I also saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?” 3 But no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or even to look in it. 4 I wept and wept because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or even to look in it. Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Look, the Lion from the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered so that he is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Then I saw one like a slaughtered lamb standing in the midst of the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth.
Revelation 5:1-6 (CSB)
Judah is a young lion—my son, you return from the kill. He crouches; he lies down like a lion or a lioness—who dares to rouse him? The scepter will not depart from Judah or the staff from between his feet until he whose right it is comes and the obedience of the peoples belongs to him.
Genesis 49:9-10 (CSB)
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:29 (CSB)
Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war.
Revelation 19:11 (CSB)
2. Because He’s Magnificent
His eyes were like a fiery flame, and many crowns were on his head. He had a name written that no one knows except himself.
Revelation 19:12 (CSB)
3. Because He’s Transformative
He wore a robe dipped in blood, and his name is called the Word of God.
Revelation 19:13 (CSB)
For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Hebrews 4:12 (CSB)
Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.
Proverbs 30:5 (CSB)
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.
John 1:1-3 (CSB)
4. Because He’s Triumphant
And he has a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Revelation 19:16 (CSB)
Then I fell at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers and sisters who hold firmly to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, because the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
Revelation 19:10 (CSB)
A star will come from Jacob, and a scepter will arise from Israel.
Numbers 24:17 (CSB)
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to attest these things to you for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright Morning Star.”
Revelation 22:16 (CSB)
1. JESUS THE MORNING STAR GIVES DIRECTION
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of King Herod, wise men from the east arrived in Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star at its rising and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2 (CSB)
If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” and yet we walk in darkness, we are lying and are not practicing the truth. If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
1 John 1:6-7 (CSB)
2. JESUS THE MORNING STAR GIVES PERSPECTIVE
Jesus spoke to them again: “I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 (CSB)
3. JESUS THE MORNING STAR GIVES HOPE
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints.
Ephesians 1:18 (CSB)
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (CSB)
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “the one who is, who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Revelation 1:8 (CSB)
I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Revelation 22:13 (CSB)
1. Jesus Reveals Spiritual Truth
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through him, and apart from him not one thing was created that has been created.
John 1:1-3 (CSB)
For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through him and for him.17 He is before all things, and by him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:16-17 (CSB)
The one who has seen me has seen the Father.
John 14:9 (CSB)
2. Jesus Knows Everything
“Now we know that you know everything and don’t need anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.”
John 16:30 (CSB)
3. Jesus Provides What I Need
But I have received everything in full, and I have an abundance. I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus what you provided—a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:18-19 (CSB)
4. Jesus Finishes What He Starts
I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:6 (CSB)
…looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 (ASV)
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (CSB)
For every one of God’s promises is “Yes” in him. Therefore, through him we also say “Amen” to the glory of God.
2 Corinthians 1:20 (CSB)
Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
Romans 4:20-21 (NIV)
A. God is faithful in providing for you
And my God will supply all your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19 (CSB)
B. God is faithful to encourage you
I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:16 (CSB)
C. God is faithful in comforting you
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4 (CSB)
2. STRENGTHENS YOU
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (CSB)
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (CSB)
3. PROTECTS YOU
But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.
2 Thessalonians 3:3 (CSB)
The one who lives under the protection of the Most High dwells in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 (CSB)
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (NIV)
…and don’t give the devil an opportunity.
Ephesians 4:27 (CSB)
Living in Spiritual Victory requires me to…
1. Discern The Thoughts
…and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
2. Disperse The Weapons
For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does.4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.
2 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NIV)
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit — which is the word of God. Pray at all times in the Spirit.
Ephesians 6:17-18 (CSB)
3. Demolish The Strongholds
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Colossians 3:2 (NIV)
Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”4 He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
Matthew 4:3-4 (CSB)
Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” 7 Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.” Matthew 4:5-7 (CSB)
Be careful that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit based on human tradition, based on the elements of the world, rather than Christ.
Colossians 2:8 (CSB)
2. Get filled with the Spirit
When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him.
Matthew 3:16 (CSB)
Then Jesus left the Jordan, full of the Holy Spirit, and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness.
Luke 4:1 (CSB)
3. Understand the schemes of the enemy
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
Matthew 4:1-3 (CSB)
4. Believe you will overcome
Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.
