When Zion Travails — 02/01/26

Psalm 87:5–6

“And of Zion it shall be said, This and that man was born in her: and the highest himself shall establish her.

The Lord shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah.”

Zion has always been the female personification of the Church.

God promised that as people are born into the Kingdom, He would establish her.

God keeps record of:

Where people were born

Who bore them

Part of our spiritual DNA remembers:

“That’s where I was born again.”

“That’s my spiritual mother… my spiritual father.”

“You have many instructors, but only one father.”

There is always something special about your home church.

A Nation Without Travail

Judges 5:1–7

Highways unoccupied.

Villages ceased.

Everything existed—but nothing moved.

“Until that I Deborah arose… a mother in Israel.”

When Deborah arose:

The people willingly offered themselves

Prayer became collective

Heaven responded

One put a thousand to flight.

Two put ten thousand to flight.

When Israel got stirred up,

God showed up and went to war on their behalf.

A Picture of the Church Without Birth

Roads built—but no travelers.

Cities built—but no occupants.

This is the church without growth:

Individually

Collectively

Numerically

Roads to God—but no travelers.

Homes built—but no one living in them.

Everything changed when Deborah arose.

And everything still changes the same way today.

When Zion travails, God responds.

When Zion arises, God goes to war.

God’s Pattern: Mothers Bring Forth Children

Exodus 1:15–22

The midwives feared God—and God blessed them.

The people multiplied.

God made them houses.

There is only one way to have children:

You must have mothers.

God’s plan has never changed—

in the natural or the spiritual.

Travail Is Not Optional

Isaiah 66:7–9

“As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children.”

The prophet is incredulous:

“Who hath heard such a thing?”

Birth without pain is a lie.

No children are born without travail.

What Programs Cannot Do

We have outreach.

Sunday School.

Music.

Preaching.

These are good—

but only travailing prayer births spiritual children.

Where is the spirit of motherhood?

Where is the travailing spirit?

Travailing Prayer Described

“The meetings continued day and night… men fell prostrate… crying and praying for hours.”

“Pride and self-importance could not survive in that atmosphere.”

Romans 8:26

“…the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”

Galatians 4:19

“Of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.”

Travailing prayer:

Does what nagging cannot do

Accomplishes what worry cannot accomplish

Storms the gates of hell

Before you give up—travail.

Before you walk away—travail.

Biblical Examples of Travail

Sarah — barren

Hannah — travailed until misunderstood

Elizabeth — barren

Rachel — “Give me children, or else I die”

Barrenness was considered a disgrace—

because reproduction mattered to God.

Isaiah 53:8

“Who shall declare his generation?”

Even Christ:

Did not spare Himself from suffering

Prayed with strong crying and tears

Hebrews 5:7

Luke 22:44

He is our example.

What Changed

We stopped expecting travail—

so prayer became polite.

We stopped welcoming conviction—

so we stopped lingering.

God reveals His heart only to those who linger.

We have learned how to manage God

instead of meeting Him.

Our Weapon

2 Corinthians 10:3–5

Travailing prayer is one of the greatest weapons we possess.

Never underestimate:

One praying woman

One praying man

Deborah changed a nation.

Hannah changed a nation.

The Harvest Is Ready

John 4:35

Luke 10:2

There is no shortage of souls.

Only a shortage of laborers who will pray.

John 16:21

“…as soon as she is delivered… for joy that a man is born into the world.”

There is no joy like:

A soul-winner’s joy

A mother’s joy

A prayer warrior’s joy

Final Call

A barren womb produces a troubled world.

(Proverbs 30:15–16)

We cannot join people into the Kingdom.

They must be born again.

Let there be:

A deep call to prayer

Consecration

Travailing prayer

Travailing prayer is prevailing prayer.

“As soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth.”

Let Zion travail again.

Hear, O Israel — The Voice of the Home

Deuteronomy 6:4–9; 10–12

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

— Deuteronomy 6:4–5

This passage is more than a declaration of the oneness of God—it is a command to pass that revelation on.

God knew that once His people entered blessing—

cities they didn’t build,

houses they didn’t fill,

wells they didn’t dig,

vineyards they didn’t plant—

apathy would threaten devotion.

So His remedy was constant, intentional conversation.

“These words… shall be in thine heart:

and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children.”

— Deuteronomy 6:6–7

This truth was not meant to be a doctrine merely believed, but a revelation spoken, lived, and woven into daily life.

