• Message: “Facing Crisis” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." 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. Introduction Be at one’s wits’ end What does that mean? Psalm 107:25-27 How do we react when we do not know what to do and become desperate What does this verse really mean There are six steps that we will cover STEP ONE REPLACING FEAR WITH FAITH STEP TWO: RISE UP TO SEIZE YOUR DESTINY STEP THREE: REFOCUS YOUR ATTENTION STEP FOUR REJECT REASON FOR REVELATION STEP FIVE: RESPOND IN OBEDIENCE STEP SIX REVERSE THE CURSE We become fearful when facing a crisis Fear can be positive when facing a crisis 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. (Psalm 145:19) He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; he also will hear their cry and save them. Fear can be negative when facing a crisis (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. (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.” Replace fear with faith when facing a crisis (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. (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.) Faith energizes us Call to action while fear paralyzes us (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. (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. Steps to replace fear with faith Hear God’s Voice (Romans 10:17) So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Keep your mind on God (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

• Message: “Hearing God’s Voice Part 4 Podcast” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Hearing God's Voice."

• Message: “How Do We Show Gratitude” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." How Do We Show Gratitude? How do we show gratitude is reflected in several examples in the Bible.  This lesson will look at the examples and how we can learn from them. Scripture: Matthew 18: 21-35   (32-33)  “Then the master called the first servant in. ‘You evil servant,’ he said. ‘I forgave all that you owed me because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on the other servant just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers. He would be punished until he paid back everything he owed.   Real gratitude is reflected by how we treat others when we receive a gift. Matthew 22: 37-40 And he said to him, g“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And ha second is like it: iYou shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 jOn these two commandments depend kall the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 25: 35-37 Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ True love goes forward not backward Matthew 18: 32-33 Then the master called the first servant in. ‘You evil servant,’ he said. ‘I forgave all that you owed me because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on the other servant just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers. He would be punished until he paid back everything he owed. Proverbs 14;31, "Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him."   Be careful from whom we accept gifts for we may have to show gratitude Abram gives (and accepts)gifts to Melchizedek Genesis 14: 18-20 Then Melchizedek(Hebrews 7) king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High,19 and he blessed Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High Creator of heaven and earth.20 And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.”Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything. Abram refuses gifts from King of Sodom Genesis 14: 21-24 The king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the people and keep the goods for yourself.” But Abram said to the king of Sodom, “With raised hand I have sworn an oath to the Lord, God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth,23 that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or the strap of a sandal, so that you will never be able to say, ‘I made Abram rich.’ 24 I will accept nothing but what my men have eaten and the share that belongs to the men who went with me—to Aner, Eshkol and Mamre. Let them have their share.” Summary Always be grateful for what God has given each of us Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” Demonstrate our gratitude by what we do with what we have    

• Message: “Faith Words Actions” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Faith, Words, Action Lesson Objective: Faith, words, and action are three words that must be interdependent in our lives. This lesson will review how they relate to each other and how they all together will enhance the spiritual growth of the Christian. Scripture:   Genesis 1: 1-4  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. John 1:1  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God The importance of faith in our lives Definition of Faith Hebrews 11: 1 says, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen Faith is necessary to please God- Hebrews 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. Faith dictates our actions- James 2:26 says, "For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead. Saved by Grace through Faith Ephesians 2: 8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them Faith comes from the heart Romans 10:9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved The importance of words. Why is Christ the Word?--John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Interesting in that the first 3 words are the same as Genesis. God spoke the world into existence. Genesis 1: 1-4 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness Numbers 20: 8-11   “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”9 So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank. We will be judged by our words Matthew : 12:36-37  I tell you, son the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words, you will be condemned Actions are based on faith and words Abraham is known for his faith by his actions Hebrews 11: 8-10 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.  By faith, he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God Centurion’s faith Luke 7: 9-10 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, ‘I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.’ And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. Examples of faith, words and actions Person Faith Words Action Daniel and Hebrew boys Followed their beliefs in diet Please test your servants for ten days: Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. They did not eat from the King’ table Peter and John After receiving the Holy Spirit. They preached But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.” They continued to preach Summary Faith, words and actions can define our relationship with God. Faith starts with our hearing and believing Romans 10:17 Our words reflect our faith in our hearts. Our actions dictate our true faith.      