Matthew 4:11 (CSB)
Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (CSB)
Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all of King Ahasuerus’s provinces, both near and far. 21 He ordered them to celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar every year 22 because during those days the Jews gained relief from their enemies. That was the month when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday. They were to be days of feasting, rejoicing, and of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.
Esther 9:20-22 (CSB)
2. Celebrate the Present—What God is doing
They fought on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar and rested on the fourteenth, and it became a day of feasting and rejoicing.18 But the Jews in Susa had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. They rested on the fifteenth day of the month, and it became a day of feasting and rejoicing.
Esther 9:17-18 (CSB)
3. Celebrate the Future—What God will continue to do
…the Jews bound themselves, their descendants, and all who joined with them to a commitment that they would not fail to celebrate these two days each and every year according to the written instructions and according to the time appointed. 28 These days are remembered and celebrated by every generation, family, province, and city, so that these days of Purim will not lose their significance in Jewish life and their memory will not fade from their descendants.
Esther 9:27-28 (CSB)
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 (CSB)
Mordecai the Jew was second only to King Ahasuerus. He was famous among the Jews and highly esteemed by many of his relatives. He continued to pursue prosperity for his people and to speak for the well-being of all his descendants.
Esther 10:3 (CSB)
Letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces telling the officials to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jewish people—young and old, women and children—and plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.
Esther 3:13 (CSB)
The king’s edict gave the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate every ethnic and provincial army hostile to them, including women and children, and to take their possessions as spoils of war.
Esther 8:11 (CSB)
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23 (CSB)
2. God Reverses My Sorrow
When Mordecai learned all that had occurred, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, went into the middle of the city, and cried loudly and bitterly. 2 He went only as far as the King’s Gate, since the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering the King’s Gate. 3 There was great mourning among the Jewish people in every province where the king’s command and edict reached. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.
Esther 4:1-3 (CSB)
Mordecai went from the king’s presence clothed in royal blue and white, with a great gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. The city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.
Esther 8:15 (CSB)
…weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.
Psalm 30:15 (NIV)
3. God Reverses My Situation
Have them bring a royal garment that the king himself has worn and a horse the king himself has ridden, which has a royal crown on its head. 9 Put the garment and the horse under the charge of one of the king’s most noble officials. Have them clothe the man the king wants to honor, parade him on the horse through the city square, and call out before him, ‘This is what is done for the man the king wants to honor.’” The king told Haman, “Hurry, and do just as you proposed. Take a garment and a horse for Mordecai the Jew, who is sitting at the King’s Gate. Do not leave out anything you have suggested.” 11 So Haman took the garment and the horse. He clothed Mordecai and paraded him through the city square, calling out before him, “This is what is done for the man the king wants to honor.”
Esther 6:8-11 (CSB)
The rest of the Jews in the royal provinces assembled, defended themselves, and gained relief from their enemies. They killed seventy-five thousand of those who hated them, but they did not seize any plunder.
Esther 9:16 (CSB)
1. Right Person God’s Person – Am I God’s Man or Woman?
The entire royal staff at the King’s Gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded this to be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage.
Esther 3:2 (CSB)
When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or paying him homage, he was filled with rage.
Esther 3:5 (CSB)
“All the royal officials and the people of the royal provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner courtyard and who has not been summoned—the death penalty—unless the king extends the gold scepter, allowing that person to live. I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the last thirty days.” …Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.” So Mordecai went and did everything Esther had commanded him.
Esther 3:11; 15-17 (CSB)
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
2. Right Place – Am I Where God Wants Me to Be?
On the third day, Esther dressed in her royal clothing and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace facing it. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing its entrance. As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she gained favor with him. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king asked her. “Whatever you want, even to half the kingdom, will be given to you.” “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for them.”
Esther 5:1-4 (CSB)
3. Right Time – Am I Following God’s Timing?
Who knows perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.
Esther 4:14 (CSB)
That night sleep escaped the king, so he ordered the book recording daily events to be brought and read to the king. They found the written report of how Mordecai had informed on Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, when they planned to assassinate King Ahasuerus. The king inquired, “What honor and special recognition have been given to Mordecai for this act?”
