Walk With God

Scripture: Acts 16:11-40

Title: Open Your Heart

SHOW NOTES: This chapter in Acts is the only time we meet Lydia. Her life journey brought her from Thyatira to Philippi for her business ventures – we don’t know all the details. But an important part of her life was to gather for prayer by the river. Here, she sought a true relationship with God. While on their journey, God led Paul and Silas to this group of women, and they shared the good news of Jesus Christ. And the Lord opened her heart. This church in the city of Philippi also grew when the jailer and his household believed in God and were saved. It is our sincere prayer that you will “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ” and continue to Walk with God.

SONG: "Faithful Now" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2YHvIam5vY

Scripture: John 3:1-17, 7:50-52, 19:38-42

SHOW NOTES:  A man named Nicodemus comes to talk with Jesus during the night. He asks questions and he has a seeking heart. God sent His Only Son to the world and offered the free gift of salvation. Jesus came to demonstrate God’s love for all people and extend eternal life to whoever believes in Him. Nicodemus was a secret follower whose faith grew slowly. Jesus is not pushy, rather He is patient. He waits and He wants to meet with you. Bring your questions but also, come ready to listen for His still, small voice. 

SONG: "God So Loved" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e22V-ESmxXE

Scripture: Judges 4–5

Title: The Battle Belongs to the Lord

SHOW NOTES: Deborah was used by God to lead, guide, and direct the people of Israel during a time of cruel oppression. She trusted His Word to be true and fulfilled her God-given work with great purpose. She was a wife and served as the only female judge and a prophetess to the people of Israel. Her inner strength and calm leadership are powerful examples of her trust in God! Deborah was a decisive figure in the defeat of the Canaanites. Following this significant military victory against Jabin the king and Sisera the commander of his army, Israel experienced 40 years of rest in their land. 

SONG: "See A Victory" – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NT2SPCP-PZ4

Scripture: Joshua 6 / Hebrews 11:31 

Theme Verse: “It was by faith that Rahab the prostitute was not destroyed with the people in her city who refused to obey God. For she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” (Hebrews 11:31) 

SHOW NOTES: Fear gripped the hearts of the people shut inside the gates of Jericho. No one was allowed to enter the city or depart. Israel had crossed the Jordan River and was now camped a short distance from the walled city. But, there was one scarlet cord hanging from a window on the city wall. Rahab demonstrated an amazing faith and believed the two spies would be true to the oath they made with her. For six days Israel marched around the city wall one time and then returned to their camp. On day seven, the people marched around the wall seven times and then the priests sounded the long blast on their horns. The people were commanded to Shout! Joshua turned to the two spies and said, “Keep your promise. Go to the prostitute’s house and bring her out, along with all her family.”

SONG: "Jericho" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DANgNI6rqxI

Scripture: Joshua 2; James 2:24-26

Theme Verse: Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. (James 2:25) 

SHOW NOTES: Every person’s life journey will look different. Rahab the prostitute walks into God’s redemptive plan. What a life of hardship and difficulty she endured, and yet in her journey, Rahab experienced an amazing RESCUE! This Canaanite woman presents a beautiful picture of God’s redemptive grace. He uses unlikely people to accomplish His purposes. He is a sovereign God. He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Rahab is seeking God in the midst of her very messy Life Journey. Rahab presents her statement of faith, “For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.” Rahab had a longing in her heart. She was seeking after the One, True God – the One who would truly change her life. 

SONG: "Rescue Story" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8ZbYfedDbk 

Scripture: Exo. 14–19; 32–33 / Num. 13–14; 20 / Deut. 34:10-12

SHOW NOTES: Have you heard the saying, “The struggle makes us stronger”? This can be a big pill to swallow, because most of us don’t like the struggle. The struggle is hard work, takes discipline, and causes us to evaluate the details of our life. But deep down, we want to be stronger and so, we must face the STRUGGLE! That is exactly what the people of Israel are facing … out in the wilderness. God’s wants them to grow – in unity, discipline, faith, and their obedience to the Lord. Moses is their leader, and he faces many difficult situations with them over the next 40 years. The people grumble, disobey, and quarrel – with Moses and against God. Moses continues to lead and guide them. He comes before the Lord and intercedes for the people of Israel. As they journey in the wilderness, Moses reminds them to remember the mighty power and the great deeds God has shown to them. “The Lord is my strength and song. He is my salvation. This is my God and I will praise Him!” (Ex. 15:1-3)

SONG: "Honey in the Rock" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDGDrLU1XcM 

SHOW NOTES: Convincing Pharaoh to let the sons of Israel depart from Egypt was no easy job. The Lord knew Pharaoh would not let the people of Israel go and He told Moses … I will reach out with MY hand and strike Egypt with all MY miracles. Moses continued to struggle with doubt and the lack of self-confidence. God had called him and He would provide everything Moses needed to complete this assignment.

