SHIFT #8

SHIFT My Fears

By Louie Marsh, 7-31-2022

“12in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” (Ephesians 3:12, ESV)

Do you know….

1st word the angel said after Jesus rose from the dead?

1st word Jesus said after he rose

1st disciple’s heard Jesus say after he rose  - don’t be afraid

IF we could project your hidden fears on our screen this morning– what would they be?  Lose job, marriage, your children, afraid about health, afraid of being stuck in Parker forever!

One pastor was driving and his son looked up and said Daddy, are you afraid of spiders, no, afraid of thunder, no, afraid of ghosts, no, afraid of robbers, no.  Then I guess Mommy is the only thing you are afraid of!

Fear has many names – worry, tension, stress, uptight. A recent study of 500 people found 7000 different fears – 14 fears per person!

A ACCEPT God’s Love For Me.

“18There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.” (1 John 4:18, ESV)

The Opposite of fear is LOVE.

Bible says the opposite of love is fear – they cannot co-exist together

The Three Levels Of Fear:

• SURFACE

Not able to pay bills, might run out of gas,  no clean underwear – might see you shop at WalMart

• PERSONAL

Things below the surface, the fear of failure, rejection, abandonment, losing control, being found out, not being adequate to the task

• The SOUL

A singular – the one fear that all others spring from – it’s the tap root, and until you deal with this deepest level of your life, you won’t be able to deal with the others.

Our Deepest Need – To be completely, totally, unconditionally LOVED.

If you get nothing else please get this – Only God can love you with the kind of love you need!!  Nothing else will do – nothing or no one can substitute for God’s love in your life!

If you try to get from other people or things, then you will be disappointed because it won’t work.

If you just be religious, or never get to know God, or drift away from being close to Him – you will deal with these fear issues for the rest of your life!!

“39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:39, ESV)

“7Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7, ESV)

1st step is to accept God’s love – because there’s no fear there and only He can fill your need for love.

Irony – when you need God’s love the most you run from him – because your guilt makes you run from God. If you feel far from God – guess who moved?

B BELIEVE Christ Died & Rose For Me.

“14Since the children are made of flesh and blood, it’s logical that the Savior took on flesh and blood in order to rescue them by his death. By embracing death, taking it into himself, he destroyed the Devil’s hold on death 15and freed all who cower through life, scared to death of death.” (Hebrews 2:14–15, The Message)

“15and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.” (Hebrews 2:15, ESV)

“11For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”” (Romans 10:11, ESV)

Believe IN NOT believe (or Know)  ABOUT.

Circle ME – it’s one thing to believe(know) about something another to believe in something.  I believe about Howard Stern, & Osama Bin Laden but I don’t believe IN them!

Believe – In Gk – trust in etc.

I believe in Hitler but I’m not a Nazi, I believe in Stalin but I’m not a Communist – I believe in Jesus but I AM a Christian, Why? Because I’ve committed myself to Him!

Belief in Jesus means I can stop being afraid of death!

Pastor was doing some witnessing – asked a bum if he wanted to go to heaven, guy said no! Why? I thought you were taking a bus load right now!

You need Christ not because you are going to die today but because you’ve got to live tomorrow!

C CHALLENGE my fears.

“11Do not fear the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid. Do not fear him, declares the Lord, for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. 12I will grant you mercy, that he may have mercy on you and let you remain in your own land. 13But if you say, ‘We will not remain in this land,’ disobeying the voice of the Lord your God 14and saying, ‘No, we will go to the land of Egypt, where we shall not see war or hear the sound of the trumpet or be hungry for bread, and we will dwell there,’ 15then hear the word of the Lord, O remnant of Judah. Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: If you set your faces to enter Egypt and go to live there, 16then the sword that you fear shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine of which you are afraid shall follow close after you to Egypt, and there you shall die.” (Jeremiah 42:11–16, ESV)

C COMMIT  My Fears & My Life To Christ.

“14But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:14–15, ESV)

CHANGE IN PRINTED OUTLINE – FILL IN GOES BELOW THESE VERSES!