Esther 6:1-3 (CSB)
Again, on the second day while drinking wine, the king asked Esther, “Queen Esther, whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you seek, even to half the kingdom, will be done.” Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if the king is pleased, spare my life; this is my request. And spare my people; this is my desire. For my people and I have been sold to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept silent. Indeed, the trouble wouldn’t be worth burdening the king.” King Ahasuerus spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” Esther answered, “The adversary and enemy is this evil Haman.”
Esther 7:1-6 (CSB)
Mordecai was the legal guardian of his cousin Hadassah (that is, Esther), because she didn’t have a father or mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was extremely good-looking. When her father and mother died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter.
Esther 2:7 (CSB)
Esther did not reveal her ethnic background or her birthplace, because Mordecai had ordered her not to.
Esther 2:10 (CSB)
2. God elevates me through strategic relationships
Every day Mordecai took a walk in front of the harem’s courtyard to learn how Esther was doing and to see what was happening to her.
Esther 2:11 (CSB)
3. God elevates me through significant time
During the year before each young woman’s turn to go to King Ahasuerus, the harem regulation required her to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months and then with perfumes and cosmetics for [another] six months.
Esther 2:12 (CSB)
4. God elevates me through substantial favor
The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem’s best quarters.
Esther 2:9 (CSB)
Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted [her] as his own daughter. When her turn came to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, suggested. Esther won approval in the sight of everyone who saw her.
Esther 2:15 (CSB)
The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.
Esther 2:17 (CSB)
During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two eunuchs who guarded the [king’s] entrance, became infuriated and tried to assassinate King Ahasuerus. When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she told the king on Mordecai’s behalf.
Esther 2:21-22 (CSB)
Hallelujah! My soul, praise the Lord. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing to the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 146:1-2 (CSB)
2. Distraction Phase—I won’t let people take my eyes of the Lord
Do not trust in nobles, in a son of man, who cannot save. 4 When his breath leaves him, he returns to the ground; on that day his plans die.
Psalm 146:3-4 (CSB)
Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.
Psalm 146:5 (CSB)
3. Developmental Phase—I will build a life of praise by getting to know God
The Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. He remains faithful forever, executing justice for the exploited and giving food to the hungry. The Lord frees prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord raises up those who are oppressed. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects resident aliens and helps the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
Psalm 146:6-9 (CSB)
He’s Creator
The Maker of heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them…
Psalm 146:6 (CSB)
He’s Faithful
He remains faithful forever…
Psalm 146:6 (CSB)
He’s Just
…executing justice for the exploited and giving food to the hungry. The Lord frees prisoners.
Psalm 146:7 (CSB)
He’s Powerful
The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord raises up those who are oppressed. The Lord loves the righteous.
Psalm 146:8 (CSB)
He’s Protector
The Lord protects resident aliens and helps the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.
Psalm 146:9 (CSB)
The Lord reigns forever; Zion, your God reigns for all generations. Hallelujah!
Psalm 146:10 (CSB)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:2 (ESV)
1. Does Worry Make Sense?
“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
Matthew 6:24-26 (NIV)
2. Does Worry Make Things Better?
Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?
Matthew 6:27 (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)
3. Does Worry Bring Me Closer To God?
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…
Matthew 6:25 (NIV)
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
Matthew 6:31-32 (NIV)
Who among you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him.
Matthew 7:9-11 (CSB)
Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV)
Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.
James 1:2-4 (CSB)
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.4 In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:3-4 (CSB)
Trust The Process…
1. When I’m Afraid
Be gracious to me, God, for a man is trampling me; he fights and oppresses me all day long.2 My adversaries trample me all day, for many arrogantly fight against me.
Psalm 56:1-2 (CSB)
The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.
Proverbs 29:25 (CSB)
2. I Will Trust You
When I am afraid, I will trust in you.
Psalm 56:3 (CSB)
You yourself have recorded my wanderings. Put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book?
Psalm 56:8 (CSB)
…casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.
1 Peter 5:7 (CSB)
When He saw the crowds, He felt compassion for them, because they were weary and worn out, like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 9:36 (CSB)
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched him. “I am willing,” He told him. “Be made clean.”
Mark 1:41 (CSB)
3. I Will Not Be Afraid
I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
Psalm 56:4 (CSB)
Then my enemies will retreat on the day when I call. This I know: God is for me.
