Bay Chapel

Pastor Wes Morris

Proverbs 4:7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.

Proverbs 9:9 Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.

Proverbs‬ 14‬:‭4‬ Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox.

The wise see the hard work and the mess, but they also see the harvest ahead.

✓ Avoidance - What messy or difficult thing(s) do you tend to avoid?

✓ Hide - What current life problems/mess do you hide from others?

✓ Ease - How do you choose what feels easy over what feels difficult?

“Unpleasant work is necessary for a harvest.” - The Faithlife Study Bible

1. Embrace the Difficult

James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

2. Embrace the Mess

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap [a harvest], if we do not give up.

Wisdom, Pt. 11 | November 17, 2024
Pastor Wes Morris 

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

II Corinthians 8:6-7 (NLT) So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us - I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.

√ Generosity is a matter of the heart.

II Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

Matthew 6:21 (NLT) Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

√ Giving is what we do.  
   Generous is who we are.

II Corinthians 8:1-2 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

I. TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S BLESSING IN MY LIFE.

Acts 20:35 (NIV) . . . the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

II. IT PROTECTS ME FROM A SELFISH LIFE.

Proverbs 11:24 (NLT) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller. 

III. IT POINTS PEOPLE TO JESUS.

II Corinthians 9:11 (NLT) You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 

IV. TO HEAR GOD SAY, “WELL DONE”.

Matthew 25:23 (NIV) “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” 

Pastor Wes Morris 

Proverbs 4:1-7 (TLB) Young men, listen to me as you would to your father. Listen, and grow wise, for I speak the truth—don’t turn away. For I, too, was once a son, tenderly loved by my mother as an only child, and the companion of my father. 

He told me never to forget his words. “If you follow them,” he said, “you will have a long and happy life. Learn to be wise,” he said, “and develop good judgment and common sense! I cannot overemphasize this point.” Cling to wisdom—she will protect you. Love her—she will guard you.

Getting wisdom is the most important thing you can do! And with your wisdom, develop common sense and good judgment.

James 1:2-4 (TLB) Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

√ Choices

√ Habits

√ Automatic

√ Identity

√ Nature

II Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

I. I’M CHOOSING GOD’S PLAN FOR MY LIFE. 

I Timothy 4:12 (NLT) Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.

II. I’M CHOOSING TO WALK IN PURITY.

II Timothy 2:22 (NLT) 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.

III. I’M CHOOSING TO FIND MY IDENTITY IN CHRIST.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT) For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Fall Family Day | November 3, 2024
Pastor Wes Morris 
Proverbs 13:20 (MSG) Become wise by walking with the wise; hang out with fools and watch your life fall to pieces.

Proverbs 27:19 (TLB) A mirror reflects a man’s face, but what he is really like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses.

Proverbs 17:17 (NIV) A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.


✓ WE LIVE IN AN ISOLATED WORLD.

Genesis 2:18 (NIV) The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Genesis 2:20 (NIV) Still there was no companion for him. 

Genesis 2:23 “At last!” the man exclaimed.


✓ WE’VE BEEN HURT BY PEOPLE WE LOVE.


✓ WE STRUGGLE WITH SELFISHNESS.

Philippians 2:5-7 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant...



BETTER TOGETHER

I. WE CARE FOR EACH OTHER. 

John 13:12-15 (NIV) When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me `Teacher' and `Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Galatians 6:2 (NIV) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.


II. WE STRIVE FOR UNITY.

Romans 12:18 (NIV) If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

John 17:21 (NIV) My prayer for all of them is that they will be of one heart and mind, just as you and I are, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.

Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV) Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.


III. WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER.

Hebrews 3:13 (NIV) But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.

I Thessalonians 5:11 (MSG) Speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it. 

Wisdom, Pt. 8 | October 27, 2024
Pastor Bria Gilmore

Proverbs 4:7 (ESV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight.

Proverbs 13:3 (NASB) One who guards his mouth protects his life; One who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Wisdom says be careful with the weapon you’re carrying because it is powerful!

Proverbs 18:21 (NASB) Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.


James 3:7-10 (NASB) For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one among mankind can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, these things should not be this way.
 
WISE WORDS
 
1.  Wise words bring healing.

Proverbs 12:18 (NASB) There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, But the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Are my words mending or breaking what’s around me? Are they healing or hurting?

2. Wise words bring life.

Proverbs 15:4 (NASB) A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.

What in my life is thriving and what is dying? What words have shaped those things?

3. Wise words come from good stewards.

Matthew 12:36 (NASB) But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment.

How am I stewarding the breath of God inside of me?
 
We Pray:

Psalm 141:3 (NASB) Set a guard, Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.


Psalm 19:14 (ESV) Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Pastor Wes Morris 

Proverbs 3:1-6 (NLT) My child, never forget the things I have taught you. Store my commands in your heart. If you do this, you will live many years, and your life will be satisfying. Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

Genesis 22:1-14 (NLT) Some time later, God tested Abraham’s faith. “Abraham!” God called.

✓  WE LEARN TO TRUST GOD IN THE TRIALS. 

“Yes,” he replied. “Here I am.” “Take your son, your only son—yes, Isaac, whom you love so much—and go to the land of Moriah. Go and sacrifice him as a burnt offering on one of the mountains, which I will show you.”

