THROUGH THE EYES OF A LION

RUN TOWARD THE ROAR

Luke 24:13-35, NKJV

1. REVERSE A FEAR

1 Samuel 1:48, NIV

As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him.

2. DO OLD THINGS IN A NEW WAY

Luke 8:39, NKJV

“Return to your own house, and tell what great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and proclaimed throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him.

Luke 3:12-14, NLT

12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” 

13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.”

14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

3. ACCEPT YOUR MISTAKES AND KEEP MOVING

1 John 3:20, NKJV

For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 

4. REMEMBER ETERNITY

John 9:4-5, NKJV

4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

THROUGH THE EYES OF A LION

HOPE HAS A ROPE

Ne plus ultra = Nothing more beyond.

Plus ultra = More beyond.

Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Proverbs 23:18, NIV

There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.

Hebrews 6:19-20, NIV

19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 11:1, NKJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:3, NKJV

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Proverbs 10:25, NIV 

When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation.

1. HEAVEN IS NEARER THAN IT SEEMS

Mark 1:15, NLT

“The Kingdom of God is near!”

Acts 8:55-56, NIV

2. DAILY ILLUMINATE YOUR HEART WITH TRUTH

Psalm 119:105, NKJV

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalm 27:13-14, NIV

13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

3. ASSEMBLE WITH GOD’S PEOPLE

Psalm 92:13, NKJV

Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.

Hebrews 10:25, NLT

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

4. HOLD ON

Job 13:15, NKJV

Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.

Isaiah 40:29-31, NKJV

Psalm 73:26, NKJV

My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

THROUGH THE EYES OF A LION

STANDING ON YOUR TIPTOES AT THE EDGE OF ETERNITY

2 Corinthians 4:18, NLT

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Romans 8:18-27, NIV, NLT

FOUR WAYS OF DEALING WITH SUFFERING

1. DENIAL

2. ANGER

3. BLAME

4. ACCEPT AND LEARN

TRUTH #1: OUR SUFFERING IS ONLY TEMPORARY

Romans 8:19-23, NLT

Groan Defined:

Romans 8:23, NLT

TRUTH #2: OUR SUFFERING IS EDUCATIONAL

Romans 8:24-25, NLT

TRUTH #3: OUR SUFFERING IS BENEFICIAL

Romans 8:26-27, NLT

Romans 8:35, 37-38, NLT

THROUGH THE EYES OF A LION

Ephesians 1:18-20, NLT

HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT

1. LOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING

Genesis 3:5, NLT

“God knows that your eyes will be opened as soon as you eat it, and you will be like God, knowing both good and evil.”

2 Corinthians 4:4, NIV

The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. 

2 Corinthians 4:18, NLT

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

2. ETERNITY BECOMES VISIBLE BY FAITH

2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV 

For we live by faith, not by sight. 

3. NEARSIGHTEDNESS MUST BE CONSTANLY CORRECTED

Romans 10:17, NKJV

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

4. SEEING THE INVISIBLE, WE CAN DO THE IMPOSSIBLE

Hebrews 11:33-37, NLT

Hebrews 11:27, NLT

It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.

Hebrews 12:2-3, MS

John 8:12, NLT 

“I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

THE POWER OF VISION

Where there is no vision, the people perish…

(Proverbs 29:18, KJV)

VISION IMPROVES FOCUS

VISION INSPIRES ENDURANCE

VISION INVITES UNITY

VISION IGNITES PASSION

(1 Chronicles 28:1, NKJV)

(1 Chronicles 28:2, NKJV)

1. Vision Is Imparted By The Spirit Of God.

(1 Chronicles 28:11, NKJV)

(1 Chronicles 28:12, NKJV)

(1 Chronicles 28:19, NKJV)

2. Vision Includes The Presence Of God

And David said to his son Solomon, “Be strong and of good courage, and do it; do not fear nor be dismayed, for the Lord God—my God—will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord.”

(1 Chronicles 28:20, NKJV)

(1 Chronicles 28:20 NLT)

Then David continued, “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Don’t be afraid or discouraged by the size of the task, for the LORD God, my God, is with you.”

