"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." Hebrews 11:1-3

Faith is hard. It's belief in the unseen. Everyone has faith in something. God created the universe out of nothing. Humans have never and will never be able to do that.  No one can do that. No one can explain that.

I. Faith in the Unseen is the basis for our hope.

“See, the enemy is puffed up;
    his desires are not upright--
    but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness" Habakkuk 2:4

Live by your faithfulness. Our faith is based on the unseen. Righteous ones will live by faith.



"And, 'But my righteous[a] one will live by faith.
    And I take no pleasure
    in the one who shrinks back.”" Hebrews 10:38

"For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith." Romans 1:17

II. The examples are before us.

"This is what the ancients were commended for." Hebrews 11:2

Talks about their faithfulness!

"And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets," Hebrews 11:32

"And so upon you will come all the righteous blood that has been shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Berekiah, whom you murdered between the temple and the altar." Matthew 23:35

If we aren't walking in faith, God isn't pleased with us. The blood falls on us who don't live by faith.

III. Faith is walking with God.

"After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters." Genesis 5:22

"This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God." Genesis 6:9

What's this mean?

Walking means time. Spending time, constant time, daily hourly, minute-by-minute kind of time.

"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:14

Constant use -- of scripture, of spiritual gifts like discernment; You want to be faithful to someone -- you spend time with them. Constantly walk with God.

IV. Without faith we cannot please God.

"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hewbrews 11:6

Acknowledgement is not faith.

"You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder." James 2:19

Everyone will run out of time. Now is the time to walk with God.

"Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth[a] will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory." Matthew 24:30

If you don't believe in the Unseen, the Seen is going to scare you to death!

Don't miss the boat -- meaning, don't miss Jesus!

V. Start walking with God now.

Just like the ark, Jesus is the one door.

 "Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." John 14:6

Noah didn't shut the door. God shut the door. Everyone of us knows someone who hasn't walked through the door. 

Division/contention/anger/self-righteousness -- where we are right now in our country, even in the world. The farther we pull away from Jesus, the worse it gets.

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. 2 He agreed to pay them a denarius[a] for the day and sent them into his vineyard. 3 “About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. 4 He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ 5 So they went.“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing. 6 About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’7 “‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’" Matthw 20:1-7

This is Jesus' version of equality.

The Landowner -- needs work done, labor intensive, physical labor.

Workers -- 1st workers called -- hardest working workers, ready to go, more skilled, offered a denarius -- very good wage. They agree to it.
3rd hour workers -- little late but still willing to work (the typical work day was a 12 hour day)
6th hour workers -- lunch time leftovers
9th hour workers -- slackers
11th hour workers -- left behind, no other chance to work.

Hourly wage is what is normal for us. Jesus paints a different picture.



"“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’9 “The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius. 10 So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. 11 When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 12 ‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.’" Matthew 20:8-12



"“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius? 14 Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. 15 Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous? 16 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”" Matthew 20:13-16

The Owner is God. God has a lot of work to be done. Constantly. No end to the work. ALways looking for workers.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" Matthew 28:19-20

The Master is continually calling.

:So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise." Galatians 3:26-29

If you're Mine, you're Mine. Nothing else matters.

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 37 Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. 38 Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”" Matthew 9:36-38

Workers -- Our work day begins when we accept Christ. If we are called, we are called to serve. If you are alive, no matter how old you are, it isn't too late to accept Christ -- early in liife, late in life, right before death....anytime before death is a good time to accept Christ.God wants everybody!

Kingdom payment -- the payment is eternal life. Paid in full by the blood of Jesus Christ. You've been paid for -- you can't walk off the job. Statement of fact: we agreed to serve Him.

"Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’" Matthew 20:15

Look at who at what you have, not what you don't have. Everybody counts. All I am is a child of God.

Sometimes we struggle with personal responsibility. There is what they call "bystanders syndrome."

The more people there are the less will do something. Once one person steps forward others will. We need to be the one who steps forward to help others have courage.

"If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4 Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load. 6 Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor." Galatians 6:3-6

#1 We are responsible to have an accurate self-perception.

I gotta seek God to be able to see myself accurately.

"If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves." Galatians 6:3

Look at yourself and see who you really are.

"The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector." Luke 18:11

"For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you." Romans 12:3

"The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor." 1 Corinthians 3:8

"You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked." Revelation 3:17

Are we who we think we are?

it's not about us. It's about God. Spend time in the Word. Talk to God. Look at yourself objectively.

#2 Thorough Self Examination

"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 for each one should carry their own load." Galatians 6:4-5

We gotta hold yourself to the light of God's word. 