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

“18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18, ESV)

The resurrection life you’ve received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike, “What’s next, Papa?”  Romans 8:18 (Message)

Outwardly people are hurting – success isn’t a substitute for God, People have their DVD player, their BMW and the MBA but they are S A D.

How many of us know the 10 commandments?  Can say them?  Have seen the movie???

The first commandment is – No other god’s before Me.  That’s idolatry?  When you put something in God’s place you are setting yourself up for fear.  Why?

Anything but God is #1 – it can be taken from you so you develop fear of losing it.

If having people’s approval is the most important thing to you – then you will develop a fear of losing it.

If making money – fear of losing it.  Marriage – fear of not marrying or losing it.  Success – fear of failure. 

Idolatry = FEAR .

Fear = CONTROL

Jesus is NOT Lord of all if I hold onto my fears!

Think about what makes you afraid. And then let me ask you a question: Is there any chance that thing could be competing with God in your life?

By making Christ Lord – and the only one you have to please – makes you life simpler!

Resign as General Manager of the universe and let God be God – you just be you and things will be so much better!

Shift  #7

Shift My Dreams

by Louie Marsh, 7-24-2022

Some Dream Related Quotes

Insomniacs don't sleep because they worry about it, and they worry about it because they don't sleep.---Franklin Adams

My life's dream has been a perpetual nightmare. ---Voltaire

A professor is someone who talk's in someone else's sleep.---Wystan Auden

A man of sixty has spent twenty years in bed and over three years eating.---Arnold Bennett

The only time most women give their orating husbands undivided attention is when the old boys mumble in their sleep.---Wilson Mizner

Sleep is an excellent way of listening to an opera. ---James Stephens

I never sleep comfortably except when I am at a sermon.---Rabelais

1) God wants me to DREAM

" 'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; Acts 2:17 (ESV)

What dreams has God put in your heart?
I want to stir you up to dare to dream. To pursue the dream God put in your heart.
To rediscover dreams that may have been dormant. What’s your dream?

• Most of our dreams are to BORING/SMALL!

CS Lewis said, “Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak.”

Survey by CareerBuilder.com revealed nearly four out of five U.S. workers (84 percent) are not currently in their dream job

Across all professions, police and firefighters reported the highest incidence of feeling they have their dream jobs (35 percent). They are followed closely by teachers (32 percent), real estate professionals (28 percent) and engineers (25 percent). Those in travel and nurses also ranked near the top at 22 percent and 18 percent respectively.

Those professions with the least amount of workers feeling they have their dream jobs include accommodations/food services (9 percent), manufacturing (9 percent) and retail (10 percent).

Key Dream Job Attributes
Salary was one of the least important factors in determining a dream job. Money ranked third (12 percent) compared to having fun at work (39 percent) which topped the list, followed by making a difference in society (17 percent).

TOP 10 CHILDHOOD DREAM JOBS…

OVER ALL

1. Doctor

2. Teacher

3. Veterinarian

4. Musician

5. Movie star

6. Professional athlete

7. Artist

8. Business owner

9. Writer

10. Police officer

FOR AMERICAN MEN

1. Professional athlete

2. Doctor

3. Musician

4. Police officer

5. Business owner

6. Superhero

7. Teacher

8. Movie star

9. Architect

10. Firefighter

FOR AMERICAN WOMEN

1. Teacher

2. Doctor

3. Veterinarian

4. Movie star

5. Writer

6. Artist

7. Fashion designer

8. Musician

9. Business owner

10. Chef

HOW DOES A GOD-GIVEN DREAM DEVELOP?

STAGE 1: God gives me a DREAM

God gives you a dream.. .an idea, goal, or ambition. Every great accomplishment first began as a God-given dream in someone’s mind

“20Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us,” (Ephesians 3:20, ESV)

Wayne Cordeiro wrote in "Dream Releasers":

“The richest spot on the face of the earth cannot be found in the diamond mines of South Africa, or in… the oil fields of Saudi Arabia. No, the richest plot of land is in your very own neighborhood… It’s the cemetery. That’s right! The graveyard is the wealthiest place in all of creation. Beneath those rectangular pieces of sod lie countless unsung melodies and unwritten poems. The grassy plots overflow with brilliant ideas that could have transformed entire communities… Our burial grounds reek with unattained successes and unrealized dreams.”

