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Living Grateful in Hateful Times

5/29/2022

11 Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy[a] met him. They stood at a distance 13 and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed. 15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”
Luke 17:11-19

Be like the one, the foreigner; don't be like the 9.

"Praise the Lord, my soul;
    all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
  Praise the Lord, my soul,
    and forget not all his benefits—" Psalm 103:1-2

"rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7

The more we know the more we should be grateful. The world needs to see joyful Christians.

There was a gratitude study done by Berkeley in 2017. They took three groups of students who were having issues with mental health (Anxiety, depression, etc). One group was the control group -- they didn't do anything different. The second group got together weekly to discuss their problems. The third group was instructed to write a letter each week, a letter of gratitude to someone. The results of the study were thus:

1. Expressing gratitude unshackles you from negative emotions.
2. Even if the letter wasn't sent the act of writing the gratitude letter was enough to cause positive change.
3. Gratitude benefits takes time -- but it gets better and better.
4. Gratitude has long-lasting effects on the brain an dhow it works. It changes our physical brains.

Practice gratitude regularly. When we do this we will see a real difference in our entire lives.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." Colossians 4:2

Live the life of gratefulness. Daily! Must be deliberate or it won't happen.

"Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Colossians 3:15-17

Change yourself, change your world. In our prayer and despair, we are grateful.

"Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:13-18

Start from the fact that we are blessed.

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God's discipline

5/22/2022

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Even when God forgives us of sin, we often still have to deal with the consequences of sin.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. 4 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says,“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves,
    and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”[a]7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 11:1-11

Parents who don't discipline their children are not loving them. God disciplines us because He loves us. Think about the discipline you have received in the past.

Who loves to be corrected? We can learn to love correction if we take it in the right Spirit -- the spirit it is given by God. it shows us His love. We need to discipline to run with endurance. If God didn't love us He wouldn't discipline us. Ask God to correct your path. Discipline is a blessing.

God's perfect love = God's perfect discipline.

"This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.” Jeremiah 29:10-14

God told them what was going to happen and also gave them hope -- told them His plans for them. Yes, they would be taken captive, but they wouldn't stay in exile. He would bring them home.

Biblical discipline

"Whoever spares the rod hates their children,
    but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." Proverbs 13:24

"Discipline your children, and they will give you peace;
    they will bring you the delights you desire." Proverbs 29:17

"Folly is bound up in the heart of a child,
    but the rod of discipline will drive it far away." Proverbs 22:15

Discipline is love
"My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
    and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    as a father the son he delights in.[a]
13 Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold." Proverbs 3:11-14

We need to be mature, have discipline, have self-control in order to confront the evil of this world.

Discipline is something we should seek

Ask for it from God. Ask for training from Him.

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent." Revelation 3:19

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but whoever hates correction is stupid." Proverbs 12:1

Confront through wisdom and the Holy Spirit

Go to God when you don't understand. Be bold. Don't quit. Be strong. Don't stop. Be louder but don't scream. People will shut you out when you scream. Confront wisely. If we love people, we will tell them they are wrong.

Self-discipline is a sign of maturity.

"Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,
    but whoever hates correction is stupid." Proverbs 25:28

"Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life,
    but whoever ignores correction leads others astray." Proverbs 10:17

If we aren't self-disciplined, we will lead others astray. Personal behavior can destroy an entire ministry.

"No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." 1 Corinthians 9:27

Do not forsake wisdom

"My son, keep your father’s command
    and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.
21 Bind them always on your heart;
    fasten them around your neck.
22 When you walk, they will guide you;
    when you sleep, they will watch over you;
    when you awake, they will speak to you.
23 For this command is a lamp,
    this teaching is a light,
and correction and instruction
    are the way to life," Proverbs 6:20-23

Go forth into the world as a child of God

"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15

If we want to be the powerful people of Jesus we need to be wise and studying the Worrd and acting on that Word.

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Fear Not!

5/16/2022

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Fear is a powerful thing. It can be good (like getting us to react fast to a poisonous snake, getting out of the road when a car is about to hit us, etc.) but it can also paralyze us. In today's social climate people fear so much that they just blindly obey the authorities and government to just get along.

Love of God = no fear of man

The opposite of love is fear.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation--
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life--
    of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1

"For I am the Lord your God
    who takes hold of your right hand
and says to you, Do not fear;
    I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

Memorize those verses.

Fear is the opposite of love. Fear can take us over and make us do things we don't want to do if we don't fight it with faith and love.

We are never alone

1 God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]" Psalm 46:1-3

God always was -- before time -- and always will be. This life on earth is just a wisp of life. Do what Jesus did. Jesus healed. Jesus preached. That is what the disciples did. This is what we are called to do.

Our worth is not measured on earth by God -- the way the world measures our worth.

26 “So do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. 27 What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs. 28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.[a] 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." Matthew 10:26-31

Christ is with us. Always with us.

Peace of God vs the world's peace
"23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:23-27

The world says, "Be afraid and behave!""

God knows what is best for us. Seek him.

