2 Corinthians 4:16-18 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits
are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are quite small and won’t last very long.
Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever!! So we don’t look at
the troubles we can see right now, rather we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the
troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever!!
Hannah - A dream follower
1st Samuel 1-2
Opposition to the Dream - NO control elements
road-block to the dream in place - God closed Hannah’s womb (1 Sam 1:6)
made fun of by family members for inabilities (1 Sam 1:6)
well Intentioned but unsupportive loved ones (1 Sam 1:8)
wrongly accused of poor behavior - by a well respected authority (1 Sam 1:12-14)
Hannah’s Control Elements
showing great emotion (1 Sam 1:10, 11) -Pslams 34:17 & 18
defends herself (1 Sam 1:15-16) & DOES NOT lean in to offense (vs.18) Eph 4:32 Prov 15:1 Luke 6:27
immediate agreement and belief in promise (vs 18) Romans 5:8-10 - Tim 4:10 John 14:10
Mark 4:35-41 NIRV
When evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side of the lake.” They left the crowd behind. And they took him along in a boat, just as he was. There were also other boats with him. A wild storm came up. Waves crashed over the boat. It was about to sink. Jesus was in the back, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him up. They said, “Teacher! Don’t you care if we drown?” “Yes, I care. I gave you the authority to take care of it.” He got up and ordered the wind to stop. He said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down. And it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Don’t you have any faith at all yet?” They were terrified. They asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”
Mark 3:13-15 (NIRV)
Jesus went up on a mountainside. He called for certain people to come to him, and they came. He appointed 12 of them so that they would be with him. He would also send them out to preach. And he gave them authority to drive out demons.
Could this have been a test for the disciples? An opportunity to flex their authority? Jesus selected 12 to go out to preach and gave them authority to cast out demons.
38… “Yes, I care. I gave you the authority to take care of it.” - to resist opposing circumstances
Ephesians 6:10-12 CEV
10 Let the mighty strength of the Lord make you strong. 11 Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil's tricks. 12 We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world.
Revelation 12 - War In Heaven - authority from God
Genesis 3 - The Fall Of Mankind - authority God gave to man
Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus - authority from Jesus
Revelation 12:12b - “But woe to the earth and the sea because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.”
3 Steps To Resisting Opposing Circumstances
1. Pray As You Align Your Thoughts (With Heaven)
37 A wild storm came up. Waves crashed over the boat. It was about to sink. 38 Jesus was in the back, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him up. They said, “Teacher! Don’t you care if we drown?”
Our circumstances show up and that’s all we see - emotions - see truth
Matthew 6:9-10 NIV
“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Mark 11:22-24 CEV
esus told his disciples: Have faith in God! If you have faith in God and don't doubt, you can tell this mountain to get up and jump into the sea, and it will. Everything you ask for in prayer will be yours, if you only have faith.
Post on Psycology Today, “...some sources suggest that the average person makes an eye-popping 35,000 choices per day. Assuming that most people spend around seven hours per day sleeping and thus blissfully choice-free, that makes roughly 2,000 decisions per hour or one decision every two seconds.
2. Pray As You Respond And Move
38… “Yes, I care. I gave you the authority to take care of it.”
Israel was delivered - they saw their circumstance - panicked - Moses reminds them:
Exodus 14:14-18 CEV
he Lord will fight for you, and you won't have to do a thing.” The Lord said to Moses, “Why do you keep calling out to me for help? Tell the Israelites to move forward. Then hold your walking stick over the sea. The water will open up and make a road where they can walk through on dry ground.
James 2:26 CEV
“Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!”
Hebrews 11:2- Faith chapter (Noah, Gideon, Rahab, etc.) “It was their faith that made our ancestors pleasing to God.”
3. Pray As You Declare God’s Truth
Mark 4:39, “He got up and ordered the wind to stop. He said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down. And it was completely calm.”
Genesis 1:27 NIRV
“So God created human beings in his own likeness. He created them to be like himself.”
Quote from Randy Clark, Authority From God, How and Why You Can Kick the Devil Out of Your Life, “When God speaks a word of command He also supplies the power to accomplish what He said to do.”
Psalm 119:89 NKJV, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven.” Settled has the Hebrew meaning as when an army takes land or territory and sets guards to protect it.
Matthew 18:18 CEV, “I promise you God in heaven will allow whatever you allow on earth, but God will not allow anything you don't allow.”
“We're gonna see the strongholds bow. We're gonna see the things of Heaven here, right now”
“Light of the world, Lamb that was slain. Lion who roars, mighty to save. The fullness of God won’t be kept in a grave. Darkness, your hour is over.”
“This is our hope; the cross it has spoken. Death is no more, Christ is the Lord, this is our hope.”
Ephesians 6:10 NLT
“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”
Luke 4:16–21 (ESV) And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, TO PROCLAIM THE YEAR OF THE LORD’S FAVOR.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
FAVOR: Pleasure, Presence, Help
GOD FAVORS YOU
Luke 4:19 (ESV) to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
Genesis 37:3 (ESV) Now Israel loved Joseph more than any other of his sons, because he was the son of his old age. And he made him a robe of many colors.
This World Will Do Everything To Destroy Your Sense Of His Favor
Time/imperfections led to deception: I am tolerated by God.
This world will attempt to rob you of His Favor.
Genesis 37:4, 23-24 (ESV) But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peacefully to him. So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it.
Leaning Into His Favor Releases His Favor
Assuming God’s displeasure/disfavor impacts you powerfully
How you see yourself
Your Posture in all things
Flavors every experience
Matthew 9:28–30 (ESV) When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.”
but…
Luke 15:17–24 (NIV) “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
His favor in your best moments, but not because of your best
His favor in your worst moments, in spite of the worst.
