Living Grace
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One of the hardest things is for me to do is to sit still and let the Lord work in my situation. Chapter 3 of Ruth gives us an excellent example of working and waiting. Waiting is not passive, it’s intentionally removing yourself from the outcome and creating space for God to move. What are you waiting for? Ruth 3:18 “Then she said, "Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will turn out."
The Book of Ruth moves quickly. Last week in Chapter 1, Naomi said, “Do not call me Naomi (Pleasant) but call me Mara” (Bitter). Ruth will meet a close relative of Naomi’s that will turn their situation. All the while, God is working behind the scenes to accomplish His will for one who has taken “refuge" under His wings. 2:12 The Lord repay your work, and a full reward be given you by the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come for refuge.”
Pastor Richard Farris will be sharing the Word and reporting on his fruitful 3 weeks in Haiti.
It’s hard to believe that this beautiful love story could occur during the dark days of the Judges, but then there’s the Grace of God! In our trying days, it’s a good reminder that no matter how dark things get, God is working in His world and in my life.
Israel finds themselves a victim of their own foolish promise. It seemed right at the time they made it, but it turned out wrong. Today we end the book of Judges and rejoice in the Grace of God! Judges 21:25 "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."
When we operate in human wisdom, we create one problem after another. But when we pause, pray and seek the mind of the Lord, We can move forward in His peace. Judges chapter 20 is a great example of what James says: James 3:14 "But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
Things tend to degrade rapidly when we turn from God to our own design of God. the book of Judges has been a hard read, things will get worse. 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Two very different ways of praying. Remember the Prodigal son in Luke 15? He first prayed “give me," but later he prayed “make me." What made the difference? We continue our mini-series in the book of Judges. More on the life of Samson, but much more about the grace of God!
Samson had the potential to change his nation back to God. Pride, anger and sexual sin will get in the way. The tactics of our enemy don’t change because they work. But God’s purposes and plans are still at work! Judges 14:1 But his father and mother did not know that it was of the Lord—that He was seeking an occasion to move against the Philistines.
Today we’ll begin our study of the life of Samson who was set-up to succeed in all things. His name means, “sunny”, and initially he’ll be a bright light during a dark time.
We can learn much about a person by what they say and how they say it. Words really matter. The Bible has much to say about what we say. The men of Ephraim had a problem pronouncing, “Shibboleth”, but their real problem was the condition of their heart. "The upright (honorable, intrinsically good) man out of the good treasure [stored] in his heart produces what is upright (honorable and intrinsically good), and the evil man out of the evil storehouse brings forth that which is depraved (wicked and intrinsically evil); for out of the abundance (overflow) of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45 AMPC).
This weekend, we finish our mini-series on Gideon. This mighty man of faith was tested in big ways and small ways--Both will reveal his character. Judges 8:27 Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house.
This weekend, we finish our mini-series on Gideon. This mighty man of faith was tested in big ways and small ways--Both will reveal his character. Judges 8:27 Then Gideon made it into an ephod and set it up in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel played the harlot with it there. It became a snare to Gideon and to his house.
Pastor Aaron Hansel will be speaking this Sunday. He and his wife Danita founded the Be a Voice ministry, which combats human-trafficking. He is also a Mens Ministry leader in our city; encouraging men to “Be the miracle” for our cultural/familial issues. He and Danita have ministered in Las Vegas for over 25 years. Aaron is a self-professed, “cool-dude”. 2 Timothy 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 6:10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia,[a] Titus to Dalmatia.
"God will never give you more than you can handle.” Really? The Lord gives His kids too much for them to handle-on their own- all the time. But not so He can bury us but to cause us to trust Him in doing what only He can do! And, as always, to draw us closer to Him. Judges 7:2 And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel claim glory for itself against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me.’
Having met his Jehovah-Shalom, now it’s time for war. Today we will see how In spite of Gideon’s questioning, God still uses Him. Can I do the same?
Who couldn't use a little joy after this past year? Join us this Easter as we celebrate the single most joyous event in history, the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave!
It all started with a promise--God's promise to birth a nation through a childless couple: Abraham and Sarah Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 12:1-3
Today we’ll finish Chapter 3 of Judges and meet Ehud and Shamgar. Also, we’ll launch our Building Capital Campaign!
Have you ever heard of Othniel? Ehud? How about Shamgar?God sometimes uses the least likely characters for His purposes. Judges 3:9 When the children of Israel cried out to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them: Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother.
Judges 2:10 When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. Things sure change fast. Not too long ago we were celebrating the victories of Israel conquering their enemies. Now, they are experiencing defeat at almost every turn. What can we learn from their experiences and about our merciful God?
24:31 Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, and had known all the works of the Lord which He had done for Israel. Joshua ends on such a high note. But, did Israel follow his warnings? Did they conquer the remaining land and resist the temptation to worship their gods?
The Book of Joshua is not just a biography of his life, it is also a marvelous history of God’s people inheriting the land promised to Abraham! Someone wisely said, “history is His-Story!"It’s wise to learn from Joshua’s life-lessons that will help us serve the Lord.Today we’ll celebrate our Covenant-Keeping God who has a rich inheritance for His children to enjoy right now. Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
