Devoted Church

You Have Reached Your Destination

ARRIVAL

Galatians 5: 16-18

16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are opposite of what the sinful nature desires.

These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. 18 But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO LET THE HOLY SPIRIT GUIDE YOUR LIFE?

The Holy Spirit lives in you.

You are open and sensitive to the influence of the Holy Spirit.

You pattern your life after the influence of the Holy Spirit.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN THAT YOU ARE NOT UNDER THE OBLIGATION TO THE LAW OF MOSES?

Gods law through the Holy Spirit is written on our hear

ROADBLOCKS

Galatians 5: 19-21

19 When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division,

21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

FOUR CATEGORIES OF SIN

Sensual - sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures

Religious - idolatry, sorcery

Interpersonal - hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy

Social - drunkenness, wild parties

BIG IDEA: There is all the difference in the world between believing that we are right and believing everyone else is wrong. Unshakable conviction is virtue; unyielding intolerance is a sin!

ACTIVITIES

Galatians 5: 22-23

22 But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things.

Love

Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-Control

INVITATION TO TRAVEL

Galatians 5: 24-26

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there. 25 Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. 26 Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Key Scriptures:

Romans 8: 5-8, 1 Timothy 1:7, Luke 15:3-7, Romans 12:2

WHEN WE LOSE FOCUS, WE WILL GET OFF COURSE

Romans 8:5-8

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

OUR LIFE WILL MOVE IN THE DIRECTION OF OUR STRONGEST THOUGHTS

1 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline

GOD IS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP US GET BACK ON COURSE

Luke 15: 3-7

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.

When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

NEW YEAR – NEW FOCUS – BACK ON TRACK

Romans 12:2

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Key Scriptures:

Romans 8: 5-8, 1 Timothy 1:7, Luke 15:3-7, Romans 12:2

WHEN WE LOSE FOCUS, WE WILL GET OFF COURSE

Romans 8:5-8

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

OUR LIFE WILL MOVE IN THE DIRECTION OF OUR STRONGEST THOUGHTS

1 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline

GOD IS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP US GET BACK ON COURSE

Luke 15: 3-7

So Jesus told them this story: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the wilderness and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders.

When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!

NEW YEAR – NEW FOCUS – BACK ON TRACK

Romans 12:2

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

CONTINUE THE JOURNEY

Rerouting: Detours

Route: a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.

Reroute: to send or direct on a different route.

Exodus‬ 13:17-18‬ NLT‬‬

“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land.

God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.”

Godly Detours:

Detours take us down pathways we did not expect.

Detours get us ready for battle

Detours are for our own good.

Exodus 13:21

“The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.”

Detours show us that God is in control

Exodus 14:4 NLT

4 And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told.

Bottom line: Godly detours get us ready to God’s plan in and through our lives. They are for our good and God’s glory.

Rerouting: Detours

Route: a way or course taken in getting from a starting point to a destination.

Reroute: to send or direct on a different route.

Exodus‬ 13:17-18‬ NLT‬‬

“When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land.

God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle.”

Godly Detours:

Detours take us down pathways we did not expect.

Detours get us ready for battle

Detours are for our own good.

Exodus 13:21

“The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night.”

Detours show us that God is in control

Exodus 14:4 NLT

4 And once again I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and he will chase after you. I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” So the Israelites camped there as they were told.

Bottom line: Godly detours get us ready to God’s plan in and through our lives. They are for our good and God’s glory.

Purposed Series: 10 day Fast, Jan 6th-15th

- Praying for our next Lead Pastor

- Praying for Life Groups (Growth, do life together)

- Renewed Passion to share our faith

- Serving on Sunday, our first impression

- Praying about our purpose in 2020, personally and as a church

SPIRITUAL FASTING - To seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural self-gratifying food and drink. Take your eyes off the things of this world and focusing on the things of God.

WHY WE FAST

- Grow closer to God

- Hear His voice more clearly

- Direction, what is your next step

- Break strongholds

Daniel 1:8

8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.

WHAT IS GOD PREPARING YOU FOR?

Daniel 6:1-5

6 [a]Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. 2 The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. 3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.

4 Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.

Daniel 6:14-28

14 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.

15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.” 16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”

17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night.

19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den.20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”

21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”

23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.

24 Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.

25 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:

“Peace and prosperity to you!