They were to speak of it:

when thou sittest in thine house

when thou walkest by the way

when thou liest down

when thou risest up

It was to be:

upon their hands — guiding what they did

before their eyes — shaping how they saw the world

The oneness of God was to be the central message of the home.

Not only the home—but the gates.

The gates represent influence, authority, and public life.

Everything flowing out of the house—conversation, values, decisions, and testimony—was to be centered on this truth:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”

The oneness of God was not a side belief.

It was the defining truth upon which their identity, worship, family, and influence were built.

God wanted this revelation to consume their whole life.

And He explains how you teach it diligently:

You talk about it.

So let me ask:

What do you talk about while you’re sitting in your house?

Do you even talk while you’re sitting in your house?

The things of God were never meant to be confined to

Tuesday night Bible study

or Sunday worship.

Your home was meant to be a sanctuary—

where the Lord is exalted,

where God is spoken of,

where truth becomes normal conversation.

This truth must consume your conversation.

You should be ready, willing, and able to talk about the fact that

the Lord our God is one Lord.

Why did God emphasize this so strongly?

Because they were entering a land of promise.

They would encounter strange gods and strange voices.

And some things had to be settled in their soul.

That is still true today.

We walk through a world filled with:

atheism,

agnosticism,

reprobate minds,

endless versions of “truth,”

and countless viewpoints about God.

If nothing is settled in your soul, you will be pulled in every direction.

This passage is the foundational Scripture for understanding God:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God

with all thine heart,

with all thy soul,

and with all thy might.”

This is the root system of a God-centered mind.

Everything in life must line up with this revelation.

So I ask again:

What do you talk about in your home?

If you wait until your children are old enough to comprehend deep theology,

you will have failed to create an appetite for the conversation.

While they are small.

While they are young.

While they are still innocent.

You must develop the appetite for the things of God.

The breakdown of the home began when families stopped gathering around the table.

We allowed someone else to speak into our families

while men and women became comfortable with the silence.

Instead of speaking truth, we entertained.

TV trays replaced dinner tables.

TV trays gave way to cell phones.

Cell phones gave way to iPads.

But no matter the age of your children—

bring the conversation back.

Speak positively about the things of God.

Words are like seeds.

There is power in the spoken word.

If you teach your children diligently,

they will receive a love for the Word of God.

So here is the question God leaves us with:

Whose voice is shaping the theology of your home?

Because someone is.

Someone is teaching your children what to love.

What matters.

How to think about God.

If it’s not you, it will be the world.

God did not say teach it casually.

He said teach it diligently.

That means on purpose.

That means intentionally.

That means again… and again… and again.

Bring it back to the table.

Bring it back to the car.

Bring it back to bedtime prayers.

Bring it back to everyday life.

Because faith that only exists in church

will not survive in hostile territory.

Your children are walking in a world filled with strange gods, strange ideas, and strange voices.

The only thing that will anchor them

is a truth already settled in their soul:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD.”

Let that truth fill your house.

Fill your mouth.

Fill your conversations.

Fill your atmosphere.

Because whatever dominates the conversation of a home

will eventually define the identity of the children in that home.

If the Lord is truly one in our lives,

He won’t just be confessed in doctrine—

He’ll be heard in our homes.

Choose today who will speak in your home.

And let it be the Word of the Lord.

Tithing isn’t about meeting a budget or funding a church. It’s about aligning our lives with God’s order.

Scripture teaches that where our treasure goes, our heart follows. That’s why tithing has never been merely financial—it’s spiritual. It’s a declaration of priority. It’s how we say, with our actions, God comes first.

We do not use tithing as a measuring stick for spirituality. But we do teach it as a baseline for obedience.  Our church will never be built on pressure, manipulation, or guilt—but neither can it be built on silence about biblical truth.

We believe tithing is biblical. More than that, we believe it is formational. It is one of the primary ways God teaches us trust.

Tithing isn’t about the church needing your money—God has always sustained His work. Tithing is about God shaping us.

Throughout Scripture, the tithe is connected to first things. It’s a declaration that God comes first—not just in our words, but in the practical ordering of our lives.

And I want to say this clearly: no one starts perfectly in every area of obedience. Growth is a process.

My role as your pastor is not to pressure you, but to point you toward places where God has promised blessing, order, and protection—whether we are talking about external holiness, spiritual disciplines, or the resources God has entrusted to us.

Tithing Is About Trust, Not Obligation

Every time God speaks about the tithe, He ties it to trust.

