Pacific Church

Pray First

January 19, 2025

Pastor JF Wilkerson

Acts 13:2-3 NIV

2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT 

17 Never stop praying.

“I never pray more than 20 minutes. But I never go more than 20 minutes without praying.” - Smith Wigglesworth

John 15:4-5 NIV 

4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

1.  The Priority of Prayer

Daniel 6:10 NIV

10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

2. The Place of Prayer

Mark 1:35 NIV

35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

3. The Plan of Prayer

Luke 11:1-2a NLT

1 Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” 2 Jesus said, “This is how you should pray…”

4. The Persons of Prayer

2 Corinthians 13:14 MSG

14 The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you.

The amazing grace of Jesus.

The extravagant love of the Father.

Psalm 103:8-13 NIV

 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;

The intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:16-17a NIV

16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever–17 the Spirit of truth.

More Effective Prayers

January 12, 2025

Pastors JF & Ashley Wilkerson

James 5:16-18 NIV 

16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

1. Elijah Knew That God Is Listening.

1 John 5:14-15 NIV

14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

1 Kings 17:22a NASB

22 The Lord listened to the voice of Elijah...

1. Elijah Knew That God Is Listening. 

2. Elijah Understood Others Are Listening.

Ephesians 3:8-11 NIV 

8 Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. 10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Kings 18:39 NIV

39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!” 

1 Kings 18:41 NIV

41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.”

1. Elijah Knew That God Is Listening. 

2. Elijah Understood Others Are Listening.

3. Elijah’s Listening Directed His Prayers.

1 Kings 18:42-43 NIV 

42 So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. 43 “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” 

1 Kings 18:44-45a NIV

44 The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’” 45 Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling ….

1 Kings 18:45b-46 NIV

Ahab rode off to Jezreel. 46 The power of the Lord came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.

Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary…

1. Elijah Knew That God Is Listening.

2. Elijah Understood Others Are Listening.

3. Elijah’s Listening Directed His Prayers.

Hungering for God

January 5, 2025

Pastor Ken Ecker

 1. Hungering for God involves fasting from the pleasures of life.

 1 Timothy 4:1-3 NIV

1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.

Acts 14:21-23 NIV

21 They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, 22 strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 23 Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.

Daniel 9:3 NIV

3 So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.

Isaiah 58:6-9a 

6 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? 7 Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? 8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. 9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I.”

 1.  Hungering for God involves fasting from the pleasures of life.

2.  Hungering for God involves feasting on the presence of God.

 Psalm 81:10 

10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.

 Matthew 6:16-18 

16 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

 Jeremiah 14:11-12 

11 Then the Lord said to me, “Do not pray for the well-being of this people. 12 Although they fast, I will not listen to their cry; though they offer burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Instead, I will destroy them with the sword, famine and plague.”

1. Hungering for God involves fasting from the pleasures of life.

2. Hungering for God involves feasting on the presence of God.

3. Hungering for God involves fasting and prayer together.

Pacific Church Resolutions 2025

December 29, 2024

Pastor JF Wilkerson

Resolution - n. (Oxford English Dictionary)

1. A firm decision to do or not to do something.

2. The quality of being determined and unwavering (resolute).

3. The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.

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

Philippians 3:10-14 NIV10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

3 Resolutions for Pacific Church in 2025:

1. We resolve to know the Lord better.

Resolution - n. (oxford english dictionary) 1. A firm decision to do or not to do something.

Matthew 7:1-5 NIV 

1 “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

Philippians 3:10-11 NIV10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

3 Resolutions for Pacific Church in 2025:

1. We resolve to know the Lord better.

2. We resolve to stay on this Journey…and to do it together.

Resolution - n. (oxford english dictionary) 2. The quality of being determined and unwavering (resolute).

Philippians 3:12 NIV12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

3 Resolutions for Pacific Church in 2025:

1. We resolve to know the Lord better.

2. We resolve to stay on this Journey…and to do it together.

3. We resolve to keep going back to the knowledge that Jesus has resolved it all.

Resolution - n. (oxford english dictionary) 3. The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter.

Philippians 3:13-14 NIV13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

1 John 1:9 NIV9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Isaiah 43:25 NIV

25 "I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.

3 Resolutions for Pacific Church in 2025:

1. We resolve to know the Lord better.

2. We resolve to stay on this Journey…and to do it together.

3. We resolve to keep going back to the knowledge that Jesus has resolved it all.

Christmas Eve Service

December 24, 2024

Pastors JF & Ashley Wilkerson

O Holy Night

O holy night the stars are brightly shining

It is the night of our dear Savior's birth

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth

Holy - adj. Dedicated or consecrated to God; devoted to the service of God. 

2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV

21 God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness (HOLINESS) of God.

Joy To The World

Joy to the world

The Lord has come

Let earth receive her King

Let every heart

Prepare Him room

And Heaven and Nature sing

And Heaven and Nature sing

And Heaven and Nature sing

John 15:9;11 NIV

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. … 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night!

All is calm, all is bright

Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child

Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Sleep in heavenly peace

Luke 2:19 NIV

19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 

Silent Night (Verse 3)

Silent night, Holy night!

