1-2-3-4

The Golden Rule for All People: Jonah 3.1-4.1

2012-01-25T04:17:00.000-08:00

Jonah began to enter the city on the first day’s walk. Then he cried out and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!”So the people of Nineveh believed God, proclaimed a fast,

and put on sackcloth, from the greatest to the least of them. Jonah 3.4-5

God's grace is universal. v. 2

Anyone can be saved.

Race, education, economics, family, nationality are immaterial.

Love your enemies. vv. 4-5

The love of God should flow from us to others.

We need to stop putting up obstacles to the gospel.

God restores sinners. v. 10

He restored you when you were a sinner.

You do not have the right to be angry. 4.1

God is in charge.

Your opinion does not matter.

Heart Check: Are you ready to receive the love of God, and share that unconditional love with others?

Take Away Point-

I sometimes think that I am better than others.

I sometimes think that I am better than I am.

Today I commit myself to love all people, all the time.

The Need for God: Jonah 1

2012-01-12T08:45:00.000-08:00

Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it;

for their wickedness has come up before Me.

Jonah 1.2

Lessons from Jonah:

God doesn't always pick nice people. vv. 1-3

Jonah arose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.
You cannot get away from God. v. 4

The LORD sent out a great wind on the sea.
Do not try to defy God. v. 12

Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will become calm for you. For I know that

this great tempest is because of me.
God shows mercy. vv. 15, 17

The LORD had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah.

Take Away Prayer-

Lord, remind me that you are in charge, and that you can use me. Conform my desires to your will that I- and others- might receive your mercy. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Life is for Living: 1 Samuel 17.38-50

2011-11-16T16:06:00.000-08:00

It is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the Lord’s,

and he will give all of you into our hands. 1 Samuel 17.47

Everyone faces Goliath--

Financial giants
Problems with jobs
Relationship issues
Addictions
Temptation and sin
Guilt

But in David we can learn how to overcome giants.

We must be courageous. v. 37

We must be cunning and crafty. v. 39

We must be careful. v. 40

We must be confident. v. 47

Take Away Prayer-

There are problems I must face, O Lord;

Give me the tools I need;

Go with me in confrontation;

Grant me victory.

Amen.

Matthew Parties: Matthew 9.9-13

2011-11-09T08:25:00.000-08:00

Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.”

Matthew 9.12

Matthew...

His given name was Levi
His family wanted him to be a priest
He didn't make it in rabbinical school
Jesus, the rabbi, called Matthew to follow him

We are comfortable with people like us- the healthy.

We are called to reach the sick.

At our parties we should invite...

Tax collectors.
Sinners.
1. Prostitutes
2. Criminals
3. Addicts
4. Immigrants (illegal and legal)

Victims

Take Away Point-

God loves all people, even those that are hard for me to love.

I will learn to love,

learn to accept,

learn to include all people at my parties.

How to Solve Problems: Numbers 11.4-17

2011-11-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

How to... Solve Problems

Numbers 11.4-17

6 November 2011

Moses asked the LORD, “Why have you brought this trouble on your servant? What have I done to displease you that you put the burden of all these people on me?”

Numbers 11.11

Our Problem-

The people complained about God.

Moses complains about the people.

He was caught in the middle.

The burden became too great.

God's Plan-

Listen to God and find his plan. v.16

Find some helpers. v. 16

Bring them to God with you, and the problem. v. 16
God will bless and fill you all. v. 17

All the leaders will take the load. v. 17

God will give a confirmation. v.25

Take Away Point-

I am not helpless or alone. God has a plan to take care of me. If I will listen to him, he will lead me to the help that I need.

How to Worship: John 4.4-26

2011-10-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

How to Worship

John 4.4-26

30 October 2011

True worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

John 4.23-24

Worship is being with God; offering our whole being, and our whole world to him.

