God Promises

When you are in the midst of a trial, GOD PROMISES:

1. To be with you; Joshua 1:9
2. To give you victory; 1 John 5:4
3. To be your refuge; Psalms 46:1
4. To supply sufficient grace; 2 Corinthians 12:9
5. To uphold you; Isaiah 41:10
6. To provide for you; Philippians 4:19
7. To renew your strength; Isaiah 40:31
8. To settle you; 1 Peter 5:10
9. To work all things for good; Romans 8:28
10. To do the impossible; Matthew 19:26
11. To deliver you; Psalms; 34:19
12. To love you; Romans; 8:38-39
13. To give you perfect peace; Isaiah 26:3
14. To comfort you; Psalms 23:4
15. To give help for your need; Hebrews 4:16
16. To draw close to you; Psalms 34:18
17. To protect you; Isaiah 43:2
18. To give you stability; Psalms 18:2
19. To give you hope; Romans 5:3-4
20. To direct you; Proverbs 3:5-6
21. To sustain you; Isaiah 40:29
22. To care for you; 1 Peter 5:7
23. To strengthen your heart; Psalms 31:24
24. To be for you; Psalms 56:9
25. To show mercy toward you; Isaiah 54:10

GB Essie

The Helmet of Salvation

Ephesians 6:10-17

1. The PLAN of Salvation
• Romans 3:10, 3:23, 6:23, 5:8&9, 5:19, 10:13, Isaiah 64:6, Revelation 21:8, Ezekiel 18:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
• I am a SINNER, Romans 3:23
• I deserve the death SENTENCE, Romans 6:23, Revelations 12:28
• Jesus became my SUBSTITUTION, Romans 5:19 (Adam defiled us Christ cleanses us, 2 Corinthians 5:21)
• I must trust Christ with my SOUL
2. The PROCESS of Salvation
• Ephesians 2:8-10, Hebrew 2:3, Psalms 51:12, Philippians 2:12
• The RECONCILED life/Soul (Psalms 51:12)
• The RECYCLED life (Philippians 2:12)
3. The PROTECTION of Salvation
• Ephesians 6:17
4. The POWER of Salvation
• Acts 1:8, Romans 1:16, 1 Corinthians 1:18
5. The PLEASURES of Salvation
• Romans 8:32

GB Essie

The Sword of the Spirit

Ephesians 6:17

1. The PARALLEL of the Sword. (Use the Bible (The Word) to fight Satan)
• Ephesians 6:17
• Hebrew 4:12a
2. The PURPOSE of the Sword. (The Sword is the word of God, memorize scriptures)
• 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
• PROVING what's right (Matthew 7:28, 29)
• PURGING what's wrong (Proverbs 15:31)
• PRACTICING what's right
• PROTECTING what's right
3. The PRACTICE of the Sword, We must. . . (We need to practice our sword (WORD)
• READ it
• RESEARCH it (Google, dig or ask someone)
• 3x5 cards
• underline
• memorize scripture
• REFLECT it
• RETAIN it
• RECITE God's Word (We need to grow into our Bible, not the Bible be set into our standard)
4. The POWER of the Sword. (The Bible is your weapon, so get the right one. (KJV)
• Hebrew 4:12
• it DIVIDES
• it DISCERNS

Romans 8:28 - My favorite verse

GB Essie

Bringing Chaos into Order

1. The CAUSE of the Chaos
• Exodus 15:23-24
• Exodus 16:2
• Exodus 17:1-2
2. The CREATION of the Laws
• DIETARY Laws, Leviticus 11:1-3
• CIVIL Laws, Exodus 18:23-26 (Government Romans 13)
• SACRIFICIAL Laws, Exodus 29:10-12 (No more sacrifices because God died on the cross. The new era living sacrifice by believing in your salvation (Roman 2:12)
• MORAL Laws, Exodus 20:3-17 (The law does not change)
3. The CLASSIFICATION of the Moral Law
• Matthew 22:36-40 (Grace request a higher standard then the law)
• Commandments 1-4: Our Relationship with GOD.
• Commandments 5-10: Our Relationship with OTHERS.
4. The CENTRALITY of God's Presence
• Exodus 25-27

Study Chapter 26-27, Where have you build your foundation?

GB Essie

Characteristics of the Believer's Walk

Text: Colossians 1:10-11; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5

1. Walk in Newness of _________________.
• Romans 6:1-4
• Romans 8:1
2. We walk by Faith and not _____________.
• 2 Corinthians 5:7
• Romans 14:23
3. We walk in the Spirit so as to not fulfill the ______________.
• Galatians 5:16
4. We walk with Consistency in the ______________.
• Ephesians 4:1
• 2 Timothy 3:14-15
5. We are to walk in __________________.
• Ephesians 5:2
6. Walk cautiously/circumspectly and not as _________________.
• Ephesians 5:15
• Colossians 2:6
• Colossians 4:5-6
7. We walk in the ________________.
• 1 John 1:7
8. Walk in a _________________ manner.
• 1 John 2:6

Reflection: We need financial peace, health, and family. As of today we are doing great with our finances, health is steady and our family is still strong.

1. life
2. by sight
3. lust of the flesh
4. Lord
5. love
6. fools but as wize
7. light
8. Christ like

Application to Gods Temptation

Matthew 4:1-4

• How do we keep away from sin?
• Heb 12:1, Materialism (Jones's), Pride, Selflessness, Sexual Lust, Lying.
• Are you tired of your sin?, Is there an escape?
• You can sinless tomorrow than today.

Matthew 4:1

• So he can be tempted, this is why Jesus was there so we can see that we will be tempted.

1. Satan reasoning (Tempter) - - -Devil

Matthew 4:3

• Flesh, World, Satan
• Satan is in places where people will not be tempted, not the bar or club.
• In-fesses the flesh (Matthew 4:3), Little compromises lead to great defeat. (1 Cor 4:21), Gluttony - - - God cares, Do you live to eat or eat to live?, Sin is right with the wrong person (Hebrew 13:4), There is an order, sin is done in the wrong time, wrong moment.
• He roman lies (twist) in the sculptures (Matthew 4:5-6), They twist scripture to make thing sound what you want to hear. (Leviticus 17, Romans 1), taken out of content, to get more people out of heaven.

Matthew 4:8

• He encourages, Christ responses, when we do wrong is not God fault, we can not blame God, Satan created sin.
• Priorities (Matthew 4:3-4) Body, Soul, Spirit, Where you body belongs in the list. Soul, Spirit, Body - - Putting God first.
• Presides (Matthew 4:5-7) How to control? (Wisdom), Acts 17:9-11 (Miss using the scripture) you should be reading and studying the bible. How else would you know there miss using scripture.
• Prohibited (Matthew 4:8-10) Set in sin, you need to forgive, when Satan reminds you of what you done, just remind him where he is going. 