• Message: “We Are Important-God Really Cares About Each of Us?” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." We Are Important God Really Cares About Each of Us? Lesson Objective: We are important and God cares so we must understand the importance of the role that each of us has in this journey called life. Scripture: Matthew 10: 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered Acts 27: 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head Introduction:   Does God really care about each of us Isaiah 46: 4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you 1 Peter 5: 6-7 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you Philippians 4: 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Minor Characters that God showed that he cares Leah – Genesis 29:35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children.https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%2029-35&version=NIV Reuben—The Lord sees Simeon- The Lord hears/ to listen Levi- The Lord bonds/joiner Judah- Praise Genesis 49: 29-33  Then he gave them these instructions: “I am about to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought along with the field as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite. 31 There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah.   God shows that we are important in that Christ came through the lineage of Leah   We usually spend more time discussing Joseph and less time discussing Judah   Judah 4th son of Jacob  Revelations 5: 5 Then one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” Genesis 37: 26:27 Judah said to his brothers, “What will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? 27 Come, let’s sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay our hands on him; after all, he is our brother, our own flesh and blood.” His brothers agreed. Genesis 43: 8-9 Then Judah said to Israel his father, “Send the boy along with me and we will go at once, so that we and you and our children may live and not die. 9 I myself will guarantee his safety; you can hold me personally responsible for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him here before you, I will bear the blame before you all my life. Genesis 49: 8-10 Judah, your brothers will praise you; your hand will be on the neck of your enemies; your father’s sons will bow down to you. 9 You are a lion’s cub, Judah; you return from the prey, my son. Like a lion he crouches and lies down, like a lioness—who dares to rouse him? 10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet,until he to whom it belongs shall come and the obedience of the nations shall be his. The nation of Israel was divided with 10 tribes (northern) and 2 tribes (southern/Judah) Josiah 2 Kings 22: 1-2 Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. His mother’s name was Jedidah daughter of Adaiah; she was from Bozkath. 2 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and followed completely the ways of his father David, not turning aside to the right or to the left 2 Kings 22: 10-13 Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king.11 When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. 12 He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Akbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king’s attendant: 13 “Go and inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the Lord’s anger that burns against us because those who have gone before us have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us 2 Kings 22: 18-20 Tell the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the words you heard: 19 Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I have spoken against this place and its people—that they would become a curse[b] and be laid waste—and because you tore your robes and wept in my presence, I also have heard you, declares the Lord. 20 Therefore I will gather you to your ancestors, and you will be buried in peace. Your eyes will not see all the disaster I am going to bring on this place.’” Jabez 1 Chronicles 4:10: “Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!”   Centurion God shows that we are important by using the centurion to demonstrate real faith. Luke 7: 6-10 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.y 8 For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” 10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well. Summary- We are important to God-  God really cares about each of us God cared about Leah—a women who was not loved by her husband Judah- a man who learned a valuable lesson in life Josiah- a child who understood his relationship with God Jabez- a nobody but knew enough to petition God God cared about a Gentile- A man who respected the power of God God cares about me- a sinner who repented and struggles to follow his commandments We do not need to be David or Elijah or Daniel or Paul for God cares about each of us and has a plan for us.    

• Message: “Seeking Guidance” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Seeking Guidance Lesson Objective:  This lesson is a follow-up to prior lessons on the need to have someone in our lives that can offer guidance. To look at what many may deem minor characters in the Bible who had a major influence on those that chose to listen to them. Scripture: Exodus 18: 19-22Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you.   Introduction   Definition of mentor- an experienced and trusted adviser: an experienced person in a company, college, or school who trains and counsels new employees or students: Spiritual Mentor 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Having someone share part of your journey can make it less daunting. Plus, it’s empowering to have someone in your life that cares deeply about your progress and holds you accountable. ROMANS 15:14  I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. Examples of mentorship in the Bible Moses and Jethro Exodus 18: 19-22 22 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens.22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. Ruth and Naomi – Ruth 3: 1-4 One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home[a] for you, where you will be well provided for. 2 Now Boaz, with whose women you have worked, is a relative of ours. Tonight he will be winnowing barley on the threshing floor. 3 Wash, put on perfume, and get dressed in your best clothes. Then go down to the threshing floor, but don’t let him know you are there until he has finished eating and drinking. 4 When he lies down, note the place where he is lying. Then go and uncover his feet and lie down. He will tell you what to do.” Ruth 3: 5 “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do.   Barnabas and Paul Acts 9: 26-27 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. Acts 11: 25-26 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. Acts 15: 12 The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. Barnabas was mentor for Paul and Mark among others Stages of Mentorship Initiation Mentee should show desire to learn and be mentored Mentee should show that they are worthy to be taught Galatians 1: 17-19 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas[a] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. Barnabas went looking for him. Cultivation – Missionary journey Acts 13: 1,2,7 Separation- Acts 15: 39 Redefinition of their roles- Acts 15:39-40 Is there a time when there is no need for a mentor? Listening to others who may not be a mentor but hearing their wisdom Summary Stop Listen Learn  

