828 Church

I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 NLT

He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity. Ecclesiastes 5:10 ESV

Greed only and always leads to discontentment.

To much is never enough for the person trapped in a the stronghold of discontentment. 

Discontentment will shadow you if your primary focus is always on yourself.

Humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. I Peter 5:6-7 NLT

He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30 ESV

When I choose what the Lord thinks and wants, I’m content, but when I choose what I think and want, I’m not.

This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! “This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies says: Look at what’s happening to you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the LORD. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. It’s because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. Haggai 1:2-10 NLT

The pursuit of happiness doesn’t lead to contentment, but the pursuit of God and His priorities does.

Discontentment is a deception that the enemy uses to coax people out of the will of God.

True godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 NLT

The root word for contentment is the Latin contentus, which means “held together” or “intact, whole.”

Whole and held together by God is a miraculous reality the devil doesn’t want you to discover.

Contentment comes from pursuing the right treasure for the right reasons with radical trust in your creator.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 NLT

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. - Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:18-19 & 24 NLT

By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone!

We’re not saved because we win over sin, but rather we win over sin because we’re saved.

Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not! Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living. Romans 6:15-16 NLT

It’s not God’s will that His sons and daughters live as slaves to habitual sin.

When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 NLT

1) Sin is not worth it..

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23 ESV

Untamed passions will take a prince from the palace to a prison, while consecrated passions will take a prince from a prison to the palace!

2) You have to own your sin to overcome your sin.

If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:8-9 NLT

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 NLT

No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

I can follow God to Freedom!

3) You can Identify and Avoid Temptation’s Traps.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Timothy 2:22 NLT

Real freedom requires a willingness to make wise, even radical choices.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8 ESV

If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. Matthew 5:29 ESV

We all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. James 3:2 CSB

Compromise in areas you think you don’t struggle will cost you in the areas you know you do.

Isolation is one of our enemies most effective strategies.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT

Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire. Proverbs 18:1 ESV

4) To resist the sin nature is to surrender to God’s nature

The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Galatians 5:22-25 ESV

5) Live all in with God

Ephesians 6:12-13 NLT

I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! Revelation 3:15 NLT

Luke warm will never win against sin.

It takes God’s armor, God’s weapons and God’s favor to win the war against sin.

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We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

Make allowance (bear with) for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude. MLK

Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven! Matthew 18:21-22 NLT

The Stronghold of Unforgiveness!

Resentment - Anger - Bitterness - Guilt - Shame - Isolation

Judgment is without mercy to the one who has not shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:13 CSB

Unforgiveness is like being locked in a prison cell, holding the key in your hand but refusing to use it. You’re intention may be to punish the one who wronged you, but you’re the one locked up.

Summarize Matt 18: 23-31 - You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. Matthew 18:32-34 ESV

To choose unforgiveness is to build, brick by brick, the walls of your own spiritual and emotional prison.

So what do we do about it? - - Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Forgiveness isn’t explaining away the hurt, it’s working through the hurt with Jesus.

Forgiveness isn’t stuffing your anger, but rather resolving your anger by releasing the offense to God.

Forgiveness ins’t excusing a wrong, but letting God execute justice and mercy according to His will and wisdom.

Even the unforgettable isn’t unforgivable.

Forgiveness isn’t reconciliation and doesn’t require an apology.

Forgiveness isn’t a feeling but rather a grace empowered choice and act of the will.

Forgiveness Isn’t an option!

1) Forgiveness is you forgiving yourself and receiving the forgiveness Christ has given you. - Guilt and Shame!?

The unforgiven are generally also very unforgiving!

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 ESV

Repentance is a God graced prerequisite to forgiveness and forgiving yourself.

A consistently self-condemning attitude will keep you incarcerated in the prison of unforgiveness.

Stop - You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. Colossians 2:13-15 NLT

Self-condemnation is doubt in disguise.

2) Forgiveness is you giving what you’ve been given

Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13 NLT

There is connection between what God does and what you do. You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God’s part. Matthew 6:14-15 MSG

To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you. C. S. Lewis

3) Forgiveness is trusting Jesus to bring your healing, restoration and redemption.

The God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESV

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3 ESV

Choosing forgiveness is how you let Jesus cleanse and heal any wound.

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. Genesis 50:20 MSG

Forgiving others is an act of gratitude and trust and the only right response to the merciful Messiah who has so graciously completely forgiven us.

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-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

Stronghold - A perspective, thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that is set above God and His truth.

Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor. I cast you to the ground. Ezekiel 28:17 ESV

Pride is the original stronghold and a consistent high-minded perspective the enemy exploits for attack.