Now Joseph had a dream... Genesis 37:5a (ESV)

STAGE 2: I must CHOOSE to follow it.

A dream is worthless until you decide to do something about it. For every 10 dreamers, there’s only 1 decision-maker. This is the moment of truth where you decide to invest your time, money, energy, and reputation and to let go of security. If you want to walk on water -you must get out of the boat!

"Vision without action is daydream; action without vision is nightmare."

“5… and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more.” (Genesis 37:5b, ESV)

STAGE 3: My God-given dream is  DELAYED.

There is ALWAYS a time lapse before your dream becomes reality. God uses this waiting period to teach us to trust Him. Remember, a delay is not a denial. Maturity is understanding the difference between “no” and “not yet.”

“19They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer.”…“23So when Joseph came to his brothers, they stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. 24And they took him and threw him into a pit. The pit was empty; there was no water in it…“28Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt.” (Genesis 37:19, 23-24, 28, ESV)

“3For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3, ESV)

‘These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!” Hab. 2:3 (LB)

STAGE 4: Things get even MORE DIFFICULT!

Now the problems start popping up. The 2 most common types: critics and circumstances. Don’t worry. It’s all a part of God’s plan

“12she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” But he left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.” (Genesis 39:12, ESV)

“6In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:6–7, ESV)

Hudson Taylor said:  "It does not matter how great the pressure is. What really matters is where the pressure lies- whether it comes between you and God, or whether it presses you nearer His heart."

STAGE 5: I finally come to a DEADEND!

Your situation will deteriorate from difficult to IMPOSSIBLE! You are backed into a corner, you reach the end of your rope, it looks hopeless. Congratulations! You are on the edge of a miracle. Trust God

“13In three days Pharaoh will lift up your head and restore you to your office, and you shall place Pharaoh’s cup in his hand as formerly, when you were his cupbearer. 14Only remember me, when it is well with you, and please do me the kindness to mention me to Pharaoh, and so get me out of this house…23Yet the chief cupbearer did not remember Joseph, but forgot him.” (Genesis 40:13-13,23, ESV)

“8For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8–9, ESV)

Joseph was 17 when he started to dream. God usually starts birthing dreams in us while we’re young. Sometimes as people get older they abandon the dreams In Genesis 37 - Joseph is thrown into a PIT
In Genesis 39 - Joseph is a slave working for POTIPHAR
In Genesis 40 - Joseph is in PRISON
In Genesis 41 - Joseph finally arrives in the PALACE

STAGE 6: God brings about my  DELIVERANCE!

God provides a supernatural answer. Miraculously, things fall into place! God loves to turn crucifixions into resurrections so you can see His greatness

“9Then the chief cupbearer said to Pharaoh, “I remember my offenses today.” (Genesis 41:9, ESV)

“13I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” (Psalm 27:13, ESV)

Shift!

Part 6: Shift My Thinking

by Louie Marsh, 7-10-2022

1) Biblical thinking is focused on Jesus & HIS WORD.

Starts with and is focused on Christ and the truth. Jesus is the way, truth and life, therefore our thinking process must always begin with Him, His Word and truth.

“6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, ESV)

“31So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”” (John 8:31–32, ESV)

2) My mind desperately needs to be RENEWED.

The Bible teaches us that our minds need to be renewed (Rom. 12:2) because our minds are naturally hostile to God (Rom. 8:5-8) and cannot please God.

“2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is. Romans 12:2 (NLT)

“5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:5–8, ESV)

3) I can and must CONTROL & FOCUS my thoughts.

We can control what we think about (Phil. 4:8; Heb. 3:1) with the help of God.

“7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:7–8, ESV)

“1Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,” (Hebrews 3:1, ESV)

4) I should let Jesus SHAPE my life & thoughts.