Worship is more than a ritual that we perform.
Worship is more than the music that we sing.
Worship is more than a lesson that we learn.
Worship is more than a designated time of the week.

The 2 Components:

Terror

Comfort and grace

How to Pray: Ephesians 6.10-21

2011-10-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions

with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Ephesians 6.18

Pray in the Spirit. (v. 18)

In the will of God

Being led by God

All kinds of prayers. (v. 18)

This is different than requests.

Liturgical/ memorized prayers
Prayer in groups
Written prayers
Silent prayer
Meditation/ waiting prayer

Keep on praying. (v. 18)

Don't get discouraged.

For all God's people.

Pray for God's workers. (v. 19)

Pray for the work of God. (v. 20)

Take Away Prayer-

Lord God, make me a pray-er. Remind me every day, and every moment, to lift up every kind of prayer to you. In Jesus' name I ask this. Amen.

How to Study the Bible: Psalm 119.26-33

2011-10-07T04:31:00.000-07:00

Teach me, LORD, the way of your decrees,

that I may follow it to the end. Psalm 199.33

General Rules (for Bible Study)-

Get a Bible you can read and understand.
Come up with a plan. Make it reasonable.
Get an accountability partner.
Just do it!

When you get started, pay attention to...

What it says- Information. (v. 33)

What it means- Interpretation. (v. 34)

Give me understanding, so that I may keep your law
and obey it with all my heart.

What it does- Application. (v. 35)

Direct me in the path of your commands,
for there I find delight.

Take Away Point-

The Bible is God's Word; “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” I should read it, study it and know it more than I do. To know God, I will get to know his word.

How to Celebrate Communion: 1 Corinthians 11.17-26

2011-09-27T09:06:00.000-07:00

Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you

proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

1 Corinthians 11.26

Proclaim- to extol or praise publicly: to “proclaim the Lord.”

Transubstantiation- Communion becomes the body and blood of Christ.

Contransubstantiation- Communion delivers to us the body and blood of Christ.

Communion is grounded in Scripture. Luke 22, 24
Communion defines the church.
Communion celebrates God's creation.
Communion connects us to Christ.
Communion creates a community.

Take Away Point-

Jesus invites us to unite with his body in Holy Communion. By doing that we unify the church by sharing in the Lord's Supper. I know what Jesus did for me.

I understand the importance of Communion.

I will be part of the body.

How to Sin... : Genesis 3.1-7

2011-09-14T06:26:00.000-07:00

“You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened.” Genesis 3.4-5

Everyone sins. Romans 3.10, 23

Sin has a penalty. Romans 6.23

Entertain temptation. V. 1

Consider temptation. V. 2

Be convinced to sin. V. 6

Share your sin. V. 6

Justify your sin. V. 6

It looks good.
It tastes good.
It helps you.

Hide your sin. V. 7

BUT…

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1.9

Take Away Prayer-

There are many things that I can’t do well, but I can sin, Lord, and I do it regularly. Forgive me of my sins and help me overcome the temptations that lead to sin. In the name of Jesus, the Savior, I pray. Amen.

Whatever It Takes: Acts 6.1-7

2011-09-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6.7

The Leadership Cycle-

Four-fold ministers are to

Equip the saints.

Saints are to

Do works of service.

Works of service

Equip the body of Christ.

The equipped body of Christ

Creates more four-fold ministers.

Philip serves as a great example-

1. He became a deacon. Acts 6.5

2. He became an evangelist. Acts 8.5-8

3. He preached everywhere. Acts 8.40

4. He ministered to his family. Acts 21.8-9

Take Away Point-

The Kingdom of God deserves our attention.

The gospel of Jesus Christ should be our value.

The work of the Kingdom should be our objective.

Joab, the Crooked Dude: 2 Samuel 18.6-17

2011-08-23T08:46:00.000-07:00

“I’m not going to wait like this for you.” So Joab took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree.

