“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be

holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it

that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter

root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” Hebrews

12:14, 15

Our spiritual enemy wants to plant small, seeds of offense

that will grow into a root of bitterness.

You can't control what people think about you, what they say

about you, or what they do to you, but with God's help you

can control how you respond.

What is the Problem with Bitterness?

BITTERNESS HAS A DANGEROUS ROOT

See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble.

Hebrews 12:15

Love keeps no record of wrongs.

1 Corinthians 13:5

BITTERNESS HAS A POISONOUS FRUIT

See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble

and defile many.

Hebrews 12:15

“God, please reveal anything that is growing beneath the

surface of my soul, that needs to be pulled up by the roots

and healed by your Spirit.”

How Do We Kill a Root of Bitterness?

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. Ephesians 4:31, 32

Kill Bitterness with Compassion.

Do not be overcome by evil, overcome evil by doing good.

Romans 12:21

Jesus, “Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who

mistreat you.”

Luke 6:28

Kill Bitterness with Forgiveness.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each

other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32

LESS OF WHAT YOU DON’T NEED AND MORE OF WHAT YOU DO!

Part One

Better is one handful with tranquility, than two handfuls with toil, and a chasing after the wind. Ecclesiastes 4:6

Be on your guard against all kinds of greed. Because life does not consist in an abundance of possessions. Luke 12:15

3 THOUGHTS ON ‘ONE HANDFUL IS ENOUGH’

Throw Out

It becomes wrong when your stuff has you. It's wrong when your life is defined by your stuff. It's wrong when you believe that more stuff is actually what you need to be fulfilled and to be happy in life.

Buy Less

Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37

Give More

Command those who are rich not to be arrogant, nor to put their hope in wealth which is so uncertain but put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 1 Timothy 6:17

They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is really life.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19

November 24. 2024

I WANT TO BE BLESSED BY GOD

“For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.”  Matthew 5:45

1.  BELIEVE GOD WANTS TO BLESS YOUR LIFE 

“And God blessed them.”  Genesis 1:28

“For the eyes of the Lord move side to side, backward and forward throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”  2 Chronicles 16:9

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed.”  Romans 8:18

“Blessed is the person who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life” James 1:12

2. THE BLESSED LIFE IS ALGINED WITH GOD’S WORD

“Blessed is the person who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night.  He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither.  IN ALL THAT HE DOES HE PROSPERS.”   Psalm 1:1-3

3. CONSISTANT BLESSINGS COME WITH CONSISTANT OBEDIENCE

Deut. 11:8, “Keep the whole commandment that you may be strong”

Deut. 11:26-28, “See, I am setting before you today a blessing and a curse: the blessing if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God…and the curse, if you do not obey…”

Deut. 28:1, “And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord…God will set you high above all nations’

v.3 you will be blessed in the city

v.4 your womb will be blessed, your fields, your cattle, your flocks

v.5 your food supply

v.6 all your coming and going

v.7 above your enemies

v.8 in all you undertake

Extra reading: Psalm 5:12; 25:10; 115:13

Jesus said, “Teach others to OBEY ALL that I have commanded you” Matthew 28:20

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!”  Malachi 3:10

4. THE DEEPEST BLESSINGS ARE FOUND IN CONNECTION WITH CHRIST

“Yes, 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. 6 Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. 7 But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! 8 When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father. 9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! John 15:5-11

Galatians 3:9, “So then, those who are of faith are blessed”

Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing…”

Feels Like Home-pt 3

The Power of Mission

Jesus said, “…GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.  And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Matthew 28:19, 20 NLT

“Jesus traveled through all the cities and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News…”  Matthew 9:35 NLT

“…the believers who had fled Jerusalem went everywhere preaching the Good News about Jesus.” Acts 8:4 NLT

“But how can they call on Him (Jesus) to save them unless they believe in Him?  And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him?  And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?  And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent?  That is what the scriptures mean when they say, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news.’”  

Romans 10:14, 15 NLT

STORY OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN

Luke 10: 30-35 NLT

HOW TO BE MISSIONARY

Your Mission Begins in Your Heart

“he felt deep pity”  Luke 10:33 NLT  

“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16 NLT

“So everywhere we go, we tell everyone about Christ.” Colossians 1:28 NLT

Your Mission is to Do What You Can

“Kneeling beside him, the Samaritan soothed his wounds with medicine and bandaged them. Then he put the man on his own donkey and took him to an inn, where he took care of him.”  Luke 10:34 NLT

THREE PHILOSOPHIES OF LIFE:

The robber’s: What’s yours is mine and I’ll take it

The traveler’s: What’s mine is mine and I’ll keep it

The Samaritan’s: What’s mine is yours and I’ll give it

Your Mission Outcome Multiplies With Partners

November 10, 2024

FEELS LIKE HOME pt 2

The Power of Service

Jesus said, “For even I, the Son the of Man, came here not to be served, but to serve others, and to give My life as a ransom for many.”  Matthew 20:28 NLT

Christian: Those who are like Christ. 

