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Watch the Clock

1/27/2019

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"But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive,disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth." 2 Timothy 3:1-7

This is what we're seeing in today's society.

"while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:13-17

World sliding downhill. The end is rushing toward us. We know things will get worse. 

What should we do?

1. Pray!
"The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray." 1 Peter 4:7

We need to be praying. We need to be alert.

a. Pray God opens people's eyes. (Sliding is so easy to accept).
b. Pray God protects the innocent. Our prayers make a difference. We don't need to see it.
c. Pray God comes soon (to stop the evil).
d. Pray God uses you to the utmost (We should be working harder. Pray God uses us as much as He can).
e. Pray God gives you power to witness (God's word needs to be heard).
f. Pray God gives you a chance to make a difference (We cannot ignore what's going on. Nothing is beyond prayer, beyond our sphere of influence).

Be motivated to get into the fight!

2. Love!
"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8

We should be standing for love.

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filledto the measure of all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:14-19

God's love is bigger and beyond anything going on in this world!

"Love never fails. But where there are prophecies,they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

3. Give

a. Give hospitality.
b. Give like there's no tomorrow.
c. Give like you were receiving.
d. Give because giving is a gift. No one should feel like they are turned away.

4. Use the Gifts God has given you.


"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen." 1 Peter 4:10-11

Speak kindness. Speak peace. Jesus never let His gifts trickle in. He used His gifts wholly. He gave it all. Our service is for God.
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. 15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And,
“If it is hard for the righteous to be saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”[a]
19 So then, those who suffer according to God’s willshould commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good." 1 Peter 4:12-19

I don't care how the world reacts. I care what you do. I'm not serving for the result. I'm serving because that's what God tells me to do. What am I doing for Jesus today? Every day is another day to serve Jesus.


It all comes down to John 15:12 which says:

"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you." John 15:12

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In One Accord

11/18/2018

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The phrase "in one accord" is mentioned 11 times in the book of Acts.

"They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers." Acts 1:14

The Early Church:
*Anointed and Full of the Holy Spirit
*Preached the Word Boldy
*Miracles, Signs and Wonders
​*1000s saved and were being added to their numbers
*One purpose

What changed?

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8

"Every good and perfect gift is from above,
 coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." James 1:17

We've dropped the ball somewhere along the linee because Jesus Christ hasn't Changed. The Father and the Spirit haven't changed. God's gifts are still perfect.

Maybe we've slidden away from having passion for Christ into man made stuff, rules and regulations.

We need to go back before we can go forward.


"How good and pleasant it is
    when God’s people live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
    running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
    down on the collar of his robe.
3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
    were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
    even life forevermore." Psalm 133:1-3

Unity is anointed.

They were unified in prayer. Have faith. Have belief -- Pray with faith.


"He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s."
2 Chronicles 20:15

God, do your will. Praying this is part of our worship.


"When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them." Acts 4:24

All prayed. All worshipped.

How often do we pray, "God use us"?

How often do we ask God to let His power come through us? Our prayer needs to be purposeful and directional.

We need to be united in vision and purpose.

Our church needs to be a place where:
-- we worship in Spirit and in truth.
-- We grow and become more like Jesus.
-- We encourage and build each other up.
-- We minister and serve.

Reach out to the lost no matter the cost!

​Some people have no hpe. We can give them hope. If we're truly heart-broken about someone, we will reach out. If you see pain and hurting, bring them to Jesus. 

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,
 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one-- 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:20-23

Like heart, like mind, like action.

Do we have this relationship with Jesus? Do we share?

Endless pot of blessing to share.


“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them
 by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

We don't have time to be tired.  Our role is to preach the gospel and make disciples. If I want it done I must do it.

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Our Role in the Church

11/11/2018

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(I messed up the recording this week. There will be another one next week...sorry!!)

What is our role in the world at large?


"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another." John 13:34

The church is not the building but the people.

People make the church.

So what's our role? Each of us has a role to fulfill in the church. If one part of a body fails, the body can die.

Three holistic  roles of the church:
-- worship
--edification
--evangelism

Worship -- expressing our love by worshipping the Creator.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul,

And all that is within me, bless His holy name.
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget none of His benefits;
3 Who pardons all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases;
4 Who redeems your life from the pit,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion;
5 Who satisfies your [a]years with good things,so that your youth is renewed like the eagle." Psalm 103:1-5

"Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
Come before Him with joyful singing.
3 Know that the Lord [b]Himself is God;
It is He who has made us, and [c]not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with [d]thanksgiving
And His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him, bless His name.
5 For the Lord is good;
His lovingkindness is everlasting
And His faithfulness to all generations." Psalm 100:1-5

Make noise for Jesus!

