Sweet and Sour Christians

Notes: Sweet and Sour Christians
Pastor Tim Harding
October 9, 2018
Harvest Valor

We can do things our way or Gods way. 

This scripture has some heavy eternal balances

Romans 1:18-32 NLT
[18] But God shows his anger from heaven against all sinful, wicked people who suppress the truth by their wickedness. [19] They know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. [20] For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. [21] Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. [22] Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. [23] And instead of worshiping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshiped idols made to look like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. [24] So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile and degrading things with each other's bodies. [25] They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshiped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen. [26] That is why God abandoned them to their shameful desires. Even the women turned against the natural way to have sex and instead indulged in sex with each other. [27] And the men, instead of having normal sexual relations with women, burned with lust for each other. Men did shameful things with other men, and as a result of this sin, they suffered within themselves the penalty they deserved. [28] Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done. [29] Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. [30] They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. [31] They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy. [32] They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

1. Reality Check
Paul is building out the case against us.

There is no excuse!

We need a reminder and remind others.

Psalm 19:1-4 NLT
[1] The heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display his craftsmanship. [2] Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. [3] They speak without a sound or word; their voice is never heard. [4] Yet their message has gone throughout the earth, and their words to all the world. God has made a home in the heavens for the sun.

All creation points to a creator.

2. The Brilliance of Bitter

God’s wrath here is an abandonment.

Separation from God is the worst case scenario. Separation from God is Hell.

When you turn to other things other then God, things will get worse.

3. Sweet Motivation 

Romans 1:32 NLT
[32] They know God's justice requires that those who do these things deserve to die, yet they do them anyway. Worse yet, they encourage others to do them, too.

We should be motivated. 

We all have things we need to work on. But we should all still work to bring people to Christ. 

Let the sweet smell of all the things God has done for us motivate us to be about our Fathers business. Knowing God and making Him known.

1. The man 2. The call 3. The message 4. The power 5. The faith

Notes:

Pastor Adam Eaton

Romans 1

October 2, 2018

Romans was written to help its readers have a better understanding of the Gospel.

Romans 1:1-17 NLT

[1] This letter is from Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, chosen by God to be an apostle and sent out to preach his Good News. [2] God promised this Good News long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures. [3] The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David's family line, [4] and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. [5] Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. [6] And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. [7] I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. [8] Let me say first that I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith in him is being talked about all over the world. [9] God knows how often I pray for you. Day and night I bring you and your needs in prayer to God, whom I serve with all my heart by spreading the Good News about his Son. [10] One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. [11] For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. [12] When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours. [13] I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles. [14] For I have a great sense of obligation to people in both the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated and uneducated alike. [15] So I am eager to come to you in Rome, too, to preach the Good News. [16] For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes-the Jew first and also the Gentile. [17] This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."

1. The man

2. The call

3. The message

4. The power

5. The faith

1. Paul, was Saul. He used to hunt down Christians. He was converted on the road to Damascus.

2. Called to be an apostle. A slave of Christ.

Stand with the Bible

Notes: Stand with the Bible
Jeff Lasseigne
Sunday, September 2, 2018
2 Timothy 3
Music: Mack Brock

2 Timothy 3:14-15 NKJV
[14] But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, [15] and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Knowledge is knowing tomatoes are a fruit, wisdom is not putting them in your fruit salad.

You greatest role in God’s kingdom may not be what you do but who you raise.

Point 1. God’s Word is holy 

How you treat the scriptures is how you treat God!

The Bible doesn’t save us, Jesus does.

2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
[16] All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,

Point 2. God’s Word is inspired 

All scripture is God breathed.

When you read the word of God, you are inhaling what God has exhaled.

Every book, verse, word, and promise in the Bible is the breath of God.

If you couldn’t trust all of the Bible the, you couldn’t trust any of the Bible.

How is the Bible proven true:
1. Manuscripts
Over 24,000 manuscripts.

The Dead Sea Scrolls have every book except Esther.

2. Unity
The message is the same over all books and over the 1500 years it was written.

3. Prophecy 
27% of the Bible is prophecy.

Many prophecies have been fulfilled 

4.Archaeology 

No discovery has ever contradicted the Bible.

5.Science

Science is slowly catching up with the truth in the Bible.

Some of the greatest scientists will admit the more they know the more they believe in God.

