SouthportHeightsChristianChurch

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church It began with the Torn Curtain 12He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining[b] eternal redemption. 13The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death,[c] so that we may serve the living God!Hebrews 9:12-14 Sins were permanently paid for. Full access to God is now open to all. Every Jesus follower into a full-on priest. Rights and Responsibilities Welcome To The Priesthood Four Things That Change Everything 1. We have full and complete access to God. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2:5 Three mythsthat can rob us of our rights and privileges. Holy place myth Holy man myth Gifted leader myth 19Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.1 Corinthians 6:19-20 2. We have full access to God’s will and His word. 11For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.12What we have received is not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.1 Corinthians 2:11-12, 16 3. We can do anything a pastor can do. 9But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.10Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy1 Peter 2:9-10 4. We can powerfullyintercede on behalf of others. 5Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.Hebrews 5:1

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church Galatians 4:7 -“So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.” Romans 12:1-8;Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. 4For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. 6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. 1 Cor 12:12-27 -12Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. 13For we were all baptized by[c] one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.15Now if the foot should say,“Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 16And if the ear should say,“Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20As it is, there are many parts, but one body.21The eye cannot say to the hand,“I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet,“I don’t need you!” 22On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, 25so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. 26If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Cor. 12:18 - 18But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.Did you catch that? We are made incredibly different from each other. We are made for incredibly different purposes. ”If all of us were the same then many of us would be unnecessary.” Remember it is not about us, it is about dad! If we don’t love them it is hurting us!!It is our body. We have two choices Love those at the table. Leave the table. Matthew 5:23-24“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. You cannot love God and hate his children. How did I get my seat at the table? undeserved grace and mercy that came my way through the cross. we are all in process of becoming like dad. 1 John 4 -10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved usand sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.11Dear friends,since God so loved us,we also ought to love one another.12No one has ever seen God;but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church Not everyone on this earth is a child of God God desires:Human relationship Holy relationship Holistic relationship John 1:12-13 -Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. Galatians 4:4-7 -4But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. 6Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out,“Abba, Father.” 7So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Two truths: How I see myself. How God sees me. Choose to walk in the truth of how God sees you.

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Henry Fordsaid,“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right.” What is regret?That feeling that you wish you had done something differently. Discipleship - not a goal to be obtained; but rather it is a state of being. “The Lord was with Joseph, and he was a successful man”(Genesis 39:2) We spend way too much time looking inward instead of looking upward. Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church Payer is first priority and not last resort. Mark 14:32They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples,“Sit here while I pray.” 33He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. 34“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them.“Stay here and keep watch.”35Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him. 36“Abba, Father,” he said,“everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”37Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping.“Simon,” he said to Peter,“are you asleep? Couldn’t you keep watch for one hour? 38Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”39Once more he went away and prayed the same thing. 40When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.41Returning the third time, he said to them,“Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 42Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!” our first line of defense is to seek God in prayer. “Abba, Father,” he said,“everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”Mark 14:36 First he prayed Then he stayed with his closest friends. “Abba, Father…not what I will, but what you will.”Mark 14:36 Pray in this way; as a child to a loving father. 2 Corinthians 12:10“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Key to building up resistance is to temptation - turn to God first, PRAY! Too often, God is the last resort Praying alone and praying with others is vital

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church have set you and example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor the messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things you will be blessed if you do them”.John 13:15-17. Why did Jesus give this lesson? Because He knew the human heart … … the heart which deceives us into thinking that we have priority over others. … the heart which hungers after a greater position. … the heart which is not satisfied with its lot in life. “Power corrupts … and absolute power corrupts absolutely”. Real power means following in the footsteps “of the Master Mark 10:35“Teacher … we want You to do whatever we ask”. Jesus ministry is not about fulfilling personal favors…all about building personal relationships Jesus knows the heart is deceitful. “Lord, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”. Kingdom of Jesus is not about rule and authority. Request is a very self-centred request Mark 1:19-20:“When (Jesus) had gone a little further, He saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay (Jesus) called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed Him”. Mark 5:35-37.“While Jesus was still speaking, some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler.‘Your daughter is dead,’they said.‘Why bother the teacher any more?’Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler,‘Don’t be afraid; just believe.’He did not let anyone follow Him except Peter, James and John the brother of James”. Mark 9:2-3:- “After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with Him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There He was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them.” We are all an essential part of the body. Jesus way…great = servant. first = slave. Acts 12:1-2.“It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword”. It is not “who you are” it’s “how you serve”