We must take hold of our thoughts and begin to think the way God wants us to think (2 Cor. 10:5).

“5We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,” (2 Corinthians 10:5, ESV)

We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (MSG)

5) What should my thought process be?

• Check with GOD,

“6do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:6, ESV)

• Check with GOD’S WORD,

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalms 119:105 (ESV)

• Check with MANY COUNSELORS

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22 (NIV)

“22Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” (Proverbs 15:22, ESV)

“6for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory.” (Proverbs 24:6, ESV)

“24Your testimonies are my delight; they are my counselors.” (Psalm 119:24, ESV)

• Focus on the TRUTH –

always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 3:7 (ESV)

• The 7 Hat Approach –

Order In Which I Reveal the Hats

1. Objective
2. Positive
3. Negative
4. Creative
5. Intuitive
6. Process

Six Thinking Hats

A Proposal Analysis Tool by Edward de Bono1

The proposal is read out and then everyone puts one the following hats in turn:

1.     The White Hat is the information hat. This covers facts, figures, information needs and gaps. People can ask for more information or data to help analyze the proposal.

2.     The Red Hat represents emotions. This covers intuition, feelings and emotions. People have to say how this proposal makes them feel emotionally: scared, threatened, excited, energized, etc. It is important to get the feelings expressed, as they can be hidden reasons why people would oppose or support a proposal.

3.     The Yellow Hat is the hat of optimism. This is the logical positive: why something will work and why it will offer benefits. Everyone in turn has to say what is good about the proposal. Even if you think the idea stinks you have to find some good points and redeeming qualities about it.

4.     The Black Hat is the pessimism hat. This is the hat of judgment and caution. Everyone has to find fault with the idea. Even if it was your idea and you are very proud of it you have to point out some drawbacks and disadvantages.

5.     The Green Hat is the hat of growth and possibilities. This is the hat of creativity, alternatives, proposals, what is interesting, provocations and changes. Everyone has to suggest ways in which the idea could be adapted or improved to make it work better.

6.     The Blue Hat is the process hat. This is the overview or process control hat. It looks not at the subject itself but at the 'thinking' about the subject. It is used to check if the process is working well. When you wear it, you discuss whether you are using the method in the most effective way.

SHOW MESSY PIC!

7th Hat – Faith in God!

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17 (ESV)

Shift

Part 5: Shift My Motivations

by Louie Marsh, 7-3-2022

Two Motivation pics – then Old Dr. Boyce Quote, Don’t do the right thing for the wrong reason.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?  - SHOW PIC ON CUE!

Who is this Guy?  BTK killer – Dennis Rader.  Between 1974 and 1991, he killed ten people in Wichita and Park City, Kansas, and sent taunting letters to police and newspapers describing the details of his crime

He was also an active member and leader in his church and community!

3 Things to Remember

1) I can’t deal with my motives without GOD’S HELP.

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting! Psalms 139:23-24 (ESV)

2) All of my motives will never be 100% PURE.

“12Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Philippians 3:12, ESV)

3) Other people’s motives are THEIR PROBLEM not mine!

“15Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice,” (Philippians 1:15–18, ESV)

SHOW PIC ON CUE!

KEWASKUM, Wis. -- It's not usually news when a police officer writes a ticket -- unless it's the chief and he gives the ticket to himself.

Village of Kewaskum Police Chief Richard Knoebel said he was driving to work when he became distracted by a truck stopping on one side of the street.

He said he didn't see a school bus with its lights flashing and a stop sign out on the other side of the four-lane road.

The chief said he didn't know he had passed the stopped bus until it was too late.

When he realized what he had done, he issued himself a $235 ticket.

"When we get someone for not stopping for a flashing school bus we give them a citation. So I shouldn't be any different so I did," Knoebel said.

