May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.”
Romans 15:12 (NIV)
2. Hope Fills Us With Joy And Peace
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I don’t give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27 (NIV)
3. Hope Grows Through Trust
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” 6 So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV)
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.
Psalm 27:13 (AMP)
4. Hope Overflows By The Spirit
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13 (NIV)
There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him.
Luke 2:25 (CSB)
And don’t get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit.
Ephesians 5:18 (CSB)
I say then, walk by the Spirit and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.
Galatians 5:16-17 (CSB)
2. I am Guided by the Spirit
It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law.
Luke 2:26-27 (CSB)
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.
John 14:26 (CSB)
3. I am Used by the Spirit
Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,29 Now, Master, you can dismiss your servant in peace, as you promised. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation. 31 You have prepared it in the presence of all peoples— 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory to your people Israel.33 His father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and told his mother Mary, “Indeed, this child is destined to cause the fall and rise of many in Israel and to be a sign that will be opposed— 35 and a sword will pierce your own soul—that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
Luke 2:28-35 (CSB)
There was also a prophetess, Anna, a daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was well along in years, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and was a widow for eighty-four years.
Luke 2:36-37 (CSB)
1. Staying Faithful
She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:37-38 (CSB)
2. Serving God
She did not leave the temple, serving God night and day with fasting and prayers. 38 At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:37-38 (CSB)
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
3. Sharing With Others
At that very moment, she came up and began to thank God and to speak about him to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.
Luke 2:38 (CSB)
Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me. 4 He said to me, ‘I will make you fruitful and numerous; I will make many nations come from you, and I will give this land as a permanent possession to your future descendants.’
Genesis 48:3-4 (CSB)
2. God’s Blessings Revive Dead Things
Israel said to Joseph, “I never expected to see your face again, but now God has even let me see your offspring.”
Genesis 48:11 (CSB)
3. God’s Blessings Can Rewrite Your Future
Then Joseph took them both—with his right-hand Ephraim toward Israel’s left, and with his left-hand Manasseh toward Israel’s right—and brought them to Israel. 14 But Israel stretched out his right hand and put it on the head of Ephraim, the younger, and crossing his hands, put his left on Manasseh’s head, although Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 Then he blessed Joseph and said: The God before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who has been my shepherd all my life to this day, 16 the angel who has redeemed me from all harm— may he bless these boys. And may they be called by my name and the names of my fathers Abraham and Isaac, and may they grow to be numerous within the land. 17 When Joseph saw that his father had placed his right hand on Ephraim’s head, he thought it was a mistake and took his father’s hand to move it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s.
Genesis 48:10-17 (CSB)
He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times until he approached his brother.
Genesis 33:3 (CSB)
2. Forgiveness
But Esau ran to meet him, hugged him, threw his arms around him, and kissed him. Then they wept.
Genesis 33:4 (CSB)
And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.
Ephesians 4:32 (CSB)
3. Restitution
He spent the night there and took part of what he had brought with him as a gift for his brother Esau:14 two hundred female goats, twenty male goats, two hundred ewes, twenty rams, 15 thirty milk camels with their young, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys, and ten male donkeys. 16 He entrusted them to his slaves as separate herds and said to them, “Go on ahead of me, and leave some distance between the herds.”
Genesis 32:13-16 (CSB)
4. Reconciliation
But Jacob said, “No, please! If I have found favor with you, take this gift from me. For indeed, I have seen your face, and it is like seeing God’s face, since you have accepted me. 11 Please take my present that was brought to you, because God has been gracious to me and I have everything I need.” So Jacob urged him until he accepted.12 Then Esau said, “Let’s move on, and I’ll go ahead of you.”
Genesis 33:10-12 (CSB)
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18 (CSB)
He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (CSB)
Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak. 25 When the man saw that he could not defeat him, he struck Jacob’s hip socket as they wrestled and dislocated his hip. 26 Then he said to Jacob, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.”But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
Genesis 32:25-26 (CSB)
But if you are without discipline—which all receive—then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we had human fathers discipline us, and we respected them. Shouldn’t we submit even more to the Father of spirits and live?10 For they disciplined us for a short time based on what seemed good to them, but he does it for our benefit, so that we can share his holiness. 11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
Hebrews 12:8-11 (CSB)
2. I Am Yielded
Then he said to Jacob, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
Genesis 32:26 (CSB)
3. I Am Changed
“What is your name?” the man asked. “Jacob,” he replied. 28 “Your name will no longer be Jacob,” he said. “It will be Israel because you have struggled with God and with men and have prevailed.”
Genesis 32:26-27 (CSB)
4. I Am Blessed
Then he said to Jacob, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.”
Genesis 32:26 (CSB)
5. I Am Thankful
Jacob then named the place Peniel, “For I have seen God face to face,” he said, “yet my life has been spared.”
Genesis 32:30 (CSB)
By faith Jacob, was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and he worshipped leaning on the top of his staff.
Hebrews 11:21 (CSB)
Jacob resumed his journey and went to the eastern country. 2 He looked and saw a well in a field…Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. 10 As soon as Jacob saw his uncle Laban’s daughter Rachel with his sheep, he went up and rolled the stone from the opening and watered his uncle Laban’s sheep. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept loudly.