Son of God, Love's Pure Light

Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face

With the dawn of Redeeming Grace

Jesus Lord at Thy birth

Jesus Lord at Thy birth

Matthew 5:14 & 16 NIV

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ...16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Peace on Earth // Week 4 // Christmas in 3D

December 22, 2024

Pastors JF & Ashley Wilkerson

John 1:14 NIV 14 

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

1. The Darkness

Isaiah 9:2 NIV 

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 

Isaiah 9:2-6a NIV 

2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. 3 You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder. 4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat, you have shattered the yoke that burdens them, the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor. 5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle and every garment rolled in blood will be destined for burning, will be fuel for the fire. 6 For to us a child is born… 

John 1:1-5 NIV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:9-14 NIV

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. 14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 

1. The Darkness

2. The Demonstration

John 14:6-9 NIV

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” 9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. 

Hebrews 1:1-3a NIV 

1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV

6 For to us a child is born to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.

1. The Darkness

2. The Demonstration

3. The Dwelling

John 1:14 NIV

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. 

Ephesians 3:16-17a NIV 

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. 

Colossians 1:25-27 NIV   

25 I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness— 26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. 27 To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

1. The Darkness

2. The Demonstration

3. The Dwelling

Peace on Earth  // Week 3 // Misconceptions of God With Us

December 15, 2024

Pastor Ashley Wilkerson

Luke 2:13-14 NIV

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Isaiah 7:14 NIV 14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (which means ‘God with us’).

1. Our PLANS - Joseph

Matthew 1:18-19 NIV

18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Romans 8:28 NIV

28 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. 

Matthew 1:20-23 NIV

20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”). 

Matthew 1:24-25 NIV

24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25 But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Proverbs 16:9 NASB

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps.

Luke 1:26-28 NIV

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 

1. Our PLANS - Joseph

2. Our PAIN - Mary

3. Our Pursuit - The Magi

Matthew 2:1-2 NASB

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem, saying, 2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” 

Matthew 2:10-12 NIV

10 When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12 And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

Psalm 119:105 NIV

105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.

1. Our PLANS - Joseph

2. Our PAIN - Mary

3. Our Pursuit - The Magi

Peace On Earth // Week 2 // Mary's Heart and Soul

Pastor JF Wilkerson

Isaiah 7:14 NIV

14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. 

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

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

Luke 1:46-55 NIV

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. 50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. 51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;  he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.

52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things  but has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful

55 to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”

Luke 1:46-47 NIV

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,

Our Soul = Our Mind / Our Will / Our Emotions

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 Agalliaó: (Original Greek)  verb -  to exult, rejoice greatly; to be full of joy.

John 15:9-11 NIV  

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 

Luke 1:46-48a NIV

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.

1. GOD SEES YOU

Luke 1:46-48 NIV

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 

1.  GOD SEES YOU.

2. GOD HAS BLESSINGS FOR YOU.

Luke 1:46-50 NIV

46 And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name.50 His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.

1.  GOD SEES YOU.

2. GOD HAS BLESSINGS FOR YOU.

3.  GOD HAS LOVING MERCY FOR YOU

Psalm 23: 6a NLT 

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me

    all the days of my life

Show Picture of “Aunt Marie"

1.  GOD SEES YOU.

2.  GOD HAS BLESSINGS FOR YOU.

3.  GOD HAS LOVING MERCY FOR YOU.

Hope Has Come // Week 1 // The Calling of Christmas

December 1, 2024

Pastors JF and Ashley Wilkerson

Luke 1:26-32 NIV

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” 29 Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. 30 But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. 

The Calling to Conceive - Believing and Birthing

conceive - verb /kənˈsiv/

1. To form an idea in your mind; to imagine something; to believe something. 

2. To become pregnant. 

John 14:12 NIV

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. 

Luke 1:34-35 NIV

34 “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” 35 The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you…”

Luke 1:36-38 NIV

36 Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. 37 For no word from God will ever fail.” 38 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.

1. The Calling to Conceive - Believing and Birthing

2. The Calling to Connect - Revelation in Relationships

Luke 1:26-27 NIV

26 In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, 27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

John 17:20-23 NIV

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Luke 1:39-45 NIV

39 At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, 40 where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

1. The Calling to Conceive - Believing and Birthing

2. The Calling to Connect - Revelation in Relationships

3. The Calling to Crucify - Dying to our Desires

Galatians 2:20 NIV

20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

1. The Calling to Conceive - Believing and Birthing 

2. The Calling to Connect - Revelation in Relationships 

3.  The Calling to Crucify - Dying to our Desires

November 24, 2024

Pastor Ashley Wilkerson

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV 

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:19-23 NIV

19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.

Matthew 6:22-23 NIV

22 “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness.

Mark 6:35-45 NIV

35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. “This is a remote place,” they said, “and it’s already very late. 36 Send the people away so that they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.”

37 But he answered, “You give them something to eat.”

They said to him, “That would take more than half a year’s wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?”

38 “How many loaves do you have?” he asked. “Go and see.”

When they found out, they said, “Five—and two fish.”

39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass. 40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

45 Immediately Jesus made his disciples get into the boat…

1. Am I seeing the season as Punishment or as Preparation?

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1. Am I seeing the season as Punishment or as Preparation?

2. Am I focused on His Faithfulness or My Fear?

Mark 6:47-50a NIV

47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land. 48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out, 50 because they all saw him and were terrified.

1. Am I seeing the season as Punishment or as Preparation?

2. Am I focused on His Faithfulness or My Fear?

3. Am I Choosing to Remember the Loaves? 

Mark 6:50b-52 NIV

Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed, 52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

1. Am I seeing the season as Punishment or as Preparation?

2. Am I focused on His Faithfulness or My Fear?

3. Am I Choosing to Remember the Loaves?