Lighthouse Church Durban

God's timing is different from ours. That often means that we have to wait for him.He will do what he has promised, but in his perfect time. When we find ourselves waiting, we should - Make sure that it was GOD we heard - and that we heard correctly. - Not try to "claim" promises made to someone else. - "Put it on the shelf" - it will make sense later. - Share it with someone who could carry it after us. - Be faithful with what God has given us to do now. - Exercise diligence, faith and patience. Isaiah 53, Acts 1:6-11, 2 Peter 3:3-10, Habakkuk 2:2-3, Hebrews 6:10-12

We previously learned that faith is neither foolishness nor presumption. Biblical heroes of faith such as Abraham, Jacob and Joseph teach us more about what true, "real-life" faith looks like. Three questions will help us determine if our faith is true: 1. Did God say it to me/us? 2. Am I willing to obey even if I don't receive? 3. Can I worship while suffering and waiting? Faith is not focussed on the outcome, but on the God who controls the outcome! Hebrews 11:10-22, Romans 10:17

The account of Daniel teaches us some extremely helpful lessons for times when we feel as if we've been thrown into a proverbial "lions' den"! In times of crisis and persecution: - Maintain your integrity - Keep your "prayer window" open - Trust God in the "lion's den" - Let your faithfulness preach Daniel 6:1-28, 1 Peter 5:8, Ephesians 6:13, Galatians 6:7, Psalm 7:15-16, Revelation 5:5, 1 Peter 2:12

There are some important things that we should never forget - like taking heart medication! Similarly, there are things about God that we should never forget - such as his sovereignty. God has absolute authority, complete control, and final say over everything, and no one can stop him or overrule Him. If WE were in control, most of us would change almost everything that makes us uncomfortable - and that's exactly why we should NOT be in control! As children of the Sovereign Lord, we should respond to our situations: - with TRUST, not understanding - with SURRENDER, not struggle - with REST, not worry - with PRAISE, not complaint Isaiah 46:9, Deuteronomy 6:12, Psalm 103:2, Daniel 4:35, Psalm 115:3, Proverbs 3:5, Luke 22:42, Psalm 46:10, Job 1:21

When we receive the grace of God, we are set free from sin and called into a new life of righteousness. But some misunderstand, even abuse, this grace. We must learn from Jesus, who came with grace and truth. He's the friend of sinners, but not the friend of sin! He welcomes sinners as a doctor welcomes the sick - todeliver them from their sin. Jesus taught us to deal with sin with grace and truth, seeking resolution, but as privately as possible. He also taught us toput boundaries in place when someone is unrepentant. Romans 6:6-18, John 1:17, Luke 5:27-32, Matthew 18:15-17

Faith is hearing God and obeying. We hear his words, believe them and act on them. Faith is not foolishness. The foolish do as they please - or do nothing - and expect God to always provide and rescue. Faith is also not presumption. The presumptuous claim promises made to someone else for themselves. The presumptuous take risks that God did not ask them to take. The presumptuous expect God to bless their independent actions and plans. True faith trusts God always, asks God for wisdom and revelation, listens, hears, believes and obeys. Romans 10:17, Hebrews 11:1, Proverbs 15:22, Proverbs 21:25

The Christian life has been likened to a marathon. A glorious start leads to a long journey to the finish. When running gets hard, remember: - Jesus chose us and is 100% committed to us - Our grip on him may fail, but his grip on us will not fail - Our commitment keeps us in the race - Commitment abides, obeys and endures - Fellowship is essential for mutual encouragement 2 Timothy 4:7, Ephesians 2:8-10, Philippians 2:12-13, Matthew 24:13, John 15:16, John 10:28, John 15:4, Luke 9:23, Hebrews 10:23-25 & 36