Not only did the chief have to pay a hefty fine, he gave himself a four-point penalty on his license

4 Motivations to be Wary of

1) PEOPLE PLEASING

“12For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.” (Galatians 2:12, ESV)

2) SELF-SEEKING

“1“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:1, ESV)

“1What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? 2You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. 3You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:1–3, ESV)

Example – show pic on cue and read his description A picture of my wife and me around the time of my story. Yes, I was wearing those giant glasses and that stylish moustache. And, yes, I was wearing shorts that short. I'm glad some things change, though I'd be happy to have all that brown hair again.

For example, several years ago my wife and I were going through a difficult time in our marriage. Linda was pretty unhappy with our relationship. I, on the contrary, was fairly satisfied with how things were going, except for her unhappiness. If she would just cheer up, I thought, we'd be doing fine. Linda, however, wanted outside help. She asked if we might go to a Christian marriage counselor together. I rejected her request, arguing my case with an impressive array of facts and theories: not really needed; not enough time; can't afford it; can't find a good counselor, etc. (Of course I wasn't willing to admit that my real hesitations were pride and fear.)

I won the argument, not by convincing Linda of the folly of seeking counseling, but by virtue of the fact that if I wouldn't go with her, we weren't going at all. But then I made the "mistake" of sharing my victory over Linda with my small group of Christian men. After I finished my proud tale they asked simply, "Why don't you just go to counseling with her?" Again I paraded my arguments, which they shot down with ease. I knew I was dead when my best defense, "I'm not sure we can afford it," was shattered with their offer, "Oh, we'll pay for you to go if that's the problem." The jig was up. My goose was cooked.

Looking back on that experience, I now know where it led. Linda and I did see a wonderful Christian counselor. Not only did he help us develop a much healthier and happier marriage, but also he was used by the Holy Spirit to bring healing to deep wounds within my soul, wounds that hindered far more than my capacity for intimacy in marriage. I continue to overflow with thanks to God for those three brothers in Christ who helped me to discern God's will when I was so blind and hard-hearted.

3) LEGALISM/GUILT

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— Galatians 3:1-5 (ESV)

4) CONTROL

“9I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. 10So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church.” (3 John 9–10, ESV)

My Major Motivation: LOVE

• Love of GOD

For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10 (ESV)

• Love of OTHERS

“17But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:17–18, ESV)

How to Discern My Real Motivations

1) PRAY – only God can show me my heart.

All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD. Proverbs 16:2 (NIV)

“2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful. 3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. 5Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” (1 Corinthians 4:2–5, ESV)

2) LISTEN to people I trust & who know me well.

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. Acts 18:26 (ESV)

3) STAY OPEN to God.

“3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” (1 Thessalonians 2:3–4, ESV)

Shift!

Part 4: Shift My Service

by Louie Marsh, 6-26-2022

Pics – last one Lord help me change.

To Serve Jesus in a deeper way I need to Shift how I…

1) SEE my serving Jesus.

• As a part of GOD’S PLAN

For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14 (NIV)

• As a PRIVILEGE

As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5 (ESV)

2) I must make the CHOICE to serve.

• As a response to being CALLED to serve.

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. 1 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)

• As an act of LOVE

"And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? Deuteronomy 10:12-13 (ESV)

• To bring God glory not make me feel GOOD!

Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:11 (NLT)

3) SHAPE my service to Jesus.

S PIRITUAL GIFTS

"... Each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that."  1 Cor. 7:7b

WHAT AM I GIFTED TO DO?

HEART

"For it is God who works in you, inspiring both the will and the deed, for his own chosen purpose!"  Phil. 2:13 (NEB)

WHAT DO I LOVE TO DO?

A BILITIES

"I (God)... have given him skill, ability, and knowledge in all kinds of crafts..."  Exodus 31:3

WHAT NATURAL TALENTS AND SKILLS DO I HAVE?

P ERSONALITY

"No one can really know what anyone else is thinking or what he is really like, except that person himself."  1 Cor. 2:11 (LB)

WHERE DOES MY PERSONALITY BEST SUIT ME TO SERVE?

E XPERIENCES

4) STRENGTHEN my service to Jesus.

