Week Three – September 19th 

Title: Better is Wisdom

Bible:  Proverbs 16:16, 2 Chronicles 1:1 – 13, James 1:5 – 8

 

Proverbs 16:16 (NLT) 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!

 

2 Chronicles 1:1 - 10 (NLT) 1Solomon son of David took firm control of his kingdom, for the Lord his God was with him and made him very powerful. 2 Solomon called together all the leaders of Israel—the generals and captains of the army, the judges, and all the political and clan leaders. 3 Then he led the entire assembly to the place of worship in Gibeon, for God’s Tabernacle was located there. (This was the Tabernacle that Moses, the Lord’s servant, had made in the wilderness.) 4 David had already moved the Ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the tent he had prepared for it in Jerusalem. 5 But the bronze altar made by Bezalel son of Uri and grandson of Hur was there at Gibeon in front of the Tabernacle of the Lord. So Solomon and the people gathered in front of it to consult the Lord. 6 There in front of the Tabernacle, Solomon went up to the bronze altar in the Lord’s presence and sacrificed 1,000 burnt offerings on it. 7 That night God appeared to Solomon and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” 8 Solomon replied to God, “You showed great and faithful love to David, my father, and now you have made me king in his place. 9 O Lord God, please continue to keep your promise to David my father, for you have made me king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth! 10 Give me the wisdom and knowledge to lead them properly, for who could possibly govern this great people of yours?”

 

 

2 Chronicles 1:11 – 13 (NLT) 11 God said to Solomon, “Because your greatest desire is to help your people, and you did not ask for wealth, riches, fame, or even the death of your enemies or a long life, but rather you asked for wisdom and knowledge to properly govern my people—12 I will certainly give you the wisdom and knowledge you requested. But I will also give you wealth, riches, and fame such as no other king has had before you or will ever have in the future!”

 

 

“WISDOM leads to ACTION; ACTIONS show WISDOM.”

 

 

James 1:5 – 8 (NLT) 5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

 

 

Trust & Seek God

Proverbs 3:5 – 6 (NLT) 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. 6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.

 

Surround Yourself with Godly People

Proverbs 13:20 (NLT) 20 Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.

 

Act on What you Know

James 2:21 – 23 (NLT) 21 Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God. 24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone.  

 

Receive Peace

Proverbs 1:33 (NLT) 33 But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

 

Philippians 4:7 (NLT) 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

Week Two – September 12th

Title:  Better One Handful

Bible: Ecclesiastes 4:6, Luke 12:15 – 21

 

“One open hand is BETTER than two TRAPPED fists.”

 

Ecclesiastes 4:6 (NLT) 6 And yet, “Better to have one handful with quietness than two handfuls with hard work and chasing the wind.”

 

Luke 12:15 – 21 (NLT) 13 Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.” 14 Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” 16 Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’  18 Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. 19 And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!” ’ 20 “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ 21 “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”

 

Open-handed living lets you Help.

Mark 1:31 (NLT) 31 So he went to her bedside, took her by the hand, and helped her sit up. Then the fever left her, and she prepared a meal for them.

 

Open-handed living lets you Encourage.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT) 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

 

Open-handed living lets you Give.

Matthew 6:3 (NLT) 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.

 

Open-handed living lets you Praise.

1 Timothy 2:8 (NLT) 8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.

Week One – September 5th

Title: Better is One Day

Bible: Psalm 84:1 – 10,

 

 

Psalm 84:10 10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

 

 

Psalm 84:1 – 4 (NLT) 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the Lord. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! 4 What joy for those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.

 

 

Psalm 84:5 – 8 (NLT) 5 What joy for those whose strength comes from the Lord, who have set their minds on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. 6 When they walk through the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of refreshing springs. The autumn rains will clothe it with blessings. 7 They will continue to grow stronger, and each of them will appear before God in Jerusalem. 8 O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, O God of Jacob.

 

Psalm 84:9 – 12 (NLT)9 O God, look with favor upon the king, our shield! Show favor to the one you have anointed. 10 A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else! I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God than live the good life in the homes of the wicked. 11 For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right. 12 O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what joy for those who trust in you.

