Summary
Giving is an exciting part of being a believer and part of a church body. The heart of a giver is to bless more than to receive. The motive of a giver is to uplift others and see the joy of God’s provision work to his glory. The discipline of a giver causes spiritual growth and maturity as they surrender control and fear for lack of provision. God asks us to be a people who accept the scriptural challenge of testing him in our giving and see if He won’t cause our households to overflow.
Scripture
Acts 20:33-35
:33 I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes.
- Paul was satisfied with whatever he had
- Paul’s main aim was to do God’s work
:34 You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me.
- Paul was a tent maker by trade
- He worked his skill to care for his needs so he wouldn’t be a burden on others and to care for the needs of those whom served with him
- NKJV- “provided for my necessities”
:35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
- “Constant example”- Paul is saying that if your needs require you to work outside of the ministry, then use the skills he has given you. Working a job outside the ministry is not the priority, it is a means to an end. Paul’s tentmaking didn’t change the fact that he was there to “help those in need” by sharing the gospel.
- Paul’s heart was to work hard so you can take care of your needs and continue in the priority of doing God’s work
- Example- Pastor Jimmy knew he and his family were called by God to serve Summit County and plant Great Divide Calvary, so they worked in the community while also planting and maintaining the church.
- Reference scriptures –
- Proverbs 27:23
- Phil. 2:4
- 2 Cor. 9:6-10
- Mal. 3:8-10
Application
- What do you have to give? God has given us all we need for life and godliness. He has provided us with resources to bless others with. Can you give of your time, your possessions and/or your finances?
- The Lord loves a “cheerful” giver. This is a heart condition not a obligation. We should give from the joy in our hearts because God has given to us. What does it mean to be a cheerful giver according to 2 Corinthians 9:6-10? What does the spirit of generosity look like in your life?
- Read Malachi 3:8-10. In what area does God ask you to “test” him in?The NKJV says, “try me,” and then we are challenged “to see” if God won’t work on our behalf.
- Look at Proverbs 3:9-10 and write down what you can do and what God will do for you.
- Giving should be exciting, it should be a joy. How does the enemy rob you of your joy in being a giver? Pray for God to remove fear, selfishness and control from your heart so you can experience the excitement of giving.
- If you are a part of a church body, how can you “help those in need” as Paul referred to in Acts 20:35? How can you look at your resources that God has given you and use them to bless your church body? Pray over that and if you’ve never been a giver in this arena before, ask God to change your heart for it is “more blessed” to give then to receive. Watch and see what God will do.
Prayer
Lord, if we have never been people who give of our resources, may You change that in our hearts. Reveal to us the joy of giving. Let our hearts take joy in being generous with all that you have blessed us with. If we are the people giving out of our last denarii, than do as your word says and bless the heart of giving from a lack of resources.
May the discipline of giving cause growth spiritually and physically. Examine our hearts in giving and if we are a people who need to control where our giving goes, than give us freedom of heart and allow us to trust you and not man. Oh Lord provide for us in all areas, change our hearts concerning giving and fill our households with the joy of giving.
Protect us from our enemy stealing our joy in this area of our Christian walks. Let us be a people who embrace the spiritual discipline of giving for “it is more blessed to give than receive”.
Summary
Goodbyes are necessary for maturity and growth. Though they be hard, it is good. Paul is preparing the elders in the church of Ephesus for him to no longer be present, leading them day in and day out. Now, he is commissioning them to take the reigns and go as he has taught them, but he encourages them to not be detoured by the false teachers that will come and try to distort the truth they share. Paul entrusts them to God who will grow them in grace and build them up.
Scripture
Acts 20:26-32
v. 26- “I have been faithful”
- Faithful- steady, immovable, enduring, persevering
- To be faithful means to just show up, to be present
v. 27 “ I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know”
- Paul was faithful to speak the full counsel of God
- “full counsel”- sound doctrine, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, not avoiding the difficult parts of scripture
- NOTE: Sound Doctrine-
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4, it’s not popular, it’s boring, it’s irrelevant is what culture will tell you today.
- It doesn’t always make you happy but if received, it will make you holy
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17- All scripture is inspired by God
v. 28 “Feed and shepherd God’s flock- his church…over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as a leaders”
- Elders, husbands, fathers and community leaders- be devoted to upholding character and integrity in your living.