Point 3. God’s Word is Profitable 

Doctrine: what is right
Reproof: What is not right
Correction: How to get right
Instruction: How to stay right

1. Commit to daily devotions. 
Equivalent to not eating or drinking and complaining you are weak.

2. Make a plan

The best Bi Le reading plan is the one you actually use!

3. Choose a place and time

Be consistent 

4. Don’t just read - study.

Invest in a good study Bible

5. Begin with Prayer

6. Use a helpful translation 

The best translation to use is the one you can understand and get something out of.

7. Eliminate distractions 

Give God your undivided attention.

8. Sign up for Harvest Small Groups.

Jesus Changes Everything!

Notes: Jesus Changes Everything!
Author: Eric Metaxas
Sunday, August 26, 2018
2 Corinthians 5:17
Music: Harvest Worship Band

Eric wrote a biography about William Wilberforce. 1807 is when Wilberforce helped abolish slavery in the British Empire.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV
[17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Jesus is not trying to improve you, He is making you a new creation.

We are what Jesus has here, He gave us the Holy Spirit. If we don’t do what He wants then it doesn’t get done.

In 1759 is when Wilberforce was born. He was born into a effectively very pagan society. They cared very little for the poor.

It is the Christian view that said we should help the poor and that slavery is wrong.

In London back then 25% of all single women were in prostitution. The slave trade was a booming business for their economy. George IV had been known for sleeping with 7000 women. He was going to be king.

Only the poor were really being preached to. The wealthy would look down at those enthusiastic about their faith.

Wilberforce was shipped off to live with his aunt and uncle at the age of 9. His parents did not know they were funding the Methodist movement. When he was 12 his parents brought him back and after four years they got him to not follow his aunt and uncles faith. At the age of 16 he went to Cambridge. At the age of 20 he gets elected to Parliament. His friend William the Younger was elected to Prime Minister at the age of 24.

When Wilberforce took a trip with Isaac Milner he found his faith again. John Newton was visited by Wilberforce, Newton influences Wilberforce to stay in politics to serve with his faith.

Wilberforce took on all kinds of social reform issues. He oversaw a revolution of public reform.

In his lifetime, he led the British Empire to end slavery. 

Jesus changes everything.

Jesus used Wilberforce to change the world. He can can use you to change the world.

Reignite My Fire

Notes: Reignite My Fire
Pastor Steve Wilburn
Sunday, August 5, 2018
1 Kings 19
Music: Harvest Worship Band

There are many distractions that take our focus off of God. Our main focus should be God.

There is a fire we should desire to burn in us. Something that will motivate our souls.

God doesn’t just want us at church, He wants us.

Can we spend less time on Facebook and more time in God’s book?

1 Peter 2:9 NLT
[9] But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God's very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

The Harvest Crusade is to bring the Gospel of hope to people without hope.

When we are feeling burned out is when God may decide to use us. It is not up to us when the Lord uses us.

We need three things: the blood, the bread and the fire...the blood of Christ, the Word of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit empowering us.

Jeremiah 20:9-13 NLT
[9] But if I say I'll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It's like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can't do it! [10] I have heard the many rumors about me. They call me "The Man Who Lives in Terror." They threaten, "If you say anything, we will report it." Even my old friends are watching me, waiting for a fatal slip. "He will trap himself," they say, "and then we will get our revenge on him." [11] But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten. [12] O LORD of Heaven's Armies, you test those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets. Let me see your vengeance against them, for I have committed my cause to you. [13] Sing to the LORD! Praise the LORD! For though I was poor and needy, he rescued me from my oppressors.

We need holy men and women.

“The Lord was looking for a man weak enough to use, that is when He found me.”

How can God use us like He used Elijah?

In America many have forgotten who God is, that we are here because of God.

Reignite My Fire
1. Elijah’s prayer
1 Kings 19:3-5 NLT
[3] Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. [4] Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died." [5] Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, "Get up and eat!"

Elijah was just a man, He was tired and broken. We have all felt that way before.

2. God’s Response
1 Kings 19:6-13 NLT
[6] He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again. [7] Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you." [8] So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. [9] There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. But the LORD said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" [10] Elijah replied, "I have zealously served the LORD God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too." [11] "Go out and stand before me on the mountain," the LORD told him. And as Elijah stood there, the LORD passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. [12] And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. [13] When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And a voice said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

The question was simple: “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Can we ask ourselves the same question?

Think about all of those that are lost. Whether you are rich or poor, we all have the same void inside of us.