2 Samuel 18.14

1. Joab killed Abner. 2 Sa 3.27

2. Joab disobeyed David. 2 Sa 18.12

3. Joab killed Absalom. 2 Sa 18.15

4. He rebuked David for mourning. 2 Sa 19.5

5. He supported the wrong successor. 1 Ki 1.7

6. Solomon executed him. 1 Ki 2.34

Lessons-

Be loyal, without regard to your own desires.

Be obedient to those in authority.

Follow the one who follows God. (1 Sa 13.14)

Don’t let jealousy or ambition take over your life.

Make God your priority.

Take Away Point-

I am not the only person in the world.

I am not even the most important.

But God loves me, forgives me, died for me.

I will now live for him, because

It’s not about me.

7 Simple Steps: Psalm 103.1-5

2011-08-18T10:11:00.000-07:00

Praise the LORD, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the LORD, my soul. Psalm 103.1-2

One of the reasons many Christians don't pray is that they don't know how...

Step 1. Praise the Lord. vv. 1-2

Praise God for who he is and what he has done

Thank him for his care and answering prayers

Step 2. Pray for blessings. v. 2

Ask God to bless your church

Pray blessings on your family, neighbors, friends

Ask God to bless you

Step 3. Pray for pardon. v. 3

Confess and repent of your sins

Confess and repent for your church, denomination, nation, family

Receive God’s grace and pardon

Step 4. Pray for healing. v. 3

Ask God for healing for yourself and others

Pray for healing in your body, emotions, relationships, spirit

Step 5. Pray for redemption. v. 4

Pray for those who are unsaved

Ask God to renew the joy of your salvation

Step 6. Pray for loving kindness. v. 4

Pray that you might be more loving to others

Pray to receive the other fruits of the Holy Spirit

Step 7. Pray for renewal. v. 5

Ask for your passion to be restored

Request a renewed spirit from the Holy Spirit

Essential Traits 4 Christian Leaders: Exodus 3.1-12

2011-08-11T05:36:00.000-07:00

[God] said, “I will certainly be with you.”

Exodus 3.12

Leadership- Moses, Exodus 3.12

When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.

Courage- Joshua, Joshua 1.7

Only be strong and very courageous.

Faithfulness- David, 1 Samuel 13.14

The LORD has sought… a man after His own heart.

Holiness- Daniel, Daniel 1.8

Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s delicacies.

Resilience- Peter, Matthew 14.30

He was afraid; and cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Perseverance- Paul, 1 Corinthians 9.22

I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

Take Away Point-

God has called me to follow him.

That means—

I am called to be a leader;

I am being qualified to lead;

I should seek his will; and

I must follow those before me.

Hold on to the Rope: John 21.1-7

2011-08-03T08:14:00.000-07:00

When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, and plunged into the sea.

John 21.7

A rope is like a net.

“the end of my rope”

“throw me a rope”

“walking a tightrope”

Holding the rope is a form of rescue. V. 5

When there is no hope, “hold on to the rope”

Holding the rope for spiritual blessing. V. 6

Don’t let go of God- Genesis 32.6

Holding the rope is a call to ministry. V. 7

How do you respond to what God does?

Take Away Point-

Life can be overwhelming.

I need help.

We all need help.

I will hold on to the rope of

God’s word,

God’s love, and

God’s people.

The 4 Most Important Things: Acts 2.41-47

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-07:00

Praising God and having favor with all the people,

the Lord added to the church daily

those who were being saved. Acts 2.47

The 4 Things-

They are not the only things,

Only the most important.

You can survive as a Christian without these things.

But you cannot flourish and grow without them.

1. Bible Study.

They continued steadfastly in the

apostles’ doctrine… v. 42

2. Fellowship.

They continued… in fellowship, [and] in the breaking of bread. v. 42

3. Prayer.

They continued… in prayers. v. 42

4. Ministry.

Many wonders and signs were done… v. 43

Divided them among all,

as anyone had need. V. 45

Take Away Point-

The Christian life is not static.