- Feed and shepherd- Reference- Ezekiel 34:11-16, what does a shepherd look like and do?
- Holy Spirit appointed- called by God, equipped for the task
v. 29-30 False teachers
- Their goal is to distort the gospel message and divide the fellowship of believers
- Matthew 7:15-20
- 2 Peter 2:1
- Ezekiel 13:9
- Jeremiah 23:16
- 1 John 4:1-6
v. 31 “Watch out!!”
- My constant watch and care over you- Paul’s care was daily, with much suffering and tears.
- Proverbs 27:23 (GDC’s vision and philosophy of ministry)
v. 32 “Now”- depicts a commissioning of sorts as Paul will no longer be present with them
- Paul entrusts the elders to be built up by the Holy Spirit and by grace
- Paul has given the elders a strong foundation in truth, his goodbye is the space God will use to grow them in grace
- Reference- Revelation 2:2-5, Concerning the church in Ephesus, they needed grace as they had become dull and lost their first love.
Application
- Are you a believer that is devoted to sound doctrine or do you seem to wander from the truth to feel happy, entertained possibly forsaking truth at times to tickle your ears?
- Challenge- Read the Bible for one month without any other outside influence and see what God will reveal to you.
- What does a shepherd look like based off of Ezekiel 34:11-16? What does that look like for your life, in your marriage, household or workplace?
- From the reference scripture above, list the characteristics of a false teacher.
- What is Great Divide Calvary’s vision based off of Proverbs 27:23? Who is your flock or sphere of influence to put your heart into caring for (NLT)? What will that look like for you on a day to day basis?
- Have you become dull in your walk with the Lord? Do you need to turn back to your first love and repent? Pray for renewal and closeness with God again.
Prayer
Lord, you are in the business of doing new things. You give and take away. You allow goodbyes in our lives intentionally for growth. May we be a people who receive goodbye as an opportunity for your Spirit to build us up and equip us for every good work. Give us a heart to care for our flock. May we be students of the full counsel of God so we are able to speak sound doctrine to others. May we be a people who desire truth even when we are not entertained or happy. Give us discernment over the messages taught to us. May your Spirit help to guard us from false doctrine. Lord, if we have grown dull in our walks with you, return us to our first loves. Keep us close to your heart.
Summary
Before Paul moved on, he called all the leaders to meet with him, and by sharing his life experiences, encouraged them to have determination of heart in sharing the gospel message of faith and repentance not matter the cost.
Scripture
Acts 20:17-24
v. 17 Paul sent/called for the elders of the church at Ephesus, asking them to come and meet him
- Elders- Titus 1:6-9, elder qualifications, notice that most of the qualifications involve character, not knowledge of skill. It is important to have leaders that can preach God’s Word, but more importantly, to have those who can live out God’s Word and be examples for others to follow.
- Leaders- 1 Thess. 5:12-13
- NIV- Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work.
- NKJ- And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.
- NLT- Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work.
NOTE: May we be a people who are full of love and grace to give to our leaders as they seek to please the Lord in their work, on our behalf, because they love and care for us.
v. 18 you know in what manner I lived among you
v. 19 serving the Lord with:
- humility
- tears
- trials
v. 20 I never shrank back from telling you what you needed to hear publicly or in your homes
- Paul never gave up, he never quit
- Paul preached in different ways to fit different audiences
- But the message never changed
NOTE: The gospel message will always remain the same but the methodology will change over time
v. 21 I have had one message…the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and having faith in our Lord Jesus.
- This is what Paul taught
v. 22 bound by the Spirit…not knowing what awaits me
- “bound”- constrained, tied
- Ruth 1:16- Ruth was “determined” no matter the outcome, she was committed, devoted
- v. 23 the Holy Spirit tells me…that jail and suffering lie ahead
- ESV- imprisonment and afflictions
- NKJ- chains and tribulations await me
v. 24 Paul considered life nothing unless he used it for God’s work
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (ESV)
“But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” (NKJV)
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Application
- Do you recognize the hard work of your leaders? How do you honor, in love the leaders among you?