But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”. Genesis 3:4 ESV

Self-Righteousness

If you think you’re more humble than someone else, you’re probably prideful!

Self-righteous pride by it’s nature is hard to see in yourself and easy to see in others.

Then Jesus told this story to some who had great confidence in their own righteousness and scorned everyone else: “Two men went to the Temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other was a despised tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not like other people—cheaters, sinners, adulterers. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 18:9-14 NLT

Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. James 3:16 ESV

The more pride we have in ourselves, the more we dislike it in others. C.S. Lewis

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant. 1 Corinthians 13:4 ESV

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV

Self-Centeredness

None are as empty as those who are full of themselves. - Benjamin Whichcote 

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.

1 Peter 5:6 ESV

Pride manifests itself in selfish presumption and entitlement.

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Philippians 2:3 ESV

For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Romans 12:2 NLT

Humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less!

Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.” Luke 12:16-31 NLT

The right and lite way to live is to put God and others first!

Self-Reliance

Self-Reliance = The idea that we did or can do anything on our own, without God!?

What do you have that God hasn’t given you? And if everything you have is from God, why boast as though it were not a gift? 1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT

Self-Determined

Pride says I can decide better than God! -

The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his thoughts. Psalm 10:4 NKJV

Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done. Luke 22:42 CSB

Pride must die in us for Christ to live and be strong through us.

Humility is hidden strength, while pride is hidden weakness.

Jeremiah 9:23-24 ESV

Humble submission to God is the only weapon that will win the fight against the stronghold of pride!

As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. James 4:5-8 NLT

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To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV

Mistaken Identity

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9 ESV

“If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.’” Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the LORD your God.’”Matthew 4:3-7 NLT

God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27 ESV

The enemy wants to rob you of your God given identity and destiny and establish a stronghold of mistaken identity in your life.

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. John 10:10 NLT

If your identity is in your work, success will go to your head and failure will go to your heart. Tim Keller\

You are not identified by your struggle but your savior!

The sooner you refuse to be identified by your struggle, the sooner sin and death will lose its hold on you.

Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:12-17 NLT

The devil’s strategy is to takeaway your inheritance, and to do that he has to steal your identity.

To all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12 ESV

If you choose real relationship with Jesus and stand in His authority, the enemy can’t touch your inheritance!

Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. Ephesians 1:4 NLT

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. Jeremiah 1:5 ESV

I am loved, I am adopted, I am forgiven, I am redeemed, I am Holy, I am His! - - The only way for you to know you is for you to focus on knowing Him!

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. Isaiah 43:1 ESV

Identity is inextricably linked to ownership.

Knowing in your heart that you are a loved and empowered child of God changes everything.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 ESV

We don’t lose our true selves but rather become our true selves when we find ourselves in Jesus!

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To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

-- SUNDAY'S NOTES --

For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV.

It’s hard to win a war, you don’t realize you’re fighting.

Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 5:11 ESV

We have what we need to overcome the enemy in his efforts to deceive and defeat us!

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds. 2 Corinthians 10:4 ESV

A place where the enemy holds the high ground for attack.

You can’t win the spiritual war for your life and destiny without taking out the strongholds.

We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 ESV

A spiritual stronghold is any thought, thought pattern, mindset, or belief that exalts itself against God and His truth.

We are not wrestling against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT

There are real intellectual beings waring against Godly thoughts, designs and decisions.

The Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared. I Timothy 4:1 ESV

The devil and his minions spend most of their time perverting culture and constructing strongholds.

The enemy doesn’t have the authority to build a stronghold in your life.

Give not place to the devil. Eph 4:26 NKJV

Open doors lead to strongholds

Kick your little sin friend out or he’s going to build a stronghold!

Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14 ESV

Your old life and new life are not compatible, they’re combustable.

Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV

Don’t X-out the Jesus factor!

The Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8 NLT

The power for my breakthrough is not earthly, it’s eternal!

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Ephesians 6:10 NKJV

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT

Why can’t Jesus wear jewelry? - Because He breaks every chain!

It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. I truly delight in God’s commands, but it’s pretty obvious that not all of me joins in that delight. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. Romans 7:21-25 MSG

No hurt, history, or stronghold of the enemy can contain the believer who’s faith and focus is in Jesus.

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1. Understand God Determines Your Mantle Ahead of Time

We do not select a mantle; God is the One who establishes and destines it. 

Elisha didn’t just receive Elijah’s mantle because he happened to be at the right place and time. It was already his according to God’s word.                    (1 Kings 19:16) Also you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi as king over Israel. And Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel Meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place

Elisha needed to cooperate with the call of God on his life to receive the mantle that was his by God’s appointment. 