Answer these questions about yourself:

1. What am I doing to further God's kingdom?
2. What is my active role for God in my family?
3. What is my active role for God in my family?
4. What is my active role for God in my church?
5. What is my active role for God in my community?
6.What will I say that I did for God when I come face to face with Him?

If life is a blessing (in family, church, community) what am I doing for Jesus?

Can we in truth and honesty, when we self examine. Take that long, hard look at ourselves. Ask the hard questions:

not just what I have, but what I don't have.
Not just what I do, but what I don't do.

Seek the Will of God in your life.
Spend some along time with God in the Word asking Him where you are in your walk with Him.
Ask Himw hat you should be doing that you are not.

Caring for each other.

Sharing is caring!!

Be honest. Be sincere. Give. Give of yourself. Give your time. We're family. We have a responsibility to each other. No one should be lacking in the church. Ask your brother or sister if they have needs. 

Prayer is not a grenade. It is a guided missile. 

We need to bless as we are blessed. Each of us as a gift and abilities. Take on the roles that need to be filled, lift the burden if you are able. As we grow individually we grow us a church and the mission we have been given will be fulfilled. Sometimes sharing the burden a little bit will change a person's life. 

Jane and Shannon hold a conversation about rest and why it is vital for everyone who follows Jesus Christ. Without that spiritual rest, the Sabbath rest, our faith and our lives will become stagnant and we are in danger of burning out. We hope you take time to listen. The recording is about 37 minutes long. It is the unofficial start to our podcast, Bible Talk with jane and Shannon which we will begin in the New Year. The format will be different at that time but it will be the same teaching (it will be podcast format through podbean.com). 

"I lift up my eyes to the mountains--
    where does my help come from?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
    the Maker of heaven and earth.
3 He will not let your foot slip--
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
4 indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep." Psalm 121:1-4

Man is trying to get bigger and bigger and making God smaller and smaller. God's bigger than all of it. God will never be left out. God is still on the throne. He's still saving souls. He's still creating.

"Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11

Jesus is alive and well andw orkin in the world. He is alive. We serve a risen Savior.

"When I consider your heavens,
    the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
    which you have set in place,
4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
    human beings that you care for them?" Psalm 8:3-4

I. God is the Maker of All Things

"Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made." John 1:3

Only God can make something out of nothing. God spoke all things into being.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight" Proverbs 3:5-6

If we do this He'll take care of us. Humans want answers. Don't ask why. Ask "What can God do with this?"

II. God has already worked things out for your good.

"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

This is a promise to all who love God!

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

God is always faithful to us.

We have seen God in action. But sometimes we forget what He's done.

III. Help is on the way

"The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them;
    he delivers them from all their troubles.
18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Psalm 34:17-18

He's at work in our lives. Always at work. He's already in our future waiting for us to get there. No matter what path we take God is there.

God is our potter. We are the clay. We are the diamonds. God is the master cutter who makes the rocks shine. They don't shine until they are cut. God is polishing and refining us.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials." 1 Peter 1:3-6

Ultimate paradise -- being with God. Welcome back -- this is where you were meant to be!

"but those who hope in the Lord
    will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
    they will run and not grow weary,
    they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31

Anything we are going through is temporary. All will be well. If you hope in the Lord He will renew your strength. God is waiting for us to trust Him.

"See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
    and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him." Isaiah 40:10

We just have to hold on. The end is in sight.

"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

Sometimes we forget to be thankful.

Read some of these statistics from Greg Easterbrook's book The Progress Paradox:

*Life expectancy has nearly doubled in the last 100 years.
*Real capital outcome doubled since 1960.
*Price of foods and durable goods have stayed the same or declined.
*Standard of living has risen to a plae our own great grandparents could not have imagined.

*Number of people who say they are happy has not increased since 1950.
*Number of people who say they are "very happy" has declined.
*25% increase in depression.
*7% of Americans say they have at least one period of debilitating depression yearly.

We don't even know how good we have it.

Intentionally cultivate a heart of thankfulness.

#1 Change of Focus from what I don't have to what I do have.
Greed is the opposite of gratefulness.

"Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:9-10

They want God to serve them. They don't get it. It's not about getting what you want. It's about loving and serving God. 

"But godliness with contentment is great gain." 1 Timothy 6:6

Greed dulls our appetite for God.

This is a life choice (gratefulness) -- to focus on God and be grateful. 

#2 Change our focus from getting a blessing to being a blessing.

The only way to find meaning in our lives is to have a purpose in being used by and serving and loving God.

Often, the more we get the more we want. Then we hoard. Our worth is not based on $.

People in poverty often give more than wealthy people. 

Unless we are being used by God we will not be content. An unbroke, untrained horse is not happy.

"Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it." Matthew 10:39

Jesus
-- No one had more right to be served, yet He chose the life of a servant. We are meant to serve.

"Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”" Mark 10:43-45

Jesus and the demon-possessed man: This was man was out of control, wild man. Once healed he wanted to go with Jesus. But Jesus understood his healing was not complete. He said to him:

"Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left.The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him." Luke 8:37-39

His healing would be complete when he was serving Jesus by proclaiming what God had done for him.

#3 Change our focus to servanthood.

"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

We find identity in the job we do. It doesn't matter what we do, we can do it for Jesus.

"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 25:40

#4 Change our focus from earth to eternity.

If the world is all we have we have nothing but despair. It all means nothing in the end if you just live for this life.

"If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." 1 Corinthians 15:19

We serve a God who has overcome the world. God wants the best for us.

"All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth." Hebrews 11:13

"Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them." Hebrews 11:16

#5 Focus our eyes on Jesus.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;" 2 Corinthians 4:8

"speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20

#6 A Change of Mindset.
​
"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.8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:6-8

It doesn't matter what's going on. You can be thankful. Live the life you were meant to live. 



"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not quench the Spirit." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19

"See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 2 Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears,[a] we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 All who have this hope in him purify themselves, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:1-3

Insurance -- we have insurance for everything. We get to just in case something happens. 

Assurance -- God paid the "policy."

We are called the children of God. We didn't earn this. What that means is we have no worries. Faith in Father. When you're a child it's natural to have faith in your parents. We need to hve this same kind of child-like faith (or even greater) in our Father.

It's not about you or me. God loves you.

"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law." 1 Corinthians 9:19-20

So often we feel worthyless -- the world reinforces this feeling. This is a lie! I am valuable to God. You are valuable to God.

No matter what you think He says you're worth it.

"Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings." 1 Corinthians 7:21-23

God freed us to be more than who we are. God will correct us because He loves us. Celebrate His love for us.

"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

The Example of Gideon: Gideon was not a man of strength or wisdom or vision or anything. He was the weakest member of the weakest clan.

"When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'" Judges 6:12

Gideon recognized the Israelites abandoned God.

"The Lord turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?'" Judges 6:14

I want you to go! I'm sending you. It isn't aobut your abilities. It is about Me (says God) and your willingness to go.

Gideon's faith and approval -- 32,000 down to 300 men -- this was God's plan (and of course it worked).

Gideon doesn't do it all super confidently -- he does what God tells him to do in the middle of the night so no one sees him....but he still does it.

And Gideon, in faith uses the 300 and the enemy is destroyed. Israel is freed!! He believed in the One who can change things. He used his own history to remember God is faithful.

Where's your faith coming from?

"For we live by faith, not by sight." 2 Corinthians 5:7

Our faith must be deeper than the surface. God doesn't bargain with us.

"know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[a] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified." Galatians 2:16

All God asks is that we believe in Him.

"What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." Romans 8:31-34

Our Assurance.

God doesn't want us to try and work things out without Him. What are we to do?

Draw Near to Him! That is assurance.

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." James 4:7-8

"let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water."
Hebrews 10:22

"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Hebrews 4:16

"I, in my Savior, are blessed." 

Insurance is doubt. Assurance is faith.

We are at war with the world. Jesus says rest in Me. The world wants to deny it all. Jesus is our battle standard. If you keep your eyes on Jesus....It's God's battle. Not ours. Draw near to Him.

"Filled with His goodness. Lost in His love." 

"This is My story!"

Each of us has a story, unique and precious. God has a story being written in my life, in your life. Common thread -- Jesus!

"Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—" John 1:12

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." John 15:15

Read the story God is writing in your life rather than trying to write it yourself.
​

"Children are a heritage from the Lord,
    offspring a reward from him.
 Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
    are children born in one’s youth.
 Blessed is the man
    whose quiver is full of them.
They will not be put to shame
    when they contend with their opponents in court." Psalm 127:3-5

Parents' Responsibilities:

#1. Nourish their children.

"Fathers,do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:4

#2. Educate.

"These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

#3. Discipline.

"Discipline your children, for in that there is hope;
    do not be a willing party to their death." Proverbs 19:18

Lack of discipline will cause pain. Be a good example. 

"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 12:10-11

It isn't fun to discipline. God doesn't find great joy in disciplining us but He knows it is necessary.

The Truth about Children:

1. All children are born sinful. All people are born sinful.

 "As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;" Romans 3:10

2. All are rebellious.

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

Rebellion is natural to us all.

3. Self-Absorbed.

 "In the course of time Cain brought some of the fruits of the soil as an offering to the Lord." Genesis 4:3

Cain got angry at God rather than trying to do better or asking God what he needed to do to do it right. There is a natural selfishness built into us. You must learn to share and cooperate.