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church Luke 4:1-13“Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.3The devil said to him,“If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”4Jesus answered,“It is written:‘Man shall not live on bread alone.”5The devil led him up to a high place and showed him in an instant all the kingdoms of the world. 6And he said to him,“I will give you all their authority and splendor; it has been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want to. 7If you worship me, it will all be yours.”8Jesus answered,“It is written:‘Worship the Lord your God and serve him only.” 9The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple.“If you are the Son of God,” he said,“throw yourself down from here. 10For it is written“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully11they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”12Jesus answered,“It is said:‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’13When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” Characteristics of temptation 1.Temptation is universal. Luke 4:1– “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the desert…” 1 Corinthians 10:13-“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” James 1:2-3“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” 2. Temptation is strategic. Luke 4:2-3 -“…being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.” 1 Corinthians 10:13-“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 3. Temptation is seductive. Mark 14:38– “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Romans 8:5– “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Galatians 2:20– “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” 4. Temptation seems like a great bargain. Luke 4:5-7 -"Then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.” Luke 4:3 -"If You are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread." "Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, and said, "Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. Psalms 119:18-Open my eyes, that I may see Wondrous things from Your law.If we walk in the Spirit, He will help us to see things from a spiritual perspective, and we will never go wrong. 5. Temptation is a part of life. verse 13: Now when the devil had ended every temptation, he departed from Him until an opportune time. 1 Corinthians 12:10 -Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. II. There are two ways to react to temptation. 1. We can give in. 2. We can be victorious. How was Jesus vicarious over temptation He knew the Word. Hebrews 4:12 -For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Walked in the Spirit,

