the same way, God needs to use the certain disciple – there is a special work for them to do.” - David Guzik“SPIRITUAL VISION IS NOT IGNORING THE BAD FRUIT. IT’S ALLOWING THE HOLY SPIRIT TO INTERPRET THE TRUE FRUIT.”At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what method the Holy Spirit gives you, as longs as it’s His method and not your method. I WONDER WHAT STREET CALLED STRAIGHT GOD HAS CALLED YOU TO.

MollyThe truth that set me free is that He is the God who sees me.To reveal His truth and bring freedom to me, God has always used two things: 1. People 2. His wordMatthew 4:18 One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee he saw two brothers- Simon also called Peter and his brother Andrew.Mark 14: 30 I tell you the truth, Peter-this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.Luke 22:61 At that moment, the Lord turned and looked at Peter.Mark 14:28 But after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.Jesus purposely set out to redeem Peter and shown him, he sees him.In Genesis 16:13 Hagar gives God the name El Roi which means the God who sees me.The truth that set me free is He is the God who sees me.JenniGod does not want me to be a door mat, but a doorDon’t prioritize keeping the peace over being filled with His peaceProverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from itErikRomans 12:2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.Ephesians 2:8-9For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.Proverbs 18:24One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.James 5:16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.The enemy cannot create, he can only manipulateGod doesn’t care as much about what you do, but who you are. Because who you are will determine what you do. And when you know whose you are, you’ll know who you are.It’s not about the intensity of our faith, but the intimacy of your faith.Jesus preached to the thousands, but walked with the few.Truths:- It’s not about achievement, it’s about pursuit.- Life begins where your comfort zone ends.

Positioned For Provision “Not How I Thought”God is faithful to His word, but He is not faithful to your plan.Isaiah 55:8-9 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your waysand my thoughts higher than your thoughts.Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heartand lean not on your own understanding;1 Kings 17:1 Elijah the Tishbite, of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, except at my word.”An idol is any unauthorized noun,I Kings 17:3 “Get away from here and turn eastward, and hide by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. I Kings 17:4 And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.”I Kings 17:5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. 6 The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brookGod can resource the righteous through the unrighteous.Proverbs 13:22 The wealth of the sinner is stored up for [the hands of] the righteous.Philippians 4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.You’re always subject to your source.I Kings 17:7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.I Kings 17:8 Then the word of the Lord came to him 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. See, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.”I Kings 17:10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, indeed a widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.” I Kings 17:12 “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have bread, only a handful of flour in a bin, and a little oil in a jar; and see, I am gathering a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and my son, that we may eat it, and die.”I Kings 17:13 “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a small cake from it first, and bring it to me; and afterward make some for yourself and your son. I Kings 17:14 For thus says the Lord God of Israel: ‘The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the Lord sends rain on the earth.’ ”Put me first, and I’ll take care of you. I Kings 17:15 So she went away and did according to the word of Elijah; and she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry, according to the word of the Lord which He spoke by Elijah.Galatians 6:7 “You reap what you sow”Luke 6:38 Give, and it ill be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.” You’re not subject to the famine in the land if your subject to the savior.

Matthew 6:9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven,God Is My FatherJohn 1:12 But to all who believed him Jesus and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.Galatians 3:26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 4:6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Our Experiences Shape Our PerceptionMy Dad Is Better Than Your Dad Matthew 7:9 What man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!#1 Approach God Like A Child Approaches A Good Father Matthew 18:2-3 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14 Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 1 John 4:4 Little children (believers, dear ones), you are of God and you belong to Him and have [already] overcome them [the agents of the antichrist]; because He who is in you is greater than he (Satan) who is in the world [of sinful mankind]. #2 Approach Fatherhood With God As Your Example You’re either building a bridge or you’re building a barrier.He is loving - John 3:16 He is caring - I Peter 5:7 He is committed - Hebrews 14:5He is focused - Romans 8:35 “He is engaged - Hebrews 12:5–6 He is Gracious - Psalm 86:5He is good - Jeremiah 29:11 He is a disciplinarian - Hebrews 12:6 He is generous - Psalm 84:11 He is approachable – Psalm 138:3

“5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. - Luke 11:5-10_ OUR UNDERSTANDING IS OFF _ OUR AIM IS OFF Is my time in prayer more about a ______ or a ________? Is my time in prayer more about a list or a person?_ WE MOVE ONAn idol is anything you look to for something you should get from God or through his direction in prayer. _ START WITH A PROMISE“a lot of people stop at hope in God and don’t continue on to Faith.”“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1 Hope says “God, I know you’re _______” Faith says “God, I know you’re _______”Hope says “God, I know you’re able” Faith says “God, I know you’re willing” “And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” - Mark 11:22-24“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Romans 10:17_ SUBMIT MY PLANSThe ask is up to ____, but the how is up to _____.The ask is up to us, but the how is up to Him.God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good? - Numbers 13:19_ EMBRACE THE PROCESSWait on the Lord, And keep His way, And He shall exalt you to inherit the land - Psalm 37:34qāvâ - to lie in wait for, to twist, stretch, the tension of enduring, waiting.If you’re not ________, then you’re not ________.If you’re not praying, then you’re not waiting.“God often waits for our passionate persistence in prayer. It isn’t that God is reluctant and needs to be persuaded. Our persistence doesn’t change God; it changes us, developing in us a heart and passion for what God wants.” - David Guzik“But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:31“5 And He said to them, “Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him’; 7 and he will answer from within and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs.9 “So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. - Luke 11:5-10