• Message: “Learning From Others” from Joe Summers

  A message from the series "Sunday Service." Learning From Others Lesson Objective: Using the lives of Joshua and Elisha as an example of learning from others. Scripture: 2 Kings  2: 9-11 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 10 “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.” 11 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. 12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. The relationship between Moses and Joshua Numbers 27: 16-17 16 “O Lord, you are the God who gives breath to all creatures. Please appoint a new man as leader for the community. 17 Give them someone who will guide them wherever they go and will lead them into battle, so the community of the Lord will not be like sheep without a shepherd Numbers 27: 18 The Lordreplied, “Take Joshua son of Nun, who has the Spirit in him, and lay your hands on him. 19 Present him to Eleazar the priest before the whole community, and publicly commission him to lead the people. 20 Transfer some of your authority to him so the whole community of Israel will obey him. Joshua followed the commands of Moses which is important when you are learning from others   The relationship between Elijah and Elisha Elijah did as he was instructed by God. 1 Kings 19: 19-20 So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. 20 Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. “Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,” he said, “and then I will come with you.” Elisha only looked forward 1 Kings 19: 21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant. What was the significance of burning the plow and what does that mean to us today? Understanding the significance of becoming a servant of Elijah and learning from others A relationship that knew no boundaries Elijah and Elisha developed a truly trusting relationship 2 Kings 2: 9-10 9 When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. 2 Kings 2: 11-12 As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.12 Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two. Elisha understood the role of God in his life through Elijah 2 Kings 2: 13-14 Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan. 14 He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over. What was the purpose of the dividing of the water? Confirmation of Elisha by God Confirmation of Elisha to the others who were accompanying him 2 Kings 2: 15 The company of the prophets from Jericho, who were watching, said, “The spirit of Elijah is resting on Elisha.” And they went to meet him and bowed to the ground before him. 16 “Look,” they said, “we your servants have fifty able men. Let them go and look for your master. Perhaps the Spirit of the Lord has picked him up and set him down on some mountain or in some valley.” “No,” Elisha replied, “do not send them.” 2 Kings 2: 17 But they persisted until he was too embarrassed to refuse. So he said, “Send them.” And they sent fifty men, who searched for three days but did not find him.18 When they returned to Elisha, who was staying in Jericho, he said to them, “Didn’t I tell you not to go?”

• Message: “I Had A Bad Day” from Pastor Joe

  I am Just Having A Bad Day Rain Comes Before the Rainbow Lesson Objective:  To follow up on the lesson from last week on the subject of being despondent and ways that we can address those times when we have bad days along with trials and tribulations in our lives. Scripture: Mark 4: 37-39, 37And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. 38 But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. Introduction and Review There will be trials in our lives a.   Romans 5:3-4 More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, b.      James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Reasons for trials in our lives To be able to witness to others To make us stronger Because we failed to listen to the voice of God What should be some of our actions when faced with trials? Understand that without rain there can never be a rainbow Romans 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us Job 42: 10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. We learn more from adversity than we ever could from successes. Do You Understand Who is in Control? Mark 4: 40, 40But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?” Faith is built on a solid rock Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”   Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Understanding that we cannot understand the power of God Mark 4: 41, 41And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” We do not need to explain it nor understand it. Just know that as God said: “I am that I am”. Job 26:14 Behold, these are but the outskirts of his ways, and how small a whisper do we hear of him! But the thunder of his power who can understand?” God always cares for us, even if we do not care for ourselves. Mark 4: 38, 38But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing? Is it possible that God cares for us even more than we care for ourselves? God is our shelter in the time of storm To recognize that God is our safe harbor. Psalm 57: 1, 1Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me: for my soul trusteth in thee: yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge, until these calamities be overpast Summary Our bad days are usually those days when we feel we failed or something is not just going right. Inventions that came from failures Pennicillin Xrays Microwave Oven When you think you have failed looked for the bright side , it just may surprise you  