Put your coat on.
Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Submission To God Unlocks Access & Resources
There are some things that God has for you that you will never experience until you say yes to him.
Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
Forgiveness
Peace
Self worth
Purpose
Love
Your macro submission will leads to micro opportunities
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths
Where He leads He will resource.
Can’t afford to get married
Can’t afford to tithe
Can’t afford to go on a mission trip
Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you
Discipleship Will Focus Your Aim
Saying YES to Jesus will place you in the right zip-code, but engaging in discipleship will help you find the right neighborhood and the right address.
Discipleship: Actively Following Jesus
Prayer
Jeremiah 29:12–14 (ESV) Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the LORD
“Have your way in me.”
Bible reading/study
Psalm 119:103–105 (ESV) How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
Obedience
Active in church family
Serving
Giving
Submitting
It allows all of your spiritual senses to be attuned:
Hear clear commands
Discern dangers
Recognize lies
Take Advantage Of The Reset Button
Sometimes we find ourselves in the wrong place.
Adjustments lead us farther away.
Decisions that have lead you off track
Opposition you have yielded to
Attacks that you have surrendered to
Bad attitudes that are sin (complaining)
Unbelief: I can’t/Your cant do this
The supernatural reset: 2 Chronicles 7:14 (ESV) if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Romans 12:1–2 (ESV) I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
It Is Embedded In Who You Are
Jeremiah 1:5 (ESV) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”
○ These generalities are true of every person
○ You are not a windup toy released to see what happens
○ There is design
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
○ Intelligent design reveals purpose
○ Like a tool on the shelf, a closer look reveals purpose.
We tend to look outward for His will to be revealed when so often it can be discovered by looking more closely at who we are. Not all of it, but the shadows are there.
It Can Be General, Permissive Or Specific
Romans 12:2 that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Good - General - Zip Code
Everyone Saved
Everyone Involved In Discipleship
Everyone Builds His Kingdom
Everyone Walks In Kingdom Favor/Provision - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For 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.
Acceptable - Permissive - Neighborhood
Career
Spouse
Car
Specific Church
Perfect - Specific - Address
Micro moments of right wrong
Micro decisions that unlock destiny
Widow who gave prophet last of oil and flour
Woman who anointed Jesus for burial
Region vs opportunity
Micro Calling
So which one is it?
Testing Over Time Will Enable You To Discern Which Applies
You will make poor decisions.
Some you will have to live with.
Others you can launch from.
It Can Go Unfulfilled
1 Timothy 2:3–4 (ESV) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Mark 16:16 (ESV) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Reasons:
ignorance
Rebellion
Desire Things Outside Of It
Failure To Discern It
Failure to seek
Get Pushed From it
○ Outside influences
○ Lack strength/understanding
○ Fall victim
○ Submit
Wrong decision for “right” reason
Failure To Enforce It
○ Lack the understanding
○ Lack the strength/faith
○ Submission to “less-than”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13 (NIV) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
4 Greek Words For Love
Storge - familial love or natural affections, especially between parents and children
Phileo - deep friendship or brotherly love
John 11:34–36 (ESV) And he said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. So the Jews said, “See how he loved him!”
Eros - (not in the NT) - romantic or passionate love
Agape - highest form of love referring to sacrificial love seeking the well-being of others (referring to God’s love for us and the love Christians are called to have for one another)
Experiencing The Love Of God Equips You To Give/Receive True Love
1 John 4:19 (ESV) We love because he first loved us.
Parents, children, spouse, friends, neighbors and enemies
True love for God is possible in response to His love
Religion is created when we try to love God without the revelation of his love.
“God grant me a revelation of your love for me.”
The revelation of God’s love is something we walk in. It is a status, It is something we wear. It is like a superpower
Romans 8:35, 38-39 (ESV) Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Self love is a poor substitute for the revelation of God’s love.
The revelation of God’s loves enables us to love correctly
The love you have experienced prior to that is incomplete, possibly even poisoned.
Loving others out of a broken experience will be limited.
In choosing a potential spouse, choose someone who loves God first
Matthew 10:37 (ESV) Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
LOVE: The Sacrificial DECISION To Seek The Well-Being Of Others
1 Peter 2:4 (ESV) As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.
God chose to love you.
God would not command you to do something that you could not choose
Matthew 22:39 (ESV) And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Matthew 5:44–46 (ESV) But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
Falling into love leads to falling out of love
That type of love is emotion
That type of love is attraction
“You can’t help who you love” is not a true statement. “You can’t help who you are attracted to” is the correct response.
Attraction is often impacted by brokenness and traumatic experiences
Childhood trauma
Broken relationships
Grooming
In marriage, attraction is important, but the decision to love is paramount.
Fall in love means you can fall out of love.
At moments it will feel like being trapped.
The decision will unlock the emotion
LOVE: The SACRIFICIAL Decision To Seek The Well-Being Of Others
John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
John 15:13 (ESV) Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
LOVE empties its vault to increase the value of someone else.
Anyone who demands things under the umbrella of love is likely manipulation.
If you loved me then you would….
God will deal with your narcissism through others.
“Oh, this is how you feel God…”
LOVE: The Sacrificial Decision To Seek The WELL-BEING Of Others
1 Corinthians 13:6 (NIV) Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
“Well Being: God’s Best
Some forms of love are out of alignment with AGAPE
Care for feelings
Care for comfort
Care about being liked
Care about being accepted
Ex: During the pandemic, riots, and current woke agendas “how will that show the world the love of God?”
Love in spite of sin, but we can never affirm sin
Illus: the man sinking because of the concrete block he is holding needs someone to love him without affirming the block.