Tithing is not a bill we pay—it’s a declaration that God comes first.

In my own life, tithing has never been about excess; it has always been about obedience. I was taught a simple order:

• You give your tithes first — first fruits

• You meet your obligations second — being a person of honor

• You live on what remains

One of the things this does is protect you from overextending yourself. I’ve learned that when God is first, He faithfully takes care of what’s left.

I want to speak directly to our young people:

If you struggle to tithe while you’re single, it will be far more difficult when you’re married and carrying greater responsibility. Obedience doesn’t become easier with increase—it becomes more revealing.

Just like prayer, fasting, and faithfulness, tithing is a discipleship step.

This isn’t about money—it’s about spiritual health. 

I wouldn’t be your pastor if I ignored areas where God has attached blessing and protection.

Scripture is clear. God says that withholding the tithe is robbing Him—but He also says, “Try Me now, and see if I will not open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing.”

If we struggle to trust God with what is little, it becomes difficult to experience the fullness of what He desires to release. 

Our capacity for increase—spiritually and practically—is often connected to whether we have learned to put God first.

Introduction;

Back in November, I received several phone calls and text messages from three different families in our church. Some were personally concerned because they were trying to understand the direction I felt led to take this church; others were connected to people who were watching our services online and had questions about where we were headed.

Every one of those conversations was respectful—and I appreciated that deeply.

We took time to explain our heart and our direction to people who matter. And I want to say this plainly: if you have an honest question, I will always give you an honest answer.

Before any of those conversations ever happened, I had already begun a Bible study series in our adult classes focused on biblical holiness standards. That was not a reaction to pressure, criticism, or confusion—it was direction I felt from the Lord.

And I want you to know clearly: I am going to continue that series.

Not to create controversy.

Not to respond to voices online.

But to ground our church in Scripture, truth, and revelation—so that our convictions are formed by walking with God, not by fear, pressure, or misunderstanding.

Leading by Revelation, Not Manipulation

I am approaching this season the same way my pastor did when he first came to Twin Falls.

When he arrived, the church looked very different.

Many of the women wore pants when away from the house of God. Everyone wore wedding rings. Nearly every home had a television, went to the movie houses. The church was deeply involved in city league sports.

But instead of attacking behavior, he began by building devotion.

He led the church into prayer.

He challenged the men to consistency—both in prayer and in their personal walk with God.

Because when people pray and genuinely walk with God, you can lead them anywhere God is leading you.

Without that foundation, leadership is reduced to manipulation and coercion.

Scripture warns us that control masquerading as spirituality is not authority at all. Peter instructs pastors to lead “not by constraint… neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3).

That kind of leadership may silence religious critics for a season—but it comes at a cost. Jesus warned that religious authority rooted in control does not produce transformation, only burden:

For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers (Matthew 23:4).

God never called us to control people. He called us to lead them to revelation.

When hearts are changed, holiness follows naturally.

Holiness Must Flow From Revelation, Not Fear

Here is a sobering truth:

• You can love holiness and not love truth.

• You can love doctrine and not love truthfulness.

• You can defend the letter of holiness while denying the Spirit of holiness.

• You can keep outward standards while shading facts, omitting details, or presenting half-truths.

• You can condemn visible sin while justifying private dishonesty.

“Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.” (Exodus 20:16)

True holiness is not the perfection of performance it is the expression of revelation and a love for truth.

When holiness becomes a revelation, it produces joy—not fear.

When it flows from love, it becomes life-giving—not heavy.

When it springs from truth, it brings integrity to both motive and action.

Holiness enforced by men produces fear and pressure.

Holiness revealed by God produces purity—and joy.

Yes, we are still deeply committed to holiness—because God is holy.

I wouldn’t be your pastor if I ignored areas where God has attached blessing and protection.

Be ye holy; for I am holy.  1 Peter 1:16

Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:    Heb. 12;14

Holiness that grows out of love for truth will never become legalism; 

It becomes light.

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.— 1 John 1:7

In this place—of personal revelation and genuine walking with God—we find fellowship, and we find cleansing.

And not surface-level cleansing, but complete cleansing—from all sin.

What God offers us here is far too valuable to sacrifice on the altar of peer pressure, fear, or manipulation.

I will not trade light for approval.

I will not trade revelation for regulation.

And I will not exchange the cleansing power of truth

for the temporary comfort of conformity.

Because when we walk in the light,

God does what no rule, no pressure, and no man ever could—

He cleanses the heart.

