Pacific Church

Community // Week 1 // Why We Need Each Other

Pastor JF Wilkerson

Hebrews 10:23-25 NIV

23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Ecclesiastes 4:8a NIV

8a There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth.

What are the excuses?

1. Naivety

2. Temperament

3. Fear

4. Past experiences

5. Busyness

1. What are the excuses?

2. Why is it essential?

Romans 12:4-5 NIV

4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each membuier belongs to all the others.

1. What are the excuses?

2. Why is it essential?

3. How does it enrich?

Proverbs 27:17 NIV

17 As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

James 5:16 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.

Acts 2:42-46 ESV

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts.

Dialed In for 2026 // Fasting for Mind, Body, and Spirit

Pastors JF and Ashley Wilkerson

Matthew 6:16–18 NIV

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.”

1. Fasting Helps Dial in Your Mind

Daniel 1:15–20 NIV

15 At the end of the ten days they looked healthier and better nourished than any of the young men who ate the royal food. 16 So the guard took away their choice food and the wine they were to drink and gave them vegetables instead. 17 To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. 18 At the end of the time set by the king to bring them into his service, the chief official presented them to Nebuchadnezzar. 19 The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. 20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king questioned them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind

2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body

1 Corinthians 6:19–20 NIV

19 Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind

2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body

3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit

BIBLICAL FASTING - refraining from food for a spiritual purpose.

3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit

- Biblical fasting deepens our awareness of our dependence on God.

Matthew 4:1–4 NIV 1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”

Fasting is a chosen wilderness that helps to teach your spirit Who sustains you.

3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit

- Biblical fasting deepens our awareness of our dependence on God.

- Biblical fasting should align us with God’s heart and mission.

Isaiah 58:3–10 NIV

3 ‘Why have we fasted,’ they say, ‘and you have not seen it? Why have we humbled ourselves, and you have not noticed?’ “Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers. 4 Your fasting ends in quarreling and strife, and in striking each other with wicked fists. You cannot fast as you do today and expect your voice to be heard on high. 5 Is this the kind of fast I have chosen, only a day for people to humble themselves? Is it only for bowing one’s head like a reed and for lying in sackcloth and ashes? Is that what you call a fast, a day acceptable to the Lord? 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. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, 10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.

1. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Mind

2. Fasting Helps Dial In Your Body

3. Biblical Fasting Helps Dial In Your Spirit

Closer, Deeper, More, More, More!

Dr. Ken Ecker

James 4:8 NIV

8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

1. God is calling us to come closer to Him

Ezekiel 40:1-4 NIV

1 In the twenty-fifth year of our exile, at the beginning of the year, on the tenth of the month, in the fourteenth year after the fall of the city—on that very day the hand of the Lord was on me and he took me there. 2 In visions of God he took me to the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on whose south side were some buildings that looked like a city. 3 He took me there, and I saw a man whose appearance was like bronze; he was standing in the gateway with a linen cord and a measuring rod in his hand. 4 The man said to me, “Son of man, look carefully and listen closely and pay attention to everything I am going to show you, for that is why you have been brought here. Tell the people of Israel everything you see.”

Ezekiel 47:3-5 NIV

3 As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist.  5  He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.

Galatians 5:16 NIV

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

Psalm 95:6 NIV

6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.

Ephesians 6:14a NIV

14a Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist…

1. God is calling us to come closer to Him

2. God is calling us to go deeper with Him

Ezekiel 47:5 NIV

5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.

Psalm 42:7-8 NIV

7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. 8 By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life.

Psalm 139:14 NIV

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

1. God is calling us to come closer to Him

2. God is calling us to go deeper with Him

3. God is calling us to desire more of Him

Ephesians 3:16-19 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. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18  may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Psalm 119:10 NIV

10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands.

1. God is calling us to come closer to Him

2. God is calling us to go deeper with Him

3. God is calling us to desire more of Him

Isaiah 9:6-7a 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. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.

Luke 1:26-38 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 Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” 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. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 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.

Luke 1:46-49 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.

1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.

2. The process often involves what the world would call REJECTION.

Luke 2:1, 3-7 NIV

1 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world…3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Matthew 16:24 NIV

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me”.

Matthew 16:25 NIV

25 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.

