Walking Towards the Goal

Walking Towards the Goal

Welcome back for another exciting year of Just For Christ ministries. We hoped you liked yesterdays message given to us by Minister Mark about walking towards our goals through our strength in Christ. We begin the lesson from Joshua 1 and as always remember to pay attention to key principles such as:

·      God always makes due on his promises.

·      God knows our goals and wants to expand their territory.

·      We may start out with one goal but God can turn it into  a blessing for all. Ex. It all started with one goal Abraham’s goal was to have a son, one son brought a nation, a nation fell into slavery, God brought out the nation, and this was the nation that gave us Christ.

·      None of us want our blessings to pass by because we doubted.

We begin in:

Joshua 1:1-2à God is speaking to Joshua. Ask yourself: What can you expect when God speaks to you? As you are giving, your goals to God we need to remind ourselves that God does care about our goals and that whatever He tells you it is going to be for your good. You only have to tell God once, because He remembers and cares about our wellbeing. From God:

·      You can expect assurance

·      Direction and instruction

·      Freewill aspect (the freedom to make your own choice)

·      The reality check (answer you don’t want)

·      Truth

·      Promise

·      Peace

·      Faithfulness

So the question is: How are you choosing to listen to God? You want God to listen to you, to answer you, but are you going to do the things to listen him.

à Are you listening with doubt? Patience is required to listen to God. You must be still and learn to mediate and be still. Are you partially listening to God? Sometimes we need to stop and be quiet and listen to God and be eager to hear his voice. God always lets you know ahead of time, but you must be willing to listen and trust his voice.

Next as you are walking towards your goals:

àDo you have a Mentor/Wise Counsel? Joshua’s mentor was Moses. Moses was exceptionally faithful to God, but remember your mentor is not perfect. Think do you have someone who you can come to for wise counsel someone who you can rely on to pray for you, and give you spiritual advice. Think about people whom you worked with or people who you have worked under, and a divine connection with.

Afterwards, be honest with yourself:

Joshua 1:2à Are you taking steps to walk towards your goals? God’s command was for Joshua to take the nation of Israel into the promise. What steps are you taking, literal, practical everyday little steps? Be specific. Your goals require you to take some form of action the hardest part is always to start, because to achieve our desired results our goals require execution and effort. Also remember your goals are not just for you, think about who else are affected by your goals. How is your family affected by your goals? Are you goals making everyone else better in the process?

Then there is:

Joshua 1:3-4à Preparation: God always has a plan for your goal that calls for you to take part in his plan. God’s plan always requires some work on our part, because God wants us to workout our faith.

            In this verse God is giving Joshua ownership and authority in the way He walks. God wants Joshua to walk as if the promise was already his, in your goals do not just walk, but walk with authority have some ownership.

Key Note:

Satan will still let you have your goals, but He wants ownership over the walk.

à What comes with ownership/authority over your goals?

·      Accountability

·      Responsibility

·      Dedication

·      Commitment

àJoshua 1:5à Joshua was able to see every step Moses underwent through his journey. Moses was transparent with Joshua a good indicator of a wise council. Therefore Moses had a testimony and Joshua was able to see how God worked in Moses life and how God brought Moses through Egypt and against the many enemies of Israel. Joshua was able to see God’s faithfulness. God was reminding Joshua that He was never alone. We can walk in authority because God is always with us.

à So ask yourself: What barriers are standing in your way of your Goals? Why are they Barriers?

·      Haters (enemies, insults)

·      Deadweight (habits, people we should let go of)

·      Comparison (comparing ourselves to others)

·      Sacrifice (the loss of giving things up)

·      Satan (our biggest barrier)

·      Abused Friendships (multiple chances of friends)

·      Emotions (I don’t wanna do it…!)

Next: Can you remember a situation/goal that God helped you through?

Joshua 1:6à “Be strong and of good courage…” To walk this out we must recognize where we gain our strength from and who we need to be connected to.

àWhat are some of your sources of strength?