Fear Not

"So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

I called and you heard me

Those who were my enemies without cause
    hunted me like a bird.
53 They tried to end my life in a pit
    and threw stones at me;
54 the waters closed over my head,
    and I thought I was about to perish.
55 I called on your name, Lord,
    from the depths of the pit.
56 You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears
    to my cry for relief.”
57 You came near when I called you,
    and you said, “Do not fear.” Lamentations 3:52-57

If fear starts coming over you, call out to God. He is there.

Therefore, be confident in power and love

So we say with confidence,
“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.
    What can mere mortals do to me?”[a] Hebrews 13:6

"For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:6-7

Love like Christ did. Self-discipline, read word; pray and listen -- 2 way conversation.

Jesus was not afraid ever.

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Underdog!

5/8/2022

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13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Have you ever felt:
-- unwanted
-- unloved
-- unintelligent
-- un.....

God is bigger than any "un" you might feel.

7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline."
2 Timothy 1:7

We love underdog stories (check out this year's Kentucky Derby race for an incredible underdog story: Just click here)

We love to hear the underdog stories, but we usually don't like being the underdog. It's uncomfortable and without faith it is the pits!

Paul was an underdog:

15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Timothy 1:15-17

And when he got saved the disciples didn't believe him!

Plus, Paul wrote a lot of his letters from prison!

Jesus was the ultimate underdog:
Known as A carpenter's son
Called Illegitimate
Homeless
Not wealthy monetarily
Not from an important family
Just a wandering preacher -- no church
Powerless against the Romans and Pharisees
Not a military leader

But He is who changed the world.

The Message of Christ:

Be the underdog. Be last. Be the servant.

31 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:31

Go for what God wants.

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." Matthew 7:13-14

Follow the narrow path.

19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’[a] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me." John 15:19-21

Jesus's way isn't the popular way. Following Jesus means the world will hate you. But hang on Jesus says.

32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will never fail, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:32-34

Go against the world. You're going to be challenged. You will be persecuted. Love, love, love.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

We are working for the kingdom of God. The last will be first.

"You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." Matthew 10:22

God's will in Christ.

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:6-8

At just the right time! Jesus came at just the right time. He will come again at just the right time. We are living at the just the right time to do Christ's work. The world is spinning out of control. God put us here for His reasons. We're here to do something. Use it for our strength -- the Word of God.

"10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. "11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." John 10:10-11

God wants us to have a full life. Hold on!

"9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”" Joshua 1:9

7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

There was Jesus! In the dark spots, in the alleys, He was and is there. God's timing, God's will, God's message:

"The Lord makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
24 though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the Lord upholds him with his hand." Psalm 37:23-24

God is with us!

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

63 million children have been killed in our country since Roe vs Wade was passed.

Follow God's word and You're good!

Don't forget.

8 But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. 9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9

People are suffering. Between now and then do God's work. We can overcome the world, sin and death because Jesus already has!

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Faith is an action

5/1/2022

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"What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead." James 2:14-17

If God tells you to do something and you don't do it, it's sin. If God tells you something and you make excuses you aren't following Jesus.

"If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them." James 4:17

The example has been given in Jesus Christ.

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15

Jesus went and found the people who needed healing, who needed saving. He kept on healing, kept on preaching, kept on forgiving no matter the reaction he got from others.

Have a servant heart

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24

Everything we do should lead to this way of life (in above verses). We can't "sell" Christianity with earthly rewards. Jesus doesn't promise these. But the life is rewarding -- it is abundant life! Rewards for following Christ in deeds:

"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Everyone of us are wealthy. We are doing really well compared to most people in the world. Put your hope in God, not in riches. The abundant life is living the life of Christ right now.

The day is coming:

"'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’"
Matthew 25:31-40

The deciding factor is what they DID for Jesus. Don't just think or wish -- DO! When you don't do it to others, you aren't doing it for Jesus. How can we claim we know Christ if we don't live as He calls us to live?

Actions and Truth

"Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." 1 John 3:18

Pray for people right now. We have to put our hands on people -- get real, get honest, do, do, do.

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully." Romans 12:6-8

Everyone has gifts. Use them for the kingdom of God. Use what you've been given.

WARNING:

There is danger in inactivity. You can defend really well but you'll never win just defending. Unless you go on the offensive you will never gain, never win.

"As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead." James 2:26

Is your faith dead?

"They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good." Titus 1:16

"With flattery he will corrupt those who have violated the covenant, but the people who know their God will firmly resist him." Daniel 11:32

Defense and offense. We have to be moving out -- moving forward. Step out. Do. We have no excuse to have faith without action.

“‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23

"He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”" Matthew 17:20

Do! You're strong enough!
Pray knowing God is listening and working. Do the work. Our faith has to be a verb in our lives. This is what we are meant to do.

Evaluate yourself -- work out your salvation with fear and trembling.

What if Jesus asks you, "What did you do for me?"

Even the demonws know who Jesus is but that's not faith. Faith without action is worthless. Be engaged wholly.

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Living Grateful in Hateful Times

God's discipline

Fear Not!

Underdog!

Faith is an action

Shannon Hinrichs

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