Scripture: Ezekiel 18

1. Take accountability for your sin - vv. 5-18

2. Stop blaming others for your sin - vv. 9-20

3. Honestly face your sin, and open the door for God’s mercy - vv. 21-32

Owning your sin is both a responsibility and an opportunity

Scripture: Jeremiah 49:14-22

1. Remember who is really in control - vv. 14–15

2. Identify what gives you a false sense of security - v. 16

3. Trust God’s purposes more than your plans - vv. 17–22

This week…Remember who is really in control - Identify what gives you a false sense of security - Trust God’s purposes more than your plans.

Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. – Proverbs 19:21

Scripture: Jeremiah 35:1-19

1. Build your convictions before life tests them - vv. 1–11

2. Choose obedience before convenience - vv. 12–17

3. Leave a legacy that points others to God - vv. 18–19

Convenience asks, What’s easiest? Conviction asks, What’s faithful?

Every day we choose which question we will answer.

But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”

– Joshua 24:15

What Really Matters

Scripture: Jeremiah 9

1. Jeremiah’s Deep Grief — Jeremiah 9:1–2

2. A Culture of Lies and Deception — Jeremiah 9:3–6

3. The LORD’s Coming Judgment — Jeremiah 9:7–11

4. Why Has This Happened? — Jeremiah 9:12–16

5. A Call to Mourn — Jeremiah 9:17–22

6. What Really Matters — Jeremiah 9:23–24

7. Outward Religion Is Not Enough — Jeremiah 9:25–26

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

1. Waiting Faith – v. 31a

2. Soaring Faith – v. 31b

3. Walking Faith - v. 31c

Our self-reliance says, “Carry more and depend less.”

Jesus says, “Depend more and carry less.”

‘Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

– Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Scripture: 2 Kings 18:1-37

1. Identify the competition – vv. 1-4

2. Tighten your grip – vv. 5-8

3. Expect opposition – vv. 9-16

4. Choose a voice – vv. 17-37

‘You cannot stay where you are and go with God.” – Henry Blackaby

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” – Jesus (Luke 9:23)

Scripture: 2 Kings 4:1-7

1. Need: God meets us in our desperation – v.1

2. Trust: God starts with what we already have – v.2

3. Obey: Faith acts before seeing – vv. 3-5

4. Overflow: God provides more than enough – vv. 6-7

Don’t let tomorrow’s worries keep you from today’s obedience. God is responsible for the provision; you’re responsible for the next step!

“So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.

– Matthew 6:31-43 (NLT)

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:16-46

Altar #1: The altar of self-reliance - vv. 16-29

Altar #2: The altar of God-reliance – vv. 30-46

Choose today which altar you will bow to!

“How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions? If the Lord is God follow him (God-reliance)! But if Baal is God, then follow him (self-reliance)! But the people were completely silent.”(1 Kings 18:21 NLT)

Scripture: Proverbs 27

1. Friends speak honestly – vv. 5-6

2. Friends encourage – v. 9

3. Friends stay close – v. 10

4. Friends help you grow – v. 17

Take time this week to thank a friend(s) God is using in your life to help you grow as a follower of Christ: Thank a friend who speaks truth into your life; Thank a friend who encourages you; Thank a friend who remains loyal; Thank a friend who sharpens you

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 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. – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)

Scripture: Proverbs 16:1-9

1. Check your motive – vv. 1-2

2. Surrender your plans – vv. 3-7

3. Follow His lead – vv. 8-9

Check your motive – Surrender your plan – Follow His lead

Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

– Isaiah 30:21 (NIV)