Because God has extended such wonderful grace to us, we extend the same kind of grace to others: - We bless or forgive even though it's undeserved - We pay a price that's rightfully due to them even though it can feel unjust & unnatural - We extend compassion, kindness, gentleness & patience - We bear with weaknesses & different ways - We forgive without counting or recording offenses - We serve with the gifts that God has given us - We choose words that build up & don't break down Colossians 3:12-14, Matthew 18:21-35, Hebrews 12:15, 1 Peter 4:10-11, Colossians 4:6, Ephesians 4:29-31

God sees everything that we are going through. He knows our struggles and pains. In our worst circumstances, God offers us hope - so we should persevere in our hard places, not give up. Difficult seasons will not last forever. And God will not forsake us - even when people do. Genesis 16:1-16, 1 Corinthians 1:26, Psalm 121:1-2, Acts 14:22, Romans 8:28

The grace of God is foundational to the Christian faith and should shape how we live - gratefully, humbly and confidently! We are saved by the grace of God - so we live in humble gratitude! We are called by the grace of God - our call has everything to do with him, not us! We are empowered by the grace of God - WE can't do what he asks - but HE can! We are sustained by the grace of God - through every weakness and hardship! Romans 5:1-2, Ephesians 2:8-9, Matthew 20:13-15, Ephesians 3:7-8, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, Acts 4:33, 1 Corinthians 15:10, Romans 12:6-8, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Galatians 4:13-15

Our sense of identity affects how we think and live - but it can be badly formed by many factors. The Bible gives a clear view of who we are once we belong to Jesus - so we should let this re-form our sense of identity: - We are no longer who we were (or who we thought we were). - We are not just accepted - we are chosen - by God! - As vulnerable as we may feel, we are secure in God's grip! - We are significant - God custom-made us to play our part in his plan! - We belong to Jesus - so we live for him, not ourselves. 2 Corinthians 5:16-17, 1 Peter 2:9, John 10:27-28, Ephesians 2:10, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Revelation 19:6-9, Ephesians 5:31-32

The Bible teaches us to take responsibility for our actions and personal habits. We should therefore stop blame-shifting, making excuses and practicing avoidance. We must take responsibility for our thoughts and attitudes, taking every thought captive to make it obedient to Christ. We must take responsibility for our spoken words. We must be responsible in taking care of others (our own household, relatives and the family of God) Ezekiel 18:1-4, Jeremiah 31:29-30, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Ephesians 4:31-32, Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 12:36-37, Matthew 15:18-20, James 3:6-8, Colossians 3:8, 1 Timothy 5:8

To receive Gifts of the Spirit we have to position ourselves to receive from the Holy Spirit. Practical Steps to receive the Gift of Tongues Be Filled First Ask in Faith Yield Yor Voice Don't Analyse Practice Practical Steps to receive and operate spiritual gifts Desire Them Stay Filled & Sensitive Step Out in Faith Serve People Be Teachable & Accountable 1 Corinthians 12:7, John 14:16, 1 Corinthians 12:8-11, Ephesians 4:11-12, 1 Corinthians 14:12, 1 Corinthians 14:2, Ephesians 5:18, Luke 11:13, James 1:5, Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:14, 1 Corinthians 12:31, 1 Corinthians 14:29.

God loves us enough to have prepared for us in advance. Only God has a better plan for our lives. God communicates His plan through speaking to us. - We hear God through his word (scriptures). - He speaks to us in prayer. - God can also speak to us through discomfort. We need to develop a listening heart, praying with faith and expectation, and not being afraid of what God might tell us to do. Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 32:8-9, Proverbs 3:5-6, Mark 4:3&9, Jeremiah 33:3, 1 Kings 19:11-13, John 10:27, Psalm 119:71

The apostle Paul likened the disciple's life to a marathon that should be trained for and run well. Using this analogy, here are some things we can do to run a good race: HAVE A SPIRITUAL "TRAINING KIT" - a Bible in language I can understand - a tool to help me understand the hard parts - a friend to ask questions - a notebook to help me to listen & act HAVE A SPIRITUAL "TRAINING PLAN": - a Bible reading plan - a prayer plan - a fellowship plan OTHER HELPS ARE: - get a "training buddy" - stretch your capacity regularly! Luke 6:46-49, 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, 2 Timothy 4:7-8