True love does not pull people out of the boundaries of God’s Word. True love seeks to center others within God’s Word, sometimes at the expense of:
Their feelings
Their comfort
Their cultural
There are more important things than how people feel
Rejoices with the truth
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV) Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
Patriot - a person who vigorously supports their country and is prepared to defend it against enemies or detractors.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) For 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.”
America: 1776 AD - 246 Years Old
Iran 3200 BC - 5224
Egypt 3100 BC - 5124
Vietnam 2879 BC - 4903
Armenia 2492 BC - 4516
North Korea 2333 BC - 4357
China 2070 BC - 4094
Immigration - everyone wants to come here.
America 50.6 million foreign born people
Germany 15.8
Saudi Arabia 13.5
Russia 11.6
United Kingdom 9
2.6 people legally immigrate to the US per year, with close to the same number entering illegally every year.
Largest economy in the world - Gross domestic product
US 25 trillion
China 18.5 trillion
Germany 4.5 trillion
Japan 4.11 trillion
India 3.9
Pull China out and our GDP is higher than the following 8 nations combined.
Per capita, we are #7 but the 6 above us are tiny nations.
We are facing an election like none other ever seen
Election between two who have already been president
Two who are in their 80’s
One with a lifetime in politics and the other who the only office he held was the one he won
Wealth
When Joe biden left the vice presidency his net worth was essentially zero but has surged to 8 million with book deals
Trumps value dropped by 700 million to 2.3 billion
One who is facing 88 criminal charges and 54 felonies.
We Are EXILES - Kingdom First!
Jeremiah 29:1 (ESV) These are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders of the exiles, and to the priests, the prophets, and all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had taken into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
While we live here, we are exiles!!!
This is not our home, this is not our destination.
There has been an beginning and ending to every earthly kingdom
John 18:36 (ESV) Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.”
Philippians 3:20–21 (ESV) But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.
Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
This is the Kingdom He resides over
This is the Kingdom we prioritize
This is the Kingdom we are building
There is a future government coming
Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV) For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
We Are Here, Now, On Mission For Our King
Jeremiah 29:4 (ESV) “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon:
Acts 17:26–27 (ESV) And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us,
Here and now is different for many other believers in the world. But it’s the same mission.
We Are To Thrive While Here
Jeremiah 29:5 (ESV) Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce.
Jeremiah 29:6 (ESV) Take wives and have sons and daughters; take wives for your sons, and give your daughters in marriage, that they may bear sons and daughters; multiply there, and do not decrease.
Jeremiah 29:11 - …plans to prosper you…
As crazy as that sounds, we are to thrive.
We are not to:
Live in defense mode
Live in fear of this world getting on us
Not get involved in anything
Multiply, not only in number but in culture/values
3 John 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
We Are To Help Here & Now To Thrive
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Seek the welfare
Health
Happiness
Fortunes
Greek word
Completeness
Soundness
Peace
We have to participate in that.
Never at the expense of our homeland
Live
Vote
Participate
Give voice
“God doesn’t have a guy, you have a choice”
Often its the best of two bad choices
Biblical policy over Biblical lifestyle
“I like where the ball lands” on other issues
Here Again
Released in 2018 by the band, Elevation Worship who are the music leaders for Elevation Church in NC.
It provides opportunities for us to do several things:
To acknowledge the hard place we often find ourselves, in-between where we’ve been and what God has said will be… and then, to lay that struggle, our emotions, our plans, our effort at the feet of the Lord as an offering of trust.
For us to glorify the faithfulness of God, recognizing that regardless of how we feel or whether or not we sense His presence, and no matter what happens, He has pursued us our whole lives, has not abandoned us in our place of discomfort, and WILL see us through to the very best He has for us.
For us to establish and pursue our relationship with Jesus as the most important thing. Above our comfort, above our desired outcomes, above any godly pursuit, this is our declaration to pursue God Himself first.
Submission Facilitates Victory
Can’t go back to the beginning, Can’t control what tomorrow will bring, Let your love rise above every fear, In my weakness your glory appears
Life is full of difficult spots
Loss of idyllic past
Inability to control envisioned future
Lamenting failures or sin
Dealing with trauma from the sin of others
These places in between “what was” and “what will be” are spiritual battlefields.
Enemy will sow everything from bitterness, resentment, fear, discontentment, pride… all things that will rob us of the abundant life Jesus bought for us.
James 4:7 (ESV) Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Submission means both “yielding control of” AND “presenting or offering”
Acknowledge the hard place we often find ourselves, in-between where we’ve been and what God has said will be… and then, lay that struggle; our emotions, our plans, our effort at the feet of the Lord as an offering of trust.
Submit yourself to God and the enemy will retreat.
When we sing these words, offer to the Lord everything weighing you down. Every pain, scar, fear, hope, and plan.
Surrender to God’s plans for your future and redemption of your past.
Commit to stop looking in the rear view mirror and start looking forward.
Thank the Lord for breakthroughs that are coming.
Never Alone in the Process
As I walk now through the valley, Not for a minute was I forsaken, Dry bones awaken, The Lord is in this place
Regardless of how we feel, whether we sense His presence or not, and no matter what happens, He has not abandoned us and WILL see us through to His very best for us.
2 Sam 14:14 (NLT) All of us must die eventually. Our lives are like water spilled out on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. But God does not just sweep life away; instead, he devises ways to bring us back when we have been separated from him.
God has always been, and always will be working to draw us closer to Himself.
Doesn’t depend on our awareness
Extends beyond our acknowledgement
Is a result of His character and the value He’s placed on us: the life of His only son
Like David, encourage yourself in the Lord when you feel alone.