Psalm 56:9 (CSB)
What, then, are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
Romans 8:31 (CSB)
In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise,11 in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
Psalm 56:10 (CSB)
Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.”8 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 31:6,8 (CSB)
Lord, how my foes increase! There are many who attack me. 2 Many say about me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah
Psalm 3:1-2 (CSB)
No man in all Israel was as handsome and highly praised as Absalom. From the sole of his foot to the top of his head, he did not have a single flaw.
2 Samuel 14:25 (CSB)
2. I Have Divine Resources
But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.
Psalm 3:3 (CSB)
I cry aloud to the Lord, and he answers me from his holy mountain.
Psalm 3:4 (CSB)
I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.
Psalm 3:5 (CSB)
I will not be afraid of thousands of people who have taken their stand against me on every side.
Psalm 3:6 (CSB)
3. I Have Great Expectations
Rise up, Lord! Save me, my God! You strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked. Salvation belongs to the Lord; may your blessing be on your people.
Psalm 3:7-8 (CSB)
Like snow in summer and rain at harvest, honor is inappropriate for a fool.
Proverbs 26:1 (CSB)
1. The Rebel Fool Resists Following Authority
A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the backs of fools.
Proverbs 26:3 (CSB)
Don’t answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you’ll be like him yourself. 5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness, or he’ll become wise in his own eyes.
Proverbs 26:4-5 (CSB)
The one who sends a message by a fool’s hand cuts off his own feet and drinks violence.
Proverbs 26:6 (CSB)
As a dog returns to its vomit, so also a fool repeats his foolishness.
Proverbs 26:11 (CSB)
2. The Egomaniac Fool Values Their Ideas More Than God’s
Do you see a person who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.
Proverbs 26:12 (CSB)
3. The Slacker Fool Looks for the Easiest Way to Get by
The slacker says, “There’s a lion in the road—a lion in the public square!” 14 A door turns on its hinges, and a slacker, on his bed.15 The slacker buries his hand in the bowl; he is too weary to bring it to his mouth!16 In his own eyes, a slacker is wiser than seven who can answer sensibly.
Proverbs 26:13-16 (CSB)
The slacker does not plow during planting season; at harvest time he looks, and there is nothing.
Proverbs 20:4 (CSB)
He gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to cleanse for himself a people for his own possession, eager to do good works.
Titus 2:14 (CSB)
4. The Gossip Fool Provokes People by Their Words
A person who is passing by and meddles in a quarrel that’s not his is like one who grabs a dog by the ears.
Proverbs 26:17 (CSB)
Like a madman who throws flaming darts and deadly arrows,19 so is the person who deceives his neighbor and says, “I was only joking!” 20 Without wood, fire goes out; without a gossip, conflict dies down. 21 As charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome person for kindling strife.
Proverbs 26:18-21 (CSB)
A gossip’s words are like choice food that goes down to one’s innermost being. Smooth lips with an evil heart are like glaze on an earthen vessel. A hateful person disguises himself with his speech and harbors deceit within. When he speaks graciously, don’t believe him, for there are seven detestable things in his heart. Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his evil will be revealed in the assembly. The one who digs a pit will fall into it, and whoever rolls a stone—it will come back on him. A lying tongue hates those it crushes, and a flattering mouth causes ruin.
Proverbs 26:24-28 (CSB)
Brood of vipers! How can you speak good things when you are evil? For the mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.
Matthew 12:34 (CSB)
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (CSB)
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
One tenth of the produce of the land, whether grain from the fields or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD and must be set apart to him as holy.
Leviticus 27:30 (NLT)
2. Allows God to Bless Me
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV)
Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:24-25 (NLT)
3. Protects Me from Becoming Selfish
The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
Proverbs 11:24 (Mess)
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT)
4. Makes Me Trust God
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he l will make straight your paths. 7 Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. 9 Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
Proverbs 3:5-10 (ESV)
5. Teaches Me Discipline
We should make plans—counting on God to direct us.
Proverbs 16: 9 (LB)
The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.
Proverbs 21:5 (NKJV)
6. Brings Me Joy
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you.
Proverbs 2:1 (CSB)
2. Acquire Continually
My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you.
Proverbs 2:1 (CSB)
3. Listen Intently
…listening closely to wisdom and directing your heart to understanding…
Proverbs 2:2 (CSB)
Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding.
Proverbs 2:2 (NLT)
4. Pray Earnestly
…furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding… then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:3-5 (CSB)
5. Search Diligently
…furthermore, if you call out to insight and lift your voice to understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it like hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God.
