Presenter: Jim Hammond
Focus: What we do today affects tomorrow.
I. God blesses good ASSET MANAGERS
A. With ENJOYMENT
B. With LIFE that is truly LIFE
II. Start with the 10-10-80 TRAINING WHEELS
A. Don’t invest in what you DON’T UNDERSTAND
B. Don’t put all your EGGS in ONE BASKET
III. ADJUST the training wheels
Focus: Bold prayers often require tenacious persistence.
1 Kings 17-18
I. Prayer MASTERY requires bold persistence.
“And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” So Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face between his knees. “Go and look toward the sea,” he told his servant. And he went up and looked. “There is nothing there,” he said. Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” The seventh time the servant reported, “A cloud as small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea.” So Elijah said, “Go and tell Ahab, ‘Hitch up your chariot and go down before the rain stops you.’ ” Meanwhile, the sky grew black with clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain started falling and Ahab rode off to Jezreel. The power of the LORD came on Elijah and, tucking his cloak into his belt, he ran ahead of Ahab all the way to Jezreel.”
1 Kings 18:41-46 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ki.18.41-46.niv
http://bible.com/111/1ki.18.41-46.niv
II. Bold persistence requires prayer MYSTERY.
III. Pin your persistence on GOD’S PROMISES.
Wonderful Counselor Series
Matt Shires, Speaker
Focus: There is always hope to be made whole through Jesus.
"The life to which we are accustomed holds us more than the life we long for. "
38 years equals 13,870 days!
I. The situation is never HOPELESS
II. He requires our PARTICIPATION
III. God gives us what we need to change our OUR DESIRES
IV. God gives us what we need to change our OUR ACTIONS
WE GET STUCK. JESUS CHANGES THAT. HOPE LOVE MERCY RESTORATION HEALING
God wants his people to be healed and restored - SET FREE!
Jesus can change you when you encounter him.
““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free,”
Luke 4:18 NIV
http://bible.com/111/luk.4.18.niv
“Some time later, Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed.
One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’ ” So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well. So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.””
John 5:1-3, 5-17 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.5.1-3,5-17.niv
“For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.”
John 5:4 KJV
http://bible.com/1/jhn.5.4.kjv
“for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Philippians 2:13 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.2.13.niv
Wonderful Counselor Series
Doug Freeman, Speaker
“As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.”
Matthew 9:27-31 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mat.9.27-31.niv
Focus: God honoring faith moves the heart of God.
God Honors:
Faith that BELIEVES, even when it does not see.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.11.1.niv
Faith that PERSEVERES when nothing changes.
“Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. He said: “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor cared what people thought. And there was a widow in that town who kept coming to him with the plea, ‘Grant me justice against my adversary.’ “For some time he refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care what people think, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually come and attack me!’ ” And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off? I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?””
Luke 18:1-8 NIV
http://bible.com/111/luk.18.1-8.niv
Faith that is DEMONSTRATED by action.
“You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.”
James 2:20-24 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jas.2.20-24.niv
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Hebrews 11:6 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.11.6.niv
Why are you so Afraid?
Speaker - Doug Bridge
Focus: How do we see the storms of life?
God's PRESENCE in a storm.
God's PURPOSE in a storm.
My RESPONSE in a storm.
“That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!””
Mark 4:35-41 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mrk.4.35-41.niv
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.16.33.niv
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 NIV
http://bible.com/111/psa.46.1.niv
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.””
Hebrews 13:5 NIV
http://bible.com/111/heb.13.5.niv
“The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
Psalm 23:1-6 NIV
http://bible.com/111/psa.23.1-6.niv
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
James 1:2-4 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jas.1.2-4.niv
The Root of All Evil
Distorted Series, Sep 3, 2017
Jim Hammond, Speaker
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”
1 Timothy 6:10 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ti.6.10.niv
“Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
Ecclesiastes 5:10 NIV
http://bible.com/111/ecc.5.10.niv
“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.”
1 Timothy 6:17 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1ti.6.17.niv
“but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.”
Mark 4:19 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mrk.4.19.niv
Focus: If you love money you will not be satisfied with more money because with more your appetite increases.
How to interpret scripture
Understand the CONTEXT
Interpret the BIBLE with the BIBLE
APPLY what you LEARN
The big theme is not MONEY but GODLINESS
CONTENTMENT (happy with what they have) makes a poor person rich and DISCONTENTMENT (unhappy with what they don't have) makes a rich person poor
Escape the CHOKE HOLD
Speaker - Jim Hammond
Jeremiah 29:11
Focus: Distorted good news is dangerously attractive.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jer.29.11.niv
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.”
2 Timothy 4:3 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2ti.4.3.niv
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,”
2 Timothy 3:12 NIV
http://bible.com/111/2ti.3.12.niv
“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
Philippians 1:29 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.1.29.niv
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.””
Jeremiah 29:12-14 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jer.29.12-14.niv
HOW TO INTERPRET SCRIPTURE (SIMPLIFIED)
Understand the CONTEXT
Interpret the BIBLE with the BIBLE
APPLY what you LEARN
Who is this PROMISE to?