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church Our calendar is based on Jesus. The angel says to them, “He has risen!” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 -“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” Matthew 27:63-66“Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ 64 So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead! If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first. “Take guards and secure it the best you can.” 66 So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it.” Matthew 28:2-4,“2 Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. 3 His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. 4 The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.” I believe because of documentation… 1 Corinthians 15:3-8"I passed on to you what was most important and what had also been passed on to me. Christ died for our sins, just as the Scriptures said. 4 He was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day, just as the Scriptures said.5 He was seen by Peter and then by the Twelve. 6 After that, he was seen by more than 500 of his followers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have died. 7 Then he was seen by James and later by all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as though I had been born at the wrong time, I also saw him.” 1 John 1:1-2,“We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. 2 This one who is life itself was revealed to us, and we have seen him. And now we testify and proclaim to you that he is the one who is eternal life. He was with the Father, and then he was revealed to us. I believe because reliable people I believe because the tomb was/is empty 1 Corinthians 15:55“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” Romans 8:11…"if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”"Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control"Prov 25:28What is self-control ? ’the power to keep ones self in check’Self-control only comes as a result of surrender to the Holy Spirit. Self-control is not legalism Brings us into a liberty Paul links self-control and the Grace of God Digital disciples must have self-control in our ways, in our words and in our will. Our ways in life are actions, habits or our conduct. What comes out of our mouths needs to in line with God’s word. In line with God’s actions so do our reactions. Peace means to have things in the right order. Self-control is more than just self-help. Romans 7:18: “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good but I cannot carry it out.” 1 Samuel 24:6, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lift my hand against him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” Acts 24:25“…That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Let’s look at Proverbs to discover the different areas of life that we might struggle Uncontrolled lust. Proverbs 6:26: “For the prostitute reduces you to a loaf of bread, and the adulteress preys upon your very life.” Uncontrolled spending. Proverbs 21:20: “In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has.” Uncontrolled ambition Proverbs 23:4: “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; have the wisdom to show restraint.” Uncontrolled drinking. Proverbs 23:29-30: “Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? Those who linger over wine, who go to sample bowls of mixed wine.” Uncontrolled anger. Proverbs 29:11says, “A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.” Titus 2:11-14: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say‘No’to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope-the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” Grace redeems us Grace reforms us Admit you have a problem with self-control. Yield to the lordship of Christ. Galatians 5:16: “Live by the Spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.” Cultivate the disciplines of Bible reading and prayer. Invest in spiritual friendships. Ecclesiastes 4:10: “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” Curtail bad influences. 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Practice good habits. Job 31:1Job made a covenant with his eyes to not gaze lustfully at a woman. Welcome gracious correction. Grace rewards us (13). No way we can develop self-control on our own. Galatians 5:23: “Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:16,25: “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church Disciples must strive for goodness.Galatians 5:22“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”Good verses evil has been around since the beginning of time. Gen.2:17“but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”.” GOOD AND BAD START IN THE MIND Hebrews 12:14“Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Matthew 12:34 ---“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.…" Let’s break the fruit of the spirit down in a somewhat unique way: We have the inward fruit: love, joy, peace We have the outward fruit: patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness We have the Godward fruit: faithfulness, self control Goodness finds its source and definition in God alone. God's goodness is more than fair. Grace is favor bestowed when wrath is owed “Give thanks to the Lord for he is good; his love endures forever.”1 Chronicles 16:34 “Taste and see that the Lord is good…”Psalm 34:8 “Enter his gates with Thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and his love enduresforever;…Psalm 100:4-5 “The Lord is good to all;”Psalm145:9 “I am the Good Shepherd.The Good Shepherd lays down his life for his sheep.”John 10:11 Goodness Cannot be separated from God. The tongue has a lot to do with goodness. Matthew 12:34 ---“For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." James 3:11“Does a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? To know God’s goodness — you must control the tongue and mouth. Psalm 34:13.‘keep your tongue from evil and your lips from telling lies.14Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.." Psalms 23:6“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” To be good is a Spiritual FRUIT! Mt. 19:16 16“Just then a man came up to Jesus and asked,“Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?” 17“Why do you ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied.“There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, keep the commandments.” Only GOD is good GOD is the source of all goodness Difference between BEING good and DOING good: BEING GOOD comes as part of the fruit of God’s Spirit. Mt. 7:17"Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit." Romans 12:21“Be not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” 2 Tim. 3:16“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Romans 11:22 KJV"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” 2 Thess.1:11“11With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” Rom. 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..” It has been said…“You’re never more like God than when you're expressing the goodness of God toward others.”

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church PEACE “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”Galatians 5:22-23 Definition of Peace - the cessation of hostilities and freedom from inner turmoil. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) “The Lord gives strength to his people; theLord blesses his people with peace.”Psalm 29:11 (NIV) Trusting in God gives perfect peace. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusted in thee”(Isaiah 2:3). The perfect peace is beyond all understanding, beyond all ups and downs, it is irrespective of health, wealth and life situations(Philippians 4:7 Steve paraphrase) The perfect Peace refers to the Shalom. “Love the LORD our God with all of our minds”(Matthew 22:37). “Transformed by the renewing of our minds”(Romans 12:2). “We must have the mind of Christ”(Philippians 2:5). “We are not to set our mind on earthly things,but to set our mind on things above”(Colossians 3:2) Perfect peace belongs to believers: “Peace I leave with you, my Peace I give unto you”(John 14:27). 1. Developing perfect peace…regular Bible reading “Perfect peace has those who love your law, and nothing causes them to stumble”Psalm 119:165 2.Then prayer and praise Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your minds in Christ Jesus(Philippians 4:6-7). 3. Then obedience required Shalom is not the absence of conflict What happened to peace when Adam and Eve sinned? 1. Loss of inner peace. Suddenly guilt and shame filled their hearts and peace was ruined. 2. Destroyed peace with God. 3. Wreaked havoc on peaceful relationships. 4. Broke the harmony and unity between humanity and nature. “The whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time”(Romans 8:22). God made a way for peace to be restored. But now through Christ Jesus you, who were once far away, have been brought near by the blood of Christ.So he is our peace.Ephesians 2:13-14(GW) Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”Luke 2:14 (NIV) Jesus is our peace. Fruit of the SPIRIT, not the Fruit of the Saints. 1. Peace always Follows Grace. 2. Peace Comes Through Unwavering Prayer. “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) 3. Peace Grow By Obedience. “Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”Psalm 119:165 (NIV) 4. Peace Is Cultivated Through Discipline. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”Hebrews 12:11 (NIV)