Moses and his brother, Aaron were sent to speak all that God had commanded to Pharaoh. The Lord said, “But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that I may multiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. God had a sovereign purpose and plan … then the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord. 

Read about the 10 plagues of Egypt which came from God’s mighty hand in Exodus 7 – 12.

:: The Plague of Blood – Exodus 7:14-24 (included Goshen)

:: The Plague of Frogs – Exodus 8:1-15 (included Goshen)

:: The Plague of Gnats – Exodus 8:16-19 (included Goshen)

:: The Plague of Flies – Exodus 8:20-32

:: The Plague of Livestock – Exodus 9:1-7

:: The Plague of Boils – Exodus 9:8-12

:: The Plague of Hail – Exodus 9:13-35

:: The Plague of Locusts – Exodus 10:1-20

:: The Plague of Darkness – Exodus 10:21-29

:: The Plague on the Firstborn – Exodus 11, 12:1-30

SONG: Exodus (by Cory Asbury) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73LcyqtJ61w

Scripture: Exodus 2 – 3 / Acts 7:29-36

SHOW NOTES: Are you walking in the midst of a trial, a really tough time? Are you facing some hard decisions or choices? God sees. God hears your prayers and every cry. He knows your suffering, pain, and sorrow.

“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.” ~ Ps. 33:20

After 40 years in Pharoah’s court, Moses ran for his life to the land of Midian. He meets Jethro and his seven daughters and begins a new life – husband, father, and shepherd of sheep. Another 40 years pass, Moses is tending the sheep and he observes a burning thorn bush. There, he has a personal conversation with the angel of the Lord. This is a pivotal scene in the life of Moses and in the history of the people of Israel. God has seen and heard the cries of His people. He is going to send a deliverer.

SONG: Holy Ground - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBEu6Nx-huQ 

Scripture: Exodus 1:8-22; 2:1-15 / Acts 7:17-29

SHOW NOTES: Life’s Journeys … each of us are on a journey. God’s Word is filled with the journeys of real people and there is much wisdom and insight for us to glean from them. We have looked at Joseph’s journey and now we will turn the pages in our Bibles to the book of Exodus – the journey of Moses. Joseph’s story and Moses’ story intersect with each other. Joseph was in Egypt when Jacob’s family arrives and Moses will lead the people of Israel out of Egypt. But first, a baby boy in a basket floating in the Nile River. Moses, adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, will receive a royal education – academic, military, and leadership training. When Moses defends a Hebrew man and murders an Egyptian, he faces a major twist in his journey. He now must flee because Pharaoh seeks to kill Moses. 

SONG: "Faithful" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMHn6ZpfVKE

THEME VERSE: Genesis 45:7-8 – “And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, and to keep alive for you many survivors. So, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” 

SHOW NOTES: The story of Joseph has grabbed our hearts. This young man – certainly not perfect – faced some very difficult trials in his life and yet, he continued to trust God. The twists and turns in Joseph’s journey in Egypt span over more than 27 years. He demonstrates great wisdom, discernment, and control when his 10 older brothers come to purchase grain. He keeps Simeon in Egypt and tells the 9 brothers they must return with the younger brother if they hope to see his face again. Eventually, Jacob allows Benjamin to travel with the brothers back to Egypt to purchase more grain and Judah gives his life as a pledge for Benjamin’s safe return. Joseph invites them to a feast at his home, where he watches and observes the brothers closely. How do they treat each other? How do they treat Benjamin? He plans one more important test for the brothers and Judah steps forward to take the place of the youngest brother. When Joseph reveals his identity to the brothers, he pronounces God’s sovereign plan to preserve many lives. He tells them, “You did not send me here, but God.” Scripture: Genesis 43–50

SONG: "How Good Is He" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lL4LIzYeOVA