Genesis 29:1-11 (CSB)
2. TRUE LOVE WORKS
So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, and they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.
Genesis 29:20 (CSB)
But if anyone does not provide for his own family, especially for his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
1 Timothy 5:8 (CSB)
That evening, Laban took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and he slept with her. 24 And Laban gave his slave Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her slave. 25 When morning came, there was Leah! So he said to Laban, “What have you done to me? Wasn’t it for Rachel that I worked for you? Why have you deceived me?”
Genesis 29:23-25 (CSB)
And Jacob did just that. He finished the week of celebration, and Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife. 29 And Laban gave his slave Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her slave. 30 Jacob slept with Rachel also, and indeed, he loved Rachel more than Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years.
Genesis 29:28 (CSB)
3. TRUE LOVE WAITS
So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, and they seemed like only a few days
to him because of his love for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, “Since my time is complete, give me my wife, so I can sleep with her.”
Genesis 29:20-21 (CSB)
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV)
Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. 11 He reached a certain place and spent the night there because the sun had set. He took one of the stones from the place, put it there at his head, and lay down in that place. 12 And he dreamed: A stairway was set on the ground with its top reaching the sky, and God’s angels were going up and down on it. 13 The Lord was standing there beside him, saying, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac.
Genesis 28:10-13 (CSB)
“Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 Then he said, “Truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
John 1:49-51 (CSB)
2. GOD IS NEAR…I AM NEVER ALONE
Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go.
Genesis 28:15 (CSB)
When Jacob awoke from his sleep, he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 He was afraid and said, “What an awesome place this is! This is none other than the house of God. This is the gate of heaven.”
Genesis 28:16-17 (CSB)
Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you.
Hebrews 13:5 CSB
3. GOD IS GRACIOUS…I AM ALWAYS BLESSED
The Lord was standing there beside him, saying, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your offspring the land on which you are lying. 14 Your offspring will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out toward the west, the east, the north, and the south. All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. 15 Look, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go. I will bring you back to this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Genesis 28:13-15 (CSB)
4. GOD IS HELPFUL…I AM THOROUGHLY CAPABLE
Then Jacob made a vow: “If God will be with me and watch over me during this journey I’m making, if he provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear, 21 and if I return safely to my father’s family, then the Lord will be my God. 22 This stone that I have set up as a marker will be God’s house, and I will give to you a tenth of all that you give me.”
Genesis 28:20-22 (CSB)
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:13 (CSB)
Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention.
Matthew 7:13 (Mess)
Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and lentil stew. Esau ate and drank and went on about his business, indifferent to the fact that he had given up his birthright.
Genesis 25:34 (NLT)
Overcome Shortcuts with…
1) Persevering Patience
Jacob replied to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you told me. Please sit up and eat some of my game so that you may bless me.”20 But Isaac said to his son, “How did you ever find it so quickly, my son? ”He replied, “Because the Lord your God made it happen for me.”
Genesis 27:19-20 (CSB)
2) Total Trust
So he said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? For he has cheated me twice now. He took my birthright, and look, now he has taken my blessing.” Then he asked, “Haven’t you saved a blessing for me?”37 But Isaac answered Esau, “Look, I have made him a master over you, have given him all of his relatives as his servants, and have sustained him with grain and new wine. What then can I do for you, my son?”
Genesis 27:36-37 (CSB)
The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.”
Genesis 25:23 (NIV)
Esau said, “Isn’t he rightly named Jacob? He has deceived me these two times: He took my birthright, and now he’s taken my blessing!” Then he asked, “Haven’t you reserved any blessing for me?”
Genesis 27:36 (NIV)
But Isaac answered Esau, “Look, I have made him a master over you, have given him all of his relatives as his servants, and have sustained him with grain and new wine. What then can I do for you, my son?”
Genesis 27:37 (CSB)
Isaac sowed seed in that land, and in that year he reaped a hundred times what was sown. The Lord blessed him, 13 and the man became rich and kept getting richer until he was very wealthy.
Genesis 26:12-13 (CSB)
And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Leave us, for you are much too powerful for us.” 17 So Isaac left there, camped in the Gerar Valley, and lived there.
Genesis 26:16-17 (CSB)
How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ.
Ephesians 1:3 (NLT)
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he.
Proverbs 23:7 (KJV)
2. Refocus on the Provider
And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Leave us, for you are much too powerful for us.” 17 So Isaac left there, camped in the Gerar Valley, and lived there. 18 Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham and that the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. He gave them the same names his father had given them. 19 Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of spring water there. 20 But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek because they argued with him. 21 Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also, so he named it Sitnah. 22 He moved from there and dug another, and they did not quarrel over it. He named it Rehoboth and said, “For now the Lord has made space for us, and we will be fruitful in the land.”
Genesis 26:16-22 (CSB)
3. Remember God is with you
From there he went up to Beer-sheba, 24 and the Lord appeared to him that night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your offspring because of my servant Abraham.”25 So he built an altar there, called on the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there. Isaac’s servants also dug a well there.