- What are you bound to, and does it take priority over your relationship with God?
- Would you say yes to God if you knew that suffering and jail were ahead of you?
- In today’s culture, we see a lack of devotion and commitment. Why do you think that is?
- Where are you called to remain faithful?
- What do you hope your steadfast mindset will produce in you?
Prayer
Father in heaven, we thank you for the example set for us through Paul’s life. May we do your work humbly. May we be faithful through the tears and trials.
May we have a heart for our leadership and may we be a people who care for them deeply with our love.
May we be determined to see people embrace salvation by recognizing their need for Jesus. Help us to live among one another in love and grace, seeking to reflect your heart.
Lord help us to be committed, determined people. May we lay aside all selfishness and seek out faithfulness for the purpose of producing spiritual fruit and maturity. Help us to love well. Help us to be bound to your Spirit in heart and mind. Let no trial or suffering move us from serving God.
Summary
After the riot in Acts 19, we see Paul taking his disciples and spending time encouraging them in Acts 20 before he left for Macedonia.
Scripture – Acts 20
v. 1 “Paul sent for the believers and encouraged them”
- Encourage– speaking comfort, hope, being with them
“But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. Hebrews 3:13 (NLT)
“but exhort one another daily…” (NKJ)
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NKJ)
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
1 Thess. 5:11
Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.
1 Thess. 5:14 (NLT)
v. 4 “These men who were traveling with Paul represented churches that Paul had started in Asia. Each man was carrying an offering from his home church to be given to the believers in Jerusalem. Having each man deliver the gift gave, it gives a personal touch and strengthened the unity of the believers. This was also an effective way to teach the church about giving because the men were able to report back to their churches the way God was working through their giving. Paul discussed this gift in one of his letters to the Corinthian church. (2 Cor. 8:1-21)” [NLT life application commentary]
Warning! This is a small rabbit trail…
- Giving is a privilege and a biblical discipline (Proverbs 3:10-11)
- Giving is a place where the Lord says test him and see what He will do for you (Malachi 3:10)
- Giving is a biblical discipline, support the house of God (Nehemiah 10)
v. 7 “Paul continued his message til midnight..”- it was a long night of listening
v. 8 “many lamps in the upper room where they gathered”- the atmosphere was warm and low lit
v. 9 “in a window sat a certain young man named Eutychus”- the night and atmosphere caused him to feel drowsy and he fell asleep which caused him to fall from the window 3 stories, and he died
v. 10 Paul went and embraced him and encouraged everyone not to worry for Eutychus was alive
v. 11 So they went back to sharing in the Lord’s Supper, and Paul continued to share
v. 12 Eutychus was taken home and everyone was relieved
The people were not detoured from the almost tragic incident, but they remained focused on Paul and being together. Eutychus was brought back to life and the people were relieved! The Lord desires to bring us back to life. Awaken us!
Application
- How can you encourage someone this week? How can you bring hope and care to another?
- What about you, what kind of care and hope or encouragement do you need? Ask the Lord to encourage you personally.
- Be intentional with your time and take interest in another. What does that look like for you?
- Do you support the house of God financially? Do you trust God to do as his word says, “I will open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that where will not be room enough to receive it.” Do you believe that God will fill you barns with plenty and cause your vats to overflow as it says in Proverbs? Receive the challenge to give and watch God work in miraculous ways on your behalf. Talk to one another about the blessings of giving.
- When tragic things happen in your life, how do you handle them? Discuss and pray about remaining focused on Jesus and not allowing your circumstances to detour you.
- Do you need to be awaken in Christ again? Do you need life brought back into your heart?
Prayer
Father may we as church be marked by encouraging one another. May we be a voice that speaks comfort and hope to one another. Lord, know our unspoken needs of encouragement and speak to us personally. May we be a church who “puts our hearts into caring”(Proverbs 27:23) for one another daily. May we also care for our church and support the work you are doing through it in our community.
Give us the faith to trust you with our finances and let us know that you will bless us for our sacrifice. May we always be provided for and beyond.
Bless your house of worship, bless your this heart of worship and may we not allow tragedy detour us from you. Let us see your hands at work and in faith believe that that you will take great care of us. Lord, awaken us spiritually. Revive us in you. Let us not allow ourselves to spiritually separate from you. Keep us close to your heart and responding to your Spirit. Breathe life into our lungs and awaken us to righteousness.
