The Greatest Thing - Love God First

Notes: The Greatest Thing
October 5, 2014
Pastor Jeff Lesseigne
Harvest OC
Matthew 22

Tonight is Harvest America in Dallas.

Pastor Jeff put an ad on the screen about a man hiring someone to back in time with him. The ad says you will get paid at return.

If you could accomplish one great thing in your life what would it be? 

Pastor Jeff gives many answers that he thinks people would have. He is asking what you as a Christian's great achievement would be?

He is talking about the movie City Slickers. How the actor tells Billy Crystal there is just one thing that is the most important thing in life and he has to figure that one thing out.

Jeff is talking about how the Pharisees and then the Sadducees were trying to trick Jesus Christ, and they couldn't do it.

Matthew 22:34-38 NKJV
[34] But when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together. [35] Then one of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, [36] "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" [37] Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' [38] This is the first and great commandment.

Jeff says on the surface it doesn't appear to be a trick question. But they were trying to complicate it on Jesus because, Jeff says there are 613 laws that the Jews have got out of the Old Testament. They call it the Mitzvah.

Jesus Christ says the greatest thing we can do in our lives, supremely, is to love God with our heart, souls and mind.

Many people ask the "what ifs" but Jesus Christ does not change his answer. No matter what the other important things are, loving God comes first, it helps with all other things.

Acts 1:3 NKJV
[3] to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Peter made the biggest mistakes prior to seeing Jesus Christ before he saw him resurrected. Peter denied the Lord. Yet Jesus Christ only brought it up one time after.

John 21:15-17 NKJV
[15] So when they had eaten breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Feed My lambs." [16] He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" He said to Him, "Yes, Lord; You know that I love You." He said to him, "Tend My sheep." [17] He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?" Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, "Do you love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep.

The key to understand that passage is to know the love that Jesus Christ had said. Jesus Christ said agape love and Peter responded with a love of a lesser sort, that is not unconditional as Jesus Christ had asked.

Jeff says it sticks out to him all the questions that Jesus Christ could of but didn't ask Peter. He didn't ask him about his actions. He asked him the same question three times, Jesus Christ never brought up Peters failures again after that.

1. Even when we fail.

Jesus Christ still loves us even when we fail, no matter how great the failure.

Jeff is talking about as kids how we would use the term "no take backs" as with God there is no take backs. God's love has no take backs. 

God can take the place of anything but nothing can take the place of God!

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NKJV
[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. [2] And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. [3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

The key phrase in all these statements is "but have not love" the real issue was doing things without love. 

Speech without love. (v. 1)

Spirituality without love (v. 2)

Sacrifices without love (v. 3)

There will be plenty of opportunities to do any thing, but it all needs love.

2. Even as we serve and sacrifice 

The one who has been forgiven much, loves much.

1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV
[13] And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

How is love greater than faith and hope? 
Jeff says when Jesus takes us home will we need faith and hope.

Yet we will always love Jesus Christ.

Augustine said, love God and then do what you like.

1 John 2:2-6 NKJV
[2] And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world. [3] Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. [4] He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. [5] But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. [6] He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.

If we are living according to the Word of God then we will be perfected in God.

We can't love God and not obey His word.

3. Even as we obey

In Revelation Jesus Christ is addressing 7 churches. 

Speaking to Ephesus:
Revelation 2:2-5 NKJV
[2] "I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; [3] and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary. [4] Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. [5] Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place-unless you repent.


Jesus Christ had many great things to say about that church, nevertheless He says they have left their first love.

God will not let anything be a substitute for loving Him.

You can like the good old days, but love God today.

It's been said the good old days is a combination of a bad memory and a vivid imagination.

Time for a self check up. We don't want this all to be just an old routine.

The easiest person to deceive is yourself.

Jeff has given us a list of questions to ask ourselves if we have left our first love. He said to examine ourselves and not try to note the questions. They were good questions.

He says there is all kinds of great things that we can do. But loving God is the key to living for God and longing for his return.

Who initiated the love between you and God? 100% of the time, it is God who initiated this relationship. 

Romans 5:8 NKJV
[8] But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God's love is the greatest gift you will ever receive. 

Time - Is Difficult, Get Ready, It's Now!

Notes: Time - Is Difficult, Get Ready, It's Now!

This message was awesome click here if you want to watch it: http://bit.ly/10noTKv

Pastor Steve Wilburn from Core Church in Los Angeles
Speaking at Harvest OC
October 2, 2014

Pastor Steve is talking about the loss of Pastor Steve Mays. He said this verse came to him:
Psalm 116:15 NKJV
[15] Precious in the sight of the LORD Is the death of His saints.