Matthew 4:11

• Christ restoration, you need to memorize the Bible, study the Bible, where you can remember when you are doing something wrong.
• Wednesday Church is a re charge?
• Use an App to listen to the Bible, example: Bible.is

Living Water for Thirsty Soul

Living Water for Thirsty Soul

John 4:10-14

• John 1 - Jesus goes around finding his disciples.
• John 2 - Placing his first miracle.
• John 3 - Interacting with Nicodemus he was a Pharisees they were Jeoluce of Jesus. They didn't have a relationship with God they had a religion.
• John 4 - A thirsty soul encounter, What are you thirsty for? How desperate do you want it? You can't have enough money to get happiness? The only temporary, they don't feel the soul, your answer is Jesus.

No religion can quench your only Jesus thirst

1. The path Christ choose - John 4:1-4 How do you act when someone crosses your path?
2. The person Christ encounter (John 4:5-9)
• Social Class (Woman, Samaritans)
• Sinful Condition (vs.6) & (vs. 16-18)
3. The Pitty Christ felt (John 4:25-29)
• Use your trials to help and lead others to Christ.
• What are you doing with your trials?
4. The pardon Christ delivered (John 4:39-42)
• Average person commits 3 sins a day.
• We must account for our sins.
• The reason he was able to forgive this Samaritan lady is because he would be nailed to the cross for everyone's sin.
5. The perspective Christ offer (John 4:31-35)

GB Essie

Married Couples Retreat 2015

This is some old notes from our last year couple's retreat, hope you don't mind us charing.

Section I

Genesis 2:18-25

• Obedience - Deut 29:29, Joshua 1:8, Genesis 3:6 (Just because it looks good doesn't mean is good for you) Psalms 19:128, Genesis 3:7
• Someone said it makes you smarted
• 1 John 1 (Disobedience) fake fellowship
• 1 Peter 3 (Simple Obedience)
• Marriage is 100% him and 100% her not 50 each.
• No excuses - simple obedience is all he wants.

Section II

Lot's Wife

• Luke 17:32, 2 Peter 2, Genesis 19, Genesis 13:13
• Great Religious privileges (Genesis 18:19)
• Wordly Husbands (2 Peter 2, Matthew 24:12)
• Prayer (Genesis 18)
• Being dragged out (Genesis 19)
• Matthew 6:21 (Looking back (unbelief, choice, disobedience) PRAY FOR A GODLY HOME!
• If she wouldn't look back, she could have stopped her daughters from committing their sin. Revelation 4:10-11, 1 Peter 3:7
• Be the wife you need to be even if your husband is not being what he needs to be.

Section III

Creator

• Matthew 5:17-19 (Every 3-6 Months on a weekend getaway (Feb, May, Aug, Nov)

Solverant

• Psalms 99:9, Isaiah 6, Romas 1:18, Malachi 3:6, Hebrew 13:6
• Numbers 15:32-34 (Not work on the sabbath day, gathering sticks, vs.35 they put him to death, god means what he says)
• 2 Samuel 6:6-7 (God means what he says)
• 1 Peter 3 (Do you joke about your mate?)

Section IV

Split Session

• What is your purpose in life?
• What fulfills and make us happy?
• Candle becomes lite is the purpose to bring light.
• When you give light to the candle they complete each other each is not complete until each other meet. (John 1:5, Exodus 13:31)
• A husband is complete with his wife we are their candle, they are the light. (Ephesians 5, Titus 2)
• Everyone's marriage is different: there's is not wrong & neither are yours.
• We need to learn to fix things for our man when they are busy, to have time with him.
• What we need to do to make things better, Genesis 2:20.
• Blessed differently, to help each other to be successful.
• You need to burn out for Jesus.

Section V

• 1 Corinthians 11:1-6, Genesis 1:26-29, Psalms 119:28, 1 Corinthians 11:14 (Testimony)
• Important to the Lord & Angel - we must look different (1 Corinthians 11:4)
• 1 Timothy 2 (Prayer)
• Ephesians 5:22 (Moses, was by his brother) Ephesians 5:23-25
• Is not about being fair, is about right & wrong.
• We need faith & practice & God is right.
• Fairytale world (When you are trying to live in this world)

GB 

Essie

Singing In The Rain

Job 35:10

The rain is good, it helps you; (IS NOT ABOUT YOU) grow, learn, is help from the Lord.

God sends the rain, (Hate, Anger, Bitterness (World, Flesh)) Storms.
 It will get dirtier if you don't get it clean with God.
With (God) the storm is not about you, is about God. (Joseph Story) Joy, peace, love is what we need to clean our self up after the storm.

• By being emotional usually gives us evil thoughts, there are more people on this side. The more you stay in the emotional side everyone around you will be all around everyone you love.
• If we don't show how to respond when the rain comes if we choose, the world the flesh or God, To Be Right.

We have a choice, be thankful, go on a missions trips, godly friends singing to the Lord and serve when you are in the flesh - do something Godly.

GB Essie

Doing God's Will

Doing God's Will? Are We?

• Walking with Jesus doesn't make life sweeter, but we must keep walking towards Jesus.
• Are we a true Christian? What is a true Christian?
• Why is it sweeter with the Lord? - Psalms 139:13-17
• How precious we are to God . . . 
• We trust remind our self how precious we are . . .
• We can do anything through God, nothing can be done without him.
• God works through us throughout a lifetime.
• Show them how to walk with the Lord.
• If it is your will.
• Open & honest to each other.
• Be Obedient.

GB Essie

Sin Destroys Everything Good

Matthew 27:35-46
Isaiah 53:5
John 10:10
Romans 5:21
James 1:14
1 John 1:9 - Forgiveness for our sins

• Sin will take our lives is terminal, Jesus became our sin and he paid for our sins on the cross.

Romans 6:1

• Everyday sin hurts us, this kills your relationship with God, church.
• The world mocks us Christians as they mocked Jesus in the cross.

Romans 5:20 - We give into it over and over but you must have an end.
Galatians 2:19-21
Romans 7:7-12, 24-25
Romans 10:4 (Christ is the answer)
1 Timothy 1:12-14
1 Corinthians 15:10 (By the Grace of God)

• Is in our end when Grace begins.

Romans 5:21
Galatians 2:20-21

GB Essie

Jesus Last Moments

Matthew 27:48-52
Mark 15:33-37
Luke 23:44-48
John 19:28-30

Jesus finished days his last moments.

Hebrew 12:4 - resisting on the blood, Jesus resisted but never sinned.
Hebrew 9:16 - A new beginning (something must be done)
John 19:30 - It is finished know something else begins the new era.