Watch out for DISTORTED GOOD NEWS
Good News is DISTORTED, UNRELIABLE and INCONSISTENT!
REPENTANCE works for everyone
Ask Anything
“Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
John 14:12-14 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jhn.14.12-14.niv
“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
1 Peter 3:7 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1pe.3.7.niv
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
James 1:6-7 NIV
http://bible.com/111/jas.1.6-7.niv
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.”
1 John 5:14 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1jn.5.14.niv
Focus: Our prayers are not always answered in the ways we think they should be.
How to interpret scripture (simplified)
I. Understand the CONTEXT.
II. Interpret the BIBLE with the BIBLE.
A. Your RELATIONSHIPS matter
B. Your MOTIVES matter
C. Your FAITH matters
D. God’s WILL matters
III. APPLY what you LEARN
Speaker - Jim Hammond
Verde Valley Christian Church
Cottonwood, Arizona
Date - August 13, 2017
Presenter: Jim Hammond
Focus: You have entered the dreams when your children love and trust the God you love and trust.
I. Change is a PROCESS not an EVENT.
II. Step into the river of GRACE.
III. Be a living, breathing MODEL of REAL life.
"but God was merciful to me in order that Christ Jesus might show his full patience in dealing with me, the worst of sinners, as an example for all those who would later believe in him and receive eternal life."
1 Timothy1:16GNT
http://bible.com/68/1ti.1.16.gnt
"He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but only for him who died and was raised to life for their sake."
2 Corinthians5:15GNT
http://bible.com/68/2co.5.15.gnt
Ephesians 6:4Rules without relationship lead to rebellion.
It really helps to know what makes your child tick and what ticks them off.
Focus: Choose to make it a habit of entering into the awe of God.
“I will exalt you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever. Every day I will praise you and extol your name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts. They speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty— and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They tell of the power of your awesome works— and I will proclaim your great deeds. They celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. All your works praise you, LORD; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The LORD upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.”
Psalm 145:1-21 NIV
http://bible.com/111/psa.145.1-21.niv
I. Awe SHAPES Me
II. Forgetting Awe is DANGEROUS!
lII. Make TIME EVERYDAY for Awe
HIStory Series
Focus: God wove HIS Story into history in a planned and purposeful way to change your story and my story for good... Forever!
“Many have undertaken to draw up an account of the things that have been fulfilled among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the first were eyewitnesses and servants of the word. With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught.”
Luke 1:1-4 NIV
http://bible.com/111/luk.1.1-4.niv
I. Opened the TOMB
II. Opened HEARTS
III. Opened SCRIPTURES
IV. Opened EYES
HIStory Series
Presenter: Matt Shires
Focus: To the world, His Story can seem tragic, or unfortunate, or even foolish, but His Story is far from any of those.
I. His Story shows HIS GREAT LOVE FOR US.
“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”
Romans 5:8 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.5.8.nlt
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
John 15:13 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.15.13.nlt
II. His Story shows THE GREAT POWER OF GOD.
“So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:23-25 NLT
http://bible.com/116/1co.1.23-25.nlt
“No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded.””
John 10:18 NLT
http://bible.com/116/jhn.10.18.nlt
III. His Story shows HIS OBEDIENCE TO THE FATHER.
“Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.””
Luke 22:42 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.22.42.nlt
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.”
Hebrews 12:1-4 NLT
http://bible.com/116/heb.12.1-4.nlt
HIStory Series
Focus: Jesus, the center of history, can become the center of your story.
I. COMPLETE COMMAND Isaiah 61
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is upon me, for the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to comfort the brokenhearted and to proclaim that captives will be released and prisoners will be freed. He has sent me to tell those who mourn that the time of the LORD’s favor has come, and with it, the day of God’s anger against their enemies. To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory. They will rebuild the ancient ruins, repairing cities destroyed long ago. They will revive them, though they have been deserted for many generations. Foreigners will be your servants. They will feed your flocks and plow your fields and tend your vineyards. You will be called priests of the LORD, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. “For I, the LORD, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. Their descendants will be recognized and honored among the nations. Everyone will realize that they are a people the LORD has blessed.” I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels. The Sovereign LORD will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.”
Isaiah 61:1-11 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.61.1-11.nlt
II. See my CREDENTIALS?
“Jesus knew what they were thinking, so he asked them, “Why do you question this in your hearts? Is it easier to say ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Stand up and walk’?”
Luke 5:22-23 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.5.22-23.nlt
III. Where it all BEGINS.
“But first the Son of Man must suffer terribly and be rejected by this generation. “When the Son of Man returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day.
---
“And the world will be as it was in the days of Lot. People went about their daily business—eating and drinking, buying and selling, farming and building—”
Luke 17:25-26, 28 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.17.25-26,28.nlt
““Where will this happen, Lord?” the disciples asked. Jesus replied, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.””
Luke 17:37 NLT
http://bible.com/116/luk.17.37.nlt
I Want to Believe, but...
Focus: Those who UNKNOWINGLY hold a distorted view of God find it more difficult to believe in God.