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church LOVE Galatians 5:16“so I say walk by the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.For the flesh desires what is contrary to the spirit, and the spirit what is contrary to the flesh they are in conflict with each other so that you are not to do whatever you want…” Romans 7:15”I do not understand what I do.For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.: Desiring the flesh means I'm not walking in the spirit Galatians 5:19“the acts of the flesh are obvious:sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissension, factions; drunkenness, orgies and the like.I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The acts of the flesh are obvious The world don’t call obvious sin…sin If we don't recognize sin then we don't need a savior and if we don't understand we have sin then we don't need the cross we don't need the empty tomb. Your sin and my sin that put our savior on a cross Galatians 5:22.“But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Love is HD versus analog is self-centered despair. Solution is Love!! SELFLESS Love I Corinthians 13. “Love is patient, love is kind.It does not envy, it does not boast, it's not proud.It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.It always protects, it always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Opposite of Love?Hate. The opposite of Love is indifference 1 Corinthians 13 1“If I speak the tongues of men and or of angels, but do not have love, I'm only a resounding gong or a clanging symbol." Saint Francis of Assisi says of love… “it's in giving that we receive” Galatians 5 16 says“so I say walk by the spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Walk in the spirit = intentionally engage with God!! Galatians 5 16“so I say walk by the spirit and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Eyes can't be focused on both things What we don't do is we don't pull up our sleeves and say no to the flesh we get on our knees and we say yes to the spirit. John 15 5 he saysI am the vine; you are the branches.If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Fruit isn't found by trying harder it's by coming closer to the father! John 15.“he is the vine we are the branches if we stay connected to him we'll bear much fruit”

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church Philippians 4:2“I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers.Whose names are in the Book of Life .” Solution to conflict in the church is unity In Essentials Unity in Non-Essentials Liberty in All Things Charity. Do you see yourself as a threat to the unity of the body of Christ? Do you see yourself as a protector of the unity of the body of Christ? Philippians 4:4”Rejoice in the lord always I'll say it again: Rejoice” Philippians 4:6-7“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Anxiety is a joy killer Philippians 4:8-9“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put into practice and the God of Peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:10”I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.Indeed you were concerned but you had no opportunity to show it.” Philippians 4:12-13 “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry whether living in plenty or in want.I can do all things through him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:15-16“Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out for Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.” Philippians 4:18-19“I have received full payment and have more than enough.I am amply supplied, now that I've received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Isaiah 32: 8 (NLT)“generous people plan to do what is generous”