• Message: “Confronting Crisis— How Soon We Forget” from Pastor Joe

  Confronting Crisis and how soon we forget what God had done for us. Texts: 1 Kings 18:41-42;  James 5:16-18; John 7:38; (Supporting scriptures: Isaiah 55:10–13; 2 Kings 3:14-18; Zechariah 10:1; Job 8:7; 14:7-9; Psalms 46:4-5; 92:12-15) Confronting Crisis -- How Soon We Forget Lesson Objective: To understand the importance of never forgetting what God has done for us especially when we are confronting crisis in our lives Scripture: 1 Kings Chapter 18 and 19 with emphasis on 1 Kings 18: 41-42 Introduction- Who was Elijah  A man who was confronting a crisis A great prophet- recognized by multiple religions Thought by many to be one of the three at the Transfiguration Matthew 17: 1-5 And after six days Jesus taketh Peter, James, and John his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain apart,2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him. Thought to be one of the two witnesses discussed in Revelations Revelation 11: 3-6 And I will appoint my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 They are “the two olive trees” and the two lampstands, and “they stand before the Lord of the earth.”[a] 5 If anyone tries to harm them, fire comes from their mouths and devours their enemies. This is how anyone who wants to harm them must die. 6 They have power to shut up the heavens so that it will not rain during the time they are prophesying; and they have power to turn the waters into blood and to strike the earth with every kind of plague as often as they want Miracle worker - Story of widow and son  He was confronting a crisis with the famine Widow provides food to Elijah through her faith and believe Elijah raises her son from the dead Mentor as directed by God I King 19: 15-16 The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.   Elijah experiences the power of God-- confronting a crisis Elijah confronts the prophets of Ahab and Jezebel 1 King 18: 1-2 After a long time, in the third year, the word of the Lord came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the land.” 2 So Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. Elijah learns of other prophets who were hidden 1 Kings 18: 13 Haven’t you heard, my lord, what I did while Jezebel was killing the prophets of the Lord? I hid a hundred of the Lord’s prophets in two caves, fifty in each, and supplied them with food and water Elijah challenges the prophets 1 King 18: 19 Now summon the people from all over Israel to meet me on Mount Carmel. And bring the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 1 King 18: 22-24 Then Elijah said to them, “I am the only one of the Lord’s prophets left, but Baal has four hundred and fifty prophets.23 Get two bulls for us. Let Baal’s prophets choose one for themselves, and let them cut it into pieces and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. I will prepare the other bull and put it on the wood but not set fire to it. 24 Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” Then all the people said, “What you say is good 1 King 18: 36-39 At the time of sacrifice, the prophet Elijah stepped forward and prayed: “Lord, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, let it be known today that you are God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command37 Answer me, Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench. 39 When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The Lord—he is God! The Lord—he is God!” Elijah quickly forgets   Confronting his biggest crisis Elijah becomes despondent and runs away to a cave 1 Kings 19: 1-5 Now Ahab told Jezebel everything Elijah had done and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah to say, “May the gods deal with me, be it ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I do not make your life like that of one of them.” 3 Elijah was afraid[a] and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, 4 while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, Lord,” he said. “Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep.   God does not leave Elijah 1 Kings 19: 6-9 All at once an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came back a second time and touched him and said, “Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.” 8 So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. 9 There he went into a cave and spent the night. God speaks to Elijah And the word of the Lord came to him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He replied, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, torn down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too.” God visits Elijah 1 Kings 19: 11-12 (God is preparing Elijah to hear him.) The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. 1 King 19: 15-16  The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. 16 Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as a prophet. God does not condemn Elijah nor chastise him but simply gives him a directive to get up and return from whence he came and told him that he was not alone. 7000 had not bowed down. Summary.. We are all subject to bouts of despair no matter how mature we may be in our Christian walk We must never forget that we are not in this battle alone. We must never forget the blessings that God had provided to us and find solace and relief in that knowledge Topic: Experiencing an abundance of rain Present NOW      

• Message: “Attitude of Gratitude and Thankfulness” from Pastor Joe

  An Attitude of Gratitude and thankfulness Lesson Objective:  To understand how an attitude of Gratitude and Thankfulness can provide each of us an opportunity to really be thankful for the many blessings that God has bestowed on us. Preparing our hearts to really accept the gifts that God has for us. Without true gratitude, we run the risk of having our blessings never overflowing. Scripture: Luke 17: 11-19; Colossians 3: 1-3 and 15-17; Philippians 2: 14-15; James 1:17 Gratitude Definition Dictionary- the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness True Thankfulness Being really thankful for a gift What happens when you get a gift that you really do not like Do you give it to someone else later? Do you take it back to the store to exchange it? Do you put it in the closet and never wear it? What happens when one is not truly thankful Can miss out on other blessings- Luke 17: 11-19 10 lepers who asked for healing- 12-`13 10 were instructed to show themselves to the priest and they were cleansed – 14 1 returned and thanked Christ and showed true gratitude 15-16 He was a Samaritan He had faith in Christ- He was truly changed   Children of Israel missed out on their true destiny 1 Corinthians 2:9 Romans 1:21 Hebrews 12:15 We honor God through gratitude Psalms 50:23 2 Corinthians 4:15 1 Thessalonians 5:18 We should be thankful in all situations Paul and Silas Acts 16: 25-26 1 Thessalonians 5: 18 Why should we be thankful to God Romans 6: 16-18 1 Corinthians 15: 16-18 1 Thessalonians 1: 1-3 When should we be thankful Psalms 44:8 Ephesians 5:4 and 20 Colossians 4:2 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Being truly thankful changes our way of thinking Philippians 4:8 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Keys to true thankfulness James 1:17 Isaiah 1:3 Stop complaining Stop comparing ourselves to others How do we know that we are truly thankful Being a blessing to others – Matthew 18: 32-35 What are the alternatives to thankfulness Thankfulness- selfishness Thankfulness- murmuring Thankfulness- pride Conclusion- Colossians 3:15 Learn to overlook the gift and love the giver