• You should never end, anything in an angry way that is not the Christian way, never leave in discussed.
• You must trust to continue Ephesians 2:8 not just do, do, do in just by the part you must have trust believe and be filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Stop trying, you must be finished and give it to God. 

Romans 10:3 - They had an ego problem and a sight problem.
Romans 10:4 - All you have to do is believe.
Romans 11:6 - Can't be Grace and work.

• Pursue of Freshly Lust, they wear you out and they are not fulfilling is like chasing your trail.

Romans 6:21 - Where does it bring you, Death. . . 

Romans 6:19 - Being ashamed because of those things is DEATH, keep pursuing the holiness, (reading the Bible, following God, staying with the church)

Being DONE with the FLESH, like Jesus was DONE @ the cross John 19:30

Think about how many sins you committed by burden? (Flesh)

Think about how much sin by watching TV? (Lust, Murder, Bad Words, Adultery all in TV, even commercial (FLESH)

1 John 2:15-17

Conclusion:

Be satisfied with Jesus, are you finished with Flesh, our love affair with the world.

The Secret of Paul's Success

Philippians 3:13-14

How can the endure everything he went through and still go on in the path of God. Forgetting those things behind, that is why he was successful. We current Christians we cant let go of the past, we always reminisce. Philippians 4-14 (Reflects on his life)

We live in a deceptive world. Commercials are all lies, they only show pretty things. To know GOd intimately is costly, and would you pay the price. You cant live in this world and eternity. To get to eternity you must give up this world. He will show you what you need to do all you need to do is ask. Read the Bible and ask.

GB Essie

Beating the Enemy Day#6

Beating the Enemy

Read - John 8:44 (Mark the devil with the pitchfork)

1. What did you learn about the devil?
2. What summarize his nature?

God has equipped us with everything we need to defend ourselves against the devils attacks.

Did you know!

Satan, Devil is a single entity - OUR ENEMY

Devil means "accuser, slanderer"

Satan means "adversary, the enemy"

Satan found 54 times in the Old and New Testament, while the devil occurs 44 times only in the New Testament.

GB Essie

About Tithing

Malachi 3:8-10
Hosea 10:1-12

America is in the same spot as the people in chapter 10 of Hosea. The Gospel is the only answer to what is going on. Most Christians do not truly have God in their life, they only seek God when a problem rises up, why wait for problems to rise -v.12 it is time to seek God. The needed and poor people seek God more than others. Their life counts for God. People are important not things.

Everyone wants to be like the people of the world, where are they heading?

Hell - is that where you want to go. When we got here it wasn't here is not ours, so why do you want the things that don't belong to us. Adopting the world standard, instead of making God first, just one day Sunday America is becoming the old wild west police officers are becoming afraid of media, court and they're going to walk and just clean up the mess. Us the church should be the lighthouse to our town. People are double-minded today, people are afraid of stating they are Christian, tithing the 10% talking about serving God this is all double-minded. We want to be Christians without prosecution, penalty or pain.

Matthew 6

You must trust God so he can take care of you. We need to seek the Lord when we break our vows. His goal is to restore us, and we need to seek God and get right.

Is your life filled with Joy? If not you need to seek God and except him in your heart. The story solomon, Love the Lord and serve him.

GB Essie

Vision & Goals

Proverbs 29:18 (Importance of having a vision)
Hebrew 11:3 (There is something out there we cant see)

• We live by Faith not by sight
• What God has made is way better than what man has made
• Don't let the world dictate what you listen to.
• Stop being distracted so you can so, hear to follow Jesus.

Psalms 46:10

• See what God wants in your life, so stop and listen.
• We are called to live by Faith.
• No matter where you are or live God is there for you.
• Is your life by Faith or by sight?

Acts 26:15 (Appeared unto thee for this purpose)
Example: The vision of Noah's ark he was obedient.

Hebrew 11:10 Abraham looking for the city (The Vision) Abraham had obedience, faith, being raised.
Acts 2:17 Believing in the visions by Faith. (you need the Faith)

• Do not get distracted do not get filled with the world.
• You grow in Grace, you will not become a brother a sister of Christ overnight, it has taken time one step at a time.
• When you receive a vision you need to have faith and act have the goal so it can become a reality.
• It takes Faith to act on the vision.
• Some are afraid to try, attempt cos they lack on Faith.

Faith = risk, people don't want to take the risk, people are too content with what the world is doing.

Do you have the Faith?
Will you receive your vision?

GB Essie

Beating the Enemy Day#5

Beating the Enemy

Read - Matthew 13:37-39 (We are marking the enemy with a pitchfork, he is the devil)

1. How is the devil described?
2. What has the devil done in this passage?    

GB Essie

The Walk

JOHN 3:16-17

Condemn the world - God sends his son to save them. There is life after death - Eternal Life. It has to be believed to get salvation ask Jesus to be your savior.

The church is for Christians, for people who are believers, to grow in your Faith.

To assemble in church a few times a week is to learn.

2 CORINTHIANS 6:17 - Separate from unbelievers separate from the world.

God wants us different from the world, Gray area is a dangerous stay in the light, get away from the darkness. You must call upon the Lord.

Titus 2:14 - Purifying you
Why - not making the same mistake as the Jesus. Romans 10:3 (Where they failed)

Would Jesus walk where you walk?
That's why you should go where he is welcome.

If you separate he will get closer to you and you will get closer to him. Psalms 1 (The walk of separation)

If you choose to walk with the ungodly, Jesus will not be walking aside you. 1 John 2:15

Separation - an act of loving God. Adam & Eve - The Tree!

God gives you something better in return. Come on to me? He is calling on you Do you want to be closer to God. What is God asking you to separate form for you to be closer to God?

GB Essie

Growing in the Lord

1 PETER 5:10

How is Peter an elder?  PETER 5:1-2
Suffering
- He saw Jesus suffer
- He look part in Jesus transforming
- He will partake in the glory that will be revealed.

The heavier the cross the brighter the crown.
Leading - Acts 20:28
-Leading the flock (us) with the word of God. (Feeding)
-Sunday, Bible class, Wed Bible studies these are the feeding time.
-God heritage, you belong to the Lord.

Leading by example 1 PETER 5:3
-What we should do?

1 PETER 5:4 - The chief shepherd
-When your job is over then Jesus takes over.
1 PETER 5:5 - Being on the same page.
-Being together with your Christian family. Being a humble person.
1 PETER 5:6 - By being humble GOD will give us a hand when needed.

Our flesh is hard to let things go. How many times did Jesus let things go?
Example: GENESIS 37-41 Joseph Story (Humbled, Humbled)

The challenges in staying humble; the Lord giveth the Lord taketh.