It is God's will that we be people of consistent prayer. Jesus expects his disciples to pray, and he teaches us how to pray. Prayer is a child speaking with their Heavenly Father, not a religious performance. We should pray in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we do, prayer leads to supernatural intervention. We should pray in the name of Jesus - truly representing him, not saying his name as "magic words"! When we are truly under Jesus' authority, we can pray with his authority! 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Mark 11:24, Mark 14:36, 1 John 5:14, Matthew 6:5-13, Matthew 26:41, John 14:13-14, Romans 8:34, Ephesians 6:18-20, Romans 8:26

Jesus called the Holy Spirit "another advocate" - one who would be with us, continuing Jesus' ministry. We should therefore learn to work with him so that we can enjoy his ministry of reminding, revealing, empowering and transforming us. We do this by yielding, obeying, expecting and "being filled". He then imparts spiritual gifts to us - as he knows is best - and transforms our character such that we become more and more like Jesus. John 14:15-18, 26, John 16:13, Acts 1:8, Galatians 5:22-25, Romans 8:26-27, Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

The Holy Spirit is a person; not wind, water, energy or fire! He is our "Advocate", the one who comes alongside us. He lives with us and in us. He teaches us, reminds us, and intercedes for us. He is a person, not a force we may seek to control. We relate to Him, we don't "tap into" Him for power. Let's know the difference between the person of the Holy Spirit and his work! John 14:15-18, 26, Romans 8:26-27

Here are some compelling reasons to read the Bible regularly: Jesus had absolute trust in the scriptures Jesus said that his own words are eternally significant The apostles viewed the scriptures as "God-breathed" Scripture is powerful, cutting to the heart Scripture cleanses our souls Scripture sustains our souls Scripture reveals the lies of the devil Scripture speaks into every aspect of life Research shows that regular Bible reading transforms! We would therefore be wise to regularly read the Bible, trusting God to speak to us through it - and transform our lives through his words! Matthew 5:17-19, Matthew 24:35, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12, Acts 2:37, Ephesians 5:25-27, Matthew 4:4

The church exists for God - he has chosen to reveal his wisdom through it. The church belongs to Jesus - he rules it, and he is building it. He loves the church as his bride, so we should surely also love her! Jesus has given the church ministry gifts to equip and mature us. The end goal is a wedding - with the church as his bride and he as our bridegroom! Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 3:10-11, Ephesians 4:11-15, Revelation 19:6-9

God expects us to grow up into maturity - it is foundational to our faith. We learn from the Bible that spiritual maturity: - submits to ministry gifts that equip them - builds unity - results in the Kingdom of God advancing - discerns good from evil and recognizes God's will - isn't influenced by winds of false teaching - perseveres through trials - is devotion to Jesus - looks more and more like Jesus 1 Corinthians 13:11, 14.20, 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, Ephesians 4:11-16, Hebrews 5:11-6:1, James 1:2-5, 12, Philippians 3:12-15, 1 John 2:6, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Romans 12:1-2

The gospel - "good news" - is the most important message we could ever hear or tell - so it is important to know exactly what this good news is. It starts with some very bad news. Everyone has sinned in God's sight. This has left us spiritually dead, separated from God, helpless and in desperate need of redemption. But then there is wonderful news! Jesus - God's beloved Son - died, paying the penalty for our sin, and then rose from the dead so that we could be rescued from the grip of evil and reconciled to God! This is good news indeed - and it demands a response! How will you respond? Romans 1:16-17, Mark 1:14-15, Romans 3:23-24, Romans 6:23, 2 Corinthians 5:19, John 3:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, Ephesians 2:8-9, Romans 1:17, Romans 10:9-10