Elisha’s hunger and pursuit of Elijah were a sign of what God had placed in his heart.

A mantle is not ours for the choosing, it is determined ahead of time by God.

The desire God places in our hearts is just one indication, among other confirmations, of the calling that is ours.

2. Servanthood Positions you for the Mantle God has for you

For a long season, Elisha was a servant to Elijah. He supported him in a menial way and learned at his feet.                                                       (2 Kings 3:11) 11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there no prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” So, one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured[a] water on the hands of Elijah.”

It can be tempting to go directly after a mantle, but just as with Elisha, God has established His timeline for your life. God positions you with people and leaders that He wants you to serve now. Serving with faithfulness and a teachable heart is a powerful means of being positioned to attain your God-ordained destiny.

3. Realize you may Wear a Series of Mantles

Before he took up Elijah’s mantle, Elisha worked in his father’s fields. And then, he wore the garb of a servant. When God took Elijah, Elisha took his cloak—the one he had worn as a servant—and tore it in two. There was no turning back. 

(2 Kings 2:12-13) 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” So he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them into two pieces. 13 He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.

4. Wait for an Appointment to Establish your Mantle

God appointed Elisha as Prophet and successor to Elijah—but God used Elijah to recognize, prepare, and establish that appointment.

Luke 24:49                                                                                     And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

1 Peter 5:6                                                                       Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time,

Acts 1:8                                                                                 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Your Father wants to reveal to you what He is up to, even if you are feeling today as though you are in the midst of a trial or a long period of waiting about your calling. He wants to show you how he is redeeming those trials, even the failures, and how He uses them for His purposes.

It is not too late. Like Elisha, as you stay faithful and committed in the long haul, you will ultimately live out the mantle God has for you. And the ministry God has for you will be above and beyond anything you could ever have dreamed.

Three Behaviors seen in the life of Ahab that perpetuated his rebellion and brokenness. 

Compromise

About that time King Ben-hadad of Aram mobilized his army, supported by the chariots and horses of thirty-two allied kings. They went to besiege Samaria, the capital of Israel, and launched attacks against it. He sent messengers into the city to King Ahab of Israel and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says: ‘Your silver and your gold are mine! And your best wives and children are mine as well.” The king of Israel answered, “Just as you say, my lord the king: I am yours, along with all that I have.” 1 Kings 20:1-4 NLT

Every time you compromise on truth, you’re making a deal with the devil, and you’re giving something up God meant for you to keep.

But then the envoy returned a second time, saying, “On second thought, I want it all, your silver and gold and all your wives and sons. Hand them over, the whole works. I’ll give you twenty-four hours; then my servants will arrive to search your palace and the houses of your officials and loot them; anything that strikes their fancy, they’ll take.” 1 Kings 20:5-6 MSG

Don’t give in to any more demands, all the elders and the people advised. 1 Kings 20:8 NLT

After their defeat, Ben-hadad’s officers said to him, “The Israelite gods are gods of the hills; that is why they won. But we can beat them easily on the plains.” 1 Kings 20:23 NLT

It’s not your geography, demography or circumstance that determine your destiny, it’s your Savior. 

If you’re negotiating with the devil, you’re the one being manipulated! 

Ben-hadad told him, “I will give back the towns my father took from your father, and you may establish places of trade in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will release you under these conditions.” So they made a new treaty, and Ben-hadad was set free. 1 Kings 20:34 NLT

Neither the mountain nor the valley limit God’s blessing, but compromise certainly does.

Selfishness

Now there was a man named Naboth, from Jezreel, who owned a vineyard in Jezreel beside the palace of King Ahab of Samaria. One day Ahab said to Naboth, “Since your vineyard is so convenient to my palace, I would like to buy it to use as a vegetable garden. I will give you a better vineyard in exchange, or if you prefer, I will pay you for it.” But Naboth replied, “The LORD forbid that I should give you the inheritance that was passed down by my ancestors.” So Ahab went home angry and sullen because of Naboth’s answer. The king went to bed with his face to the wall and refused to eat! 1 Kings 21:1-4 NLT

So Ahab immediately went down to the vineyard of Naboth to claim it. 1 Kings 21:16 NLT

If you love you more than you love others you’re not very much like Jesus.

