Bakersfield First Assembly

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) – [5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

Trust (batach) means to hie (to go quickly or in haste) for refuge; to be confident or sure; to be bold or secure; to confide in. (Multiple Sources)

1. Trust in the LORD instills confidence.

2. Trust in the LORD inspires hope.

3. Trust in the LORD requires waiting.

4. Trust in the LORD removes shame.

5. Trust in the LORD overcomes fear.

6. Trust in the LORD brings blessing.

Proverbs 16:20 (NIV) – [20] Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and BLESSED is he who TRUSTS in the Lord.

Psalms 84:10-12 (NIV) – [10] Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. [11] For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. [12] O LORD Almighty, BLESSED is the man who TRUSTS in you.

7. Trust in the LORD requires surrender.

The word translated “trust” in verse 5 means “to lie helpless, facedown.” It pictures a servant waiting for the master’s command in readiness to obey, or a defeated soldier yielding himself to the conquering general. (Wiersbe Commentary)

Psalms 31:14-15 (NIV) – [14] But I TRUST in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.” [15] My times are in your hands…

8. Trust in the LORD’s unfailing love.

…the cause for hope is not in one’s merit with God or in some sort of “tit-for-tat” arrangement, but only because of God’s [unfailing love], his unswerving loyalty, his gracious kindness. (Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament)

Psalms 13:5-6 (NIV) – [5] But I TRUST in your UNFAILING LOVE; my heart rejoices in your salvation. [6] I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me.

9. Trust in the LORD answers prayer.

1 Chronicles 5:20 (NIV) – [20] They were helped in fighting them, and God handed the Hagrites and all their allies over to them, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they TRUSTED in him.

10. Trust in the LORD brings peace.

Isaiah 26:3-4 (NIV) – [3] You will keep in perfect PEACE him whose mind is steadfast, because he TRUSTS in you. [4] TRUST in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord, is the Rock eternal.

The Book of Job

“The Question of the Ages—Why?”

Job 3:11-26 (NIV) – [11] “Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? [12] Why were there knees to receive me and breasts that I might be nursed? [13] For now I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest [14] with kings and counselors of the earth, who built for themselves places now lying in ruins, [15] with rulers who had gold, who filled their houses with silver. [16] Or why was I not hidden in the ground like a stillborn child, like an infant who never saw the light of day? [17] There the wicked cease from turmoil, and there the weary are at rest. [18] Captives also enjoy their ease; they no longer hear the slave driver’s shout. [19] The small and the great are there, and the slave is freed from his master. [20] Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, [21] to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure, [22] who are filled with gladness and rejoice when they reach the grave? [23] Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? [24] For sighing comes to me instead of food; my groans pour out like water. [25] What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me. [26] I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.”

Bitterness of the Soul

Bitterness (marah) means strong feelings of hurt, hatred, and resentment toward someone from a sense of being injured or offended; it is the result of prolonged, unresolved anger or disappointment.

Job 3:20 (NIV) – [20] Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul…

1. Only we can allow bitterness into our souls.

Job 7:11 (NIV) – [11] “Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 10:1 (NIV) – [1] “I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.

2. Bitterness can be the cause of complaining.

Job 21:23-25 (NIV) – [23] One man dies in full vigor, completely secure and at ease, [24] his body well nourished, his bones rich with marrow. [25] Another man dies in bitterness of soul, never having enjoyed anything good.

3. Bitterness is expressed in envy.

Job 27:2 (NIV) – [2] “As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made me taste bitterness of soul…

4. Feelings of injustice is a root of bitterness.

Ezekiel 27:31 (NIV) – [31] They will shave their heads because of you and will put on sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and with bitter mourning.

5. Unresolved grief can give way to bitterness.

3-5-6

TRUST in the LORD

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) – [5] Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths.

1. Trust in the LORD instills confidence.

Trust (batach) means to hie (to go quickly or in haste) for refuge; to be confident or sure; to be bold or secure; to confide in. (Multiple Sources)

Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV) – [7] “But blessed is the man who TRUSTS in the Lord, whose CONFIDENCE is in him. [8] He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

2. Trust in the LORD inspires hope.

“The man who believes God is he who having received a revelation from Him, realizes it, and accepts it as true. The man who trusts God is he who casts all his hopes for the present and future on God.” (Synonyms of the Old Testament)

Romans 15:13 (NIV) – [13] May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you TRUST in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Trust in the LORD requires waiting.