Jesus commanded the first disciples to make disciples - and teach them to do likewise. In the first centuries of the church, it was very clear what it meant to be a disciple ofJesus, but over the years some of that clarity was lost. This short study aims to clarify what it means to be a disciple. Disciples of Jesus: - learn Jesus' words and put them into practice (learners/ apprentices) - commit themselves daily to lay down their lives and live for Jesus (devoted followers) - follow Jesus on HIS terms, not their own - are becoming like Jesus (our Master) - make disciples. Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 11:26, Luke 6:46-48, Luke 9:23-24, Luke 9:57-62, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 11:1

We are called to partner with God as salt and light in our communities. God speaks to people through us. Sometimes we make excuses like: -They're the enemy - I'm not speaking to them! -They don't deserve forgiveness and restoration! -It's too risky / dangerous / costly! Today let's hear Jesus' call and be salt and light to our communities. Ezekiel 33:1-7, Matthew 5:13-16, Isaiah 62:6, Isaiah 59:16, Ephesians 6:18, Jonah 4:2, Jonah 3:7-8

The most powerful presentation of God's amazing grace and forgiveness is surely the crucifixion of Jesus. There Jesus cried out, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And he promised paradise to the criminal who put his faith in him as he was being crucified with him. God offers us a perfect forgiveness that is complete and permanent. He also demands of us that we forgive others as he has forgiven us. Rather than repaying evil with evil, we are to overcome evil with good. Forgiveness is not only very good for us; it may result in the salvation of those we forgive! Luke 23:32-34, Psalm 103:12, Matthew 6:9-12, Luke 17:3-5, Romans 12:17-21, Ephesians 4:26-27, Acts 7:54-8:1, Ephesians 4:30-32

As the people of God, we have been "called up" to active duty. This calling applies to all of us always and everywhere. It is not reserved for Sundays! Jesus did a complete work of atonement for us, but the mission of seeking and saving the lost is NOT yet finished. He is completing it through us. Many Christians have a "church" mindset and are useful on Sundays; we need to rather have a KINGDOM mindset that makes us useful EVERY DAY. Jesus sows us, like seeds, into the field of the world and wants us to be planted, grow and produce fruit. Some of us don't want to lay down our lives, or go out to reach others, but when we say "yes" to Jesus, his kingdom advances! Revelation 5:10, Proverbs 19:18, Acts 1:1-2, Matthew 13:37-38, John 12:24, Acts 4:4, Acts 11:24-26

At Easter, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus. And we celebrate the brand-new life that he offers to those who believe and entrust their lives to him. As we look around us, we can see people and communities who seem broken beyond repair. WE may even feel broken beyond repair. Jesus does not offer a self-help or makeover program. He offers us a brand-new life - if we will surrender it to him. A spectacular example of human transformation is the life of the apostle Paul. A spectacular example of national transformation is the Roman Empire. Jesus CAN fix us! Psalm 14:2-3, Ephesians 2:1-9, John 3:1-7, 2 Corinthians 5:17

The apostle Peter listed seven traits that will enable followers of Jesus to live effective and productive lives: - Virtue - Knowledge - Self-control - Perseverance - Godliness - Brotherly kindness - Love He lists them as a journey from a barren life to a life of love and fruitfulness. We would do well to journey through these steps! 2 Peter 1:5-13, Ephesians 2:10, James 1:22, Matthew 22:37-40

In the beginning, God commanded mankind to be fruitful, multiply and fill the earth - but they preferred to stay together and build their own city. Jesus commands his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations - but we may prefer to stay together in our buildings. Our meeting venues are intended to be places where we are equipped to do what Jesus commands - let's not get stuck in the building! Genesis 1:28, Genesis 9:1,7, Genesis 11:1-5, Matthew 16:17-18, Ephesians 4:11-13, 16, Matthew 28:18-20