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church The three theme are these: Lean on God’s Power - Learn from God’s Pain Rest in God’s Plan. Philippians 3:1“My brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord!It is not trouble for me to write the same things to you again.” Philippians 3:2”Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh.For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh — though I myself have reasons for such confidence.” People in Philippi: Jewish community Gentiles community Judaizer’scommunity Ephesians 2:8-9“For it is by grace you have been said, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — not by works, so that no one can boast.” WHEN YOU ADD ANYTHING TO THE GOSPEL YOU LOSE THE GOSPEL Philippians 3:7-8 -“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.for whose sake I have lost all things.I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” Philippians 3:10 -“I want to know Christ — yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death.” “This life in light of eternity will be nothing more than a bad night in a cheap hotel.” Mother Teresa Romans 8:18 -“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Philippians 3:12-14 -“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.But one thing I do:Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead.I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:20 -“But our citizenship is in heaven.And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 12:2 -“Do not conform to the patter of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” C.S. Lewis…”If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for the present world were just those who thought most of the next.”

The darker the hour the brighter the light. Philippians 4:4 “Says rejoice in the lord always! I'll say it again Rejoice!” Philippians 4:8“Finally brothers and sisters whatever is true whatever is noble whatever is right whatever is pure whatever is lovely whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” 3 Sections of Philippians 2 The the first section is about humility. The second section section is about a warning against complaining. The third section is a a greeting to co-laborers and their faith. Philippians 2: 3-11“Do nothingeverybody say nothing“do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather in humility value others above yourselves not looking to your own interest but each of you to the interest of others.In your relationships with one another have the same mindset as Christ Jesus who being in the very nature of God did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage: rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death even death on a cross!Therefore, God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth, and under earth and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. When things are good embrace humility Lean in toward humility. You are replacing God with arrogance and pride. James 4:6“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble”. We get the favor of God through humility! Philippians 2:14, 15“Do everything without grumbling or arguing so that you may become blameless and pure children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.Then you will shine among them like stars and the sky.” When things are bad avoid the complain train. Lean away from complaining Complaining or grumbling is discontentment made audible. Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church

Mary Hunt said,“Debt keeps you stuck in the trap of using your future to pay for your past.” A very wise person once said,“Too often we spend money we don’t have for things we don’t need to impress people we don’t even like.” Someone else said,“When our outgo exceeds our income, then our upkeep will become our downfall.” Culture tells us that our priorities should be: 1.Lifestyle– where we live, how we dress, what we drive, etc. 2.Debt– then we worry how we will pay for the lifestyle we live. 3.Savings– hopefully we can retire when we are 65 4.Giving– if there is anything left we will give But the mind and heart of God is much different: 1.Giving– We are created in the image of God – John 3:16 2.Savings– 3.Lifestyle-- The Pull of the Culture or the Priorities of the Culture =Selfishness Haggai 1:1-2 say,“In the second year of King Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Hehozadak, the high priest:;This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘ These people say, “The time has not yet come for the Lord’s house to be built”’”. (V3)“Then the word of the Lord came through the prophet Haggai:“Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?’” Verse 5 says,“Now this is what the Lord Almighty says:‘Give careful thought to your ways.’”“’You have planted much, but have harvested little.You eat, but never have enough.You drink, but never have your fill.You put on clothes, but are not warm.You earn wages, only to put them in purse with holes in it.’” verse 7:“This is what the Lord Almighty says:“Give careful thought to your ways.Go up into the mountains and bring down timber and build the house [God’s house], so that I may take pleasure in it and be honored.’” verse 9,“You expected much, but see, it turned out to be little.” verse9 God says,“What you brought home, I blew away.” “’Why?declares the Lord Almighty.‘Because of my house, which remains a ruin, while each of you are busy with your own house.’” V10“Therefore,” God says, “because of you the heavens have withheld their dew and the earth its crops.I called for a drought on the fields and the mountains, on the grain, the new wine, the oil and whatever the ground produces, on men and cattle, and on the labor of your hands.” God is the One behind theproblems. God is the One behind theblessings. Malachi 3:8-9:“Will a man rob God?”“Yet you rob me.But you ask, ‘How do we robe you?’In tithes and offerings.You are under a curse—the whole nation of you because you are robbing me.” “’Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.’” God is incontrol. John 3:16…”For God so loved the World He GAVE.” So putting God first is elementary. Proverbs 10:22:“The blessing of the Lord brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.” 2 Chronricles 26:5 says of Uzziah that“as long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.”