Psalms 33:20-22 (NIV) – [20] We WAIT in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. [21] In him our hearts rejoice, for we TRUST in his holy name. [22] May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.

Psalms 40:1-3 (NIV) – [1] I WAITED patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. [2] He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. [3] He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their TRUST in the Lord.

4. Trust in the LORD removes shame.

Psalms 25:1-3 (NIV) – [1] To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul; [2] in you I TRUST, O my God. Do not let me be put to SHAME, nor let my enemies triumph over me. [3] No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to SHAME, but they will be put to SHAME who are treacherous without excuse.

5. Trust in the LORD overcomes fear.

Isaiah 12:2 (NIV) – [2] Surely God is my salvation; I will TRUST and not be AFRAID. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation.

Psalms 56:3-4 (NIV) – [3] When I am AFRAID, I will TRUST in you. [4] In God, whose word I praise, in God I TRUST; I will not be AFRAID. What can mortal man do to me?

SEEK FIRST

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) – [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not WORRY about your life… [33] …But SEEK FIRST his kingdom and his RIGHTEOUSNESS and all these things will be given to you as well.

Winning Against Worry

-Seek His Face

-Seek His Kingdom

-Seek His Righteousness

Righteousness (dikaiosune) means integrity, virtue, purity of life, uprightness; correctness in thinking, feeling, and acting: (Thayer’s Greek Lexicon)

1. Righteousness is from God.

2. Righteousness is a gift.

3. Righteousness is by faith.

4. Righteousness must be pursued.

2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV) – [22] Flee the evil desires of youth, and PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

5. Righteousness is imputed.

“The word ‘imputation,’ according to the Scriptural usage, denotes an attributing of something to a person, or a charging of one with anything, or a setting of something to one’s account.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia)

Philemon 18 (NIV) – [18] If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

God accounts or transfers the righteousness of Christ to those who trust in Him. We do not become righteous because of our inherent goodness; God sees us as righteous because of our identification by faith with His Son. (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) – [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the RIGHTEOUSNESS of God.

6. Righteousness is sown and reaped.

Hosea 10:12-13 (NIV) – [12] Sow for yourselves RIGHTEOUSNESS, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the LORD, until he comes and showers RIGHTEOUSNESS on you. [13] But you have planted wickedness, you have reaped evil, you have eaten the fruit of deception. Because you have depended on your own strength and on your many warriors.

Proverbs 11:18 (NIV) – [18] The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows RIGHTEOUSNESS reaps a sure reward.

7. Righteousness results in peace.

James 3:18 (NIV) – [18] Peacemakers who sow in PEACE raise a harvest of RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Isaiah 32:17 (NIV) – [17] The fruit of RIGHTEOUSNESS will be PEACE; the effect of RIGHTEOUSNESS will be quietness and confidence forever.

8. Righteousness will be rewarded.

1 Samuel 26:23 (NIV) – [23] The LORD REWARDS every man for his RIGHTEOUSNESS and faithfulness.

Psalms 18:24 (NIV) – [24] The LORD has REWARDED me according to my RIGHTEOUSNESS, according to the cleanness of my hands in his sight.

Bakersfield First Assembly

SEEK FIRST

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) – [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not WORRY about your life… 33] But SEEK FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well.

HOW TO OVERCOME WORRY:

-Seek First His Face

-Seek First His Kingdom

-Seek First His Righteousness

Seek (zeteo) means to strive after, to desire, to look for, to strive to find, to try to gain, to aim for; to inquire, to ask; to investigate, to study, to consider; to seek in order to find out by thinking, meditating, and reasoning.

Isaiah 64:6 (NIV) – [6] All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our RIGHTEOUS acts are like filthy rags…

Righteousness (dikaiosune) means integrity, virtue, purity of life, uprightness, correctness in thinking, feeling, and acting: (Thayer's Greek Lexicon)

1 John 3:7 (NIV) – [7] Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.

1. Righteousness is from God.

Psalms 119:137-138 (NIV) – [137] Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right. [138] The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.

Romans 3:10 (NIV) – [10] As it is written: “There is no one righteous, not even one.”

Romans 3:22-23 (NIV) – [22] This RIGHTEOUSNESS FROM GOD comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, [23] for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

2. Righteousness is a gift.

Romans 5:17 (NIV) – [17] For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the GIFT of RIGHTEOUSNESS reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

3. Righteousness is by faith.

Romans 1:17 (NIV) – [17] For in the gospel a RIGHTEOUSNESS from God is revealed, a RIGHTEOUSNESS that is by FAITH from first to last, just as it is written: “The RIGHTEOUS will live by faith.”

