* Why would a watchman choose not to blow the trumpet?

* The same reason we wouldn’t - we don’t want to make people uncomfortable.

* We don’t want to bother people or be the bad guy.

* The laws being made now are subjective based upon peoples’ comfort rather than based on an objective standard for peoples’ safety (which is what true law is supposed to be).

* A watchman can’t concern himself with the comfort of his people but the safety of the people.

* True comfort is found only on the other side of safety.

* The minute safety is compromised for the sake of comfort both are in jeopardy.

* This verse is basically saying:

* “Because you took credit for something God did He became the enemy not only of you but also the thing you say you made.”

* This is a terrifying remainder to give God credit for everything.

* Why? Because every good thing comes from Him (James 1:16-17).

* Our ideas originated from God - He’s the one who gave us a brain to think with.

* Our hard work originated from God - He’s the one who gave us arms and legs and health.

* We should want God as our business partner not our competitor.

* We don’t want Him to stand against our business!!!!

* Don’t forget what happened to Herod in Acts 12:23 when he took credit for his eloquent speaking - he was eaten by worms!

* You can see the picture of a farmer carrying an expensive bag of see and spreading it while praying for God to bring the rain.

* Without the rain all of his time, talent, and treasure is for nothing.

* When we first started our business there was a lot of putting out but not much bringing in.

* That’s how businesses are started - the more you put out at the front the more you can potentially get in the end.

* Why would the farmer be weeping? Because of the risk associated with giving up the seed.

* He could make $$ by selling the seed, but a LOT more if he plants it.

* This all points to a spiritual truth:

* Often times it feels like we may be giving a lot for nothing in return.

* Consider the faithful servants in Hebrews 11 - they died weeping but they woke up with shouts of joy in heaven!

* The key is to be willing to “give up” what we have now for what we gain later.

*

* A prayer I’ve prayed every morning……

* But when you pray make sure you’re on FM and not AM.

* Faith Mode vs Analysis Mode.

* What God does doesn’t always make sense to us - often it doesn’t.

* AM is based on human reason.

* FM is based on God’s wisdom - God can throw that mountain into the sea if He wants it there!

* Let’s pray in faith mode and watch God give us what we ask.

* Many retailers are skipping Thanksgiving and jumping right to Christmas.

* Thanksgiving is the holiday that reminds us of our Godly history as a nation.

* Our founding fathers placed a high priority on thanking God for creating and sustaining our nation.

* Newsweek and Time Magazine in 1983 recognized that our founding was based on Christian principles derived from the Bible.

* Our founders outlined how religious liberty sets the stage for civil liberty.

* Thanksgiving reminds us of this.

* Even on the Liberty Bell Leviticus 25:10 is inscribed on it.

* It’s no wonder why Satan wants us to skip this Holiday.

* A big Christian leader refused to call abortion sin while on a talk show.

* The gospel could be summarized in one word - “repent.”

* Acts 3:19 - “repent and return……..for times of refreshing.”

* You cannot evangelize when sin is not called sin.

* Where there is no law there is no sin.

* Proverbs 24:10 - we have weak leaders today.

* Ezekiel 20:11 - if you observe God’s commandments you will live.

* Ezekiel 13:22 - spiritual leaders are to encourage the wicked to turn from their ways.

* James 5:19 - those who turn sinners from the error of their ways cover a multitude of sin.

* When Boaz proposed to Ruth he spread his covering over her.

* God did the same thing with His own people.

* This is a great picture of what men are to do for their wives.

* Spreading the covering is two-fold:

* 1) Taking possession - this is provision.

* 2) Covering Nakedness - this is protection.

* Here in Ezekiel God goes even further:

* 3) He beautified her - this is prioritization.

* vs 13 - “then” she arose a queen.

* She wasn’t a queen until her man provided, protected, and prioritized her.

* Beauty is found within battle.

* Did you catch the last part of this verse - “Their weakness turned to strength,” and “they became strong in battle.”

* They became strong when they joined in the battle.

* Gideon was naturally fearful and doubtful.

* But his strength increased when he jumped into the battle.

* This is the beauty of being a believer - the battle is already won!

* All we gotta do is be willing to jump in.

* The fight is a spiritual one - Ephesians 6:12.

* The Marines have it right.

* Recently a mega-church pastor failed to stand for truth on national TV.

* He later clarified, but his initial reaction reveals a greater problem.

* All people naturally move away from pain and toward comfort.

* This is why suffering is a choice.

* vs 24-26 - The Hebrews were tempted to go back into Judaism.

* Jews weren’t persecuted by Romans - Christians were.

* Why? Because Christians believe Jesus is king, not Caesar.

* Moses chose suffering. How?

* By looking forward to the reward.

* The only way we’ll choose to suffer is to take our eyes off this world and fix them on Heaven and our reward to be received there.

* Ezekiel 22:26 - pastors have to make distinctions.

* This verse is great when it comes to living within a family and community.

* Everyone has a “bent,” and love spurs us to discover that bent.

* We need to study other people so we know how to motivate them to do good.

* The greatest motivator, however, is living what we preach.

* Proverbs 22:6 - create an appetite.