After the first sin of Adam and Eve, when we die we go back the full circle into paradise, into Heaven.

Pastor Steve says Jesus Christ  is coming back! Did you know that?

He said that he named this message Time, because it is just a matter of it before Christ comes back.

Time is used for lots of things. Science keep time to measure intervals. Then there's time to do everything, eat, sleep, do dishes or whatever.

As you get older time seems to go much faster.

It's been said time waits for no one!

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NKJV
[1] To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: [2] A time to be born, And a time to die;A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; [3] A time to kill, And a time to heal;A time to break down, And a time to build up; [4] A time to weep, And a time to laugh;A time to mourn, And a time to dance; [5] A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones;A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; [6] A time to gain, And a time to lose;A time to keep, And a time to throw away; [7] A time to tear, And a time to sew;A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; [8] A time to love, And a time to hate;A time of war, And a time of peace.

John Lennon said time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted.

Pastor Steve says time wasted is time wasted. We have to do Gods work at all times, don't waste it.

God has never asked an atheist or an agnostic to share his message!

So then who should share it? If you are a Christian then you should waste no time sharing Jesus' message. 

1. Time is difficult

Trouble means things that disturb, bring difficulty and pain.

From the book of Joel, Joel learned what trouble could be. One his main troubles were locust, it destroyed all the land. Joel's message is timeless. Troubles hit everyone, rich or poor, healthy or ill.

There are opportunities in every difficulty, and difficulties in very opportunity.

Pastor Steve is sharing a story about being in New Zealand. He spoke to a girl that was in a massively sad time. Then he was sharing with her and then the boyfriend was interrupting saying things like I don't believe the Bible was written by God. Steve addressed his concern and then went back to witnessing to the girl. The boyfriend interrupted a few more times while Steve was trying to consul the girl. Steve thought the guy was not helping the situation. One of the verses he said to the boyfriend to address his concern was:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV—All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

As Steve was talking to the girl, the boyfriend said the movie they were going to see was about to start. Steve thought the boyfriend was getting in the way of her accepting Christ. Yet, the girlfriend decided to head into the movie while the boyfriend stayed and talked to Steve. After Steve answered all of the boyfriends questions, the boyfriend gave his heart to God and the girl didn't. Steve was amazed that it happened. He said he asked the boyfriend why he decided to put his faith in Jesus right then and the guy simply stated because Steve answered all the questions the guy had and wanted to follow him.

1 Peter 2:9 NKJV
[9] But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;

Steve is talking about living your life for Christ and dying with no regrets.

If you died tonight would you be dying with regrets?

Jeremiah 20:9 NKJV—Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him, Nor speak anymore in His name.” But His word was in my heart like a burning fire Shut up in my bones; I was weary of holding it back, And I could not.

Joel 1:4 NKJV
[4] What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.

In our lives locust are anything that are a distraction in our life. It could be lust, or envy, or work, or anything.

Idle time is not your friend, it can be your biggest enemy.

No matter how many times we have fallen or failed, we must not give up.

At any time, the Lord could perfect you.

John 10:10 NKJV
[10] The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

Do you feel like your life has been devoured? Should you crawl into a whole and hope your life gets better, or should you crawl, rebuild and pull yourself up.

There are things that the people of God need to rise up and do. We do not have to go anywhere to be in the mission field.

God puts his missionaries in the most useless places. Jesus Christ never waited for the right place.

He says share with everyone! There is a God in Heaven that loves you.

He said 56% of people will go somewhere they are invited.

He said it's quick, invite people to church. What if someone comes and gives their life to Christ.

2. It's time to get ready.

Joel 2:9-14 NKJV
[9] They run to and fro in the city, They run on the wall; They climb into the houses, They enter at the windows like a thief. [10] The earth quakes before them, The heavens tremble; The sun and moon grow dark, And the stars diminish their brightness. [11] The LORD gives voice before His army, For His camp is very great; For strong is the One who executes His word. For the day of the LORD is great and very terrible; Who can endure it? [12] "Now, therefore," says the LORD, "Turn to Me with all your heart, With fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." [13] So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the LORD your God, For He is gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. [14] Who knows if He will turn and relent, And leave a blessing behind Him- A grain offering and a drink offering For the LORD your God?

Rend in Hebrew means to either surrender or retreat back.

Pastor Steve is talking about when he was young, he was drinking, doing speed and got a girl pregnant. Then when he was 18 he heard the Gospel.

Luke 12:3 NKJV
[3] Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.

He said after he heard that he was converted.

Malachi 2:6 NKJV
[6] The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity.

We are called to share the life changing message of the cross.