#01 Pray God’s Word1 John 5:14 God wants us to know His will so we can pray with confidence according to His will.God’s will is God’s word. Psalm 119:105 2 Timothy 3:16 Psalm 119:133 Guide my steps by your Word, so I will not be overcome by any evil. 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, If God promises it, you can have it.Find a verse for every situation. Jeremiah 1:12 “I am watching over my word to perform it.”Joel 2:7 They run like mighty men, they climb the wall like warriors. They each march in his line, and they do not swerve off course#02 Don’t Just Talk, ListenProverbs 2:2 Incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; Proverbs 4:20 My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.Proverbs 22:17 Incline your ear and hear the words of the wise,And apply your heart to my knowledge;Psalm 8:2 Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. Psalms 22:3 God inhabits in the praises of His people#03 Pray & Fast FrequentlyMatthew 17:17-18 “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” How many times do I have to go over these things? How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy here.” He ordered the afflicting demon out—and it was out, gone. From that moment on the boy was well.Matthew chapter 17:19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not drive it out?” 20 And He said to them, “Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you. 21 But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. Prayer and fasting solve the problems of being unbelieving and perverse Prayer connects us to God. The more time I spend with someone worthy of confidence, the more confidence I have in that person.Fasting disconnects us from the world. 1 Corinthians 9:27 But I buffet my body and subdue it.#04. Pray Beyond Your Brain1 Corinthians 14:23 So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind?I Corinthians 14:2 For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. I Corinthians 14:14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. It Builds You Up 1 Corinthians 14:4 He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.Jude 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,It covers your ignoranceRomans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.It Hides The PlanActs 2:1-4 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance

Luke 11:1-2 Matthew 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.Matthew 6:7 And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.The Lord’s Prayer is too good to pray in vain, and it’s too good to think you’re too good for. Matthew 6:9 Our Father in heaven,The emperor Caesar, Galerius, Valerius, Maximanus, Invictus, Augustus, Pontifex Maximus, Germanincus Maximus, Egypticus Maximus, Phoebicus Maximus, Sarmenticus Maximus (5x), Persecus Maximus (twice), Carpicus Maximus (6 times), Armenicus Maximus, Medicus Maximus, Abendicus Maximus, Holder of tribunal authority for the 20th time, emperor for the 19th, council of the 8th, Pro-Counsul, Ecclesiastes 5:1-2 Guard your steps and focus on what you are doing as you go to the house of God and draw near to listen… Do not be hasty with your mouth [speaking careless words or vows] or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth; therefore let your words be few. Jesus Modeled: Let your words be few and powerful. Jesus Modeled: The language of our heart is more important than the language of our tribe.Jesus Modeled: Praying ‘Our Father’ unites us as the family of God. Jesus Modeled: Abba is approachable and desires intimacy with his children, and at the same time, He is the majesty of heaven. Matthew 6:9 …Hallowed be Your name.May it be made holy, your name.Ezekiel 36:21-23 Jesus Modeled: A desire for God to demonstrate his Holiness.Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.The Kingdom of God is the rule and reign of God advancing here on earth, bringing healing and wholeness by chasing out the chaos. The Kingdom of Heaven is already with even more to come.Jesus Modeled: We have a part to play in bringing God’s Kingdom to the earth. CARD SLIDEJesus Modeled: Our free will won’t always line up with God’s will, so we must ask God for His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. Jesus Modeled: Asking God to remove a spirit of lack as we trust Him to be a perfect provider. Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.“The world despises this theology because it thinks anger is necessary to fuel the struggle for justice, and that forgiveness will dissipate that anger. The Christian disagrees and replies, “No. I will forgive and I will struggle for justice. I may still be angry, but my struggle for justice will be purified by forgiveness and thereby become more effective.” - Kenneth Bailey Micah 6:8 The Lord God has told us what is right and what he demands: “See that justice is done, let mercy be your first concern, and humbly obey your God.”Forgiveness purifies our pursuit of justice.Jesus Modeled: Receiving and extending forgiveness daily. Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.Jesus Modeled: Dependance on GodMatthew 6:9-13 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Hosea 4:6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledgeJames 5:16 The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss The Possibility Of PrayerLuke 11:1 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” Mark 1:35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and slipped out to a solitary place to pray.Mark 9:14-38 “What is all this arguing about?” Jesus asked. One of the men in the crowd spoke up and said, “Teacher, I brought my son so you could heal him. He is possessed by an evil spirit that won’t let him talk… So I asked your disciples to cast out the evil spirit, but they couldn’t do it.” Jesus said to them, “You faithless people! How long must I be with you? Bring the boy to me.” So they brought the boy. But when the evil spirit saw Jesus, it threw the child into a violent convulsion, and he fell to the ground, writhing and foaming at the mouth. “How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked the boy’s father. He replied, “Since he was a little boy. The spirit often throws him into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us, if you can.” “What do you mean, ‘If I can’?” Jesus asked. “Anything is possible if a person believes.” The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” When Jesus saw that the crowd of onlookers was growing, he rebuked the evil spirit. “Listen, you spirit that makes this boy unable to hear and speak,” he said. “I command you to come out of this child and never enter him again!” Then the spirit screamed and threw the boy into another violent convulsion and left him. The boy appeared to be dead. A murmur ran through the crowd as people said, “He’s dead.” But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up. Afterward, when Jesus was alone in the house with his disciples, they asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast out that evil spirit?” Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”When you deposit prayer in private, you can withdraw power in public.If the devil can’t make you bad, he will make you busy. “Anything less than a conscious commitment to the important is an unconscious commitment to the unimportant.” - Steven CoveyIf you’re too busy with life to pray, you’re busier than God desires you to be.The secret to answered prayer is You have to pray!God can’t answer prayers you don’t pray!Prayer gives God earthly license for heavenly interference. God’s Not A Party CrasherGod can do nothing without our prayers?Genesis 1:26 Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion…”Dominion = to rule, to have control, to dominate, tosubjugatePsalm 115:16 The heavens are the heavens of the Lord, but the earth He has given to the children of men.Psalm 138:2 You have exalted above all else Your name and Your word and You have magnified Your word above all Your name!2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.God will not interfere, until He hears his bride intercedes.