Genesis 26:23-25 (CSB)
4. Glorify God always
Now Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. 27 Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me? You hated me and sent me away from you.”28 They replied, “We have clearly seen how the Lord has been with you. We think there should be an oath between two parties—between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you: 29 You will not harm us, just as we have not harmed you but have done only what was good to you, sending you away in peace. You are now blessed by the Lord.”30 So he prepared a banquet for them, and they ate and drank.
Genesis 26:26-30 (CSB)
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18 (NIV)
These are the family records of Isaac son of Abraham. Abraham fathered Isaac. 20 Isaac was forty years old when he took as his wife Rebekah daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan-aram and sister of Laban the Aramean. 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord was receptive to his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived. 22 But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her: Two nations are in your womb; two peoples will come from you and be separated. One people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.
Genesis 25:19-23 (CSB)
Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless.
Genesis 25:21 (CSB)
But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.
Genesis 25:22 (CSB)
Never stop praying.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (GW)
2. SELF
When the boys grew up, Esau became an expert hunter, an outdoorsman, but Jacob was a quiet man who stayed at home. 28 Isaac loved Esau because he had a taste for wild game, but Rebekah loved Jacob.29 Once when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the field exhausted. 30 He said to Jacob, “Let me eat some of that red stuff, because I’m exhausted.” That is why he was also named Edom. 31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.”32 “Look,” said Esau, “I’m about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?”33 Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So he swore to Jacob and sold his birthright to him. 34 Then Jacob gave bread and lentil stew to Esau; he ate, drank, got up, and went away. So Esau despised his birthright.
Genesis 25:27-34 (CSB)
And make sure that there isn’t any immoral or irreverent person like Esau, who sold his birthright in exchange for a single meal. 17 For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, even though he sought it with tears, because he didn’t find any opportunity for repentance.
Hebrews 12:16-17 (CSB)
When Esau was forty years old, he took as his wives Judith daughter of Beeri the Hethite, and Basemath daughter of Elon the Hethite. 35 They made life bitter for Isaac and Rebekah.
Genesis 26:34 (CSB)
By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and, he worshiped, leaning on the top of his staff.
Hebrews 11:21 (CSB)
My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel. Then you will learn to be discreet and will store up knowledge.
Proverbs 5:1-2 (NLT)
2. Train your kids to run from temptation
The lips of an immoral woman are as sweet as honey, and her mouth is smoother than oil. But the result is as bitter as poison, sharp as a double-edged sword. Her feet go down to death; her steps lead straight to the grave. For she does not care about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t even realize where it leads. So now, my sons, listen to me. Never stray from what I am about to say: Run from her! Don’t go near the door of her house! Proverbs 5:3-8 (NLT)
Can a man scoop fire into his lap without his clothes being burned? Can a man walk on hot coals without his feet being scorched? So is he who sleeps with another man’s wife; no one who touches her will go unpunished.
Proverbs 6:27-29 (NIV)
3. Talk to your kids about consequences of sexual sin
A. Keep your wealth
Strangers will obtain your wealth, and someone else will enjoy the fruit of your labor.
Proverbs 5:10 (NLT)
B. Uphold your health
Afterward you will groan in anguish when disease consumes your body.
Proverbs 5:11 (NLT)
C. Value your reputation
I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.”
Proverbs 5:14 (NLT)
D. Don’t leave God out
But the man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself.
Proverbs 6:32 (NLT)
4. Teach your kids to thrive in marriage
Drink water from your own well—share your love only with your wife. Why spill the water of your springs in public, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Don’t share it with strangers. Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving doe, a graceful deer. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love. Why be captivated, my son, with an immoral woman, or embrace the breasts of an adulterous woman? For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his incredible folly.
Proverbs 5:15-23 (NLT)
Should your springs overflow in the streets, your streams of water in the public squares?
Proverbs 5:16 (NIV)
May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
Proverbs 5:18 (NIV)
A loving doe, a graceful deer–may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.
Proverbs 5:19 (NIV)
And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:15-17 (CSB)
2. The Wife Chair—She Supports
Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Colossians 3:18 (CSB)
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
But I want you to know that Christ is the head of every man, and the man is the head of the woman, and God is the head of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:3 (CSB)
3. The Husband/Dad Chair—He Loves and Encourages
Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Colossians 3:19 (NIV)
In the same way, husbands are to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself.
Ephesians 5:28 (CSB)
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they won’t become discouraged.
Colossians 3:21 (CSB)
Fathers, don’t stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Ephesians 6:4 (CSB)
4. The Kid Chair—They Obey
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Colossians 3:20 (CSB)
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise, 3 so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (CSB)
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes.
Romans 12:17 (CSB)
2. Pursuing Peace
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Romans 12:18 (CSB)
3. Trusting God
Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead, leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.
Romans 12:19 (CSB)
When the disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to call down fire from heaven to consume them?”
Luke 9:54 (CSB)
4. Extending Grace
But If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.
Romans 12:20 (CSB)
5. Overcoming Evil
Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21 (CSB)
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness—without it no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 (CSB)
“I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 (NIV)
Even when Job was in pain and distress, he said to the Lord,” ‘I know that You can do all things. No plan of Yours can be thwarted’”
Job 42:2 (NKHV)
The archangel Gabriel reassured Mary by saying, “With God nothing will be impossible”
Luke 1:37 (ESV)
1. HE’S POWERFUL ENOUGH TO PROVIDE FOR YOU
Not only is God able to save you, but He’s able to meet all of your needs. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 (CSB)
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
Luke 6:38 (NLT)
For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord gives grace and glory; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.
Psalm 84:11 (CSB)
2. HE’S POWERFUL ENOUGH TO HEAL YOU
As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” 28 When he entered the house, the blind men approached him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I can do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.”29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
Matthew 9:27-29 (CSB)
3. HE’S POWERFUL ENOUGH TO STRENGTHEN YOU
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
4. HE’S POWERFUL ENOUGH TO SAVE YOU
Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.
Hebrews 7:25 (CSB)
For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.
James 2:10 (ESV)
That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:12 (NIV)
I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth?
Jeremiah 23:24 (GN)
Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? 8 If I go up to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there.
Psalm 139:7-8 (CSB)
For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39 (CSB)
If I live at the eastern horizon [or] settle at the western limits,10 even there Your hand will lead me; Your right hand will hold on to me.
Psalm 139:9-10 (CSB)
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me, and the light around me will become night” 12even the darkness is not dark to You. The night shines like the day; darkness and light are alike to You.
Psalm 139:11-12 (CSB)
God’s Presence… 1. Comforts Me When I’m Afraid
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you.
Isaiah 43:2 (CSB)
I am always aware of the Lord’s presence; he is near, and nothing can shake me. And so I am thankful and glad, and I feel completely secure…
Psalm 16:8-9 (GN)
God’s Presence… 2. Helps Me When I’m In Need
Keep your life free from the love of money. Be satisfied with what you have, for he himself has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. 6 Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 (CSB)
I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?
Hebrews 13:5-6 (CSB)
I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. 12 I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. 13 I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:12-13 (CSB)
God’s Presence… 3. Empowers Me When I’m Tempted
No temptation has come upon you except what is common to humanity. But God is faithful; he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to bear it.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (CSB)
Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God?
1 Corinthians 6:19 (CSB)
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
Hebrews 4:13 (NIV)
God’s Presence… 4. Assures Me When I’m Alone
The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8 (CSB)
You reveal the path of life to me; in your presence is abundant joy; at your right hand are eternal pleasures.
Psalm 16:11 (CSB)
He counts the number of the stars; he gives names to all of them.5 Our Lord is great, vast in power; his understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:4-5 CSB
What Does God Know?
1. God Knows My Faults
For a man’s ways are before the Lord’s eyes, and he considers all his paths.
Proverbs 5:21 (CSB)
The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.
Proverbs 28:13 (CSB)
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (CSB)
2. God Knows My Hurts
Lord, you have searched me and known me.
Psalm 139:1 (CSB)
You know how troubled I am; you have kept a record of my tears.
Psalm 56:6 (GNT)
He heals the brokenhearted and bandages their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 (CSB)
…casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 (CSB)
Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB)
3. God Knows My Needs
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Who among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone?
Matthew 7:8-9 (CSB)
4. God Knows My Future
Your eyes saw me when I was formless; all my days were written in your book and planned before a single one of them began.
Psalm 139:16 (NLT)
For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the Lord’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (CSB)
On one of those days while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and also from Jerusalem. And the Lord’s power to heal was in him.18 Just then some men came, carrying on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed. They tried to bring him in and set him down before him. 19 Since they could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd before Jesus. 20 Seeing their faith he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.” 21 Then the scribes and the Pharisees began to think to themselves, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” But perceiving their thoughts, Jesus replied to them, “Why are you thinking this in your hearts? 23 Which is easier: to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24 But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he told the paralyzed man, “I tell you: Get up, take your stretcher, and go home.” 25 Immediately he got up before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. 26 Then everyone was astounded, and they were giving glory to God. And they were filled with awe and said, “We have seen incredible things today.”
Luke 5: 17-26 (CSB)
1. I Need Friends…Who Have A Working Faith
Just then some men came, carrying on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed. They tried to bring him in and set him down before him. 19 Since they could not find a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the roof tiles into the middle of the crowd before Jesus.
Luke 5:18-19 (CSB)
2. I Need Friends…Who Have An Inspiring Faith
Seeing their faith he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:20 (CSB)
3. I Need Jesus…To Encourage Me
Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”
Matthew 9:2 (NLT)
4. I Need Jesus…To Forgive Me
Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, “Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven.”
Matthew 9:2 (NLT)
Seeing their faith he said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”
Luke 5:20 (CSB)
The prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up; if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed.
James 5:15-16 (CSB)
5. I Need Jesus…To Heal Me
So I will prove to you that the Son of Man has the authority on earth to forgive sins.” Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and go home!”
Matthew 9:6 (NLT)
On one of those days while he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea, and also from Jerusalem. And the Lord’s power to heal was in him.