Proverbs 2:3-5 (CSB)
How Does God Respond?
1. He Gives Wisdom
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Proverbs 2:6 (CSB)
Then you will understand righteousness, justice, and integrity—every good path.
Proverbs 2:9 (CSB)
2. He Grants Success
He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity.
Proverbs 2:7 (CSB)
3. He Guards Your Path
He stores up success for the upright; He is a shield for those who live with integrity so that he may guard the paths of justice and protect the way of his faithful followers.
Proverbs 2:7-8 (CSB)
So many people gathered together that there was no more room, not even in the doorway, and He was speaking the message to them. Then they came to Him bringing a paralytic, carried by four men.
Mark 2:2-3 (CSB)
2. My Faith Persists
Since they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above where He was. And when they had broken through, they lowered the stretcher on which the paralytic was lying.
Mark 2:4 (CSB)
3. My Faith Reconciles
Seeing their faith, Jesus told the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
Mark 2:5 (CSB)
As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103:12 (CSB)
4. My Faith Provokes
Right away Jesus understood in His spirit that they were reasoning like this within themselves and said to them, “Why are you reasoning these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your stretcher, and walk’? But so you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,” He told the paralytic, “I tell you: get up, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”
Mark 2:8-11 (CSB)
5. My Faith Praises
Immediately he got up, picked up the stretcher, and went out in front of everyone. As a result, they were all astounded and gave glory to God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
Mark 2:12 (CSB)
What moves the Heart of Jesus? 1. A Courageous Approach
Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Mark 1:40 (CSB)
2. A Humble Plea
A man with leprosy came and knelt in front of Jesus, begging to be healed. “If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”
Mark 1:40-41 (NLT)
Therefore, he says: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore, submit to God…Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James 4:6-10 (CSB)
The sacrifice pleasing to God is a broken spirit. God, You will not despise a broken and humbled heart.
Psalm 51:17 (CSB)
3. A Faith-Filled Request
“If you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean,” he said. Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!”
Mark 1:40-41 (NLT)
Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’? Everything is possible for the one who believes.”
Mark 9:23 (CSB)
How does Jesus respond?
1. A Compassionate Heart
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him.
Mark 1:41 (CSB)
2. A Loving Embrace
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him.
Mark 1:41 (CSB)
3. A Total Healing
Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
Mark 1:42 (CSB)
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)
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (CSB)
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying. 36 Simon and his companions searched for him, 37 and when they found him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.” 38 And he said to them, “Let’s go on to the neighboring villages so that I may preach there too. This is why I have come.” 39 He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.
Mark 1:35-39 (CSB)
1. Pick A Place
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.
Mark 1:35 (CSB)
But when you pray, go into your private room, shut your door, and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Matthew 6:6 (CSB)
2. Set A Time
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.
Mark 1:35 (CSB)
3. Stick To Your Commitment
Simon and his companions searched for him, and when they found him they said, “Everyone is looking for you.”
Mark 1:36-37 (CSB)
4. Expect God To Move
He went into all of Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons. 40 Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
Mark 1:39-40 (CSB)
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. Mark 1:9 (CSB)
As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” 38 So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.
Acts 8:37-38 (CSB)
2. ASSOCIATION—I’m identifying with Jesus
He proclaimed, “One who is more powerful than I am is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1:7-8 (CSB)
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.
Luke 3:21 (NIV)
Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to stop him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?”15 Jesus answered him, “Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed him to be baptized.
Matthew 3:13-15 (CSB)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4:15 (CSB)
Or are you unaware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?4 Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness[ of life. 5 For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection.
Romans 6:3-5 (CSB)
3. AUTHORIZATION—I’m ready for God to send me
As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well-pleased.” 12 Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness.
Mark 1:10-12 (CSB)
If only you would tear the heavens open and come down, so that mountains would quake at you presence.
Isaiah 64:1 (CSB)
I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Mark 1:8 (CSB)
For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.
Galatians 3:27 (CSB)
As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon and Andrew’s house with James and John.30 Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once.
Mark 1:29-30 (CSB)
2) Jesus Touches
Simon’s mother-in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and they told him about her at once. So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.
Mark 1:30-31 (CSB)
Then a man with leprosy came to him and, on his knees, begged him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched him. “I am willing,” he told him. “Be made clean.”
