Faith that Works…no matter what

Faith that Anchors. Pastor Michael Dascoli

July 3, 2021

“…everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:24-27

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Hebrews 6:19a

How Do I Anchor My Life to the Rock of God's Word

“The LORD says: “My people, I promise to give you my Spirit and my message.

These will be my gifts to you and your families forever. I, the LORD, have spoken.”

Isaiah 59:21 CEV

1: Treat God's Word as a Precious Gift

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the Word of Truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all He created. James 1:17-18

• God's Word is good

• God's Word is perfect

• God's Word is True

• God's word is unchanging

• God's word is life-giving

“Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us. The Scriptures

give us patience and encouragement so that we can have hope.” Romans 15:4

2: Humbly Accept What God Says

So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept The Word God

has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:21

Study it & then do whatever it says

“Do not merely listen to The Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to The Word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” James 1:22-25

• Listen to God’s Word (“Listen”)

• Study God’s Word (“Looks intently)

• Make God’s Word a habit (“Continues in it”)

• Memorize God’s Word (“Not forgetting”)

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”

Psalm 119:11

"Do not let this book of the law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Joshua 1:8

• Do what God’s Word says

“…everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:24-27

"Rock badgers are not very powerful, but they can live in the safety of the solid rocks." Proverbs 30:26 NCV

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

Faith that Works…no matter what

Faith to Break Bad Habits. Pastor Michael Dascoli

June 26, 2021

Don’t blame God when you are tempted! God cannot be tempted by evil, and He doesn’t use evil to tempt others. 14 We are tempted by our own desires that drag us off and trap us. 15 Our desires make us sin, and when sin is finished with us, it leaves us dead.

James 1:13 CEV

“…who on earth can set me free from the clutches of my sinful nature? I thank God there is a way out through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 7:24b-25 JBP

TAKE A LOOK AT MYSELF

1: I need to recognize my default coping strategy

“… let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1b-2a

2: I need to know my emotional triggers

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Proverbs 4:23

Brief list of emotional triggers: Physically Exhausted. . . Discouraged & Pessimistic. . . Bored or Discontented Spiritually Dry or Empty. . . Lonely or Disconnected. . . Insecure or Unsure. . . Wounded or hurt. . . Resentful. . . Sad or Grieving a loss. . .

3: I need to learn my patterns

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful…” Psalm 1:1 NKJV

• When am I most tempted?

• Where am I most tempted?

• Who is with me when I’m most tempted?

• What perceived temporary benefit do I get when I give in to temptation?

4: I need to plan to avoid those situations

“Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. 27 Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” Proverbs 4:26-27

TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT GOD

“Don’t blame God when you’re tempted! He’s not the source of it.” James 1:13

1: Ask God for help

“We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin.

16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:15-16

2: Refocus my attention on something else

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

“Since, 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

3: Remember that God is on my side

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.” 1Corinthians 10:13 Msg

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Hm.” James 1:12 NLT

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7

“…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 1:6

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

Faith that Works

Faith in the Valley, Pastor Michael Dascoli

June 5, 2021

"The Lord is my shepherd. I have all that I need...” Psalm 23:1 NLT

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me." Psalm 23:4 NLT

"We walk by faith, not by sight." 2Corinthians 5:7 NKJV

“This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing

to the ‘twelve tribes’—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!’ James 1:1

THINGS WE’VE LEARNED

1: Not everything we hear is true

“The gullible believe anything they’re told; the prudent sift and weigh every word.” Proverbs 14:15 msg

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 12:2

2: This too will pass

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” 1Peter 4:12

“The earth suffers for the sins of its people, for they have twisted God’s instructions, violated His laws, and broken His everlasting covenant.” Isaiah 24:5

3: Focus on what's unchanging

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2Corinthians 4:17-18

` 4: God will go through it with me

“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 4:10

5: This is not the end of the story

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2Corinthians 4:8-9

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God himself will be with them. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.’” Revelation 21:3-4

6: God wants to use me to help others

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

Miracle of Mercy

God’s Mercy & My Failure. Pastor Michael Dascoli

April 25, 2021

Matthew 26:

V 31: “Jesus said ‘Tonight every one of you will desert me.’”