Don't be an eyore.

Edification
-- building each other up (bible study, continuing education, praying for each other, hospitality, meeting needs, spiritual, physical, emotional).

"Therefore [a]encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing."
1 Thessalonians 5:11

"and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds,
 25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

Never been a more opportune time to do God's work! Should be a major mission to edify each other.

Evangelism -- reaching out to a lost world.

People have questions. It is our responsibility to know the truth and to be able to defend it. We need to be able to express compassion and mercy tangibly. We need to truly make a difference.  Express compassion and mercy tangibly.  

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you [b]always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Get busy. You have an incredible gift you need to share.  We have been commissioned by God to lead. Am I just watching? Or am I doing?

"The basic function of the church is to be involved in every facet of the life of the believer. Christ looked at the needs of the people, provided it and then began to preach the good news. The church today must live up to its own billing" Gilford T. Montrose

"And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
 12 for the equipping of the [a]saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;" Ephesians 4:11-12

We are the people.  So what should we be doing?

"Then I heard the 
voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!”" Isaiah 6:8






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Practical Neighborly Love

11/4/2018

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 "Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other." 1 John 4:11

We're meant to love our neighbor all the time.

Jesus said, "Love one another" eight times.

​Who's our neighbor?

Picture
The big heart (on the left) let's say represents God. The small heart represents us. The overlap of the hearts is where the love needs to come from -- the place where how we love will echo and reflect the way God loves us.

"The man replied, “The Scriptures say, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind.’ They also say, ‘Love your neighbors as much as you love yourself.’” Luke 10:27

Who isn't my neighbor? A neighbor is anyone who  needs to see God's love through us.

"My dear friends, we must love each other. Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows that we have been given new life. We are now God’s children, and we know him." 1 John 4:7

This is what we're supposed to be doing -- God's love pouring out through us.

"No one who loves others will harm them. So love is all that the Law demands." Romans 13:10

If we do it out of a heart full of love, no harm will be done. Do the best you can. If your love is rejected, that's okay.

Money can be a challenge.  Money should bring us joy when we give it. Jesus had 29 parables. Sixteen of those parables talked about money.

"But if we say we love God and don’t love each other, we are liars. We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don’t love the people we can see?' 1 John 4:20

If you can't love your neighbor you aren't loving God. If our love comes from God you have an endless supply of love.

"But love your enemies and be good to them. Lend without expecting to be paid back.[a] Then you will get a great reward, and you will be the true children of God in heaven. He is good even to people who are unthankful and cruel." Luke 6:35

No strings attached. No qualification needed to be loved by us. Love the best you can love. Give because God wants you to.

"I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing." Malachi 3:10

God tells us to test us in the area of money and giving. Do it! Take the challenge. If we love we can't love too much. We can't give too much either.

"I am not trying to get something from you, but I want you to receive the blessings that come from giving." Philippians 4:17

We always get more than we gave. God reached out through someone else to show us love. 

The world says keep it, hoard it, save it. If we aren't careful we'll fall into the world's mentality about money.

Where you spend your time and money is what's important to you.

It seems wise (the world's way) but it isn't.

"You cannot be the slave of two masters! You will like one more than the other or be more loyal to one than the other. You cannot serve both God and money." Matthew 6:24

 "Don’t worry and ask yourselves, “Will we have anything to eat? Will we have anything to drink? Will we have any clothes to wear?” 32 Only people who don’t know God are always worrying about such things. Your Father in heaven knows that you need all of these. 33 But more than anything else, put God’s work first and do what he wants. Then the other things will be yours as well." Matthew 6:31-33

Practical love -- perfect example is The Good Samaritan.

He did all the practical stuff needed to be done. If you see a need fill it. God knows you're ready for it. We can never out give or out love God.

If you're doing God's business, He'll take care of you. You'll be okay.

"Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing." James 1:17

Everything we have is God's. Every single thing. I'm God's steward. I'm holding onto God's stuff. Bills I pay feed other families -- think about the connections.

"If you give to others, you will be given a full amount in return. It will be packed down, shaken together, and spilling over into your lap. The way you treat others is the way you will be treated." Luke 6:38

"Each of you has been blessed with one of God’s many wonderful gifts to be used in the service of others. So use your gift well."1 Peter 4:10

God gives so we can give.