Acknowledge and give thanks for the ways He’s been faithful in the past.
Evaluate the following and respond to the Lord accordingly:
Facts: You don’t FEEL Him, SEE Him working, or UNDERSTAND His plan. Maybe you’re even struggling to believe He cares or is even there.
Lies: He’s abandoned you. You’re too broken. He was never really there at all.
Truth: God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He demonstrated His love for you in that while you were still embracing sin, He died to justify you in the presence of God the Father and for the CHANCE that you might choose to trust Him for that. There is nothing outside of you or inside of you that can separate you from His love.
When we sing these words, praise God for His character of faithfulness and love.
Reject the lies the enemy has told you,
Embrace the truth of what God says,
Regardless of the facts of your circumstance.
King First, Kingdom Second
All I want is all you are, Come Holy Spirit, I’m not enough unless you come, Will you meet me here again
The Kingdom of God is built around and for the glory of God. He is central to all aspects of it.
Declaration that we want Him over anything else
Invitation for Him to take His rightful place as the King of our lives
Daniel 3:17-18 (NLT) “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
It’s easy to develop a relationship with Jesus where we pursue the things He’s promised as a priority over pursuing Him.
Establish (or reestablish) and pursue our relationship with Jesus as the most important thing. Above our comfort, above desired outcomes, above any godly pursuit; this is our declaration to pursue God Himself first.
When we sing these words make them a personal expression from you to Jesus.
Invite Him to meet you right where you're at
Ask Him to change your heart
Ask Him to heal your unbelief
shachah (hebrew) - to bow down.
proskuneo (greek) - to kiss, to show reverence, to bow down
Worship is an issue of priority, affection, reverence, elevation, honor, submission.
GENERAL WORSHIP - 1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
INTENTIONAL WORSHIP: 2 Samuel 6:12–15 (ESV) So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom to the city of David with rejoicing. And when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six steps, he sacrificed an ox and a fattened animal. And David danced before the Lord with all his might. And David was wearing a linen ephod. So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the horn.
Intentional worship is the combination of words and actions intended to bring praise, honor and glory to God.
Singing - Psalm 9:2 (ESV) I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Shouting - Psalm 47:1 (ESV) Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
Lifting Hands - Psalm 63:4 (ESV) So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands.
Bowing/Kneeling - Psalm 95:6 (ESV) Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!
Clapping - Psalm 47:1 (ESV) Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
Praising - Psalm 9:11 (ESV) Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!
Dancing - Psalm 149:3 (ESV) Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre!
Thanksgiving - Psalm 100:4 (ESV) Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
Music - Psalm 150:3–5 (ESV) Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Intentional worship is catalytic in nature.
As we participate, powerful outcomes are unlocked.
Intentional: Declaration
Declaration: a formal announcement, binding when made by an authoritative representative.
God declared: Genesis 22:16–18 (ESV) and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.”
Psalm 51:15 (ESV) O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.
Psalm 92:1–3 (ESV) It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre.
Your declaration informs:
God
Yourself
Those listening
Your circumstances
The spiritual realm around you.
Your declaration is binding
Intentional: Magnification
God is already big, but He shrinks in our eyes. Intentional worship brings our focus on God causing everything else to be reduced in His Presence.
Psalm 34:3 (ESV) Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together!
Psalm 69:30 (ESV) I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving.
Luke 1:46–47 (ESV) And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
Intentional: Invitation
Intentional worship is the acceptance of God’s invitation to come close and enjoy the benefits of His Presence.
James 4:8 (ESV) Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.
Psalm 100:4 (ESV) Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
1 Samuel 16:23 (ESV) And whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.
Acts 16:25–34 (ESV) About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open…, he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
Just Because We Call It Worship Doesn’t Mean It Is
Just because we gather,
Just because a song is played,
Just because people sing,
Just because we sit, stand, bow our heads,
Just because we raise our hands,
Without INTENTION, it is not worship. In fact, being around the components of focused worship without actually participating in focused worship can actually immunize you from experiencing.
THE TRUTH ABOUT: WORSHIP
SCRIPTURE: Luke 4:5–8 (ESV) And the devil took him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time, and said to him, “To you I will give all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me, and I give it to whom I will. If you, then, will worship me, it will all be yours.” And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “ ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’ ”
Worship was not something I recognized growing up.
Sadly, attended church for 6+ years, never observing worship
Illus: Gilligan and tiki god seemed like worship
THE TRUTH ABOUT WORSHIP
1. Worship Establishes FIRST; FIRST Demands Worship
HB shachah - to bow down; GK proskuneō - to kiss (embrace), to show reverence, to bow down.
Worship is an issue of priority, affection, reverence, elevation, honor, submission.
2.Everyone Worships; Everyone Has A FIRST
Adam/Eve, GOD as FIRST was by design - Genesis 1:31 (ESV) And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good.
Adam/Eve chose another FIRST, impacting design
Genesis 3:6 (ESV) So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Genesis 3:24 (ESV) He drove out the man, and at the east of the garden of Eden he placed the cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way to guard the way to the tree of life.
Psalm 51:5 (ESV) Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Everyone is worshiping
Ignorant worshippers
Intentional worshippers
People
Objects
Positions
Ideas, Truths, Concepts
Ideologies
FIRST is impacted by influences followed by decisions.
So important to influence others
Because of Design, when GOD is FIRST, life is in sync
3.FIRST Impacts Experiences & Outcomes
First Impacts This Life - Matthew 6:33 (ESV) But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
First Impacts Eternal Life -
Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
2 Corinthians 5:9–10 (ESV) So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
4.Everything We Do Can Be Worship
1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV) So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
SLIDE THE TRUTH ABOUT: COVERING
SCRIPTURE: Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Coverings Protect, Amenitize and Expose
Sun glasses; polarization; harmful plastic
Clothing; fashion; poor construction
Home; air conditioning; breach in roof
Military; confidence; bought by an interest
Matthew 23:37–39 (ESV) “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you desolate.