V 33: “Peter declared, ‘Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.’”

V 35b: “…all the other disciples vowed the same.”

Reasons We Fail

1: We overestimate our strength

“…let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall.”

1 Corinthians 10:12

2: We fear the disapproval of others

Matthew 26:58: “Peter followed Jesus at a distance…”

V 69b: A servant girl came over and said to him, “You were one of those with Jesus the Galilean.” 70 But Peter denied it in front of everyone. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.” Proverbs 29:25

3: When I speak without thinking

“Then he began to curse and swear, saying, “I do not know

the Man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Matt. 26:74 NKJV

What should I do when I’ve failed?

1: Grieve

“Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: ‘Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.’ Then Peter went outside and wept bitterly.” Matthew 26:75

2: Let my small group support me

“Mary Magdalene went and found the disciples together, grieving and weeping.”

Mark 16:10

3: Cast myself on God’s mercy

In His great mercy God has given us new birth into a living hope

through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” 1Peter 1:3

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Luke 22:31-32

5 Things to know about God in our failures

1: He isn’t shocked

“God certainly knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust.”

Psalm 103:14 GWT

2: He prays for us

Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him,

because he always lives to intercede for them. Hebrews 7:25

3: He sees our victory

4: He shows us mercy when we’re down

“…though a righteous man falls seven times, he will rise again!” Proverbs 24:16

“Don’t be alarmed, he said. You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him, just as He told you.’” Mark 16:6-7

“if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

5: He uses our failures to build up His Church

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:15-17

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

Miracle of Mercy

God Can Use Anybody. Pastor Michael Dascoli

April 18, 2021

“…give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life.

So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”

Romans 6:13b NLT

“God in His mercy has given us this work to do, and so we are not discouraged.” 2Corinthians 4:1 GNT

1: It’s all because of God’s mercy

Mercy = undeserved forgiveness and unearned kindness

“You know what I was like… how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace.” Galatians 1:13, 15a NLT

2: Be real

“…we have turned away from secret and shameful ways. We use no trickery, and we do not change the teaching of God. We teach the truth plainly, showing everyone who we are. Then they can know in their hearts what kind of people we are in God’s sight.” 2Corinthians 4:2 NCV

3: It’s never been about me anyway

“…our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master.

All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you.” 2Corinthians 4:5: Msg

4: I can use my pain to help others

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2Corinthians 1:3-4

“We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 CEV

“All of these sufferings of ours are for your benefit…” 2 Corinthians 4:15 LB

5: Stay focused on eternity

“…our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2Corinthians 4:17

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

Miracle of Mercy

God Can Use Anybody. Pastor Michael Dascoli

April 18, 2021

“…give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life.

So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.”

Romans 6:13b NLT

“God in His mercy has given us this work to do, and so we are not discouraged.” 2Corinthians 4:1 GNT

1: It’s all because of God’s mercy

Mercy = undeserved forgiveness and unearned kindness

“You know what I was like… how I violently persecuted God’s church. I did my best to destroy it. 15 But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by His marvelous grace.” Galatians 1:13, 15a NLT

2: Be real

“…we have turned away from secret and shameful ways. We use no trickery, and we do not change the teaching of God. We teach the truth plainly, showing everyone who we are. Then they can know in their hearts what kind of people we are in God’s sight.” 2Corinthians 4:2 NCV

3: It’s never been about me anyway

“…our Message is not about ourselves; we’re proclaiming Jesus Christ, the Master.

All we are is messengers, errand runners from Jesus for you.” 2Corinthians 4:5: Msg

4: I can use my pain to help others

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2Corinthians 1:3-4

“We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don’t know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 CEV

“All of these sufferings of ours are for your benefit…” 2 Corinthians 4:15 LB

5: Stay focused on eternity

“…our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2Corinthians 4:17

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

When God Doesn’t Make Sense

Pastor Michael Dascoli

March 21, 2021

“ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:2-5

When God doesn’t make sense

1: Recognize trials can make me Bitter or Better

Big Idea: It comes down to trust

2: Realize trials are nothing new

“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’” Daniel 3:16-18

“Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.”