Cheerfully give as we have joyously received.

"Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don’t feel sorry that you must give and don’t feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give." 2 Corinthians 9:7

He wants us to give like He gives. Don't be reluctant.

Are you fulfilling a need? Open your eyes to other people's worlds and their needs. We each give in our own way. God is offering us a blessing.

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Radical Encounter at the Well

7/1/2018

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Jesus had a way of dealing with people groups -- radical!  Sometimes we're afraid of crossing lines. Jesus never is.

GASP! Jesus went to Samaria.

5 "So He *came to a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph; 6 and Jacob’s well was there. So Jesus, being wearied from His journey, was sitting thus by the well. It was about [a]the sixth hour." John 4:5-6

He goes through and stops in the middle of the day.

7 There *came a woman of Samaria to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.”
 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food. 9 Therefore the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 She *said to Him, “[a]Sir, You have nothing to draw with and the well is deep; where then do You get that living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself and his sons and his cattle?” John 4:7-12

She falls back on tradition.


13"Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”
15 The woman *said to Him, “[a]Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw.” John 4:13-15

Water was a big deal.  Her shame was relived every day as she walked to the well.


16 He *said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus *said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband’; 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly.” 19 The woman *said to Him, “[a]Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet." John 4:16-19

God knows all our sin. He knows all our dark spots. He knows it all but He still offers His living water.

She brings up a religious argument. Her question goes back to religion.

20 "Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.”
 21 Jesus *said to her, “Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23 But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. 24 God is [a]spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:20-24

True worshippers worship in Spirit and Truth.

Being filled with the Spirit.

Think of the disciples like us. 


27"At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What do You seek?” or, “Why do You speak with her?” 28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and *said to the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not [a]the Christ, is it?” 30 They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.
31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, “Rabbi, eat.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 So the disciples were saying to one another, “No one brought Him anythingto eat, did he?” John 4:27-33

Disciples uncomfortable with Jesus's actions but didn't confront him on them.

Woman took this encounter with Jesus and ran with it. Allowed it to change her! She goes to the ones who shun her and told them the Good News!

Jesus has just fulfilled His purpose with this woman. He was full. He gave. She accepted.


34"Jesus *said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest. 36 Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 For in this case the saying is true, ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor.” John 4:34-38

He stayed two days. The Harvest was in process!


39"From that city many of the Samaritans believed in Him because of the word of the woman who testified, “He told me all the things that I havedone.”
 40 So when the Samaritans came to Jesus, they were asking Him to stay with them; and He stayed there two days. 41 Many more believed because of His word;" John 4:39-41

Live water= running water

Do you have a stock pond or a river in reference to your faith? Is your faith a stock pond (stagnate) or a river (deep and flowing)?


Live water is overflowing, pressurized, bursting out. Spirit will overwhelm us.

37"Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “[a]If anyone is thirsty, [b]let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From [c]his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 But this He spoke of the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive; for the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified." John 7:37-39

#1 You gotta be thirsty.
#2 Come to Jesus.
#3 Drink!

What's keeping us from drinking from the well?

What's separating us from the living water?

What fears keep you from commitment?

Whose rules are limiting your witness?

What is stopping your harvest?

We're missing the harvest. God's harvest will happen, but are you giving away the opportunity to take part in that harvest?

Have you encountered Jesus in this radical way?

Have you asked for the living water?

Have you received the living water?

"Then he showed me a river of the water of life, [a]clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of [b]the Lamb,
 2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve [c]kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 There will no longer be any curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and His bond-servants will serve Him; 4 they will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads. 5 And there will no longer be any night; and they [d]will not have need of the light of a lamp nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God will illumine them; and they will reign forever and ever." Revelation 22:1-5

Take it now!


10"And he *said to me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near."
Revelation 22:10

The time is near!

12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man [a]according to what he has done.
 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Revelation 22:12-13

He is coming soon!

He doesn't want us to be fans. He wants us to be followers.


What have you done for the kingdom of God?

Take them to the well!

Let the river flow!
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Community Service

6/24/2018

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Picture


​Shannon was the guest preacher for the Dupree Community Service today. Dupree is celebrating Pioneer Days this weekend and there is always a community service for all who want to attend.