1. Deborah was Appointed & AnointedAnointed means operating in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. Judges 2:18 But when the Lord appointed judges for the Israelites, he was with each judge. The Lord rescued them from their enemies as long as that judge was alive.Because of her anointing, Deborah could flow and function in and out of her roles, responsibilities, and relationships.2 Corinthians 1:21-22 Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.The anointing is completely necessary for you to do what God has appointed you to do!Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.Christians have a responsibility to discover their spiritual gifts and to use them for the greater good. Motherhood is an appointment and when God appoints, He anoints.2. Deborah SatJudges 4:5 She used to sit under the palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the people of Israel came up to her for judgment. Gifts without God are worthless.You will never rise up if you don’t sit down.Luke 10:38-42 As they continued their travel, Jesus entered a village. A woman by the name of Martha welcomed him and made him feel quite at home. She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” The Master said, “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.”Jeremiah 15:16 Your words were found, and I ate them, And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.3. Deborah Rose Like A MotherJudges 5:6-7 In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, and in the days of Jael, people avoided the main roads, and travelers stayed on winding pathways. There were few people left in the villages of Israel— until Deborah arose as a mother for Israel.Mother = Strong Water. The one who "binds" the family together.Romans 8:38-39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

You’re Out Of Alignment. Your life is out of alignment…My Alignment Effects My AssignmentProverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.You Were Created On Purpose And For A Purpose.Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD…Jeremiah 1:5 “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations.” You’re not a mistakeGlorify GodIsaiah 43:7 Bring to me all the people who are mine, whom I made for my glory, whom I formed and made. 1 Corinthians 10:31 So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. The goal is not success, the goal is faithfulness.faithful - dependable, loyal trustworthy, steadfast, unswerving. One who shows unchanging affection & support even in the face of difficulty.faithfulness is greater than successfulness.Faithful is successful.Matthew 25:21 Well done, my good and faithful servant. Matthew 5:13-16 Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world.01. Salt Adds Flavor If we are salt of the earth, we are called to intensify the God-flavors in this world!Psalm 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;1. Stay Connected.• Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge• 1 Samuel 2:2 There is no rock like our God.• Matthew 7:24-27 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.2. Get To Work.02. Light Brings IlluminationDarkness is a problem.Matthew 5:14-16 God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.1. We Can’t Be Light If We’re Imitating Darkness. 2. We Can’t Be Light If We’re Afraid Of Darkness. Matthew 5:16 Shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.Luke 15:8-10 “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won’t she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”