“God’s PRESENCE brings us a BETTER life.”

 

Be with Jesus

Romans 13:14 (NLT) 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

 

Be Still

Psalm 37:7 (NLT) 7 Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes.

 

Be Strengthened

Acts 3:19 - 20 (NLT) 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.

 

Be Together for Worship

Psalm 89:15 - 16 (NLT) 15 Happy are those who hear the joyful call to worship, for they will walk in the light of your presence, Lord. 16 They rejoice all day long in your wonderful reputation. They exult in your righteousness.

Week Five – August 29th

Title: Don’t Listen to What’s Important

Bible: 1 Kings 12:5 – 14, Luke 6:46 – 49

 

 

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“Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” Stephen Covey.

 

1 Kings 12:5 – 14 (NLT) 5 Rehoboam replied, “Give me three days to think this over. Then come back for my answer.” So the people went away. 6 Then King Rehoboam discussed the matter with the older men who had counseled his father, Solomon. “What is your advice?” he asked. “How should I answer these people?” 7 The older counselors replied, “If you are willing to be a servant to these people today and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your loyal subjects.” 8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers. 9 “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?” 10 The young men replied, “This is what you should tell those complainers who want a lighter burden: ‘My little finger is thicker than my father’s waist! 11 Yes, my father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!’ ” 12 Three days later Jeroboam and all the people returned to hear Rehoboam’s decision, just as the king had ordered. 13 But Rehoboam spoke harshly to the people, for he rejected the advice of the older counselors 14 and followed the counsel of his younger advisers. He told the people, “My father laid heavy burdens on you, but I’m going to make them even heavier! My father beat you with whips, but I will beat you with scorpions!”

 

“Listening is not understanding the words of the question asked, listening is understanding why the question was asked in the first place.” Simon Sinek

 

“Listening is not about your POSITION, but about CHANGE.”

 

Luke 6:46 – 49 (NLT) 46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? 47 I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. 48 It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. 49 But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

 

Here are three things:

 

Listen through the Word of God

 

Listen through Prayer

“God speaks in the silence of the heart. Listening is the beginning of prayer.” Mother Teresa

 

Listen through Community

 

Philippians 2:1 – 3 (NLT) Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Week Four – August 22nd

Title: Opinions of Others Matter More

Bible: John 12:42 -50; Acts 11:1 – 9; Acts 5:29

Big Idea: “Leadership is not about LIKES but KINGDOM LEGACY”

 

“Lord, free us from our addiction to being liked. Because it’s far better to be loved.”

Scott Sauls

 

John 12:42 – 50 (NLT) 42 Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. 43 For they loved human praise more than the praise of God. 44 Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. 45 For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. 46 I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. 47 I will not judge those who hear me but don’t obey me, for I have come to save the world and not to judge it. 48 But all who reject me and my message will be judged on the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken. 49 I don’t speak on my own authority. The Father who sent me has commanded me what to say and how to say it. 50 And I know his commands lead to eternal life; so I say whatever the Father tells me to say.”

 

“Leadership is not about LIKES but KINGDOM LEGACY”

 

 

Acts 5:29 (NLT) 29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.

 

Acts 11:1 – 9 (NLT) 1Soon the news reached the apostles and other believers in Judea that the Gentiles had received the word of God. 2 But when Peter arrived back in Jerusalem, the Jewish believers criticized him. 3 “You entered the home of Gentiles and even ate with them!” they said. 4 Then Peter told them exactly what had happened. 5 “I was in the town of Joppa,” he said, “and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me. 6 When I looked inside the sheet, I saw all sorts of tame and wild animals, reptiles, and birds. 7 And I heard a voice say, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.’ 8 “ ‘No, Lord,’ I replied. ‘I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure or unclean.’ 9 “But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’

 

Acts 11:15 – 18 (NLT) 15 “As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. 16 Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?” 18 When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”

 

“Leadership is not about LIKES but KINGDOM LEGACY.”

