February 5 2017 How Can I Know My Destiny

HOW CAN I KNOW MY DESTINY?

BOOK OF ESTHER

1. I must recognize the gifts that God has given me to use

Esther 2:8-9 (NIV)"Esther pleased Hegai and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven maids selected from the king's palace and moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem."

Esther 2:15b "Esther won the favor of everyone Who saw her."

Esther 2:17 (N IV)“...she then won the king's favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen."

I Peter 4:10 (TEV)"Each of us, as a good manager of God's different gifts, must use for the good of others the special gift we have received from God."

What has God given me to use for good?

2. I must identify the needs that stir my heart.

Esther 4:4 (TEV)"When Esther's servants told her what Mordecai was doing, she was deeply disturbed."

Isaiah 58:6-11 (TEV)"Remove the chains of oppression and yoke of injustice, and let the oppressed go free. Share your food with the hungry and open your homes to the homeless poor. Give clothes to those who have nothing to wear, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. THEN my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quicklv healed. I will always be with you to save you and my presence will protect you on every side. When you pray, I will answer you. When you call tome, I will respond. Ifyou put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil word; if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. And I will always guide you and satisfy you with good things. I will keep you strong and well."

What needs do I see around me that disturb me?

3. Take the time to hear God's call on my life.

Esther 4:13-14 "Mordecai sent this word to Esther: 'Do not think that because you are in the king house you alone of all Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your fathers family will perish. Besides who knows but that you have come to this position for such a time as this?"

Esther 4:15-16a (NIV) "Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 'Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king... "

4. Make a faith commitment

Memory Verse: Esther 4:16 (NIV)"When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish. "

Matt. 9:29 Jesus said, "According to your faith will it be done to you!"

What 3-year faith commitments will I make?

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

0 ------------------------------------------------100

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

Establishing Faithfulness 

Galatians 5:22 – The fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness.

Proverbs 20:6 – Who can find a faithful man? Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful hi is, but just try to find someone who really is.

Three Reasons for Faithfulness:

1. Because God is Faithful.

Psalm 33:4 – He is faithful in all He does.

2. Makes life much easier.

Proverbs 25:19 – Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble.

3. God rewards it.

Seven Characteristics of Faithfulness:

1. Keep your promises.

Proverbs 25:14 – Like clouds and wind without rain is a man who boasts of gifts he does not give.

Proverbs 20:25 – It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows.

2. Honor your marriage.

Hebrews 13:4 – Marriage should be honored by all.

3. Use your talents.

1 Peter 4:10 – Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in various forms.

4. Stand by your friends.

Proverbs 17:7 – A true friend is always loyal and a brother is born to help in time of need.

5. Learn to manage your money.

Luke 6:11 – If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches.

1 Corinthians 16:2 – On every Lord’s Day, each of you should put aside something from what you have earned during the week and use it for this offering.

Three Things About Faithfulness:

1. Give regularly.

2. Giving should be planned.

3. Giving is proportional.

6. Do your best at work.

Luke 16:10 – Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.

Luke 16:12 – And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property on your own.

Colossians 3:23 – Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.

7. Commit yourself to your Church.

Romans 12:5 – So in Christ, we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others.

John 13:35 – By this shall all men know that you are my disciples if you love one another.