May 4 2014 The Source Of Self Confidence

The Source of Self Confidence 

Verse 5 – My God has been my strength. (Confidence.)

Unreliable sources of self-confidence

1. Appearance

Proverbs 31:30 – Charm can be deceptive and beauty doesn’t last.

1 Samuel 17:7 – Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

2. What I own

Proverbs 11:7 – Confidence placed in riches comes to nothing.

3. Achievement

Jeremiah 9:23-24 – The Lord says wise men should not boast of their wisdom, nor strong me of the strength, nor rich men of their wealth. If anyone wants to boast, he should boast that he knows me and understands me.

Luke 16:15 – For what men think is of great value is worth nothing in God’s sight.

The reliable sources of confidence

1. God made you unique

Psalm 9:5 – You (God) made man inferior only to yourself, you crowned him with glory and honor.

Psalm 139:13 – You (God) created every part of me, you put me together in my mother’s womb.

2. Jesus died for you

Romans 5:8 – God has shown us how much He loves us. It was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us.

1 Peter 1:18-19 – God paid a ransom to save you. He paid for you with the precious life-blood of Christ.

3. God has a plan for your life.

Ephesians 2:10 – We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1 Corinthians 12:4 – God gives us many kinds of special abilities but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all.

2 Thessalonians 2:17 – May our Lord Jesus Christ inspire you with courage and confidence in every good thing you say or do.

September 29 2013 Live Your Calling

THE CALL IS FOR YOU
 

Live Your Calling: What On Earth Am I Here For? – Part 1

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, WHO HAVE BEEN CALLED according to His PURPOSE.” Rom. 8:28 (NIV) 

“My prayer is that light will flood your hearts and that you will understand the hope that was given to you when God CALLED YOU. Then you will discover the glorious blessings that will be yours together with all of God's people!” Eph. 1:18-19 (CEV) 

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MY LIFE’S CALLING

1. MY CALLING IS A GIFT FROM GOD

“God, by his grace through Christ, has called you to become his people.” Galatians 1:6 (NCV) 

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.” 2 Timothy 1:9 (NIV) 

2. I AM CALLED FOR GOD’S PURPOSE

“Before the two boys were born, God told Rebekah, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ This was before the boys had done anything good or bad. God said this so that the one chosen would be chosen because of God's own plan. He was chosen because he was the one God wanted to call, not because of anything he did.” Romans 9:11 (NCV)

“For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) 

3. GOD CHOSE MY CALLING BEFORE I WAS BORN

“It pleased God in his kindness to choose me and call me even before I was born! What undeserved mercy!” Galatians 1:15 (NLT) 

“Before I shaped you in the womb, I knew all about you. Before you saw the light of day, I had holy plans for you.” Jeremiah 1:5 (MSG)

“I am your Creator. You were in my care even before you were born!” Isaiah 44:2 (CEV)

4. MY CALLING IS CONNECTED TO OTHERS
 
“We are all one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been called to the same glorious future hope.” Ephesians 4:4 (NLT) 

“Brothers and sisters, you are holy partners in a heavenly calling.” Hebrews 3:1 (GW) 

5. GOD EMPOWERS WHAT HE CALLS ME TO DO

“I now urge you to live the life to which God called you.” Ephesians 4:1 (NCV) 

“That is why we always pray for you, asking our God to help you live the kind of life he called you to live. We pray that with his power God will help you do the good things you want and perform the works that come from your faith.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 (NCV) 

“The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV) 

6. THERE IS A PRIZE FOR LIVING OUT MY CALLING

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14 (NIV) 

“Live the kind of life that pleases God, who calls you to share in his own Kingdom and glory.”  1 Thessalonians 2:12 (TEV)

July 28 2013 God On Film: The Lone Ranger - Standing Up For What's Right

The Lone Ranger: Standing up for what’s right.

Deuteronomy 6:18“Do what’s right and good in the Lord’s sight.”

Daniel Stands Up for What’s Right: Daniel 1:3-15

HOW TO STAND UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT

1. Know what's right

Proverbs 2:3-5“Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure… and you will gain knowledge of God.”

2 Timothy 3:16“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.”

2. Trust what's right (Even if Others Don’t Agree)

Daniel 1:12-13 “‘Please test us for ten days on a diet of vegetables and water,’ Daniel said. ‘At the end of the ten days, see how we look compared to the other young men who are eating the king’s food. Then make your decision in light of what you see.’”

Psalm 118:8 “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in people.”

Romans 8:28“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

3. Live what's right (Even in the Face of Opposition)

2 Chronicles 19:9“…You must always act …with integrity and with undivided hearts.”

2 Thessalonians 3:3 “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you…”

Memory Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.”