Mark 1:40-41 (CSB)
3) Jesus Motivates
So he went to her, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them.
Mark 1:31 (CSB)
4) Jesus Delivers
When evening came, after the sun had set, they brought to him all those who were sick and demon-possessed. 33 The whole town was assembled at the door, 34 and he healed many who were sick with various diseases and drove out many demons…
Mark 1:32-34 (CSB)
So He was not able to do any miracles there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. And He was amazed at their unbelief.
Mark 6:5-6 (CSB)
5) Jesus Transforms
The whole town was assembled at the door…
Mark 1:33 (CSB)
They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.22 They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes. 23 Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, 24 “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him. 27 They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.
Mark 1:21-28 (CSB)
“I will ascend to the heavens; I will set up my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of the gods’ assembly, in the remotest parts of the North. 14 I will ascend above the highest clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.”
Isaiah 14:13-14 (CSB)
How Can I Get Under Jesus’ Umbrella?
1. Jesus protects me through his WORDS.
They went into Capernaum, and right away he entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach.22 They were astonished at his teaching because he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not like the scribes.
Mark 1:21-22 (CSB)
Just then a man with an unclean spirit was in their synagogue. He cried out, 24 “What do you have to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” 25 Jesus rebuked him saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” 26 And the unclean spirit threw him into convulsions, shouted with a loud voice, and came out of him.27 They were all amazed, and so they began to ask each other, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him.” 28 At once the news about him spread throughout the entire vicinity of Galilee.
Mark 1:23-28 (CSB)
2. Jesus protects me through his DEEDS.
A. Jesus Sets Me Free
B. Jesus Sets Me Straight
C. Jesus Sets Me Apart
If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.
John 15:19 (CSB)
D. Jesus Sets Me on Fire
Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; 20 for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Acts 4:20 (CSB)
After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: 15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15 (CSB)
2. Believe
After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: 15 “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”
Mark 1:14-15 (CSB)
3. Follow
As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”18 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.19 Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:16-20 (CSB)
Brothers and sisters, consider your calling: Not many were wise from a human perspective, not many powerful, not many of noble birth. 27 Instead, God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong. 28 God has chosen what is insignificant and despised in the world—what is viewed as nothing—to bring to nothing what is viewed as something, 29 so that no one may boast in his presence.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (CSB)
Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV)
4. Go
As he passed alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew, Simon’s brother, casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. 17 “Follow me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people.”18 Immediately they left their nets and followed him.19 Going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat putting their nets in order. 20 Immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:16-20 (CSB)
The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon. 40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus. When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”).
John 1:35-42 (CSB)
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Mark 1:1 (CSB)
Bring Mark with you, for he is useful to me in the ministry.
2 Timothy 4:11 (CSB)
2) I must WALK in humility
As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. 3 A voice of one crying out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord; make his paths straight!
Mark 1:2-3 (CSB)
And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie…”
Mark 1:7 (CSB)
You yourselves were there when I made it public that I was not the Messiah but simply the one sent ahead of him to get things ready. The one who gets the bride is, by definition, the bridegroom. And the bridegroom’s friend, his ‘best man’—that’s me—in place at his side where he can hear every word, is genuinely happy. How could he be jealous when he knows that the wedding is finished, and the marriage is off to a good start?
John 3:27-29 (Mess)
In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized in the Jordan by John. 10 As soon as he came up out of the water, he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”12 Immediately the Spirit drove him into the wilderness.
Mark 1:9-11 (CSB)
3) I must YIELD to the Spirit
4) I must STOP falling into temptation
He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.
Mark 1:13 (CSB)
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside quiet waters.3 He renews my life; he leads me along the right paths for his name’s sake.4 Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff—they comfort me.5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.6 Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live.
Psalm 23:1-6 (CSB)
God meets my needs when…
1. The Lord is my God
The LORD is my shepherd.
Psalm 23:1 (CSB)
2. I Trust That He Is, Even When I’m Not
The LORD is my shepherd.
Psalm 23:1 (CSB)
I, Yahweh, have not changed…
Malachi 3:6 (CSB)
3. I’m Personally Connected
The LORD is my shepherd.
Psalm 23:1 (CSB)
4. I Accept His Care
The Lord is my shepherd; I have what I need.