If your life was to end would have regrets or no regrets?

You can't take anything. You get here naked and you leave naked.

Revelation 22:12 NKJV
[12] "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.

Your work isn't climbing the corporate ladder. It what you did for the kingdom of God.

3. The time is now.

Joel 2:29-31 NKJV
[29] And also on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days. [30] "And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: Blood and fire and pillars of smoke. [31] The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the LORD.

Joel 2:32 NKJV
[32] And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.

Philippians 3:13 NKJV
[13] Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,

You can't change yesterday but you can decide what you do tomorrow.

The time is now, God is raising up an army of light. He is not raising you up to use your weakness. For when your are weak God is strong.

Joel 2:28 NKJV
[28] "And it shall come to pass afterward That I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your old men shall dream dreams, Your young men shall see visions.

1 Corinthians 3:16 NKJV
[16] Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

You Christian are the holy of holies. But do you ever let out the Holy Spirit.

Joel 2:32 NKJV
[32] And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the LORD Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the LORD has said, Among the remnant whom the LORD calls.

This your family, friends and strangers, and you could help lead them there.

You could be instrumental in leading someone to Christ.

Joel 3:13-14 NKJV
[13] Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, go down; For the winepress is full, The vats overflow- For their wickedness is great." [14] Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.

How much should we be pushing and persuading people? Pastor Steve says he begs people. They need to be persuaded.

What is your decision?

Philippians 3:10 NKJV
[10] that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,

We need to make a decision to lead people to Christ.

Christian means to be Christ like.

You will never regret leading someone to the Lord.

You will regret if you did nothing.

Lord here I am, please give me the power to let you send me!

Let's go spread the Word!

Notes: Let's go spread the Word!

Men's Study

Valor Study

September 30, 2014

Week 2 of study

Speaker: Pastor Adam Eaton - Jr. High Pastor 

Pastor Adam says people put hope in lots of things.

Many put hope in money, others put it in real estate, many put hope in possessions, cars, toys, gadgets, in relationships.

Hope is put in all kinds of different things. None of these things have ever satisfied our needs or is working.

What hope does this world have? The world would say, the answer to war is peace, to poverty is charity, to hate is lov, to depression is medication.

Yet none of these things are working, they are band aids that have failed.

According to Gods word, Christianity, to follow Jesus Christ is our only hope.

In the book of Acts, Paul shows that Jesus Christ is the hope that we should have.

Acts 1:1-11 (NKJV)

1 The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, 3 to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me[a] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” 9 Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”

 

Theophilus was the person Luke wrote too.

The Bible presents to us a hope in a person, that person is Jesus Christ.

The person is Jesus Christ and his teaching is what we can follow.

1. Hope in the person.

2. Hope in the resurrection.

3. Hope in the world.

1 Corinthians 15:14-15 KJV

[14] And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. [15] Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.

If Jesus Christ did not rise then we would be a joke and should be mocked.

It's Jesus Christ's resurrection did not happen then we have no hope.

How can we know that the resurrection is true?

1. Every apostle of Jesus Christ died the death of a martyr. If it was a lie, would they all be ready to die?

1 Corinthians 15:5-7 KJV

[5] And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: [6] After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. [7] After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

There was over 500 witnesses of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Then Jesus Christ taught them and remained on earth for 40 days after he resurrected.

Acts 1:8 KJV

[8] But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Jesus Christ's final words on this earth was giving us all hope.

The believer has the Holy Spirit as soon as he gives his life to Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:13 KJV

[13] In whom ye also trusted , after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

John 16:7 NKJV

[7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you.

The Holy Spirit came as Jesus Christ left. The Holy Spirit is your Helper.

Acts 1:6-7 NKJV

[6] Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" [7] And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.

The disciples at this point still had a misunderstanding of what Jesus Christ was there to do.

Until the kingdom is realized, we have a job to do.

The whole purpose of the baptism of the Holy Spirit is to fulfill the great commission.

John 20:21 NKJV

[21] So Jesus said to them again, "Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you."

We are sent to be witnesses, make disciples and convert.

The Holy Spirit is to give you power to be a witness to God. We receive power to accomplish God's work.

Acts is split up in the 4 locations Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

All the places we are to witness for God.

Jerusalem to you? That is saying to be a witness in your home. Are you being a witness to your wife and children.

Deuteronomy 6:7 NKJV

[7] You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.

Your home is your Jerusalem, so is work. It is the place you are at.

We are all missionaries if we like it or not. It is our job to spread Gods kingdom. Who do you work with that you need to share with?

Judea and Samaria, is equivalent to our state and our country.

Harvest America is reaching out in that area, are you a part of that?