Psalm 17:8–9 (ESV) …hide me in the shadow of your wings, from the wicked who do me violence, my deadly enemies who surround me.
Psalm 27:5 (ESV) For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock.
Psalm 61:4 (ESV) Let me dwell in your tent forever! Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah
Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Psalm 32:7 (ESV) You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah.
4 Critical Coverings
Impacting Spiritual, Physical, Emotional, Financial, Social
Family
Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
“Church” or religion
Church is your most influential social group that worships something
Christian Churches
People treat churches like they are stores they shop from, when in reality they are covenantal families that bring covering, amenities and breaches
Philadelphia: Revelation 3:8–10 (ESV) “ ‘I know your works… I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth.
Ephesus: Revelation 2:4,5 (ESV) …you have abandoned the love you had at first…. Repent… If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place…
State/Nation
Psalm 33:12 (ESV) Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom he has chosen as his heritage!
Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV) But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Kingdom
The World/Kingdom of Heaven
John 10:9–11 (ESV) I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Review Your Current Coverings & Adjust
Are you fully engaged in coverings?
Are you strengthening your coverings?
Get involved in your school district, local city council.
Do you have an unintended or unhealthy coverings
Certain negative atmospheres that I can’t impact, I limit.
Some coverings you trade
You Are A Covering: Recognize And Adjust As Needed
Job 1:9-10 (ESV) Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.
Protect, amenities and expose
You build your coverings strength with spiritual disciplines and obedience
You weaken/create breaches by your ignorance, lack of discipline and sin
Be blessed so they can be blessed
SCRIPTURE: Daniel 3:4–7 (ESV) And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Compromise:
Good: to settle a dispute by mutual concession
Bad: to accept standards that are lower than desirable
Very Bad: to embrace standards below God’s expressed will
COMPROMISE IS MORE THAN A SIN. SIN IS AN ACTION, WHILE COMPROMISE IS A COURSE OF ACTION.
Daniel 3,4 - Babylon lead by Nebuchadnezzar
Spiritually dark time.
Like America, the King's world was influenced by corrupt politicians, business leaders, social elites, judges, dark priests, and people from academia with a few godly people in the mix.
In Babylon were people of Israel, human trafficked into Babylon by the government. Some of their finest were elevated to political prominence
Daniel 2:49 (ESV) Daniel made a request of the king, and he appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel remained at the king’s court.
God will promote you and use you to influence your world in spite of the evil around you!
Their presence made influential people jealous, but more likely, agitated the demons that influenced the people of influence.
Neb set up an image ninety feet tall
Daniel 3:4 Gathered the nation so when the music kicked on, everyone was to bow down and worship the image.
People participated on various levels:
As a group, everyone participated wholeheartedly.
Internally, people participated for various reasons
All in on idolatry
Afraid of losing job
Desire for promotion
Meet the expectations of their sub-group
Crowd pressure
Virtue signaling - good people do this
Afraid of the furnace
There were hold-outs, and hold-outs were dealt with.
Daniel 3:8 (ESV) Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews.
Daniel 3:12 (ESV) There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Brought before Neb
Daniel 3:13 (ESV) Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king.
Daniel 3:15 (ESV) Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?”
The Furnace: A Place Of Decision
A demand for compromise leading to safety from destruction
And invitation for obedience the leads to promotion
Common Furnaces Of Compromise:
Individuals, groups, organizations and communities.
Instead of influencing them, they influence you
Require ongoing compromise
They strip you bare.
You may survive but you will not thrive.
Activities contrary to scripture
Addictions
Anger
Unforgiveness
Cultural attitudes, values and practices
Things our culture embraces that occasionally demand our participation and celebration.
I would not attend a ceremony to celebrate someone committing suicide
I would not attend a ceremony to celebrate someone having an abortion
I would not attend a ceremony to celebrate two men getting married.
I would not attend
Circumstances
Miserable marriage
Poverty finances
Poor health
Family Torment
Generational sin
Compromise Will
Provide escape from the furnace, offer quick rewards that will not last
Invite and permit unforeseen trappings to reside in your life
damage your relationship with God, micro at first, macro when it is in full bloom
Corrupt, over time, things He’s already done/given you
Limit future experiences/promotions
Camouflage the touch of God on your life
His touch, his presence makes you different than others
It makes you attractive to others
It makes people want what you have
Compromise causes you to blend in
Things That Will Not Break The Stronghold Of Compromise:
Wishing for something different
Praying for things to be different
Admission of Mistakes
Sorrow For Sin
Asking For Forgiveness
Facing Compromise: DECLARE // RENOUNCE
Daniel 3:16–18 (ESV) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
Isaiah 43:1–3 (ESV) But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
THE TRUTH ABOUT: TRIALS
John 16:33 (ESV) …In the world you will have tribulation.
John 16:33 (NIV) …In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33 (MSG) …In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.
The Facts About Trials
TRIAL - a person, situation or thing that tests, reveals, proves another
TRIALS were not intended for our origin story.
We were made in the image of God, in His likeness, with his logo and nothing was needed to test, reveal or prove because we were established perfectly.
Genesis 1:31 (ESV) And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.
Very - meod - muchness, force, abundance
Good - tob - pleasing, agreeable, good
With God’s authority, we tested all things, but needed not be tested ourselves. In fact, nothing could test us.
Genesis 1:26 (ESV) And let them have dominion… over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
TRIALS began when sin cursed our world.