4. Righteousness is pursued.

2 Timothy 2:22 (NIV) – [22] Flee the evil desires of youth, and PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

5. Righteousness is imputed.

Philemon 18 (NIV) – [18] If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

God accounts or transfers the righteousness of Christ to those who trust in Him. We do not become righteous because of our inherent goodness; God sees us as righteous because of our identification by faith with His Son. (Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary)

2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) – [21] God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

The Question of the Ages—Why?

The Darkness of Depression & Despair

Job 3:1-10 (NIV) – [1] After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. [2] He said: [3] “May the day of my birth perish, and the night it was said, ‘A boy is born!’ [4] That day—may it turn to darkness; may God above not care about it; may no light shine upon it. [5] May darkness and deep shadow claim it once more; may a cloud settle over it; may blackness overwhelm its light. [6] That night—may thick darkness seize it; may it not be included among the days of the year nor be entered in any of the months. [7] May that night be barren; may no shout of joy be heard in it. [8] May those who curse days curse that day, those who are ready to rouse Leviathan. [9] May its morning stars become dark; may it wait for daylight in vain and not see the first rays of dawn, [10] for it did not shut the doors of the womb on me to hide trouble from my eyes.

1. Depression and despair affect what we say.

a. When Job spoke immediately after his loss, he was full of faith.

b. However, when Job speaks now, his tone has dramatically changed.

2. Depression and despair can distort our perspective.

a. Job’s feelings have affected his faith.

b. It is not necessarily a sin to pour out your heart.

c. God can handle our honest feelings as long as we still revere Him.

3. Despair can cause us to show contempt for our lives.

4. Depression and despair bring a deep darkness to the soul.

a. It can be a spiritual oppression, demonic in origin.

b. Some depression is psychological, some physiological, but some is also spiritual.

c. Praise and worship are a remedy for spiritual depression.

Isaiah 61:3 (NIV) – [3] and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise

instead of a spirit of despair.

d. Spiritual warfare is another remedy against spiritual depression and despair.

Ephesians 6:10-13, 18 (NIV) – [10] Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [11] Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. [12] For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. [13] Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand… [18] And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

5. Depression and despair must be resisted to be overcome.

a. Despair is something we can’t surrender to; we must fight it in the spirit.

b. We fight it through worship, through taking our stand, by putting on the armor of God, speaking God’s Word and by praying in the Spirit.

6. Depression and despair can lead to hopelessness.

a. Hope sustains us when all else has failed us.

Romans 5:3-5 (NIV) – [3] Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.

Romans 4:18 (NIV) – [18] Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”

b. The way to keep from losing all hope is to keep believing.

7. Depression and despair blind us to all the good we have in life.

a. Life without problems is not real life.

b. Peace in life comes not through an absence of suffering, but through an acceptance of God’s will for your life.

c. While we would prefer to avoid trouble, often times it is trouble that brings us closer to God.

2 Corinthians 1:8-11 (NIV) – [8] We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. [9] Indeed, in our hearts we felt the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. [10] He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, [11] as you help us by your prayers. Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

8. Depression and despair are the result of relying on ourselves and trusting in our own understanding.

9. Depression and despair can drive one into isolation, which is the opposite of what they need

cts 2:42-47 (NIV) – [42] They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. [44] All the believers were TOGETHER and had everything in common. [45] Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet TOGETHER in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate TOGETHER with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

o Christianity is a Team Sport

Motto: "better TOGETHER"

Vision: "Living and Loving Life TOGETHER in Jesus"

1. Worship Together

Matthew 18:19-20 (NIV) – [19] “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. [20] For where two or three come TOGETHER in my name, there am I with them.”

