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.

April 10 2016 The Cure For Your "I" Problem

THE CURE FOR YOUR "I" PROBLEM

James 4:6 "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Good pride = Self-respect, dignity, satisfaction with a job well done. Joy in seeing others succeed. (Gal. 6:4, 2 Cor.7:4)

Bad pride = Conceit, egotism, selfishness. Attitude of superiority, (Prov. 16:5, 18, 29-33)

I. HOW PRIDE CAUSES PROBLEMS

1. IT PREVENTS ME FROM GROWING.

Proverbs 26:12"There is more hope for a fool than for a man who is wise in his own eyes, "

Proverbs 10:17 (LB)"Anyone willing to be corrected is on the pathway to life. Anyone refusing has lost his chance.

2. IT POISONS MY RELATIONSHIPS

Proverbs 13: 10"Pride only breeds quarrels."

Matthew 7:5"Take the log out of your own eye first, and then you will be able to see and take the speck out of your brother's eye. "

3. IT PRODUCES STRESS AND ANXIETY

Proverbs 29:25 (GN)"It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you

Proverbs 20:27 (GN) The Lord gave us a mind and conscience. We cannot hide from ourselves."

Matthew 5:5 (GN)"Happy are the humble! "

II HOW TO BE HUMBLE AND HAPPY

1. ADMIT MY WEAKNESSES HONESTLY

Proverbs 28: 1 3 (LB)"A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance. "

2. EVALUATE MY STRENGTHS REALISTICALLY

Romans 12:3 (Ph)"Don't cherish exaggerated ideas of yourself or your importance, but try to have a sane estimate of your capabilities. - - "

Galatians 6:4"Each man should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself without comparing himself to somebody else."

3. ENJOY MY SUCCESSES GRATEFULLY

1 Corinthians 4:7 (LB)"What are you so puffed up about? What do you have that God hasn't given you? And if all you, have is from God, why act as though you have accomplished something on your own?"

4. SERVE OTHERS UNSELFISHLY.

Philippians 2:3-5"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves... Look not only to your own interests, but also the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Jesus Christ."

5. HUMBLE MYSELF VOLUNTARILY

James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord and He will lift -you up.

August 5 2012 How To Handle Temptation

How To Handle Temptation

James 1:13-15 - When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one tempted when, by his own evil desire.

THREE FACTS ABOUT TEMPTATION

1. First, remember that temptation is natural.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - Every temptation that comes 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 the strength to endure it and so provide you with a way out. 

2. Temptation is neutral.
Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.

3. Temptation is necessary.
James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
John 4:4 - Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.

FIVE WAYS TO HANDLE TEMPTATION

1. Refuse to be intimidated.

• Three ways He works:
Alarmed - Frustration - Discouragement
Ephesians 6:10-11 - Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil’s scheme.

2. Request God’s help.
Psalm 50:15 - Call to me when trouble comes, I will save you and you will praise Me.

• Daniel
• Joseph

Hebrews 4:15-16 - (Jesus) had the same temptations we do, though He never once gave way to them and sinned, so let us come boldly to God and find grace to help us in our time of need.

3. Refocus your attention.
James 1:14-15 - Temptation is the pull of your own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions.
Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts.

4. Reveal your struggle to a friend.
Ecclesiastes 5:9-10 Two are better than one, because together, if one falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, there’s no one to help him.
James 5:16 - Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other, so that you may be healed.

5. Resist the tempter.
Ephesians 5:17 - Accept salvation from God to be your helmet and receive the Word of God to use as a sword.

•Example of Jesus: Filled with the Holy Spirit.
Instant NO. Quoted scripture.

October 30 2011 When Love Is Wise

When Love Is Wise

James 3:13-18

Vs. 18 – And these who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. 

Wisdom is a lifestyle of love.
Vs. 13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? 
Let him show it by his good life.

Lack of wisdom causes all kinds of disorder.
Vs. 14-16 – disharmony and all other kinds of evil.

How To Relate Wisely To Others
Vs. 17

1. If I'm wise, I won't compromise my integrity.
Vs. 17 – The wisdom that comes from heave is first of all pure.
Prov. 10:9 – The man of integrity walks securely.

2. If I'm wise, I won't antagonize your anger.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is peace-loving.
Prov. 20:3 – Any fool can start arguments, the wise thing is to stay out of them.
Prov. 14:29 – A wise man controls his temper, he knows that anger causes mistakes.

3. If I'm wise, I won't minimize your feelings.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is considerate.
Prov. 15:4 – Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.

4. If I'm wise, I won't criticize your decisions.
Vs 17 – wisdom is submissive.
Prov. 12:15 – A fool thinks he needs no advice. A man listens to others.

5. If I'm wise, I won't emphasize your mistakes.
Vs 17 – wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit.
Prov. 17:19 – Love forgets mistakes, nagging about them parts the best of friends.

6. If I'm wise, I won't disguise my own weaknesses.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is important and sincere.
Prov. 28:13 – You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins.
Col. 2:3 – The secret is Christ Himself, in Him lie hidden all God's treasures of wisdom.

October 30 2011 When Love Is Wise

When Love Is Wise

James 3:13-18

Vs. 18 – And these who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. 

Wisdom is a lifestyle of love.
Vs. 13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? 
Let him show it by his good life.

Lack of wisdom causes all kinds of disorder.
Vs. 14-16 – disharmony and all other kinds of evil.

How To Relate Wisely To Others
Vs. 17

1. If I'm wise, I won't compromise my integrity.
Vs. 17 – The wisdom that comes from heave is first of all pure.
Prov. 10:9 – The man of integrity walks securely.

2. If I'm wise, I won't antagonize your anger.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is peace-loving.
Prov. 20:3 – Any fool can start arguments, the wise thing is to stay out of them.
Prov. 14:29 – A wise man controls his temper, he knows that anger causes mistakes.

3. If I'm wise, I won't minimize your feelings.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is considerate.
Prov. 15:4 – Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.

4. If I'm wise, I won't criticize your decisions.
Vs 17 – wisdom is submissive.
Prov. 12:15 – A fool thinks he needs no advice. A man listens to others.

5. If I'm wise, I won't emphasize your mistakes.
Vs 17 – wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit.
Prov. 17:19 – Love forgets mistakes, nagging about them parts the best of friends.

6. If I'm wise, I won't disguise my own weaknesses.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is important and sincere.
Prov. 28:13 – You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins.
Col. 2:3 – The secret is Christ Himself, in Him lie hidden all God's treasures of wisdom.