Psalm 139:13-16 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Today I want each one of us to find God’s heart through conviction and compassion for the holiness or sanctity of life. 1. The Question of Life !.Is Human Life God Ordained or Human Achievement? 2.The Testimony of The Word of God: The Inherent Sanctity of Human Life a.Life Begins at Conception b.God’s Image is part of the creation of human life c.God’s relationship to life in the womb d.Destruction of life in the womb is the loss of sacred life 1. Our Response:A Positive Response 2. A call towards Compassionate CONVICTION 1. A call towards CLARITY 2. The issue of priority 3. The issue of defining the rights in question 4. The ethical and moral issue 5. The issue of consistency 6. The issue of legislation 7. The issue of “choice” 8. The issue of my personal response 1. A call towards CARE Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church

Romans 12:1-2 CSB 1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship.2Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. WHAT MUST WE SURRENDER? 1. Give God Your Body 2. Give God Your Mind 3. Give God Your Will

Welcome Thank you for joining us today! Greeting The service will start at 10:30 EST (UTC-5) Southport Heights Christian Church Scripture Reference: 2 Kings 22-23; 2 Chronicles 34-35 Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church

LUKE 2:4-12 NIV 4So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.5He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.6While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,7and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christthe Lord.12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." 1. GOD WANTED TO IDENTIFY WITH OUR STRUGGLES 2. GOD WANTED TO SET AN EXAMPLE OF HUMILITY FOR US TO FOLLOW 3. GOD WANTED TO DEMONSTRATE HIS POWER 4. A STATEMENT OF HIS INCREDIBLE LOVE FOR US Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church

LUKE 1:26-38 CSB 26In the sixth month, the angel Gabrielwas sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,27to a virgin engagedto a man named Joseph, of the house of David.The virgin’s name was Mary.28And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”29But she was deeply troubledby this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be.30Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary,for you have found favor with God.31Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus.32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High,and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.33He will reign over the house of Jacobforever, and his kingdom will have no end.” 34Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” 35The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you,and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God.36And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless.37For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38“See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her. WHAT IS THE METHOD? The Method is: Spiritual Conception The Method Hasn't Changed.

Welcome to Southport Heights Christian Church Online. The service will start at 10:30 EST Please consider contributing to this ministry http://ws101.southportheights.org/giving/ Visit the website at http://southportheights.church “Don’t be afraid! I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”Luke 2:10-14(NLT) 1. It is a message of fear not. 2. It is a message of Good News. 3. It is a message of great joy: 4. It is a message of benefit to all people: rich, poor, young old, wise, foolish, learned, ignorant. 5. It is a message of salvation. 6. It is a message of Glory to God. 7. It is a message of Peace on earth. John 3:16"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Romans 5:1"Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ," Revelation 22:17"And the Spirit and the bride say, 'Come.' And let the one who hears say, 'Come.' And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost"' God has sent His Living Word Hebrews 1:1-3"Long ago in many ways and at many times God's prophets spoke his message to our ancestors. But now at last, God sent his Son to bring his message to us. God created the universe by his Son, and everything will someday belong to the Son. God's Son has all the brightness of God's own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. After the Son had washed away our sins, he sat down at the right side of the glorious God in heaven."(CEV) You see, God originally spoke through the prophets “prophets” as those speaking on behalf of God. John 14:9"Jesus answered, "For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father."(GNT) The Transforming Power of the Message! 1 Timothy 2:5-6"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity--the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time."(NLT) Proverbs 3:5-6"Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."(NIV) He sent His Son to communicate His message in a way that we can understand. That is the wonder of Christmas. That is the wonder of the message. God’s desire for us: To know him To love him To worship him God sent His Son to bring His message, not a prophet, a Son. Hebrews 1:3,"The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of His nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” Jesus said,“The one who has seen Me has seen the Father"(John 14:9). Jesus declares inJohn 10:30,"I and the Father are one.” The wonder of Christmas is the wonder of the message.

