3 Stages of a Life of Praise 1. Determination Phase—I’m deciding to praise 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...
Oct 05, 2021•33 min
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, w...
Sep 28, 2021•34 min
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...
Sep 21, 2021•30 min
1. I Have Significant Challenges 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 a...
Sep 14, 2021•28 min
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 an...
Sep 07, 2021•45 min
Why Tithing Is Wise… 1. Honors the Lord 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 pro...
Aug 31, 2021•30 min
How Can I Gain Wisdom? 1. Accept Eagerly 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 ...
Aug 24, 2021•35 min
5 benchmarks of a growing faith 1. My Faith Motivates 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 ...
Aug 10, 2021•38 min
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 b...
Aug 03, 2021•36 min
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...
Jul 27, 2021•34 min
Why Should I Get Baptized? 1. DECISION—I’m going public with my faith 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 pr...
Jul 20, 2021•37 min
5 Benefits to having Jesus in your life … 1) Jesus Cares 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) ...
Jul 12, 2021•33 min
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 ...
Jul 06, 2021•38 min
How Do I Find The Sweet Spot? 1. Repent 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 Gal...
Jun 29, 2021•33 min
To get ready for God to do something great… 1) I must GO with Jesus 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 ...
Jun 22, 2021•33 min
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, a...
Jun 15, 2021•30 min
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 pastu...
Jun 08, 2021•34 min
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 hear...
Jun 01, 2021•27 min
1. I Am With 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) “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...
May 25, 2021•24 min
1) I Have A Problem 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. T...
May 18, 2021•31 min
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 yo...
May 11, 2021•34 min
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 strong...
Apr 27, 2021•31 min
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 spo...
Apr 20, 2021•31 min
1) Clarify Your Christ 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) ...
Apr 13, 2021•29 min
1) PEOPLE HAVE QUESTIONS 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 ANSWER...
Apr 06, 2021•31 min
Three Marks Of a Grace Filled Life… 1. PASSIONATE WORSHIP 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...
Mar 30, 2021•35 min
1. Giving and Gratitude Start With Personal Commitment Then Jacob made a vow: “If God will be with me and watch over me during this journey I’m making, if he provides me with food to eat and clothing to wear, and if I return safely to my father’s family, then the Lord will be my God. Genesis 28:20-21 (CSB) This stone that I have set up as a marker will be God’s house, and I will give to you a tenth of all that you give me.” Genesis 28:22 (CSB) 2. Giving and Gratitude Grow With Personal Disciplin...
Mar 23, 2021•32 min
Therefore he said, “A nobleman traveled to a far country to receive for himself authority to be king and then to return. 13 He called ten of his servants, gave them ten minas, and told them, ‘Engage in business until I come back.” Luke 19:12-13 (CSB) 1. The Message of the Benevolent King – I must use my time, talent and treasure for the kingdom. ‘Engage in business until I come back.’ Luke 19:12-13 (CSB) …for every animal of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. I know every bird o...
Mar 09, 2021•34 min
1. Learning Culture They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching… Acts 2:42 (CSB) Take the time and trouble to keep yourself spiritually fit. 1 Timothy 4:7 (Ph) Continue to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (ISV) 2. Praying Culture They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching…and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (CSB) 2:42 (CSB) So Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was being made earnestly to God for him by the church. Acts 12:5 (CSB) 3. Faith Filled ...
Mar 03, 2021•31 min
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 “But you,” he asked them, “who do you say that I am?”16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus responded, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father in heaven.18 And I...
Feb 23, 2021•35 min