The LORD said to Elijah, “Go down to meet King Ahab of Israel, who rules in Samaria. He will be at Naboth’s vineyard in Jezreel, claiming it for himself. Give him this message: ‘This is what the LORD says: Wasn’t it enough that you killed Naboth? Must you rob him, too? Because you have done this, dogs will lick your blood at the very place where they licked the blood of Naboth!” 1 Kings 21:17-19 NLT

“So, my enemy, you have found me!” Ahab exclaimed to Elijah. “Yes,” Elijah answered, “I have come because you have sold yourself to what is evil in the LORD’s sight. So now the LORD says, ‘I will bring disaster on you and consume you. I will destroy every one of your male descendants, slave and free alike, anywhere in Israel! 1 Kings 21:20-21 NLT

The Gospel isn’t the gospel without including the truth of God’s judgement and justice. 

No one else so completely sold himself to what was evil in the LORD’s sight as Ahab did under the influence of his wife Jezebel. 1 Kings 21:25 NLT

When we set selfishness aside, much of the other sin we struggle is subdued by the power of Grace! 

Deceit 

Never try to regain something God has taken away! 

But Jehoshaphat asked, “Is there not also a prophet of the LORD here? We should ask him the same question.” The king of Israel replied to Jehoshaphat, “There is one more man who could consult the LORD for us, but I hate him. He never prophesies anything but trouble for me! His name is Micaiah son of Imlah.” 1 Kings 22:7-8 NLT

If you have to hide what your doing or thinking from the Godly people in your life, what your doing or thinking probably isn’t Godly and might cost you your life.

Then Micaiah told him, “In a vision I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, like sheep without a shepherd. And the LORD said, ‘Their master has been killed. Send them home in peace.’” 1 Kings 22:17 NLT

So the king died, and was brought to Samaria. And they buried the king in Samaria. Then someone washed the chariot at a pool in Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood while the harlots bathed, according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken. 1 Kings 22:37-38 NKJV 

God doesn’t use deceit to accomplish his will, it’s the devil that does that! 

The LORD gave special strength to Elijah. He tucked his cloak into his belt and ran ahead of Ahab’s chariot all the way to the entrance of Jezreel. I Kings 18:46 NLT

Fear and insecurity will drive you to desperation and fatigue.

So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. 1 Kings 19:8 NLT 

When we journey in our own wisdom and strength we will land up confused, exhausted, and lost. 

There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. 1 Kings 19:9 NLT

But the LORD said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.” 1 Kings 19:9-10 NLT

Cave pics! - Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13 NLT

The nearness of God’s presence and the whisper of His voice are the single greatest manifestation of His power and love. 

What are you doing HERE? - - (Cave pictures go here)

Comparison and complaining will land you in a cave when you could be enjoying a mountaintop view! 

Persistence has the power to perpetuate both good and bad decisions.

Cave-time is often the consequence of circumstances beyond our control. - (Mom pic here) 

What are you DOING here?

The cave can be an intimate place to hear Gods voice and learn from His wisdom. 

What are YOU doing here?

Don’t let insecurity rob you of your true identity! 

Then the LORD told him, “Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. 1 Kings 19:15 NLT

Don’t waste time on blame or regret, rather repent and then follow God’s direction and destiny. 

When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet. Anyone who escapes from Hazael will be killed by Jehu, and those who escape Jehu will be killed by Elisha! Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!” 1 Kings 19:15-18 NLT

God called Elijah away from the cave to a life focused on His voice and vision for a amazing future.

So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. 1 Kings 19:19 ESV

POEM

God’s remedy for our lostness is revelation, repentance, restoration, and redemption!

His Call, His Grace, His Glory

His Call 

Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Mark 16:15 ESV

A key to being confident in your call is to submit your call to the crucible of trusted conversation and prayerful consideration.

Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2 CSB 

We are all called to His cause and appointed by God to specific assignments and community..

The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps. Proverbs 16:9 ESV

We don’t have the authority to autonomously determine our alignment or assignment. 

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalm 127:1 ESV

God knows how to bring us together for our good and His glory! 

You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV

Christ-centered relationship is the matrix for a move of God!

Redemption isn’t possible without truth! 

We are called everyday to be with and like Jesus

His Grace!

I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me. 

1 Corinthians 15:9-10 ESV 

It’s God’s Grace that calls us, and it’s His Grace that carries us.

Don’t be a victim or become a bully, but rather recognize that you’re blessed and be a blessing. 

His Glory! 

Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! John 1:29 ESV

It is an absolute honor to live and give our best to the one who gave Himself for us! 

Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power. Revelation 4:11 ESV

We’re a work in progress, but we’re His work and He’s making progress! 

We have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing powers to God and not to us.

2 Corinthians 4:7 ESV 

Stay Aggressive

Stay Aggressive - Stay Together 

Stay Aggressive - Stay Together - Stay Close! - 

May we continue to follow Jesus to deeper relationship, bigger dreams and greater Impact!