Christmas 2014Mary: Highly FavoredDecember 21, 2014Michael’s Personal Goal: to walk in full confidence that God is using me to make a differencePlease turn to Luke 1: 26-46:1. Mary was highly favored and so are you (ref. Luke 1:28)Charis: grace (charitoo: endowed with grace)For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God…Ephesians 2:8App: Walk in full assurance of God’s favor over you2. If God can use Mary, God can use you (ref. 1Corinthians 1:27-31)App: Walk in the assurance that God will use you despite yourself and your circumstancesThree times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. 9 But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2Corinthians 12:8-10 (ref. Matthew 12:46-50)For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:40For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2:8-10Two things that God wants from you:1.Put your faith in Jesus Christ (see John 6:40)2.Lay your life down for Him, just as He laid His life down for you (ref. Luke 9:23-27Suggested Prayer: “I am the Lord’s servant…May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy in Sharing: Philippians 4:14-23December 14, 2014Michael’s Personal Goal: To rejoice in the Lord alwaysGladness and joy will overtake them,and sorrow and sighing will flee away. Isaiah 35:10Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4(For review: ref. Philippians 1:21, 2:5-11, 4:6-7, 13)Jehovah Jirah: The Lord will provideSo Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”Genesis 22:14If God is such a great provider, why was Paul in need? (See Philippians 4:12)App: It’s in our hour of need that God’s faithfulness is most clearly seenTwo Observations on Giving:V 17: It’s An Investment: Every promise in the Bible has an attached conditionCondition: be faithful in givingPromise: My God will supplyGive, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38App: Are you maximizing God’s blessing by being faithful with what He’s entrusted to your care?V 18b: It’s a SacrificeApp: The sacrifice of giving and the blessing of joy work togetherNow what?1.Have you received the gift? Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household. Acts 16:312.Have you given yourself as a gift?Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.Romans 12:13.Are you rejoicing in the Gift? Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Philippians 4:4What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy in Focused Living: Philippians 4:8-9November 30, 2014Michael’s Personal Goal: To ban Stinkin’ Thinkin’ from my heartFor as he thinks in his heart, so is he. Proverbs 23:7aRight Thinking: V 8: logic through thorough and careful contemplationRuminate: chewing of cud. Contemplation: to roll a thought through one’s mindApp: Think about the record that plays most in your mind. Is it constructive or not? Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Romans 12:1I will set nothing wicked before my eyes… Psalms 101:3aApp: Offer your mind to God. V 8 (ref. John 13:17, James 1:22)V 9b: Peace that Protects (ref. 4:7, 9)App: Have you surrendered to God? V 8: Whatever as a WhoeverLet us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith… Hebrews 12:2aSince, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Colossians 3:1-2So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him… Colossians 2:6App: Set your mind on Jesus 1. Feed your mind on Holy thoughts (Philippians 4:8)2. Get around encouraging people (Philippians 4:9a)3. Enjoy the “God of Peace” in every circumstance (Philippians 4:9b)What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy in the 360: Philippians 4:2-7November 23, 2014Outrageous Joy: A look at the epistle to the church at Philippi. Michael’s Personal Goal: to rest in the assurance that God is in control4:2-3: Resolving ConflictApp: We can only take responsibility for our part of the conflictApp: Us operating in the mind of Christ is the place of unityIn your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage; 7 rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Philippians 2:5-8App: Do everything in your power to humbly go and make things rightV 4: Rejoice in the Lord always App: Accept the fact that Paul isn’t being superficial“…The cheerful heart has a continual feast” Proverbs 15:15bApp: Celebrate the reality that God is ultimately in controlApp: Find joy realizing you’re in relationship with the LordV 5: Take a breath: chillApp: Find joy knowing that the Lord is nearV 6-7: An Addiction of epidemic proportions: worryAnxiety (Greek): “to be pulled in different directions”Worry (Old English): “to strangle”…like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19but the worries of this life…choke the word, making it unfruitful. Mark 4:18-19“Worry about nothing-Pray about everything.”Prayer: a general term for presenting needs in a spirit of worship (ref. Matthew 6:8b, Philippians 4:19)Petition: an earnest plea for helpThanksgiving: Taking time to acknowledge God’s hand along the way (ref. Luke 17:17-18)What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy Future Tense: Philippians 3:17-4:1November 16, 2014Outrageous Joy: The epistle to the church at Philippi. Michael’s Personal Goal: to practice setting my sights beyond the troubles of todayWhen you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Mark 13:7V 17: We need some examples to follow Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. 