·      Different friendships, friends that encourage us

·      Family

·      Music (pep songs)

·      Ourselves (pride)

But the source of our strength should be:

God! We can do nothing but by God. Admit our weaknesses.

Our goals cannot be achieved underneath our own power.

It is through God that Moses was able to be as successful and effective leader as He was, it was only through God and now Joshua must learn to abide and rest in his own relationship with God as well. So, how will you grow stronger in the Lord?  Are you seeking to know God like you seek to know your significant other? We must:

·      Study God’s Word essential

·      Know our journey is a faith walk

·      Prayer and solitude

Once establish these elements then we can, “BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE. FIRST WHEN YOU CONNECT WITH GOD’S STRENGTH, THEN YOU HAVE THE STRENGTH TO BE COURAGEOUS.”

The effects of courage

Courage

YOU SHOULD NOT BE:

1.     Comfortable (insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting the same results)

2.     Content

3.     Complacent

YOU SHOULD BE CHALLENGED

1.     Challenging (anticipating something different, a different result)

2.     Change (the greatest impact and result you can gain)

Joshua 1:6-7à God urges Joshua to be obedient to the laws that Moses had written. As a result of being obedient, Joshua will become prosperous. We can be a walking blessing at any given moment. That faith in God elicits that walk in prosperity learning to walk to our goals.

            Why do we focus on the earthly prosperity of others? Remember we have two bank accounts the earthly bank and heavenly bank account that last forever. What does your account look like? Make sure you understand God’s promises in your life you will understand what God can and will do for you.

So….

Joshua 1:8

One thing to know it, but it’s another thing to dwell in it, for the Word of God to become a part of you. Consistently, always mediating upon the Word of God. You can achieve your goals in 2015 and are you getting connected to God’s Word. Ask God: What goals do you have for me?

And finally ask yourself this

What do you need to do to stay focused?

Lions, Golaiths, and Bears oh my!!!

Teacher: Mark Williams

 So often we find ourselves limiting the God we serve when we’re in the midst of the problems we face. So often we think “God won’t bring me through this I have done too much”, or “I am the one who put myself in this situation so why would he save me?” The list could go on and on, but the reality is the strength of the Lord can help you through any obstacle you may face.
 

 Tuesday we revisited the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. I encourage you to read the whole chapter, but during the study we focused on verses 34-37.
 

 The first task we were asked to do is write down a problem that appears to be a big issue currently to you in your academic/professional, personal, and spiritual area. Some of mine were grades, wondering if I am truly obeying, and is God still listening? Everyone spoke from the heart about this one. The nest task was to write down a situation that God brought you through that appears to be a small problem now. For me it was financial, and praying in public.
 

 “Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God. Moreover David said, The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear. He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. And Sal said to David, Go, and the Lord be with you!” 1 Samuel 17:36-37

 Your testimony should be a template. We need to be reminded that with God we have already conquered so many lions and bears. If the Lord is with us always why are we not treating our Goliath as a lion and a bear?
 

  Your problems look/feel bigger than they are because…

1.       The place you are in

2.       Perception of your problem

3.       People

The reality of the situation is….

1.       Your problems are puny

2.       Your prepared for present problems because of your past experiences

3.       Your faith will lead to plenty of prosperity

No matter what you have done or problems you are facing now do not let them be bigger than God. Utilize your faith and let God get the glory out of your life.

Questions to ponder?
1. What is the hardest part about trusting God with your problems?

2. Why do we try and fight our battles with our own strength?

Wall Up!

Wall Up!

Sharon Griffin

Nehemiah 1-6

Nehemiah is the cupbearer of the king, he tasted everything for the king, so he would not be poisoned. His job was about loyalty and God granted him favor with the king, because he lived a lavish lifestyle and that he was not poisoned yet.

Nehemiah 1:1-4à Nehemiah asked his friend how was Jerusalem, and the wall was burnt down and broken into. The security of the city was gone it was like leaving the door open. Sadly, we all have had a terrible report from home. Nehemiah of course was disturbed but he took his emotions to God, he fasted and prayed. Do we let our emotions overtake us, and even more so God expects us to pray and fast?