Through this world of toil and snares, If I falter, Lord, who cares?  Who with me my burden shares?  None but Thee, dear Lord, none but Thee.  -  Just a Closer Walk With Thee

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. Psalms 20:7 (NIV)

5) REJECT fear & CHOOSE to serve by faith.

• Personal  INFERIORITY

But Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Exodus 3:10-11 (NIV)

• Fear of IGNORANCE.

Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?" Exodus 3:13 (NIV)

• Fear of PEOPLE’S OPINIONS

Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?" Exodus 4:1 (NIV)

• Fear of INABILITY

Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." Exodus 4:10 (NIV)

• UNWILLINGNESS

But Moses said, "O Lord, please send someone else to do it." Exodus 4:13 (NIV)

6) SPEND myself in service to Jesus.

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 (NIV)

Shift!

Part 3: Shift My Heart

by Louie Marsh, 6-19-2022

Pics – last one punch someone

1) Everything starts in & from the HEART.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. Deuteronomy 6:5 (ESV)

3 Reasons My Heart is Critical:

• It brings me to SALVATION.

because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. Romans 10:9-10 (ESV)

• It is the WELLSPRING of life

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

• It’s crucial to my OBEDIENCE to God.

“14But the word is very near you. It is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” (Deuteronomy 30:14, ESV)

2) KNOW the differences between my heart & soul.

SHOW CIRCLES ON CUE – SOCIAL (things that impact my worldview), BODY (won’t talk about much, but important), SOUL.

Soul = mind, will, emotion

Heart =

·                 Mind –Eph. 1:18

·                 Will –  Jeremiah 18:12

·                 Emotion – 2 Cor. 2:4

Mind –

“8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight” (Ephesians 1:8, ESV)

Will –

“12“But they say, ‘That is in vain! We will follow our own plans, and will every one act according to the stubbornness of his evil heart.’” (Jeremiah 18:12, ESV)

Emotion –

“4For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.” (2 Corinthians 2:4, ESV)

So What’s The Difference?

• I am “A LIVING SOUL”

Soul used of person – we are souls

• I have A HEART

Never used of whole person, but of something the person possesses, used in the sense of conscience – the Hebrew has no word for conscience.

• My heart is the CENTER of my soul.

It’s the Nexus – or the controller or the Flux Capacitor of the soul! 

SHOW PIC ON CUE!

3) How does my heart get MESSED UP?

•  Because I’m a FALLEN SOUL.

“9The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)

• Because I make BAD CHOICES.

“3And David sent and inquired about the woman. And one said, “Is not this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?”” (2 Samuel 11:3, ESV)

SHOW GRAPHICS OF HOW THE HEART GETS OFF COURSE ON CUE!

#1 – The Control Freak

#2 – The Emotional Soul

#3 – The Intellectual

4) How Can I Get My Heart Right Again?

• Pray for God to TEST MY HEART

“3The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, and the Lord tests hearts.” (Proverbs 17:3, ESV)

• Learn to avoid COMPARTMENTALIZATION

“11Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11, ESV)

• Let God BREAK my heart.

“8For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8–9, ESV)

“17The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17, ESV)

• INTEGRATE my life in Christ.

“9making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ 10as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Ephesians 1:9–10, ESV)

“11Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:11, ESV)

…Put me together, one heart and mind; then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear. Psalms 86:11 (MSG)

• Learn to do two things with what hurts me

• FEEL it.

“3For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah 5I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah” (Psalm 32:3–5, ESV)

• LET IT GO  to God.

“1The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;” (Isaiah 61:1, ESV)

Shift #2

Shift My Allegiances

By Louie Marsh, 6-12-2022

Cartoons to open, last one Hate Sunday Mornings.

Allegiance = loyalty or devotion to some person, group, cause, or the like.

Synonym - Commitment

To Shift My Allegiances I Need To

1) SEE IT as the vital issue it is.

“33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

• Jesus says this should be my FIRST PRIORITY!

2) KNOW WHY it’s a critical issue.

• Because my commitments take my time & energy they shape & control:

• My

• My SELF

• My SERVING JESUS

3) ADOPT  the Jesus Approach to commitments.