When you carry the WEIGHTS of yesterday, They ruin the POWER of today and disrupt the PROGRESS of tomorrow.The more baggage you bring, the harder it is to travel.The less baggage you bring, the easier it is to travel.Hebrews 12:1 Since we are surrounded by so many examples [of faith], let us throw off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.1 Corinthians 9:24 Run in such a way that you may win.“throw off” to lay something down while at the same time pushing it far away beyond our reach. we’re to remove it and push it awayThings that happen throughout life often become baggage that weighs us down in life.• Lies• Events • Life patterns • Let Downs• MistakesGalatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.God wants to take care of your baggage! John 10:10 I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.Abundant life is not a life burdened & buried by baggage! 1 Peter 5:7cast the cares of this world on him, because He cares for you.Because Jesus cares Jesus wants to carry. Jesus wants to carry, Satan wants to bury.John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroyHebrews 9:12-14 Jesus, by the shedding of His blood on the cross at Calvary entered into the holy presence of God, and obtained eternal redemption for us by that blood to purge and cleanse our conscience from guilt over dead works, to serve the living God.1 Timothy 2:6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. Throw off every weight 01 You Need A ReservationJohn 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of GodGalatians 3:13 says Christ paid the price to free usEphesians 2:6 And He raised us up together with Him [when we believed], and seated us with Him in the heavenly places, [because we are] in Christ Jesus,02 You Need Your I.D.1 Peter 2:9 You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.03 You Need To Acknowledge You Have BaggageBuried burdens, bury us.04 Let The Bags Go, And Don’t Claim Them Later1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your cares on Him because He cares for you. You were not designed to carry, you were designed to cast.Matthew 11:28 If you are tired from carrying heavy burdens, come to me and I will give you rest.

“Whatever weakens your reason, impairs the tenderness of your conscience, obscures your sense of God, takes off your relish for spiritual things, whatever increases the authority of the body over the mind, that thing is sin to you, however innocent it may seem in itself.”- Susanna WesleyWhatever weakens your reasonWhatever impairs the tenderness of your conscienceWhatever obscures your sense of GodWhatever takes off your relish for spiritual thingsWhatever increases the authority of the body over the mindRomans 3:23 Romans 5:15-18 …For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone. Romans 5:17 Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God.1.Stay Satisfied in GodSin is what you do when your heart is not satisfied with God. No one sins out of duty. We sin because it holds out some promise of happiness. That promise enslaves us until we believe that God is more to be desired than life itself (Psalm 63:3). Which means that the power of sin's promise is broken by the power of God’s. - John PiperCause at 17, I had a milli’Women throwin' themselves at me had me goin' sillyOn the surface, I felt like thе manBut deep inside I felt deprivеd just like an empty canI've had everything in life that people strive for (Strive for)Just to ask the question: "What are we alive for?" - Justin Bieber Psalm 63:3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!2. Pray To Be Led & Defended By God1 John 5:14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.Romans 5:17 But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ.Matthew 6:13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.3. Dare To Be A SinnerJames 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.Confessing our sins to fellow Believers: -Creates Real Biblical CommunityConfessing our sins to fellow Believers: -Creates Real Biblical Community-Crucifies Our FleshConfessing our sins to fellow Believers: -Creates Real Biblical Community -Crucifies Our Flesh-Causes CertaintyGiving ourselves grace and self forgiveness will never lead to a breach with sin. A person who confesses his sin in the presence of a brother or sister knows that he is no longer alone with himself; he experiences the presence of God in the reality of the other believer. “Where sin is hated, admitted, and forgiven, there the break with the past is made.” - Bonhoeffer

“What’s Wrong With This Picture” PICS 01. 02. 03. 04. 2 Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.we like having control.Formulas Factor Out Faith.Formulas Forego Fellowship God’s goal is you!Numbers 20:8 “Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals.”Numbers 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock; and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses lifted his hand and struck the rock twice with his rod; and water came out abundantly, and the congregation and their animals drank.Numbers 20:12 Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”Formulas Fall Back On The FormerIsaiah 43:19 “Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it?Our part is to pursue the leading of the Lord

“What’s Wrong With This Picture” #1. We’re Tired. #2. To Stop The Noise#3. We’re Afraid#4. We’re Not Excited“you snooze, you lose”‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭5:14‬‬ Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.You’re tired Matthew 11:28-30 “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Life Is Loud “Though it could hold an audience of thousands of restless people, the voice of Jesus was not loud. It’s timber was one of the marvelous delicacy. It was a voice to love, too long for, to follow, to obey, and that could be recalled long after it had ceased.” - Elizabeth Stuart Phelps WardYou’re Afraid Of The “What If”John 10:10 I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].John 16:33 In this world, you will have trouble But take heart! I have overcome the world. You’re Just Not That Excited Romans 8:11 God raised Jesus to life! And since God’s Spirit of Resurrection lives in you, he will also raise your dying body to life by the same Spirit that breathes life into you!ROSIE VIDEORomans 6:6-11 Could it be any clearer? Our old way of life was nailed to the cross with Christ, a decisive end to that sin-miserable life—no longer captive to sin’s demands! What we believe is this: If we get included in Christ’s sin-conquering death, we also get included in his life-saving resurrection. We know that when Jesus was raised from the dead it was a signal of the end of death-as-the-end. Never again will death have the last word. When Jesus died, he took sin down with him, but alive he brings God down to us. From now on, think of it this way: Sin speaks a dead language that means nothing to you; God speaks your mother tongue, and you hang on every word. You are dead to sin and alive to God. That’s what Jesus did.