26 “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions. 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian

WHEN YOU ARE OBEDIENT, GOD WILL RAISE YOU UP AND GIVE YOU INFLUENCE

2020 Could Be The Year…

What Is God Preparing You For?

Purposed Series: 10 day Fast, Jan 6th-15th

- Praying for our next Lead Pastor

- Praying for Life Groups (Growth, do life together)

- Renewed Passion to share our faith

- Serving on Sunday, our first impression

- Praying about our purpose in 2020, personally and as a church

SPIRITUAL FASTING - To seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural self-gratifying food and drink. Take your eyes off the things of this world and focusing on the things of God.

WHY WE FAST

- Grow closer to God

- Hear His voice more clearly

- Direction, what is your next step

- Break strongholds

Daniel 1:8

8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.

WHAT IS GOD PREPARING YOU FOR?

Daniel 6:1-5

6 [a]Darius the Mede decided to divide the kingdom into 120 provinces, and he appointed a high officer to rule over each province. 2 The king also chose Daniel and two others as administrators to supervise the high officers and protect the king’s interests. 3 Daniel soon proved himself more capable than all the other administrators and high officers. Because of Daniel’s great ability, the king made plans to place him over the entire empire.

4 Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.

Daniel 6:14-28

14 Hearing this, the king was deeply troubled, and he tried to think of a way to save Daniel. He spent the rest of the day looking for a way to get Daniel out of this predicament.

15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.” 16 So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, “May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you.”

17 A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. 18 Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn’t sleep at all that night.

19 Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions’ den.20 When he got there, he called out in anguish, “Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?”

21 Daniel answered, “Long live the king! 22 My God sent his angel to shut the lions’ mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty.”

23 The king was overjoyed and ordered that Daniel be lifted from the den. Not a scratch was found on him, for he had trusted in his God.

24 Then the king gave orders to arrest the men who had maliciously accused Daniel. He had them thrown into the lions’ den, along with their wives and children. The lions leaped on them and tore them apart before they even hit the floor of the den.

25 Then King Darius sent this message to the people of every race and nation and language throughout the world:

“Peace and prosperity to you!

26 “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions. 28 So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian

WHEN YOU ARE OBEDIENT, GOD WILL RAISE YOU UP AND GIVE YOU INFLUENCE

2020 Could Be The Year…

What Is God Preparing You For?

PURPOSED: DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART….

Daniel 1:6-8

6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach.

Azariah was called Abednego.

8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods

Daniel 1:8a NKJV

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”

10 Day Fast called Purposed begin Jan 6-15th

show graphic

I. WHAT IS FASTING?

The willing, abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time

II. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTIAN FASTING?

Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink.

III. WHY DO WE DO IT?

IV. HOW DO WE PREPARE?

V. WHY DANIEL FASTED...

MAIN POINT:

Daniel was determined and intentional on his reasons for fasting and we should be too. Purpose in your heart to prepare for it.

PURPOSED: DANIEL PURPOSED IN HIS HEART….

Daniel 1:6-8

6 Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. 7 The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach.

Azariah was called Abednego.

8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods

Daniel 1:8a NKJV

“But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself…”

10 Day Fast called Purposed begin Jan 6-15th

show graphic

I. WHAT IS FASTING?

The willing, abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time

II. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CHRISTIAN FASTING?

Christian fasting is to seek a more intimate relationship with God while ridding your physical body of unnatural, self-gratifying food and drink.

III. WHY DO WE DO IT?

IV. HOW DO WE PREPARE?

V. WHY DANIEL FASTED...

MAIN POINT:

Daniel was determined and intentional on his reasons for fasting and we should be too. Purpose in your heart to prepare for it.

Isaiah 9:6

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

2nd Name of Jesus in Isaiah 9 is Mighty God.

Matthew 8:23-27

23 Then Jesus got into the boat and started across the lake with his disciples. 24 Suddenly, a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking into the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. 25 The disciples went and woke him up, shouting, “Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!”

26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm. 27 The disciples were amazed. “Who is this man?” they asked. “Even the winds and waves obey him!”

• MIGHTY GOD OVER CREATION

Matt 8 26b

“...Then he got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and suddenly there was a great calm.”

• MIGHTY GOD OVER OUR FEARS

Matt 8...