“33But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Kingdom = CHRIST’S RULE IN MY LIFE

Righteousness = LIVING THAT RULE IN A CHRIST-LIKE MANNER

4) LIVE OUT the Kingdom of God.

you should live in a way that proves you belong to the God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 (GW)

Choose my commitments from a Kingdom Perspective

• My Nation
• Other human institutions
• Relationships
• Feelings/experiences/ideals

Example of Missing the Point!

A few years ago I read a pledge of allegiance that a lady in Santa Barbara had written called  “A moral rearmament pledge worldwide.”  It reads:

I pledge allegiance to the Ten Commandments

And, to the humanity for which they stand;

One world united in harmony,

With liberty and justice for all.

She had placed an asterisk beside the words Ten Commandments, and at the bottom of the page, the asterisk noted these words:  “Ten Commandments or the moral equivalent in each of the world’s religious traditions.”

5) Accept that making commitments is a MORAL/SPIRITUAL choice.

“21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22“The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light…! 24“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:21,24, ESV)

When I deliberately overload my schedule or start cutting back on what I do for God to do some other things I’ve taken on, I’m doing one thing – SINNING.

It’s a sin because it hurts me (physically, mentally, emotionally, relationally), it hurts others and it hurts the ministries God has called me too.

6) REMEMBER – Kingdom living is a constant activity.

But be seeking first the kingdom and His righteousness, and these things, all of them, shall be added to you.  Matthew 6:33 (WuestNT)

Shift #1

Shift My Worldview

6-5-2022, by Louie Marsh

To SHIFT my worldview I need to…

1) UNDERSTAND what it is.

world·view 
n.   In both senses also called Weltanschauung. [Origin: 1855–60; trans. of G Weltanschauung] a comprehensive conception or image of the universe and of humanity's relation to it.

What is the dominant religion of pastors filling pulpits of “Christian” churches across the US? A new study from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University found that a staggering 62% of pastors don’t have a biblical worldview. Instead, they have a worldview of syncretism—in other words, a little bit of this and a little bit of that, mixed together with Christianity.

The researchers described syncretism this way:

Their prevailing worldview is best described as Syncretism, the blending of ideas and applications from a variety of holistic worldviews into a unique but inconsistent combination that represents their personal preferences. More than six out of 10 pastors (62%) have a predominantly syncretistic worldview.

Rather than building their thinking on God’s Word, the majority of pastors are basing their beliefs on “personal preferences.

The study asked the pastors (including senior, associate, teaching, children’s, youth, and executive pastors—more on that below) a series of 54 worldview-related questions and discovered these low percentages of those with a biblical worldview:

• only 47% of the pastors have a biblical worldview regarding family and the value of life;
• 44% concerning issues related to God, creation, and history (personally, I wonder if this number is actually much lower, depending on how specific the survey questions were regarding Genesis chapters 1-11, creation, and history”);
• 43% in relation to personal faith practices;
• 43% when it comes to matters of sin, salvation, and one's relationship with God;
• 40% pertaining to human character and human nature;
• and 40% when it comes to measures of lifestyle, personal behavior, and relationships.

As researcher George Barna pointed out:  A person's worldview primarily develops before the age of 13, then goes through a period of refinement during their teens and twenties.

From a worldview perspective, a church’s most important ministers are the children’s pastor and the youth pastor. 

2) BELIEVE that it’s vital.

See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ. Colossians 2:8 (NIV)

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV)

3) EMBRACE a Biblical worldview.

Contrasting Worldviews

Cultural Worldview

Christian Worldview

1. God is loving and tolerant

1. God is loving & holy.

2. People are basically good

2. People are basically sinful.

3. People can & must earn God’s favor.

3. People can do nothing to earn God’s favor.

4. People create their own purpose.

4. Our purpose comes from God.

Worldview must start with God:

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Stubborn fools despise wisdom and discipline. Proverbs 1:7 (GW)

Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Proverbs 1:7 (MSG)

4) TEST MYSELF with God’s Word.

God Is Holy NOT Tolerant!