Jesus has “Some things only work through fasting and prayer.” For we know every chain can be broken, but we need to serious and committed.

Nehemiah 1:5-11à Nehemiah starts his adoration of God, acknowledging and recognizing who He is, and what God has done. The special and essential part in the prayer is that Nehemiah took upon the sins and transgressions of his nation, and confessed them unto God. Nehemiah prayed for his nation, and how we should also need to pray for America.

Nehemiah 2:1à What does your face say to those around you? Nehemiah came towards the king with a sad face and the king read it, and asked him what was wrong with it. We must watch how we deal with our problems of break ups, deaths, broken friendships, and if us Christians are not coping in a godly manner, we steer people away from Christ. Because people watch us and they want to know and see our movements.

God’s plan is not always going to a better plan, but it is going to be a great plan. A different plan that does not align with what we had in mind.

Nehemiah 2:3-9à The king offered to help and Nehemiah walked out on faith, he wanted to leave the king’s side, even though it was job to drink and eat food for the king’s protection. The king who was moved by the grace of God, the king let him go with horseman and protection.

“The WORD of GOD won’t take you where the GRACE of GOD can’t keep you,” (author unknown). When situations like these occur, we must understand that it is moving in your life, so God can get the glory, so we know nothing comes from us. We get the degrees that God wants us to work in, but He opens the door, so we can get where He wants us to be.

HATERSà Every time you do something God wants you to do, remember people will doubt you or hate you.

Nehemiah 2:10à Nehemiah went to go help someone and they did not like it. God will place something on your heart, which will motivate you to move. Because with that comes haters, doubters, liars, deceivers, those who will tell lies, harass you, mistreat you, and do anything to harm you. Satan puts these thrones in your life to detour you or discourage you from following God.

Be careful sharing your vision/dream. Not everyone is on your team. Be patient and counted the cost.

·      What is a good idea versus a God idea?

·      What is good right now that could be keeping you from what God has in store.

·      A good idea is not always a godly idea.

·      Sometimes God will require for us to shut a door on us, so He can use us.

Nehemiah 2:12-16à Nehemiah goes to the leaders, to rebuild the wall. He built his ministry team, knowing he could not do it by himself. Always pray about it—let the Holy Spirit guide you.

Nehemiah 2:20à Nehemiah talked to the haters. He spoke God’s Word against them speak the truth and not the facts, do not deny the fact. Keep praying and keep working do not the distractions, distract.

            Ex: Fact: Mary unmarried. Truth: Mary was a virgin.

Nehemiah 4:1-3à His enemies harassed him, enemies trying to kill him, and ruin him.

Nehemiah 6:3à They want you to come down, certain people in your life do not want your to continue your walk with God. Do not meet in the middle and do not compromise.

People will often use the lines of meeting you “halfway” do not compromise.

Be like Nehemiah pray, fight for your families, fight for one you love, who cannot fight for themselves.

FIGHT! Because Satan is seeking to kill them.

When the Lord God is using, your ministry will grow and there will be issues you have to overcome. Nehemiah’s people tried to oppress the lower class, be careful not to become the enemy, rewrite wrongs.

Highland ex: to stop the evil you must cut off the hand. Kill at its source Satan will always try to attack the head.

Complete the work! Complete whatever God has given you work.

Nehemiah 6:16à God will make the enemies see, so He gets the glory. Once God gets the glory, people shall see and you will be on the winning side. Never change who you are do what God says for you to do.

God will broadcast your victory everywhere remember always give God the glory.

Who Gets Your Vote?

Valencia Moses

9-4-14

Who gets your vote?

Valencia begins this wonderful bible study about who or what in our lives get our votes in our decision-making and especially our obedience. Valencia speaks from experience about the struggles she had in her life, and as the Lord uses her as a tool, so that we  recognize that these things such as:

§  Flesh (Galatians 5:16-18)à Flesh vs. the Spirit. The flesh is more than just our physical, sexual desires, but more so about our desires, hearts, and our ways.

