March 26 & April 2 2017 The Kind Of Work God Blesses

THE KIND OF WORK GOD BLESSES

Prov. 22:29 "When you see people skilled in their work, you know that they will end up standing before kings, not working for ordinary people."

SEVEN KEYS TO SUCCEEDING AT WORK

1. Start working enthusiastically wherever I am.

Memory Verse: Eccl. 9:10 (NIV)"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."

Three Things To Remember

1. This is a test from God.

Luke 16:10-12(NIV)"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much... But if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?"

2. God is watching.

3. My attitude determines my joy.

Proverbs 12:24 (MSG) "The diligent find freedom in their work, while the lazy are oppressed by work"

Rom. 12:11 (NLT)"Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically."

2. Understand who I'm really working for.

Col. 3:23-24 (NLT)"Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ."

I Cor. 10:31 (NIV)"So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it allfor the glory of God."

3. Concentrate on building my character.

Rom. 5:3-4 (NLT)"We can rejoice when we run into problems and trials, because we know that they are good for us- they help us learn to endure. And endurance develops strength of character in us, and character strengthens our confident expectation of salvation."

Prov. 12:24 (CEV) Work hard, and you will be a leader; be lazy, and you will end up a slave.

4. Care about those I work with.

1 Cor. 16:14 (NLT)"Everything you do must be done with love."

Eph. 4:2 (TLB)"Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's ftiults because of your love. "

5. Exceed what is expected of me.

Col. 3:22 (MSG)"Servants, do what you're told by your earthly masters. And don't just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best."

Matt. 5:41 (NIV)"If someone demands you to go one mile, go with him two miles."

6. Expand my skills with continual learning.

Eccl. 10:10 (NIV)"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed but skill will bring success."

Prov.19:8 (TEV)"Do yourself a favor and learn all you can; then remember what you learn and you will prosper."

7. Dedicate my work to be used for God's purposes.

Eph. 1:3 (TEV)"We are Christ's ambassadors; and God is using us to speak to you. We urge you, as though Christ himself were here pleading with you, 'Be reconciled to God! "

2 Cor. 5:20 (NLT)"Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world."

March 12 2017 God's Prescription For Health

GOD'S PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH

WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT MY BODY

I Cor. 6:12-20

1. God Expects Me To Manage My Body

1 Cor. 6:12-13a (NIV)"Everything is permissible for me - but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me - but I will not be mastered by anything. Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food - but God will destroy both

2. My Body Is God’s Property

1 Cor. 6:13b (NIV)"The body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord and the Lord for the body."

3. My Body Will Be Resurrected after I die

1 Cor. 6:14 (NIV) "By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also

MISTAKES WE MAKE

• We rely on will power instead of God’s Power
• We have the wrong motivation
• We try to change on our own

4. My Body is Connected to the Body of Christ

I Cor. 6:15a & 18 (NIV) "Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? ...Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body."

5. The Holy Spirit Lives In My Body

1 Cor. 6:19(NIV)"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? "

6. Jesus Bought My Body On The Cross

1 Cor. 6:20 (N1V)"You are not your own, you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."

Romans 12:1 (NIV)"I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship."

GOD’S PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALTH

Memory Verse: Psalm 119:73 (LB) You made my body, Lord; now give me sense to heed your laws."

Deut. 32:47 (NLT)"These instructions are not mere words—they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land..."

Prov. 3:1-10 (NIV)"Keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity... Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Honor the Lord with the first part of your wealth, the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing."

1. Trusting God IS GOOD FOR MY HEALTH

Psalm 116:7 (NCV)"I said to myself "Relax, because the Lord takes care of you." "

Prov. 14:30 (NIV) A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."

2. Confessing My Sin IS GOOD FOR MY HEALTH

Psalm 32:3-5 (NLT) "When I refused to confess my sin, I was weak and miserable, and I groaned all day long. ...My strength evaporated... Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them... and you forgave me! All my guilt is gone."

3. Having Fun IS GOOD FOR MY HEALTH

Prov. 17:22 (NIV)"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones."

March 5 2017 Getting A Grip On Failure

GETTING A GRIP ON FAILURE

Judges 13-16

Judges 13:5 – Tells us Samson was chosen by God “to begin the deliverance of Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”

Three Principles That Bring About A Fall:

1. We are asking for trouble when we fail to learn from our mistakes.

Two Weaknesses

1. Bad temper.

Judges 14:12-19; 15:3-5; 15:7 – Since you have acted like this, I won’s stop until I get my revenge on you.

Verse 11

2. Physical desire.

John 8:34 – I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.

2. We are asking for trouble if we choose the wrong friends.

If you want to soar with the eagles, you can’t run with the turkeys.

Prov. 22:24-25 – Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered or you may learn his ways.

3. We are asking for trouble when we refuse to take God seriously.

Two Ways

1. Careless about his spiritual life.

Judges 14:2 – When he returned he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman, now get her for me as my wife.”

2. He never prayed about anything.

Judges 16:28 – O Sovereign Lord remember me, strengthen me just once more.

How To Recover From Failure:

1. He repented and prayed.

Judges 16:22 – The hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved.

Hebrews 11:34 – His weakness was turned to strength.