The Bible teaches us that every disciple is on a journey of transformation, becoming more and more like Jesus. Yet we can get "stuck" on our journey - for many reasons. Here are three reasons - and things that we can do to "get unstuck": - If you're being passive, develop your spiritual disciplines and ask God what you must do. - If you're gripped by the past, let God's word define you, stop replaying memories and let the past go. - If you're stuck in self-focus, trust God to take care of your needs and seek his Kingdom and righteousness instead. 2 Corinthians 3:18, Hebrews 5:11-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Philippians 3:12-14, Mark 4:18-19, Matthew 6:25-33

The exodus journey of Israel teaches many lessons of life and faith: - God hears and answers - but in HIS perfect timing - In "impossible" situations, choose faith over fear - God is theWay-Maker! - God can meet your needs in the toughest times - remember all he has done in the past! - God's commands are not just rules - they draw us close in relationship with him - Rebellion against God leads to delay and detours. - God's plans are bigger than one person (like you & I) Exodus 13:17-18, 3:7-8, 12:40-41, 14:21-22, 15:23-25, 19:16-20, Numbers 13:31-33, Deuteronomy 34:1-4

Jesus often rebuked religious leaders for hypocrisy - their visible and invisible lives were very different. Like them, we also have a "visible you" and an "invisible you". If the "visible you" grows faster than the "invisible you", trouble is surely coming! Jesus taught us to lay foundations that no-one sees - like secret giving, prayer and fasting - and putting his words into practice in daily life. When we build strong foundations, we position ourselves to withstand the storms of life - and to minister effectively to others. Matthew 23:1-7 & 23-28, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Matthew 6:2-6 & 16-18, Matthew 7:24-27

Israel had to leave Egyptian culture behind in order to embrace God's culture - and they had to come under God's rule. Having left Egypt, God took them on a journey that both challenged them and infused courage and hope in them. There, God revealed himself: his love, his power and his holiness. The journey shows that: - God is patient with us, even when we are slow learners! - We need to learn to focus on God's strength rather than our weaknesses. - The church needs to believe in God's redeeming power in order to help the world believe Exodus 3:1-18, Exodus 2:11-15, Exodus 4:1-31

The young nation of Israel was ruled by God - but then they rejected God as their King. They wanted to live their way. We should be careful not to make the same mistake! Wise men recognised the new-born Jesus as a King who should be worshipped. Jesus declared, "the Kingdom of Heaven is near" and later "I have been given all authority". And our statement of faith "Jesus is Lord" means "Jesus has supreme authority"- he is King over all! God rescues those who believe in Jesus from the kingdom of darkness - and brings us into the kingdom of Jesus. So, as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we must submit to the rule of our King - Jesus. 1 Samuel 8:1-8, Matthew 2:1-2, Matthew 4:17, Matthew 28:18-20, Luke 6:46, Matthew 7:21, Colossians 1:13-14

We may sometimes try to "help" or "advise" God regarding what should happen in our lives. We pursue OUR will and ask him to bless OUR plans. We then get frustrated when God works out HIS will instead of ours. The wiser (Biblical) way is to trust God completely (he really does know better than us!) and seek his will and submit to his ways. Sometimes God's will may offend us or even frighten us; we need to trust that he sees and understands what we can't. His plans are perfect! James 4:13-15, Ephesians 2:10, Psalm 139:16, Proverbs 3:5-6, Jonah 1:1-3, Esther 4:7-16, Acts 17:24-28, Psalm 68:5-6, Romans 12:1-2, Proverbs 19:21

In the Bible, fire speaks of many things, including God's presence, approval and power. The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost looked like fire. We can carry the "fire of God" wherever we go. Because of the Holy Spirit, we can be led by God and empowered by God. Only God can light the fire, but we need to fan the flames, seeking God's presence, purpose and power! When we die to self, we are good firewood for God to ignite! We don't need a lot of faith, but we need to put our little faith to work. Let's learn to work with God by stepping out in faith! 1 Kings 18:30-38, 2 Kings 6:17, Acts 2:17-19, Acts 2:1-3, 2 Timothy 1:6, 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Acts 2:2