Every Thursday morning, we will meet as wives, girlfriends, fiancees, or women and pray for our men. We will work through the book, Praying God’s Will For My Husband, by Lee Roberts and praying through a different attitude each time.
Details
- Thursday mornings
- 8:45 am – 9:45 am
- Sabrina Humprey’s Home, Blue River
- Sabrina has books available for purchase ($9)
- Zoom Link for those who aren’t able to drive
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 872 613 769
One tap mobile
+17207072699,,872613769# US (Denver)
+16465588656,,872613769# US (New York)
Contact Sabrina for more details at sabrina@greatdividecalvary.org.
Summary
The Way speaks of a course or path, a way of life that is definable and distinguishable by belief in Christ. Acts 19 paints a picture of believers following Christ and the trouble that develops in Ephesus when believers are fruitful for Jesus.
Scripture
Acts 19:21-41
v. 21-24
- Demetrius– a silversmith who had a large and profitable business making shrines of the Greek goddess Artemis
- Artemis– a pagan deity, a goddess of fertility, she was represented by a carved female figure with many breasts. The festival of Artemis involved wild orgies and carousing.
v. 26-27
- Paul– preached in Ephesus against false gods and if people began to believe in God they would disregard their idol worship which would affect the profitable business of the craftsmen.
- Demetruis– stirred up the people for fear of losing his business
Early Christians known as the Way moved from town to town sharing the Good News. They model what being a believer looks like naturally. We are compelled to share Christ and tell others!
v. 28-31
- “their anger boiled…”
- “soon the whole city was filled with confusion”
- “everyone rushed to the amphitheater”
When there is momentum, there is trouble, often in the form of adversity. It is a spiritual reality. Such difficulty requires our faith and perseverance. This trouble and momentum are about Jesus. This is what it looks like when you jump in the game. And we should get off the sidelines and jump in the game.
The battle is spiritual and we are meant to engage as believers.
Anger and confusion caused such a riot, it was dangerous for Paul to be around, so his companions refused his desire to go into the amphitheater. Paul’s safety was their concern.
Note that Paul wants to go in. He has no fear. His focus is on Jesus, and he knows the Lord protects him.
What about our own reactions? What are we afraid of? Can we move towards such freedom where we are ready to jump in?
Jesus commands us not to be anxious, afraid or worried. We are to look to him. His perfect love casts out fear.
v. 32-34
- everything was in confusion, so much so, that most of the people didn’t know why they were there.
- The riot went on for about 2 hours
- The crowd would not quiet down
v. 35-37 The mayor was able to quiet the crowd and reassure them that Paul and his companions have done nothing wrong.
v. 38-39 Demetrius and the craftsmen can make a formal charge and take the case to court to settle legally. The Roman Empire gave responsibility to maintain peace and order through the city leaders.
False gods will eventually fade away from the mere fact that they are not real. However, Christianity will never fade away because it is the Truth.
v. 40-41 There was fear of being charged with rioting for no reason so they dismissed Paul and his companions.
Application
- Where anger, confusion and fighting are, the Lord is not present. Are you experiencing relationships like this? Have you been the person who stirs the pot to an unwarranted commotion?
- How do you see Paul and his companions handling the anger and confusion they were experiencing?
- Our enemy speaks loud through voices of distraction. What does that look like in your life right now? In your personal life, what voices are trying to shut you down?
- When the Lord is speaking , you will know it by His peace in prayer, through one another, by the Holy Spirit and through God’s word. Do you hear Him speaking to you? Jesus is always speaking to us. Are you listening?
- What does it look like to listen? (Reference- Proverbs 8:32-36)
The voice you may be falling for is deception. Be careful not to be deceived. Come back to the Word. Spend time with Jesus so you can discern the voices that are spoken into your life. In your relationship with Jesus, you become discerning.
Prayer
Lord, in our confusion and anger may we be slow to speak and quick to listen. Father, may you give us discerning ears to hear the voice of truth over our enemies voice of distraction. Quiet our hearts and minds and open up our ears to listen to your Spirit.