I need to grow in faith.

Beginning today I will

Read my Bible,

Spend time with other Christians,

Pray,

And get into ministry.

First Things First: Luke 10.25-37

2011-07-13T12:43:00.000-07:00

‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart

and with all your soul and with all your

strength and with all your mind.’ Luke 10.27

PART I- (Where we learn what is most important)

1. Love God with your heart- Emotions.

2. Love God with your soul- Spirituality.

3. Love God with your strength- Physically.

4. Love God with your mind- Intellectually.

It takes all four for a person to truly love God.

It takes all four for a church to truly serve God.

PART II- (Where we learn what to do about it)

1. Ready.

Pray…

Read the Bible…

2 Timothy 4.1-5

2. Set.

Training in evangelism, ministry, Bible

3. Go.

Outreach events, mission trips

Take Away Point-

To make and keep first things first, I must

Love God

And let that love touch others.

DTR: John 3.1-8

2011-06-28T19:08:00.000-07:00

No one can see the kingdom of God without

being born again. John 3.3

A Few Things You Should Know-

A Question You Should Answer-

Are you a fan of Jesus?

Casual about your faith

Weekend/Sunday commitment

A believer in Jesus

Are you a follower of Jesus?

Serious about your faith

Every day, top priority commitment

A follower of Jesus

Some Problems with Our Measurements-

Cultural comparisons
Religious Rules
Denominational Faithfulness
Biblical Knowledge
Family heritage

Take Away Point-

I can like Jesus, or I can love him.

I can be a fan or a follower.

For today, and every day,

I will define my relationship with Jesus

By following him.

Feeding and Being Fed: John 11.28-37

2011-06-10T12:47:00.000-07:00

Martha was distracted with much serving.

Luke 10.40

Martha:

The sister who serves.

Serving is not always a negative experience.

Often we get very busy with our serving.

We do good things
We help others
We forget our relationship with Jesus

Mary:

The sister who sits.

Sitting is not always dull.

Mary wants to be fed, to grow in faith.

She stays at Jesus’ feet

In sorrow. John 11
In adoration. John 12
To learn. Luke 10

Some people believe that Mary sat at Jesus feet because he was her rabbi.

That is-

She was becoming a disciple

She was preparing for ministry

Take Away Point:

Christians must maintain a balance between

Serving and

Being served.

For further reading:

Monday: Luke 10.38-42

Tuesday: John 12.1-7

Wednesday: John 3.16-21

Thursday: 2 Timothy 2.14-26

Friday: 1 Peter 2.1-10

To Life!: Genesis 9.1-7

2011-05-31T17:15:00.000-07:00

But you shall not eat flesh with its life,

that is, its blood. Genesis 9.4

Blood = Life

This is an explanation for:

· The strict “eye for an eye” laws.

· The complicated theology of Communion.

· The extensive procedures of sacrifice.

· The detailed account of the crucifixion.

· The hymns and songs about the blood.

Communion-

Early Christians were accused of cannibalism.

We still debate the meaning of Jesus’ blood.

Definitions-

Transubstantiation- Bread and wine become body and blood.

Consubstantiation- Substance of Christ is present with bread and wine.

Open Communion- All are welcome to come.

Closed Communion- Communion is limited to certain individuals only.

Take Away Point:

Jesus’ blood never fails me.

His blood always avails for me.

The power of his blood prevails in me.

For further reading:

Monday: Leviticus 17.11-14

Tuesday: Deuteronomy 12.20-28

Wednesday: Genesis 14.18-24

Thursday: Luke 24.13-35

Friday: Matthew 26.26-35

Seasons of Church Life: Luke 9.57-62

2011-05-25T12:40:00.000-07:00

Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

Luke 9.62

Why we worship together:

· Fellowship

· Accountability

· Power in numbers

· Obedience to God’s word

· Edification and growth

Some people are in a church forever.

