January 29 2017 The Life God Blesses

THE LIFE GOD BLESSES

Decade of Destiny - Part 3

FOUR PITFALLS ON YOUR JOURNEY

1. Cultural Distractions.

2. Voices of Doubt

3. Tempting Shortcuts.

4. Discouraging Delays

LESSONS FROM NOAH: GENESIS 6-9

1. I must dare to be different from my culture.

Genesis 6:12 (NLT)"God observed all the corruption in the world, and he saw violence and depravity everywhere. "

Genesis 6:5-6 (LB)'When God saw the extent of human wickedness, and that the trend and direction of men's lives were only towards evil, he was sorry he had made them. It broke his heart"

Genesis 6:8 (MSG)"But Noah was different. God liked what he saw in Noah."(LB) "Noah was a pleasure to the Lord"

Genesis 6:9a (LB)"Noah was the only truly righteous man living on the earth at that time.

2. I must listen to the voice of God, not the voices of doubt.

Hebrews 11:7a (NCV)"It was by faith that Noah heard God's warnings about things he could not yet see."

Hebrews 11:7b (LB)"Noah's belief in God was in direct contrast to the disbelief of tile rest of the world..."

Genesis 6:9c (NIV)"Noah walked with God."

3. I must do exactly as God tells me to do.

Genesis 6:9b (LB) "Noah always tried to conduct his affiuirs according to God's will."

Genesis 6:22 & 7:5 (NLT) "Noah did eveiy!hing exactly as God had commanded him."

Hebrews 11:7b (NCV)"Noah obeyed God and built a large boat to save his family."

4. I must refuse to give up on the dream God gives me.

Hebrews 11 :7a (LB)"Noah trusted God. When he heard God's warning about the future, Noah believed him even though there was no sign of a flood..."

Hebrews 11 :7b (NCV)'...By his flu/h, Noah showed that the world was wrong, and he became one of those who are made right with God through flu/h."

Genesis 6:8 (KJV)"Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."

Memory Verse: 2 Chronicles 16:9 (NASB) "For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.

January 11, 2015 Becoming God's Usable Person

BECOMING GOD’S USABLE PERSON

Genesis 6:1-22

Hebrews 11:7 – By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear, built an ark to save his family.  By his faith, he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

2 Chronicles 16:9 – For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Four Characteristics Of Noah

1. Noah was available.

Genesis 6:5, 7, 9 – The Lord saw how great man’s wickedness on the earth had become, so the Lord said, I will wipe mankind from the face of the earth.  But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.

2. Noah dared to be different.

Verse 9 – Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time and he walked with God.

Proverbs 29:25 – Fear of man will prove to be a snare.

Verse 9 – He walked with God.

3. Noah followed God completely.

Verse 22 – Noah did everything, just as God commanded.

Genesis 7:5 – And Noah did all that the Lord commanded him.

4. Noah never gave up.

Genesis 6:3 – Then the Lord said, My Spirit will not contend with man forever.

Three Things That Tempt Us To Quit:

• Problems
• Pressures
• People

November 9 2014 Fully Engaged In Friends

Fully Engaged in My Friends

The eyes of the Lord search to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose hearts are completely His.– 2 Chronicles 16:9

““Never abandon a friend—either yours or your father's.  Then in your time of need, you won't have to ask your relatives for assistance.  It is better to go to a neighbor than to a relative who lives far away.” – Proverbs 27:10

FOUR ACTIONS TO ENGAGE MY FRIENDS THIS WEEK

1. Provide Encouragement

“For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means ‘Son of Encouragement’).” – Acts 4:26

• Through my words (see Matthew 12:36-37)
• Acts of kindness.
• Just listening.         

2. Play together.

“So I recommend having fun, because there is nothing better for people to do in this world than to eat, drink, and enjoy life. That way they will experience some happiness along with all the hard work God gives them.” – Ecclesiastes 8:15

3. Pray specifically for my friends.

“God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God.” – Romans 1:9

(See other of Paul’s prayers for friends in Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4;

4. Pursue an opportunity to talk about God.

“If you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way.” – 1 Peter 3:15-16

Memory Verse: “I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you. And here is how to measure it – the greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends.” – John 15:12-13

Novemer 2 2014 Fully Engaged In My Church

Fully Engaged in My Church

Memory Verse: “The eyes of the Lord search to and fro through out the earth that He may strongly support those whose hearts are completely His. -2 Chronicles 16:9

FIVE ACTIONS OF A FULLY ENGAGED LIFE

1. I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY DAILY FOR MY SPIRITUAL GROWTH

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” - James 4:8

2. I PRACTICE CONTENTMENT IN ALL AREAS OF MY LIFE

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” - Philippians 4:12

3. I SERVE ONE HOUR A WEEK IN MY CHURCH  (minimum)                                                    

“Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.” - John 12:27

“The greatest among you must be a servant.” – Matthew 23:11

4. I INVITE ONE FRIEND A MONTH TO TO CHURCH WITH ME
 
“‘Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” – Colossians 4:2-6

5. I BRING THE FULL TITHE TO GOD EACH WEEK
 
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”  - Malachi 3:7

“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.” – Matthew 6:21

“By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.” – Matthew 7:16 - 17

October 26 2014 Fully Engaged In My Walk With God

Fully Engaged in My Walk with God

Memory Verse: “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” - 2 Chronicles 16:9

KEY TRUTH: GOD IS FULLY ENGAGED WITH ME.

See Psalm 139:1 – 18

God shows His engagement to me through JESUS CHRIST

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” --John 3:16

I show my engagement with God through BECOMING MORE LIKE JESUS

“For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son…” --Romans 8:29

KEY QUESTION: AM I  FULLY ENGAGED WITH GOD?

“Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart.” -Psalm 26:2

10 Pillars of a Fully Engaged Walk with God

1. My faith is involved in every aspect of my life

2. Because of my faith, I have meaning and purpose in my life

3. My faith gives me an inner peace

4. I am a person who is spiritually committed

5. I spend time in worship every day        

6. Because of my faith, I have forgiven people who have hurt me deeply            

7. My faith has called me to develop my given gifts and talents                            

8. I will take unpopular stands to defend my faith

9. I speak words of kindness to those in need of encouragement
                        
10. I talk about my faith with those who are not yet Christians                    

(Adapted from www.gallupfaith.com)

KEY DECISION: TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY ENGAGEMENT

My Engagement Measurement

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ACTION: What is one step I can take this week to be more engaged with God?

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” – James 4:8