Facing A Crisis?

Facing A Crisis?

Lesson Objective: To understand that what we often see when facing a crisis is really nothing but a molehill. This lesson will review some of the steps we can take when we think we are facing a crisis

Scripture: (Psalm 107:25-27) For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up the waves of the sea. They mount up to the heavens, they go down again to the depths; their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro,and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end.

  1. Introduction Be at one’s wits’ end
    1. What does that mean? Psalm 107:25-27
    2. How do we react when we do not know what to do and become desperate
    3. What does this verse really mean
  2. There are six steps that we will cover
    1. STEP ONE REPLACING FEAR WITH FAITH
    2. STEP TWO: RISE UP TO SEIZE YOUR DESTINY
    3. STEP THREE: REFOCUS YOUR ATTENTION
    4. STEP FOUR REJECT REASON FOR REVELATION
    5. STEP FIVE: RESPOND IN OBEDIENCE
    6. STEP SIX REVERSE THE CURSE
  • We become fearful when facing a crisis
    1. Fear can be positive when facing a crisis
      1. Fear the Lord. (Psalms 111:10) The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all those
        who do His commandments. His praise endures forever.
      2. (Psalm 145:19) He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; he also will hear their cry and save them.
    2. Fear can be negative when facing a crisis
      1. (1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.
      2. (Proverbs 29:25) The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.
  • (Romans 8:15)

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of
adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

  1. Replace fear with faith when facing a crisis
    1. (2 Timothy 1:7)

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

  1. (Matthew 8:26) “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
  • (Judges 7:3 Now therefore, proclaim in the hearing of the people, saying, `Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him turn and depart at once from Mount Gilead.’” And twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.)
  1. Faith energizes us Call to action while fear paralyzes us
    1. (2 Chronicles 7:14 If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My
      face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
    2. (Deuteronomy 4:29) But from there you will seek the Lord your God, and you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.
  2. Steps to replace fear with faith
    1. Hear God’s Voice
      1. (Romans 10:17) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
    1. Keep your mind on God
        1. (Isaiah 26:3)You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.
    • Act on your faith
      • (James 2:17-18)  Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You  have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works

Joe Summers - September 24, 2023

"Living in Truth: The Power of Honesty"

"Living in Truth: The Power of Honesty" Lesson Objective: To understand the significance of honesty in our daily lives and its profound impact on our relationship with God and others. Main Scripture: John 14:6 - Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life Scripture: .”Ephesians 4:25 - "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Introduction: Present era: a time of “fake news,” misinformation, and authenticity crises. False advertisement A. The Nature of God: Truth** In John 14: 6, Jesus asserts Himself as the embodiment of truth. He is not just a speaker of truth, but He is the very essence of it. When we embrace honesty, we're not just following a moral code, but we are emulating Christ and deepening our relationship with Him. God's nature is inherently truthful; when we align ourselves with truth, we align with Him. B. Honesty as a Reflection of our Character** - Proverbs 12:22 - "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy." Honesty is not just about telling the truth but being true – to ourselves, to others, and to God. - Personal integrity: Our character is defined more by what we do in the shadows than in the light. Biblical Example: Daniel (Book of Daniel) is a prime example. He was known for his impeccable character to the point that his enemies could find no grounds for charges against him, except concerning the law of his God (Daniel 6:4-5). C. Consequences of Dishonesty 1. The story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) - They lied about the amount they received from selling property and kept back a part of it. - The consequence was immediate and severe. 2 2 Samuel 12, Nathan the prophet confronts King David after he sinned with Bathsheba. Nathan uses a parable to unveil the truth to David. This story underscores that even the highest in society are not exempt from accountability to the truth 3. Achan in Joshua 7. His act of deceit and hiding spoils of war led to Israel's defeat. When the truth was uncovered, it had dire consequences not only for Achan but for his family too. While the outcome for some were physical death dishonesty brings spiritual and relational death in our lives. D. The Freedom and Peace in Truth John 8:32 - "And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." - The internal turmoil and burden of carrying a lie. - Peace that comes from living an honest life, free from the entanglements of deceit. Biblical Example: The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). When confronted with the truth about her life, she was set free from her past and became an evangelist to her community E. . Honesty in Relationships a. **Scripture:** Colossians 3:9 - "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices." b. Biblical Example:** Jacob and Esau (Genesis 27). Jacob's deceit in stealing his brother's blessing resulted in years of estrangement from his family. It was only when Jacob faced his past and wrestled with God that he found reconciliation c. The role of honesty in establishing trust and intimacy in relationships F. Being Honest with God** A. Psalm 139:23-24 - "Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting B. The importance of coming before God in honesty, admitting our sins, and seeking His guidance. C. God knows our hearts, yet He desires an open and truthful relationship with us. G. Conclusion a. We must practice honesty in our daily lives, even in small matters. b. Is there an area of our life where we've been dishonest or hiding the truth? Bring it before God. c. Truth brings freedom. Lies, on the other hand, enslave us in guilt, fear, and the need for more deception. Embracing truth in our lives releases us from these chains. d. Conclude with a prayer of commitment to truth and integrity

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