Galatians 5:22 kratos - having an inner strength to master ones desires and passions, especially his sensual appetites.a person walking with the fruit of self control has an inner power over appetites, physical urges, passions, and desiresThere’s a part of us that needs controlling or that needs mastering.self - the flesh.Galatians 5:16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.the Spirit of God will empower you to not do the things that are against who God has called you to be.people who don’t walk by the spirit, with the empowerment of self control live out of control lives.The average American household has about $38,000 in personal debt, not counting home mortgages.40% of American adults aged 20 and over are obese and 71.6% of adults aged 20 and over are obese.50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce and that stat doesn’t decrease much within the church.self-control is spirit control1. Give The Holy Interrupting Rights2 Timothy 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.2. Put To Death What’s Already DeadGalatians 5:24 Colossians 3:5 Romans 8:6 Luke 9:23 Romans 8:13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die if you don’t kill the flesh, it will kill you.Make decisions against your “self” everyday.3. Stay Full Of What SatisfiesSin is what you do when you're not satisfied in God.” - John PiperMatthew 4:4 Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.Ephesians 5:19 Be filled with the Spirit,Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.Psalm 107:9 For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.4. Attend To The GatesProverbs 25:28 Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.Your eyes are a gate, Your ears are a gate, and your mouth is a gateThey are access points the will determine What you think What you feeland How you act5. Live With “The End” In MindTitus 2:11-13 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,1. Give The Holy Interrupting Rights2. Put To Death What’s Already Dead3. Stay Full Of What Satisfies4. Attend To The Gates5. Live With “The End” In Mind

Galatians 5:22-23The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. The Fruit Of Gentleness.Mr. RogersBig Bird Gentleness = strength under control. prautes - one who was in authority but who did not use their power to crush or to dominate someone else.Gentleness is for the powerful not the powerless.Isaiah 42:1-3 Luke 2:52 and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man Matthew 5:5 God blesses those who are gentle. The whole earth will belong to them!” Matthew chapter 11:28-30 Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”Matthew 21:4-5 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: 5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”Matthew 26:47-54 John 18:10-11 Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) 11 Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”Jesus didn't choose the sword, He chose the cup. Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.Philippians 4:5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Our Gentleness Should Be Observed In How We Lead Numbers 12:3 Moses was a very meek and gentle man. In fact, he was more gentle than anyone else on the face of the earth.1 Timothy 6:11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.2 Timothy 2:24-25 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,Titus 3:1-2 Our Gentleness Should Be Observed In How We WitnessI’m never persuasive when I’m abrasive. 1 Peter 3:15 Proverbs 25:15 Gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses. Proverbs 25:15 NCT A gentle word can get through to the hard-headed. Proverbs 16:21 Our Gentleness Should Be Observed In How We WitnessTitus 2:8 Our Gentleness Should Be Observed In How We RestoreGalatians 6:1-2 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. John 13:3-5Philippians 2:3-8

Galatians 5:22Galatians 5:1Ephesians 2:8There is no law you can attach to what Christ has done to make it more complete.My responsibility in accessing the fruit of the Spirit is to grow in faith.Galatians 2:20The Framework of FaithfulnessRomans 10:17The root word for faithfulness is faith - translated as fully persuaded.To be faithful to God is to be faithful to His Word.The only way that faithfulness can be manifest is through testing.Two things that cause us to struggle in the realm of faithfulness:Not understanding - how to be faithfulNot being fully persuaded - having cognitive comprehension but lacking the persuasion.2. The Posture of FaithfulnessExodus 4:14To be fully persuaded in God means to be fully persuaded in what He says about me.Hebrews 3:2 and 63. The Benefits of FaithfulnessRevelationJohn 8:32John 8:31 NLTLibertyJohn 8:32Opens the door to leadershipLuke 16:12Allows us to shineAs long as I have breath in me, I have the opportunity to be faithful.Matthew 25:21

Galatians 5:22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodnessGoodness = Agathōsynē - Uprightness of heart and life.Root Word = Agathos - Morally honorable, pleasing to God, and therefore beneficial. We are told to prove the goodness of God, cleave to it, to do it, to work it, to follow after it, to be zealous about it, to imitate it, and to overcome evil with it. Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.Goodness is not the underdog fruit. Goodness is the overcoming fruit.1.Only God is Good and God is Only GoodMatthew 19:16-17 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. 2 Corinthians 4:8–10 We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.We experience darkness because creation has turned from God, not because He has turned from creation. Psalm 40:1-3 I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.2. You are Good Ephesians 2:1-6 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil… But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. John 1:43-46 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” …Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied.Can anything good come from me? Yes, if it’s no longer YOU who live, but Christ who lives in you. Yes, if you live and move and have your being in Christ. Yes, if you count yourself dead to sin, but alive in Christ. Yes, if you recognize you are a fellow citizen with the saints. Yes, if you realize God has qualified you and prepared GOOD works for you to do. Yes, if you identify as a chosen, royal priest, holy, special possession of God called out of darkness and into His marvelous light. How you identify will determine whether or not you bear the fruit of goodness.3. Do GoodDo the kind of good that you could never do if Jesus were not alive in you. “For a long time I lay silent in the huge shadowy barracks restless with the sighs, snores, and stirrings of hundreds of women. Once again I had the feeling that this sister with whom I had spent all my life belonged somehow to another order of beings.” - Corrie ten Boom