I didn't take notes, but I can tell you Shannon talked about love -- how Jesus says in Matthew, 'You are to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect" in all manners of love. Loving God and loving all people (friends, family, enemies, strangers and especially those who are hard for you to love). 

This world is lacking love. So many people are lacking love in their lives.

Loving like God loves isn't easy. Sometimes it is darn hard. But you'll never regret it.

Ever.



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Finding Faith in the Desert

5/6/2018

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We live in a faith desert. Less than 2% of Native Americans are saved.
30 "The apostles *gathered together with Jesus; and they reported to Him all that they had done and taught. 31 And He *said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.) 32 They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves. 33 The people saw them going, and many recognized them and ran there together on foot from all the cities, and got there ahead of them.34 When Jesus went [a]ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things." Mark 6:30-34

The disciples were coming back from a mission trip Jesus sent them on. 

I. Know that you will be held to account. 
Everyone will have a different account. Account to Jesus for you've done with this life.

"For it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me,
And every tongue shall [a]give praise to God.”
12 So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God." Romans 14:11-12

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for [a]his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:20

You may not be accepted everywhere, but just keep going. Go to all peoplee and tell them. Share the Word of God. We are accountable for what we do with our salvation, our life.

II. Watch out for burnout -- set a pace.

It's easy to get burned out.

(Look at Jonah)

Rest and recover.

"And He *said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.” (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.)
 32 They went away in the boat to a secluded place by themselves." Mark 6:31-32

“Come to Me, all [a]who are weary and heavy-laden, 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 [b]easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

When we burn out it's about us. We are in the mode "I can't." There is a massive amount of burnout with pastors in the USA, especially in smaller churches. 

"Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired.
His understanding is inscrutable.
29 He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
30 Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
31 Yet those who [a]wait for the Lord
Will gain new strength;
They will [b]mount up with [c]wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary." Isaiah 40:28-31

There will come a time when you're weary. God will be your oasis.

An oxen yoke is heavy. What makes Jesus's yoke light is that He is carrying it with us -- He takes the brunt of the load.

III. Be ready for the flood!

Is God holding back because we can't handle what He can do?

Maybe we need to prepare for it.

53 "When they had crossed over they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.
 54 When they got out of the boat, immediately the people recognized Him," Mark 6:53-54

"A voice [a]is calling,

“Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness;
Make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.
4 “Let every valley be lifted up,
And every mountain and hill be made low;
And let the rough ground become a plain,
And the rugged terrain a broad valley;
5 [b]Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed,
And all flesh will see it together;
For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” Isaiah 40:3-5

Be ready for the broken person.

IV. Ready for the call in the desert.

23 He said, “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”

Wilderness causes us to focus, to lean on God, to get strength from Him.

"if you [b]obey the Lord your God to keep His commandments and His statutes which are written in this book of the law, [c]if you turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.
11 “For this commandment which I command you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it [d]out of reach. 12 It is not in heaven, [e]that you should say, ‘Who will go up to heaven for us to get it for us and make us hear it, that we may observe it?’ Deuteronomy 30:10-12

We gotta be listening for God's voice.

I didn't ask you to be good at it. I just told you to go.

Can you recognize His voice?

If you're listening you'll hear Him.

11 "So He said, “Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, butthe Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake a fire, butthe Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19:11-13

​What are we doing here?




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Truth (just notes this week)

4/15/2018

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13 "But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you [a]from the beginning for salvation [b]through sanctification [c]by the Spirit and faith in the truth.14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, [d]that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouthor by letter [e]from us.
16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,17 comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word."
2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

Stand firm.

Don't waver in your faith back and forth.

World's version of truth is not truth.


13"for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who [a]bring good news of good things!” Romans 10:13-15

We are all sent.


Truths to know:

#1 God wants to save us all.

#2 The Gospel is Good News.

We are all sent to preach, to tell others about God's love.

#3 God loves us!

He wants us to share in the glory of Jesus.  Glory=being one with God.  Glory=heaven.  Greatness of God + Closeness of God.

He's willing to sacrifice anything to get us.  Jesus wants us to be close to Him.  

What about the time between now and when we go to heaven?

What are we doing now?

"Truth is a lion. You don't have to defend truth. If you let it lose, it will defend itself." St. Augustine

If we don't cast seed it will NEVER take root.

What else?

#1 Jesus wants us in glory with Him.

#2 He wants us to stand firm in our faith.

2 "[a]fixing our eyes on Jesus, the [b]author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2

Jesus ran the race first.