1Corinthians 11:1The Accountability Triad: Who’s influencing you and who are you influencing? App: To be intentional in recognizing who you’re influencing and who are your influencersV 18-19: Things of which to be awareMy prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world… 21b…“So that the world may believe that you have sent me…John 17:15-18, 21bChallenge: The Arts of Spiritual Conversations App: A call to weep for those who do not yet know the LordV 20-4:1: Remember, we are heaven boundApp: Let’s make a difference while we’re hereWhat is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy in Following: Philippians 3:12-21November 9, 2014V 12-13a: Rejoice, the plan is progress; not perfectionApp: Are you making progress? RejoiceMake every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. Hebrews 12:14…being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 1John 5:11V 13b: Rejoice, the past has passed; you can let it goTo forget: to no longer be influenced by or affected by “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17App: Bury the past and move onV 13c-16: Rejoice, the future holds hope; grab a hold of itTo press on: to follow hard after…apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5bUnless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Psalm 127:1aI can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13App: All Eyes on JesusWhat is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy in Realities: Philippians 3:1-11November 2, 2014Outrageous Joy: a study of the Epistle (letter) to the Church at Philippi (Philippians)Michael’s Personal Goal: to step off the performance treadmill in order to find joy in the LordPerformance Treadmill (V 1-6)App: Rejoice in the Lord!! App: Beware of anyone who preaches a message of Christ plus anythingApp: All Eyes on Jesus! Faith Resulting in Joy (V 7-11) “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” 5“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked.“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” Acts 9:4-5“Consider”: to count, to evaluate or to assess“Come now, and let us reason together,” Isaiah 1:18aApp: Honestly assess what feeds joyWhat did Paul gain? 1. He gained a Relationship with Christ V 8 2. He gained Responsible Zeal V 83. He gained the Righteousness of Christ V 8-94. He gained his Resurrection through Christ V 10-11Let’s Pray:What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy in the Serving: Philippians 2:19-30October 26, 2014Outrageous Joy: a study of the Epistle to the Church at PhilippiMichael’s Personal Goal: To be a joy thermostat rather than a joy thermometerTwo Friends to Take Note Of:1.Timothy: A Friend Who Shares Your Passion (Philippians 2:19-24) App: Don’t let your personal stuff rob you of the joy found in blessing others2.Epaphroditus: A Friend Who Would Die for You (Philippians 2:25-30)(paraboleuomai): to expose oneself to dangerParabolani: risk takers“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13App: To be willing to risk your life for anotherNext week: Finding joy when reaching for the stars has left you stuck in the mud3 Friends God will bring your way:App: When God sends a Timothy into your life, relate to himApp: When God brings an Epaphroditus into your life, respect him App: When God sends His Son across your path, receive HimYet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God… John 1:12What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy in the Race: Philippians 2:12-16October 19, 2014Outrageous Joy: a study of the Epistle (letter) to the Church at Philippi (Philippians). Michael’s Personal Goal: To do all things without grumbling or complaining Do everything without grumbling or arguing. Philippians 2:14Work In-Work Out (V 12-13) App: We are to work out that which God is working in us For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:1615 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. John 17:15, 18“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:17 “work out the salvation that God has given you with a proper sense of awe and responsibility.” Philippians 2:12b, JB Philips TranslationV 14: Finding Pay Dirt (V 14-16)App: Don’t complain; shine“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 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. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” Romans 10:8b-11What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?

Outrageous JoyJoy in Christ: Philippians 2:5-11October 12, 2014Outrageous Joy: a study of the Epistle to the Church at PhilippiMichael’s Personal Goal: To take myself less seriouslyV 6: “in very nature God. He was God in visible form”8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”9 Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”John 14:8-958 “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” 59At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds. John 8:58-59 App: Who do you say that Jesus is? And if you say that He is God then how should that affect how you live in relation to Him? 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. Colossians 2:9-10V 6-8: The King of the Universe Humbled HimselfHis steps downward. The King of the Universe, fully God:1.Made Himself nothing 2. Took on the position of a servant 3. Became a human4. Humbled Himself becoming obedient to death5. Accepted the most humiliating and painful way to die—death on a cross…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1b-2App: Believe-Confess-Repent-Receive. App: Don’t take yourself so seriouslyV 9-11: The exaltation of Christ is absolute7 Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him,even those who pierced him; and all peoples on earth will mourn because of Him.So shall it be! Amen. Revelation 1:7App: 1Peter 5:6Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. What is God’s Spirit speaking into your life today? How must you respond?