Galatians 4:4-5But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law., God sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law, so that he could adopt us as his very own children.(NLT) Jesus came at just theright time. historically culturally spiritually God is the God who works through human history. the famous Roman roads Aconjunction of planetscould have produced theStar of Bethlehem. A triple conjunction actually occurredfrom September, 3 BC through May, 2 BC,” From a human 20/20 hind sight perspective 1.Anticipation of the tMessiah.. 2.Rome had unified much of the world under its government, 3.Greece had conquered culturally. 4.People were left spiritually empty 5.Bloody sacrifices thus made the gospel of Christ’s one sacrifice acceptable 6.Roman soldiers carried the Roman ideals and religion to outlying areas. “For while we were still helpless, at the appointed moment, Christ died for the ungodly”Romans 5:6. 2. The Wonder of moment - Jesus still comes at the Right Time! Psalms 145:15 -The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. Psalms 104:27All creatures look to you to give them their food at the proper time. Deuteronomy 11:14"Then he will send rain on your land at the right time, in the fall and spring, and you will be able to gather your grain, new wine, and oil."(NCV) 3. God's Timing is still always right! Romans 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 2 Corinthians 6:2"At the right time I heard your prayers. On the day of salvation I helped you. I tell you that the right time is now, and the day of salvation is now."(NCV)

Comparison leads to envy Envy to jealousy, If left alone leads to Bitterness and Anger. Esther 2:21-23 (NIV)“During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 22 But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai. 23 And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were impaled on poles. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.” Chapter 3:1-6“After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles. 2 All the royal officials at the king’s gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor. 3 Then the royal officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai,“Why do you disobey the king’s command?” 4 Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore, they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew. 5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. 6 Yet having learned who Mordecai’s people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes. Result of Comparison and Envy- Bitterness. Bitterness is defined as a bad outlook because of past circumstances. Haman’s root came from an act of Disobedience that occurred long before he was born. Wallowing- a choice not a mandate Bitterness = Irrational holding onto past hurts that ends up consuming us “Truth is reality as seen though God’s eyes”. Est 7:8-10 (ESV)“And the king returned from the palace garden to the place where they were drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was. And the king said,“Will he even assault the queen in my presence, in my own house?” As the word left the mouth of the king, they covered Haman's face. Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance of the king, said,“Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman's house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said,“Hang him on that.” (10) So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the wrath of the king abated.” Mat 6:14-15 (NIV)“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” To be free from the thieves of thanksgiving… Learn to forgive those who hurt you. Learn to forgive yourself

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.(Romans 8:28) “Don’t bother to give God instructions; just report for duty.”—Corrie Ten Boom When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, had gone out to put to death the wise men of Babylon, Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.(Daniel 2:14) The king asked Daniel, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” Daniel replied, ‘No…”. (Daniel 2:26-27) “…but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” (Daniel 2:28) “This was the dream, and now we will interpret it to the king.” (Daniel 2:36) In the time of those kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever.(Daniel 2:44) The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”(Daniel 2:47) 3 THINGS WE LEARN FROM DANIEL 1: Daniel Spoke Up “…Daniel spoke to him with wisdom and tact.”(Daniel 2:14) He had control of his emotions; his emotions didn’t have control over him. 2: Daniel Knelt Down Then Daniel returned to his house and explained the matter to his friends... He urged them to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning this mystery... During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven.(Daniel 2:17-19) Prayed, got some rest, and praised. “You may not know what the future holds, but you know who holds the future.” —Tim Tebow 3: Daniel Stepped Back The king asked Daniel, “Are you able to tell me what I saw in my dream and interpret it?” Daniel replied, “No…but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries.”(Daniel 2:26-28) “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30) “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”(Matthew 5:14;16)