Summary
James, the half-brother of Jesus speaks to his listeners in chapter 2 of James about practical Christian living with wisdom. James was a leader in the Jerusalem church and had several years invested into the 1st century Jewish Christians residing in Gentile communities. The key point of this letter is found in James 2:14-25 addressing faith combined with deeds.
Scripture
James 2
v 14
- Faith – assurance of God (Hebrews 11:1)
- Action – what we do out of our faith in God
v 15-16
- Luke 10:25-37, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan
- Samaritans we known as the mixed race of their time
- They were not respected in culture BUT they showed kindness
- Kindness- “unexpected kindness is a language a deaf ear can hear and a blind eye can see”
v 17
- We cannot earn our salvation by serving and obeying God. But such actions show that our commitment to God is real. Deeds of loving service are not a substitute for, but rather a verification of our faith in Christ.
- Example- we cannot see wind but we see the effects of the wind, so we know the wind exists (John 3:8)
v 18-20
- “you have faith”- true faith always results in a changed life and good deeds, true faith involves a full devotion of yourself to God
- “I have deeds”- our good deeds can never earn salvation, this teaching of James speaks against those trying to earn salvation by good deeds
v 21-25
Examples of faith combined with works:
- Example 1- Abraham, the father of faith (Heb. 11:8-12)
- Gen. 22- God tested Abraham
- Hebrews 11:17- by faith Abraham was tested
- Example 2- Rahab the prostitute
- Joshua 2- When Israel’s spies came to the city, she hid them and helped them escape. She demonstrated faith in God’s purpose for Israel. As a result, she and her family were saved when the city was destroyed and she is in the lineage of Jesus (Matthew 1:5)
- Hebrews 11:31- Rahab received the spies with peace
John 3:1-8 “New Birth”
- We as believers have two births:
- Our fleshly birth- the day you entered this world
- Our spiritual birth- the day you accepted Jesus as Savior, you have been “born again”
John 3:8- “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (NKJV)
Application
We see that the Spirit of God works out of our control. He works in ways we cannot predict or understand, but He has moved in your life to bring about change which is seen through how you use your resources; time, money, possessions, etc… You live differently because you have been born again and desire to please God. There is evidence in your life of a new focus, a new purpose that will open the eyes and ears of others who do not know about this free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Have you been born again? Have you received the free gift of salvation?
- How do you spend your resources (time, money, energy, possessions, etc…) to bring an awareness to unbelievers about Jesus and His love for them?
- What life changes have you experienced since your new spiritual birth?
- What would you like to still change?
Prayer
Lord, we thank you that you come to us and offer us the free gift of salvation. Thank you for making us new through new birth. Thank you that You desire to change our past to glorify your name in our future. Lord, may we be mindful of using our resources to worship and glorify your name. May we be a people that uses our blessings to bless another and build your kingdom. May we be a people who because of our faith, we desire to do great things for you. May we be a people who believe deeply and it is seen through our actions.
Thanks, Todd for sharing your wisdom and teaching with us! We are grateful for you and your whole family!
Every Tuesday morning, weather permitting, we will meet for a fall hike with other women.
It is a great time to enjoy nature, encourage each other, and get a bit of “exercise.” Sabrina Humphreys leads this and enjoys introducing women to each other.
Take a break from your workday, and join us if you can!
Hike Details
Tuesdays Weekly
10:15-12:30
Location TBD
Please contact info@greatdividecavlary.org
Summary
Are we “all in”? Are we available? We are encouraged by the scripture to speak boldly, reason and persuade daily about the things of the kingdom of God.
We are encouraged to be bold for Jesus. To be bold means to love courageously, speak fearlessly and to have courage.
“When we find a man meditating on the words of God, my friends, that man is full of boldness and is successful.” Dwight L. Moody
Scripture
Acts 19:8-10
- vs. 8 “preached boldly”- In Acts 28:23, we see that Paul “morning and evening explained and declared to them the kingdom of God and tried to convince them about Jesus.”
- vs. 9 “held daily discussions- Paul reasoned and persuaded his listeners daily in the lecture hall at the school. The halls were used in the morning for teaching philosophy, but in the hot part of the day, many people did not work then, so they would come to hear Paul’s teaching.