“4For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.” (Psalm 5:4, ESV)

There are six things that the Lord hates, even seven that are disgusting to him…. Proverbs 6:16 (GW)

People basically tend towards sin.

The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? Jeremiah 17:9 (NIV)

We can do nothing to earn God’s Favor or Forgiveness.

Although you wash yourself with soda and use an abundance of soap, the stain of your guilt is still before me," declares the Sovereign LORD. Jeremiah 2:22 (NIV)

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7 (NIV)

Our Purpose Comes From God:

I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me. Psalms 57:2 (ESV)

5) AVOID these common pitfalls

• God wants me to be HAPPY

It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 (NIV)

• Cultural INFLUENCES.

6) Make sure JESUS shapes my worldview.

"For who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct him?" But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:16 (NIV)

This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. 1 Peter 2:21-22 (NLT)

The Gospel of John 8-14

Part Six: The Road, the Truth & the Life

 Louie Marsh, 5-29-2022

“5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:5–6, ESV)

“5Thomas said, “Master, we have no idea where you’re going. How do you expect us to know the road?” 6Jesus said, “I am the Road, also the Truth, also the Life. No one gets to the Father apart from me.” (John 14:5–6, The Message)

1) Everyone is trying to find their OWN WAY through life.

“6All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6, ESV)

• A way to SUCCEED

“16And I looked, and behold, you had sinned against the Lord your God. You had made yourselves a golden calf. You had turned aside quickly from the way that the Lord had commanded you.” (Deuteronomy 9:16, ESV)

• A way out of TROUBLE.

“8The way of peace they do not know, and there is no justice in their paths; they have made their roads crooked; no one who treads on them knows peace.” (Isaiah 59:8, ESV)

2) We miss it because we’re looking for the WRONG THING.

“13“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:13–14, ESV)

• The Way is not….

• DOCTRINE
• PHILOSOPHY
• KNOWLEDGE
• WISDOM
• POWER

• The Way is JESUS

“17For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17, ESV)

• He is the ONLY WAY to God.

“8“And to this people you shall say: ‘Thus says the Lord: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.” (Jeremiah 21:8, ESV)

3) Jesus answers life’s most IMPORTANT question:

“37…Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” … (John 18:37–38, ESV)

• Jesus is

 “Truth”  = “undistorted reality.”

• LIVE OUT the truth

“24Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:24–25, ESV)

“15Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15, ESV)

Attributed to St. Francis of Assisi that I recited daily for sustenance and guidance:

Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in His sight is what you are and nothing more. Do not let worldly cares and anxieties or the pressures of office blot out the divine life within you or the voice of God's spirit guiding you in your great task of leading humanity to wholeness. Open yourself to God and his plan printed deeply in your heart, God will open Himself to you.

• WORSHIP in truth.

“23But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”” (John 4:23–24, ESV)

Jesus IS the truth – Paul Tillich: “In Him the true, the genuine, the ultimate reality is present, or in other words, God Himself is present, unveiled, undistorted in his infinite depth in his magnificent mystery.”

4) God gives us two primary sources of truth:

• His WORD – THE BIBLE

“17Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17, ESV)

• His SPIRIT – WHO HELPS US UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE.

“13When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth...” (John 16:13, ESV)

5) REALIZE there are two kinds of life

• βίος, bios = BIOLOGICAL LIFE

• ζωή, zōē = THE LIFE OF GOD, SPIRITUAL LIFE

• Zoe ends in JOY.

“21But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: 22The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:21–23, ESV)

• Bios ends in BOREDOM

4 Facts About Boredom:

• It’s symptomatic
• It’s self-inflicted
• It’s blaming others instead of blessing them
• It’s feeling trapped with nowhere to go

6) CHOOSE LIFE!

• Focus on faith not FEELINGS!

for through faith we are ordering our manner of life, not by something seen.  2 Cor. 5:7 (WuestNT)

• Embrace discipline as my FRIEND.

 “3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:3–5, ESV)

• Invest myself OUTSIDE MYSELF!

“3Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too.” (2 Corinthians 1:3–5, ESV)