Luke 5:17 (NLT)
I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for and confidently expect the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for and confidently expect the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 (AMP)
1. I Will See God’s Goodness
I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 27:13 (AMP)
A. I Will See God’s Goodness Through Prayer
Lord, hear my voice when I call; be gracious to me and answer me. My heart says this about you: “Seek his face.” Lord, I will seek your face.
Psalm 27:7-8 (CSB)
B. I Will See God’s Goodness Through Pain
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord cares for me. Because of my adversaries, show me your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path.
Psalm 27:10-11 (CSB)
Because of my adversaries, show me your way, Lord, and lead me on a level path. Do not give me over to the will of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing violence.
Psalm 27:11-12 (CSB)
2. I Will Wait For God’s Goodness
I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 (CSB)
While I wait I…
A. Stay Strong
B. Take Heart
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 (NIV)
C. Keep Waiting
Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 (NLT)
I am certain that I will see the Lord’s goodness in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous.† Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:13-14 (CSB)
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread?
Psalm 27:1 (CSB)
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Proverbs 29:25 (NIV)
2) The Lord Delivers Me
The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread?
Psalm 27:1 (CSB)
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—whom should I dread?
Psalm 27:1 (CSB)
When evildoers came against me to devour my flesh, my foes and my enemies stumbled and fell.
Psalm 27:2 (CSB)
3) The Lord Calms Me
Though an army deploys against me, my heart will not be afraid; though a war breaks out against me, I will still be confident.
Psalm 27:3 (CSB)
4) The Lord Protects Me
I have asked one thing from the Lord; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the Lord and seeking him in his temple. For he will conceal me in his shelter in the day of adversity; he will hide me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock.
Psalm 27:4-5 (CSB)
5) The Lord Empowers Me
For he will conceal me in his shelter in the day of adversity; he will hide me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. Then my head will be high above my enemies around me; I will offer sacrifices in his tent with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the Lord.
Psalm 27:5-6 (CSB)
Again, I saw futility under the sun: 8 There is a person without a companion, without even a son or brother, and though there is no end to all his struggles, his eyes are still not content with riches. “Who am I struggling for,” he asks, “and depriving myself of good things?” This too is futile and a miserable task.
Ecclesiastes 4:7-8 (CSB)
2. Solution—God created us for relationships
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 (CSB)
3. Why?
A. Effectiveness
Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their efforts.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 (CSB)
B. Perseverance
For if either falls, his companion can lift him up; but pity the one who falls without another to lift him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:10 (CSB)
Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted also.
Galatians 6:1 (CSB)
C. Comfort Each Other
Also, if two lie down together, they can keep warm; but how can one person alone keep warm?
Ecclesiastes 4:11 (CSB)
Do not be misled: “bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Corinthians 15:33 (CSB)
Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.
Ephesians 4:26 (CSB)
D. Protection
And if someone overpowers one person, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not easily broken.
Ecclesiastes 4:12 (CSB)
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (CSB)
1. God Is The Lord of Peace
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (CSB)
The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Romans 16:20 (KJV)
Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NIV)
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 29:11 (NIV)
2. The Lord Gives Me Peace
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (CSB)
Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.
John 14:27 (CSB)
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (CSB)
3. The Lord Gives Me Peace In All Circumstances
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (CSB)
WHEN I’M WORRIED
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)
WHEN I’M IRRITATED
Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:14 (NLT)
WHEN I’M DISTRACTED
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (NLT)
4. The Lord Gives Peace To All
May the Lord of peace himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 (CSB)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 (CSB)
1. I Sought Him
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 (CSB)
Young lions lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the Lord will not lack any good thing.
Psalm 34:10 (CSB)
Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jecoliah; she was from Jerusalem. 4 He did what was right in the Lord’s sight just as his father Amaziah had done. 5 He sought God throughout the lifetime of Zechariah, the teacher of the fear of God. During the time that he sought the Lord, God gave him success.
2 Chronicles 26:5 (CSB)
But when he became strong, he grew arrogant, and it led to his own destruction.
2 Chronicles 26:16 (CSB)
2. He Answered Me
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 (CSB)
For the LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD grants favor and honor; he does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity.
Psalm 84:11 (CSV)
But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
James 1:6-7 (NIV)
3. He Delivered Me
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and rescued me from all my fears.
Psalm 34:4 (CSB)
Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over—will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”
Luke 6:38 (CSB)
The Lord is for me; I will not be afraid. What can a mere mortal do to me?
Psalm 118:6
In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.
Ephesians 6:16 (CSB)
The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to break camp. 16 As for you, lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground. 17 As for me, I am going to harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them, and I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh, all his army, and his chariots and horsemen.
Exodus 14:15-17 (CSB)
These all died in faith without having received the promises, but they saw them from a distance, greeted them, and confessed that they were foreigners and temporary residents on the earth.
Hebrews 11:13 (CSB)
By faith they crossed the Red Sea as though they were on dry land. When the Egyptians attempted to do this, they were drowned.
Hebrews 11:29 (CSB)
2. The Lord Acts…GET MOVING
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. The Lord drove the sea back with a powerful east wind all that night and turned the sea into dry land. So the waters were divided,22 and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left.