Acts 1:14 (NIV) – [14] The disciples] all joined TOGETHER constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) – [1] When the day of Pentecost came, they were all TOGETHER in one place. [2] Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. [3] They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. [4] All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

2. Fellowship Together

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) – [24] And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting TOGETHER, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

1 John 1:3 (NIV) – [3] We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have FELLOWSHIP with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

3. Serve Together

Ephesians 2:21-22 (NIV) – [21] In him the whole building is joined TOGETHER and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built TOGETHER to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

Ephesians 4:15-16 (NLT) – [15] Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. [16] He makes the whole body fit TOGETHER perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

The 96/15 Challenge

- WELCOME the LORD with Worship

- WAIT upon the LORD and Listen

- Read the WORD of God

- Release your WORRIES to Jesus

Matthew 6:25-34 (NIV) – [25] “Therefore I tell you, do not WORRY about your life… [33] But SEEK FIRST his kingdom

1. The Kingdom of God is ETERNAL.

2. The Kingdom of God is CONDITIONAL.

a. Repentance

b. Change

c. Humility

d. Being Born Again

e. Doing God’s Will

3. The Kingdom of God is NEAR.

4. The Kingdom of God is INTERNAL.

Luke 17:20-21 (AMP) – [20] Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied to them by saying, The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display, [21] Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].

“The Pharisees asked when God’s Kingdom would come, not knowing that it had already arrived. The Kingdom of God is not like an earthly kingdom with geographical boundaries. Instead, it begins with the work of God’s Spirit in people’s lives and in relationships. We must resist looking to institutions or programs for evidence of the progress of God’s Kingdom. Instead, we should look for what God is doing in people’s hearts.” (Life Application Bible Notes)

Romans 14:17 (NIV) – [17] For the KINGDOM of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

“Not the EXTERNALS, but the ETERNALS must be first in our lives: righteousness, peace, and joy. Where do they come from? The Holy Spirit of God at work in our lives. If each believer would yield to the Spirit and major in a godly life, we would not have Christians fighting with each other over minor matters. Spiritual priorities are essential to harmony in the church.” (Wiersbe Commentary)

5. The Kingdom of God is POWERFUL.

1 Corinthians 4:18-20 (NIV) – [18] Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. [19] But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. [20] For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.

“After all, it is power that counts, for the kingdom of God is not concerned principally with words but with action. It does not consist of profession, but of reality.” (Believer’s Bible Commentary)

6. The Kingdom of God is UNSHAKABLE.

Hebrews 12:26-29 (NLT) – [26] When God spoke from Mount Sinai his voice shook the earth, but now he makes another promise: “Once again I will shake not only the earth but the heavens also.” [27] This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain. [28] Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. [29] For our God is a devouring fire.

7. The Kingdom of God is INHERITED.

Matthew 25:31-34 (NIV) – [31] “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. [32] All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. [33] He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. [34] “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’”

“Rewards in the kingdom of heaven are given to those who serve without thought of reward. There is no hint of merit here, for God gives out of grace, not debt.” (NIV Study Bible Notes)

WALKING IN YOUR GOD-GIVEN

AUTHORITY

THE EARLY CHURCH WAS EFFECTIVE!

Acts 2:41 Three thousand were added to the church.

Acts 2:47 Every single day people were getting saved.

Acts 4:4 The Church grew to five thousand believers.

Acts 5:28 Christians filled all Jerusalem with the gospel.

Acts 6:7 Disciples multiplied greatly.

Acts 13:44 Almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.

“…they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting,

“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,” Acts 17:6

ESV

“I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy…” Luke 10:19 NLT

1) YOU HAVE AUTHORITY OVER SIN

Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law.

Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace. Romans 6:14 NLT

“…sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” Gen. 4:7

NASB

2) YOU HAVE AUTHORITY OVER SICKNESS AND DISEASE

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,

who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, Psalm 103:2-3 ESV

3) YOU HAVE AUTHORITY OVER POVERTY

4) YOU HAVE AUTHORITY OVER THE SPIRIT OF DIVORCE

5) YOU HAVE AUTHORITY TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN YOUR CALLING

The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the

home of his Egyptian master. Genesis 39:2 NLT

Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in

everything he did. Genesis 39:3 NLT

The warden had no more worries because Joseph took care of everything.

The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.

Genesis 39:23 NLT

EVERYTHING IN THE KINGDOM IS UNLOCKED THROUGH FAITH,

EVERYTHING IS RECEIVED THROUGH FAITH

“Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” Luke 8:46

NLT

1) SHE KEPT BELIEVING,

2) SHE TOOK HER HEALING

3) JESUS SAID YOUR FAITH MADE YOU WHOLE, NOT MY FAITH

4) SHE TOUCHED THE HEM OF HIS ROBE (she got in proximity of Jesus)

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners;

purify your hearts, for your loyalty, is divided between God and the world.” James 4:8

NLT

“His father said to him, ‘Look, dear son, you have always stayed by me, and everything I

have is yours. Luke 15:31 NLT