How can the lost hear if we don’t tell them!

Romans 10:14 NLT
[14] But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?

1 Kings 19:18 NLT
[18] Yet I will preserve 7,000 others in Israel who have never bowed down to Baal or kissed him!"

Where were they? Is that the same question that can be asked of Christians in America?

Who would you resemble, Elijah or the 7,000 that said nothing?

3. Our Calling
1 Kings 19:15-16 NLT
[15] Then the LORD told him, "Go back the same way you came, and travel to the wilderness of Damascus. When you arrive there, anoint Hazael to be king of Aram. [16] Then anoint Jehu grandson of Nimshi to be king of Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from the town of Abel-meholah to replace you as my prophet.

God didn’t say anything to Elijahs questions, He told Elijah to get back to work.

We are to speak as dying men to dying to people.

1 Corinthians 3:16 NLT
[16] Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you?

Have you locked up God inside of you or have you set Him free?

How to Overcome Lust and Protect Your Mind

Notes: How to Overcome Lust and Protect Your Mind
Greg Laurie
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Series: Salt and Light
Matthew 5
Music: Harvest Worship Band

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/how-to-overcome-lust-and-protect-your-mind

We are all tempted.

Sin doesn’t always show itself as sin. It shows itself as an opportunity.

The devil will make a sin look as the best experience you will ever have.

The devil tries to tempt us, it is not a sin to be tempted.

If your under spiritual attack, that could indicate that you are on the right track. Where there is no desire, there is no temptation.

We play a role in temptation.

James 1:14-15 NLT
[14] Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. [15] These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

5 Steps of Temptation:

We are all tempted.

1. The temptation itself

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
[13] The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

It’s not the bait that constitutes temptation, it’s the bite.

2. You are under it’s desire and enjoying the experience.


3. You are almost hooked.

4. You are in sin.

Sin can be fun, other times there isn’t.

5. Then the ramifications come.

You are separating yourself from God.

You have to restore yourself with God.

1 John 1:9 NLT
[9] But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.

2 Corinthians 11:3 NLT
[3] But I fear that somehow your pure and undivided devotion to Christ will be corrupted, just as Eve was deceived by the cunning ways of the serpent.

2 Corinthians 10:4 NLT
[4] We use God's mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

What did Jesus say:
Matthew 5:27-28 NLT
[27] "You have heard the commandment that says, 'You must not commit adultery.' [28] But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

You have to keep your guard up at all times.

David experienced this with Bathsheba. David just kept doing more bad things. It all started with a thought.

Your sin will find you out. It all starts in your mind.

Take practical steps. If you are watching a movie and something comes on that you shouldn’t be watching, then turn it off or walk out of the room.

This includes conversations with the opposite sex, or even texting.

T.H.I.N.K. before you speak: Is it true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, kind

Matthew 5:29 NLT
[29] So if your eye-even your good eye-causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.

Jesus is not speaking literally. Even if you gauged out your right eye, you could still sin with your left eye.

He is saying, anything that morally or spiritually traps us or causes us to sin or stay in sin, it should be eliminated quickly and totally.

Do whatever it takes to eliminate the temptation and sin from your life.

The best defense we have is the word of God.

Psalm 119:11-12 NLT
[11] I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. [12] I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees.

Psalm 119:111-112 NLT
[111] Your laws are my treasure; they are my heart's delight. [112] I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.

Memorize verses.

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT
[13] The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Whenever you are tempted, there is always a way out.

“The expulsive power of a new affection.”

The new affection is Jesus Christ.

God, the Future and You!

Notes: God, the Future and You!
Greg Laurie
Series: End of Days
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Daniel 7, 2018

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/god-the-future-and-you

We all forget things.

God never forgets anything.

We live in the moment. God lives in all times at all times.

Daniel 7 takes us back to King Belshazzar. We are in the prophetic section of the book of Daniel now.

The book of Daniel parallels the book of Revelation. If you want to understand these books, read them together.

We need to understand these books in this world today.

Revelation 1:3 NLT
[3] God blesses the one who reads the words of this prophecy to the church, and he blesses all who listen to its message and obey what it says, for the time is near.

What is true of revelation is true of studying Bible prophecy is general.

1. It helps you to remember God is in control of all events in the world today.

2. It gives you a heavenly perspective.

Daniel saw the future. Daniel saw the Lord. Daniel saw himself.

1st. He saw the future.