…Every willing craftsman will be with you for all manner of workmanship, for every kind of service; also the leaders and all the people will be completely at your command.”

(1 Chronicles 28:21, NKJV)

3. Vision Inspires Investment By The People Of God.

PHASE 1A BUDGET

Painting $17,750.00

Popcorn Ceiling $23,000.00

Seating    $79,569.00

Flooring $91,795.00

Total $212,114.00

(1 Chronicles 29:3, NKJV)

(1 Chronicles 29:4, NLT)

(1 Chronicles 29:5, NLT)

(1 Chronicles 29:6, NLT)

(1 Chronicles 29:7, NLT)

(1 Chronicles 29:9, KJV)

4. Vision Initiates Praise to God

(1 Chronicles 29:10, KJV)

(1 Chronicles 29:11, KJV)

(1 Chronicles 29:11, KJV) 

(1 Chronicles 29:11, KJV)

(1 Chronicles 29:20, NLT)

NEVER TOO LATE

Judges 13:1-5, NIV

Judges 16:1, NIV

1. GOD’S POWER: IN ME OR THROUGH ME?

2. SIN: HOLDOUT OR GET OUT?

3. AFTER A FALL: LAUGHINGSTOCK OR CHAMPION?

Judges 16:23,25, NIV

23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.”

25 While they were in high spirits, they shouted, “Bring out Samson to entertain us.” 

Judges 16:22, NIV

But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.

Micah 7:8, NIV

Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will rise. Though I sit in darkness, the LORD will be my light.

Colossians 2:13-15, NLT

13 You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. 

14 He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.

15 In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.

Judges 16:28, NIV

28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

29 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, 

30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived.

TO THIS YOU WERE CALLED

1 Corinthians 7:17-24, NIV

1. CARRY YOUR BURDENS

Galatians 6:2, NIV

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Galatians 6:5, NIV

For each one should carry their own load.

2. ALWAYS ASSUME THE BEST

Philippians 4:8, NKJV

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

Song of Solomon 2:15, NIV

Catch all the foxes, those little foxes, before they ruin the vineyard of love, for the grapevines are blossoming!

Proverbs 19:11, NIV

A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

3. LIVE WITH CONTENTMENT

Philippians 4:11-13, NIV

I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 

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.

4. LET GOD BE GOD

2 Corinthians 3:16-18, NKJV

16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 

18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

1 Corinthians 7:8-16, NIV

1. WHEN CELEBRATION BECOMES FRUSTRATION

2. WHEN WE BECOMES ME

Mark 2:3-5, NIV

3. WHEN DEBTORS BECOME COLLECTORS

Matthew 18:21-35, NIV

Romans 13:8, NIV

4. WHEN COVENANT BECOMES CONTRACT

FROM THIS DAY FORWARD

THE POINT OF NO RETURN

BIG IDEA

“It’s possible for us to do something now that will cause us to get to a future we don’t like when we get there.”

Hebrews 12:16-17, NIV

16 See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. 

17 Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

The Message

Watch out for the Esau syndrome: trading away God’s lifelong gift in order to satisfy a short-term appetite. You well know how Esau later regretted that impulsive act and wanted God’s blessing—but by then it was too late, tears or no tears.

1. YOUR DESIRES CAN KEEP YOU FROM YOUR DESTINY

Philippians 3:18-19, NLT

18 For I have told you often before, and I say it again with tears in my eyes, that there are many whose conduct shows they are really enemies of the cross of Christ. 

19 They are headed for destruction. Their god is their appetite, they brag about shameful things, and they think only about this life here on earth.

2. WHEN YOUR STOMACH GETS EMPTY YOUR STANDARDS GET LOWER

2 Peter 1:10, NKJV

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble…

Psalm 119:11, NKJV

Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.

John 4:34, NKJV

Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.”

3. IN ALL YOU DO THINK FOLLOW THROUGH

1 Corinthians 10:13, NLT

 The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. 

And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Psalm 90:12, NKJV

So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

4. YOUR ENTIRE LIFE CAN CHANGE IN JUST A MOMENT OF TIME

Hebrews 11:17, NIV

Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

Dangerous Prayers - Part 3 - Send Me