1. The process often involves what the world would call RISK.

2. The process often involves what the world would call REJECTION.

3. The process often involves what the world would call RECKLESSNESS.

He Shall Be Called // Week 3 // Everlasting Father

Pastors JF & Ashley Wilkerson

Isaiah 9:6-7a 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. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

1. THE BOND

Galatians 4:4-7 NIV

4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6 Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child;

1. The Bond

2. The Boundaries

Romans 8:38-39 NLT

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1. The Bond

2. The Boundaries

3. The Bloodline

Ephesians 1:3-8a NIV

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace 8a that he lavished on us.

‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬

13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

1. The Bond

2. The Boundaries

3. The Bloodline

He Shall Be Called // Week 2 // Mighty God

Pastor Ashley Wilkerson

Isaiah 9:6-7a 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. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

Mighty (The Oxford English Dictionary) - possessing great strength, power, or size.

1. Remember the COUNT

Luke 2:1-5 NLT

1 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

1. Remember the COUNT

2. Remember the CASTL

Matthew 2:1-2 NIV

1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem 2 and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Proverbs 18:20-21 NIV

20 From the fruit of their mouth a person’s stomach is filled; with the harvest of their lips they are satisfied. 21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Philippians 4:12-13 NIV

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

1. Remember the COUNT

2. Remember the CASTLE

3. Remember the CAVE and the COVERING

Luke 2:5-7 NIV

5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Genesis 3:9-11a NIV

9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” 11a And he said, “Who told you that you were naked?

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NIV

8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

1. Remember the COUNT

2. Remember the CASTLE

3. Remember the CAVE and the COVERING

He Shall Be Called // Week 1 // Wonderful Counselor

Pastors JF & Ashley Wilkerson

Isaiah 9:6-7a 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. 7a Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV

30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Luke 1:26b-28 NIV

26b...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. He is God FOR US

Luke 1:29-30 NIV

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.

Ephesians 1:3-6 NIV

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ . 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

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.

1. He is God FOR US

2. He is God WITH US

Luke 1:28 NIV

28 The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Matthew 1:22-23 NIV

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”).

John 1:14a NIV

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

1. He Is God FOR US

2. He is God WITH US

3. He is God TO US

Isaiah 9:6a NIV

6a For to us a child is born, to us a son is given…

Luke 1:30-31 NIV

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.

Romans 5:8 NIV

8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1. He Is God FOR US

2. He is God WITH US

3. He is God TO US

Gratitude // Week 4 // Gratitude Changes Our Practice

1. Gratitude in Your Pondering

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

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.

Colossians 3:15 NIV

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

“Has it ever struck you that life is all memory, except for the one present moment that goes by you so quick you hardly catch it going?” - Tennessee Williams

Philippians 4:8 NIV

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

1. Gratitude in Your Pondering

2. Gratitude in your Posture

Colossians 3:16 NIV

16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Philippians 4:9a NIV

9a Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.

1. Gratitude in Your Pondering

2. Gratitude in your Posture

3. Gratitude is Practiced   

Colossians 3:17 NIV

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, DO IT all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15 NIV

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

1. Gratitude in Your Pondering

2. Gratitude in your Posture

3. Gratitude is Practiced

Gratitude // Week 3 // Gratitude And Our Outcomes

Pastors JF and Ashley Wilkerson

1 Samuel 25:1-3 NIV

1 Now Samuel died, and all Israel assembled and mourned for him; and they buried him at his home in Ramah. Then David moved down into the Desert of Paran. 2 A certain man in Maon, who had property there at Carmel, was very wealthy. He had a thousand goats and three thousand sheep, which he was shearing in Carmel. 3 His name was Nabal and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband was surly and mean in his dealings—he was a Calebite.

1. Gratitude is not a feeling...gratitude is a choice.

1 Samuel 25:4-11 NIV

4 While David was in the wilderness, he heard that Nabal was shearing sheep. 5 So he sent ten young men and said to them, “Go up to Nabal at Carmel and greet him in my name. 6 Say to him: ‘Long life to you! Good health to you and your household! And good health to all that is yours! 7 “‘Now I hear that it is sheep-shearing time. When your shepherds were with us, we did not mistreat them, and the whole time they were at Carmel nothing of theirs was missing. 8 Ask your own servants and they will tell you. Therefore be favorable toward my men, since we come at a festive time. Please give your servants and your son David whatever you can find for them.’” 9 When David’s men arrived, they gave Nabal this message in David’s name. Then they waited. 10 Nabal answered David’s servants, “Who is this David? Who is this son of Jesse? Many servants are breaking away from their masters these days. 11 Why should I take my bread and water, and the meat I have slaughtered for my shearers, and give it to men coming from who knows where?”

