Épisodes

  • What to Do on the Worst Day - February 2, 2025

    What to Do on the Worst Day - February 2, 2025
    Feb 2 2025

    WORST

    What to Do on the Worst Day

    Jon Fredricks

    Today’s Scripture: Luke 21:7-19 NIV

    __________

    Luke 21:7-19 NIV

    7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?”

    8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

    10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven.

    12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 Stand firm, and you will win life.

    Luke 21:19 KJV

    “In your patience possess ye your souls.”

    Psalm 27:14 NIV

    Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.

    Psalm 46:10 NIV

    He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

    Romans 9:16 ESV

    So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

    Romans 8:28 NASB

    28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

    1) STAY FOCUSED ON TRUE

    Luke 21:8 NIV

    8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them.

    James 4:8a NIV

    Come near to God and he will come near to you.

    John 8:31-32 NIV

    Dispute Over Whose Children Jesus’ Opponents Are

    31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

    John 16:33 NIV

    33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

    2) INTENTIONALLY TRUST

    Luke 21:9 NIV

    When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.”

    Proverbs 29:25 NIV

    Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

    Luke 21:14 NIV

    But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves.

    3) TELL OF THE GOODNESS OF GOD

    Luke 21:13 NIV

    And so you will bear testimony to me.

    2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

    3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

    Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

    14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
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    1 h et 27 min
  • A Redeemed Family - January 26, 2025

    A Redeemed Family - January 26, 2025
    Jan 26 2025
    REAL Change A Redeemed Family Jon Fredricks Today’s Scripture: Luke 21:1-6 NIV __________ Luke 21:1-6 NIV As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. 2 He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. 3 “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. 4 All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” 5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” Matthew 16:18 NIV And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Matthew 16:19 NIV I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Proverbs 27:17 NIV As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. Acts 2:42-47 NIV The Fellowship of the Believers 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. 1) REGULARLY SHOW UP Acts 2:44 NIV All the believers were together and had everything in common. Psalm 68:6 NIV God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 2) INVITE IN Acts 2:46 NIV 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, Luke 14:23 NIV “Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full. Galatians 6:2 NIV Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3) SHARE IN SACRIFICE Acts 2:45 NIV 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Ephesians 5:2 NIV and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. John 15:12-13 NIV 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. Colossians 3:13 NIV Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 4) KEEP IT UP Acts 2:47 NIV 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Colossians 1:6 NIV In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. Colossians 2:19 NIV…from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
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    1 h et 21 min
  • Real Relationship - January 19, 2025

    Real Relationship - January 19, 2025
    Jan 19 2025

    REAL Change

    Real Relationship

    Bobby Humes

    Today’s Scripture: Luke 20:41-44 ESV

    __________

    2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

    All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

    Psalm 119:11 ESV

    I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

    Colossians 3:16 ESV

    Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.

    James 1:21-22 ESV

    Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

    Luke 20:41-44 ESV

    Whose Son is the Christ?

    41 But he said to them, “How can they say that the Christ is David's son? 42 For David himself says in the Book of Psalms,

    “‘The Lord said to my Lord,
    “Sit at my right hand,
    43 until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

    44 David thus calls him Lord, so how is he his son?”

    Matthew 22:41-42 ESV

    Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, 42 saying, “What do you think about the Christ? Whose son is he?” They weren’t able to answer – Jesus stumps them.

    Romans 12:2 ESV

    Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

    1 John 2:15-17 ESV

    Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

    1) REAL CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN WE READ SCRIPTURE

    John 1:1-5 KJV

    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

    2) REAL CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN WE EXAMINE SCRIPTURE

    Luke 24:44-47 ESV

    Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

    3) REAL CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN WE APPLY SCRIPTURE

    2 Peter 1:3-7 ESV

    His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.

    4) REAL CHANGE HAPPENS WHEN WE LISTEN TO THE VOICE OF GOD
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    1 h et 14 min
  • Managing My Feed - January 12, 2025

    Managing My Feed - January 12, 2025
    Jan 12 2025
    REAL Change Managing My Feed Jon Fredricks Today’s Scripture: Luke 20:45-47 NIV __________ Luke 20:45-47 NIV Warning Against the Teachers of the Law 45 While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46 “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47 They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 NIV 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 1 Peter 2:2 NIV Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 1) GROWTH DEPENDS ON HIS PRESENCE AND HIS WORD John 15:1-7 NIV The Vine and the Branches 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. 5 “I 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. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. John 6:68 NIV Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Matthew 4:4 NIV Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Joshua 1:8 NIV Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 2) GOD REDEEMED ME INTO A NECESSARY FAMILY Psalm 68:6 NIV God sets the lonely in families… 1 John 1:7 NIV But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. Acts 2:42-47 NIV The Fellowship of the Believers 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Matthew 16:18 NIV And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. 3) GOD GROWS ME AS I DEPLOY IN SERVICE Mark 10:45 NIV For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV 4) REACHING OUT TRANSFORMS TWO LIVES Matthew 28:18-20 NIV 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Isaiah 55:2 NIV
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    1 h et 26 min
  • Heart Hungry - January 5, 2025