- Reference scripture- Proverbs 8:34
Reference scriptures
Ephesians 6:19-20
- vs. 19 “ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God’s mysterious plan”
- vs. 20 “pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should.”
Acts 4:29-31
- vs. 29 “O Lord hear their threats , and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.”
- vs. 30 “Stretch out your hand with,
- Healing power- God is healer, Jeremiah 30:17
- Miraculous signs and wonders, Deuteronomy 10:21
- Be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus, Acts 3:16
- vs. 31 “After this prayer, the meeting place shook,
- They were all filled with the Holy Spirit- Acts 1:5
- Then they preached the word of God with boldness- Acts 1:8
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.
Application
How do you love courageously the people around you?
Where is your place that you speak daily the things of God?
Do you personally meditate on the word daily so you are filled with the words of God and ready to speak into another’s life if the opportunity arises?
What daily opportunities or open doors are in your life right now to be the mouthpiece of God?
Prayer
Lord, we ask for your Spirit to fill us with a courageous kind of love to reach this world. May we have open eyes to see the opportunities before us each day. May we choose that open door into someone’s life rather than our own desires and wants.
Father, may our day start with time in your word. May fear of failure or insecurity be far from us. You have equipped us and empowered us with your Spirit to love boldly. Send us out into this world and give us opportunities to serve others.
Life is difficult and not static. There are ups and downs each day, struggles and accomplishments. How do we stay fixed on the things that are most important and not allow our emotions to be like a roller coaster based on our circumstances?
Paul learned how to do this. Even when he was in jail, he praised the Lord. When he had plenty, he kept his heart fixed on the kingdom. God is the one who gives us strength in the storms and trials, and He is the author and giver of all good things. Our hearts can remain steadfast in Him.
Summary & Scripture
“…I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ,[a] who gives me strength…” Philippians 4:11-14
Scripture
- “I have learned how to be content”
- Content- satisfied, a state of peaceful happiness or satisfactionLearned- Paul who was well educated and a teacher himself communicates the profit in being a studentProverbs 22:12 “Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to words of knowledge”
- “I have learned the secret of living in every situation”
- Reference- (Acts 16:25) “While Paul and Silas were in jail, they prayed and sang hymns to God” Prayer- a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to GodPraise- to express warm approval, respect and gratitude, especially in song
- “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”
- “Everything”- in other translations, you may see the word “all”, meaning all – In every situation, in life, in all things
Application
Where do you find your peace and contentment?
Do you give priority to reading the scripture in your daily routine? How about prayer and praise?
Do you still desire to be a student of or have you let yourself settle with being comfortable?
Do you continue to apply your heart to learning, prayer and praise?
Prayer
During trying circumstances, may the word of God, prayer and praise give you strength to have peace in the eye of the storm. They say the calmest place in a tornado is the middle of it. O’ Lord, give us a deep desire to apply ourselves to finding peace in your words. May we be diligent in setting aside time to give you our hearts in prayer and in song. Lord, fill us with your Spirit and give us strength for each new day so that we may say, “I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength”.
“You will keep in perfect peace, all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3
Thank you for joining us today at the River Center Lawn. We hope you have a wonderful time worshipping the Lord with us today.
YOU’VE DONE GREAT THINGS
-Phil Wickham
Come let us worship our King
Come let us bow at His feet
He has done great things
See what our Savior has done
See how His love overcomes
He has done great things
He has done great things
Oh hero of Heaven, You conquered the grave
You free every captive and break every chain
Oh God, You have done great things
We dance in Your freedom, awake and alive
Oh Jesus, our Savior, Your name lifted high
Oh God, You have done great things
You’ve been faithful through every storm
You’ll be faithful forevermore
You have done great things
And I know You will do it again
For Your promise is “Yes and amen”
You will do great things
God, You do great things
Hallelujah God, above it all
Hallelujah God, unshakable
Hallelujah, You have done great things
Hallelujah God, above it all
Hallelujah God, unshakable
Hallelujah, You have done great things
You’ve done great things
The Way (New Horizon)
– Pat Barrett
Through every battle
Through every heartbreak
Through every circumstance
I believe
That You are my fortress
Oh, You are my portion
And You are my hiding place, I believe You are
The way, the truth, the life
I believe You are
The way, the truth, the life
I believe You are..