Many people set goals at the beginning of the year. This is a helpful exercise, but we need to ask: "Is this goal ultimately worthwhile?" When we ask this question, we may realise that we need to reconsider our goals. Here is a goal that is eternally worthwhile: TO KNOW JESUS AND BECOME LIKE HIM And here are some things that will help us get there: -Get to know Jesus by being in his presence in prayer and in worship. -Get to know Jesus by learning his words and ways from the Bible. -Put Jesus' words into practice in obedient faith. -Submit to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. -Persist in these things! John 18:38-40, Mark 10:35-45, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Philippians 3:7-11, 2 Corinthians 3:18

Technology and social advances can bring greater convenience into many aspects of our lives. These advances can make us more effective as disciples of Christ, butthey can also make us less effective, even lazy and selfish. Jesus calls us to lay down our lives and follow him - because following Jesus can be very inconvenient at times. Choosing the convenient way can lead us away from God's will and towards sin. Let's choose commitment over convenience! Ephesians 6:11, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Luke 9:23-24, 2 Samuel 11:1-17

God's love is truly awesome! Because it's part of who he is, it's a perfect love. God's love makes him approachable - we can come to him confidently, assured of his great love for us. God's love makes him a redeemer - he gladly paid the price to redeem us - Jesus' blood. God's love gives us security - if he is for us, who can stand against us? God's love is poured into our hearts - we can experience true love personally! And because Gods love is poured into our hearts, we can truly love one another - and love the lost. Ephesians 1:4-5, Exodus 34:6, 1 John 4:8, Psalm 5:7, Hebrews 10:19-22, Exodus 15:13, John 3:16, Colossians 1:13-14, 1 John 4:16, Romans 8:31-32, Psalms 62:2, Romans 5:5, 1 John 4:7-8, John 13:34, Matthew 28:18-20, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

In Jeremiah, two types of people are contrasted. Those who trust in themselves and in other people are like shrubs in the desert. Those who trust in God are like well-watered trees. Here are some ways to live like a tree and not a shrub: - Recognise your True Hope - Avoid forsaking God - Live with enduring hope - Stay connected to the Source - Embrace Jesus as the Source of Living Water Let's live like well-watered trees, not desert shrubs! Jeremiah 17:5-13, Psalm 1, Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Timothy 3:16 -17, John 7:38

Humble submission is the opposite attitude to pride, independence and arrogance. Pride can be hard to spot; it takes humility to recognise our pride! Sometimes our pride is the obstacle that keeps us from moving forward. We want to see the situation change, but God wants to see US change! Humility is something we develop with practice: -putting others first, instead of chasing our own gains -recognising where others are better than us, instead of boasting about ourselves -serving others, instead of ourselves. Humility even brings freedom from anxieties: as we humble ourselves, confessing our weakness and fears and seeking God's strength. 1 Peter 5:5-7, Philippians 2:3, Mark 9:35, Psalm 25:9, Proverbs 16:18, Psalm 13:1-6

Jesus was born a baby; but before that, he was the Word, the agent of creation, life and light. The Word became human - and made his home among us. This shows us just how much we matter to God! Jesus left his heavenly glory behind for us, he laid down his life for us, dying for our sin, and he rose from the dead, defeating sin & death for us! How will you respond to this greatest love of all? 2 Corinthians 5:16, Acts 9:1-9, Revelation 1:9-17, John 1:1-5, 10-14, John 3:16-17, Luke 2:10-14, Philippians 2:6-11

When we are aware of the devil's schemes, we can defend ourselves against them. We are privileged have a record of how the devil tried to keep Jesus from his mission - and of how Jesus defeated those attacks: Scheme 1: "The end justifies the means." Defence: Always do what is right - just as Jesus did. Scheme 2: "Just do it - God will rescue you." Defence: Act prudently, not recklessly. Scheme 3: Make a false doctrine from one Bible verse. Defence: Seek the whole counsel of God. Scheme 4: Encourage selfish desires. Defence: Learn to be content. Matthew 4:1-10, Romans 12:17, 1 John 3:7-8, Proverbs 22:3, Proverbs 3:21, Acts 20:27, Philippians 4:12-13