Psalm 23:11 (CSB)
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12 A hired hand will run when he sees a wolf coming. He will leave the sheep because they aren’t his and he isn’t their shepherd. And so the wolf attacks them and scatters the flock. 13 The hired hand runs away because he is merely hired and has no real concern for the sheep.
John 10:11-13 (NLT)
2 Ways to tell If the Jesus is your shepherd…
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27
Acknowledge that the Lord is God. He made us, and we are His – His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Psalm 100:3 (CSB)
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 (CSB)
1. The Shepherd Knows Me
“I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:14-15 (CSB)
I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
John 10:9 (CSB)
2. The Shepherd Sacrifices for Me
“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
John 10:11 (CSB)
No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have the right to lay it down, and I have the right to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.
John 10:18 (CSB)
3. The Shepherd Will Never Abandon Me
The hired hand, since he is not the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, leaves them and runs away when he sees a wolf coming. The wolf then snatches and scatters them. 13 This happens because he is a hired hand and doesn’t care about the sheep.14 “I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:12-15 (CSB)
4. The Shepherd Gives You Eternal Life
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.
John 10:28 (CSB)
5. The Shepherd Guards You
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
John 10:28-29 (CSB)
A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
John 10:10 (CSB)
How long, Lord, must I call for help and you do not listen or cry out to you about violence and you do not save? 3 Why do you force me to look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Oppression and violence are right in front of me. Strife is ongoing, and conflict escalates.4 This is why the law is ineffective and justice never emerges. For the wicked restrict the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted.
Habakkuk 1:2-4 (CSB)
3 Parts of Revival Prayer…
1. Listen
Lord, I have heard the report about you; Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds.
Habakkuk 3:2 (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)
Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out…
Acts 3:19 (CSB)
2. Worship
Lord, I have heard the report about you; Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds.
Habakkuk 3:2 (CSB)
3. Petition
Lord, I have heard the report about you; Lord, I stand in awe of your deeds. Revive your work in these years; make it known in these years. In your wrath remember mercy!
Habakkuk 3:2 (CSB)
Will you not revive us again so that your people may rejoice in you?
Psalm 85:6 (CSB)
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
“I will not leave you as orphans; I am coming to you.”
John 14:18 (CSB)
The Lord was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master.
Genesis 39:2 (CSB)
When his master heard the story his wife told him—“These are the things your slave did to me”—he was furious and had him thrown into prison, where the king’s prisoners were confined. So Joseph was there in prison.21 But the Lord was with Joseph and extended kindness to him. He granted him favor with the prison warden.
Genesis 39:20-21 (CSB)
2. I Will Save You
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost.
Luke 19:10 (CSB)
3. I Delight In You
He will take great delight in you…
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Look, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands…
Isaiah 49:16 (CSB)
4. I Will Calm You
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
With his love, he will calm all your fears.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT)
5. I Celebrate You
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.
Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
Then the people who were already in the land discouraged the people of Judah and made them afraid to build. 5 They also bribed officials to act against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of King Cyrus of Persia and until the reign of King Darius of Persia.
Ezra 4:4-5 (CSB)
2) I Have The Holy Spirit
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.’”
Zechariah 4:6 (CSB)
a. The Spirit Flows b. The Spirit Empowers c. The Sprit Accomplishes
‘What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain…’
Zechariah 4:7 (CSB)
d. The Spirit Illuminates
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. 7 ‘What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it!’”
Zechariah 4:6-7 (CSB)
3) When The Holy Spirit Meets My Problems It’s All Grace
“‘What are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it!'”
Zechariah 4:7 (CSB)
Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
Mark 11:23 (CSB)
“…Become a great plain.”
Zechariah 4:7 (CSB)
“‘And he will bring out the capstone accompanied by shouts of: Grace, grace to it!’”
Zechariah 4:7 (CSB)
Therefore no mountain, however high, can stand before Zerubbabel! For it will flatten out before him! And Zerubbabel will finish building this Temple with mighty shouts of thanksgiving for God’s mercy, declaring that all was done by grace alone.”
Zechariah 4:7 (LB)
Now this is what the Lord says— the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel—“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine. 2 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 43:1-2 (CSB)
1. GOD CARES FOR YOU
Now this is what the Lord says— the one who created you, Jacob, and the one who formed you, Israel—“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are mine.