Through every blessing
Through every promise
Through every breath I take
I believe
That You are Provider
Oh, You are Protector
You are the One I love, I believe You are
It’s a new horizon and I’m set on You
And You meet me here today with mercies that are new
All my fears and doubts, they can all come too
Because they can’t stay long when I’m here with You
Since Your Love
You are the light
Song of my life
You always lead me
You are the voice inside
You are my love
No one before you
All that I am
Points to You
I was made by you
I was made for you
I am unfulfilled without full communion
Since your love got a hold of me
Since your love got a hold of me
I’m a new creation
I’m forever
In you, is all I need
You’re my breath, you’re my life, you’re my everything
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise
Teach me some melodious sonnet
Sung by flaming tongues above
Praise the mount, I’m fixed upon it
Mount of Thy redeeming love
Here I raise my Ebenezer
Here by Thy great help I’ve come
And I hope by Thy good pleasure
Safely to arrive at home
Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
Here to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood
Oh, to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constraint to be
Let Thy goodness like a fetter
Bind my wandering heart to Thee
Prone to wander, Lord I feel it
Prone to leave the God I love
Here’s my heart, oh take and seal it
Seal it for Thy courts above
Thank You Jesus
-Hillsong
Grace that flows like a river
Washing over me
Fount of Heaven, love of Christ
Overflow in me
Thank You Jesus
You set me free
Christ my Savior
You rescued me
Take this life delivered
A vessel of Your love
Wholly now devoted
To see Your kingdom come
You’ve given me life
You’ve opened my eyes
I love You Lord
I love You Lord
You’ve entered my heart
You’ve set me apart
I love You Lord
I love You Lord
Yes I Will
– Vertical Worship
I count on one thing
The same God that never fails
Will not fail me now
You won’t fail me now
In the waiting
The same God who’s never late
Is working all things out
You’re working all things out
[Chorus]
Yes I will, lift You high in the lowest valley
Yes I will, bless Your name
Oh, yes I will, sing for joy when my heart is heavy
All my days, oh, yes I will
And I choose to praise
To glorify, glorify
The Name of all names
That nothing can stand against
And I choose to praise
To glorify, glorify
The Name of all names
That nothing can stand against
I felt like God gave me an idea.
Does that ever happen to you? Like it’s more than just a passing thought. It’s a seed that you know He planted in your heart. Since He authored it, you can trust that He’ll write out the whole story, a chapter at a time.
This time for me, it started from a conversation with a friend about how there aren’t generations of women gathering regularly who get to benefit from the wisdom from the older ages and the wonder from the younger ages. (1 Peter 4:8-10; Titus 2:3-8) I agreed! And since I have a daughter, I wanted to catalyze something that could create that opportunity since I don’t have family living close by right now.
I thought of inviting a group of moms and their daughters over to cook together. I thought we could take turns meeting at each others’ homes sharing our special recipes or interests. I invited a mix of great friends who had daughters of all ages. I love keeping things simple, so I just had two “requests” – no phones in the kitchen, and the older women should reach out to connect with the younger girls as much as possible.
I love my friends. I’m so proud of the women they are – working moms, trying to model excellence and care for their girls. I want my daughter to know them and learn from them. We can be a tribe of support and encouragement for each other.
For this first gathering, I decided to teach everyone to make homemade tortillas. My mom made them for my family, and there’s nothing better than a warm homemade tortilla with butter!!!
The event was perfect – low-key, simple, and memorable. I loved watching moms and their daughters walking through a tortilla recipe and kneading the dough together. I loved seeing older girls help younger girls roll out the dough and spread butter on their own warm creations. Everyone was eager to act, help, or just connect. It really was special.
We look forward to meeting again! My vision included meeting monthly for sushi-making (ala Sierra Gale Sefoods), etiquette training with a fancy meal, baking, holiday parties, etc. helping to prepare these girls for entering the world with great confidence, knowing they can make a huge impact on this world.
Do you have an idea that God has given you? Go for it! It makes life rich and meaningful.
Breckenridge Church - Great Divide Calvary 