The ends of the earth? There are over 7,000 groups of people that have no access to the Word of God. No churches, no Bibles and no access. 

We need to reach them too!

Acts 1:9-11 NKJV

[9] Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. [10] And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, [11] who also said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven."

Matthew 24:14 NKJV

[14] And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

Let's go spread the Word!

What Jesus Taught About Money, Possessions, and Giving

Notes: What Jesus Taught About Money, Possessions, and Giving
Harvest
September 28, 2014
Pastor Greg
Sunday Morning
Matthew 6 / 2 Corinthians 9

Greg is talking about how he over packs in trips, because you never know what you will need.

Greg is saying how there was a man in the Bible who had so much stuff that he had to build storage buildings for all of his stuff.

Luke 12:20-21 NKJV
[20] But God said to him, 'Fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' [21] "So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

15% of everything Jesus said relates to the topic of money and possessions.

That is more than teachings on Heaven and hell combined.

Scripture offers about 500 verses on prayer and fewer than 500 on faith, while there are more than 2,000 verses on money!

We all seem to think our stuff is our stuff, but it all is really a gift from God.

Scripture teaches that you belong to God.
(1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NKJV
[19] Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? [20] For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.).

When the Pharisees try to trick Jesus Christ about what is Caesar's He shows them a coin with Caesars  picture on it and says to give Caesars what is Caesars and to God what is God's. You and your body and mind is God's!

Haggai 2:8 NKJV
[8] 'The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,' says the LORD of hosts.

Proverbs 6:6 NKJV
[6] Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise,

1 Timothy 5:8 NKJV
[8] But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Proverbs 10:22 NKJV
[22] The blessing of the LORD makes one rich, And He adds no sorrow with it.

Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV
[18] "And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

1 Timothy 6:17-18 NKJV
[17] Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. [18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,

1. Don’t be arrogant nor put your ultimate hope in wealth.

Tell those who are rich not to be proud, soon they will be gone and their possessions won't matter.

2. Enjoy what God has given you.

God has no joy in anyone's poverty. It is ok to have things to comfort your life.

It’s not about what we have, but who we have.

Death comes for everyone, it has no respect for persons.

Philippians 4:11-13 NKJV

[11] Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: [12] I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. [13] I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Money is not the root of evil, but the love of it is.

When you bend every effort to get money, that is evil. Money in and of itself has no moral ground.

Wealth is not the problem, it's how we get it, how we have it and what we do with it.

1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV
[10] For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Some says it hurts to give, Jesus Christ basically says it should hurt to stop giving.

3. Use money for good.
(1 Timothy 6:18 NKJV
[18] Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share,)

Matthew 6:1-4 NKJV
[1] "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. [2] Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. [3] But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, [4] that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.

Matthew 6:1 NKJV
[1] "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.

You are not to give to impress others, you lose all reward from God. You got the reward you wanted from the people you were trying to impress. 

Matthew 6:3 NKJV
[3] But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

If you do things for God, you don't have to tell anyone, because God knows all.

God is everywhere, watching everything.
(Proverbs 15:3 NKJV
[3] The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.)
If I give in such a way as to impress others, I already have my reward.
(Matthew 6:2 NKJV
[2] Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.)

God wants the right motive: don’t give out of mere duty.
(Matthew 6:3 NKJV
[3] But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,)

If we remember, God will forget; but if we forget, God will remember.

Leave the bookkeeping to God and he will keep you accountable.

All scripture is inspired by God. Jesus Christ quoted old scripture and that confirmed the truth of it.'

2 Corinthians 9:6-9 NKJV
[6] But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. [7] So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. [8] And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. [9] As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever."

2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NKJV

[10] Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, [11] while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God.

1. God specifically says He loves cheerful giving.
(2 Corinthians 9:7 NKJV
[7] So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.)

Christmas as an example is a time that we see this. Little kids seem to love the getting and the parents enjoy seeing the kids get it. As the kids grow and have children they slowly change to see the joy of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:2 NKJV
[2] that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.

How is it possible to have all these things seen as bad things and still find joy? Because these people found the joy of giving.

2 Corinthians 8:5 NKJV
[5] And not only as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.

According to Martin Luther, three conversions necessary: Conversion of the heart, conversion of the mind and conversion of the purse.

2. It is a blessing and real joy to give.

3. As we give to God, God will give even more to us!
(2 Corinthians 9:8)

A farmer knows this, the more you sow your seeds the larger the crops.

On the personal side, do you like to help a tight wad or help a giver? God is the same way.

We are not owners of anything we are only stewards of what God has put in our possession.

Proverbs 3:9-10 NKJV
[9] Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; [10] So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine.

If you are faithful with what He has given you, He will give you more.

“Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle.” (Proverbs 23:5 NKJV
[5] Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; They fly away like an eagle toward heaven.)

You can't take it with you, but you can send your treasures on ahead of you.

Time on earth is a before life, it comes and goes. The "afterlife" is forever. Store up your treasures there!

Discussing End Times Events

Notes: Discussing End Times Events

Thursday, September 25, 2014 — 7:00 p.m.

Pastor Greg and Don Stewart Discuss End Times Events

SPEAKER:

Greg Laurie

SPECIAL GUEST:

Don Stewart

WORSHIP TEAM:

Harvest Worship Band

http://bit.ly/1q9xF3t

Pastor Greg is interviewing Don Stewart and is accepting questions via text to be answered during the interview.

Why does Don believe that we are living in the last days? He says so many things have come together as predicted in scripture that are happening in front of our eyes right now.

7 Signs:

1. Israel is a nation
2. Israel will build a 3rd temple
3. Israel will be attacked by 7 nations coalition in Ezekiel 38 and 39
4. Who is absent from the attack from Israel, no boarding states are in the scenario
5. There is no super power in the world today
6. No world leader today
7. The rise of modern technology

Commentators of the last 2000 years have been predicting the things that are happening today.

We have just started a war against this ISIS group, they are talking about how all of these groups are Islamic. All these groups believe Islam will take over the world one day.

Greg is not saying that all Muslims embrace this. Many around the world do believe this to be true.

Greg says there is a big vacuum with God being taken from us, and these groups are trying to slide in and fill this void.

Greg is talking about how there is all kinds of events talked about in the end times.

The Rapture of the church, first the dead are brought to life, second the ones who are alive will be caught up in the air.

2 Corinthians 5:8 (NKJV) 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.

Some people believe we will have a body, some think we will just be spirits. We don’t know that for sure.

1 Corinthians 15:50-58 (NKJV) 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”[a]

55 “O Death, where is your sting?[b]

O Hades, where is your victory?”[c]

56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

The Anti-Christ will be an unsuspecting person, as scripture says, through peace he will deceive many.

Daniel 11:12 (NKJV) 12 When he has taken away the multitude, his heart will be lifted up; and he will cast down tens of thousands, but he will not prevail.

Matthew 24:21 (NKJV) 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be.

What is the attack of Magog? First Gog is the leader, Magog is an area. Persia is an ally of Magog. 

Pastor Chuck Smith told them a story of how he told Israeli generals that they need to worry about Iran, and those general laughed at him back in the 70s or 80s. That is not the case today.

Israel will be attacked from all directions.

What is the Rapture? 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NKJV) 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

7 Theories are out there about the rapture. Don Stewart is completely convinced that the rapture is going to be pre-tribulation.

They said that anyones belief in these theories are non-essential points. Meaning many have different beliefs and this argument should not split the church.  These are all theories, only God knows the answers for sure.

1 Thessalonians 1:10 (NKJV) 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

1 Thessalonians 5:9 (NKJV) 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

1 Corinthians 7:14 (NKJV) 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

1 Corinthians 15:51 NKJV—Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed

Many people want to be saved at the 11th hour but loose their live at the 10th hour, don’t be that person.

They are talking about how the Kings of the East will have an army of 200,000,000 which is not even the amount of people that were on the earth when the prophecy was written.

America is not in Bible prophecy. We do not know exactly why.

There is two comings of the Lord, at the rapture and when He comes to set up his kingdom.

Matthew 25 says Jesus will come back and judge.

Sin doesn’t make since, it is illogical and irrational.

Revelation 20:5 (NKJV) 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV) 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

Sin has to be paid for, either we let Jesus pay for our sin, or we must pay for our sin.

Satan always is waiting in the wings looking to produce the Anti-Christ

How does a person prepare themselves for the rapture? 1 John 5:13 (NKJV) 13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Jesus died in our place for our sins. Be ready for the rapture and accept that fact.

The Whosoevers Interview of Fieldy from Korn

Notes: The Whosoevers Interview of Fieldy from Korn
Shine - CC Costa Mesa

Ryan Ries and Fieldy (Korn Bass Player)
September 25, 2014

Video talking about who The Whosoevers are and peoples testimony in the video. The Whosoevers was started by Ryan Ries and Sunny Sandoval. Thewhosoevers.com

Ryan Ries came out and is talking. He is talking about how Jesus responded to the people would try to make money off of religion. He says Jesus hated religious people, he is calling the Pharisees and Sadducees the religious people. He said Jesus is the first real punk rocker.

Ryan says Jesus is one of us, not a religious person. Ryan says Jesus is from Heaven reaching down to us. Ryan says religion is man trying to reach up to Heaven and we will never reach.