4. Children are pliable -- they seek influence.

"Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Ephesians 5:102

Sometimes they grow in spite of us. They are seeking to be influenced. They will mimic you. 

5. The world is a dangerous place.

The world is getting worse and worse. We have to protect them. They will be under peer pressure to accept all that society accepts. We must be their strongest influece. We have to outvote all their peers.

"A discerning son heeds instruction,
    but a companion of gluttons disgraces his father." Proverbs 28:7

What is the prescription for good parenting?

1. Be right with God.

"By wisdom a house is built,
    and through understanding it is established;
through knowledge its rooms are filled
    with rare and beautiful treasures." Proverbs 24:3-4

If you build a foundation and you don't follow through that foundation will crumble and be destroyed.

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:33

God has an answer. He will guide you. Just ask.

2. Be the example of what you want your children to be.

"Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers."
1 Peter 3:7

 "Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children," Titus 2:4

If parents abuse, the children will abuse. What we are is reflected in our children. Love between parents is so important. Have an open relationship with your kids. If you mess up, apologize.

3. Examples we should be:

"He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full[a] respect." 1 Timothy 3:4

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

Sheep go astray. Lambs don't. They follow the sheep. The children are watching. We all are responsible.

Practice what you preach!

1. Start Early:

If you let them develop bad habits you have to get rid of these first before you can start training.

2. Discipline.

"Know then in your heart that as a man disciplines his son, so the Lord your God disciplines you. Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in obedience to him and revering him." Deuteronomy 8:5-6

3. Be Consistent.

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise-- 3 “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”[a] Fathers,[b] do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." Ephesians 6:1-4

4. Stay in the Community of the Church.

"For lack of guidance a nation falls,
    but victory is won through many advisers." Proverbs 11:14

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25

You're not alone. We're here to support each other. The world is going down and Jesus is coming back. Live in expectation of Jesus returning. Be a safe place for each other. Seek the family.

"Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
    but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7

We have a tendency to panic and fear. This doesn't need to be how we react. God gives us a better way.

Why should we fear God?

3 kinds of Biblical fear:
Terror: fear of the power of God
Respect: as a servant servicing a master.
Reverence: Understanding who He is and who we are.

Reverence is a deep, deep respect. Knowing who God is, who we are -- what God is capable of.

The benefits of fearing God (as in the reverence kind):
1. Hate Evil.
"To fear the Lord is to hate evil;
    I hate pride and arrogance,
    evil behavior and perverse speech." Proverbs 8:13

The world has a problem of saying something is evil -- like sin. We need to look at the world through God's view. We get understanding when we look with God's perspective.

2. Live a "Long" Life (abundant, full life)
"The fear of the Lord adds length to life,
    but the years of the wicked are cut short." Proverbs 10:27

When God disciplines us He is loving us.
 "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." Hebrews 12:7-8

"Because He said so" is somehting we should accept from God.

Healthy vs. unhealthy fear:

Healthy fear: "Good judgment wins favor,
    but the way of the unfaithful leads to their destruction." Proverbs 13:15

Unhealthy fear: "Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”" Genesis 3:8-10

Unhealthy fear can be based in shame or blame or condemnation.

We continue to hide in sin. You can't hide anything from God. 

Godly sorrow vs Worldly Sorrow:

"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death." 2 Corinthians 7:10

Choose Him or don't choose Him. Admitting sin is uncomfortable. We have a choice on what or who we fear. We can fear God or fear people. If I hide the good news from other people, if I don't share the "Cure" to fallenness, I am a coward, a selfish coward (those are Jane's words speaking to herself). 

“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. 33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven." Matthew 10:32-33

Those verses should scare us!
When we fear God we don't need to fear anything or anyone else. If we fear the world more than we fear God we distance ourselves from Jesus.

Jesus came to bring us home.

 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30

Am I gathering or scattering?

It's not multiple choice. It's true or false. Is there something stopping us from living for God?

The fear of God leads to a life of fearlessness! Halleluia!!

"The fear of the Lord leads to life;
    then one rests content, untouched by trouble." Proverbs 19:23

If we find contentment in God everything will be provided. We serve a living God who is here right now.

"For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
    so great is his love for those who fear him;
 as far as the east is from the west,
    so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
 As a father has compassion on his children,
    so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;" Psalm 103:11-13

"For those who fear Him" has to be part of the equation. It's okay to "rock the boat." It's okay to "stand alone." If you fear God, He'll take care of everything. We need not to have any fear of Satan or the future:

"We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them." 1 John 5:18

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

God is a jealous God. He won't let anyone take you from HIm.

#1. Everything we do is seen by God.
#2. If I repent God will take care of me.
#3 We have to choose to fear God and not people. God or people. That's it.

Who do you choose to fear?

"But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15