Exodus 14:21-22 (CSB)
3. The Lord Saves…GET EXCITED
But the Israelites had walked through the sea on dry ground, with the waters like a wall to them on their right and their left. 30 That day the Lord saved Israel from the power of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.
Exodus 14:29-30 (CSB)
The Lord said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to break camp.
Exodus 14:15 (CSB)
How can I come through a crisis STRONGER THAN EVER?
1. Trust In God’s Direction
When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, “The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war.” 18 So he led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt in battle formation.
Exodus 13:17-18 (CSB)
2. Rely On God’s Promises
Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, because Joseph had made the Israelites swear a solemn oath, saying, “God will certainly come to your aid; then you must take my bones with you from this place.”
Exodus 13:19 (CSB)
3. Follow God’s Presence
They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21 The Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to lead them on their way during the day and in a pillar of fire to give them light at night, so that they could travel day or night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night never left its place in front of the people.
Exodus 13:20-22 (CSB)
4. Glorify God’s Faithfulness
Then the Lord spoke to Moses: 2 “Tell the Israelites to turn back and camp in front of Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea; you must camp in front of Baal-zephon, facing it by the sea. 3 Pharaoh will say of the Israelites: They are wandering around the land in confusion; the wilderness has boxed them in. 4 I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. Then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord.” So the Israelites did this.
Exodus 14:1-4 (CSB)
5. Wait For God Deliverance
But Moses said to the people, “Don’t be afraid. Stand firm and see the Lord’s salvation that he will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians you see today, you will never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you must be quiet.”
Exodus 14:13-14 (CSB)
When Elisha returned to Gilgal, there was a famine in the land. The sons of the prophets were sitting before him. He said to his attendant, “Put on the large pot and make stew for the sons of the prophets.”
2 Kings 4:38 (CSB)
Look, the days are coming—this is the declaration of the Lord God—when I will send a famine through the land:
not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.
Amos 8:11 (CSB)
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Matthew 5:6 (CSB)
2. I Am Sick…Jesus is my healer
One went out to the field to gather herbs and found a wild vine from which he gathered as many wild gourds as his garment would hold. Then he came back and cut them up into the pot of stew, but they were unaware of what they were. 40 They served some for the men to eat, but when they ate the stew they cried out, “There’s death in the pot, man of God!” And they were unable to eat it.
2 Kings 4:39-40 (CSB)
Now when he heard this, he said, “It is not those who are well who need adoctor, but those who are sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy and not sacrifice. For I didn’t come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Matthew 9:12-13 (CSB)
3. I Am Saved…Jesus is my Savior
Then Elisha said, “Get some flour.” He threw it into the pot and said, “Serve it for the people to eat.” And there was nothing bad in the pot.
2 Kings 4:41 (CSB)
But Elisha’s attendant asked, “What? Am I to set this before a hundred men?” “Give it to the people to eat,” Elisha said, “for this is what the Lord says: ‘They will eat, and they will have some left over.’” 44 So he set it before them, and as the Lord had promised, they ate and had some left over.
2 Kings 4:43-44 (CSB)
I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.
John 6:35 (CSB)
So he answered me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by strength or by might, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord of Armies.”
Zachariah 4:6 (CSB)
Winning Spiritual battles
1. OPEN YOUR WINDOW—PERPSECTIVE
Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Grasp the bow.” So the king grasped it, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. 17 Elisha said, “Open the east window.” So he opened it. Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. Then Elisha said, “The Lord’s arrow of victory, yes, the arrow of victory over Aram.
2 Kings 13:16-17 (CSB)
For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
Deuteronomy 20:4 (NIV)
2. AIM YOUR BOW – PREPARTAION
Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Grasp the bow.” So the king grasped it, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. Elisha said, “Open the east window.” So he opened it. Elisha said, “Shoot!” So he shot. Then Elisha said, “The Lord’s arrow of victory, yes, the arrow of victory over Aram. You are to strike down the Arameans in Aphek until you have put an end to them.”
Then Elisha said, “Take the arrows!” So he took them. Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!”
2 Kings 13:16-18 (CSB)
3. SHOOT YOUR ARROWS – PERSEVERANCE
Then Elisha said, “Take the arrows!” So he took them. Then Elisha said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground!” So he struck the ground three times and stopped. 19 The man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times. Then you would have struck down Aram until you had put an end to them, but now you will strike down Aram only three times.
2 Kings 13:18-19 (CSB)
Some time later, King Ben-hadad of Aram brought all his military units together and marched up and laid siege to Samaria. So there was a severe famine in Samaria, and they continued the siege against it until a donkey’s head sold for thirty-four ounces of silver, and a cup of dove’s dung sold for two ounces of silver.
2 Kings 6:24-24 (CSB)
Elisha replied, “Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord says: ‘About this time tomorrow at Samaria’s gate, six quarts of fine flour will sell for a half ounce of silver and twelve quarts of barley will sell for a half ounce of silver.’…”
2 Kings 7:1 (CSB)
2. Skepticism
Then the captain, the king’s right-hand man, responded to the man of God, “Look, even if the Lord were to make windows in heaven, could this really happen?”