“Before the Passover celebration, Jesus…now showed the disciples the full extent of His love…the Father had given Him authority over everything…So, He got up from the table, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and poured water into a basin. Then He began to wash the disciple’s feet and to wipe them with the towel He had around Him… (He asked )’Since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.  I have given you an example to follow…You know these things-now do them! That is the path of blessing.” John 13:1-17 NLT

“Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.  Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to His rights as God.  He made Himself nothing; He took the humble position of a slave and appeared in human form.  And in human form He obediently humbled Himself even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross.  Because of this, God raised Him up to the heights of heaven and gave Him a name that is above every other name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-11 NLT

WHY SERVE OTHERS HUMBLY:

1. God hates pride

“God sets Himself against the proud, but He shows favor to the humble.”  James 4:6 NLT

2. There is no real basis for pride

“You will remember your sins and cover your mouth in silence and shame when I forgive you of all that you have done, says the Sovereign Lord.”   Ezekiel 16:63 NLT

“So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God…” 1 Peter 5:6 NLT

3. Humility is the Example of Christ

We don’t ASCEND UP to greatness, we DESCEND, down to greatness. 

4. Humility is necessary to be joyful

“Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself.” Philippians 2:3 NLT

5. Humble service is multiplied

“There are different kinds of service in the church, but it is the same Lord we are serving.  There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through us.  A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.” 1 Corinthians 12:5-7 NLT

TWO WAYS TO GET IN THE GAME:

Do What You Love for the God You Love

Dive in and swim around to find your sweet spot

FEELS LIKE HOME

Part 1

WHAT’S our business and HOW’S business?

“A man prepared a great fest and sent out many invitations.  When all was ready, he sent his servant around to notify the guests that it was time for them to come.  But they all began making excuses…so his master said, ‘Go out into the country lanes and behind hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.”  Luke 14:16-18, 23 NLT

The party is heaven and the church has all the invitations

1. THE LEVEL OF DEDICATION TO THIS PRIMARY TASK OF THE CHURCH MUST RAISE

2. THE LOVE TEMPERATURE OF THE CHURCH MUST RAISE

“Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are MY disciples.”  John 13:35 NLT

They were a caring family- every person mattered

They were a sharing family- every resource was offered

3. THE FREQUENCY OF MY INVITATIONS MUST RAISE

Jesus said, “urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.”   Luke 14: 23 NLT

UNSTUCK: From Fatigue

“Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths will become weak and tired, and young men will fall in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”      Isaiah 40:28-31

WHY DO I GET MORE FATIGUED THAN I SHOULD?

I Carry What I Should Not Carry

“You are going to wear yourself out and the people too.  This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.”  Exodus 18:18

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

If you want to get from here to there, you have to learn to travel light.

2. I Worry When I Should Not Worry

“Give your cares to God because He cares for you.”  1 Peter 5:7

25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 

27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 

31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. 34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.” Matthew 6:25-34

3. I Hurry When I Should Not Hurry

I must plan SPACE in my day, so I can keep a steady PACE in my life.

4. I Work When I Should Not Work

“Remember the Sabbath day” 

Exodus 20:8

“It’s the Lord who renews my strength” Psalm 23:3

“Times of refreshment will come in the presence of the Lord”  Acts 3:20

“Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the almighty.”  Psalm 91:1

“Come to ME, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

Today, I will take inventory of all I carry and will ask God for wisdom to identify what I should no longer carry, and I will lay that burden down.

Today, I will list everything I worry about and will confess that worry diminishes faith and belittles God.  And today, I will place these worries in life into the hands of my loving, powerful God and will refuse to take these worries back.  These are His to handle.

Today, I will examine my schedule and ask God to show me what matters to Him.   I will build into my day extra margin…SPACE so I can live at a PACE that is without hurry and pleasing to Jesus.

Today, I will commit myself to weekly time away from my work and weekly time in relationship with the Lord. I will come to Him to find rest for my soul.

I affirm my desire to no longer live in fatigue, but to begin to live in victory!

Amen

UNSTUCK: Failure

1. EVERY PERSON HAS SOME FAILURE

Romans 3:23 “For everyone has sinned; we ALL fall short of God’s glorious standard.”

2.  EVERY FAILURE HAS WITHIN IT A CHOICE

I’m either going to allow this failure to be HURTFUL and get stuck

OR

I’m going to allow it to be HELPFUL and move forward

How do we choose to let failure block us, stop us, hurt us more and keep us stuck?