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.”

Jesus is there to pick you up when you do the same stupid thing over and over again.

Fieldy from Korn is now being interviewed.

Ryan asked Fieldy what led him to Jesus? Fieldy says it was a little taste of God that got him seeking the Lord.

Fieldy's dad got sick and Fieldy thought he was just rich enough and prideful enough that he could pay to get his dad healed. His dad was flat lining and his stepmom asked him to pray with her.

He accepted Christ at that point. He couldn't believe that God could hit a reset button and forgive him of all those sins. He was amazed, then he started reading the Bible, he felt the Holy Spirit in his life. He just wanted to "taste" more of the goodness of God.

Fieldy says he can't explain the unexplainable feeling that he has now that Jesus is in his life.

He said when it "hits the fan" he knows that God is real. It is a battle with the enemy and he has always found Jesus is the way out of the problems. He now runs to Jesus and doesn't run from others.

1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 

Ryan asked Fieldy if there is anything he still struggles with? Fieldy says he still struggles with anger, it used to be a 10 but it is now only a 2.

Fieldy says it was a process for him to be saved. He learned that things were changing in his life. He says he tells people you have to "come as you are" and Jesus will change you.

Jesus takes the things out of your life that you don't actually want.

The Bible says sin is fun for a season, and we all know it is fun, but that fun sin always ends in death.

Ryan asked Fieldy about when he back slid and started drinking again. He started drinking again for a couple years. Fieldy says it took away his Gidliness with contentment. He realized that drinking did not work for him.

He says you can't wait to stop to accept Jesus. You have to come as you are.

Fieldy is talking about storms in his life. He says he heard it said that nobody gets a pass on life.

Fieldy's wife, Dina, is on stage talking about a storm in her life.

Dina says as Fieldy was gone on tour, she became a drinker and angry. In 2011 she told Fieldy they were done, she started going out and not coming home. In 2012, she said she had to tell Fieldy something. Dina told him that she had to tell him, the she was pregnant by someone else. She then got up and left. Fieldy in response, told her she needed to have an abortion, which was not what Fieldy as a Christian would actually say.

Dina decided to have the abortion, but couldn't do it. Fieldy actually told her not to have the abortion.

Their baby was born 2 years ago, named Noah.

Fieldy was there when Noah was born and they have a strong relationship.

Dina and Fieldy are still having heir problems, but they are together and working through it.

Fieldy says he read, God has a plan and a purpose before we are born. His kids aren't his, they are God's kids.

We can't take God's kids from him, you are God's kid and you are not allowed to take yourself from Him!

Intro to the Book of Acts and 5 Pieces of Advice for the Men's Study

Notes: 5 Pieces of Advice for the Men's Study
Valor Study
September 23, 2014
First Night of study
Pastor Mike Jonker

Our format should be, come in after a long day, get coffee, talk to friends. Come in at 7 we will worship for 20 to 25 minutes, then break into the same group each week.

Group leaders are all solid men following Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV
[7] For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

5 Pieces of Advice

1. Don't be afraid of the structure.

It's a 6 day study.

2. Don't be afraid of the time commitment.

Give the Lord at least 15 minutes a day.

It is an eight month study.

The structure was part of what kept Mike committed to the study, when he first started going to the men's study he wasn't sure if he could commit.

Mike thought of himself as a free spirit Christian, but the study got him involved in the church.

We all have responsibilities but if God lays this on your heart, you will find yourself wanting to show up.

3. Don't be afraid of the men in your group.

Let down your guard and share with each other. As you get into Gods word, it will speak to your hearts and then God will have you apply it daily.

It doesn't matter if you are a rookie, there is no need to know the bible well enough to participate

Iron sharpens iron.

4. Take the 15 minutes and commit to it every day.

If you commit to that 15 minutes to invest in Gods word, God will work in your life.

Don't let your recreation rob you of what God wants to pour into your heart.

5. Come ready to give.

You may have the nugget of information and encouragement that someone in your group needs.

Pastor Mike is giving a short intro on the book of Acts.

He says Acts is like the second Gospel of Luke.

Luke 1:1-4 NKJV
[1] Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, [2] just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, [3] it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, [4] that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were

Acts 1:1-3 NKJV
[1] The former account I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, [2] until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, [3] to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

Acts covers about 33 years of time.

He writes the book of Acts as a record. In the book of Acts we see the Holy Spirit working in the lives of Christians.

Acts 1:8 NKJV
[8] But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Mike says Acts is like an unfinished book, that we are suppose to be continuing to write today.