    Heart Hungry - January 5, 2025
    Jan 5 2025
    REAL Change Heart Hungry Jon Fredricks Today’s Scripture: Luke 20:27-40 NIV __________ Romans 7:15 NIV I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. Luke 20:27-40 NIV The Resurrection and Marriage 27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. 28 “Teacher,” they said, “Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married a woman and died childless. 30 The second 31 and then the third married her, and in the same way the seven died, leaving no children. 32 Finally, the woman died too. 33 Now then, at the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?” 34 Jesus replied, “The people of this age marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who are considered worthy of taking part in the age to come and in the resurrection from the dead will neither marry nor be given in marriage, 36 and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God’s children, since they are children of the resurrection. 37 But in the account of the burning bush, even Moses showed that the dead rise, for he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” 39 Some of the teachers of the law responded, “Well said, teacher!” 40 And no one dared to ask him any more questions. 1) CHANGE BEGINS WITH AN END Luke 20:27 NIV 27 Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Jesus with a question. Luke 18:41 NIV “What do you want me to do for you?” “Lord, I want to see,” he replied. Ephesians 4:22-24 MSG 20-24 But that’s no life for you…everything—connected with that old way of life has to go. It’s rotten through and through. Get rid of it! And then take on an entirely new way of life—a God-fashioned life, a life renewed from the inside and working itself into your conduct as God accurately reproduces his character in you. Luke 13:3 NIV 3 I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. 2) CONSIDER THIS "STUFF" MIGHT BE "SPIRITUAL STUFF" Luke 6:45 NIV A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. Proverbs 4:23 NIV 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. 3) BEGIN MAKING SPIRITUAL INVESTMENT Romans 12:2 NIV Do 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. Proverbs 4:23 ESV Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Jeremiah 29:13 ESV You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. Psalm 51:10 NIV 10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 4) INVITE JESUS INTO THE HEARTSPACE John 3:3-7 NIV3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ Revelation 3:20 NIV 20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. Ezekiel 36:26 ESV
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    1 h et 25 min
  • Surprising Growth - December 29, 2024

    Surprising Growth - December 29, 2024
    Dec 30 2024

    SURPRISE | Navigating The Unexpected

    Surprising Growth

    Jon Fredricks

    Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:41-52 NIV

    __________

    Luke 2:41-52 NIV

    41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. 43 After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. 44 Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. 45 When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. 47 Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. 48 When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

    49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

    51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

    1) FOCUS ON ONE ROUTINE

    Luke 2:41-42 NIV

    41 Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. 42 When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom.

    John 13:17 NIV

    Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

    2) HANG WITH THOSE THAT STRETCH

    Luke 2:46 NIV

    46 After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

    Proverbs 13:20 NIV

    Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

    3) CULTIVATE CURIOSITY

    Luke 2:49-50 NIV

    49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” 50 But they did not understand what he was saying to them.

    Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

    7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

    4) IT WILL HAPPEN ... BUT NOT OVERNIGHT

    Luke 2:51-52 NIV

    51 Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

    1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV

    6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.
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    1 h et 21 min
  • Interrupted: Shepherds - December 24, 2024

    Interrupted: Shepherds - December 24, 2024
    Dec 25 2024

    SURPRISE | Navigating The Unexpected

    Interrupted: Shepherds

    Jon Fredricks

    Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 NIV

    __________

    Luke 2:1-20 NIV

    In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to their own town to register.

    4 So 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. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

    8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

    13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

    14

    “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

    15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

    16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

    Psalm 106:1 TLB

    Hallelujah! Thank you, Lord! How good you are! Your love for us continues on forever.

    Exodus 15:2 CJB

    Yah is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation. This is my God: I will glorify him; my father’s God: I will exalt him.

    Revelation 19:1 NIV

    19 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

    “Hallelujah!
    Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,

    Luke 2:13-14 NIV

    13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

    14

    “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

    Ephesians 2:12-18 NIV

    12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ… 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

    14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

    Romans 5:1 NIV

    Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

    Romans 15:13 NIV

    May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

    John 3:16 NIV
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    1 h et 5 min
  • The Waiting Well - December 22, 2024

    The Waiting Well - December 22, 2024
    Dec 22 2024

    SURPRISE | Navigating the Unexpected

    The Waiting Well

    Jon Fredricks

    Today’s Scripture: Luke 2:25, 36-38 NIV

    __________

    Luke 2:25, 36-38 NIV

    25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him.

    36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

    Isaiah 9:2 NIV

    The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

    1) REMIND YOURSELF ON THE TRUTH OF GOD'S CHARACTER

    Psalm 1:2-3 NIV

    2

    but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and who meditates on his law day and night.

    3

    That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
    which yields its fruit in season
    and whose leaf does not wither—
    whatever they do prospers.

    Psalm 136:26 NIV

    26

    Give thanks to the God of heaven.
    His love endures forever.

    Isaiah 54:10 NIV

    10

    Though the mountains be shaken
    and the hills be removed,
    yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
    nor my covenant of peace be removed,”
    says the Lord, who has compassion on you.

    Romans 10:12 NIV

    For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

    Psalm 23:4 NIV

    Even though I walk

    through the darkest valley,

    I will fear no evil,

    for you are with me;

    your rod and your staff,

    they comfort me.

    2) PRAY

    Luke 2:37 NIV

    37 …. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.

    Ephesians 6:18 NIV

    18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

    James 5:16 NIV

    …The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

    3) WORSHIP WITH GRATITUDE

    Luke 2:38 NIV

    38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God

    Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

    6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, 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.

    1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

    16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

    4) LIVING THE MISSION ... NOW

    Luke 2:37 NIV

    and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple…

    1 Thessalonians 5:6 NIV

    6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.

    Luke 12:35-38 NIV

    35 “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, 36 like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. 37 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. 38 It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak.
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