Genesis 3:17–19 (ESV) And to Adam he said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten of the tree of which I commanded you, ‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground (world) because of you; in pain you shall eat of it all the days of your life; thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you; and you shall eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
In this world…
John 16:33 (ESV) …In the world you will have tribulation.
John 16:33 (NIV) …In this world you will have trouble.
John 16:33 (MSG) …In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties.
TRIALS will permeate our lives until the end.
James 1:2 (ESV) Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial…
1 Peter 1:6 (ESV) …you have been grieved by various trials,
1 Peter 4:12 (ESV) Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.
1 Corinthians 15:26 (ESV) The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
The Lies About Trials
LIE: God is the source of trials (temptations)
“This is happening, it must be meant to be” - NO
James 1:13–15 (ESV) Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
God doesn't start tem
God doesn’t prolong them
God rarely shortens them.
God typically doesn’t doesn’t end them
LIE: Trials are a byproduct of God’s displeasure
Luke 13:1–4 (ESV) There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem?
Jesus was speaking against the idea that bad things happen to bad people. Bad things just happen.
An absence of trials is not proof of His pleasure.
An abundance of trials are not a sign of his displeasure nor a lack of faith.
LIE: Trials are predetermined and must be endured until they end.
This lie assumes that there is no way to avoid trials and once they begin, there's nothing we can do but ride them out.
Trials are not predetermined.
We can actually create them. We can lengthen them. We can shorten them.
Galatians 6:7–9 (ESV) Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
We can do much more than endure! We can grow!
James 1:3–4 (ESV) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
We can do much more than endure! We can overcome
1 John 5:4–5 (ESV) For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
LIE: Your trials define you.
This is to submit to your trial and to be limited by your trial and become its victim
Genesis 50:20 (MSG) Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people.
The TRUTH About TRIALS
Discerning A Trial’s Source Allows You To Navigate A Straight Path Through
Trials can be caused by you, others, the devil, and life circumstances in general. Knowing the source determines your posture and methodology to navigate through.
Job 2:7 (ESV) So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and struck Job with loathsome sores from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.
Matthew 26:14–16 (ESV) Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.
Jeremiah 2:14–17 (ESV) “Is Israel a slave? Is he a homeborn servant? Why then has he become a prey? The lions have roared against him; they have roared loudly. They have made his land a waste; his cities are in ruins, without inhabitant. Moreover, the men of Memphis and Tahpanhes have shaved the crown of your head. Have you not brought this upon yourself by forsaking the LORD your God, when he led you in the way?
Your Attitude During Trials Will Impact Their Length, Next Steps & Destination.
Numbers 11:1–3 (ESV) And the people complained in the hearing of the LORD about their misfortunes, and when the LORD heard it, his anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some outlying parts of the camp. Then the people cried out to Moses, and Moses prayed to the LORD, and the fire died down. So the name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of the LORD burned among them.
Trials Have A Secondary Purpose - Your Maturity
The primary purpose of the trial is to derail you.
The secondary purpose (God’s allowance) is to prepare you for His best.
James 1:3–4 (ESV) for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Our Greatest Trials Are Launching Points Into His Best
God is a god of justice, so he makes up for the trouble we experience:
Romans 12:19–20 (ESV) Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.”
He will add 1/5
Leviticus 5:16 (ESV) He shall also make restitution for what he has done amiss in the holy thing and shall add a fifth to it and give it to the priest. And the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the guilt offering, and he shall be forgiven.
He launches you into destiny
Genesis 41:39–40 (ESV) Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”
James 1:12 (ESV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
“Look at the flowers
In all of their beauty
I don’t have to wonder
You know what you’re doing
So why would I worry at all
You’re faithful to supply”
“Look at the sparrow
Lacking for nothing
No fear of tomorrow
And what it will bring
If I have you I have enough
Cause your love will satisfy”
To those who struggle with exhaustion: Does God even hear me? I’ve tried, but nothing happened. Is it ever going to happen? It’s been so long since God promised. Nothing is changing. I give up. I can’t do this anymore.”
“You Know What You’re Doing”
Job synopsis - he lost his 10 children, his possessions, his health (sores), his wife
Job 42:1-6 “The Job replied to the Lord: ‘I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I–and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.’”
The Lord then blessed him x2, second half of his life
Job 23:2, 10-12 “My complaint today is still a bitter one, and I try hard not to groan aloud. 10 But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold. For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed his ways and not turned aside. I have not departed from his commands, but have treasured his words more than daily food.”
“Everything I need everything I need
My father has it my Father has it
Every single time the Lord will provide
My father has it my Father has it”
To those who struggle with self-doubt: Am I enough? Am I doing this well? I don’t feel equipped for this. I don’t know what to do. This is too much to handle. I can’t do this.
“My Father Has It”
Moses & Israelites synopsis - they were about to cross the sea, saw 600 egyptians chariots chasing them, and Israelites thought that they were going to die
(Slide 1) Exodus 14:13-14 “Moses answered the people. He said, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm. You will see how the Lord will save you today.
(Slide 2) Exodus 14:15, 19-20 “Then the Lord spoke to Moses. He said, ‘Why are you crying out to me? Tell the people of Israel to move on. Hold out your walking stick. Reach out your hand over the Red Sea to divide the water. Then the people can go through the sea on dry ground.’ 19 The angel of God had been traveling in front of Israel’s army. Now he moved back and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved away from in front of them. Now it stood behind them. It came between the armies of Egypt and Israel. All through the night the cloud brought darkness to one side and light to the other. Neither army went near the other all night long.”
