The Stockdale Paradox - “This is a very important lesson. You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

Acts 2:42-47 - “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”

Koinonia – 1: the Christian fellowship or body of believers; 2: intimate spiritual communion and participative sharing in a common religious commitment and spiritual community.

QUESTIONS TO PONDER.

• Are we willing to confront the brutal facts while simultaneously holding onto hope and a belief that we will prevail in the end?

• Do we want to follow the example given us in Acts 2:42 of devoting ourselves to the apostles teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer?

• And, do we want to commit to a presence in this community for the glory of God and the expansion of His kingdom?

Circle Maker

Thinking Long

October 23, 2021

Please turn in you Bibles to Daniel 10:11-13: (NLT)

Big Idea: Pray as long as it takes

To pray through: praying toward a victory

Circle Makers: people who draw circles of faith around their biggest dreams and greatest challenges

It involves:

A: following God’s command

B: circling His promises

C: watching miracles become a reality

11He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.

12Then he continued, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day that you set your mind to gain understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. 13 But the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted me twenty-one days. Then Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, because I was detained there with the king of Persia. 14 Now I have come to explain to you what will happen to your people in the future, for the vision concerns a time yet to come.”

Daniel 10:11-13

Pokey = preparation time

Speedy = a seed that’s been planted

6 steps to birthing a dream/miracle:

Dream

Decision

Delay

Difficulty

Dead End

Delivery

3 things the angel affirmed in Daniel

V 11: He was “greatly loved”

V 12a: His prayer was heard the moment he prayed

V 12b: The angel was immediately sent into action

3 things about you

1: You are greatly loved: 1John 3:1-2

2: God answers your prayers: Matthew 7:11

3: God comes to your aid: Hebrews 1:14, Hebrews 11:6b

What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Faith that Works…no matter what

Faith that Brings Emotional Health. Pastor Michael Dascoli

July 31, 2021

“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.” Romans 12:11-12 msg

10 commandments for emotional health

1: Show grace to myself and to others

“He gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God

opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

2: Start and end each day refueling my soul

"Humbly accept the Word planted in you, which can save you." James 1:21b

“It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High,

2 proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night!” Psalm 92:2

3: Set and stick with a simple routine

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making

the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16

4: Stop watching so much news

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. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

"A wise person is hungry for knowledge (truth) while the fool feeds on trash."

Proverbs 15:14 NLT:

5: schedule a daily connection with the people I love.

“Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind.

I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.” 1Thessalonians 5:11 msg

Let’s Pray:

-What is God’s Spirit saying to you today?

-How must you respond?