“you be nice”…God has never told us to be nice.Galatians 5:22-23 Kindness Is DifferentMatthew 5:13 & 14Matthew 12:36 idle = careless, a word you didn’t really labor over in your heart. Galatians 6:8 Matthew 16:23 James 1:19 Kindness Is Calculated Colossians 3:12 kindness = chrēstotēs - to show kindness or to be friendly to others.Kind People Put On AdaptabilityPhilippians 2:7 Kindness Encourages ChangeRomans 2:4 God’s kindness leads you to repentance? Jeremiah 9:23-2423 Thus says the Lord: “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; 24 But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the Lord, exercising kindnessExodus 34:6 The Lord, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truthPsalm 106:7 When our fathers were in Egypt, they gave no thought to your miracles; they did not remember your many kindnesses, and they rebelled by the sea, Be kind, Remind.2 Samuel 9:1-3 David asked, “Is there anyone still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 Now there was a servant of Saul’s household named Ziba. They summoned him to appear before David, and the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” “At your service,” he replied. 3 The king asked, “Is there no one still alive from the house of Saul to whom I can show God’s kindness?” Ziba answered the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is lame in both feet.”2 Samuel 9:5 So King David had him brought from Lo Debar, from the house of Makir son of Ammiel. 6 When Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, came to David, he bowed down to pay him honor. David said, “Mephibosheth!” “At your service,” he replied. 7 “Don’t be afraid,” David said to him, “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?” 2 Samuel 9:9 Then the king summoned Ziba, Saul’s steward, and said to him, “I have given your master’s grandson everything that belonged to Saul and his family. 10 You and your sons and your servants are to farm the land for him and bring in the crops, so that your master’s grandson may be provided for. And Mephibosheth, grandson of your master, will always eat at my table.” (Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants.) 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “Your servant will do whatever my lord the king commands his servant to do.” So Mephibosheth ate at David’s table like one of the king’s sonsTitus 3:3 At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.Ephesians 2:6-7 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.Jesus is God's kindness to usEphesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep her in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because she trusts in You.Perfect Peace = Shalom,ShalomYou will keep her in PEACE. Certain Peace. Enjoyable Peace. Constant Peace. Continuing Peace. Undisturbed Peace. Keep Her = Guard her, protect her, preserve her, tend to her, regard her, hold onto her, and keep her in your custody. Proviso - a condition attached to an agreement.God will keep you in perfect peace PROVISO your mind is stayed on Him. Stayed = to lean on, to bear up, uphold, lay on, put on, to set on, to stay on, rest on.There is a deficit in the amount of attention we give to God and because of that there is disorder in our lives.“I believe the most prevalent and tragic misunderstanding that afflicts contemporary western Christianity is that we make a vow to submit our life to Christ, but then spend 99 percent of our time excluding him from our awareness. We make him Lord over our life in theory, but we do not make him Lord over most of the moments that make up our life. The fact is, if we can’t discern God’s presence in our day to day lives, it’s unlikely that we’ll find him at a revival. We may find a lot of excitement, great speakers, superb music, and maybe even see signs and wonders, but unless a person learns to find God as much in the ordinary as in the exciting, the exciting will do nothing more than serve as a momentary distraction.” -Greg BoydPsalm 27:4 The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.Peace doesn’t come from the absence of conflict, peace comes from being aware of the presence of God. Psalm 27:4 The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.Holy desires must lead to resolute action.When you pray, move your feet. We have to stop segregating our lives into sacred or secular.How determining are your morning quiet times?“The time of work is not different for me than the time of prayer. In the noise and clatter of the my kitchen, while several people are calling out at the same time for different things, I posses God in as great tranquility as if I were upon my knees at the Blessed Sacrament.” -Brother LawrenceA mind stayed on God is not a lofty, unattainable concept, it’s a series of small gestures throughout the day.Go to thought filters: Motive. (For God)Power. (By God)Companion. (With God)