I. This isn't HEAVEN YET!
History in 4 Words
1. CREATION
2. THE FALL
3. REDEMPTION
4. RESTORATION
II. God always has a PURPOSE in your pain.
III. God is always PRESENT in your pain.
I Want to Believe, But... Part 1
Focus: Those who UNKNOWINGLY hold a distorted view of God find it more difficult to believe in God.
"On Demand God" (Today) - I pray and pray but God doesn't give me what I ask for.
I. God doesn't EXIST to SERVE us; we EXIST to SERVE God.
““What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’”
Isaiah 45:9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.45.9.nlt
II. If God is not "On Demand God" then who is He?
A. God's HEART is always LOVING.
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?
No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.”
Romans 8:35, 37 NLT
http://bible.com/116/rom.8.35,37.nlt
B. God's WAYS are always HIGHER than our WAY.
“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9 NLT
http://bible.com/116/isa.55.8-9.nlt
C. God's PRESENCE is always ENOUGH.
Focus: Forgiveness like Jesus
"Forged in Forgiveness" Mike & Erik Story
I. Remember THE LORD FORGAVE YOU, SO YOU MUST FORGIVE OTHERS.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13 NIV
http://bible.com/111/col.3.13.niV
"To be a Christain means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you." -CS Lewis
II. Remember YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST
“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:30-32 NIV
http://bible.com/111/eph.4.30-32.niv
“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:30-32 NLT
http://bible.com/116/eph.4.30-32.nlt
III. Forgiveness SETS YOU FREE
Forgiveness is the key which unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of hatred. It breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness. The Forgiveness of Jesus not only takes
Corrie Ten Boom
IV. FORGIVENESS and ACCEPTANCE are the indicators of loving like God loves.
WHO DO YOU NEED TO FORGIVE?
Focus: Acceptance like Jesus
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Romans 15:7 NIV
http://bible.com/111/rom.15.7.niv
I. Break the habit of only accepting "ACCEPTABLE" people.
II. Accept = How you catch a FOOTBALL?
2. USE A SOFT TOUCH
3. BRING IT IN TOWARD YOU
III. Christ accepted us before we were ACCEPTABLE.
Love, Acceptance & Forgiveness are the three keys.Joyful New Year Series 6
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Philippians 4:1-3 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.1-3.niv
Focus: A real relationship with Jesus Christ brings joyful confidence.
I can do all this through Him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13
Happiness is an inward feeling with an outward...
Through Christ we can...
1. ... REJOICE ALWAYS! Philippians 4:4
2. ... Experience JOYFUL RELATIONSHIPS! Philippians 4:5
3. ... Experience JOYFUL BAD DAYS! Philippians 4:6-7
4. ... make JOYFUL THOUGHTS! Philippians 4:8-9
5. ... Experience JOYFUL CONTENTMENT! Philippians 4:10-12
6. ... Experience JOYFUL CONFIDENCE!
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| hubba hubba nx2 MSR |
“I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 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 4:10-12 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.10-12.niv
Focus: Until you learn its secret, contentment is a fickle fleeting moment.
I. LASTING Contentment is POSSIBLE
A. It does not come from EXTERNAL CIRCUMSTANCES
B. It does not come from MORE MONEY OR MORE STUFF
Sin is what you do when your soul is not fully satisfied with God.
II. Contentment is a GIFT
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.13.niv
Content it discontent...
which tent do you live in?
Focus: Your ability to be joyful, even in difficult circumstances, is a battle that begins long before your circumstances actually become difficult.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.8-9.niv
I. Realize you're in a FIGHT!
“Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.”
Philippians 3:1 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.3.1.niv
II. Set your FOCUS!
III. PRACTICE what you've learned.
IV. Keep your tank FULL!
Focus: Anyone can make bad days worse - how do I make bad days joyful?
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.6-7.niv
I. Don't worry about ANYTHING.
II. Pray about EVERYTHING.
III. Express THANKFULNESS.
IV. Make CHRIST the CENTER of your life.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”
Philippians 4:4-5 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.4-5.niv
Happiness - Rejoicing - Joy -
General Truth: Hurt People - Hurt People
But if you have access to joy even while you are hurt, this changes everything.
I. Express yourself positively
“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!”
Philippians 4:1 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.1.niv
II. Reconcile Quickly
“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.”
Philippians 4:2-3 NIV
http://bible.com/111/php.4.2-3.niv
III. Who Starts?
A. The Offending person
B. The Offended person
C. The Third Party person
““Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”
Matthew 5:23-24 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mat.5.23-24.niv
““If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.”
Matthew 18:15 NIV
http://bible.com/111/mat.18.15.niv
Philippians 4:2-3 NIV
IV. Be Considerate
Philippians 4:4-5 NIV
Grace is an elixir that produces a heart condition that predisposes people toward reconciliation and revolutionizes the way they approach conflict.
If you
You know and so you can:
1. Rejoice
2. Be gentle
3. Love: loved people - love people
4. Forgive: Forgiven people - Forgive people
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!
Focus: We need to find our song!
I. I can REJOICE ALWAYS
II. In the LORD, rejoice is a CHOICE