He never took His eyes off the destination.

His will, not mine.

What is our purpose here, our meaning?

Stand firm, keep eyes on Jesus, preach truth.

Stand firm and don't back down.

When the wind blows lean into it. Face it. Walk into it.  Don't be blown off course.

Don't let the world silence You.

All of this is temporary.  

Keep pushing.

We have the end of the story.

Jesus replied to Satan with scripture.

The world and satan won't stopp trying to snufff out your witness.  

We have no idea how effective we are (we would be surprised). 

What you need He'll provide.

Do your part.

God will encourage us.  

Look back and see what God's already done.

Look forward knowing what the Bible says.

Look around. We are not alone.

God intended us to hold each other up.

We are not the sum total of our worst parts of our life.

There are so many things we have yet to see.  They are promises from God yet to be fulfilled.  Unrealized dreams!  Our story is not yet over!

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Pray without ceasing

9/24/2017

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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 5:16-18

A lot of things are looking scary these days in our world.

 "You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
 7 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places." Matthew 24:6-7

This is a fallen world. When we fell, it came down with us. 

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,

    the people he chose for his inheritance." Psalm 33:12

God can do things we can't.

"He will be the sure foundation for your times,

    a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
    the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure." Isaiah 33:6

In the end all we have is God. People think they're so smart and that they can figure it out. But they're wrong.

What should we be doing?

We're not supposed to hide. We need to get involved. The power of prayer is limitless.

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

Our prayers can activate His power.

"I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people--
 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness."
1 Timothy 2:1-2

We are meant to pray for our leaders. A lot of people mock and judge. We are called to pray. 

"He changes times and seasons;

    he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
    and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:21

God has his hand on leaders.

"The Lord is near to all who call on him,

    to all who call on him in truth." Psalm 145:18

Calling upon Him is prayer.

There's nothing ouside the power of God. There's nothing outside the power of prayer.

"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

In the midst of the worst we've got the best.

God commands prayer. Pray about it.

"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

“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Matthew 18:19

We have ability that is untapped.  Our prayer bank account is still full. What have we spent?

God has never stopped listening. If He's promised it, it will come to pass. If you pray in My name, it will be done.

12 "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Romans 12:12

Continuing steadfastly in prayer.  Pray in belief.

 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." 1 Peter 2:9

We are here because of Him. 

What are the consequences of inaction?

What have you done?

What are you doing?

Do you want my hand in it? Put your hands together.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come,

    and the glory of the Lord rises upon you." Isaiah 60:1

​


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The Invitation to Fellowship

8/6/2017

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Well folks, I messed up the voice recorder so we will just have notes this week. Sorry. :( Notes to follow:


29 Then Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out to the place of which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you’; come with us and we will do you good, for the Lordhas [a]promised good concerning Israel.” 30 But he said to him, “I will not come, but rather will go to my own land and relatives.” 31 Then he said, “Please do not leave us, inasmuch as you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will be as eyes for us. 32 So it will be, if you go with us, that [b]whatever good the Lord [c]does for us, we will [d]do for you.” Numbers 10:29-32

Timing is important -- this happened after Moses was given the Law and the Tabernacle was built. Moses invites his father-in-law to come to the Promised Land with them. He wasn't Jewish. 

A Special People:
"
9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;" 1 Peter 2:9

A Special Place -- Heaven!
14 “Do not let your heart be troubled; [a]believe in God, believe also in Me.
 2 In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also."
John 14:1-3

We have the promise of heaven. We should be excited. Come with us to heaven, we ought to say to others.

A Special Privilege:
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you [b]always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20

Give that invitation. Ask people to join in our fellowship.

Store up  your treasures in heaven. 

You need us. We need you. The church offers people many things (but salvation is in belief in Christ alone).
1. Someone who cares


 "Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves.
 2 Each of us is to please his neighbor [a]for his good, to his edification." Romans 15:1-2

4 "do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." Philippians 2:4

2. Someone to help carry the burden.

"Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

"With all prayer and petition [b]pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, [c]be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints," Ephesians 6:18

3. Unconditional Love
For this, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is summed up in this saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
 10 Love [a]does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Romans 13:9-10

They came to Jesus.

Jesus didn't make suggestions. Get on it. Do it now. Love One another. Spread the word now. Are we doing everything we can?  Can we do more? 

Read the Bible. 

​Invite somebody. 

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    Shannon Hinrichs

    Dupree Baptist Church Pastor

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