February 26 2017 Getting A Grip On Power

Getting A Grip On Power

Job 6:10 – At least I can take comfort in this, despite the pain. I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

1 Corinthians 4:20 – The Kingdom of God is not just fancy talk. It is living by God’s power.

Psalm 68:35 – God is awesome, He gives power and strength to His people.

WHEN TO EXPECT GOD’S POWER

1. When I’m tired.

Isaiah 40:28 & 31 – The Lord is the everlasting God. He never grows tired or weary. He strengthens those who are weak and tired. Those who trust the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out, He offers strength to the weak.

2. When I’ve nothing to offer.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – My power shows up best in weak people. Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am, I am glad to be a living demonstration of Christ’s power, instead of showing off my own powers and abilities.

3. When I’m in pain.

Psalm 41:3 – The Lord nurses them when they are sick and eases their pain.

4. When I’m tempted.

Romans 7:18 – I often find that I have the will to do good, but no power.

2 Corinthians 10:13 – Every temptation that has come your way is the kind that normally comes to people. But god keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist, at the time you are tempted, He will give you strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

Philippians 4:13 – I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me.

HOW TO BUILD CONFIDENCE IN GOD’S POWER

1. Admit your need for help.

Proverbs 29:23 – Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.

2. Get connected.

John 15:5 – I am the vine and you are the branches. Those who remain in Me and I in them, will produce much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.

2 Timothy 1:7 – For the Spirit that God gives us does not make us timid. Instead His Spirit fills us with power.

3. Choose God’s way with faith that God’s power will show up.

Hebrews 11:1 – What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen.

Isaiah 40:31 – Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary.

Romans 8:17 – And since we are His children, we will share His treasure. For everything God gives to His Son, Christ, is ours too.

February 19 & 26 2017 God's Plan For Financial Blessing

GOD'S PLAN FOR FINANCIAL BLESSING

TWO IMPORTANT TRUTHS ABOUT MONEY

Luke 12:15 (NIV)"Jesus said, 'Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds ofgreed; a man's lift does not consist in the abundance of his possessions. "

Luke 16:9-13 (NIV)"I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain eternal Mends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So ifyou have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And ifyou have not been trustworthy with someone else property, who will give you properly ofyour own? No one can serve two masters... You cannot serve both God and Money."'

1. MONEY IS A TOOL AND A TEST.
2. MANAGING MONEY IS A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE.

EIGHT HABITS FOR FINANCIAL BLESSING

1. I must trust God as my source and supply.

Rom. 11:36 (NLT)"Everything comes from God; everything exists by his power; and everything is intended for his glory."

Deut. 8:18 (NIV)"Always remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability TO PRODUCE WEALTH."

Pr. 16:3 (NLT)"Commit your work to the Lord, and then your plans will succeed."

2. I must do my work as an act of worship.

Col. 3:23 (NIV) Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,

Pr. 21:5 (NLT)"Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."

Pr. 10:4 (NIV)"Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth."

Pr. 16:11 (NLT)"The Lord demands fairness in every business deal; he sets the standard."

Pr. 12:11 (NIV) "Hard work brings prosperity; only fools waste time chasing fantasies."

Pr. 13:11 (NLT)"Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; but wealth from hard work grows."

3. Keep good records.

Pr. 27:23-24 (LB)"Riches can disappear fast... so watch your business interests closely. Know the state of your flocks and herds."

1 Cor. 16:2 (LB)"On the first day of every week put aside some of what you have earned during the week, and use it for the offering The amount depends on how much the Lord has helped you earn."

http://saddleback.com/watch/webcast/financial-seminar-2010

4. GIVE THE FIRST TEN PERCENT BACK TO GOD

Pr. 3:9-10 (LB)"Honor the Lord by giving Him the first part of all your income, and He will fill your barns to overflow!"

Deut. 14:23 (LB)"The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives."

Mal. 3:10 (NCV)"Bring to My Storehouse a full tenth of what you earn...Test me in this, 'says the Lord. 'I will open the windows of heaven for you and pour out all the blessings you need.

5. I must save and invest for the future.

Pr. 21:20 (LB)"The wise man saves for the future, but the foolish man spends whatever he gets."

Pr. 13:11 (NCV) "Money that comes easily disappears quickly, but money that is gathered little by little will grow."

Pr. 24:27 (NLT)"Develop your business first before building your house."

6. You setup a repayment plan to get yourself out of debt.

Pr. 3:27 (LB)"Don't withhold repayment of your debts."

Rom. 13:8 (NIV)"Let no debt remain outstanding."

7. Budget your spending.

Pr. 21:5 (TEV)"Plan carefully and you will have plenty; if you act too quickly, you will never have enough."

Pr. 10:16 (NLT)"The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin."

Memory Verse: Pr. 21:20b (TEV)"... stupid people spend their money as fast as they get it."

8. I must enjoy what I have.

Eccl. 6:9 (TEV)"It is better to be satisfied with what you have than to always be wanting something else."

1 Tim. 6:18 (NLT)"Tell them to use their money to do good They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them."

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DO: THE ORDER GOD BLESSES:

1. Spend it - 1. Dedicate it to God

2. Worry about it - 2. Tithe it

3. Repay it  - 3. Save & Invest

4. Save it - 4. Repay it

5. Give it,  -  5. Enjoy it

Mt. 6:31-33 (LB) "Don't worry... Your heavenly Father already knows what you need, and He will give it to you IF you give him first place in your life AND live as he wants you to."