2 Kings 7:2 (CSB)
3. Evangelism
So the diseased men got up at twilight to go to the Arameans’ camp. When they came to the camp’s edge, they discovered that no one was there, 6 for the Lord had caused the Aramean camp to hear the sound of chariots, horses, and a large army. The Arameans had said to each other, “The king of Israel must have hired the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to attack us.” So they had gotten up and fled at twilight, abandoning their tents, horses, and donkeys. The camp was intact, and they had fled for their lives.
2 Kings 7:5-8 (CSB)
Then they said to each other, “We’re not doing what is right. Today is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until morning light, our punishment will catch up with us. So let’s go tell the king’s household.”
2 Kings 7:9 (CSB)
4. Favortism
Then the people went out and plundered the Aramean camp. It was then that six quarts of fine flour sold for a half ounce of silver and twelve quarts of barley sold for a half ounce of silver, according to the word of the Lord.
2 Kings 7:16 (CSB)
She summoned her husband and said, “Please send me one of the servants and one of the donkeys, so I can hurry to the man of God and come back again.”23 But he said, “Why go to him today? It’s not a New Moon or a Sabbath.” She replied, “It’s all right.”24 Then she saddled the donkey and said to her servant, “Go fast; don’t slow the pace for me unless I tell you.” 25 So she came to the man of God at Mount Carmel…
2 Kings 4:22-25 (CSB)
Don’t you know that the runners in a stadium all race, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way to win the prize… 26 So I do not run like one who runs aimlessly or box like one beating the air. 27 Instead, I discipline my body and bring it under strict control, so that after preaching to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (CSB)
2. STAY IN FAITH
When she came up to the man of God at the mountain, she clung to his feet. Gehazi came to push her away, but the man of God said, “Leave her alone—she is in severe anguish, and the Lord has hidden it from me. He hasn’t told me.”28 Then she said, “Did I ask my lord for a son? Didn’t I say, ‘Do not lie to me?’”
2 Kings 4:27-28 (CSB)
3. STAY IN TOUCH
When Elisha got to the house, he discovered the boy lying dead on his bed. 33 So he went in, closed the door behind the two of them, and prayed to the Lord. 34 Then he went up and lay on the boy: he put mouth to mouth, eye to eye, hand to hand. While he bent down over him, the boy’s flesh became warm. 35 Elisha got up, went into the house, and paced back and forth. Then he went up and bent down over him again. The boy sneezed seven times and opened his eyes.
2 Kings 4:32-35 (CSB)
He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
2 Corinthians 5:21 (CSB)
The sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Please notice that the place where we live under your supervision is too small for us. 2 Please let us go to the Jordan where we can each get a log and can build ourselves a place to live there.” “Go,” he said. 3 Then one said, “Please come with your servants.” “I’ll come,” he answered.4 So he went with them, and when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 As one of them was cutting down a tree, the iron ax head fell into the water, and he cried out, “Oh, my master, it was borrowed!” 6 Then the man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, the man of God cut a piece of wood, threw it there, and made the iron float. 7 Then he said, “Pick it up.” So he reached out and took it.
2 Kings 6:1-7 (CSB)
If the ax is dull, and one does not sharpen its edge, then one must exert more strength; however, the advantage of wisdom is that it brings success.
Ecclesiastes 10:10 (CSB)
How Can I Stay Spiritually Sharp?
1. Admit It
But as one of them was cutting a tree, his ax head fell into the river. “Oh, sir!” he cried. “It was a borrowed ax!”
1 Kings 6:5 (CSB)
2. Return To It
Then the man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, the man of God cut a piece of wood, threw it there, and made the iron float.
2 Kings 6:6 (CSB)
3. Believe It
Then the man of God asked, “Where did it fall?” When he showed him the place, the man of God cut a piece of wood, threw it there, and made the iron float.
2 Kings 6:6 (CSB)
4. Take It
Then he said, “Pick it up.” So he reached out and took it.
2 Kings 6:7 (CSB)
Now Naaman was commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great man in the sight of his master and highly regarded, because through him the Lord had given victory to Aram. He was a valiant soldier, but he had leprosy.
2 Kings 5:1 (NIV)
2. Everybody Needs Good News
Now bands of raiders from Aram had gone out and had taken captive a young girl from Israel, and she served Naaman’s wife. 3 She said to her mistress, “If only my master would see the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.”
2 Kings 5:2-3 (NIV)
Naaman went to his master and told him what the girl from Israel had said. 5 “By all means, go,” the king of Aram replied. “I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” So Naaman left, taking with him ten talents of silver, six thousand shekels of gold and ten sets of clothing. 6 The letter that he took to the king of Israel read: “With this letter I am sending my servant Naaman to you so that you may cure him of his leprosy.” As soon as the king of Israel read the letter, he tore his robes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy? See how he is trying to pick a quarrel with me!”
2 Kings 5:4-7 (NIV)
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)
If you have suffered you are coming out of this stronger. He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:3 (NIV)
3. Everybody Can Respond With Real Obedience
When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: “Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.”
2 Kings 5:8 (NIV)
So Naaman went with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Elisha’s house. 10 Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.”