1 PETER 5:7 - Give it all to God, he will take it.
Psalms 55:22 - Pray and give it to the Lord, you will receive peace.
1 PETER 5:8 - The devil prays on the wounded. The devil is looking to wound us, to really pound us. So be alert and in the right path to the devil doesn't wound you.
1 PETER 5:9 - Resist - above all take the shield of faith. (James 6:4) If not you will be wounded and become an easy prey. You need faith to defend your self. Then faith produced hope. The ones without faith or Hope will only have negativity. (Jeremiah 18:11-12)
1 PETER 5:10-11 -  A reminder that our God is the Grace all we need. No matter what we are going through you need Faith & Hope to receive the Grace. To believe, to read, to establish your FAITH.

GB Essie

Beating the Enemy Day#4

Beating the Enemy

Read - Revelation 12:7-10 (In this passage we are going to pitchfork the dragon, here the dragon is the devil)

1. What did you learn about the devil?
2. How is the devil described? What are some of the names?
3. How does it compare to Genesis 3?
4. What are the devils tactics on verse 9 and 10?
5. With what we have read about our enemy, how does it apply to our life?

Jesus told his disciples about a parable a farmer who planted, or sowed, seed in his field. That might an enemy came and sowed weeds on the same soil. As a result, wheat and tares (weeds) grew up together. The farmer left the weeds alone until the harvest, knowing that in pulling out the tares he risked destroying the wheat. The disciples asked for an explanation and this is what Jesus said.

    

GB Essie

Beating the Enemy Day#3

Beating the Enemy

Read - Genesis 3:14-15 (We are still marking God in yellow, the devil with a pitchfork)

1. Who was God talking too & what was said?
2. What did we learn about the Devil & his future?
3. What did you learn about his future with mankind?

 
GB Essie

New Book Rating available...

IS THAT YOU GOD? Discerning the voice of God

(Priscilla Shirer)

I give this book a five-star rating loved it - * * * * *

Faith Journal #8

Beating the Enemy Day#2

Beating the Enemy

Read - Genesis 3:8-13 (Through the reading we are still marketing the Devil with a pitchfork and we know highlighting the word God in yellow)

1. What did you see about God?
2. How did Adam & Eve respond to God?
3. What did we learn about the devil?    

GB Essie

God is Z. . .

Who is God . . . Zealous

Text: John 2:12-21

1. Defined

• Dictionary: fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor (intense devotion)
• Strong's: (OT) ardor, jealousy
• (NT) excitement of mind, ardor, fervor of spirit; ardor in embracing, pursing, defending anything; most eagerly desirous of; contending for or defending something.
• Synonyms: alacrity, ardor, determination, devotion, diligence, earnestness, fervor, fierceness, fire, intensity, passion, urgency, vehemence, zest.

2. God's Zeal. . .

• is part of His person (Isaiah 59:17)
• consumes Him (Psalm 69:9)

3. God is Zealous About . . .

• establishing His work (Isaiah 9:7)
• judgment (Ezekiel 5:13b)
• grace and mercy (2 Kings 19:31, Isaiah 37:32)

4. We should Be Zealous. . .

• for God (Numbers 25:11, 13)
• in our repentance (Revelation 3:19)
• in good works (Titus 2:14b)
• of edifying the church (1 Cor 14:12)
• for the family of God (Col 4:12-13)

God is X . . .

Who is God . . . Excellent, Exalted

Text: Psalm 57

1. Defined

• Dictionary: raised or elevated, as in rank or character; of high station; noble or elevated, lofty; rapturously excited
• Strong's: (OT) to be high actively, to rise or raise, heave up, set upon, lift, bear up
• (NT) exalt to highest rank and power, raise to supreme majesty; to raise to dignity, honor, and happiness.

2. Why Should I Exalt God?

• to praise the Lord (Is 12:4)
• he is the God of my salvation (Ps 18:46, 2 Sam 22:47)
• so that He may show mercy (Is 30:18)
• he is holy (Ps 99:5, 9)
• he is valiant (Ps 118:16)
• he is my God (Ps 118:28)

3. How Should I Exalt God?

• Make Him big(ger) (Ps 34:3)
• Praise His Name (Is 25:1)
• Worship Him (Ps 99:5, 9)
• as God above (q Chr 29:11)
• see His strength (Ps 21:13)
• with honor (Ps 112:9b)
• in judgment (Is 5:16a)
• above blessing and praise (Is 30:18)

4. God will be exalted

• above all gods (Ps 57:5)
• above the heavens (Ps 57:5)
• in that day (Is 2:11, 17, Phil 2:9-11)
• sharing of putting God & Exalt him

Beating the Enemy Day#1

Beating the Enemy

Who is the Devil?
     Read - Genesis 3:1-7 (In the text mark each mention of the serpent with a pitchfork)

1. After reading the Bible, what did we mark about the Devil, what is his character and his tactics?
2. What are the woman response and the action she took towards the Devil?
3. What were the results of her actions?

 
GB Essie

Faith Journal Time

Come check out my videos posted almost daily on my faith journal. How I spend my time with the Lord, read the Bible and Pray...

Here are a few days worth!!! Come to my channel of Faith, Family, Friends and follow our journey.

And another

Thank you for watching, subscribe like and comment below.

GB Essie

My Morning Routine

Go check out my video of my morning routine with the Lord.

GB Essie

God is W. . .

Who is God . . .Way, Water of Life, Wise, With me Worthy, Witness, Wonderful, Word

Text: John 1:1-4

"Word" Defined

• Dictionary: a unit of language. . . that actions as a principle carrier of meaning. 5) an press ion of utterance 6) warrant, assurance, promise
• Strong's: (OT) something said to answer, appoint, avouch, certify, challenge; a commandment, speech; a matter spoken of; an answer, command, declaration, promise, pronouncement, intreaty
• (NT) something said; reasoning or motive; expression.

God's Word

• In the Old Testament-came to many men (creation, judgment, law, leading, prophecy)
• The certainty of God's Word (Prov 22:17-21)
• Thy Word is Truth (Jn 17:17)
• Word became flesh (Jn 1:14)
• Word of the Gospel (Col 1:5, Heb 6:5, Jms 1:18)
• The "cutting" word
• Holy Spirit (Eph 6:17)
• Quick, powerful (Heb 4:12)

God's Word. . .

• has authority (Lk 4:32, 36, Rom 9:9, Eph 1:13)
• cleanses (Jn 15:3, Eph 5:26, Jms 1:21)
• heals (Mt 8:16, Mk 4)
• is truth (Jn 1:14, 17:17, Col 1:5, 1 Thess 2:13)
• in life (Mt 4:4, Mk 4, Jn 5:24, Heb 11:3, Jms 1:18, 1 Pet 1:23)

The Waves, Storms, or Trials

God reveals His great ability through storms

Sometimes you need more napkins or maybe a towel, Jesus will cover you from the storms and hold you as the winds blow and get you on your way.