 

Are we more worried about Human Likes than God’s Love?

Are we more worried about what people Say than what God says?

Are we willing to stop our personal objections and begin praising God?

Week Three – August 15th

Title: Discipline Doesn’t Matter

Bible:  1 Kings 1:5-10; Hebrews 12:5-11

 

“Satan tells us that being disciplined is proof that God does not love us; but God’s Word says that discipline is the best proof that He does love us!”

 

“Discipline done with CARE is guidance to Disciplined lives.”

 

1 Kings 1:5–10 (NLT) 5 About that time David’s son Adonijah, whose mother was Haggith, began boasting, “I will make myself king.” So he provided himself with chariots and charioteers and recruited fifty men to run in front of him. 6 Now his father, King David, had never disciplined him at any time, even by asking, “Why are you doing that?” Adonijah had been born next after Absalom, and he was very handsome. 7 Adonijah took Joab son of Zeruiah and Abiathar the priest into his confidence, and they agreed to help him become king. 8 But Zadok the priest, Benaiah son of Jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Shimei, Rei, and David’s personal bodyguard refused to support Adonijah. 9 Adonijah went to the Stone of Zoheleth near the spring of En-rogel, where he sacrificed sheep, cattle, and fattened calves. He invited all his brothers—the other sons of King David—and all the royal officials of Judah. 10 But he did not invite Nathan the prophet or Benaiah or the king’s bodyguard or his brother Solomon.

 

Hebrews 12:5-11(NLT) 5 And have you forgotten the encouraging words God spoke to you as his children? He said, “My child, don’t make light of the Lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. 6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” 7 As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? 8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all. 9 Since we respected our earthly fathers who disciplined us, shouldn’t we submit even more to the discipline of the Father of our spirits, and live forever? 10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. 11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

 

Biblical Discipline is rooted in Relationship & Care

6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”

 

Proverbs 3:11 – 12 (NLT) 11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.

 

No Biblical Discipline shows no Relationship & Care

8 If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.

 

Biblical Discipline is always for our GOOD.

10 For our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness.

 

Ephesians 6:4 (NLT) 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.

 

Biblical Discipline is painful but brings Peace

11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

 

So what? Now what?

Accept the Discipline:

Proverbs 10:17 (NLT) 17 People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray.

 

Know Discipline is a blessing:

Job 5:17 (NLT) 17 “But consider the joy of those corrected by God! Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.

 

Change because of the Discipline:

Revelation 3:19 (NLT) 19 I c

Week Two – August 8th

Title: Don’t be Patient

Bible: Numbers 20:8-12; Hebrews 12:1-3

 

80% of the people that responded rated themselves as being patient.

 

96 percent of Americans will knowingly consume extremely hot food or drink that burns their mouth; 63 percent do so frequently   

More than half hang up the phone after being on hold one minute or less

71 percent frequently exceed the speed limit to get to their destination faster

Americans will binge-watch an average of seven TV episodes in one sitting  

Nearly a third of respondents ages 18-24 wait less than one second before bypassing a slow walker

Gen Yers check their phones an average of eight times when waiting to hear back from someone they've dated

When waiting for a table at a restaurant, nearly a quarter of respondents ages 18-24 wait less than one minute before approaching the host again after the wait period has passed.

 

“Impatient Leaders Lack the Endurance to Finish”

 

Numbers 20:8 – 12 (NLT) 8 “You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the whole community and their livestock.”

9 So Moses did as he was told. He took the staff from the place where it was kept before the Lord. 10 Then he and Aaron summoned the people to come and gather at the rock. “Listen, you rebels!” he shouted. “Must we bring you water from this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with the staff, and water gushed out. So the entire community and their livestock drank their fill. 12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness   to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!”

 

“Endurance is patience concentrated.” Thomas Carlyle”

 

Accept the Process

Romans 5:3 – 4 (NLT) 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

 

Strengthened in Spirit

Colossians 1:11 (NLT) 11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy,

Focus on Jesus

Hebrews 12:1 – 3 (NLT) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.

