Matthew 26:31-35- Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 32 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.” 33 Peter replied, “Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.” 34 “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” 35 But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same.  Luke 22:31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.”  In biblical times, wheat or other grain was sifted through a sieve or large strainer. As it was shaken violently, the dirt and other impurities that clung to the grain during the threshing process would separate from the good, usable grain.  

The intent of sifting is not that anyone would be ________, but that all would be __________.  

How do we know when we are being Sifted?  

Being sifted does not mean that you have lost your way, in fact, it probably means the opposite.   

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.”  The enemy of our souls wants to take your salvation, and damage the witness you are for Christ.   

1 Peter 5:8 - Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.   

Luke 24:9-12 9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. 12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.  We have to allow the sifting process to _________ us.  

“The Danger of Isolation is much greater than the risk of Intimacy” - Steven Furtick  

John 21:1-3 Afterward Jesus appeared again to his disciples, by the Sea of Galilee. It happened this way: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.  

Your Pain can either ___________ you or ___________ you  

We have to allow God to turn our __________ into ____________  

John 21:15 - 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”  

Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze”

Here is what I know about what’s next   

1. There will be blessing in the next season  

“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”  Psalms 34:8 NIV  

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7–8 NIV  

“These are the commands, decrees, and regulations that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you. You must obey them in the land you are about to enter and occupy, and you and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life. Listen closely, Israel, and be careful to obey. Then all will go well with you, and you will have many children in the land flowing with milk and honey, just as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, promised you.”  Deuteronomy 6:1–3 NLT  

“For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with brooks, streams, and deep springs gushing out into the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.”  Deuteronomy 8:7–9 NIV  

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”  Matthew 6:33 NLT  

2. There will be challenges in the next season  “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””  John 16:33 NIV   

“Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me.   

“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” John 12:24–28

3. Some of our biggest blessings will come from our biggest challenges in the next season

“Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! The deserts will become as green as the mountains of Lebanon, as lovely as Mount Carmel or the plain of Sharon. There the Lord will display his glory, the splendor of our God.”  Isaiah 35:1–2 NLT  

“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 NIV

Thank you for asking, now -- here's our response! Relationship Priorities are coming your way. 

If you're not dependent on God and secure in your relationship with the Lord, it will create insecurity, codependency and issues in your relationships.

Where does your sufficiency come from? Are you looking for relationships to "complete" you?

In a Healthy Marriage Relationship:

1. Needs are met by God.

Both spouses serve one another and add value to one another. 

2. Active Communication

Timing is so important, and a listening ear to receive it. 

Model open communication for your family, start with 15 minutes a day. Go on walks to talk

Marriage Checkup: 7 - 7 - 7

Ask these questions:

3. Committed

Love is a commitment, feelings follow actions. Don't base your life on feelings. Put in the work. Take "divorce" out of your vocabulary as a threat. Prepare, read, continue to learn.

Continue to study your spouse as they grow and change throughout their life. 

Resources:

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage: Mark Gungor

Today we are joined by Pastor Justin Dailey of Action Church to bring the Word of God to Coastal Community Church.  

Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  

1. Revival of His Presence  

Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting 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.  

1 Chronicles 4:10 He was the one who prayed to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would blessme and expand my territory! Please be with me in all that I do, and keepme from all trouble and pain!” And God granted him his request.  

2. Revival of our personal disciplines  Mark 1:35 Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.  

James 1:22-25 NLT But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.  You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

3. Revival of our posture towards other people  

Matthew 22:36-40“ Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

3 John 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.  If you want to experience the life of JESUS, you have to adopt the LIFESTYLE of Jesus.   

You want to experience a miracle, BE SPIRIT LED. 

 Luke 3:21-22 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”  

Luke 4:1-2 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.  Luke 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.  

Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”  

Jesus was FILLED with the Holy Spirit.  

Luke 3:21-22 When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”  

Luke 4:1-2 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.   

If Jesus was DEPENDENT on the Holy Spirit, what makes us think we can live INDEPENDENT of Him?  

Ephesians 5:18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,What has FILLED your life?

Whatever FILLS you LEADS you.Jesus was LED by the Holy Spirit.  

Luke 4:1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,  Whatever FILLS you LEADS you.   

Galatians 5:16-18 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.  

Being led by the Holy Spirit will not always make SENSE, but it will always make a DIFFERENCE.  

Jesus RELIED on the POWER of the Holy Spirit.  

Luke 4:14 Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside.  

Luke 4:18 “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,  

Acts 10:38 And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.  

John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.

God has given you access to all of the POWER you need to do everything He DESIRES.  

“Not only is Jesus their savior because of who he was and because of his own complete obedience to the Father’s will, but he is the supreme example for them of what is possible in human life because of his total dependence upon the Spirit of God.”—Gerald Hawthorne   

My Daily Prayer: God, LESS of me and MORE of you.

You want to experience a miracle, COMMIT to COMMUNITY.  

3 John 2: Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.  If you want to experience the life of Jesus, you have to adopt the lifestyle of Jesus.   

Luke 2:42-43 When Jesus was twelve years old, they attended the festival as usual. After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first,  

Luke 2:46, 48-49 Three days later they finally discovered him in the Temple, sitting among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions. His parents didn’t know what to think. “Son,” his mother said to him, “why have you done this to us? Your father and I have been frantic, searching for you everywhere.” “But why did you need to search?” he asked. “Didn’t you know that I must be in my Father’s house?”  

Psalm 92:12-13 The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God.

Psalm 92:14 They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green,  

Mark 3:13 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.   

Mark 3:13-15 Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons.  

3 Qualities I Am Looking For In A Community  

Mark 3:14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach  

Commit to a community that LOVES JESUS.  

“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”—Jim Rohn   

Proverbs 13:20 Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.  

My community that loves Jesus: MY LOCAL CHURCH  

2 Corinthians 6:14 Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?  

Mark 3:14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach  Commit to a community that is ON MISSION.  

Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,  

My community that is on mission: DREAM TEAM  

Every member is a MINISTER.

Mark 3:14-15 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach  and to have authority to drive out demons.  

Commit to a community that BRINGS FREEDOM.  

James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.  

We go to Christ for our FORGIVENESS. 

We go to church for our FREEDOM.  

James 5:16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.  

My community that brings freedom: CONNECT GROUPS

We’re only as healthy as our habits. When we do things consistently, we see things change consistently! Jesus’ life and ministry had rhythms of dedicated prayer. Prayer is something that adds value into our everyday life! 

Scripture tells us to “pray continuously” 1 Thess 5:17 

Basically, we need to have a constant conversation with God. Bring Him into every moment. The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson