Adventure in the Ascent

Sermon Notes & Applications GuideComment here

Sermon Notes & Application GuideComment here

Sermon Notes & Applications GuideComment here

Sermon Notes & Application GuideComment here

Sermon Notes & Application Guide Scripture ReferencesPrimary Passages:Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”Exodus 14:13: “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today.”Supporting Passages:Psalm 3:8: “Salvation belongs to the LORD.”Isaiah 12:2: “Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid.”Exodus 6:7: “I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God.”Isaiah 53:5: “He was wounded for our transgressions… crushed for our iniquities.”Ezekiel 36:26-27: Promise of a new heart and God’s Spirit within us.Jeremiah 31:31-34: The New Covenant: forgiveness of sin and a new relationship with God.Malachi 4:2: “The sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.”Matthew 1:21: “You shall call his name Jesus (Yeshua), for he will save his people from their sins.”Man’s Greatest NeedOur deepest need is not money, health, or freedom — it is to be rescued from sin and fully reconciled to God.The Old Testament repeatedly shows us this truth: no matter how many times God delivered Israel from external enemies, the root problem of sin always remained.Why Jesus Came Jesus came“to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10).His primary mission was a rescue mission for sinners.Biblical Definition of SalvationSalvation means deliverance from danger, peril, or suffering — rescue into safety, victory, freedom, and life. It includes both temporal and eternal deliverance, with the ultimate focus on spiritual salvation from sin.Salvation Is God’s Work AloneSalvation belongs to the Lord (Psalm 3:8). We cannot earn it.Like Israel at the Red Sea, our role is to “stand still” in faith and trust God to save us (Exodus 14:13).Old Testament Picture of SalvationThe Old Testament shows God repeatedly rescuing His people from physical danger (especially in the Exodus).These stories serve as powerful types and shadows pointing to our greater spiritual deliverance from sin.The Hebrew Connection – YeshuaThe Hebrew word for salvation is yeshuah (from the root yasha = “to save/deliver”).Jesus’ Hebrew name Yeshua means “Yahweh saves.” He is literally “Salvation” in human form (Matthew 1:21).Old Testament Hope Through the ProphetsJudges and kings could only give temporary rescue because sin remained.The prophets pointed forward to ultimate salvation: a Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53), a new heart and God’s Spirit (Ezekiel 36), and a New Covenant with full forgiveness (Jeremiah 31).Fulfillment in ChristOld Testament salvation was like the sunrise — real but partial.In Jesus, the full sun has risen. He is the “Sun of Righteousness” with healing in His wings (Malachi 4:2).The long-awaited Yeshuah has come!Comment here

Scripture ReferencesPrimary Passages:2 Samuel 9 (entire chapter: David's kindness to Mephibosheth)Supporting Passages:2 Samuel 4:4: Mephibosheth becomes lame while fleeing in fear2 Timothy 1:7: "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind"Matthew 6: Warning against anxious worryMatthew 14: Peter begins to sink when fear takes his eyes off Jesus1 Samuel 15: Saul's fear of the people leads to disobedienceMatthew 26 (Gethsemane): Jesus faces real fear but submits to the Father's willRomans 5:8, 10: God shows love while we were still sinners and enemiesEphesians 2: Kindness and grace for Jesus' sake (salvation not by works)Key Points of the SermonFear's Destructive PowerMephibosheth became lame in both feet because his nanny fled with him out of fear when Saul and Jonathan died (2 Samuel 4:4).Operating from fear (instead of faith) leads to hurt, sin, paralysis, missed blessings, and can cripple future generations. Examples include Saul (1 Samuel 15), Peter sinking (Matthew 14), and anxious worry (Matthew 6). God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7).Lo-debar– The Spiritual WildernessMephibosheth hid in Lo-debar ("no pasture" / barren place of no provision, abundance, or word). This represents our fallen state: spiritual barrenness, isolation, shame, silence from God due to sin, and hiding.Lent is our intentional 40-day spiritual wilderness—mirroring Jesus' desert time—to confront these "dry places" through prayer, fasting, repentance, and self-examination.God's Unmerited Grace & InitiativeDavid actively sought Mephibosheth (not the other way around), restored his land, and seated him permanently at the king's table "for Jonathan's sake."This foreshadows the Gospel: God seeks us while we are still sinners and enemies (Romans 5:8, 10), showing kindness for Jesus' sake (Ephesians 2). We don't earn a place at God's table—we receive it through Christ's covenant faithfulness.Shame Swept Away & TransformationMephibosheth's name means "dispeller of shame" or "shame is swept away." Lent calls us to confront shame, guilt, and unworthiness.Jesus bore our shame on the cross. God carries us from Lo-debar (desolation) to the palace (restoration and belonging), inviting us to feast as adopted sons and daughters.At the King's TableEven though Mephibosheth remained lame, when seated at the table, his feet (weakness/defect) were hidden. His focus shifted to the King. During Lent, we die to fear-driven living so we can rise with Christ in Easter joy. Fix your eyes on Jesus (the One who went to the cross for you), not your issues.Call to ActionCome out of fear and the desert. Repent, confess, fast, and refocus on Christ. If still in the "lameness of sin" and far from God, come to the King today. You have a permanent place at the table of the King! Come to salvation!Comment here

Lent is a 40-Day Journey of PreparationLent (meaning "spring" originally) is a season of reflection, fasting, repentance, and renewal leading to Easter—mirroring Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness after His baptism.It's not just "giving up" things for discomfort but creating space for God amid noise, busyness, and self-reliance, leading to freedom and anticipation of resurrection joy.The Wilderness Reveals Our True Hunger (vs. 3–4)In vulnerability and weakness, temptation strikes with quick fixes (stones to bread).Jesus responds with God's Word, teaching dependence on the Father rather than instant gratification.Fasting exposes false "breads" (comforts, achievements) and redirects our appetite to the true Bread of Life (John 6:35).Practice: Fast something and replace it with time in Scripture, prayer, or worship.The Wilderness Exposes Our Idols (vs. 5–10)Temptations attack trust in God (testing Him) and allegiance (power, control, shortcuts to glory).Jesus rejects them by quoting Scripture, choosing obedience even to the cross.Idols are anything we trust more than God (security, approval, success).Lent invites tearing down idols through honest self-examination ("What do I fear losing most? What do I turn to for comfort?"), heartfelt repentance (Joel 2:12–13), confession, and resting in God's grace and mercy.The Wilderness Prepares Us for ResurrectionJesus emerged from the desert in the power of the Spirit, equipped for His mission and ultimate victory at the cross and empty tomb.Lent mirrors this: We enter with ashes (death to self), journey through dying to sin/idols, and arrive at Easter's joy (new life in Christ).It's "bright sadness"—grief over sin mixed with hope in redemption. Small "deaths" this season open us to Christ's risen life flowing in us personally ("Christ is risen in me!").Comment here

Growing in Knowledge of God (Epignosis)The core of the message: True spiritual growth in 2026 hinges on increasing in epignosis—not mere head knowledge, but intimate, experiential, first-hand knowledge of God gained through personal communion.It’s deliberate, whole-hearted seeking—like mining for silver or hunting hidden treasure (Proverbs 2:1-5).God promises to reward diligent seekers (Hebrews 11:6; Jeremiah 29:13). He’s actively looking for hearts He can trust with deeper revelation.Benefits of This KnowledgeGrace and peace multiplied (2 Peter 1:2): In a striving, anxious world, true peace isn’t found in retreats or vacations—it’s a byproduct of knowing Him more deeply.All things that pertain to life and godliness (v. 3): Everything needed for body, soul, and righteous living is already provided through Christ’s divine power—accessed via this knowledge.Exceedingly great and precious promises (v. 4): Promises of salvation, wholeness, the Second Coming, and more become “Yes and Amen” in Christ (2 Cor. 1:20). These aren’t distant hopes but present realities we lay hold of through relationship.Partakers of the Divine Nature- The ultimate purpose of these promises is transformationGod’s own characteristics begin to mark our lives (through ongoing fellowship): love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control (Galatians 5:22-23—the fruit of the Spirit).Result: We escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires (2 Peter 1:4). Temptation loses its grip as we become more enamored with Jesus than with sin.Call to Action: Diligently Seek with Your Whole Heart- moving beyond surface level “devotion”Spend intentional, unhurried time in the Secret Place—daily interaction with God through His Word (which is a lamp to your feet, Psalm 119:105).This pursuit isn’t selfish: Revelation received belongs “to us and to our children forever” (Deuteronomy 29:29)—generational blessing flows from it.Protection & Maturity for the Body of Christ- Growing in this knowledge isn’t just personal—it’s vital for the churchIt protects against false teaching, apostasy, and being “tossed about by every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14). Peter wrote this letter to counter sensuous, denying false teachers—his answer was steadfast growth in knowing the Lord.It brings maturity: No longer spiritual infants drinking milk, but growing into the full stature of Christ (Eph. 4:13-15).It equips the whole body to function properly—fitted together, building itself up in love as every part does its work (Eph. 4:16).Comment here

The Invitation to Soul RestJesus extends a personal invitation to the weary and burdened: "Come to me" for true rest, contrasting busyness (Martha) with sitting at His feet (Mary). This rest is a gift found only in Him.Modern Need for Slowing DownIn a distracted, high-paced world (constant phone use, shortened attention spans), we risk a "mediocre" faith. Slowing down—sitting in silence, disconnecting—revives our wonder in God's presence.What Soul Rest IsNot just physical sleep, but deep, renewing refreshment: calm expectation, relief from burdens, inner peace.Internal and eternal; rooted in God's unconditional love and presence in the "Secret Place."Rest amid trials (not from them), as seen in John Paton's experience of peace while hiding from danger.How to Find Soul Rest (Jesus' Two Invitations)Come to Me: Consciously turn to Him in prayer, Scripture, obedience; run to Christ amid fear, grief, weariness; physically create space (sit quietly without distractions).Take My Yoke and Learn from Me: Exchange heavy burdens (legalism, sin, anxiety, self-striving) for Jesus' easy yoke—surrender control, walk in step with Him as He bears the load, empowers by grace, and teaches a Spirit-led life.The PromiseYoked to Jesus brings deep soul-rest: freedom from sin's burden, shared strength, joyful obedience, and lasting peace—even in hardship. In 2026, choose the "good part" by pausing to rest in Him.Comment here

Original Design & RestorationGod created us for unhindered communion and intimacy (Eden). Through Jesus' death and the torn veil, we are invited back into that intimate relationship with the Father.Identity in the Secret PlaceIn closeness with God (Secret Place, beyond the veil), we discover our true identity as beloved children resting in Him before any tasks or callings.Two NarrativesWe live either in our default self-reliant story or in God's better narrative/path. God invites and woos us into His story through time in the Secret Place.Dependence vs. IndependenceCultural independence contrasts with biblical dependence on God. True fruitfulness and direction come only from abiding in Christ (John 15:5).God's Promises of Guidance (Psalm 32:8)Instruct – Practical insight and wisdom for the path.Teach – Formal instruction (root of Torah), fulfilled by the Holy Spirit.Guide with His eye – Intimate counsel from close relationship; sensitive to His slightest direction.Alternative to YieldingStubbornness (like horse/mule needing bit and bridle) leads to forced correction. Self-reliant paths seem right but end in death (Prov 14:12).Call to Action for 2026Choose life in God's presence and path. Spend time in the Secret Place to hear His voice ("This is the way"), receive deliverance from fear (“spirit” of fear)/self-sufficiency, and walk the narrow, fruitful road He has for us – for our good, our children, and others we are called to reach.Comment here

"God’s intent is that each generation would stand on the spiritual shoulders of the generation before them, reaching ever increasing heights in their walk with God... Simply taking them to church each week will not get that done. We need to talk regularly with our kids about God and His ways." -Richard BlackabyCommitment to Spiritual Legacy:Dedicating children is a pledge to raise them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord, not just through church attendance but by living out the Gospel daily through service, repentance, and worship (Deut. 6:1-9, Psalm 145:4).Love God Supremely:Parents must love God with all their heart, soul, and strength, making Him their greatest treasure. This love shapes family priorities and enables faithful parenting (Deut. 6:5, Matt. 6:21, Matt. 13:44).Model Faith Authentically:Children learn faith by observing parents’ actions—how they handle challenges, make choices, and rely on God’s Word. Hypocrisy undermines teaching; genuine faith shines (Matt. 5:16, 1 Thess. 2:8).Teach Purposefully “As You Go”:Diligent, consistent teaching happens in scheduled (family devotions) and unscheduled moments (daily conversations), seizing every opportunity to point to God (Deut. 6:7-9).Practical Ways to Build Legacy:Memorize Scripture as a family and display it in the home.Discuss justice and God’s value for all people, taking action where possible.Foster gratitude through daily prompts and shared conversations.Help children identify their God-given gifts and purposes.Engage in missions through prayer, giving, or family mission trips.Conduct spiritual checkups to support children’s faith journeys.Eternal Impact:A spiritual legacy, like C.T. Studd’s, prioritizes faith in Christ over material wealth, creating an atmosphere where faith flourishes (Psalm 112:1-3, 2 Tim. 1:5).God’s Promise: Prioritizing God brings blessings to families, as obedience to His commands leads to flourishing (Deut. 6:3, Phil. 3:8-10).Comment here

Be Led by the SpiritLike Jesus, who only did what He saw the Father doing (John 5:19), Christians must follow the Spirit’s guidance rather than initiating plans and seeking God’s blessing after (Romans 8:14, Isaiah 30:21).Obedience May Lead to StormsThe disciples faced a fierce storm while obeying Jesus’ command to cross the lake (Mark 4:35-41). Storms don’t always indicate disobedience; they can be used by The Father (John 16:33).Trust God’s PromisesJesus promised they would reach the other side (Mark 4:35). God’s promises are sure (2 Corinthians 1:20), and He is present through trials (Hebrews 13:5).Declare Peace in the StormJesus calmed the storm with “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), demonstrating Heaven’s peace. Believers are called to speak Christ’s authority into chaos.Divine Appointments AwaitCrossing the lake led to the deliverance of a demon-possessed man (Mark 5:1-20). Obedience positions us for God’s purposes, bringing wholeness (sozo in Greek, meaning salvation and wholeness).Be Christ’s AmbassadorsChristians are called to follow the Spirit’s leading, preservere through challenges, and bring Christ’s transformative power to others (Colossians 1:27, 2 Corinthians 5:20).Listen for God’s voice, obey even when tired or uncertain, trust His presence in trials, and pursue divine appointments to see lives transformed.Comment here

“I guarantee you that if you are intentional about meditating, fixing your mind, your heart on God’s word in the beginning of your day, at the end of your day, and thinking through how can that saturate your life during the day, I guarantee you, you will see, discover, experience this word as delightful. Full of delight.” -David Platt“So someone may ask: How can I come to delight in the word of God? My answer is twofold: 1) pray for new tastebuds on the tongue of your heart; 2) meditate on the staggering promises of God to his people.” -John PiperKey Points of the SermonScripture: Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 119:24, Matthew 7:13, Jeremiah 15:16, Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:181.Two Paths of Life: Psalm 1 contrasts two ways to live—following the world (independence from God) or following God’s Word (dependence on God). There is no third option.2.Biblical Blessedness: The term "blessed" in Psalm 1 (from Hebrew esher) means happiness, contentment, and being "right" or "straight" with God, not material wealth or superficial blessings.3.What the Blessed Avoid (Verse 1):No to Ungodly Counsel: The blessed person rejects advice from those who oppose God’s ways, seeking instead godly counsel rooted in Scripture (Psalm 119:24).No to the Path of Sinners: They avoid lingering or "loitering" in sinful ways, choosing the narrow path of righteousness over the wide path of destruction (Matthew 7:13).No to the Seat of the Scornful: They refuse to join those who mock or criticize God and His followers, proudly standing for Christ (Spurgeon’s quote).4.What the Blessed Embrace (Verse 2):Delight in God’s Word: The blessed find joy and pleasure in God’s Word, seeing it as a source of life and a way to encounter God (Matthew 4:4, Psalm 119:103, Jeremiah 15:16).Meditate Day and Night: They intentionally ponder and reflect on Scripture, filling their minds with God’s truth, which transforms and renews them (Romans 12:2, Ephesians 1:18).5.Results of Delighting in the Word (Verse 3):Stability and Strength: Like a tree transplanted by rivers of water, the blessed are deeply rooted, stable, and sustained by God’s Word.Fruitfulness: They bear fruit in every season, impacting others positively through their devotion.Prosperity: God brings good out of all circumstances in their lives, even challenges, leading to spiritual prosperity.6.Saying No to Say Yes: To embrace God’s best, the blessed learn to say "no" to ungodly influences and "yes" to delighting in and meditating on God’s Word, leading to a flourishing, abundant life.Comment here

Matthew 25:35-40The testimonies, the salvations, the stories, all of this is the fruit that all of us get to enjoy, because we are one family in Christ!This trip was a great step of faith for so many, for those that went, you stepped out in great faith, you trusted the Father, you trusted me, you served with love, you carried the light of Christ very practically into places in great need.This journey reminds us that mission is at the heart of who we are as followers of Jesus.Comment here

“Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself.” -Charles Spurgeon“A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” -Billy GrahamScripture:  Psalm 103:13, Malachi 4:5-6, Proverbs 22:6, John 1:12, Ephesians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 11:1The Fatherlessness Epidemic: Fatherlessness is a root cause of societal issues like crime, poverty, and behavioral disorders, as evidenced by U.S. Department of Justice statistics (e.g., 63% of youth suicides, 71% of high school dropouts from fatherless homes).Malachi 4:5-6 warns of a curse if fathers’ hearts are not turned to their children, highlighting the need for godly “fathers” to rise up.Sonship as the Foundation: To be a godly father, one must first be a son of God, resting in relationship with the Heavenly Father (John 1:12). Accepting Jesus and walking in sanctification enables fathers to reflect God’s heart, as Jesus did (John 5:19). Charles Spurgeon: “Train up a child in the way he should go—but be sure you go that way yourself” (Proverbs 22:6). Reflecting the Father’s Heart: Godly fathers imitate God’s character (Ephesians 5:1), revealing His love, compassion, and action to their children and others (Genesis 1:26). Fathers should live authentically, confessing failures and modeling repentance (Proverbs 24:16), so children see faith in action.Action-Oriented Love: Like the father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), godly fathers act extravagantly, breaking cultural norms to love and pursue their children.Jesus was about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49); fathers should act out of love, teaching, mentoring, and serving (John 3:16).Imitating Christ as an Example: Paul urges, “Imitate me, as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Fathers must model faith through devotion, prayer, and service, inviting others to follow their example (Philippians 4:9).D.A. Carson: “Do you ever say to a young Christian, ‘Do you want to know what Christianity is like? Watch me!’”Comment here

Created in God’s Image (Imago Dei):Genesis 1:26-28 establishes that humanity is uniquely created in God’s image and likeness, distinct from the rest of creation. This doctrine, echoed in Psalm 8:4-6, means every person—regardless of race, status, or belief—bears inherent dignity, value, and worth, with a calling to have dominion over the earth.Purpose of the Image:Humans are designed to reflect God’s character, glory, and goodness, much like a sculpture (e.g., the Lincoln Memorial statue) reflects its subject. We are “images created to image” God, displaying His attributes to the world.Impact of Sin on the Image:Sin distorts this divine reflection, turning humanity inward to worship self or idols (Rom. 1:23). While the image of God remains in all people (Gen. 9:6, 1 Cor. 11:7, James 3:9), it is marred, leading to brokenness in humanity’s relationship with God and creation.Restoration Through Christ:Salvation restores this image by conforming believers to the image of Christ, who is the perfect image of God (Colossians 1:15, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Hebrews 1:3). Scriptures like Romans 8:29, Colossians 3:9-10, and 1 Corinthians 15:49 affirm that through Christ’s work, we are renewed to reflect God’s glory once more.Implications for Human Dignity and Justice:Because all people bear God’s image, every life has intrinsic value, compelling believers to uphold justice and fight against issues like poverty, homelessness, trafficking, and prejudice. Proverbs 31:8-9 and Matthew 25 emphasize our responsibility to advocate.Personal Story of Tension:The encounter with Andrea highlights the tension between the sacred reality of God’s image in her and the injustice of her circumstances. This experience reflects God’s heart—compassion, righteous anger, and a call to action. Call to Minister in the Tension:Micah 6:8 provides a framework for living out this calling: act justly (address wrongs), love mercy (show compassion), and walk humbly with God (rely on His strength). This active faith, empowered by the Holy Spirit, equips us to minister amidst the world’s brokenness, ensuring God’s image in every person is honored.APPLICATION:1. Recognize the Image of God in Everyone Reflect: Take a moment to consider people you encounter daily—family, coworkers, strangers, or those in need. How does knowing they bear God's image change your perspective?Action: Intentionally show respect and kindness to someone you might typically overlook (e.g., a homeless person, a coworker you disagree with). See them as God’s image-bearer.Prayer: Ask God to open your eyes to see His image in every person, regardless of their background, status, or beliefs.2. Advocate for Justice and DignityWhere do you see injustice in your community?Action: Take one practical step to address injustice. Examples: volunteer, donate to a ministry supporting the vulnerable, or speak up against prejudice.3. Reflect God’s Character Through Your LifeHow can your words, actions, or decisions better reflect God’s love, mercy, and holiness?Action: Choose one way to “image” God this week, such as showing compassion, forgiving someone, or sharing the Gospel with a friend.Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live as a “clean mirror,” reflecting Christ’s character in your interactions.4. Live in the Tension of a Broken WorldCommit to an act of mercy inspired by Micah 6:8. For example, help a neighbor, pray for the oppressed, or support a mission.5. Share the Restorative Hope of the GospelShare the Gospel with someone this week, even in a small way, like inviting them to church or sharing how Christ has transformed you.Comment here

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-10, Exodus 6:20, Hebrews 11:23-29, Proverbs 22:6, Acts 5:29Jochebed’s Faith and Vision: Jochebed, Moses’ mother, defied Pharaoh’s decree to kill male Hebrew babies, trusting God’s plan (Exodus 2:1-10, Acts 5:29). Her obedience and closeness to God preserved Moses, the future deliverer of Israel, impacting generations for God’s glory. Identity in God: As a Levite, Jochebed was dedicated to God, instilling a godly identity in Moses (Hebrews 11:24). Parents must pass down true identity in Christ (John 1:12), not worldly or traumatic legacies. Divine Strategy: Jochebed followed God’s unconventional plan, hiding Moses and placing him in the Nile despite dangers (Exodus 2:3). Parents should seek God’s higher strategies (Isaiah 55:8, 1 Corinthians 2:16) rather than worldly logic. Great Faith: Jochebed’s faith is celebrated in Hebrews 11:23, as she trusted God over Pharaoh’s threats. Parents are called to trust God fully (Proverbs 3:5-6), even in risky or uncertain situations. Vision for the Future: Jochebed saw beyond immediate threats, envisioning Moses’ role in God’s plan. Parents must raise children with a long-term vision for godly impact, exposing them to worship, prayer, and ministry. Guarding Against the Enemy: The enemy targets children early (e.g., Pharaoh’s decree, Herod’s slaughter, modern challenges). Like Jochebed and David guarding his sheep, parents must protect and train children in God’s ways (Proverbs 22:6). True Success: Success is not worldly achievements but raising children who love and live for God (1 Peter 4:2). Parents should expose children to God’s presence, fostering a lifelong pursuit of His glory. Call to Action: Parents, spiritual parents, we pray for divine wisdom, strategy, and strength to raise godly children. Seek Heaven’s strategy... Comment here

Psalm 119:105- “Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.”“I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” -Chuck SwindollKey PointsThe Test of Identity (Matthew 4:1-3)Jesus' identity as the Son of God was confirmed by the Father (“This is My beloved Son”) before He was led into the wilderness to betempted by the devil.The first temptation the enemy presents is to question Jesus’ identity—"If You are the Son of God..."Application: The enemy often attacks our identity in Christ, trying to sow seeds of doubt and unbelief, just as he did with Adam and Eve in the Garden.Countering Temptation with ScriptureJesus responds to the devil's temptation with Scripture, quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”Application: Jesus shows that Scripture is the ultimate weapon against temptation. Our defense against the enemy’s lies is the Word ofGod, which is our lifeline.The Life Source of God's WordJesus teaches that God's Word is not just a guide but a life source: “Man does not live by bread alone...” (Matthew 4:4).John 6:63 affirms that Jesus' words are spirit and life.Psalm 119:130 and Psalm 119:105 describe how God's Word brings light and understanding, guiding our path.Abiding in God’s WordJohn 15 emphasizes the importance of abiding in Christ and allowing His words to abide in us.Application: True transformation comes not from casual knowledge but from letting God’s Word deeply impact us, shaping our lives.The Discipline of Scripture MemorizationThe Bible teaches that Scripture memorization is essential for spiritual growth. Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden Your Word in my heart...”Chuck Swindoll highlights how memorizing Scripture strengthens our prayer life, enhances our confidence, and solidifies our faith.Martin Luther’s Example: His transformation was fueled by his love for and memorization of Scripture.The Power of God’s WordHebrews 4:12 says,souls. "The Word of God is living and powerful..."—it discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart, piercing deep into ourJeremiah 23:29 compares God’s Word to a fire and a hammer, purifying and breaking through the hardest parts of our hearts.Not Just for Knowledge—It’s for TransformationMemorizing Scripture isn't just about intellectual knowledge but about transformation through a relationship with the Author.Application: The Word of God is living and active—reading and memorizing it allows us to know Him deeply and be changed by Him.Benefits of Memorizing and Engaging with ScriptureTo Be Changed into His Image: 2 Corinthians 3:18 says we are transformed as we behold God’s glory.To Clearly Share the Gospel: Scripture helps us effectively share the message of salvation, especially when we don't have a Bible in hand.To Defeat the Enemy: Like Jesus, we must use God’s Word to answer the devil’s lies and reaffirm our identity in Christ.To Triumph Over Sin: Psalm 119:9 teaches that taking heed to God's Word keeps us pure. Ephesians 6 calls it the Sword of the Spirit in spiritual warfare.To Give Good Counsel: The world needs God’s wisdom, not our opinions. Proverbs 25:11 teaches that the right word at the right time is valuable.To Know Him Deeper and Enjoy Him: As we engage with His Word, we encounter God Himself, and His presence transforms us.<Comment here

“If we are to better the future, we must disturb the present.” -Evangelist Catherine Booth"Imagine yourself as a living house. God comes in to rebuild that house. At first, perhaps, you can understand what He is doing. He is getting the drains right and stopping the leaks in the roof and so on; you knew that those jobs needed doing and so you are not surprised. But presently He starts knocking the house about in a way that hurts abominably and does not seem to make any sense. What on earth is He up to? The explanation is that He is building quite a different house from the one you thought of -throwing out a new wing here, putting on an extra floor there, running up towers, making courtyards. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage: but He is building a palace. He intends to come and live in it Himself.“ -C. S. LewisKey TakeawaysGrowth is a Mandate: Sanctification is a daily process to reflect Christ (Ephesians 4:15).Identity Empowers: Our spirit is new in Christ; the soul must catch up (2 Corinthians 5:17).The Word Transforms: It divides soul and spirit, healing and aligning us (Hebrews 4:12).Spirit-Led Living: Feed the spirit, not the soul, for wholeness (Romans 8:14).ReflectWhat area of your soul (mind, will, emotions) feels misaligned with your spirit in Christ?How has the Word recently convicted or challenged you, and what might God be addressing?What practical step can you take this week to prioritize your spirit over your soul?Scripture MemorizationHebrews 4:12: Understand the Word’s power to divide and heal.Romans 12:2: Embrace mind renewal for transformation.Psalm 119:37: Pray to focus on God’s way, not worthless things.Personal ApplicationThis Week: Choose one practical step (e.g., study a convicting verse, explore a new book) and journal your experience.How did the Word divide or heal your soul? Ask Holy Spirit to bring truth and healing to EVERY area of your life.PrayerPray Psalm 119:35-37-“Lord, make me walk in Your commandments, incline my heart to Your truth, turn my eyesfrom worthless things, and revive me in Your way. Amen.Comment here

“We’re standing at the crossroads every day, and God says, ‘Ask for the ancient paths.’ Not the trending ones, not the popular ones, but the ones carved out by His Word and His will. That’s where your soul breathes again." -Paul David Tripp"The Lord pleads with us to pause at life’s intersections, to seek the old paths of faithfulness and truth—not because they’re old-fashioned, but because they work. Rest comes when we walk where God has already paved the way.“ -Chuck SwindollReflect1. Your Crossroads: What decision—big or small—are you facing right now? How does it feel like a “crossroads”?2. Pause: When was the last time you stopped to consider your life’s direction? What keeps you from pausing?3. Rest: Describe a time you felt God’s peace. How did your choices lead to that?Dig Deeper1.Read Jeremiah 6:1-19:What warnings does God give Judah (vv. 1-15)? How does v. 16 offer hope amid judgment?Why do you think Judah refused God’s path (v. 16)?2. Compare Matthew 11:28-30:How does Jesus’ invitation connect to Jeremiah 6:16? What does “rest for your souls” mean in both?3. Study Psalm 119:105 & Proverbs 4:18:How do these verses describe God’s path? How do they encourage you to walk it?Apply1. Stop: Spend 5 minutes in silence this week, asking God,“Am I on Your path?” Write down what you sense.2. Ask: Pick one “ancient path” (e.g., trust, forgiveness, obedience) to seek through prayer and Scripture. What’s Godshowing you?3. Walk: Take one step of obedience this week—e.g., reconciling, trusting God in a tough spot. How does it affect your soul’s rest?4. Share: Talk with someone about a crossroads you’ve faced. How did God guide you—or how can He now?Prayer“Search me, God, and know my heart” (Psalm 139:23).Ask the Holy Spirit: “Reveal the Father’s way for me today.Comment here

“To dwell with God is better than life at its best; life at ease, in a palace, in health, in honour, in wealth, in pleasure; yea, a thousand lives are not equal to the eternal life which abides in Jehovah’s smile…“May I ask a question of every professed Christian? Have you spoken with God this morning? Do you allow a day to pass without converse with God? Can it be right for us to treat the Lord with mute indifference?" -Charles Spurgeon↠In Mark 6, between the beheading of John the Baptist and feeding the 5,000, Jesus sees that the disciples need to get away. “Come away to a secluded place, and rest a while.”↠It was Jesus’ practice to get away/pray (Luke 5:16- “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”)↠He also offers us the invitation to “come away…”↠There’s a getting away & an abiding that must take place (Jn. 15)↠Distractions abound & attempt to choke out, but He is better        (Matt.13:22)↠A casual view won’t do. “Let us gaze upon Jesus (Heb. 12:2)”↠“to look steadily and intently, especially in admiration.”↠Mary chose the “good portion” in Luke 10, it is on us because He is WILLING!↠Psalm 63:1-8- David & the thirsting soul satisfied in God↠This was an important Psalm to the early church, they found something in it that also sparked the same desire as David had↠A personal God and a priority of seeking↠A thirsty soul: our souls truly desire Him above all us, only satisfaction is found in Him↠His “lovingkindness” is better than life- HE IS BETTER!↠The results are praise & lifted hands, worship, remembrance, trie satisfaction, intimacy, and peaceful night watches filled with HimRespond This Week: Look over these Scriptures, especially Psalm 63 this week, meditate over them. Put into practice what you see and witness in the heart and words of David towards his good God. Make this Psalm a priority as the early church did.Comment here

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” -Jesus, John 4:23"In worship, we enter, touch and are touched by the presence of God Himself. We've been created to live like that" - C. S. Lewis⁠God created us for the ultimate priority of worshiping Him. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism puts it, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever...” “Worship is our innermost being responding with praise for all that God is, through our attitudes, actions, thoughts, and words, based on the truth of God as He has revealed Himself” ↠God was looking for an entire nation of “priests,” but they wanted to settle for an intermediary  ↠Ex. 19- IF you will obey My voice, you SHALL be a kingdom of priests, “special treasure”↠Ex. 20- They respond “No.” Moses, you speak with God, and tell us what He says, we are afraid. God desired a whole nation of priests, but they ended up with one tribe of priests, He wanted to deal directly with them, but they refused and got the law. ↠From SHALL to YOU ARE (1 Peter 2, Rev. 1:6)- New Covenant brings a new priesthood↠Set apart for relationship, ministering to the Lord, directly, His own special people as He always longed for.↠Why? “That you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you.. (1 Pet. 2:9)”↠God isn’t looking for worship. He is looking for worshippers- a priesthood proclaiming praise↠Isaiah 43:21- “This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.”↠Worship is a supreme responsibility for us, not just in song, but in heartfelt honor↠We were created for worship (Rev. 4:11) & operating outside of intended purpose skews↠Jesus explains further what the Father is looking for- a shift is coming! (John 4:19-24)↠The location of worship no longer matters- we are the temple (Eph. 2)↠Primary now is how and Whom we worship↠Everyone worships- The only question is who or what we are worshiping. God designed us so that we would only find true fullness when we minister to and worship Him.↠God is seeking true worshipers (implies false exist), we can’t honor with our lips when our heart if far from Him (Matt. 15)- come in repentance, hearts are close, focused on God↠The true worshipers MUST worship Him in spirit and truth- from the heart/within, cultivate our heart for God. We come to Him in TRUTH/honesty, worship according to the whole counsel of God (John 14:6)↠A few things about true worship:↠Worship is our response to Him (1 Chronicles 16:29)↠God is worthy of it, He deserves it (Ps. 145:3, Revelation 4:11)↠Worship strengthens me (Ps. 103:1-5)↠In worship, I am reassured of His presence (Psalm 73:23-26)- He is with me!↠It fills me with true joy (Ps. 16:11), garment of praise for heaviness (Isa. 61)↠Changes perspectives (Isa. 6)↠It is warfare/a weapon (Ps. 149:6, 1 Sam. 16, Joshua 6, 2 Chron. 20)↠Worship magnifies the Lord, releases His light, and dispels darkness! Respond This Week: Look over these Scriptures this week. Ask Holy Spirit to deepen your understanding of being a true worshiper. Engage with God as you walk in your intended design of worship. Set aside personal times and a specific time in family this week to worship together- get creative and share with us what takes place. Let’s rejoice and worship together!Comment here

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” -1 Peter 1:3“This new birth in Christ, thus firmly believed and continually desired, will do everything that thou wantest to have done in thee, it will dry up all the springs of vice, stop all the workings of evil in thy nature, it will bring all that is good into thee, it will open all the gospel within thee, and thou wilt know what it is to be taught of God.” -William LawIn John 2, Jesus is in Jerusalem performing miracles, people are starting to see, be impressed, one of those ones is a man by the name of Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews…↠Nicodemus comes at night with questions (vs. 2)↠He was a religious leader (Sanhedrin), educated, and influential↠He was drawn to Jesus, and he wanted to find out more. Have you been drawn?↠“Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God..” (vs. 3)↠Jesus gives a strong statement that shatters Nick’s thinking↠The Jews assumed, due to their racial identity, their BIRTH, that they were assured a place in God’s Kingdom.  ”They were good….right?” Jesus says, “NO!”↠Many today have the same mindset as Nick…church attendance, Grandma’s salvation, “I’m a decent person,” None of that matters- REBIRTH matters (1 John 5)↠”Born again” What does that mean? Nick has trouble with that phrase… (vs. 4)↠Regeneration: our first birth gave us physical life, the new birth gives us spiritual life and entry into God’s family (Titus 3:4-5, Ephesians 4:24, 1 Peter 1:3)↠John 1:12-13- “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”↠The only way to be born again, to experience this spiritual birth, enter into God’s family is through repentance of sin and faith in Jesus (John 14:6)↠Born of the WATER & the SPIRIT (vs. 5)↠A fountain of cleansing from sin and one of life (Zech. 1:3, Psalm 36:9)↠Prophecy of Ezekiel 36:25-27- He says there is a time coming when there will be this transformative new beginning- the water symbolizes all the impurities being washed away.↠”How can this be?” Jesus: “Everything has pointed to Me”↠This plan was plainly laid out in the Old Testament, but you believed that you had already arrived. Going through ceremony & Scripture yet you’ve missed Jesus- which is what it was all about.↠”As Moses lifted up the serpent…even so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (v.15)↠Jesus points back to Numbers 21:4-9: God’s instruction to be “saved”/bronze serpent↠Picture of sin judged/dealt with, now in like manner Jesus would be lifted up and they must now look to Him to be saved/reborn (Isa. 45:22)↠The “why” in all of this- verse 16 spells it out- “For God so loved the world…” (vs. 16-17)↠We see the Father’s heart- sent Jesus to make a way as we are the object of His affection. He provides a path, a way out to rebirth, but to not choose that path is to actually choose condemnation (Jer. 9:6, Rom. 10:13). Have you truly been reborn?Comment here

Immanuel (God with us) is at the core of God’s heart. He desires to be with us, came to live with us so that we could live with Him. We’re invited into life WITH GOD. Outside of Him, everything is subject to distortion, but what does the God with us life encompass?↠We begin to look at the results/joyful effects of the “God with us” life↠We see His desire/heart, now what do we do with that information?↠”God with us/in us” should transform us (Isa. 9:2, 2 Pet. 3:18)↠The more you know of Him, the more you are transformed, His goodness↠Understanding His heart affects us in many ways, one of those is our VALUE↠Gen. 1:27- Creation, only ones created in His image↠The great care He takes in us (Psalm 139:13-16)↠No self-help book needed but an in-depth look at His heart for you in The Word↠We are His “workmanship/masterpiece” (Eph. 2:8-10)↠Phrase appears only one other time (Rom. 1:20: God’s handiwork/creation)↠It signifies that which is manufactured, a product, a design produced by an artisan, emphasizes God as the Master designer↠“Workmanship” is describing the transformational change, being saved by grace, through faith in Christ, not just a change in beliefs, but a transformative core change (sozo, 2 Cor. 5:17)↠Workmanship, the Greek word “poiema,” where we get our word POEM↠You are God’s poem, His work of art↠You were created in His image and recreated in Christ Jesus (salvation)↠Possessive pronoun (His’ workmanship): Designed, saved, has a plan for you, you are not a worm, but His’ workmanship (Rom. 1:6, Eph. 2:13, 1 Cor. 3:23, 1 Pet. 2:9)↠God’s special possession, we are bought at a price, so we, in turn, honor Him with our lives and bodies and thoughts (making Him “at home,” remember?)↠Determining the VALUE of something↠Your value is not tied to the words spoken of you, over you, or by you↠An object’s value is determined by the price someone is willing to pay for it↠Rom. 5:8: “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” Your value to God is evidenced through what Jesus did on the Cross (Matt. 20:28)↠Seeing that our VALUE is given (by God), not earned, CHANGES US↠We are loved unconditionally. This love is life-giving—it calls us to step out confidently, to love ourselves, others freely, to live with joy and purpose. It also allows us to face challenges/setbacks without feeling like our value is on the line↠Once it goes deep and we believe that truly about ourselves, we must begin to believe that about others. To see their value, rooted in Him. Transformed evangelismRESPOND THIS WEEK: Meditate on these verses. Thank Him for His “workmanship” in you, ask Him for His thoughts towards you. See yourself and your VALUE rightly, through Him, so that you can see others rightly. What areas of your life do you need more of His truth to enter? Set aside time for personal worship and devotion…Comment here

Immanuel (God with us) is at the core of God’s heart. He desires to be with us, came to live with us so that we could live with Him. We’re invited into life WITH GOD. You’re not meant to do life without Him. Outside of Him, everything is subject to distortion.↠God maintains three relations to the believer (Hagin)- God is for us (Rom. 8:31), God is with us (John 1:14), and God is in us (John 14)↠Before Jesus ascended He made a promise↠"If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him (Jn. 14:23)”↠An abode is a place of residence, habitation, where we live/do life, He promised never to leave us as orphans↠The progression of closeness through the O. T. to now- habitation↠From the Old Testament tabernacle to us being a temple↠O. T. tabernacle where His glory dwelt/place of habitation/presence (last week), tent of meeting, tabernacle, temple- all pointing to Christ↠John 1:14- Word became flesh and “tabernacled” among us ↠We don’t run to tabernacles now (Stephen), but we run to Jesus, confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus (Heb. 10)↠Jesus then graciously tabernacles in us by His Spirit (Eph. 3:16-21)↠When we come in faith/repentance- “That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith… (vs. 17)” “Settle down/be at home” (Ez. 37:27 prophecy)↠His presence in our hearts/lives is a deep, abiding presence, a continual, life-changing reality, influencing every aspect of our lives↠We are no longer our own (2 Cor. 6:16, 19, 13:5)↠The beautiful offer, the great privilege of God within us (habitation/dwelling)↠”Make OUR (Trinity) home with him (Jn. 14:23)” ↠Have you ever made a home? What does it take? Things fixed, righted, made better, improved, some things have to go when He comes in to “make it home”↠Rev. 3:20- He stands at the door and knocks, open, He will come in… The first step, coming in, saying yes in obedience, then yes to transformation- “making it home.” We want Him to feel at home- room by room (R. Munger):↠What’s on the walls (our imaginations/mind) (Rom. 12:2, 2 Cor. 10:5)↠Dining room (appetites, desires)- seek the Father’s will, not own desires↠It goes on and on, every room, let Him in, nothing off limits when we say YES↠Allowing His truth (Jn. 16:13) into every room, crevice, attitude, way of thinking, like when visitors come over, there are rooms you shut off so they will not see the mess, if He truly makes it His home, nothing is off limits…↠”Room” for you in Heaven one day (Jn. 14:2), and room for Him in you now, a foretaste of glory divine (Heaven on earth Kingdom, Christ in you hope of glory)RESPOND THIS WEEK: Have you said yes to Him (Rev. 3:20), are you in relationship? If so, what rooms have you sealed off? Do some spiritual housekeeping this week with the Father, make your heart and mind truly His abode/dwelling/HOME…Comment here

Immanuel (God with us) is not just a Christmas theme, it’s at the core of Scripture/heart of God. He desires to be with His people, and came to live with us so that we could live with Him. How do we take that concept out of the Christmas story and see it developed in the day-to-day? We have been invited into life WITH GOD. You are not meant to do life without Him or apart from Him. Outside of Him, everything is subject to distortion.↠One of the most powerful themes in scripture is what many call the “Immanuel Principle.” Immanuel simply means “God with us.”↠Incarnation/It’s more than just a Christmas-time “concept”↠”God with us” is at the core of the heart of God↠Matt. 1:23/Isa. 7:14, God has always desired to be with His people↠“God with us” is the embodiment of all of God’s promises to Israel and to all who will trust in Him↠Through sacrifice and mercy God makes a way to be with His people through the Old and New Testament↠Understanding His heart for us↠Genesis 3:8 sneak peek: the walking with God in the cool of the day, walks are personal, a desire to spend time (In the Garden song, captures concept)↠The walks stopped (sin), rest of OT His getting us back to Him, points to NT↠In captivity (Egypt), God delivers them (Ex. 6:7- “As My own people…”)↠Promised divine fellowship (Lev 26:11–12)↠Divine fellowship, closeness, through the Old Testament tabernacle↠”Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them (Ex. 25:8)”↠Was to be a sanctuary/place where God could dwell among His people↠Moses face to face as a friend, Joshua lingers in divine encounter (Ex. 33:11)↠We see the draw to communion- We see the Immanuel Principal being developed more and more and now it's not just God’s heart but we see the heart of a few also turning toward their God (Song of Sol. 3:3)↠Type/Shadow of Jesus- “Made His dwelling among us (John 1:14)”↠Christ was born and came to “tabernacle” (dwell) with us, to deliver us from sin, enslavement, and live at the center of our own lives, but not in a tent or tabernacle made by human hands (Ez. 36:27 prophecy/1 Cor. 3:16)↠From slavery/oppression to communion AND guidance↠His presence/dwelling guided the Israelites (Ex. 40:36-38)↠The people of God, once stuck in Egypt making bricks without straw, oppressed, now living with God at the center, and following His guidance, leadership, following the Presence to their promised land. We also begin as slaves, oppressed, but we come to Him, He redeems, and makes His dwelling in us, and desires to lead us, guide us- into the life that He has for us, Him at the center, God with us! (Jeremiah 31:31-34)RESPOND THIS WEEK: Meditate on these verses & see His desire to be with you. Where do you need to simplify? Ask Holy Spirit for the grace & desire to have a Joshua presence longing. As you see His desire, make the daily, communion investment to see your desire for Him kindled deeply…Comment here

“Revival is the visitation of God which brings to life Christians who have been sleeping and restores a deep sense of God’s near presence and holiness. Thence springs a vivid sense of sin and a profound exercise of heart in repentance, praise, and love, with an evangelistic outflow.” -J.I. Packer“As long as we are content to live without revival, we will.” -Leonard RavenhillA special thank you to everyone who attended, invited, and helped with Fall Renewal! What an incredible time in His Presence! As we go forward from there, what is it to look like, how to respond, move forward? We do so in steadfast devotion…↠After the Upper Room encounter, these questions had to be asked, what now? ↠We see the first, detailed description of early Christians (vs. 41-47)↠They “devoted themselves/continued steadfastly” (not casually) to/in…↠The apostles teaching/doctrine/The Word↠O. T. teaching coupled with Jesus’ teaching- God’s Word↠They were devoted in growth, to know more of Him↠One evidence of true conversion is a deep seeded desire to know Him more (Matt. 4:4). Are we steadfastly committed/devoted to His Word, to growing in it, to coming to hear His Word be taught, to applying it to our lives? (2 Tim. 3:16-17, Col. 3:16, Heb. 4:12)↠And in devoting to this Word of our God, there is to be no departure from it, because in it we finally encounter the real truth.↠Fellowship/Unity in the Spirit (close association, partnership, a society)↠This type is only brought about by and through Holy Spirit by a common bond-new life in Jesus!↠In hostile environments then & now, we must be in fellowship↠Must devote ourselves to being around people who talk & walk in  His Word, who spur us on & help fan the flame not blow the flame out. Where confession & real talk take place (James 5:16, Rom. 12)↠Breaking of bread (The Lord’s Supper)↠Memorial meal Jesus taught us in order to remember Him↠Never forget, never let yourself get too far from what He did for us.↠Prayer(s) (in the context of worship and communication with God)↠Encompasses various forms of prayer, including supplication, intercession, thanksgiving, and adoration, word is often used to describe the act of praying to God, emphasizing a personal and communal relationship with Him (Heb. 4:16, 1 Thess. 5:16)↠A devoted pattern of continual, daily interaction↠Fear (awe/reverence) & signs and wonders (v. 43)↠In devotion, when God is moving, at work, when His word is molding and shaping us, there will be a reverent holy fear. This isn’t a scary thing, this is an honor thing. Fear is not terror, but it is awe. Be soberly aware.↠In steadfast devotion, power follows (signs/wonders)!↠In our lives, there should be and will be evidence of the power of God, the result of devotion is an atmosphere of Heaven (Acts 14:3)↠How steadfastly devoted believers do life together with Him at center (vs. 44-47)↠Holy Spirit led response to the needs of other believers (in common)↠When we see a need in the body (local/global), we respond↠Continuing daily in the “temple,” learning, growing, eating together with praise on their lips↠Their Christian experience was daily, joyful and simple (a model for us)↠The results of a body of Christians steadfastly devoted: Favor with people and “the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” (v. 47)Comment here

“Praise is what joy in God does when obstacles are taken out of the way.” -John PiperNo matter where you find yourself at in your walk with God, we all long to be completely whole, restored, and renewed. As we move into a time of Fall Renewal, meditate over Psalm 51, and respond in any of the areas of it that Holy Spirit leads you to…↠When we came to Christ in repentance, we needed spiritual renewal, grace. We needed it then, and we need it now. I encourage you, over these next few days, seek the Lord, ask Holy Spirit to bring conviction, open the door of your mind/heart, leave nothing off the table, God renew us, restore us, revive us.↠Psalm 51 was composed by King David after he was confronted about and convicted by his sin. This was the true response of his heart.↠The Sin: 2 Samuel 11:2-5/adultery/murder↠Encounters Nathan:2 Sam. 12:1-13 (why you need Godly people in your life)↠David, who loved God, is confronted with his sin, a need to repent, be renewed, and his response is whoa is me, I am that man, and verse 13 there “I have sinned against the Lord.”↠David turns to God and takes responsibility (v.1-5)↠No hiding or blame-shifting- he owns up to it, he sees his sin rightly↠We can’t make excuses or re-define sin, we acknowledge it↠David prays for cleansing (v. 2, 7)↠David feels the separation that sin creates (Isa. 59:2), and He longs to be back in right fellowship (Ps. 32:2-4)↠Hyssop (v.7)- a wild shrub, priests would take branches and use them to sprinkle blood on houses to declare them clean/sign of spiritual cleansingWe are now cleansed by the blood of Jesus (1 Jn. 1:7), “hearts sprinkled (Heb. 10:22)”↠David confesses that he has sinned against God (v. 4, 6)↠Ultimately, our sin is against God, breaking God’s law (1 Jn. 3:4)↠”Truth in the inward parts (v. 6)- sin will create a false narrative, false truth that leads to justification, leads to continuance, leading to death (James 1:15)↠We confess our sin and receive true justification by His blood (Rom. 5:8-10)↠The plead for renewal (v. 10), he doesn’t want to just settle at forgiveness↠Maybe you have come in repentance and cleansing, but are still in “time out”↠Renewal- where true freedom and joy are experienced and demonstrated↠“Steadfast spirit”- “fixed in purpose, direction, and resolution, unwavering.”↠We want to be renewed, resolute in spiritual purpose, steadfast gaze on our goal (Phil. 3). The “right spirit” here is the established, firm, unwavering spirit. King David wants to be finished with the kind of instability that led him to make the mistakes, the sins that just took place. You see, he is dealing with the root of the issues here (Heb. 12:2)↠There is mercy, confession, forgiveness, cleansing, and renewal to be had, the Father offers it, and we must respond. How will you respond today, this week?Comment here

“The condition of the church may be very accurately gauged by its prayer meetings. So is the prayer meeting a grace-ometer, and from it we may judge of the amount of divine working among a people. If God be near a church, it must pray. And if He be not there, one of the first tokens of His absence will be slothfulness in prayer.” -SpurgeonDo you hunger for God’s breakthrough presence in your lives?↠Calling upon Him goes all the way back to the beginning. There was a people that determined to seek Him (Vs. 25-26)↠These verses follow two chapters of the story of sin’s effects↠At the end, there is a glimmer of hope↠Two lines- Cain & Seth, one path of wickedness, one path of seeking↠One line goes independent of God, the other determines to call out to Him↠It begins with Enosh, a collective relationship with God begins as a group determines to cry out and to seek Him↠This is the beginning of a pattern through Scripture- cry out to Him and there is grace, hope, mercy, reconciliation, and healing to be found (Ps. 27)↠When we do not, though, the opposite is true↠We are to be a people who continually call upon the name of the Lord. We are, by design, to be dependent on HIm, and when we operate outside of intended design, things fall apart.↠This family line continued to call upon the Lord…↠Enoch- “he pleased God;” Noah- “who found favor;” Abraham- “a friend of God;” David- “a heart after God↠David is the only one in Scripture to use “racham” to describe His love for God, usually reserved to describe God’s love for us which describes a love that draws one in and hugs them↠Taking on His characteristics (Gal. 5:16-25)↠This line was not perfect, but in a fall, learned to cry out to God- “create in me a clean heart, oh, God…” instead of continue in their fall↠Through a remnant that called out to Him, He weaved a future hope. This family line brings us right to Jesus, His lineage. ↠Your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to Him, not just in salvation, but in the everyday calling upon Him, affects not only you individually but the generations after you (Ps. 78:1-4, 17:4↠One yes leads to another yes while a no leads to another no↠Will you be known as one who calls on the name of the Lord?↠Or will it be said of you as in Isaiah 65:1- “I was ready to respond, but no one asked for help. I was ready to be found, but no one was looking for me”↠Even if no one before you sought, like with Enosh’s line, you can begin!↠True revival begins with crying out to God, it will begin that way here as well. RESPOND THIS WEEK: Pray and seek the Lord in new ways, pray over the renewal services next week, make plans to attend each night, help spread the word…Comment here

↠Thessalonica- A “healthy” growing church that had increasing, flourishing faith↠We know that faith can and should GROW ↠What is faith? Hebrews 11:1- Putting your trust in God and having confidence that He will fulfill his promises. “The assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”↠Faith is what initially brings us in to be a follower of Jesus (Ephesians 2)↠It doesn’t just end there, it is meant to grow↠Our level of faith affects every area of our lives, there is either confidence growing in Him or doubts growing, is your faith flourishing & growing?↠Are you content with your current level of faith? Will He “find faith on the earth?”↠The apostles in Luke 17:5, said to Jesus, “Increase our faith!”↠The father in Luke 9- “I believe; help my unbelief!”↠God has given each of us a “measure of faith” (Rom. 12:3)↠How do we grow in faith? Some practical steps-↠We walk by faith, not by site (2 Cor. 5:7)↠Faith deals with the unseen, we fix our gaze above, The more we look at physical circumstances, the less likely it is that we will have faith..↠We act upon His promptings/leading & exercise our faith (Heb. 11:7)↠When He prompts us, we respond in obedience- one yes leads to another yes↠We exercise our faith by having to rely on Him and then rejoice when He comes through↠We feed on the Word (Rom. 10:17)↠The Bible is intended to produce faith in you. If you want to strengthen your faith, you must have a regular diet of reading the Bible↠“I always begin the day by feeding on God’s Word, not just reading it.” -George Mueller↠We put the Word into practice (James 2:17)↠Putting His Words into practice, HIs way, grows faith↠Surround ourselves with a cloud of witnesses & celebrate testimony (Heb. 12:1)↠Who are you surrounding yourself with? (Prov. 13:20)↠This principle is either helping you or hurting you when it comes to your faith. We must get around people who believe in God and believe that He is at work. Testimonies / Books / Stories of God’s feats- feed on them & celebrate what God is doing- what you celebrate, you get more of!↠Respond to HIm as the apostles did- “Lord, increase our faith!”↠What do you have faith to believe Him for? For you? Your family? Doves Creek?Comment here

“The voice that you listen to is the one that defines you…”↠We can’t approach the Bible disconnected from its Author (1 Corinthians 2:14)↠This active Word, the words we are to live by, our path for life, is meant to be enjoyed, consumed, absorbed via the relationship with God.↠We study the Scriptures to embody its Author. It’s meant to change us, to conform us into His image, to equip us.↠As we read and study the Father’s love letter to us in and out of relationship- we see and experience the Power of the Word.↠All Scripture is God-breathed (vs. 16), Gen. 2:7, John 20:22)↠Scripture was not man’s idea but God-breathed, It finds Its origin in Him↠“And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit.” -1 Cor. 2:13↠And since these “breathings/breaths” are from God, you can trust them, they are reliable, you can lean on them and trust that His every Word is true.↠The Bible is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness…” ↠For doctrine: “useful to teach us what is true.” (John 14:6, 17:17)- we are to be lovesick students of the Word, the ultimate source of truth and instruction in our lives. When we have a question, a doubt, a contrary thought, we go to the truth that teaches us.↠For reproof: to convince or expose. As we read His Word, it brings areas of our life to the light and draws us to confession and repentance (1 Thess. 1:5). Conviction to repentance to be shaped more into His image (Isaiah 55:11, 2 Cor. 3:18).↠For correction: “it straightens us out.” After it brings reproof or conviction, it doesn’t leave us there, it shows us a path out and over and closer and closer to Him in unbridled relationship, no separation.↠For instruction in righteousness: As we come out of correction, we are instructed on how to live right or righteously, the Word disciples us and shows us the right path (Proverbs 21:21, Ephesians 5:8).↠So that you “may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. (v. 17)”↠”Complete- whole, sound of body and mind, full-grown, especially something fitted for its intended purpose.” ↠His powerful, living, God-breathed Word, His love letter to us- it's useful for all these things so that at the end of the day you are complete, whole, and fitted for your intended purpose. You’re created in His image for His purposes.RESPOND THIS WEEK: As you read “His breaths” in The Word this week, allow His thoughts to define you.Meditate on Psalm 139:17-18: “How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand…”Ask the Holy Spirit to teach, convict, correct, and instruct in righteousness in the Word this week. His Word is meant to change and transform us.Approach The Word in reverence and in relationship (1 Cor. 2:14, John 10:27)- for what it truly is: “the Father’s love letter to His children…”Comment here

If we would submit ourselves, our times, our talents, to him, as weak as we may be, there would be a beautiful and powerful ministry that would spring forth, and that is what we were able to witness this past week.Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”Galatians 5:25“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”Comment here

↠Setting the stage: David is on the run dealing with fear, rejection, and more…↠After Saul tries to take his life, David finds himself in a place of running/hiding and ends up joining the Philistines↠He and his “mighty men” are given Ziklag (their resting place, families there)↠Marching again to war & encountering more rejection (29:4)↠David & his men prepare to march with the Philistines again in battle↠The fight is against “his own people,” Philistine leadership tells him to return to Ziklag in fear David may turn against them↠The return home: Instead of rest and family, they find rubble (30:1-6)↠They return to Ziklag to find it burnt to the ground and their families gone↠The Amalekites had come while the city was unguarded↠If the Philistines had not rejected them, it may have been months before they would have come home to encounter what had taken place: beauty/grace↠”They wept until they had no more power to weep.”↠Intensity of their grief, all seemed lost, had their wives/children been killed?↠All seemed lost. No support, living on the run, wanted dead, rejection, and now adding another layer of hardship: family/homes/possessions gone↠Then the men he had poured his life into turned on him: his responsibility↠David makes a decision- Where does he turn? What is his response? (30:6b)↠It would be easy to give up, give in to the stoning, but he pulls from His life of experience in turning to the Lord (Ps. 51)- strengthens himself in the Lord↠Where/who do you run to in moments of catastrophe, hurt, pain, rejection?↠Strengthening had become a habit in David’s life- proactively building relationship↠We do not have specifics listed in this text, but we can look back at his life↠Since youth, he had “tended” his relationship with God, learned dependency↠He didn’t need to “escape,” he learned to “escape/rest in God” (Ps. 23:4)↠No one came to “minister” to him, he was alone, he had learned to minister to himself, we must learn the importance of ministering to ourselves↠He desired to be in the presence of God- must value presence (Ps. 27:4-5) Brother Lawrence: “Let us occupy ourselves entirely in knowing God.”↠He knew to enter presence with praise (Ps. 100:4, Eph. 5:19), praise changes attitudes and atmospheres, stirs faith, releases His power↠David had learned to converse- prayer, Psalms is our birdseye into this↠As we pray in the presence, we learn to WAIT (Ps. 27:14, 62:5-7): “to bind together by twisting.” As we learn and grow in practicing the presence, prayer, praise/thanksgiving, and waiting upon the Lord then in the midst of it, we are strengthened because we are being bound together with Him- His character, His promises, His truth, His nature, etc. (Isa. 40:29-31)↠David comes out of that, puts on the ephod (garment of praise, seeking), and receives instruction from God- strengthened to victory, recovery of all, and ultimately into kingshipComment here

“Has God changed? Is he not an immutable God, the same yesterday, to-day and for ever? Does not that furnish an argument to prove that what God has done at one time he can do at another?” -Charles SpurgeonA testimony is a spoken or written record of anything that God has done.↠The Old Testament understanding of “testimony”- “DO IT AGAIN!”↠The root word of testimony in the Hebrew (OT) means “repeat or do again”  (Deut. 6:17)↠When sharing testimony we create an atmosphere, environment for God to do it again.↠“Keep the testimony (Deut. 6:17)- Constant preoccupation with His intervention↠When you give testimony of God’s deliverance in your life you are: 1)Giving thanks/praise to Him for what He has done  2)Proclaiming what God has done for you, He can do for another (no respecter of persons, the same yesterday, today, & tomorrow)↠The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:10)↠A testimony also acts as a witness statement (Matt. 24:14)↠Jesus commissioned the disciples by saying “you will be My witnesses! (Acts. 1:8)”↠A witness is someone who has knowledge of something from personal observation or experience (2 Peter 1:16)↠The world isn’t looking for second hand experiences (How has He changed YOU?)↠The testimony of the witness evangelizes (1 Chronicles 16:24–27)↠As we declare God’s marvelous works to a dying world, we bear witness to HIm, we proclaim His Gospel!↠Our testimony doesn’t have to be a “mind-blowing” story↠It’s not about what you have done but what God has done in you!↠Sin doesn’t make us bad, sin (ALL SIN) makes us dead (Rom. 6:23), we were not saved from being bad, we were saved from death (Rom. 6:5-11)↠“Being raised from the dead is never boring. Therefore every Christian has a stunning testimony.” -John Piper↠We don’t just “let our life testify.” we open our mouths and proclaim (illustration)↠You have a unique God story that the world is in great need of! Personal experience has authenticity! (1 Pet. 3:15)↠Testimony: It’s a record of ANYTHING that He has done in our lives↠It’s not just that He saved you, but what is He currently doing in your life- what is God showing you in the Scriptures, where is He taking you? The ongoing adventure with God…↠“Come and hear, all you who fear God, And I will declare what He has done for my soul.” -Psalm 66:16↠OVERCOMING by the power of the testimony (Rev. 12:11)↠Revelation describes a reality in which the accuser is also thrown down because of the ordinary stories of faithful peopleRESPOND THIS WEEK: Testify! Take time to sit, pray, & write out your testimony or testimonies— salvation, HIs goodness, things you have witnessed Him do in your own life & lives of those around you– start a record. Pray/look for opportunities to share it with those around you, call, text, share on social media, ask Holy Spirit who it would encourage and take it to them! We just do what Jesus asked us to do– be His witnesses! Comment here

2 Corinthians 5:20- “We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”↠The most famous and most memorized verse in the Bible- John 3:16↠Because we “know it so well,” we are at great risk of simply passing by it’s treasure↠I challenge you to read over, meditate on this verse throughout this week↠Context: Conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, grasping to understand↠This verse declares exactly who Jesus is and the impact of putting one’s belief in Him.↠There is no clearer definition of the Gospel (Good News) than John 3:16!↠Exploring John 3:16- “FOR GOD…”↠The Gospel, this great act, begins with God our Father, Creator, He initiates↠We are made by Him, for Him, to glorify Him, to bring honor to Him, but as humans, we have failed in this (Deut. 6, Rom. 1:21), but in our failure GOD makes a rescue plan↠Exploring John 3:16- “For God SO LOVED…”↠It is activated by a great and profound love- love of the Father, nothing more powerful↠We have seen examples of false love with hidden agendas/motives, but His love is pure and real- love originates from Him (1 John 4)↠Exploring John 3:16- “For God so loved THE WORLD…”↠”World-” Fallen humanity, mankind.” This (we) is (are) the object of this great love!↠Proclaiming His excellencies is simply you sharing your story, your encounters, your testimonies, the things that you are encountering in your time with Him!↠“For God so loved the world THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON…”↠This love expresses itself (not merely words)…through sacrificial act of Father giving Son↠He is given over to be our sin-bearer/paying the price (John 10:17↠Now, a response is required: “THAT WHOSOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM….”↠You can’t just know it, but you must respond to this incredible gift of the Father↠Don’t earn/can’t work for it, we must simply believe (have faith in Him/what was done)↠Believe/Receive (John 1:12), Confess/Saved (Romans 10:9)↠“That whosoever believes in Him….SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE.”↠Encountering His love/this gift/this Jesus…brings us to a cross road (life/death)↠John 3:36: “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”↠Abundant life (now and everlasting) vs. spiritual death and eternal damnation↠When we believe this Gospel, this Good News, there is a dual blessing: We are forgiven the payment or penalty of sin and granted, given by the Father, everlasting life, here and now!↠This is the gift that we proclaim (2 Corinthians 5:20)RESPONSE THIS WEEK: Take the time to read over and meditate on John 3:16 this week. Ask Holy Spirit to bring clarity, to teach you, and to lead you to one person to pray for and proclaim to. It will look different for each person, we need the guidance and leadership of Holy Spirit in every case. Lean in and seek, hear and obey. Comment here

With the understanding that we (those in relationship with God) are saints/citizens of Heaven/a royal priesthood, we also see that there is a beautiful, priestly responsibility that comes with it. We are called to “proclaim the excellencies of Him.” Over these next few weeks, we will look into the Scriptural basis, the implications, and the practicalities of it as we grow together in the ministry of the local church and present opportunities to put it into practice…↠In the past, we have explored, in-depth, the PRIESTHOOD of the believer↠Before the reformation, it was taught that it was necessary to go to a priest to confess your sin and to receive forgiveness↠We understand, though, that we can have direct access (1 Tim. 2:5, Matt. 27:50-51)↠What once exclusively belonged to Israel– election, priesthood, & calling are now the property of every Christian, and we have them in a greater/spiritual sense. The offices that used to be separate- royalty & priesthood now brought together by Jesus, King & Priest!↠Through these verses, amongst others, we understand that when we come to repentance and walk in newness of life that there is a beautiful change- from sinners to saints (1 Pet. 2:5, 9, Paul in his letters is constantly referring to his readers as saints)↠If you are a born again Christian, you have access to the Father, you are in relationship, and you are set apart- a royal priesthood, you are a bonafide child of the King.↠With that comes a beautiful, priestly responsibility- PROCLAMATION↠God has done a marvelous work in us THAT we may PROCLAIM THE EXCELLENCIES↠Each one of us then live with the ministry of reconciliation between sinful humanity and God (vs. OT priesthood between God and man) (2 Cor. 5)↠THIS is the ministry we are all called to, not just “pastors, preachers, etc.,” but ALL!↠What does it mean to “proclaim the excellencies of Him?”↠”Proclaim-” an unusual word that occurs only here in the Bible, “to advertise, announce, publish, tell abroad.” It has the meaning of telling something otherwise unknown. Leading to an “ah hah” moment (couple with guidance of Holy Spirit/Word, Col. 3:16)↠”Excellencies-” “the ability to do heroic deeds-” the things of God that make him splendid, astonishing, praiseworthy and altogether glorious↠Combined- We have the privilege of telling the world something it would not know otherwise: that God can do heroic things & has the ability to do mighty & powerful acts! This is why your testimony is of utmost importance! ↠The Gospel is not private, but it is very PERSONAL, Good News (Rom. 10:15)↠They may know about Him, but do they know Him the way I know Him? Do they know Him the way you know Him, have experienced Him, have they tasted and seen?↠Proclaiming His excellencies is simply you sharing your story, your encounters, your testimonies, the things that you are encountering in your time with Him!↠Out of darkness and into marvelous light, mercy obtained (9b-10)↠A large part of our story is that we didn’t used to be God’s people and now we are. Darkness refers to the condition of lostness (1 John 5:19), Transferred to light (Acts 26:18)↠He has done it for us, He is no respecter of persons, He will do it again, the Holy Spirit is at work drawing all people to Him, and He says, YOU, my ambassadors/citizens of Heaven/My priesthood- Proclaim it! (Psalm 107:2)↠To what end? All for the glory of God! (1 Cor. 10:31, Westminster Shorter Catechism)↠The purpose of our work is no different than the purpose of our lives, which is to glorify God in everything we do. Proclaiming His excellencies glorifies Him and rewrites stories…Comment here

“Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith.” -Watchman Nee↠We are to be a people of great celebration! Celebration is key in the Kingdom of God!↠In Scripture, we see the beauty of celebration, celebration of God, what He has done, feasts, banquets, parties, (Ps. 98:4, 145:7). In Matt. 22, Jesus illustrates the Kingdom through a wedding feast. In Luke 15, as the Prodigal returns, the Father says, “Let us CELEBRATE!” Luke 15:7, “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents…”↠Today, we celebrate, rejoice with Heaven as EACH ONE comes out of the water- join us in the celebration! What you celebrate you get more of…↠What is baptism, and why is it important?↠Baptism isn't where you find Jesus; it's what you do once you've found Him. It is an outward, public demonstration of an inward faith.↠Baptism is a step of obedience, response to Jesus’ commands (Matthew 28:19-20)↠Last words are important- The Great Commission given by Jesus instructs us to go, disciple, baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit↠Why be baptized? The Father asked us to. Obedience is a mark of a true Christ follower. One yes leads to another yes..the life of obedience following Him↠Baptism expresses/shows union with Christ (Romans 6:1-11)↠Our baptism is a witness to the saving work of Christ - His death, burial, and resurrection- a visual reenactment, and you are united in that with Him!↠Baptism declares to the world, the enemy, and the Father- I identify with Christ, I choose Christ, I follow Christ, I am in relationship with Christ! It declares to the world what has taken place in your life and walk.↠Baptism is a witness, it prophesies to others!↠Your baptism is a memorial stone (Joshua 4), it points to Christ, it testifies!↠Baptism demonstrates to the world the goodness/kindness of God that draws all of us to repentance (Rom. 2:4)↠What He will do for one, He will do for another, He is no respecter of persons. Have you experienced this? Have you been reborn into right relationship with God?↠Baptism is not “just” a “symbol”↠In saying the word “symbol” for so long, we have dulled down the power of it↠When you step out in boldness and obedience and publicly declare you are with Christ, it puts hell on notice and makes a Father in Heaven proud. It sets up an environment of faith, it “stirs the waters.” We are believing that things are being buried in the water today, and we are rising in NEWNESS of LIFE!Comment here

1 Corinthians 12↠We talk about The Gospel, we want an authentic Gospel, and we find that in this beautiful Gospel of the Kingdom.↠Jesus preached the “Gospel of the Kingdom (Matthew 4:23).” We are sharing that same Gospel that speaks of the “Kingdom,” God’s reign, the “coming close” of the Father into lives/situations.↠The sending out in Luke 10, “heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.”↠Operating in these gifts of the Holy Spirit is declaring “the Kingdom of God has come near you!” 1 Cor. 4:20: “The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.” The world is saying enough talk, show us the Kingdom!↠GIFT: The Working of Miracles (v. 10)↠Def’s: A supernatural occurrence that goes beyond our human scope of comprehension, divine act by which God reveals Himself, a phenomenon that transcends all natural laws, the Kingdom invading the impossible!↠Jesus and the disciples were known for a life of miracles (Acts 2:22)↠Matt. 10:8, we’re directed: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”↠Miracles move us/change us, leave us standing in awe of a great and good God! It is something usually observable (loaves & fishes, etc.)↠Biblical examples of miracles: Exodus 14, Acts 16, 20↠They point us to Him! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Miracles are still for today as all the gifts: They help to initiate faith, restore faith, and strengthen faith. Demonstrate the heart of the Father/power of the Kingdom!↠GIFT: Prophecy (v. 10)↠“Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy (1 Cor. 14:1)”↠Def: Discourse emanating from divine inspiration, declaring the purposes of God, whether by reproving and admonishing the wicked, or comforting the afflicted, or revealing things hidden; especially by foretelling future events.↠1 Cor. 14:3-5: There is a great building up of the body in this.↠Don’t despise (1 Thess. 5:20-21), true prophecy is from God (2 Pet. 1:21)↠NT examples: Agabus, Barnabas, Paul, John, the four daughters (Acts 21)↠Release of the hope of Heaven, the correction and guidance of Heaven, what’s on the horizon from the Kingdom view/perspective↠Picture of the gifts working together in meeting/worship times (1 Cor. 14:26-33)↠Let’s see us walking in our true, God-given identity, gifts, and the body being built up spiritually, by Biblical means..Comment here

“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…” -1 Cor. 12:7↠Review of last week: The Trinity is in the gift-giving business, Holy Spirit gives!↠In three NT locations we are taught about gifts of the Holy Spirit- 1 Cor. 12, Ephesians 4, Romans 12↠These gifts are unique and supernatural abilities given to us to carry out His outreach mission, walk in true identity, edify/build up the body of Christ. They are God empowering Christians to do what He has called us to do. (2 Pet. 1:3) ↠Paul instructs us that we are to “eagerly desire” the gifts (1 Cor. 12:31, 14:1)↠Exploring the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor. 12:↠LAST WEEK: Word of Wisdom (guides/edifies): It is bringing the wisdom of Heaven into any given situation. It is the supernatural impartation of facts, guidance, and solutions.↠LAST WEEK: Word of Knowledge (instructs/teaches/sheds light): It’s supernatural revelation of the divine will and plan of God, supernatural insight or understanding of facts, knowledge from God. This is the Christian getting understanding of a situation or person that can’t be known through their own experience or knowledge.↠Gift of Faith: Faith moves God, fear moves Satan. The spiritual gift of faith is a supernatural faith that operates from God directly through you. It accomplishes things that are thought to be impossible to man. When operating with the gift of faith, anything is possible (Heb. 11:6, Lk. 18:8, Daniel 3, Rom. 4:18-21). This gift manifests in extraordinary amounts of faith and is unshakable in times of uncertainty. Faith is a gift. And when the church uses it, it gives believers the power to bring the unseen into reality. Faith is the exceptional ability to hold fast to the truth of God in Jesus Christ in spite of pressures, problems, and obstacles to faithfulness.↠Gift(s) of Healing(s) (only one in the plural): This gift is the supernatural healing released from Heaven. It is the invasion and restoration of Heaven over a body, spirit, soul, etc. When we think of healing, immediately, our minds go to physical healing, but there are other types, and many need mental, emotional, trauma healing and most of all…spiritual healing. Salvation (sozo) describes salvation as wholeness, not just our soul, but restoration to every part of our mind, body, soul. This healing gift allows you to minister God’s healing power into broken lives that need restoration. (Acts 3, 8, 9, Jer. 33:6, Ps. 147:3)RESPOND THIS WEEK: Meditate on 1 Corinthians 12. What gifts have you seen already active in your life? Step out in them/ask Holy Spirit to help guide you. “Eagerly desire” the gifts in your personal worship/devotion, then look for opportunities to step out. Share testimonies!Comment here

“In order for the assembly (ekklesia/church) to be built up, every believer needs to rise up and be actively seeking the Lord and functioning according to the gifts that the Spirit has given each one.” -Henry Hon↠The Holy Spirit gives gifts- we continue to see the “giving” of the Trinity↠Every good and perfect gift comes down from above (James 1:17)↠We are instructed to “earnestly desire” spiritual gifts (v. 31, 14:1)↠Why desire? What are the purposes of these gifts?↠1. For the building up/edification/common good of the Body (v. 7, 1 Pet. 4:10)↠2. To empower us for evangelism (Luke 24, Acts 4:29-31, 1 Cor. 14:24-25)↠For us to walk in our identity, help the Body, and bring unbelievers close! Use demonstrates the heart/love of the Father and boldness/power of the Kingdom!↠What is a gift of the Holy Spirit?↠Unique skills/abilities given by the Holy Spirit to followers of Christ. They are God empowering Christians to do what He has called us to do. (2 Pet. 1:3)↠The varying gifts can be found in Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Cor. 12↠Each one receives, but there can be times of operation in all as the Spirit wills for Kingdom intervention (v. 11, 14, Ex. 31:3-5, Rom. 8:14)↠Exploring the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Cor. 12:↠Word of Wisdom (guides/edifies): This is a gift that helps bring clarity to a person or situation, sense of divine direction, divinely given power to appropriate spiritual intuition in problem solving, perspective to ascertain the divine means for accomplishing God’s will in situations. (Ps. 37:30, Prov. 24:6)↠Not “human wisdom” (1 Cor. 2:4-5), could bring together knowledge you have and give wisdom of direction in its use or be totally revelatory- the direction/ wisdom of Heaven in a situation (how to handle a situation, finances, conflict, in sharing the Gospel, etc.)↠”Word-” words matter (Prov. 16:24, 18) and are creative, when Jesus healed, he SPOKE, blessing, truth is being distorted, Heavenly wisdom is needed, lean in!↠Word of Knowledge (instructs/teaches/sheds light): Supernatural revelation of the divine will and plan of God, insight/understanding of facts/knowledge of God, knowing something that you cannot know based on human understanding/your current knowledge (Prov. 18:15, Acts 10- vision, Gen. 6)↠In this gift, this knowledge of Heaven allows us to speak into a person’s life the things that are relevant to them for that very moment. The more that we step out in them, the more we become tuned to His voice…The gift of the word of knowledge can show up to us as a…Vision, Dream, Thought, Voice, Feeling. It is going to be something that glorifies Christ, draws people closer, and edifies!Comment here

“When we pray for the Spirit's help ... we will simply fall down at the Lord's feet in our weakness. There we will find the victory and power that comes from His love.”  -Andrew Murray↠Jesus “I will pray/ask the Father…” (v. 16a)- Jesus in His role of intercessor ↠”Coming between on behalf of/the act of praying on behalf of others” (Rom. 8:34, 1 John 2:1, Heb. 7:25). We know the Holy Spirit is ready/chomping at the bit (Gen. 1:2), Jesus comes before the Father on our behalf to ASK…↠”He (The Father) will GIVE…” (v. 16b)- The Holy Spirit is a gift!↠Every good and perfect gift comes from ABOVE (James 1:17, Matt. 7:11)↠The first gift- the Father gave His Son to die on the cross for love (Jn. 3:16)↠The first gift made the second possible- cleansed temples via repentance so that we/the temples could be FILLED with the second gift- the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19-20)↠“He will give you ANOTHER…”↠Another- Two words in Greek for this (heteros and allos), one means ‘another of a different type,’ the second means ‘another of the same type’ (mug example)- The Holy Spirit was to be another of the same type (allos, same as Jesus, but now in them not with them)↠“He will give you another HELPER…”↠Helper/Counselor/Advocate In Greek: 'παράκλητος/paraklētos' (only used by John)↠Overall definition: “summoned, called to one's side, especially called to one's aid”↠Can you think of a time in your life when you needed help with a task or something that you couldn’t do alone? Who was there for you? How did their presence make you feel?↠Part of the promise: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So see Him literally coming alongside in every situation.↠Breaking down the treasure of the word paraklētos…Roles of the Holy Spirit:↠Comforter: The Holy Spirit comforts us (John 14:1, 2 Cor. 2:3-4, Acts 9:31)↠Counselor: Advice/instruction/helping direct (Prov. 11:14, 12:15, Isa. 11:2, Ps. 16:7). The Holy Spirit will guide you into ALL truth (John 16:13).↠Advocate: An advocate is one who speaks up on the behalf of another or defends (Rom. 8:16), speaks up, defends the work of the Cross in us↠Strengthener: To add strength, make stronger, source of strength. Physical strength vs. inner man, strong on the outside but dying on the inside. There is a daily renewal needed. (Eph. 3:16, 2 Cor. 4:16)RESPOND THIS WEEK: Read and meditate on the verses above. Do you truly see the Holy Spirit as a gift to you? Thank God for The Gift. The Holy Spirit wants to come alongside you, partner with you, help you, counsel, bring truth, advocate, comfort, and strengthen. In your personal worship and devotion time, ask for these functions, and be mindful this week of how He does it…Comment here

“If we think of the Holy Spirit only as an impersonal power or influence, then our thought will constantly be, how can I get hold of and use the Holy Spirit; but if we think of Him in the biblical way as a divine Person, infinitely wise, infinitely holy, infinitely tender, then our thought will constantly be, 'How can the Holy Spirit get hold of and use me?'” -R. A. Torrey↠Back to the early church- Acts recounts the life of the early church (The Way)↠If you want to to see a clear picture of how something is designed to function, you go back to its origin, back to it’s beginning.↠We must always return to the Word for instruction, guidance, wisdom, but also to see how the Christian life is to function and operate↠I want to encourage you to read through the book of Acts in this series↠The Holy Spirit was pivotal in the life of the early church↠Jesus gave them instruction to WAIT for the Holy Spirit, their lives were to be Spirit-led, in every aspect. It is imperative, vital, that you do nothing without the Holy Spirit. Spirit-led living was THE way.↠As you read through Acts and the NT, you see how reliant on the Holy Spirit they were. Listen to the examples given, find your own examples this week.. “Then the Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go near and overtake this chariot.’” “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, as upon us at the beginning.”↠The Holy Spirit was involved in every facet of life, in leading, in decision making, there was a deep dependence on the Holy Spirit for life…we are called to the same!↠And if the Holy Spirit is the one we depend on, wait on, and are led by, we must know more of Him. (John 14:26) Essential truths regarding the Holy Spirit…↠The Holy Spirit is God- not a creation of or a lesser “being,” but God ↠One of the most basic evidence of this is how the Holy Spirit is referenced throughout Scripture- “the Spirit of God.” (Gen. 1:26)↠If you are saved, reborn, it’s not a force, or creation of God that indwells you or something lesser, it is God Himself! (Peter’s reference in Acts 5)↠The Holy Spirit is not a force or an “it” but a Person.↠The Holy Spirit is not an indistinct force, power, or thing, but is a Person who has  relationships believers & with the Father and the Son. In the Old and New Testament, the Holy Spirit is continually referred to as a He, and in the NT as a person. (Jn. 14:26)↠What difference will it make in our lives/walk when we know understand that we are not just indwelt by an impersonal force but by the Person of the Holy Spirit.↠The interesting thing about a Person is that they have the attributes of personality↠Mind, will, emotions, grieving, insulting (Heb. 10:29)↠When was the last time that we thought about the fact that our behavior, or our sin, a lack of obedience can cause the Holy Spirit to grieve? Breaching relationship…↠The Holy Spirit has the capacity for relationship (indwelling) (1 Cor. 13:14)↠The H.S. has the ability to create love in our hearts (Gal 5:22, Rom. 5:5, 1 Sam. 16, 2 Sam. 7:15) The Holy Spirit is a source and fountain of steadfast love in us! “Waves!”Comment here

"If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.” -A. W. TozerThe third Person of the TrinityIn order to begin to understand the Holy Spirit we must first look to the TrinityCute metaphors attempt to explain the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) such as the egg (yolk, shell, white), but fall short of the beautiful mystery that it truly is. God is not like an egg nor any other thing- He is above all.There is oneness and plurality in the Trinity (Gen. 1:1- “God (plural) created (singular)””The Spirit of God was hovering/brooding over the face of the waters”(Gen. 1:2)The Spirit is the first of the three referred to individually in ScriptureAmong the void, the darkness, the Spirit was hovering/moving/fluttering”Brooding” is another definition of this word in Hebrew- “to sit upon/INCUBATE” (Deut. 32:11). Brooding creates life- desiring to bring/create NEW LIFE (Job 33:4)The Spirit is still “brooding” and desiring to bring “new life”(John 3:5-6). Besides a physical birth, there is a spiritual birth which IS the work of the Holy SpiritAre you familiar with the Holy Spirit? We endeavor to lean in…The great juxtaposition in Scripture- God is “unsearchable and past finding out”(Rom. 11:33) yet we do not stop there, we dig/lean in. Deut. 29:29 teaches us that the “things revealed belong to us and to our children forever (generational).”  “Those who diligently seek Me, find me (Jer. 29:13)...” With knowledge of God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, we don’t shy away, we lean in, learn, seek the treasures of Scripture. There aredepths that we are called to walk in, steward, and pass on so that we and others can walk in knowledge, clarity, purity, identity, and power! Do you want to know Him?The Holy Spirit is at work throughout Scripture (from the beginning)Creation, would “come upon” judges, warriors, prophets (Judges 6:34, 2 Sam. 23)From UPON to INOld Testament buildup/the promise- “I will put My Spirit IN YOU” (Eze. 36:27)Expanded upon in Joel 2- “I shall pour My Spirit out on all flesh”Fulfilled in Acts 2- Pentecost: “THIS IS THAT!” which was spoken by the prophet JoelThe disciples (Peter’s transformation)/the crowd/we are never the same: boldness, purity, power, the seal, fruit of the Spirit, unashamed to declare the GospelJesus: “It is to your advantage that I go..” Do you see the “advantage?”The Holy Spirit is still BROODING, ready to create/transform…IN YOU! (Acts 2:21)Has He created anew in you? Do you see where He is at work? Have you become enamored with the Third person of the Trinity? Declare “This is that” this week! How can you participate with the Holy Spirit this week?Comment here

“My dignity as Abba’s child is my most coherent sense of self.” -Brennan ManningThis chapter is regarded as one of the crown jewel chapters in the Bible, and there are three main things that I believe the Holy Spirit would highlight for us in this treasure chapter…↠There is now there no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus! (v. 1)↠It doesn’t say there is less condemnation, but there is no condemnation. Your standing before God has not just improved but it has been totally transformed!↠No future guilt/charge (vs. 33-34)↠But not everyone can say “there is no condemnation.” (John 3:36, 5:24)↠There is also no separation from His love (vs. 35-39)↠Another great part of the Good News- forgiven, free, and His love never stops↠John 10:27- “neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand.”↠We need a revelation of this type of love! ↠Be “rooted and grounded in His love” (Ephesians 3)- see the picture of establishment in His love here- rooted as a tree in it- then understanding the depths of it↠“To separate”- to place space between/Eden Story/clothing/He desires nothing between us- that is the depths of His love. Are you mesmerized by HIs longing for no separation?↠Life/Walking in the Spirit (vs. 5-11)↠What is the secret, the method to walking rightly, what’s the key to constantly living in the understanding of no condemnation, no separation? Walking or living in the Spirit!↠Christian living is supernatural living by the Spirit! It is to be characteristic of a believer to live by the Spirit. Paul presents two ways to live (Deut. 30:19).↠These two paths, both have characteristics and consequences– John 10:10↠Following our sinful nature brings death (corrosion, James 1:15)↠Second- “be led by the Spirit unto LIFE!” Romans 8:6 says, “For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”↠Abandon any hope of finding satisfaction in anything apart from Him. Put “those things to death” (Galatians 5:24- Nail them to the Cross!)↠Living by the Spirit actually proves who we are! (vs. 14)↠Children, continually being led, progression↠Our response to that leading- crying “Abba, Father! (v. 15) an intimate form of addressing a Father. He’s not just a King, you’re not just a slave, you’re not just some sinner saved by grace, you are Abba’s child.↠The foundation of my true self is “I am the one loved by the Father.” The practical side of that—Develop/maintain that awareness of our belovedness by time alone with God. He is calling us, wooing us away into deeper, daily devotion, come away!↠Part of walking in the Spirit is hearing His voice. Our lives can be radically transformed by learning to hear HIs voice better (John 10:3-5) His sheep HEAR His voice, not should, or could, but HEAR…tune in/frequency (Ps. 46:10)Comment here

“God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you.'” -Billy GrahamLast week, we looked at the introduction to the book of Romans and Paul’s first major theme- the problem of sin. Just as God doesn’t discriminate with salvation, sin doesn’t discriminate. “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” Today, we see the rescue from that- salvation through Jesus!↠“The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation.” -Luther↠We see ourselves rightly, as unrighteous before a righteous and holy God↠”For all have sinned and fallen short (Rom. 3:23)” We existed in a fallen state, helpless, but Romans 5:6 says that, in that very state, Christ died for us.↠”We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.” -Rom. 3:22↠”Place our faith?” It is a genuine reliance on Christ, a heartfelt trust in Him. It’s acknowledging the truth of everything that God has revealed in his Word, trusting in him, and also receiving and resting on him alone for salvation as He is offered to us in the gospel. There is no way to make ourselves right↠How do we place our faith in Him? (Rom. 10:8-13)↠Confess- our confession, our declaration aligning with Jesus Christ, coming into agreement with who He is and what He has done, believing Him fully. (Luke 9:23)↠1 John 1:9 takes it further when it promises that “If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”↠Believe- Trust in, have faith in, it carries connotations of deep trust and confidence. It’s more than just believe (demons believe, James 2:19), deep, personal trust that produces obedience. (Prov. 3:5)↠”Whoever calls on the name of the Lord SHALL be saved. (v. 13)↠Blessings & Benefits of trusting in Jesus for salvation (Rom. 5:1-12)↠Being made right/righteous, restoration, sins forgiven, but also…↠Peace with God- from enemies of God to being at peace with Him (Eph. 2:14)- union/back to the Garden/no separation ↠Standing in grace (v. 2)- It’s a present and continuing state of grace- God’s undeserved favor towards us. No works/no earning/no striving (Gal. 5:1)↠We have access- Given permanent access to the throne room↠We can glory or rejoice in tribulation- “Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence.” We live in a fallen world, we will have trouble. We also carry our joy and triumph even into the midst of trials. Out of this comes perseverance, character, and HOPE. The progression of Christian character.↠We have a hope that doesn’t disappoint. Because, in all this, God’s love is being poured out into our hearts by a work of the Holy Spirit it says. “Experiencing the endless love of God cascading into our hearts.” ↠Have you experienced this salvation? Have you received and acted upon the Good News?↠“It’s the kindness/goodness of God that draws us to repentance.” -Romans 2:4Comment here