Galatians 5:22-23 The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.Actively PatientWhen we check out, we miss outJames 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. James 1:4 Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.1. Patience Isn’t Passive James 1:2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 2. Patience Produces A ProductI Corinthians 13:4 Love is patient and kind;Patience is a pathwayJames 1:4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.Perfect = you look like the perfect oneComplete = made whole.Lacking Nothing = you are blessed by God in such a way that you can be a blessing to others.James 5:7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!To cultivate patience you must strengthen your heart1. Connect To The Church2. Don’t Complain1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did— 9 We should not test Christ, as some of them did— 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did— 12 be careful that you don’t fall! ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1:8-11‬‬ For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead. He delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will deliver us again. You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.Psalm 22:3 God is enthroned on the praise of His peopleEnthroned = a King begins His rule in that place.Proverbs 13:3 He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.The Only Way To Is Through

Galatians 5:22-23The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,Our God Is The God Of peace.Jehovah Shalom - “The Lord Is Peace”2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way.Peace Doesn’t Require Perfection The peace of God is not determined by everything being perfect around you.Peace = calm and tranquility of soul in the midst of difficult circumstances.Biblical peace is when there is tranquility on the inside, even when chaos is happening on the outside.Philippians 4:4-7 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.guard (Greek) - a military guard that protects against enemy invasionThe peace of God wants to protect your mind and and your emotions… But it’s not automatic, it’s something we have to choose.Colossians 3:15 And let he peace of God rule in your hearts, Peace Follows A ProcessThe process began on the day you made Jesus the Lord of your life. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭7:21-23‬‬ So I discover this principle: When I want to do what is good, evil is with me. For in my inner self I joyfully agree with God’s law. But I see a different law in the parts of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and taking me prisoner to the law of sin in the parts of my body.”Philippians 2:12-13 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 13 for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.Proverbs 4:23 Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts.Where your mind goes, your life goes.Peace Has A PioneerHebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.Isaiah 26:3 You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

1.Fruit Is Always VisibleThe proof is in the fruit, right? The fruit is evidence of growth. If there ain’t fruit ever being produced than we lack evidence2.Fruit Never Exists For Itself 3.Fruit Always Bears The Identity Of The Tree That Its Connected To 4.Fruit Must Be Sourced To Grow But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, Galatians 5:22“SURPRISED BY JOY”.Worldly love says, “love is about feelings and love is about getting.”But Godly love says, “Love is about choices and love is about giving.”Joy: a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.Joy: a feeling a great pleasure and happiness produced by circumstances that best benefit me. “JOY is a feeling in the soul produced by the Holy Spirit as He causes us to see the beauty of Christ in His word and in His work.” - John PiperJoy is a happy feeling produced by the Holy Spirit that helps us to see Jesus in any and all circumstances or situations.Joy is an emotion.JOY FROM THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT UNREALISTIC OPTIMISM.Joy is an emotion. That’s the first thing that sticks out to me about biblical joy; it’s a feeling. The second thing that sticks out to me compared to worldly joy is that it comes from the Holy Spirit and it helps me to see Jesus in any and all circumstances. Because of the joy[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.Hebrews 12:2b“If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. They are not a sort of prize which God could, if He chose, just hand out to anyone.”C.S. LewisIf I want JOY… I must get close to A JOYFUL GOD. GOD IS NOT JUST OUR SOURCE FOR JOY, HE IS OUR EXAMPLE OF JOY. We know that the law is good if one uses it properly. 9 We also know that the law is made not for the righteous but for lawbreakers and rebels, the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine 11 that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.1 Timothy 1:8-11The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. 8 They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.9 Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.10 And Nehemiah[b] continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”Nehemiah 8:7-101.JOY DISARMS FEAR 2.JOY DELIVERS HOPE 3.JOY DRIVES PURPOSE

Galatians 5:22-23 “More Than A Feeling”God Wants Our Life To Bear His FruitFruit Is Always Visible Matthew 12:33 Fruit Never Exists For Itself Fruit Always Bears The Identity Of The Tree Of Which It Is Connected Matthew 12:33 Fruit Must Be Sourced To GrowGalatians 5:22-23 NLTJohn 15:4–5 “Live in me. Make your home in me just as I do in you. In the same way that a branch can’t bear fruit by itself but only by being joined to the vine, you can’t bear fruit unless you are joined with me. “I am the Vine, you are the branches. When you’re joined with me and I with you, the relation intimate and organic, the harvest is sure to be abundant. Separated, you can’t produce a thing. Galatians 5:22Worldly Love Says:Love Is About FeelingsLove Is About GettingGodly Love Says:Love Is About ChoicesLove Is About GivingColossians 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible GodJohn 14:8-10 Have I been so long with you, and yet you still have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, 'Show us the Father'? Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me?" Jesus was and is God spelling out His love in a language that people can understand.AGAPE.Agape - Unconditional love that is always giving and impossible to take or be a taker. It devotes total commitment to seek your highest and best no matter how anyone may respond. This form of love is totally selfless and does not change whether the love given is returned or not.“The biblical concept of agape love involves giving of yourself for the benefit of another, even at your own expense. Biblical love is defined by passionately and righteously seeking the well-being of another. Biblical love is an act of the will and not just a fuzzy feeling in the stomach. That’s why God can command us to love one another. Love really has nothing to do with whether you feel loving at a particular moment. It has to do with the need of the person being loved, not the feelings of the one doing the loving.” - Tony EvansJohn 13:34 Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.Jesus’ Love Was & Is UnconditionalJohn 15:16-17 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.God Chose Me So I Choose You!God based His love for you on Him, so you base your love for them on God.Jesus’ Love Was & Is Truthful"Our love grows soft if it is not strengthened by truth, and our truth grows hard if it is not softened by love." - John Stott. When we love like Jesus with this Agape love, we have to be prepared to sometimes be seen as unloving.Proverbs 27:6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.Jesus’ Love Was SacrificialTalk is cheap, Love has feet.Romans 5:8 God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