• The waves come ( Psalms 107:29, Mat 8:23-27)
• The storm passes
• Will you allow Jesus to anchor your soul in Him?
• Psalms 55:6-8
• Nahum 1:7
• Isaiah 25:4-5
• Psalms 91:1-5
• Psalms 27:4-6
• Isaiah 4:6
• Be Still
• Psalms 89:8-9
• Exodus 14:14
• Mark 4:39
• Psalms 46:10
• Zechariah 2:13
• The Lord is with you
• Joshua 1:9
• Deauteronomy 31:8
• Psalms 46:11
• When going through storms
• James 1:2-5
• 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
• Trust in Him
• Psalms 37:27-29
• Psalms 9:9-10
• Our Reminders
• Zechariah 9:14
• James 4:8
• Isaiah 28:2
• Exodus 15:2
• Our Example of triumph
• Job 38:1-6

God is V . . .

Who is God . . . V - Verity, Verily, Verily, Victor, Vine, Virgin Born, Virtuous

Text: Proverbs 31

1. Virtue

• Dictionary: moral excellence; goodness; righteousness
• Strong's: (OT) strength, might, efficientcy, wealth, army
• (NT) strength, power, ability; power of performing miracles; moral power and excellence of soul; a virtuous course of thought, feeling, action; any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity.

2. Virtue in the Bible

• Old Testament
• Ruth was called a virtuous woman (3:11)
• A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband (Prov 12:4)
• Who can find a virtuous woman? (Prov 31:10)

3. God's Virtue (using Proverbs 31)

• V11-trustworthy (Ps 25:1, II Cor 3:1-6)
• V12-does good (Deut 30:5)
• V13, 19, 24, 27-works willing (Phil 1:6, 2:13)
• V14-15, 24, 27-provides (Gen 22:8)
• V16-plants, waters, gives increase (I Cor 3:6-9)
• V18-faithful (I Cor 1:9, 10:13)
• V20-remembers the poor and needy (Lk 4:18)
• V21-protects, clothes (Isa 61:10)
• V22-majestic (II Pet 1:16-18)
• V23-made Himself known (Ps 76:1)
• V25-strong and honorable (Ps 96:6)
• V26-wise and kind (Job 9:4, Lk 6:35)
• V28-worthy of blessing and praise (Rev 4:11)
• V29-excellent (Ps 150:2)
• V30-31-worthy (Rev 5:12)

Who can find a virtuous woman? A woman who walks with the Lord and honors Him with her life will find it a natural thing to walk in the spirit and show forth virtue.

Let the Lord's virtue "rub off" on you . . . for He is virtuous

Blending Families

Blending two people's lives together can be messy at times

• Remembering how to treat one another with love and patience can help make any transition smoother.

When things get a little sticky try these Bible verses in your blended family

• Ephesians 4:2
• 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
• Proverbs 15:1
• Colossians 3:13
• Ephesians 5:33

Special love, when you are disappointed in your marriage, kids, family, or friends chase after God. Give yourself a break from your disappointments by leaving human expectations behind and waiting on some heavenly consolation.

Surrounding yourself with godly prayer warriors will be a daily reminder that you aren't alone.

Surrender, you can trust Jesus because He can do all things, I find, to my surprise, what I'm most reluctant to surrender is control... Surrender ALL (Matthew 11:28)

My War Binder

What does your War Binder looks like? I focus on prayers, I have a 31 day plan for prayers, I have a focus page, and also I write down my prayers. So I can look back and see what the Lord has done for me.

• Don't forget who the real enemy is. . . The Devil
• In whom your hope lies. . .  God
• What your real need & Dependencies are. . . 
• The record of how God responds. . . My War Binder

Ephesians 6:11-12King James Version (KJV)

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

We need the strategy against:

1. Your Passion-Eph 6:10-20
2. Your Focus-2 Cor 11:14
3. Your Identity-Eph 1:17-19
4. Your Family-Gen 3:1-7
5. Your Confidence-Rev 12:10
6. Your Calling-Jos 14:8
7. Your Purity-Isa 59:1-2
8. Your rest and contentment-Det 5:15
9. Your Heart-Heb 12:15
10. Your Relationship-1 Tim 2:8

You can find this information and more in The Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.

New Challenge - (In the Challenge Tab)

Bible Challenge - #6 - Victory Is Yours!

GB

Essie

God is U . . .

Who is God . . . U - Unchanging, Universal, Unfailing, Unsearchable.

Text: Psalms 139

1. Unsearchable

• Dictionary: not searchable; not lending itself to research or exploration; not to be understood by searching; hidden; unfathomable; mysterious.
• Synonyms: unreachable, unmatchable, unsatiable.
• Strong's: (OT) from two words
• first: like our prefixes, generally used as a negative particle.
• Second: examination, enumeration, deliberation-finding out.
• In Summary: cannot be examined, enumerated, or deliberated-past finding out.
• (NT) not searched out; unscrutable Not traked out; untraceable

2. The Search is on!

• God's searches . . .
• our heart (Jer 17:9-10)
• our ways (Lam 3:40)
• our thoughts (Ps 139:23)
• . . .and He understands us! (I Chron 28:9)
• We search. . .
• in our day of trouble (Ps 77:1-14)
• the Scriptures (Jn 5:39, Acts 17:11)
• for wisdom (Prov 2:4)

3. Some Things Beyond Our Searching

• The deep things of God (I Cor 2:9-10)
• God's riches (Eph 3:8)
• God's judgments and ways (Rom 11:33)
• God works (Job 5:9, Ps 40:5)
• God's greatness (Ps 145:3)
• God Himself (Job 11:7-9)

When we go on a treasure hunt, we think we are looking for only treasure. But the hunt itself takes us places we may have never gone before, affording us experiences and adventures never imagined. Go on your search for God. You will find great experiences and adventures along the way that will help you in knowing your God as He desires you to know Him. Your search will be over when you enter Heaven's gates. But I think that perhaps there, you will begin another adventure beyond your wildest imaginations!

Your Country

Love the land that God has given you, and commit yourself to using your freedom to follow Christ, to build His church, and to love your neighbor.

Let's read Jeremiah 29

God is T. . .

Who is God . . . T - Tabernacle, Temple, Truth, Trust Tower

Text: Matthew 21:40-41

1. Tower

• Dictionary: (noun) military structure; vineyard attachment (seemed necessary); today, used to lodge keepers of the vineyard (verb) to rise above or surpass others.
• Strongs: tower; elevated stage; pulpit high place; refuge; secure height; retreat.