Learn to discern between the voices within you, is it the flesh or spirit? If the flesh is tempting you to give in, try asking yourself if you can live without the object of your desire or place a waiting period upon it. Learn to endure through temptation because that is what builds our faith in God, and make sure to call upon his grace through prayer.

SN: Sometimes the ways of the Spirit can be an inconvenience, but that is how our flesh wants us to see the Spirit as no fun, and painful.

§  Feelingsà (Philippians 4:6-7)à Placing our feelings like confusion, anxiety, frustrations unto God, take it to Him in prayer. When we choose to go to God’s place in spite of our feelings, He responds to our moment and gives us peace. Learn to respond to your feelings in prayer, praise, journaling, though it may not feel good, God is faithful and loving and He responds to us when we are honest with him.

o   What is your trigger that lets you know, God is not in your situation? Is it when your health is out of order? Is it when your room is out of order? Are you not finishing because your not focused? What are you paying attention to more?

§  Fearà (2 Timothy 1:7) The Enemy tries to trick us to believe that God will not come through. Satan does not play fair, he is willing to do anything to knock us off our feet. Fear does not find its origin within our Lord God. While Satan deals his illegal blows, we must persist and endure to keep fighting. Jesus Christ has overcome this world, and we are his children, so we are more than capable to overcome our fears. Not that it is sometimes the closest people to us, who do not want us to conqueror our fears, though they mean well, God wants us to surpass them. He is always our greatest supporter, even in the threshold of pain. So to make way for the large things in our lives we must answer this question: Do we trust God to lead us through the little things or do we allow them to break us or make us?

§  Faithà (Isaiah 43:2) Through water, earth, and fire, by the world’s standards life can be pretty crazy, but God is faithful. He is the King of Possibilities, The Sovereign God, All-Powerful God we must practice to place in our faith in God in the everyday things of life. Fear is one step away from faith take that leap because God always has your best interest at heart. Though God’s way is not always easy, His way is always worth it.

Which candidate usually gets your vote and why? How can you make an intentional decision to constantly vote for faith everyday?

Extra Tips For Evangelizing

Teachers: Pastor Stan Parker and Mark Williams

I hope you all read the post on Evangelistic Training; these are just a few extra pointers to help bring the message home.

Come as you are with your spirit and not your mind. It is not about knowledge, but the essence of faith. You have to see yourself as worthy, capable, and valuable, because you are so special he sees worth in you just as you are to build up HIS kingdom. Despite our messes he chooses us. Evangelism may seem hard because God will send us places where we may feel like we don't belong, but we must remember that whatever place God sends us, he has already prepared us to do his work. Lets be honest; you are already signed up if you are saved.

If you are saved you have a testimony; you have a story. Share it. People will not change unless they see it, and show them the difference in you. Identify the important triggers in your testimony, and identify any emotional significant event. What event changed you? What brought you closer to Christ? Once you have it write it down and take every opportunity you can to share with the people around you.

One last evangelistic tool I want to share is relational. Relational is composed of relationships and time. And of course there are a few P's that come with this one as well.

• Presence-In any great relationship there is a presence. How can you call someone a friend if you don't see them? I am not saying everyday, but make your presence known. Be intentional, and place yourself as a part of their life.
• Problem-once people see a friend in you they will bring you their problems no doubt. Use those times to evangelize. Advise with the wisdom of the word.
• Plant seeds-we always have an opportunity to plant seeds, and it can be in the simplest of forms. How are you serving your friends? Are you dependable?
• Persistent-you have to be persistent. It is so easy give up when things are not going the way we want them to, but in any relationship you should never give up.
• Praise-once you take an active role in people's lives you will see a change, and when that happens all you can do is praise God.

Have the courage to know who you are in Christ and take that power and use it. Never be ashamed of where God has brought you from, because he is working in all of us. Share your story today!

Questions to ponder?
1. What is your testimony?
2.How easy or hard is to realize that God can use you?