Daniel 7:1-4 NLT
[1] Earlier, during the first year of King Belshazzar's reign in Babylon, Daniel had a dream and saw visions as he lay in his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is what he saw. [2] In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction. [3] Then four huge beasts came up out of the water, each different from the others. [4] The first beast was like a lion with eagles' wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off, and it was left standing with its two hind feet on the ground, like a human being. And it was given a human mind.

The sea is symbolically describing humanity. The animals represent nations.

We may see powerful nations with great armies,  God may just see us as wild animals attacking one another.

1. The winged lion or head of gold: represents Babylon. 

636 to 539 b.c. Is when Babylon ruled the world.

2. The Bear is the Medes and Persians. They defeated Babylon.

Daniel 7:5 NLT
[5] Then I saw a second beast, and it looked like a bear. It was rearing up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And I heard a voice saying to it, "Get up! Devour the flesh of many people!"

They were like ferocious bears.

3. The leopard with four wings would be the Greeks. They defeated the Medes and Persians.

Daniel 7:6 NLT
[6] Then the third of these strange beasts appeared, and it looked like a leopard. It had four bird's wings on its back, and it had four heads. Great authority was given to this beast.

4. The powerful beast is the mighty power of Rome. They defeated Greece.

Daniel 7:7 NLT
[7] Then in my vision that night, I saw a fourth beast-terrifying, dreadful, and very strong. It devoured and crushed its victims with huge iron teeth and trampled their remains beneath its feet. It was different from any of the other beasts, and it had ten horns.

No one ever over through Rome.

5. The final beast has 10 horns.

Daniel 7:8 NLT
[8] As I was looking at the horns, suddenly another small horn appeared among them. Three of the first horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.

2nd. Daniel saw God.

Daniel 7:9-10 NLT
[9] I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, [10] and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.

Ancient of Days is a name for God to describe His eternal nature.

Church will seem to miss the message from God. In the past they didn’t effectively describe God’s love, now many seem to only speak of God’s love.

We should be living a lifestyle of worship.

Romans 12:1-2 NLT
[1] And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. [2] Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Giving your life and body to God is a spiritual type of worship.

Worship is not letting culture influence you, it is you influencing culture.

Worship is not being conformed but to be transformed.

Learning the Word of God is worship.

Amos 5:23-24 NLT
[23] Away with your noisy hymns of praise! I will not listen to the music of your harps. [24] Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice, an endless river of righteous living.

We serve a holy God.

Jesus appears in the Old Testament 

Daniel 7:13-14 NLT
[13] As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. [14] He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal-it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.

Jesus referred to Himself as the Son of Man on several occasions.

3rd. Daniel saw himself.

Daniel 7:15-18 NLT
[15] I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me. [16] So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: [17] "These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. [18] But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever."

God will preserve and save His people. 

We win in the end!

1. God keeps records in His book of every faithful deed done by His people.

Malachi 3:16 NLT
[16] Then those who feared the LORD spoke with each other, and the LORD listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.

We will be rewarded for every act of service, too!

Galatians 6:9-10 NLT
[9] So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up. [10] Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-especially to those in the family of faith.

2. God has a book that records your sorrows.

Psalm 56:8 NLT
[8] You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.

Sometimes people don’t want to acknowledge your pain. The Lord sees is all and one day He will restore all you have lost.

3. The most important of all these books is the Book of Life.

Once your name is written there, it will always stay.

Revelation 3:5 NLT
[5] All who are victorious will be clothed in white. I will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but I will announce before my Father and his angels that they are mine.

Is your name written in the Book of Life?

Angels in the Life of the Believer

Notes: Angels in the Life of the Believer
Greg Laurie
End of Days
Sunday, July 1, 2018
Daniel 6

https://www.harvest.org/watch-and-listen/webcast/watch/angels-in-the-life-of-the-believer

In Daniels time, a law was passed that said he could not pray.

1. Daniel was a man of prayer.

Daniel 6:10 NLT
[10] But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.

Daniel had a habit of prayer. When anxiety came he would pray.

2. Daniel had an attitude of gratitude.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT
[18] Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

We give thanks, not for adversity, but that God is in control.