John 16:33 In this world, you will have troubleTrouble - a situation so difficult that it causes you to feel stressed, squeezed, pressured, crushed.Overcome - a victory rooted in the past that continuously effects the present and the future. coloring pages the felt board lesson Daniel 6:1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; 2 and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Daniel 6:3 Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm.When God raises you up, expect people to try to tear you down. Daniel 6:4 So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Daniel 6:5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” Daniel 6:6 So these governors and satraps thronged before the king, and said thus to him: “King Darius, live forever! governors of the kingdom, the administrators and satraps, the counselors and advisors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever petitions any god or man for thirty days, except you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. Daniel 6:8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” Daniel 6:9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. Daniel 6:10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went home. And in his upper room, with his windows open toward Jerusalem, he knelt down on his knees three times that day, and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as was his custom since early days.Daniel 6:16 So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. But the king spoke, saying to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 Then a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, Daniel 6:20 “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths, so that they have not hurt me, because I was found innocent before Him; and also, O king, I have done no wrong before you.” Daniel 6:24 And the king gave the command, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions The power to win in the den comes from the practice outside of the den.Daniel Valued PrayerPrayer gives God earthly license for heavenly interference. James 5:16 The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Kneeling to pray gives you the strength to stand.Psalm 146:8 The LORD raises up those who are bowed down. James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.Daniel Valued ConsistencyPrivate disciplines lead to public victoriesStrength for the den comes from conditioning when it's calm.Daniel Valued His HeartProverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heartControl what you can today and don't worry about tomorrow.Joshua 24:15 choose this day who you will serve.

We either set culture or we reflect culture.The world doesn’t need adjusted people, it needs adjusting people!Matthew 5:13-1614-16Salt and light are both agents of change. John 17:15-16 I'm not of it, but I'm still in it. Ephesians 5:11 Satan's lie: I am all about you God's all about himself “Me Mentality”“I Love Me Some Me” - Terrell OwensSatan’s goal is not to make you worship him, it’s to make you worship anyone but God… Genesis 11:4Daniel 4:4 Daniel 4:22 Your Majesty, you are that tree!Daniel 4:25 You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox and be drenched with the dew of heaven. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth. 26 The command to leave the stump of the tree with its roots means that your kingdom will be restored to you when you acknowledge that Heaven rules.Daniel 4:30 “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?”Daniel 4:31 Even as the words were on his lips, a voice came from heaven, “This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. 33 Immediately what had been said about Nebuchadnezzar was fulfilled. He was driven away from people and ate grass like the ox. His body was drenched with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like the feathers of an eagle and his nails like the claws of a bird.Daniel 4:34 At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. 35 All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” 36 At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.If you walk in pride you will eventually crawl around aimlessly.God Hates PrideProverbs 6:16-17 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look Pride Hurts MeJames 4:6 “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”resists = full frontal resistance.Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty (arrogant) spirit before a fall.Pride is blinding… pride = typhoō Means blind, wrapped up in fog1 Peter 5:5 Be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.Humble YourselfPRAYGod is an invite only God,Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me

2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.God Is Looking For Loyaltyloyalty - unswerving in allegiance, complete… a person who has given himself completely to the Lord.Exodus 23:24 You shall not worship their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their deedsDaniel 3:13 Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. So these men were brought before the king,14 and Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? 15 Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” What's your tune?Jeremiah 29:11 I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. When you stand for God, He stands with you!What you do with the word is always an act of loyalty to one kingdom or another. Daniel 3:16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” 1. They believe God can2. They expect that He will3. But they trust God even if He doesn'tSometimes God delivers us from the fire, sometimes God delivers us through the fire!Daniel 3:19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. Daniel 3:23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:26 Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, 27 and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Daniel 3:20 tie upDaniel 3:23 firmly tied Daniel 3:25 “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unboundOn the other side of the fire is greater freedom than you had going into the fire!Daniel 3:27 Nor had even the smell of smoke clung to themYou end up smelling like what you're closest to.Ephesians 5:2 Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a sweet smelling aroma to God.A fire will always kill you or clean you.