Access Church

“Life is a journey, not a destination.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thankful People are enduring people.

How do I be a thankful person while enduring the highs and lows of life?

1. Know that God is Good

Psalm 107:1  //  Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.

God is good ___ ____ _____ and all the time ___ ___ _____!

2. Consider Christ

Hebrews 12:1-3  //  Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

3. Remember Every Problem is a Lesson

Psalm 119:71  //  It was good for me to be afflicted, so that I might learn your decrees.

What areas of my life do I struggle with endurance?

What can I do daily to remind myself that life is a journey?

Philippians 1:3-6  //  I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Happiness is external.

Joy is internal.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18  //  Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Happiness is based on circumstance.

Joy is based on Christ.

Philippians 4:11  //  ...for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

Happiness happens by chance.

Joy happens by choice.

Deuteronomy 30:19  //  This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.

 

1. Stop asking “why?”

 

John 16:33  //  I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Philippians 1:12  //  Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel.

 

2. Start asking “what?”

 

Philippians 1:13-14  //  As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

Romans 8:28  //  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

 

3. Refocus on what really matters.

 

Philippians 1:15-18  //  It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice.

Philippians 1:21  //  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

2 Timothy 4:18  //  The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

When you know Christ, you’re in a win-win situation.

Thankful people live with a different perspective.

Life's struggles end where gratitude begins.

Thankful people are generous people.

Generosity is the best way to live.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

We have a generous God.

Psalm 100:5 MSG  //  For God is sheer beauty, all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.

Psalm 145:16 MSG  //  Generous to a fault, you lavish your favor on all creatures.

Romans 10:11-13 MSG  //  Scripture reassures us, “No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it.” It’s exactly the same no matter what a person’s religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. “Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help.”

Deuteronomy 15:10-11 MSG //  Give freely and spontaneously. Don’t have a stingy heart. The way you handle matters like this triggers God, your God’s, blessing in everything you do, all your work and ventures. There are always going to be poor and needy people among you. So I command you: Always be generous, open purse and hands, give to your neighbors in trouble, your poor and hurting neighbors.

Open Heart - A desire to help others.

Open Hand - Giving my time, gifts, and money to help others.

Isaiah 32:8 NLT //  But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.

1 Timothy 6:17 NLT //  Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.

What is Living Generously?

1. We live for a YES

Philippians 4:8-9 MSG //  Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.

2. We continually sow seeds.

Luke 6:37-38 MSG //  Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.

3. We attract people to God.

Matthew 5:14-16 MSG //  Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

4. We receive more than we can imagine.

Proverbs 11:24-25 MSG //  The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV  //  For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

How do I respond to fear?

1. Stop trying to control what you cannot control.

Matthew 6:25-27  //  Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

Psalm 46:1  //  God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:10-11  //  He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Be Still = Cease Striving

We don’t cease striving because we know how it will all work out, but because we know the God who will work it out.

Better than knowing the outcome is knowing God.

2. Look Back.

2 Chronicles 20:3 NLT  //  Jehoshaphat was terrified by this news and begged the LORD for guidance. He also ordered everyone in Judah to begin fasting.

Celebrate God’s faithfulness in your past or you won’t trust him with your future.

3. Pray about everything

Philippians 4:6-7  //  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7  //  Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Cast it because you weren’t mean to carry it.

Matthew 11:28  //  Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.

Past trauma has caused many of us to be STUCK.

Luke 8:43-48 MSG  //  In the crowd that day there was a woman who for twelve years had been afflicted with hemorrhages. She had spent every penny she had on doctors but not one had been able to help her. She slipped in from behind and touched the edge of Jesus’ robe. At that very moment her hemorrhaging stopped. Jesus said, “Who touched me?” When no one stepped forward, Peter said, “But Master, we’ve got crowds of people on our hands. Dozens have touched you.” Jesus insisted, “Someone touched me. I felt power discharging from me.”