Acts is a book talking about power, the power the Holy Spirit working in Christian lives.

For us as believers, there is definitely a distinction of when the Holy Spirit is working on our lives.

Luke 24: 46-43
46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.” 50 When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51 While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. 52 Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53 And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

God wants us to experience how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives, as husbands, fathers, brothers and followers in Jesus.

We can't be the fathers, husbands or anything that God has called us to be apart from the power of the Holy Spirit.

Let's finish this commitment to God and the world around us.

Pray, Hope and Don't Worry

Notes: Pray, Hope and Don’t Worry
September 23, 2014
St Timothy Catholic Church
Daily Morning Service
Laguna Niguel, CA

Proverbs 21:1-6 NKJV
[1] The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. [2] Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts. [3] To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice. [4] A haughty look, a proud heart, And the plowing of the wicked are sin. [5] The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty. [6] Getting treasures by a lying tongue Is the fleeting fantasy of those who seek death.

Proverbs 21:10-13 (NKJV)

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil;

His neighbor finds no favor in his eyes.

11 When the scoffer is punished, the simple is made wise;

But when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge.

12 The righteous God wisely considers the house of the wicked,

Overthrowing the wicked for their wickedness.

13 Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor

Will also cry himself and not be heard.

Psalm 119:1,27,30,34,35,44 (NKJV)

Psalm 119  (NKJV)

119:1 Blessed are the undefiled in the way,

Who walk in the law of the Lord!

27 Make me understand the way of Your precepts;

So shall I meditate on Your wonderful works.

30 I have chosen the way of truth;

Your judgments I have laid before me.

34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law;

Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart.

35 Make me walk in the path of Your commandments,

For I delight in it.

44 So shall I keep Your law continually,

Forever and ever.

Gospels or the day Luke 8:19-21

19 Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could not approach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, who said, “Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see You.” 21 But He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.”

Matthew 24:46-47
46 Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. 47 Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.

Luke 12:42

42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?

Priest is speaking about a man named Pedro Pio. He dedicated his life at a very young age. Pedro Pio is a controversial person in the Catholic Church.

He had received a stigmata

In July 1918 the Pope asked the whole world to pray for peace.

Pedro Pio prayed on that same day asking God to use him to help provide peace in the world.

Pedro Pio thinks the stigmata, came from that prayer. He was was suffering for the world.

He believed you should, pray, hope and not worry.

People all had their own opinions about him. But, there is something special about someone that is willing to suffer for us and God's kingdom.

Pray, hope and don't worry.

Suffering for the will of God can lead us closer to God and a holier life.

How to Keep from Stressing Out

Notes: HOW TO KEEP FROM STRESSING OUT

You Asked To Hear It Again – Part 2

Pastor Rick Warren

September 21, 2014

While Pastor Rick is writing the materials he'll use in 2015, he's repeating 6 messages that were asked to be heard again: "I wish my friends could hear this!”

Pastor Rick is talking about how suicide has surpassed car accidents as the number one cause of death in America.

He is talking about all of the stresses in our lives and how the Bible tells us how to deal with them.

PHILIPPIANS 4:6-13

"If you do THESE THINGS you will experience God's peace which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will keep your thoughts quiet and your heart at rest as you trust in Christ Jesus." verse 7 (LB)

Philippians 4:6-13 (NLT)

6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. 10 How I praise the Lord that you are concerned about me again. I know you have always been concerned for me, but you didn’t have the chance to help me. 11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ,[a] who gives me strength.

Peace that surpasses understanding is peace during a time when you never thought you could never experience peace.

God promises a more peaceful less stressed mind.

There are over 7000 promises in the Bible, and every promise has a premise. “If you do these things”

5 Things that God says to do in this passage.

1.  Refuse to worry about anything!

"Never worry about anything . . ." Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

Phil 4:6 NLT—Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.

Is there any wiggle room in that verse? NO there isn’t!

Jesus said . . .

• WORRY IS  Unreasonable

"Don't worry about your life, what you'll eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important thanfood, and the body more important than clothes?" Matthew 6:25

Worry exaggerates the problem. The more you worry about it, the bigger it gets!

To worry about something you can’t change is useless, to worry about something you can change is not what you should be doing.

• WORRY IS  Unnatural 

"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" Matthew 6:26

You have to practice worrying, you are not born worrying.

If God is your heavenly Father, then you get special privileges.

"And why worry about clothes? Look at the field lilies! TheyDon't worry about theirs. Yet King Solomon in all his glory was never clothed as beautifully as they." Matthew 6:28-29 

In all of God’s creation, only human beings worry. We are the only ones who don’t trust him.

Worry in not natural and not good for you.

Prov 14:30 NLT—A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones.