1. Gratitude is not a feeling...gratitude is a choice.

2. Gratitude to God results in generosity to others.

2 Corinthians 9:11-12 NIV

11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.

Matthew 25:34-40 NIV 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

1. Gratitude is not a feeling...gratitude is a choice.

2. Gratitude to God results in generosity to others.

3. Gratitude is more about our obedience than our understanding.

1 Samuel 25:14-19 NIV

14 One of the servants told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, “David sent messengers from the wilderness to give our master his greetings, but he hurled insults at them. 15 Yet these men were very good to us. They did not mistreat us, and the whole time we were out in the fields near them nothing was missing. 16 Night and day they were a wall around us the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. 17 Now think it over and see what you can do, because disaster is hanging over our master and his whole household. He is such a wicked man that no one can talk to him.” 18 Abigail acted quickly. She took two hundred loaves of bread, two skins of wine, five dressed sheep, five seahs of roasted grain, a hundred cakes of raisins and two hundred cakes of pressed figs, and loaded them on donkeys. 19 Then she told her servants, “Go on ahead; I’ll follow you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal.

1 Samuel 25:23-27 NIV

1. Gratitude is not a feeling... Gratitude is a choice.

2. Gratitude to God should always result in generosity to others.

3. Gratitude is more about our obedience than our understanding.

Gratitude // Week 2 // Gratitude Changes The Battle

Pastor Ashley Wilkerson

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

2 Chronicles 19:4-5 NIRV

4 Jehoshaphat lived in Jerusalem. He went out again among the people. He went from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim. He turned the people back to the Lord, the God of Israel. 5a Jehoshaphat appointed judges in the land.

2 Chronicles 20:1 NIRV

1 After that, the Moabites, Ammonites and some Meunites went to war against Jehoshaphat.

1. Gratitude Attracts Attacks

2 Chronicles 20:3 NIRV   

3 Jehoshaphat was alarmed. So he decided to ask the Lord for advice. He told all the people of Judah to go without eating.

1. Gratitude Attracts Attacks

2. Gratitude Seeks God’s Strategies

2 Chronicles 20:4 NIRV   

4 The people came together to ask the Lord for help. In fact, they came from every town in Judah to pray to him.

2 Chronicles 20:5-9 NIV   

5 Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the Lord in the front of the new courtyard 6 and said: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven?You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. 7 Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? 8 They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 9 ‘If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.’

2 Chronicles 20:14-17 NIV

14 Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel, son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite and descendant of Asaph, as he stood in the assembly. 15 He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16 Tomorrow march down against them. They will be climbing up by the Pass of Ziz, and you will find them at the end of the gorge in the Desert of Jeruel. 17 You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’”

2 Chronicles 20:18-19 NIV   

18 Jehoshaphat bowed down with his face to the ground, and all the people of Judah and Jerusalem fell down in worship before the Lord. 19 Then some Levites from the Kohathites and Korahites stood up and praised the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

2 Chronicles 20:20-21 NIV

20 Early in the morning they left for the Desert of Tekoa. As they set out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah and people of Jerusalem! Have faith in the Lord your God and you will be upheld; have faith in his prophets and you will be successful.” 21 After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.”

1. Gratitude Attracts Attacks

2. Gratitude Seeks God’s Strategies

3. Gratitude Releases Residual Results

2 Chronicles 20:22-23 NIV   

22 As they began to sing and praise, the Lord set ambushes against the men of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir who were invading Judah, and they were defeated. 23 The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another.

2 Chronicles 20:29-30 NIV   

29 The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side.

Juh Hohzul literally means “God sees”.

Psalm 50:14-15 NIV

“Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, 15 and call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

1. Gratitude Attracts Attacks

2. Gratitude Seeks God’s Strategies

3. Gratitude Releases Residual Results