Israelites made it safely to the other side
“Seek first the Kingdom and its treasures
Everything else it will be added
All that I’m needing
I know the Lord will provide
I know my God’s not empty handed
He gives us blessings upon blessings
I’m still believing
I know the Lord will provide”
To those who struggle with settling: Life doesn’t look the way I thought it would. This is how it’s going to be I guess. There’s no changing them. It’s always been like that. I’ve always had to deal with this. This is a part of who I am. It’s a part of life. I just don’t see how it could get any better.
“My God’s Not Empty Handed”
Solomon synopsis: Solomon was the wisest and richest person to ever have lived, God was honored by the way he led and lived, and God promised to fulfill his promise of living amongst the Israelites if Solomon obeyed. But Solomon followed in the footsteps of his father, settling for less.
1 Kings 11:1-4, 9-13 ”Now King Solomon loved many foreign women. Besides Pharaoh’s daughter, he married women from Moab, Ammon, Edom, Sidon, and from among the Hittites. The Lord had clearly instructed the people of Israel, “You must not marry them, because they will turn your hearts to their gods.” Yet Solomon insisted on loving them anyway. He had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 concubines. And in fact, they did turn his heart away from the Lord. In Solomon’s old age, they turned his heart to worship other gods instead of being completely faithful to the Lord his God, as his father, David, had been. The Lord was very angry with Solomon, for his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice. He had warned Solomon specifically about worshiping other gods, but Solomon did not listen to the Lord’s command. So now the Lord said to him, “Since you have not kept my covenant and have disobeyed my decrees, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to one of your servants. But for the sake of your father, David, I will not do this while you are still alive. I will take the kingdom away from your son. And even so, I will not take away the entire kingdom; I will let him be king of one tribe, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, my chosen city.”“
Solomon settled for less.
Settle for immediate gratification, minimal effort, believing that things can’t change, you don’t want to face the fact that you have things you need to work on, you don’t believe you deserve better.
He has blessings in his hands ready to give you, so do not settle for anything less than what’s in his hands.
Last Encouragement: Proverbs 3:5 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding.” AND Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd. He gives me everything I need. He lets me lie down in fields of green grass. He leads me beside quiet waters. He gives me new strength. He guides me in the right paths for the honor of his name. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid. You are with me. Your shepherd’s rod and staff comfort me. You prepare a feast for me right in front of my enemies. You pour oil on my head. My cup runs over. I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”
The Lord will provide. He already has or He will. Seek first the kingdom and its treasures and everything will be added.
Mark 9:43–48 (ESV) And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell, ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’
The Facts About HELL
The Bible refers to the idea of hell some 54 times.
OT references use the word Sheol & Hades
11 out of 12 times Jesus used the phrase Gehenna
NT "Gehenna
OT "Hinnom," a valley south of Jerusalem
The History Of The Valley Of Hinnom:
Reign of King Ahaz - (2 Chronicles 28, 33) the valley was used by Baal worshipers to offer their children in their furnaces to their god Molech.
Ministry of Jeremiah - (Jeremiah 7, 19) referred to the valley as "The Valley of Slaughter."
Reign of King Josiah - (2 Kings 23:10) proclaimed "defiled" and no one was allowed to use it for any purpose.
Ministry of Jesus - valley evolved into a garbage dump. Trash was burned around the clock, as well as the bodies of dead animals, criminal corpses. It was a well known hangout for lepers and the sick. There was continual smoke, stench, maggots and flies. At night, dogs could be heard fighting over the trash.
The Lies About HELL/AFTERLIFE
Hell Does Not Exist
The Dead Cease To Exist - the atheistic belief that man, upon death, forever ceases to be and quietly rots into nothingness.
Annihilationism - the belief that all the ungodly will be annihilated by God.
Restorationism - The belief that all men will be given a second chance to make the choice for God that they did not make during this life.
Purgatory - the belief that all those who die at peace with the church but are not perfect must undergo penal and purifying sufferings in order to go to heaven.
Reincarnation - the belief that individuals return to life again in a form determined by the quality of life previously lived.
Universal Heaven – the belief that everyone who believed in something arrives at heaven with everyone else who believed in something.
The TRUTH About HELL
Hell Is Happening Right Now
Luke 16:19–20, 22-23 (ESV) “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side
Hell Includes Memories Of This Life
Luke 16:27–28 (ESV) And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
Hell Will Take Anyone – it will try to claim good and bad, religious and non-religious, black and white, rich or poor, sick or healthy… it will even take you
Matthew 7:22–23 (ESV) On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
Hell Is A Place Of Torment
Matthew 25:30 (ESV) And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
Hell Has No Holidays - no breaks, timeouts, holidays, day off’s, no future starting point to wait for or stopping point to bring comfort.
Mark 9:48–49 (ESV) ‘where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ For everyone will be salted with fire.
Hell Is A Fixed Destination
Luke 16:26 (ESV) And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
Hell Is Eternal Separation From God
2 Thessalonians 1:9 (ESV) They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might,
You Deserve Hell
Ezekiel 18:20 (ESV) The soul who sins shall die.
Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
Christ Paid Our Price To Escape Hell
Isaiah 53:5–6 (ESV) But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Acts 2:38–39 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
You Can Impact The Future Destination Of Others
Mark 16:15–16 (ESV) And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Jude 21-23 "Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you eternal life. Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh."
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 4:6–7 (ESV) The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted (a lifting up of your face)? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.”
FACTS: the accurate personal assessment informing practical next steps leading to natural outcomes.
LIES: the deceived assessment demanding destructive next steps leading to “less-than” outcomes.
THE TRUTH: the revelation of God’s assessment inviting faith-filled obedient participation in next steps leading to supernatural “more-than” outcomes.