2. David's "Tower" (II Samuel 22, Psalms 18)

• David's confidence and trust in the Lord (Psalm 18:1-3, 25-40)
• David's testimony of God's deliverance (Psalms 18:4-6, 16-24, 43-50)
• David's witness of God's judgement and wrath (Psalms 18:7-15, 41-42)

3. My "High Tower"

• A high place of refuge, secured height ; a place of retreat (Ps 18:2, 144:2)
• Where my confidence and trust is placed in God
• An elevated stage (Ps 6:13, Prov 18:10)
• Where I see God's deliverance
• A high place to enable me to see in every direction (Mt 21:33, Mk 12:1)
• Where I see God's judgment and wrath on the enemy

Happiness

Laughter is a Song of Redemption

- Happiness is a gift from God
- Happiness is our Calling
- Happiness is the presence of God's Goodness
- Happiness is the Song of Redemption

God is S . . .

Who is God . . . S - Saviour, Sabbath, Sacrifice, Salvation, Shield, Son of God, Son of man, Sovereign, Stone, Sustainer, Servant, Sinless, Shepherd, Spirit, Sweetest name I know.

Text: Song

"Come Praise and Glorify" - Galkin Evangelistic Team (Each Day I live) My Favorite Psalms 23, grew with it helps me know I am safe & not to be afraid.

"I have been blessed"- Clark Family (Stand)

"Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus" - Galkin Evangelistic Team (Christ Only Always) The Love                                     of God

1. Why God is My Son
• He triumphs gloriously (Ex 15:1)
• He hath done marvelous things (Ps 98:1)
• He is with me in the night (Ps 42:8, 77:6)
• He is my strength and my song (Is 12:2)
• He hath dealth bountifully with me (Ps 13:6)
• It is a good thing (Ps 92:1, 147:1)
2. What My Song is
• A new song (Ps 33:3)
• A joyful noise (Ps 66:1)
• Of His power, mercy, defense, and refuge in my day of trouble (Ps 59:16)
3. How and Why I Sing my Song
• With spirit and understanding (I Cor 14:15)
• To be a witness (Deut 31:19)
• To praise Him (Ps 28:7, 69:30, 57:7)
• To rejoice (Ps 71:23)
• Because of deliverance (II Sam 22:1)
• Because I'm merry (James 5:13)
• That I may daily perform my vows (Ps 61:8)

My song should . . .

- Direct my heart toward God

- Be based in the truth of the scriptures

- Maintain godly standard

- Glorify the Lord in melody and words

- Be distinctly different from the world

Chronic Pain

What I have learned about chronic pain

Live with Chronic Pain

• Keep God's Word in front of you.
• Get involved with a local church and a small group of believers.
• Seek wise and biblical counseling through your local church.
• Look for a way to do something that is enjoyable and will lift your spirits. Take a fun class or pursue a hobby.
• Journal your prayers, thoughts, emotions, and concerns.
• Join a support group for the specific trial or illness.
• Find simple ways to serve others.
• Track God's faithfulness and goodness.

For those who love someone in Chronic Pain

• Be slow to judge whether someone is suffering, grieve and mourn alongside the one who suffers.
• Be slow to speak the truth, a person needs to hear and quick to prayerfully discern if you should offer encouragement with scripture and God's promises.
• Be slow to impatience and quick to exercise long-suffering patience.
• Be slow to run away from the discomfort of another's pain, ask God to grow your own faith in his sufficiency.
• Be slow to speak your opinions and solutions and quick to listen and hear God's heart.
• Be slow to do the minimum and quick to serve in whatever way God calls you.
• Be slow to view a person's suffering as their problem and quick to see their problem and quick to see their suffering as your opportunity to love, serve, and be blessed by the body of Christ.
• Be slow to believe you aren't equipped to help and quick to comfort with the unique gifts and personality God has given you.

Journey Together

Journey Together

Marriage is a journey and one that we pray will be decades long

Strategy

• Sex is more than physical
• Make peace with differences
• Fight the chore wars together
• Observe parental boundaries
• Disclose Finances

Unplug this summer

Unplugged

Give your soul a rest, and take the summer off from all this technology (Esther Emery)

- Screens can be an answer to our problems and simultaneously the source of them.

- The Unplugged Life (The key to getting the most out of an unplugged summer is to cultivate a skill for silence)

- Time Alone

- Intentional Living

- A Season well spent (An unplugged summer can restore your relationships, relieve long-term exhaustion, and move you out of a period of spiritual drought)

Everyone needs time out, time up!

February 24, 2017

We all need time out and time up from anything electronics.

Here are some pointers to regular your time and kids from electronics;
- Talk about it
- Contact your internet provider to set up parental control
- Keep screens out of the bedroom
- Make your kids earn the Wi-fi password
- Have a family 24 hour fast
- Play with them
- Stick to the rules, if you break them they will remember.

GB
Lexton and Esmeralda Campbell

Why I don't drink alcohol!

February 21, 2017

Why I don't drink alcohol, and what the bible tells us the position on wine and alcohol

1. The bible position on whiskey (Eph 5:18)

• We are not to drink to a point where the alcohol has taken control. (Prov 23:31-35)
• Do you know that your child, will watch over a thousand commercials with alcohol in a year? (Prov 31:4-5, Isa 5:11, Prov 23:20-23, Prov 20:1)

2. The bible's position on wine (Eph 5:18, Prov 20:1)

• Wine - Greek Word (Oinos, used 19 times, 3 meaning)
• New wine, from the wine, is not fermented
• Merd wine, juice from the wine but added drugs
• Old wine, from the wine and fermented

3. When God turned water into wine (John 2:3-11)

• Weddings back in the bible days took as long as 3 weeks.
• Grape juice is unfermented juice
• Water was not purified as today (1 Tim 5:23)
• He was telling them to drink grape juice (1 Tim 3:1-3)
• It was to be careful in having fermented juice (1 Tim 3:8)

The negativity of today alcohol drinking:

• No more even moderation.
• Alcohol today is excessive, even a weekend bottle of wine today is 10x stronger and that's when it becomes a sin.

4. Biblical principals wine & whiskey

• A better safe than sorry principle (Rom 14:19-23)
• If you can't do it by faith, don't do it.
• If its gray stay away
• The stumbling block/stepping stone principle is; What you do in moderation, your children will do it in excess.
• The scripture never contradicts (Scripture/Principle: Eph 4:26)

The things that children need to hear from us

February 19, 2017

Words can be powerful, and our kids need to hear us. Especially if they come from us as parents.

- I like you
- You are my child
- I'm proud of you
- I will come get you
- The lord loves you more

God is the only one who not only loves our children, but can ultimately, faithfully, and eternally act on their behalf.

GB
Lexton and Esmeralda Campbell

Express your love

February 14, 2017

Express your love

"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another." Romans 12:10

1. Within the body of Christ, we do well in our devotion and proper expressions of love. We can certainly begin with those who influenced us in our faith, mentors or friends who helped us along the way. Hopefully, you have a community of believers where you can choose to encourage others. Choose to outdo one another in expressing appreciation for who a person is, what the do, and how you see God in their lives.

"Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits." Romans 12:16

2. Paul's admonition is timeless. We can slide into superior view of self and forget; we may over-inflate our own importance. Considering those younger and perhaps less mature than us, and seeing them as Christ sees, helps foster a genuine love for others.

"With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love." Ephesians 4:2

3. Whether it's that one person at work or church, that one neighbor, that one child or even our spouse, God seems to keep folks in our path to help us demonstrate humility, gentleness, and patience. True, some people may never change no matter how we treat them. But you and I are responsible for our response to people, not their response or reaction to us. We're growing in Christ when we can begin to see others not only as more important but through loving eyes.

"Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." 1 Corinthians 7:5

4. Obviously the instruction here is to married couples. As we get busy in life, jobs, and different interests, we drift into things that can become a dangerous path. It's easy for a married couple to stop pursuing each other. Maybe we tire of being the initiator: Or maybe we've been hurt by rejection. Not only is sexual intimacy a gift from God, the connection and relationship is a beautiful and, indeed, holy experience. Growing in our marriages means being humble to pursue, pursue, and keep pursuing our mate.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." Ephesians 4:32

5. Whether we've been hurt or hurt someone else, the loving thing to do is to forgive or ask forgiveness. It's our nature to get our feelings hurt, to say things we regret, or to get angry to keep another at bay. But are not kindness and compassion better? Most of us appreciate it when our spouse or a friend is compassionate and the, with a few words, can disarm us: "I'm sorry you're feeling this way. . . I genuinely care about you. How can I help?" Sure, it takes some courage to muster up a kind response, but the benefits are a lot better than living with grudges, sarcasm, or hurtful words.

Suggestion:
Get a pen and paper and write your thoughts and share them with the ones you love? Pray for one another and pray together.

GB Essie & Lexton
by: Michael Easley - www.lifewaywomen.com

Who God is . . . Q & R

January 27, 2017

Who is God . . . Q - Quiet, Quick and Powerful

Who is God . . . R - Righteous, Refiner, Rose of Sharon, Reward, Refuge, Redeemer, Rock, Ruler, Reconcile, Resurrection, Revelation, Root of David, Re-reward.

Text: Numbers 10:25, Joshua 6:9, Isaiah 52:12

"Among the field guns on the brow of the hill the general in command of the rearguard stood with a staff officer, scanning the country through his field glass." War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

"Two other men descended after Danglars forming the rearguard, and pushing Danglars whenever he happened to stop, they came by a gently declivity to the intersection of two corridors." The count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

1. Re-reward

• Rearward=Rear Guard: toward or in the rear
• In the Bible=behind, following, subsequent hinder, generally late or last to gather, receive, remove, gather in-to bring up the rear
• Military=protects a military force form attack from the rear either during an advance or withdrawal. Also, forces protecting lines of communication behind an army.

2. Formation; Placement

• Israel-Numbers 10:25, 1 Samuel 29:2
• Battle of Jericho-Joshua 6:9
• God-Isaiah 52:12

3. Practically

• Armor of God-Ephesians 6:11-18
• covers the front
• for forward movement and attack
• What is behind
• things forgotten-Philippians 3:13
• Satan-Luke 4:8
• Isaiah 58:8
• "When pressing FORWARD in the Christian life, be assured that GOD has your BACK. When SITTING STILL or moving FORWARD in the Christian life, be assured that YOUR must have your BACK.

Who God is. . . O & P

January 25, 2017

Who is God . . . O - Offspring of David, Omega, Omnipotent (all prowefull), Omniscient (all Knowing), Omnipresent (present in all places at all times), Only Begotten Son.

Who is God . . . P - Praclete (Holy Spirit), Passover lamb, Perfect, Pillar, Priest, Praise, Patient, Potter, Power, Prophet, Providence, Preserver, Provider, Provision, Promise, Powerful, Peacekeeper, Pavilion, Protector, Prince of Peace.

Text: I Corinthians 14:33, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 2:14-17

Peace: the normal, non-warring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world. Freedom of the mind from annoyance, distraction, anxiety, an obsession, etc; tranquility, serenity.

Syn: conciliation (made compatible), unity, order, concord (agreement), calm, serenity, tranquility

Peace: safe, well, happy

Quietness, rest

1. What brings peace:

• Christs first coming-Luke 2:14
• Christ overcoming the world-Jn 16:33
• Blood of the cross-Col 1:20
• Justification by Jesus Christ-Rom 5:1
• The Lord-Ps 4:8
• Wisdom-Prov 3:17
• Pleasing God with our ways-Prov 16:7
• Keeping mind on God and trusting Him-Is 26:3
• Works of righteousness-Is 32:17
• Living in Christ-2 Cor 13:11
• Knowledge of God-2 Pet 1:2
• Obeying Gods word-Phil 4:9

2. What peace brings

• Loving Gods law-Ps 119:165, Prov 3:1-2
• Christ paying our sin debt-Is 53:5
• Kingdom of God by Holy Ghost-Rom 14:17
• Unity of the Spirit-Eph 4:3
• Keep hearts and minds in Christ Jesus-Phil 4:7
• Peace-2 Thess 3:16

3. What to do with peace

• Let it rule in your hearts-Col 3:15
• Be at peace with others-1 Thess 5:13
• Follow peace with all men-Heb 12:14
• Provide what you have that others may need-Jms 2:16
• Sow fruits of righteousness-Jms 3:18
• Seek it and ensue it-1 Pet 3:11
• Be found of him in peace-2 Pet 3:14

The Vile vs The Victorious Spirit

January 23, 2017

The Vile vs The Victorious Spirit

1. SCANDALOUS lips vs SINCERE lips
     (Eph 4:25, Prov 6:16&17)
     - Keep your intergrety (DO NOT LIE)
     - A lying tongue (Prov 6:2)

2. A hot TEMPER vs a Holy TEMPERANCE
     (Eph 4:26, 27&31, Gal 5:22&23)
     - Is your home ruled by anger?
     - Do you have an angry speaking tongue?
     - Have your children obey before you get angry, not during anger.

3. STEALING vs STRIVING
    (Eph 4:28)
     -Why do people steal?
     - They are lazy?
     - Welfare is a hameck.
     - You must be honest at work.
     - Show them Christian work ethics, 10 minutes early, 10 minutes off break, 10 minutes later.

4. A POLLUTED mouth vs a PRAISING mouth
     (Eph 4:29&31, Heb 13:5)
     - Stop using his name in vein.
     - Making God your God.
     - Ask God to filter your heart on the workforce.
     - Negativity, complaining this is corrupted communication, just ASK GOD.