--remain in the shame

“They felt no shame.”  Genesis 2:25

“Suddenly they felt shame.”  Genesis 3:7

“God, help me abandon my shameful ways.”   Psalm 119:39

--try on our own power to overcome the failure

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

“Pride goes before destruction, and haughtiness before a fall.”  Proverbs 16:18

“A dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.”  Proverbs 26:11

Choose The Blessing of the Lesson

“And if you fail to learn the lesson and continue in hostility toward Me, says the Lord…”  Leviticus 26:23

“To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.”  Proverbs 12:1

“Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered.”  Hebrews 5:8

What’s the best choice after failure: LEARN THE LESSON AND MOVE ON

“If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.”  Proverbs 24:10

1. EVERYBODY FAILS

2.  INSIDE EVERY FAILURE IS A CHOICE

3. AND IN EVERY RIGHT CHOICE (TO LEARN, GROW, EXPAND, DEVELOP, ELEVATE, BECOME) IS THE LESSON TO LEARN

“Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down.”  Hosea 14

“Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to Me.”  Revelation 2:5

“The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again.”  Proverbs 24:16

Deuteronomy 30- Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life…

Lord, Today, I acknowledge the failures in my life--past, present and future.  

Today, I ask Your forgiveness for those.  Take away all condemnation and shame.  You don’t want me to sit in shame, but rather to live in forgiveness, confidence and joy.

Today, I will assume my responsibility for my choices.  I will choose to find Your lessons, tucked into both the successes and failures of my life.

Help me learn the lessons that I need so that I might fully walk toward and embrace the future You have wonderfully prepared for me.

Lord, I want to discover your plan and purpose for my life.  I’m not perfect, but You are.  Help me on this journey.”  Amen.

UNSTUCK: Comfort Zone

COMFORT ZONES AREN’T ALWAYS COMFORTABLE.

What they really are is FAMILIAR.

“We fix our gaze on the things that cannot be seen.  For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things that we cannot see will last forever.” 2 Corinthians 4:18

The Christian life is many things, but BORING isn’t one of them.

“In the Messiah, Christ, God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade.”  2 Corinthians 2:14 (The Message)

FAMILIARITY IS NOT A SIN UNLESS…

…IT KEEPS ME FROM OBEYING GOD

“My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying the Lord”  Psalm 119:109

…IT KEEPS ME FROM GROWING

“We hope that your faith will grow” 2 Corinthians 10:15

“Grow in every way more and more like Christ.”  Ephesians 4:15

“When your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow” 

James 1:3

…IT KEEPS ME FROM TRUSTING THE LORD

JESUS DESIRES TO LEAD MY LIFE, OFTEN TO THE UNFAMILIAR, BUT ALWAYS TOWARD HIS GOOD PLANS FOR ME.

AND MY RESPONSE?  

I AM TO FOLLOW!

“The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. 2 I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. 3 I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

4 So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed” Genesis 12:1-4

“The Lord is MY shepherd and He LEADS ME…”  Psalm 23:1

“You made me, You created me.  Now give me the sense to follow Your commands.”  Psalm 119:73

“And they left their nets and followed Him.” Matthew 4:20

“Anyone who wants to serve Me must FOLLOW ME.”  John 12:26

Jesus, TODAY, I will trust You more!

Today, If You ask, I will step out of my comfort zone, like Abraham.  

Today, I will resist my natural tendency to seek sameness, predictability, and control.

 

Today, I will step out of my rut and routine.

Today, I will let go of all the temporary things in which I have sought security and give myself to the wind of the Spirit, and Your leadership, Jesus.

Today, I will follow You.

UNSTUCK: From Fear

1. We fear pain--  

2. We fear loss-- 

3. We fear humiliation/embarrassment--  

4. We fear people--

“For God has NOT given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.”  Proverbs 9:10

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ‘FEAR GOD?’

The Fear of the Lord is Reverent Awe

The Fear of the Lord is the Constant Awareness of His Presence

The Fear of the Lord is Being MORE Concerned with What He Thinks and Feels Than What Anyone Else Feels or Thinks

“Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill the body; they cannot do anymore to you after that.  But I’ll tell you whom to fear.  Fear God, who has the power to kill the body and then throw you into hell.”    Luke 12:5

EXAMPLE: Job Chapter One

3 QUESTIONS THAT LEAD TO COURAGEOUS FAITH:

1. Is God Good?

“How kind the Lord is!  How GOOD He is!”   Psalm 116:5

2.  Is God Powerful and Trustworthy?

“God is faithful to do what He says”  

1 Corinthians 1:9

“He is the same yesterday, today and forever.”  Hebrews 13:8

-God is more powerful than all kings 

Daniel 2:37

-God is more powerful than all wealth

Job 24:22

-God is more powerful than death

Psalm 49:15

-God is more powerful than the wicked

Psalm 71:4

-God is more powerful than angels

Psalm 89:7

-God is more powerful than even hell

Romans 8:38

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe Him.”   Ephesians 1:19

3. Will I Trust Him EVEN When Life Hurts?

Here are 3 Stages of Faith:

Early Faith That Falls Easily

Middle Stage Faith That Doesn’t Fall as Easily, but Still Falls Too Frequently

Job’s Faith, the faith of COURAGE

“Though God slays me, YET I WILL TRUST HIM.”  Job 13:15

Psalm 68:35 “God gives POWER AND STRENGTH to His people!”

God is good and trustworthy and powerful!  Therefore, I WILL trust Him today…even if life hurts!