Do not be limited by facts. Don’t be deceived by lies. Hear from Heaven and act.
The Facts About SIN
Ezekiel 18:20 (ESV) The soul who sins shall die.
Hebrew:
Chata: to miss the mark of God’s Word
Avon: to intentionally disobey God’s Word
Pesha: to rebel against God’s authority
Greek
Hamartia: to miss the mark of God’s Word
Paraptoma: to intentionally disobey God’s Word
Anomia: to knowingly disobey God’s Word without remorse
Opheilema: the consequences and obligations of sin
The Lies About SIN
Non-Believers:
I define sin.
I am God
Anything I want is right.
Anything I don’t want is wrong.
The same act can be right/wrong depending on how it impacts me.
Sin is relative.
It is defined by my needs
You must CELEBRATE my standard.
Not argue, ignore, tolerate or acknowledge..
Failure to do so and you will be punished
Believers:
Believing = Immunity
Believing trumps all
Grace covers all
Good actions outweigh bad
All I have to do is ask for forgiveness
Sin Is Irresistible
God knows we are weak and can’t resist
It’s God’s fault for allowing temptation
Sin is Relative
I know it’s wrong, but…
Adjusted by the voices of opportunity, culture and science*
justified by circumstantial outcomes
Outcomes validate sin/righteousness
Some Sin Is Beyond Payment
I deserve this
They don’t deserve that
Sin Is Defined by God Alone
His Word
His Spirit - Romans 14:5–7 (ESV) One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. The one who observes the day, observes it in honor of the Lord. The one who eats, eats in honor of the Lord, since he gives thanks to God, while the one who abstains, abstains in honor of the Lord and gives thanks to God. For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself.
His/Your Family - Jeremiah 35:13–14 (ESV) “Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words? declares the LORD. The command that Jonadab the son of Rechab gave to his sons, to drink no wine, has been kept, and they drink none to this day, for they have obeyed their father’s command. I have spoken to you persistently, but you have not listened to me.
It pulls all the guesswork out of it.
I no longer have an opinion.
Gods Best Is Within Reach
God want your best - TRUST
His WORDS are for your BEST
Sin offers a substitute with hidden consequences.
Deuteronomy 28:1–15 (ESV) “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. “The Lord will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you. They shall come out against you one way and flee before you seven ways. The Lord will command the blessing on you in your barns and in all that you undertake. And he will bless you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. The Lord will establish you as a people holy to himself, as he has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in his ways. And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. And the Lord will make you abound in prosperity, in the fruit of your womb and in the fruit of your livestock and in the fruit of your ground, within the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. The Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands. And you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them, and if you do not turn aside from any of the words that I command you today, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them. “But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord your God or be careful to do all his commandments and his statutes that I command you today, then all these curses shall come upon you and overtake you.
Sin Is A Transaction That Jesus Paid In Full
There’s no such thing as forgiveness, ONLY PAYMENT
Isaiah 53:5–6 (KJV) But he was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: The chastisement of our peace was upon him; And with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
Payment was provided but must be appropriated
Cause and effects
To self
To others
Luke 5:23–25 (ESV) Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God.
1 Corinthians 15:3 (ESV) For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures,
Hebrews 9:26 (NIV) But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself.
Following Jesus Leads To Transformation
John 3:3 (ESV) Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Romans 8:1–2 (ESV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.
Acts 9:26–28 (ESV) And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.
Hebrews 13:20–21 (ESV) Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 4:8–10 (ESV) It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
FACTS: the accurate personal assessment informing practical next steps leading to natural outcomes.
LIES: the deceived assessment demanding destructive next steps leading to “less-than” outcomes.
THE TRUTH: the revelation of God’s assessment inviting faith-filled obedient participation in next steps leading to supernatural “more-than” outcomes.
Do not be limited by facts.
Don’t be deceived by lies.
Hear from Heaven and act.
The Facts About Jesus Death
Assessment: Dead
Unexpected!
Matthew 4:8–10 (ESV) It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.
Next Steps: Burial
We see, we act. We rarely take the time to listen.
Luke 23:50–56 (ESV) Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
Outcome: Return To Old Life
“He’s dead. There’s no changing that”
“I guess it wasn’t meant to be”
John 21:2–3 (ESV) Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will go with you.” They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
SLIDE: The Lies About Jesus Death
Assessment: He’s Not God, He’s Just A Man
Matthew 27:39–44 (ESV) And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him, saying, “He saved others; he cannot save himself. He is the King of Israel; let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God; let God deliver him now, if he desires him. For he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ” And the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way.
Next Steps: Conspiracy
Matthew 28:11–15 (ESV) While they were going, behold, some of the guard went into the city and told the chief priests all that had taken place. And when they had assembled with the elders and taken counsel, they gave a sufficient sum of money to the soldiers and said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” So they took the money and did as they were directed. And this story has been spread among the Jews to this day.
Outcome: Unbelief
2 Corinthians 4:4 (ESV) In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
SLIDE The Truth About Jesus Death
God’s Assessment: He’s Alive
John 10:17–18 (MSG) This is why the Father loves me: because I freely lay down my life. And so I am free to take it up again. No one takes it from me. I lay it down of my own free will. I have the right to lay it down; I also have the right to take it up again. I received this authority personally from my Father.”
John 21:4–8 (ESV) Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any fish?” They answered him, “No.” He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, “It is the Lord!”
Next Steps: Embrace & Obey
John 21:7–8 (ESV) When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards off.
Acts 1:4–5 (ESV) And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Outcome: Power Like Jesus
Acts 2:1–2 (ESV) When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
Where are you with God?
Do not be limited by facts.
Don’t be deceived by lies.
Hear from Heaven and act.