Others are only for a season.

Still others change churches every 1-4 years.

We are expected to:

1. Reach new people. (Matthew 28.19)

Go and make disciples of all the nations.

2. Care for those who are here. (Ga. 6.2)

Bear one another’s burdens, and so

fulfill the law of Christ.

3. Call those who have left. (Hebrews 12.25)

We [shall] not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven.

Excuses for leaving the church:

· “Someone hurt my feelings.”

Response: Make peace.

· “My friends go somewhere else.”

Response: Wish them well; Invite them here.

· “I’m too busy.”

Response: Work on priorities.

· “I like the music/worship somewhere else.”

Response: Change music; Value current worship.

· “I need to be fed.”

Response: Recognize being fed.

Take Away Point-

I am in this church for this season.

I am committed to the health of

My spiritual life,

My congregation,

My future.

Anti-Wisdom: Sins of the Mouth: Job 42.1-6

2011-05-17T17:59:00.000-07:00

“I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.”

Job 42.2

Common sins of the mouth

· Gossiping

· Lying

· Swearing

· Exaggerating/ embellishing

But there are others as well…

1. Speaking before you think. V. 3

I have uttered what I did not understand.

2. Speaking about what don't know. V. 3

Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.

3. Speaking more than you listen. V. 4

Listen, please, and let me speak.

Some other thoughts-

· Do not make promises you cannot or will not keep.

· Do not make statements that will come back to haunt you.

· Do not take unnecessary oaths.

Do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment. James 5.12

Take Away Point-

My mouth is the most powerful tool I possess.

I should use it only for the glory of God.

I will use it only for the glory of God.

Requirements of the Lord: Deuteronomy 10.12-16

2011-05-05T06:30:00.001-07:00

What does the LORD your God require of you, but to fear the LORD your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him.

Deuteronomy 10.12

Who are you trying to impress?

· Spouse, parent or family member.

· Employer, teacher or supervisor.

· Friends, colleagues or associates.

Who should we be trying to impress?

1. Fear the Lord. V. 12

Awe, respect, loyalty, love.

2. Live to please God. V. 12

Align your priorities to his.

3. Love and serve him. V. 12

Our priorities must be the same as his.

4. Obey his commands. V. 13

Motivated by love rather than fear.

5. Change your hearts. V. 16

Seek to please God in everything you do.

6. Don’t be stubborn. V. 16

Open yourself to God and his ways.

Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua 24.15

Take Away Point-

My life should be focused on following Jesus and living by his ways.

Beginning today I will serve God.

From now on, his ways will be my priority.

In the World: Matthew 28.1-10, 16-20

2011-04-25T16:07:00.000-07:00

Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” Matthew 28.10

A major theme of this chapter…

· And go quickly and tell His disciples… v. 7

· Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee… v. 10

· Go therefore and make disciples… v. 19

The message seems to be go, but we generally stay.

The Way it Works-

Christ has won victory over death and the grave

Death is swallowed up in victory.

1 Corinthians 15.54

Victory over the grave=life.

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15.57

Without life, Christianity is pointless.

And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile;

you are still in your sins!

1 Corinthians 15.17

We should do two things…

1. Experience the life of Christ.

Just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6.4

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

John 10.10

2. Share the life of Christ with others.

Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28.19

Take Away Point-

Jesus is alive and he lives forever.

He has offered his life,

New life,

To all of us.

I will receive his life, his peace, his joy

And share with others.

Show Me the Way: John 14.1-6

2011-03-23T18:09:00.000-07:00

Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

John 14.6

Some observations…

· Different economic systems produce different results. (e.g. capitalism vs. communism.

· Different educations will get you different positions. (e.g. HS dropout vs. Ivy League graduate)

· Different political systems will give you different freedoms. (e.g. democracy vs. dictatorship)

· Different political parties will get you different emphases. (e.g. democrats vs. republicans)

· Different diet/ exercise programs produce different results.