While some say, "follow your heart", the Bible cautions us that the heart can be deceitful, hard and sick! Our hearts need God's healing and transforming work - and we need to guard our hearts from becoming hardened, wounded or dirtied. Wewould be wise to: -Reflect on our heart's condition to see if there are areas that need God's restoring or transforming work. -Surrender our heart to God and ask Him to soften it. -Seek God's guidance and renewal daily. -Guard our heart - everything we do flows from it. -Seek encouragement from others to stay faithful. Jeremiah 17:9-10, Psalm 51:6-10, Ezekiel 36:26, Matthew 15:18-19, Proverbs 4:23, Hebrews 3:12-13

The oldest scheme of the devil is found in Genesis. In a cunning, step-by-step scheme, the serpent tricked the first man and woman into throwing away their closerelationship with God - and the paradise they lived in. This scheme is very much at work to this day - so we would be wise to recognise the scheme and resist it! Let's read the Bible - and find out what God really said! Let's trust the Bible - it has far greater credibility than any other book we will ever read! Let's trust God's goodness - our Creator knows how everything works; his instructions are always the best! Let's not allow our personal desires to overrule God's word! Genesis 2:16-17, Genesis 3:1-6

Circumstances and feelings can cause us to feel that God has abandoned us. But God promises to never leave us! Humans lie and change their minds - but God is not like that! Jesus didn't walk away from sinners - he won't walk away from you! God understands our weaknesses - and helps us through our trials. Hebrews 13:5, Numbers 23:19, Matthew 16:21-23, Matthew 26:34-35, Matthew 26:69-75, John 21:15-17, John 8:2-11, 1 Kings 19:3-9, Luke 15:11-24

A small hole can empty a bucket. Small foxes can ruin a vineyard. A little yeast affects a whole batch of dough. In the same way, our "small sins" can do far more damage that we may think - both to us and to those around us. We should therefore: -Recognise the "little foxes" in our life -Get rid of those foxes! -Put up fences (set boundaries) - or repair them Song of Songs 2:15, Luke 12:1-2, Romans 2:21-24, 1 Corinthians 5:1-7, Galatians 5:2-9

We can gain valuable insights from Isaac as he dug wells: We need to identify our neglected "wells" - such as prayer, Bible reading, worship and fellowship. We need to renew these ways, seeking "living water" from Jesus. We need to persevere in these things as we face obstacles and even opposition. Reclaiming our spiritual wells changes our relationship with God and with others. Genesis 26:12-25, Matthew 5:5, John 4:13-14, Genesis 26:26-29, Proverbs 20:3, Proverbs 16:7

The gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes. We should therefore: - know the gospel - trust the power of the gospel. We may be ashamed of many things, but we should NOT be ashamed of the gospel! We may be weak in many ways, but that does NOT reduce the power of the gospel! Romans 1:14-17, 1 Corinthians 15:1-6, Acts 2:22-24, 36-38, 1 Peter 3:15, Luke 13:3, Luke 12:5, Acts 2:36, Romans 6:20-21, Philippians 1:27, Romans 2:24, 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, 2 Corinthians 10:10

Sometimes we go to people for what only God can do. This can frustrate us and the people we go to. The Bible tells us how - God gave Hannah the child that her husband couldn't give - Jesus gave a woman the forgiveness that a Pharisee couldn't give - Jesus healed a woman who no doctor had been able to heal These women pushed through significant barriers to get to God; when we realise where our true help comes from, we will do the same! 1 Samuel 1:1-28, Luke 7:36-50, Mark 5:25-29, Psalm 121:1-2