Value and Prioritize Wisdom. Proverbs 4:5-9Wisdom is a priceless treasure, highly valued above all else. Proverbs 4:5-7, James 1:5Embrace and seek wisdom, for it leads to honor and life. Proverbs 4:8-9, 1 Cor. 1:24Walk the Righteous and Right Path. Proverbs 4:10-19Avoid the path of wickedness, which leads to darkness and sin. Proverbs 4:14-17, John 8:34Choose the path of righteousness, which grows...  Read More

Keep your focus on God to overcome fear. 1 Sam 21Fear can lead to desperate measures. 1 Sam 21:2ffFear can lead to dangerous actions. 1 Sam 21:10-15Recognize the consequences of defective theological vision. 1 Sam 22David’s big view of God builds trust, even when David is on the run. 1 Sam. 22:1-5Saul’s small-to-nonexistent concern for God leads to paranoia, even on the throne.Consequences of defe...  Read More

Bread from heaven:Manna: Moses Exodus 16God provided physical food as a gift, but the people died. Ex. 16:4They had to gather it daily according to God’s plan. Ex. 16: 20, 27Bread of Life: JesusJesus provides food that endures to eternal life. Jn 6:27The work of God is this: To believe        John 6:28-29Eat this food daily: The Word. Jn 1:1-4,     Mt. 4:4, Jn 6:68The Rock:The desert Rock. Exodus ...  Read More

The apparent hiddenness of God does not indicate the uncaring absence of God. Genesis 37God was present but unseen by Joseph at Dothan, as he is sold into slavery by his brother Judah. Genesis 37:18, 36-37God was present and seen by Elisha at Dothan. 2 Kings 6:13The sins of the fathers pass down through the generations, but even then, God’s grace is at work.Jacob deceived his father with the skin ...  Read More

Glory: God honored him. 2 Cor. 12:1-6By visions and revelationsClear directionGreat encouragementThorns: God humbled him. 2 Cor. 12:7-8Reasons for suffering:Sometimes we suffer because we are human.Sometimes we suffer because we are foolish and/or disobedient.Sometimes God uses suffering to build godly character.Responses to suffering:Become bitter and blame God and others.Give up and deconstruct....  Read More

Hebrews 13A Call To Live as a Faithful Community. (vv. 1-6)Love one another like family.Open your home to strangers.Remember prisoners and the mistreated.Stay faithful in marriage.Be content, not consumed with money.Living Under Christ’s Lordship. (vv. 7-9,17-19)Imitate your leader’s faith, not just their words.Stay anchored in Christ.Submit to godly leaders who care for your soul.Pray for your le...  Read More

Hebrews 12:14-29Pursue What Matters. (vv. 14-17)Peace with everyone.Holiness before God.What gets in the way?Failing to grasp grace.Letting bitterness take root.Trading the eternal for the immediate.Worship From Where You Stand. (vv. 18-24)Mount Sinai: The mountain of fear.Mount Zion: The mountain of grace.Do Not Refuse The One Who Speaks. (vv. 25-29)The Warning: Don’t turn a deaf ear to God.The s...  Read More

1. Work hard.He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgment.  Prov. 12:11, Col. 3:23-24.Our work is our worship: Hebrew word AvodahWork: Genesis 2:15 – “The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work (avodah) it and keep it.” Exodus 34:21 – God, in renewing the covenant with Moses, says, “Six days you shall work (avodah),”Worship: Exo...  Read More

Hebrews 12:4-131. God’s Discipline Reminds Us We are His Children. (vv. 4-8)Discipline is a Family Trait.Punishment is about retribution - paying back a wrong.Discipline is about formation - shaping what is wrong into something right.2. God’s Discipline Has Purpose. (vv. 9-11)God is not reactionary - He is intentionalHe doesn’t discipline in a huff.He doesn’t throw heavenly lightning bolts in frus...  Read More

Hebrews 12:1-31. Throw Off Everything that Hinders and the Sin.. (V. 1)Throw off everything that hinders.The Sins that so easily entails.2. Run With Perseverance the Race Marked Our for Us.. (V. 1b)“He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6“The steps of a man are established by the Lord… though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, f...  Read More

Hebrews 11:32-40Faith Sometimes Leads to Visible Victory. (Vv. 32-35a)Conquered KingdomsWho shut the mouths of lionsQuenched the fury of the flamesWomen received back their dead.Faith Often Leads Through Suffering. (vv. 35b-38)TorturedMocked, flogged, imprisonedStoned, sawn in two, murderedHomeless, destitute, mistreated.Philippians 1:29, “It has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you...  Read More

Hebrews 11:23-31Faith that defies fear. (v. 23)What would you do differently this week if you truly feared God more than man?Faith that defies temptation. (vv. 24-26)He RefusedHe ChoseHe RegardedFaith doesn’t just say “no” to sin; it says “yes” to something better. Where are your eyes fixed today?Faith that defies uncertainty. (vv. 27-28)The world tells you to “see it to believe it.” God calls you...  Read More