Those things may all be true, but why do we think about religion in the same way.

All religions lead to God/ heaven.

Whatever you believe, as long as you believe it whole-heartedly, will get you the same results.

Other ways to God-life are not effective.

Most assuredly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. John 10.7-9

Jesus is the only way to God-life.

John 14.6

Jesus wants to come to us.

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. Revelation 3.20

Jesus wants us to be fulfilled in life.

I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. John 10.10

There is only one God and one Savior.

There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3.5

Take Away Thought

Jesus is the way,

The only way to God.

It is my job to help others know him-

As soon as possible.

The Great Recycler: Luke 19.1-10

2011-03-16T18:53:00.000-07:00

Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Luke 10.9-10

Jesus Reduces…

He eliminates evil, temptations, tricks and struggles we may face.

12 Steps, for example…

· Step 2 - Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity

· Step 3 - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood God

· Step 5 - Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs

· Step 6 - Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character

· Step 7 - Humbly asked God to remove our shortcomings

· Step 11 - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood God, praying only for knowledge of God's will for us and the power to carry that out

Jesus Re-uses…

Those that we wouldn’t think of using, God does

Recondishun’d, for example…

Jesus Recycles…

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5.17

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12.2

Take Away Thought

God is greater than all my needs.

His ability is beyond my problems.

Jesus wants to

Reduce my temptation and struggle,

Re-uses me for his glory,

And recycles my life.

A Great Deliverance- Powerful Words: Genesis 50.15-26

2011-03-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

You meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to save many people alive. Do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.

Genesis 50.20-21

Update 6.1-

· Joseph is in a position of authority in Egypt

· Israel and his children are suffering from the famine in Canaan

· They requested food from Joseph

· Joseph was gracious and fed his family

· Israel and the whole clan moved to Egypt

Sticks and stones may break my bones…

I’m rubber and you’re glue…

That’s what you are, but…

Our words generally carry more power than our actions!

Jacob/Israel blessed Joseph’s sons (Genesis 48)

Jacob/ Israel blessed his own sons (Genesis 49)

1. Our words need to be a blessing to others.

2. Our words need to be edifying to ourselves.

3. Our words need to be glorifying to God.

4. Our words need to be creative.

5. Our words ought to be positive.

Think about your words!

Take Away Prayer

Lord,

Help me to measure my words.

Make me a blessing to others

in what I do and what I say.

Help me to be thoughtful of my words,

Always.

Amen.

A Great Deliverance- A Dream Fulfilled: Genesis 42.1-9

2011-02-24T04:44:00.000-08:00

And God sent me before you to preserve a posterity for you in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45.7

Lord, I believe; help my unbelief! Luke 9.24

A Great Deliverance Includes-

1. The fulfillment of God’s promises.

He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments. Deuteronomy 7.9

2. Meeting our physical needs.

For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways. Psalm 91.11

3. Meeting our emotional needs.

He who has begun a good work in you will complete ituntil the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1.6

4. Meeting our spiritual needs. He will give you another Helper, the Spirit of truth… you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14.16-18

5. Faith that God is in control. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Ephesians 3.20-21

Take Away Prayer

O good God,

I believe that you are going to meet my needs.

I believe that you will keep your promises.

I believe that you are in control.

I believe that you will deliver me,

And help me to deliver others

I believe God,

Help my unbelief.

Amen.

A Great Deliverance: Helping Others Dream- Genesis 41.1-16

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So Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” Genesis 41.16

Introduction and Review-

· God does not forget his people

· His will is always for our good

The tendency of humans is selfishness;

The expectation of God is selflessness.

What ask, “What’s in it for me?”

God wants to know what we can do for others.

“Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." John F Kennedy

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2.4

Lessons from Pharaoh’s Dream-

1. God always has a plan. V. 2

2. God cannot be understood with the human mind. V. 8

3. God reveals himself in his time. V. 9

4. We must learn from our mistakes. V. 12

5. Get yourself ready to face authority. V. 14

6. Don’t lose perspective. V. 16

7. It’s not always about you.

Take Away Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Sometimes I am just so selfish;

I think only of myself and what I want,

What I need,

What I can get.

But today I want to think about others;

Show me your will,

Reveal to me how I can help others,

Use me for your good.

Amen.

A Great Deliverance- Dream Again: Genesis 40.1-8

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“We each have had a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” So Joseph said to them, “Do not

interpretations belong to God?” Genesis 4.8

An Update

· Joseph was falsely accused and imprisoned

· He was elevated in the prison

Starting Over-

Joseph must have felt as though he was starting over once more.

· He started over when his brothers sold him.

· He started over as a slave in Egypt.

· Now he was starting over in prison.

But there were lessons that he learned…

1. Don’t give up, no matter what.

2. Always be faithful to God.

3. Have faith that God will deliver you.

4. Know that God’s timing is not our timing.

5. Be willing to help others find God.

6. Always be loving and gracious.

7. Know that the dream God gave you will happen.

All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8.28

I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29.11

Take Away Prayer

Lord God,

Stay with me when I am discouraged;

Help me when I am hopeless;

Fill me with faith when I am lonely.

Make me your child and full of love for your children.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

A Great Deliverance- A Lust Story!: Genesis 39.1-21

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He left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he did not know what he had except for the bread which he ate.
Now Joseph was handsome in form and appearance. Genesis 39.6

An Update

· Joseph was sold by his brothers
· Became a slave in Egypt
· Elevated in Potiphar’s house

Being Delivered from Temptation-

And do not lead us into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6.13

Stay with God. V. 3
Be faithful in your calling. V. 4
Be trustworthy in every situation. V. 6
Establish your priorities and keep them. V. 9
Be consistent in faith, even in adversity. V. 21

Take Away Prayer

Jesus,

Temptation comes in many forms.

I am tempted by

Things,

Money,

People,

And power.

Deliver me from temptation, O Lord.

Help me to stay with you,

To be committed to your plan,

To find success at your hands.

Make me consistent in my faith.

Amen.

A Great Deliverance- That Dreamer!: Genesis 37.1-11, 19-22

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Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers;

and they hated him even more. Genesis 37.5

The Joseph Story-

· Abraham

· Isaac

· Jacob and Esau

· Jacob and Rachel

· The 12 Sons

The Dreams-

· The Sheaves

· The Stars

The Implications-

· Be in position to hear from God.

o Believing that he is going to speak

o Listening when he speaks

· Be open to hearing from God.

· God is not a respecter of persons.

· It may take years for the dream to come true.

· The fulfillment may be different than our anticipation.

· Be wise in sharing God’s dream.

· Be patient in waiting for the fulfillment of the dream.

Take Away Prayer

Lord God,

I long for you to give me a dream,

A goal,

A purpose for my life.

I want to hear you speak;

I have heard you, Jesus.

Help me, Lord;

Give me patience to wait for your time,

Your will,

Your dream.

Amen.

Strong and Courageous: Joshua 1.1-9

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Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1.9

To Joshua

Be strong and of good courage… Joshua 1.6

Only be strong and very courageous… Joshua 1.7

Be strong and of good courage… Deuteronomy 31.7

Do not fear nor be dismayed. Deuteronomy 31.8

To the Children of Israel

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them… Deuteronomy 31.6

We must be strong-

Physical, emotional and spiritual preparation

We must have courage-

1. We might have to follow a great leader.

Expectations of us

Standards we must meet

2. We might have to lead a stubborn people.

Israel was always trying to turn back.

We will no doubt face friendly opposition.

3. We will have self-doubt.

Can I accomplish what I need to?

4. We face a task that is greater than our ability.

Take Away Prayer-

O God,

I believe that you are always with me;

That you never leave me;

That you will always take care of me.