“Romans is really the chief part of the New Testament and the purest gospel. It is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul. The more we deal with it, the more precious it becomes and the better it tastes.” -Luther↠The most powerful epistle written to the “church” in Rome…↠Most widely read epistles that has changed multitudes of lives, sparked revival↠Written by Paul from Corinth in the year 57 A.D. to “the church body” in the capital of Rome,  not one particular church but groups of house churches↠The only large church not founded by an apostle, but by Jewish converts from Acts 2 (Pentecost) who returned to their home in Rome↠The “theme” of the book of Romans- sin, power of salvation, righteousness, mercy↠It is the clearest and most systematic presentation of Christian doctrine in all the Scriptures. The Gospel is as simple as John 3.16, but it is as deep and profound as the book of Romans.↠Paul’s introduction & salutation (Rom. 1:1-17)↠Bondservant- “willingly self-committed to permanent service of the Lord.”↠Set apart as an apostle- He was called by God, set apart for the work of the Gospel↠Paul desires to visit them (v. 8-15)- longs to connect, fellowship, and impart↠First major theme of Romans- the problem of sin that affects all mankind (v. 18-25)↠Vs. 16 teaches no discrimination in salvation, but now also none in sin↠God’s wrath revealed against sin (unrighteousness/ungodliness) because it dishonors God, contradicts His’ holy character, anti-His nature- caused separation↠Unrighteousness leads to suppression of the truth (v. 18)- false view develop↠The real revelation of the truth would require repentance↠His’ truth, though, is all around us (v. 19-20)- even more so today, yet the world would still rather suppress truth/conviction (not to be prominent in thought/life)↠Even in the midst of this sin/suppression of truth- God has revealed Himself!↠He is not beyond finding out (Ps. 19), but, in that, we are without excuse↠He reveals Himself, He draws us, He releases the truth that there is a way out of unrighteousness and into righteousness and favor with God.↠Trading the truth of God for a lie (vs. 24-25)↠They traded the invisible power of the divine creator for powerless images and idols. Created things for the Creator of all things. This still happens today.↠When we willingly give ourselves into the hands of powerless idols we unknowingly give the devil opportunity to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Ephesians 4:27 teaches us- “and do not give the devil a foothold.” (Genesis 4:7)↠Solution to the problem that fulfills the latter part of John 10:10↠Where there is a problem, there is a solution- God knew that sin wasn’t something we could battle or correct on our own, we needed a Savior. We needed someone to rescue us. What we will see as we continue in Romans, is that we can stand on the truth, stand firm in the Gospel in the power of Christ…Comment here

“A spirit of thankfulness is one of the most distinctive marks of a Christian whose heart is attuned to the Lord.” -Billy GrahamJoy and thankfulness are not just emotions, but they are actually a posture of our heart…↠What is the will of God for me? His Word gives us insight into His will…↠Great Commission (Matt. 28), Ministry of Reconciliation (2 Cor. 5), Abiding (Jn. 15), but His’ will also involves “thankfulness”- 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18↠It’s not giving thanks FOR all things but IN all things (Rom. 8:28)↠If bitterness is present in our lives, it’s an indicator that thankfulness is absent. ↠Thankfulness is how we “enter in…” ↠”Enter into His gates with thanksgiving…” (Ps. 100:4)↠These verses set the stage for this beautiful journey into the presence of God.↠Thanksgiving ushers us into His very presence- alone, on Sundays, in trials (gates of pearl, irritation, Rev. 21:21)↠Joy & thankfulness are not just emotions, they are actually a posture of our heart.↠”Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks…(Matt. 12)” to Hebrews 13:15- “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.”↠The “discipline of thankfulness” is cultivated like any other thing- starting and maintaining (exercise regimen)- count your blessings, teach and model thankfulness, give testimony, acts of kindness, praise before prayer, course correct when the opposite of thankfulness presents itself↠Jesus modeled thankfulness & everything He did was intentional, modeling a life of faith↠In the Gospels, we not only see Jesus’ prayer life, but we also are able to see His praise life! He understood the “good things (James 1:17).”↠Jesus gave thanks that His prayers were answered (Jn. 11:41)↠Jesus gives thanks for revealed truth (Matt. 11:25), He stops to give thanks↠Jesus gives thanks for the provision of God in the midst of suffering (Matt. 26:27)↠Jesus gives thanks that leads to provision/more than enough (John 6:1-13)↠It wasn’t “this isn’t enough” but “thank You.” / feeding thousands↠In the midst of lack, He gave thanks, and out of that apparent lack, thankfulness transforms the situation into more than enough. What do you have? What's in your hand?↠Remembered as a place of “thanksgiving” (John 6:22-23)↠Unthankfulness ends in “futile” thoughts (Romans 1:18-21)↠Thankfulness acknowledges the truth about our lives. When we withhold thanks from God, we actually cut ourselves off from who we are. It’s not hard to know Him, but glorying and thankfulness is a way to know Him, and without that response, we become futile in our thoughts- the POWER OF THANKFULNESS!*THIS WEEK: Step into deeper levels of thankfulness. Identify what you are thankful for and areas that you haven’t walked in thankfulness. “In everything, give thanks!”Comment here

“But I have this against you: you have abandoned the passionate love you had for me at the beginning." -Rev. 2:4, The Passion Translation↠Remembering what God has done in our lives…↠What Has he down? What testimonies & praises do you have?↠Laying memorial stones (Joshua 4)↠What “stones” can you lay? For you & those after…↠God longs for us to proclaim His goodness now and to future generations↠God’s people had forgotten (Jeremiah 2)↠God doesn’t move, we do (Heb. 13:5)↠”Can a bride forget her wedding dress (Jer. 2:32)? Yet My people have forgotten Me for days without number.” God likens us forgetting the Father to the bride forgetting her dress. How distracted would she have to be to forget?↠Stumbling off the “ancient” path onto a muddy one (Jer. 18:15) vs. walking in “His” way (Psalm 119:35-37)↠The “magnificent” church at Ephesus (Rev. 2:1-7, Acts 20, Ephesians)↠They excelled at almost everything save the main thing↠”You have abandoned your passionate love for Me/your first love”↠The results of losing first love…↠The world as the enemy instead of the mission field, more passionate about other things above Christ, dull to sin, insensitive to Holy Spirit…↠Return to first works/love, keep your lampstand↠A church without light in the darkness = no impact↠Ephesus today↠Jude 21, “keep yourselves”There isn’t a call to “time out” but a call to simply RETURN, sit at His’ feet, fan into the flame and rekindle the fire of the spiritual gift God imparted to you (2 Timothy 1:-6-7)*THIS WEEK: Read back over and meditate on the verses from this week.Look back in remembrance, thankfulness & praise (consider journaling, taking notes, hanging them up where they can be seen). Create and foster an environment of thankfulness. Be encouraged and spurred on to first love/first works- REMEMBER/RETURN. Get away with Him daily, make time, schedule time.Comment here

We love Him. We keep His commandments which are really just simple invitations to know Him, be with Him, abide in Him, and He will come and take up residence, you won’t be a lost orphan, and the comforter will come rush in, in a way the world can’t explain, Heaven on earth…↠The word love is used a lot in these verses, but is reserved for those in relationship↠This isn’t the same as the blanket statement in John 3:16 for “the world, it’s something special offered to those who come in repentance↠The “world can’t receive it…”↠So, what does that mean “those that love me?”↠Loving Jesus is NOT the same as keeping commandments, love for Him is not a to-do list, but is simply pure delight in Him, love can’t be reduced to a verb↠Loving Him enables us to keep His Word, His instruction. Keeping His Word is a result of loving Him.↠Love is our cherishing, our treasuring Christ. It is loving Him with all we are. Love for Jesus is totally deserved. He is good. He is worthy. Loving Jesus isn’t a matter of doing excellent things. It’s a matter of delighting in an incredibly excellent Savior.↠If we love, we will “keep His commands.” What, though, are His commands?↠We are not talking about simply the 10 commandments, let’s go deeper…↠What commands of Jesus do you find in the Gospels, especially John? John 13:34-35 (love one another), John 21:16 (Tend/feed my sheep), John 1:43 (follow Me), John 14:1 (believe in Me), John 15:4 (Abide in Me), John 15:7 (Ask), John 20:22 (Receive the Holy Spirit). And there are more…↠When we reflect on Old Testament commands, we feel ok. We haven’t murdered anyone, but are you abiding? Have you received Him? Are you following Him? These commands are much more personal↠So if the commandments in the John are receive, believe, ask, abide, then it makes sense that Jesus would say, “If you love me — if you desire me and delight in me and treasure me — then you will receive me, and believe me and abide in me.”↠The promise of Holy Spirit (v. 18)↠Another promise just for those that love/come in relationship- the comforter will come and dwell within↠In verse 23, He says, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our HOME with him.”↠That word “home” is used only one other time in John’s Gospel and it's in that same chapter, John 14:2. “In My Father’s house are many rooms;” That word translated rooms is the same as the one for home in verse 23.Preparing a place for us in Heaven,and then They come early and dwell in you and bring some of that Heaven into you- “on earth as it is in Heaven.” That’s how you can encounter a situation that seems hopeless…Colossians 1:27- “Christ in YOU the hope of glory.”Comment here

Isaiah 26 is a song of salvation, part of a song of praise that spills over from the previous chapter. The prophet Isaiah celebrates God’s trustworthiness to provide all that the people need, including their ultimate need: salvation.↠The benefits of possessing the mind of Christ- one is His peace/His shalom↠“You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (v. 3)↠This beautiful promise was given in one of the darkest periods of Israel’s history, and today is no less of a dark time in our history- anxiety abounds (top issue)↠Minds are occupied, overridden, anxiety-ridden, and Father comes in with the freedom of the offer of peace, not just peace but perfect peace (Phil. 4-6-7)↠What is perfect peace (Hebrew: “shalom, shalom”)?↠Words repeated for emphasis: “peace, fulfillment, completion, the way things ought to be” This perfect peace is offered to us.↠The Father will “KEEP” us in this perfect peace↠It’s the idea of a sentry, someone watching guard, He guards the peace that He gives, as we cannot maintain it ourselves↠God as a sentry, guarding/promoting our peace, releasing His shalom, but there is a condition:↠You will keep him in perfect peace…WHOSE MIND IS STAYED ON YOU↠It is fixed (Isa. 50:7), not looking to the right or the left (Exodus 2:12)↠That word stayed is “leaning upon”– a mind leaned upon God↠As we grow in the mind of Christ, we are learning to lean. Do you remember the song? “I'm learning to lean, learning to lean on Jesus…”↠Prov. 3:5: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and LEAN not on your own understanding…” Putting my weight on/resting upon/fully supported by Him↠What is “the mind” referenced here?↠”imagination, imagination of the mind, creative imagination, or form.” The Hebrew word has the idea of that place where thoughts/ideas are formed, and then those inform our life and actions (Romans 1:18-21)↠God gave us the power of imagination so that we could imagine according to sanctified reasoning- it must be based on His truth with our constant leaning into Him↠We have to take our thinking and our mind/our imagination seriously (2 Cor. 10:5)↠“Casting down IMAGINATIONS, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God…” So, we could read Isaiah 26:3 this way: “He will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind (his imagination, the form of his thinking) is stayed (leaning, fixed) on Him.” ↠We begin each day leaning/steeping in His Word & Presence, imagining with Him↠“Because he trusts in You.” It all begins in trust: I trust You, therefore I lean on You, therefore I receive Your perfect peace (Isa. 12:2) He sees you, lean in with everything, trust, and receive His perfect peace, the shalom of God.Comment here