Our society is governed by the concept of justice. We get what we deserve. It's what we're used to. God, however, works on a system of Grace. It's Grace that delivers us from the judgment we deserve, and it's Grace that teaches us to walk in the Spirit. Never forget the Grace that was extended to you, and that you are called to extend Grace to those in need.

Regrets. Life is full of them. Plans fizzle, expectations come to nothing, people let us down, or maybe we let ourselves down. We feel like God has abandoned us and life is out of control. Thing is, control is an illusion and God has not abandoned you. Plan B is His plan to shape you in your time of regret, and break that cycle pulling you down. Don't give up 5 minutes before the miracle happens.

Identity. Who we are and how others see us. Modern culture is passionate about its image. We have to protect it. Always put our best face forward. But the truth is, preoccupation with our image can actually harm our self image. How you view yourself is much more important to your destiny than how other people view you.

Life is full of "stuff." Stuff that happens, stuff that we come across, and stuff that we leave behind. Stuff, though, needs to be dealt with if we expect to move forward into our God given destiny. Running won't get rid of it, and it will catch up with you. Face it head on. God will be with you every step of the way.

Tithing from an outside perspective, doesn't make sense. You give away a portion of your earnings, with no obvious fiscal return, because God tells you to. Sometimes He even asks you to give more than the tithe, but why? Because what we see as insignificant, God sees a multitude. He can't do anything with it until we release it to Him.

There is an old method of preparing grapes for wine that once came under scrutiny. This method involves purposely withholding water from the vine so that it looks almost dead. The question was presented: does this method still produce the best wine, or has modern technology surpassed it? The answer came through the wine. Those vines subject to torture, pushed their roots deep into the ground, to the source, producing a richer and fuller fruit.

Aside from the Kingdom of God, stewardship was Jesus favorite subject. He talked about it more than faith and prayer combined. Why? Because this issue of money and possessions has the power to consume our lives and spiritually derail us quicker than anything, for where our treasure is, our heart is also.

The devil is constantly on the prowl, seeking to sow discord and strife between anyone you come in contact with. A culture of honor is your guard against him. When we honor up, honor down, and honor all around it disarms him of his favorite tools - discord and division.

In part 1 of this two week lesson, Pastor Rich Brown teaches on the culture of honor that needs to be part of the church. With His laws, God Himself created one for the people of Israel in the Old Testament in order to shape their character and values as a people. The church is no different. Honor must be created in our culture, for all our benefit.

Samson, one of the most renowned judges in the history of Israel, was born in a barren situation. He was born in adversity and he was proven through adversity. Without it, he would not become what Israel needed him to be.