MyCalvaryLife

BIG IDEA: We get to choose what captivates us

- Dim down the distractions
- Highlight the higher things
- Right things for the right reasons

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28 NIV

- Grief is actually not a negative emotion. But it is a powerful emotion.
- Grief is not a competition.
- Grief is not your enemy.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” - Psalm 34:18

“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Psalm 68:5 (NIV)

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” - Isaiah 1:17 (NIV)

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” - James 1:27 (NIV)

“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” - Psalm 146:9 (NIV)

“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.” - Deuteronomy 10:18-19

Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die." Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’” She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” - 1 Kings 17:7-16 (NIV)

- God sees you and meets You in your grief.
- God calls you to see beyond your grief to a new purpose and season.
- God has in mind the “Ripple Effect”.

Big Idea: God's plan for my life requires a course of action and a cause of action

Key Questions:
- Why do I seek God?
- Why do I worship God?
- Why do I surrender my life to God?
- Why do I give my best to God?
- Why do I connect and share with others?

Big Idea: What should I do when God says no?

- "Yes" can be a bad and "No" can be best
- Explore the "No"
- Don't avoid the warning
- Choose who will relent

BIG IDEA: Honour is an essential element in God's kingdom.

- Honour others despite their weakness
- Honour others despite their strengths
- Who is the one person I should never honour? Me.

They saw her sin. He saw her value.
- Jesus stooped
- Jesus always brings you higher
- Jesus sent

Move from the mud to the mission
- Jesus stood
- Jesus stopped

Big Idea:
We all have champions of fear that need to fall.

- Dream the defeat
- Dodge the discouragers
- Anchor your assurance
- Speak out of your certainty
- Take your stand and face your enemy

Big Idea:
We are not meant to stand still or stay idle but step into the next assignment on our lives.

Characteristics of God's assignment:
- Progress and promotion
- Invincible and unstoppable
- Promise of partnership

Requirements of God's Assignment:
- Confession and meditation
- Holy confidence
- Unwavering obedience

POINT 1: There is no violent storm or raging heart that Jesus cannot calm.

POINT 2: Some storms come by design.

POINT 3: We are not alone in our anguish.

POINT 4: Jesus walks on what worries us.

POINT 5: When we call out, Jesus climbs in.

POINT 6: The awe is worth the awful.

BIG IDEA:
Be not afraid of God's plan.

- God's plan is creative.
- God's plan is uncertain.
- God's plan is uncomfortable.
- God's plan is rewarding.