1Peter 4:12-13

“Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego…

I decree that no other god can save in this way.” Daniel 3:28-30

“As you do not know the path of the wind, or how a body is formed in a mother’s womb,

so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things.” Ecclesiastes 11:5

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are my ways your ways, declares the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 58:8-9

“Now we see through a glass darkly, then we will see face to face.” 1Corinthians 13:12

3: Resist the temptation to become angry with God

‘Though He slay me yet will I serve Him…” Job 13:15

“For I know my redeemer lives and in the end He will reign on the earth.” Job 19:25

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

Promises for a New Year

Peace. Pastor Michael Dascoli

March 14, 2021

“The mountains may disappear, and the hills may come to an end, but my love will never disappear; my promise of peace will not come to an end,” says the LORD who shows mercy to you.” Isaiah 54:10

How Do I Enjoy God’s Promises of Peace?

# 1: I must make peace with God

“Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us.” Romans 5:1 NLT

"God made peace through the blood of Christ's death on the cross.”

Colossians 1:20 NCV

#2: I must practice Sabbath rest

"And I gave them my Sabbath days of rest as a sign between them and me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord who has set them apart to be holy." Ezekiel 20:12 NLT

“It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know He enjoys giving rest to those He loves?” Psalm 127:2 msg

"A heart at peace gives life to the body." Proverbs 14:30a

#3: I must receive peace as a gift

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27

“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!”

Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.” Mark 4:39

“Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” Mark 4:40b

#4: I must practice telling God what I need

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to God and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7 ESV

"Now, may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way."

2 Thessalonians 3:16

#5: I must keep my eyes on Jesus

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

“Since, 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…

Colossians 3:1-2

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” Colossians 3:15a

"And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as an umpire continually) in your hearts." Colossians 3:15a AMP

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

Promises for a New Year

The Promise Jesus Made. Pastor Michael Dascoli

March 7, 2021

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”. John 10:7-10

Jesus promises life to the full

“Life to the full” is the result of being properly connected to Jesus

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,

you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:5

THIS CONNECTION TO JESUS IS EXPERIENCED BY…

-Believing and Receiving

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name,

He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

"I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy. I have come that they may have life and have it to the full." John 10:9-10

-Trusting and obeying

“He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice.”

John 10:3-4

35 Going a little farther, Jesus fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from Him. 36 “Abba, Father,” He said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.” Mark 14:35-26

-Loving and serving

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God… We love because he first loved us." 1John 4:7, 19 NKJV

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?

Promises for a New Year

Failing. Pastor Michael Dascoli

February 28, 2021

Please turn in your Bibles to Matthew 25:14-30

“’I was afraid and went out and hid your gold in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.’

26 “His boss replied, ‘You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? 27 Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest.

28 “‘So take the bag of gold from him and give it to the one who has ten bags. 29 For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.’” Matthew 25:25-29

Fear of Failure: 3 Things to Remember

1: Everybody Fails

“We all stumble in many ways.” James 3:2a

#2: No failure is final unless I give up

“For even though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” Proverbs 24:16

#3: If I will humbly learn from it, failure is my path to success

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.” 1Timothy 1:16

“These things are warnings in the Bible written down so that we don't repeat their mistakes. They came before us, but we are just as capable of messing it up as they were.” 1Corinthians 10:11 (Msg)

Fear of Failure: 5 Action Steps

Remember, no matter what happens, God will use it for good

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who

love him, who have been called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

I must refuse to compare myself to others

“God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before Him.” 1Corinthians 1:27-29

I must redefine failure

I must refocus on God’s love for me

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear” 1John 4:18a

I must replace my fear with faith in Jesus

“I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.” 1Timothy 1:16b

Let’s Pray:

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

-How must you respond?