Isaiah 43:1 (CSB)
2. GOD IS WITH YOU
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)
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5 (NIV)
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7 (CSB)
1. God is Really Good
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7 (CSB)
I would have despaired had I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 27:13 (AMP)
Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart be courageous. Wait for the Lord.
Psalm 27:14 (CSB)
2. God is Really Strong
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7 (CSB)
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4 (CSB)
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are protected.
Proverbs 18:10 (CSB)
3. God is Really Compassionate
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7 (CSB)
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.
Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Psalms 23:5 (NIV)
Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff will protect and comfort me.
Psalm 23:4 (NLT)
The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of distress; he cares for those who take refuge in him.
Nahum 1:7 (CSB)
After dismissing the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. Well into the night, he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile, the boat was already some distance from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them. 25 Jesus came toward them walking on the sea very early in the morning.
Matthew 14:23-25 (CSB)
1. Take A Step of Faith
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear.27 Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Have courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter answered him, “command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.”
Matthew 14:26-29 (CSB)
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
2. Keep Your Focus
…And climbing out of the boat, Peter started walking on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink…
Matthew 14:29-30 (CSB)
When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” 5 Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.
Luke 5:4-5 (NIV)
When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. 68 But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said, and went out into the entryway.
Mark 14:67-68 (NIV)
3. Ask For Help
But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Matthew 14:30 (CSB)
4. Receive His Grace
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand, caught hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 Then those in the boat worshiped him and said, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Matthew 14:31-33 (CSB)
When John heard in prison what Christ was doing, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Matthew 11:2-3 (NIV)
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
Matthew 11:4-6 (NIV)
2) Discover What Scripture Says
Jesus replied, “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
Matthew 11:4-6 (NIV)
Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news—the Good News about Christ.
Romans 10:17 (NLT)
3) Don’t Let Circumstances Distract
John the Baptist, who was now in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, to ask him, “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Matthew 11:2-3 (NIV)
4) Remember Jesus Is Patient
I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come. 15 He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 11:7-15 (NIV)
“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for him who believes.” Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
Mark 9:23-24 (NIV)
They went in but did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, suddenly two men stood by them in dazzling clothes. 5 So the women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.
Luke 24:3-5 (CSB)
But these words seemed like nonsense to them, and they did not believe the women.
Luke 24:11 (CSB)
The disciples thought he was a ghost But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.
Luke 24:37 (CSB)
2) JESUS HAS ANSWERS
HE SPEAKS TO OUR FEELINGS
As they were saying these things, he himself stood in their midst. He said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and terrified and thought they were seeing a ghost.
Luke 24:36-37 (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)
HE SPEAKS TO OUR SENSES
“Why are you troubled?” he asked them. “And why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself! Touch me and see, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you can see I have.” 40 Having said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41 But while they still were amazed and in disbelief because of their joy, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 So they gave him a piece of a broiled fish…
Luke 24:38-42 (CSB)
HE SPEAKS TO OUR MIND
He told them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 He also said to them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, 47 and repentance for forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Luke 24:44-46 (CSB)
3) JESUS’ ANSWERS EVOKE RESPONSE
SHARING
You are witnesses of these things. 49 And look, I am sending you what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city until you are empowered from on high.”
Luke 24:48-49 (CSB)
JOY
After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy.
Luke 24:52 (CSB)
WORSHIP
And they were continually in the temple praising God.
Luke 24:53 (CSB)
Then one of the Pharisees invited him to eat with him. He entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table. 37 And a woman in the town who was a sinner found out that Jesus was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume 38 and stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume.
Luke 7:36-38 (CSB)
2. SACRIFICIAL GIVING
She brought an alabaster jar of perfume 38 and stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to wash his feet with her tears. She wiped his feet with her hair, kissing them and anointing them with the perfume.
Luke 7:37-38 (CSB)
Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT)
3. EXTRAVAGANT LOVE
Jesus replied to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you. ”He said, “Say it, teacher.”41 “A creditor had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42 Since they could not pay it back, he graciously forgave them both. So, which of them will love him more?”43 Simon answered, “I suppose the one he forgave more.” “You have judged correctly,” he told him. 44 Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she, with her tears, has washed my feet and wiped them with her hair. 45 You gave me no kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. 46 You didn’t anoint my head with olive oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. 47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that’s why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”49 Those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this man who even forgives sins?” 50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
Luke 7:40-50 (CSB)