Daniel 6:16-22 NLT
[16] So at last the king gave orders for Daniel to be arrested and thrown into the den of lions. The king said to him, "May your God, whom you serve so faithfully, rescue you." [17] A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed the stone with his own royal seal and the seals of his nobles, so that no one could rescue Daniel. [18] Then the king returned to his palace and spent the night fasting. He refused his usual entertainment and couldn't sleep at all that night. [19] Very early the next morning, the king got up and hurried out to the lions' den. [20] When he got there, he called out in anguish, "Daniel, servant of the living God! Was your God, whom you serve so faithfully, able to rescue you from the lions?" [21] Daniel answered, "Long live the king! [22] My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty."

3. Daniel chose to trust God no matter the circumstance.

Better to be in a lions den with God, then anywhere else without Him.

Daniel 6:22 NLT
[22] My God sent his angel to shut the lions' mouths so that they would not hurt me, for I have been found innocent in his sight. And I have not wronged you, Your Majesty."

The lions saw and had reverence for the angels.

Sometimes animals have more sense then people.

Numbers 22:28-34 NLT
[28] Then the LORD gave the donkey the ability to speak. "What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?" it asked Balaam. [29] "You have made me look like a fool!" Balaam shouted. "If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!" [30] "But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life," the donkey answered. "Have I ever done anything like this before?" "No," Balaam admitted. [31] Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the roadway with a drawn sword in his hand. Balaam bowed his head and fell face down on the ground before him. [32] "Why did you beat your donkey those three times?" the angel of the LORD demanded. "Look, I have come to block your way because you are stubbornly resisting me. [33] Three times the donkey saw me and shied away; otherwise, I would certainly have killed you by now and spared the donkey." [34] Then Balaam confessed to the angel of the LORD, "I have sinned. I didn't realize you were standing in the road to block my way. I will return home if you are against my going."

Psalm 34:7 NLT
[7] For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him.

Acts 12:6-9 NLT
[6] The night before Peter was to be placed on trial, he was asleep, fastened with two chains between two soldiers. Others stood guard at the prison gate. [7] Suddenly, there was a bright light in the cell, and an angel of the Lord stood before Peter. The angel struck him on the side to awaken him and said, "Quick! Get up!" And the chains fell off his wrists. [8] Then the angel told him, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." And he did. "Now put on your coat and follow me," the angel ordered. [9] So Peter left the cell, following the angel. But all the time he thought it was a vision. He didn't realize it was actually happening.

Sometimes angels could be helping us. Angels are mentioned in the Bible over 300 times.

Hebrews 1:14 NLT
[14] Therefore, angels are only servants-spirits sent to care for people who will inherit salvation.

Hebrews 13:2 NLT
[2] Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!

Angels always appear as men.

Children may have guardian angels.

Matthew 18:10-11 NLT
[10-11] "Beware that you don't look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father.

Psalm 91:1-3 NLT
[1] Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. [2] This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. [3] For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease.

You are indestructible until God is done with you.

1 Peter 5:8 NLT
[8] Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

The only thing that can protect you from the devil is Jesus Christ.

Demons and the devil are fallen angels.

Angels rejoice every time a believer comes to Christ.

Joy Has Nothing To Do With Circumstances

Notes: Joy Has Nothing To Do With Circumstances

Pastor Levi Lusko

Proverbs 15: 15-17

June 17, 2018

Harvest OC

Fathers Day!

Eli’s first church service

1. The is a joy that has nothing to do with circumstances.

Proverbs 15:15 NLT

[15] For the despondent, every day brings trouble; for the happy heart, life is a continual feast.

When we focus on a love for God and a love for people, it can make a feast out of any circumstances.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 NLT

[17] Even though the fig trees have no blossoms, and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, [18] yet I will rejoice in the LORD! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

When we find our worth in God, He unlocks a joy inside us that will always let us find a blessing.

Acts 16:25 NLT

[25] Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.

Paul and Silas had the ability to find joy even in prison.

2. There is a peace that can’t be purchased.

What is spent on your family, is not as important as what surrounds your family.

Even if you have the fatted calf, you may not be there to enjoy it.

Proverbs 17:1 NLT

[1] Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting-and conflict.

3. There is a power worth fighting for.

The best thing you can do is have your children see you.

Pastor Greg gives us a great example.

Proverbs 20:7 NLT

[7] The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.

Fight for the power for integrity and example.

4. There is a hope that can not be overcome

We are not only teaching our kids how to live, but how to die.

Luke 23:46 NLT

[46] Then Jesus shouted, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!" And with those words he breathed his last.

That during Jesus’ time was a common bedtime prayer.