5. A SOUR heart vs. a SWEET heart
     (Eph 4:31&32)
     - Being bitter is walking in the flesh, you must ask God for sweetness.
     - Forgiveness is walking in the spirit.

6. A SELFISH sadness vs a SELFNESS spirit
     (Eph 4:31&32)
     -Degrading your body with piercing or tattoos, maybe you were angry, upset with your creator and want to defile your body to punish God.
     -But when you ask God in your heart and ask for forgives of your sin, he forgives, he loves.

GB Essie

Husband Challenge Study- #6 - The Husband's Role in A Joyous Marriage

January 23, 2017

Husband Challenge Study- #6 - The Husband's Role in A Joyous Marriage.
Go to the challenge tab today!

Ephesians 5:22-23

GB Lexton

52 Week Bible Reading Chart

Here is my reading chart, what makes this one different you ask? It breaks down for 7 days a week in sections of the bible.

Sunday-Epistles
Monday-The Law
Tuesday-History
Wednesday-Psalms
Thursday-Poetry
Friday-Prophecy
Saturday-Gospels

Give it a try and let me how you like it.

GB Essie

Remembrance

I lost my brother about a week ago, and God is always good in showing me that he still cares about me, today I picked up a magazine as I was having a tough moment and saw this.

GB Essie

Who is God . . . N

January 13, 2017

Who is God . . . Never leaves me nor forsakes me, Nazarene, Near/Nigh

Text: Psalms 119:151
Acts 17:22-27

1. Definition

A. Near of place, of time, of personal relationship (kinship); approach.

B. Nigh to bring near, to join one thing to another; approach.

C. What is near you right now? Bible
D. What do you wish was nearer to you? Family

2. Paul at Mars Hill

A. Athenians had an altar with the inscription "To the Unknown God."

B. Paul declared to the Athenians Who God is.
C. Paul let the Athenians know that God was not that far from them.

3. Caught in the Middle

A. You can move towards the world, the flesh, and the devil.

B. Or you can move towards God (which is made possible by the blood of Jesus Christ-Eph 2:13, Heb 7:19)

C. When I draw night to God, He draws night to me (James 4:8)
D. Draw nigh . . .
     * with your heart, not just your mouth (Mt 15:8, Heb 10:22)
     * in fear of Him (Ps 85:9)
     * in truth (Ps 145:18b)
     * with a broken heart (Ps 34:18)
     * and hear (Deut 5:27)

4. To be (near) or not be (near) . . .

A. Be as the Psalmist (. . .be not far from me . . .) (Ps 22:19, 35:22, 38:21, 71:12)
B. The Lord is nigh to those who call upon Him (Ps 145:18a) 

Who God is . . . M (Part 2)

January 10, 2017

Merciful (Part 2)

Text: I Kings 21:17-29
         Lamentations 1:8

I. Mercy when judgment is delayed. . . 
     A. Sin is still against God (Proverbs 28:13)
     B. Humbling is necessary (I kings 21:29)
     C. Someone still bears the judgment (Eccl 11:5)

II. Mercy when judgment falls. . . 
     A. Humbling is necessary (Lamentations 3:20)
     B. We are not consumed (verse 22)
     C. We are still under His shadow (4:20)

III. At the edge of Mercy is . . . 
     A. Compassion (Lamentations 3:22)
     B. His faithfulness (verse 23)
     C. Hope (verse 24)

I Kings 21:17-29

Judgment on Ahab-

posterity taken away

those in his lineage would no longer rule

son ahaziah ruled only two years

judgment fell on Jezebel, too.

Why?

Ahab sold himself to work wickedness in God's

sight

He was stirred up by Jezebel

He followed idols abominably

What Ahab did-

Rent his clothes

Put on sackcloth

Fasted

Went softly

Humbled himself

Mercy from God for Ahab-

Evil brought not in his day but in his son's day.

Who God is . . . M

January 6, 2017

Who is God . . . Magnificent, Marvelous, Mediator, Messiah, Mighty God, Morning Star, Meek, Majestic, Man of Sorrow, Merciful

Mercy: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or another person in one's power; compassion; pity; benevolence. The discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment.

Exodus 25:21-22
Leviticus 16:2c

1. Mercy Defined

A. Hebrew & Greek: compassion, pity; to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to atone; to be propitious

B. Dictionary: compassionate or kindly forbearance shown toward an offender, an enemy, or another person in one's power; compassion; pity; benevolence. The discretionary power of a judge to pardon someone or to mitigate punishment.

C. Compassion: a feeling of deep sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering.

2. The Mercy Seat

A. What it is: the lid to the sacred ark which contains the law (judgment), Aaron's rod (leadership), and a container of manna (provision).

B. What God said about it: (Ex 25:21-22, Lev 16:2c) This is where God would meet with the high priest. Because God is holy, righteous, and might, (and we are sinners, unrighteous and weak), we need mercy from God in order to be in His presence. Otherwise, we would suffer judgment, rightly deserved.

3. Mercy for All

A. God's mercy endures forever (I Chron 16:34, Psalms 136)

B. God did take His mercy away from Saul (II Sam 7:15, I Chron 17:13)

     Why? Because of He...

     * blamed the people

     * feared the people over God

     * rejected the word of God (v 26)

     * sought honor (v 30)

     * made God sorry He had made Saul King (v 35)

C. How to obtains God's Mercy:

     * turn to the Lord (Deut 4:30-31, II Chron 30:9, Joel 2:13)

     * come to Him (Psalms 26:11)

     * take refuge in Him (Psalms 57:1)

     * cry unto Him (Deut 21:8, Psalms 86:3, Matthew 9:27)

     * seek forgiveness (Psalms 41:4, Luke 18:13)

     * entreat His favor (Psalms 119:58)

     * fear Him (Luke 1:50)

The Formula for the Holy Spirit Fulfillment

The Book of Ephesians

Ephesians 5:18-21

I. SPEAKING Godly Music (vs 19)

Ephesians 5:19 & Colossians 3:16

II. SINGING a Godly Melody (vs 19)

Ephesians 5:19, Psalms 7:17, & Psalms 18:49

III. SUPPLYING a Godly Grateful Message (vs 20)

Ephesians 5:20, I Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:4, & Hebrew 13:15

(Complaining we all do it even when life is good. Replace your addiction with something else, be positive.)

IV. SUBMITTING to a God-given model (vs 20)

Ephesians 5:21, Hebrew 13:17 (Parenting), & James 4:7

A. To our MASTER

B. In our MARRIAGE (vs 22)

MELODY - Soul

HARMONY - Spirit

RHYTHM - Body (Flesh)

• Heavy in Rhythm is not a good Christian music.
• No double standards in music.
• Praise the Lord not the flesh (Psalms 7:17)