 

Seek the Blessing

James 1:12 - 14 (NLT) 12 God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

Week One – August 1st

Title: Responsibility Rejection

Bible: Genesis 3:1-12; Romans 5:15 – 18; 2 Corinthians 5:18-21; Galatians 6:5

 

“Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.” John Maxwell

 

Genesis 3:1 – 13 (NLT) The serpent was the shrewdest of all the wild animals the Lord God had made. One day he asked the woman, “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” 2 “Of course we may eat fruit from the trees in the garden,” the woman replied. 3 “It’s only the fruit from the tree in the middle of the garden that we are not allowed to eat. God said, ‘You must not eat it or even touch it; if you do, you will die.” 4 “You won’t die!” the serpent replied to the woman. 5 “God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.” 6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. 8 When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. 9 Then the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11 “Who told you that you were naked?” the Lord God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” 12 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it. 13 Then the Lord God asked the woman, “What have you done?” “The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”

 

“Adams Rejection of Responsibility leads to Reconciling Responses”

 

Romans 5:15 – 18 (NLT) 15 But there is a great difference between Adam’s sin and God’s gracious gift. For the sin of this one man, Adam, brought death to many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of forgiveness to many through this other man, Jesus Christ. 16 And the result of God’s gracious gift is very different from the result of that one man’s sin. For Adam’s sin led to condemnation, but God’s free gift leads to our being made right with God, even though we are guilty of many sins. 17 For the sin of this one man, Adam, caused death to rule over many. But even greater is God’s wonderful grace and his gift of righteousness, for all who receive it will live in triumph over sin and death through this one man, Jesus Christ. 18 Yes, Adam’s one sin brings condemnation for everyone, but Christ’s one act of righteousness brings a right relationship with God and new life for everyone.”

 

God Reconciles ALL

2 Corinthians 5:18-21 (NLT) 18 And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. 19 For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. 20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 21 For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

 

We RELAY Reconciliation to ALL

Galatians 6:4 – 5 (NLT) 4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. 5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”

 

Start each day: Thanking God for His Reconciliation.

Make each day: An opportunity to Relay God’s reconciliation to another.

End each Day: Taking Responsibility for your Own Conduct.

Week Four – July 25, 2021

MY STORY: I Decided to Go

Bible: Genesis 12:1 – 4, Hebrews 11:8

 

“Maybe the best decision you can make is to GO when it would be easier to STAY.”

 

Hebrews 12:2 looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith… (American Standard Version)

 

Genesis 12:1 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.

 

Genesis 12:2-3 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.”

 

Genesis 12:4 So Abram departed as the Lord had instructed…

 

1.    What Story does God want to tell with your life?

Matthew 28:19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

2.    What step of faith does that story require?

Hebrews 11:8 It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land that God would give him as his inheritance. He went without knowing where he was going.

Week Three – July 18, 2021

MY STORY: I Decided to Stay

Bible: Ruth 1:15 – 17, Ruth 2:11 – 12, 2 Samuel 23:11 – 12, Galatians 6:9

 

Hebrews 12:2a (ASV) 2looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith,

 

I Decided to:

Start – Stop – Stay – Go

 

 “You can make the decision to STAY when it would be easier to GO.”

 

Ruth 1:15 – 17 (NLT) 15 “Look,” Naomi said to her, “your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. You should do the same.” 16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. 17 Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”

 

Ruth 2:11 – 12 (NLT) 11 “Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. 12 May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.”

 

What does God want you to want?

 

2 Samuel 23:11 – 12 (NLT) 11 Next in rank was Shammah son of Agee from Harar. One time the Philistines gathered at Lehi and attacked the Israelites in a field full of lentils. The Israelite army fled, 12 but Shammah held his ground in the middle of the field and beat back the Philistines. So the Lord brought about a great victory.

 

Where does God want you to STAY?

 

Why should we stay where we are currently placed?

Matthew 7:7 (NLT) 7 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.”

 

How will staying change things?

Psalm 28:7 (NLT) 7 The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

 

Galatians 6:9 (NLT) 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.