2 Kings 5:9-10 (NIV)
But Naaman went away angry and said, “I thought that he would surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the spot and cure me of my leprosy. 12 Are not Abana and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? Couldn’t I wash in them and be cleansed?” So he turned and went off in a rage.
2 Kings 5:11-12 (NIV)
Naaman’s servants went to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed’!” 14 So he went down and dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, as the man of God had told him, and his flesh was restored and became clean like that of a young boy.
2 Kings 5:8-13 (NIV)
4. Everybody Needs A Changed Heart
Then Naaman and all his attendants went back to the man of God. He stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the world except in Israel. So please accept a gift from your servant.” The prophet answered, “As surely as the Lord lives, whom I serve, I will not accept a thing.” And even though Naaman urged him, he refused.
2 Kings 5:15-16 (NIV)
After Naaman had traveled some distance, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said to himself, “My master was too easy on Naaman, this Aramean, by not accepting from him what he brought. As surely as the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” So Gehazi hurried after Naaman. When Naaman saw him running toward him, he got down from the chariot to meet him. “Is everything all right?” he asked. “Everything is all right,” Gehazi answered. “My master sent me to say, ‘Two young men from the company of the prophets have just come to me from the hill country of Ephraim. Please give them a talent of silver and two sets of clothing.’”
2 Kings 5:19-22 (NIV)
When he went in and stood before his master, Elisha asked him, “Where have you been, Gehazi?” “Your servant didn’t go anywhere,” Gehazi answered. But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow.
2 Kings 5:19-27 (NIV)
One of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, has died. You know that your servant feared the Lord. Now the creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves.” Elisha asked her, “What can I do for you?
2 Kings 4:1-2 (CSB)
2. Work With What You’ve Got
Elisha asked her, “What can I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She said, “Your servant has nothing in the house except a jar of oil.”
2 Kings 4:2 (CSB)
After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath became judge. He also delivered Israel, striking down six hundred Philistines with a cattle prod.
Judges 3:31 (CSB)
3. Expand What You Have
Then he said, “Go out and borrow empty containers from all your neighbors. Do not get just a few. Then go in and shut the door behind you and your sons, and pour oil into all these containers. Set the full ones to one side.” So she left. After she had shut the door behind her and her sons, they kept bringing her containers, and she kept pouring. When they were full, she said to her son, “Bring me another container.” But he replied, “There aren’t any more.” Then the oil stopped.
2 Kings 4:3-7 (CSB)
Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also those of wood and clay; some for honorable use and some for dishonorable. 21 So if anyone purifies himself from anything dishonorable, he will be a special instrument, set apart, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
2 Timothy 2:20-21 (CSB)
4. Celebrate What You Receive
She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go sell the oil and pay your debt; you and your sons can live on the rest.”
2 Kings 4:7 (CSB)
Give, and it will be given to you; a good measure — pressed down, shaken together, and running over — will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38 (CSB)
Then Elisha died and was buried. Now Moabite raiders used to come into the land in the spring of the year. Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a raiding party, so they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. When he touched Elisha’s bones, the man revived and stood up!
2 Kings 13:20-21 (CSB)
But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit. Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split. The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And they came out of the tombs after his resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.
Matthew 27:50-53 (CSB)
1. I Am Dead
Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a raiding party, so they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb.
2Kings 13:20 (CSB)
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins 2 in which you previously lived according to the ways of this world.
Ephesians 2:1-2 (CSB)
So, you too consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:11 (CSB)
2. I Am Touched
Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a raiding party, so they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. When he touched Elisha’s bones, the man revived and stood up!
2 Kings 13:21 (CSB)
3. I Am Raised
My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection.
Philippians 3:10 (CSB)
Once, as the Israelites were burying a man, suddenly they saw a raiding party, so they threw the man into Elisha’s tomb. When he touched Elisha’s bones, the man revived and stood up!
2 Kings 13:21 (CSB)
How does the resurrection power of Jesus work in me?
A) Total Dependence On The Lord
“My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT)
B) Fervent Love For Others
We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.
1 John 3:14 (CSB)
C) Consistent Power Over My Past
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)
Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.”
Luke 7:9 (CSB)
1. My Faith Is Built In Times Of Great Need
A centurion’s servant, who was highly valued by him, was sick and about to die. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, requesting him to come and save the life of his servant. When they reached Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy for you to grant this, because he loves our nation and has built us a synagogue.”
Luke 7:2-5 (CSB)
2. My Faith Is Built Through Great Humility
Jesus went with them, and when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to tell him, “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, since I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. That is why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I too am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under my command. I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
Luke 7:6-8 (CSB)
3. My Faith Is Built By A Great Savior
Jesus heard this and was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found so great a faith even in Israel.” When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.
Luke 7:9-10 (CSB)
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.”
John 14:27 (NLT)
But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things.
John 14:26 (AMP)
2. Jesus Gives Different Peace
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful…”
John 14:27 (CSB)
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world”
John 16:33
3. Jesus Gives Abundant Peace
“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful…”
John 14:27 (CSB)
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.
John 14:1 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