The next morning Abraham got up early. He saddled his donkey and took two of his servants with him, along with his son, Isaac. Then he chopped wood for a fire for a burnt offering and set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day of their journey, Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. 

✓  THE DEPTH OF OUR FAITH IS REVEALED WHEN WE ARE TESTED. 

“Stay here with the donkey,” Abraham told the servants. “The boy and I will travel a little farther. We will worship there, and then we will come right back.” So Abraham placed the wood for the burnt offering on Isaac’s shoulders, while he himself carried the fire and the knife. 

As the two of them walked on together, Isaac turned to Abraham and said, “Father?” “Yes, my son?” Abraham replied. “We have the fire and the wood,” the boy said, “but where is the sheep for the burnt offering?” “God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.

When they arrived at the place where God had told him to go, Abraham built an altar and arranged the wood on it. Then he tied his son, Isaac, and laid him on the altar on top of the wood. And Abraham picked up the knife to kill his son as a sacrifice. At that moment the angel of the Lord called to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!”

“Yes,” Abraham replied. “Here I am!” “Don’t lay a hand on the boy!” the angel said. “Do not hurt him in any way, for now I know that you truly fear God. You have not withheld from me even your son, your only son.”

Then Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in a thicket. So he took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering in place of his son. Abraham named the place Yahweh-Yireh (which means “the Lord will provide”).

✓  TRIALS STRENGTHEN OUR FAITH AND DRAW US CLOSER TO GOD.

I. SURRENDER TO GOD’S PLAN AND PROCESS.

James 1:3-4 (TLB) Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. So let it grow, and don’t try to squirm out of your problems. For when your patience is finally in full bloom, then you will be ready for anything, strong in character, full and complete.

II. RECOGNIZE HOW GOD IS WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF IT.

II Corinthians 1:8-10 (MSG) We don’t want you in the dark, friends, about how hard it was when all this came down on us in Asia province. It was so bad we didn’t think we were going to make it. We felt like we’d been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totall

 Wisdom, Pt. 6 | October 6, 2024
Pastor Wes Morris

Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

Proverbs 19:11 (MSG) Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget.

Matthew 5:11-12 (NLT) God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.

 
✓ A Hard Heart

Proverbs 18:19 (TLB) It is harder to win back the friendship of an offended brother than to capture a fortified city. His anger shuts you out like iron bars.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 (NLT) The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the Lord, search all hearts and examine secret motives.

✓ Selective Memory

✓ A Victim Mentality


HELP, I’M OFFENDED
 

I. CHOOSE TO OVERLOOK THE OFFENSE.

Proverbs 10:12 (CEV) Hatred stirs up trouble; love overlooks the wrongs that others do.

Love looks past the behavior and has compassion for the pain in their life. 

 

II. KEEP MY HEART FREE FROM UNFORGIVENESS.

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

Romans 12:17-20 (NIV) 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. 


III. CHOOSE TO LOVE, EVEN WHEN IT HURTS.

John 13:1 (NIV) It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

I Corinthians 13:7-8 (ESV) Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. 

Wisdom, Pt. 4 | September 22, 2024
Pastor Wes Morris 

Pastor Wes Morris

Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.

✓ THE SIMPLE

Proverbs 7:7 (NIV) I saw among the simple, I noticed among the young men, a youth who had no sense. 

✓ THE FOOL

Proverbs 10:8 (NLT) The wise are glad to be instructed, but babbling fools fall flat on their faces.

✓ THE MOCKER

Proverbs 9:7-8 (NIV) Whoever corrects a mocker invites insults; whoever rebukes the wicked incurs abuse. Do not rebuke mockers or they will hate you.

✓ THE WISE

I Kings 3:7-12 (MSG) God, my God, you have made me, your servant, ruler of the kingdom in place of David my father. I’m too young for this, a mere child! I don’t know the ropes, hardly know the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of this job. And here I am, set down in the middle of the people you’ve chosen, a great people—far too many to ever count.

“Here’s what I want: Give me a God-listening heart so I can lead your people well, discerning the difference between good and evil. For who on their own is capable of leading your glorious people?”

God, the Master, was delighted with Solomon’s response. And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this and haven’t grasped after a long life, or riches, or the doom of your enemies, but you have asked for the ability to lead and govern well, I’ll give you what you’ve asked for—I’m giving you a wise and mature heart. 

I. THE FEAR OF THE LORD.

Proverbs 9:10 (TLB) The reverence and fear of God are basic to all wisdom. Knowing God results in every other kind of understanding.

Luke 1:50 (NIV) His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

II. A DISCERNING SPIRIT.

I John 4:1 (MSG) My dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Carefully weigh and examine what people tell you. Not everyone who talks about God comes from God.

III. A HEART OF SURRENDER.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Pastor Manny Rosario, Convoy of Hope

Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT) Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write then deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.

I. LOYALTY THAT PREPARES YOU FOR DESTINY

II. FAITHFULNESS THAT PRODUCES A PROMISE

III. A REPUTATION THAT HELPS OTHERS

1. Build Supportive Relationships: Be a source of encouragement and support, helping those around you grow and succeed. 

2. Practice Radical Generosity: Trust that your acts of kindness and generosity will lead to profound impacts and blessings. 

3. Maintain Faithfulness in Adversity: Remain loyal to God and kind to others, trusting that your faithfulness will lead to favor and blessings.