• WORRY IS  Unhelpful

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

Worry can not change the past and will not change the future. It just messes up today.

Worry only changes you. It makes you miserable.

• WORRY IS  Unnecessary

"If God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you, O you of little faith?" Matthew 6:30 

You are as happy as you choose to be. Happiness is a choice and so is worrying.

"Unload all your worries on God since He is looking after you!" 1 Peter 5:7 (JB)

Let it go!

2.  Talk to God about everything.

"Never worry about anything. Instead in every situation let God know what you need in your prayers and requests . . ." Philippians 4:6 (GW)

Don’t Panic! Pray!

Talking to yourself will do nothing, talking to God will help.

If you prayed as much as you worried, you would have a lot less to worry about.

Pastor Rick said as a kid he would say “Dad I need this” and Rick never worried about where his dad got the money for what he wanted.

Worry is practical atheism. 

"You do not have, because you do not ask God." James 4:2b 

Stress management: Worry less, ask more.

Every problem in your life is tiny to God.

There is no area in your life that God is not interested in. God will care for you and will care for all of your life.

Why say, “God I will handle this” when He can.

"Since God did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won't He who gave us Christ, also give us everything else we need?" Romans 8:32 (NLT)

3.  Thank God in all things.

". . . When you ask God for what you need also thank him for all he's done." Philippians 4:6 (NLT)

"...always ask with a thankful heart." (TEV)

You cannot be happy and ungrateful at the same time.

An attitude of gratitude is the most helpful emotion to have. It releases stress and gets the focus off me.

You can always choose something to be grateful for.

There is never a time where everything in your life and nothing is good. Also, there is never a time when everything is all bad.

"In everything give thanks, for THIS is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you!" 1 Thessalonians 5:18 

This is God’s will for you!

Before you can take step 2, then you need to take step 1.

4.  Think about good things.

"Fill your minds with those things that are true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and beautiful and respected. If anything is excellent or if anything is worthy of honor, think about those things." Philippians 4:8 (NCV/NAS)

The war with stress is won and lost in your mind. 

If you want peace of mind, then you need to start controlling what is going in and out of it.

Mind pollution is the most serious pollution!

The Bible give us a test of eight things: Is it true, is it good, is it right, is it pure, is it beautiful, is it respected, is it excellent, is it worthy of honor.

He says TV is getting worse and worse, heroes on tv today are zombies, serial killers, crack addicts. 

Prov 14:9 NKJV—Fools mock at sin, But among the upright there is favor.

"You Lord, will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, and whose thoughts are fixed ON YOU!" Isaiah 26:3 (NLT)

Pastor Rick says if you look at the world you will be distressed, if you look within you will be depressed, if you look to Christ you will be at rest.  

5. Be content with anything.

 "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether I'm well-fed or hungry, when I have more than I need or when I don't have enough." Philippians 4:11-12 

Contentment is not laziness, apathy or lack of ambition. 

Contentment is enjoying what I have right now.

Contentment is the opposite of coveting. That is when and then thinking.

Contentment is not natural, you have to learn it.

Step 1 of contentment is STOP COMPARING!

The source of all discontentment is comparison. Your stuff is good, until you see something that someone else has that is better.

Your stuff can make you discouraged or prideful, depending on it in comparison to others.

Most of us start as originals and we turn ourselves into carbon copies.

God made you to be you. He wants you to be you!

"Peace of mind makes the body healthy, but envy is like a cancer." Proverbs 14:30 (TEV)

Envy will eat you up!

Contentment make the body healthy!

Stop thinking that having more will make you happy. That is a lie! Having more does not help you.

Your self worth is not based on your net worth.

Find security in something that can never be taken from you, your relationship with God can not be taken from you.

You can not choose what happens to you, but you can chose your response.

"It's better to only have a little with peace of mind, than to be busy all the time with both hands, trying to catch the wind." Ecclesiastes 4:6 (TEV) 

Don’t be possessed by your possessions.

Learn to admire without having to acquire. Learn that you don’t have to own it in order to enjoy it. Pastor Rick is talking about how he decided not to buy jet skies or boats. He has never scraped a barnacle off of his boat, because he has never owned a boat. He will enjoy yours, you can do those things. 

HOW? Because not worrying is not easy!

"I have the strength to face anything and everything by the power that Christ gives me." Philippians 4:13

I can worry about nothing when Christ strengthens me.

We are not talking about a religion, we are talking about a relationship.

"Obey God and be at peace with Him; this is the way to happiness." Job 22:21 (NCV)

The real reason you are not a peace, is because you are at war with God.

To have the peace of God, you must be at peace with God!