Now Lord,

Make me strong;

Prepare me for all that is ahead;

Protect me from the memory of all that is behind;

Give me courage for all that I must face.

Amen.

Losing Jesus: Luke 2.41-52

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Mary and Joseph were good people.

· They both had a relationship with God before Jesus was born.
· Took him to Passover to fulfill religion.
· Yet, they still lost Jesus.

We can lose Jesus as well.

· We become too busy and distracted.
· We can get too familiar with Jesus. (We often take him for granted.)
· We have no expectation of the Holy Spirit.

How to stay focused:

1. Stay in the conversation. (Bible study and prayer)

2. Stay responsive to the Holy Spirit.

3. Stay connected to the body of Christ.

4. Go deeper with God.

An Itch in the Middle of Your Back: Matthew 18.1-6

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A great way to Christ is to see the world through the eyes of young people.

Too often, young people are like an itch in the middle of your back that you just can't reach. It's there and we need to do something about it, but we don't know what. We need to look at young people, children and teens, the way that Jesus did.

We need to be converted as little children. (v. 3)This means that we need to turn from sin and turn toward God.
We need to be humble as children. (v. 4) Children are open, trusting, eager and full of faith. They see everyone as equal. In fact, the grace of God makes us all equal.
We need to receive children. (v. 5) We need to encourage our young people by spending time with them and discipling them.

This is the responsibility of every Christian.

To Lead or Not to Lead: Titus 1

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The reflections shared here from the book of Titus are gleaned from my reading of the passages from the New King James Version, The Message, The New Living Translation, The Amplified Bible and the Contemporary English version, among others.

v. 1- Paul is an apostle, God's agent.

Paul is a bond servant, God's slave.

v. 2- God cannot lie. Everything about God is truth.

v. 4- Titus is Paul's "true son," or legitimate son.

This seems to go beyond a spiritual relationship. There is something real and tangible about the relationship between Titus and Paul. Their love and respect for one another goes beyond a collegial association.

We should seek out such relationships. We must be willing to lead and be led. To mentor, and to be mentored.

Tuesday's With Morrie is a great example of this attitude.

Leaders must be honorable...

In family relationships (v.6). Faithful in marriage, with godly children who are growing in faith.
In his/her personal life (v. 7). Holy, humble, patient, temperate and generous.
In relationships with others (v. 8). Loving, friendly, open, devout, sensible and godly.
In relation to God (v. 9). Faithful to God's word, able to lead and teach others, opposing to those who stand against the truth.

12-13 Is this a sign of racism?

Q- How should Christians reach out to others without coming across as having an imperialistic, I know what's best attitude?

A- Always be filled with love and the grace of God. Never compromise the truth. Identify those who need to hear without getting an attitude of superiority.

15- To the holy, everything is holy. When your mind is fixed on Christ, it is easier to stay focused on the things of God.

Not in Polite Company: Leave, Cleave, Steve and Eve- Genesis 2.18-25

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Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Genesis 2.24

Two similar, but separate issues:

The way husbands and wives relate to one another.

This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

Genesis 2.23

Husbands and wives should cherish one another.

Men and women were made for each other.

God’s order is for heterosexual marriage.

Some general questions-

Is homosexuality more sinful than adultery or fornication?
Is homosexual orientation the same as homosexual practice?
Are gay people automatically bound for hell?

Things to remember:

1. Remember that all people are made in God’s image.

2. Remember that all people are sinners. (Romans 3.23)

3. Remember to love everyone, even people you disagree with.

4. Remember to share the love of Christ in everything you do.

All sins can be forgiven by God.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1.9

Take Away Point-

Christ’s desire is for all people to live life to its fullest potential. That means that I should share love and grace with everyone, no matter what. I will be open, loving, redemptive and forgiving to all. I will live the life that God has called me to, and encourage others to do the same.