When the woman realized that she couldn’t remain hidden, she knelt trembling before him. In front of all the people, she blurted out her story — why she touched him and how at that same moment she was healed. Jesus said, “Daughter, you took a risk trusting me, and now you’re healed and whole. Live well, live blessed!”

Brokenness brought her shame

Brokenness isolated her

Brokenness stole her hope

When we’re hurt, we lose TRUST.

Jesus called her BRAVE

Jesus called her DAUGHTER

Jesus made her HEALED and WHOLE

Wholeness is being HEALED and being WELL.

Luke 17:1, 3-5  //  Jesus said to his disciples: “Things that cause people to stumble are bound to come, so watch yourselves. “If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

What do you do when you’re really hurt?

Forgiveness is not:

Minimizing the seriousness of the offense.

Reconciliation.

Forgetting what happened.

Forgiveness is a one player game.

Why don’t we forgive?

We don’t think it’s fair.

We don’t think we can do it.

We don’t feel like it.

Matthew 18:21-35  //  Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Philippians 4:13  //  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Choices lead, feelings follow. Forgiveness is a choice.

How do I respond?

Pray for them.

Bless them.

Do good to them.

Matthew 5:43-44  //  “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”

Luke 6:27-28  //  But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Romans 12:14  //  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

Romans 12:17-21  //  Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Ephesians 4:31-32  //  Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Forgiven people forgive people.

Why can’t I forgive myself?

1 John 1:9 ESV // If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Corinthians 7:10 // Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

Luke 22:59-62 // About an hour later another asserted, “Certainly this fellow was with him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 Peter replied, “Man, I don’t know what you’re 61 talking about!” Just as he was speaking, the rooster crowed. The Lord turned and looked straight at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word the Lord had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows today, you will disown me three times.” 62 And he went outside and wept bitterly.

Guilt says, “I did something bad.”

Shame says, “I am bad.”

The devil wants to use your shame to drive you away from God.

God wants to use your guilt to draw you to His grace.

You can’t change your past, but God can change your future.

Philippians 1:6 // … being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Psalm 103:1-3 // Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases.

Isaiah 53:5 // 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.

1 Peter 2:24 // He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Mark 2:1-12 // A few days later, when Jesus again entered Capernaum, the people heard that he had come home. They gathered in such large numbers that there was no room left, not even outside the door, and he preached the word to them. Some men came, bringing to him a paralyzed man, carried by four of them. Since they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they made an opening in the roof above Jesus by digging through it and then lowered the mat the man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”

1. What you suffer from does not define who you are.

8.7 million Americans had suicidal thoughts in the last year.

2.5 million made plans to kill themselves.

1.1 million attempted suicide.

14.8 million adults struggle with anxiety every year

Identity is the truest thing about you.

2 Corinthians 5:17 // Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

2. We all need one another.

John 13:34-35 // A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.

Love one another

Be devoted to one another

Honor one another

Live in harmony with one another

Build up one another

Accept one another

Care for one another

Serve one another

Bear one another's burdens

Forgive one another

Be patient with one another

Confess to one another

Who are you carrying?

Who is carrying you?

3. We all need to go to Jesus.

Acts 4:12 // Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

Why do we care about mental health?

It is Biblical

Jesus cared about the body, mind, and spirit.

Matthew 9:35 KJV  //  And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

Matthew 22:37  //  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’

It is Historical

It is Personal

1 in 5 adults are currently experiencing mental health challenges.

1 in 5 kids experience mental health issues in childhood.

11% of teenagers are currently battling depression.

In June, 40% of US Adults reported struggling with Mental Health or Substance Abuse.

It doesn’t mean that you are not deeply connected to God. It just means you’re human.

Worship creates a shift of responsibility.

1 Kings 19  //  Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said “Get up and eat.”  6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” 11 The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

If you can accomplish the dream of God for your life alone, it’s not the dream of God.