Personal Convictions  Over group Compliance

Convictions are formed out of the fear of God.

Compliance is produced out of the fear of man.

Message; 

“Abraham walked with God, Lot walked with Abraham” 

“David walked with God, Joab walked with David” 

“The apostle Paul walked with God, Demas walked with Paul. ‘ 

There is a world of difference between convictions formed by walking with God, and convictions borrowed by walking with someone who walks with God.

Borrowed convictions will carry you for a season—but when pressure comes, when cost increases, when isolation sets in, they often fail.

Convictions formed in proximity to people can look strong, but only convictions formed in the presence of God will endure.

Holiness that can survive isolation, is holiness that was formed in secret places.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. Matthew 6:6

Do you trust God enough to be alone with him?

Conviction Over Compliance

“ I want you to adopt this approach in your lifestyle decisions.

Do not cast off the convictions you were raised with— but live them from commitment to God, not fear of man.

Holiness is still right.

As humans, we often want someone to tell us exactly how to live, because it relieves us of the burden of self-determination. If someone else defines the boundaries, we can follow a list and feel safe from responsibility.

But God is not looking for external compliance.

He is looking for inward revelation.

True holiness is not the result of being told what to do—it is the result of being changed by what you have seen and come to believe.

When holiness is born from revelation, it produces:

• joy instead of pressure

• devotion instead of duty

• consistency instead of compliance

The Long Game of God

There is not a single day that passes that I do not think, pray, and wrestle over the direction I feel the Lord leading us.

It is the tension between the short game and the long game.

If I wanted immediate results, I could hand out a list of rules tomorrow—and most of the church would comply. But that obedience would come from pressure, not revelation; compliance, not conviction.

It might quiet our critics for a moment—until another criticism surfaced—but it would not produce true holiness or lasting transformation.

The long game requires faith.

It means trusting God when fruit does not appear overnight.

It means believing that revelation will take deeper root than regulation ever could.

This is not the easy path—but it is the only path that leads to genuine revival, where hearts are transformed not by command, but by conviction.

Holiness Without Idolatry

I want to reassure your children—and everyone who calls this their church—that I am a holiness preacher because God is a holy God.

But if people live a certain way only because they love me or fear me, that is not holiness—it is idolatry.

And idolatry always replaces God with man.

If obedience is built around pleasing me, then I become your god and the problem with that is simple: I cannot save you.

Many people who do not yet align with every visible standard are still light years ahead of where they were when they first walked through our doors.

That is the beauty of grace and discipleship.

They are growing.

They are moving in the right direction.

They are being transformed step by step.

What I am watching is not perfection—but direction.

A heart trending toward truth, not merely a body complying with a list.

Direction Matters More Than Optics

I am always open to honest questions and sincere concerns. I wrestle with these matters before God daily.

And I believe the Lord has reassured me that we are walking the right path—the path of revelation, not regulation; of holiness born from truth, not fear.

The church you came from was moving from holiness toward worldliness.

With everything within me, I am leading this church toward God—toward His Word, toward His likeness, and toward true holiness.

I have no intention of leading us into a worldly church, or into a place without standards, conviction, or reverence.

But I do want to pastor a church that has room for people at every stage of growth:

A place; 

• where those just beginning can grow without fear

• and where the mature can model grace, patience, and consistency

Our goal is not to measure perfection.

Our goal is to ensure that the direction of our hearts is toward God.

That is the true measure of holiness.

Faithfulness Over Approval

Scripture reminds us: “Judge nothing before the time.”

Some seasons cannot be rightly understood until the harvest comes in.

Some motives cannot be measured until the fruit is seen.

As a pastor, I have learned that obedience to God will sometimes look like disobedience to man.

Faithfulness to Heaven may not always be applauded on earth.

But what matters most is not being understood—it is being found faithful.

That is the long game of God.

So we choose patience over pride.

We choose to build, even while being questioned.

And we trust that the God who began this work will, in His time, complete and vindicate it.

Because this church—this calling—this journey—is by faith and not by sight.

I wouldn’t be your pastor if I ignored areas where God has attached blessing and protection.

“We ought to obey God rather than men.”

— Acts 5:29

How Are Things With Your Heart?

January 18, 2026

Text: Matthew 15:1–19

Jesus Confronts Heart Religion

In Matthew 15:1–19, Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for elevating tradition over obedience. They guarded behavior, but neglected the heart.

“This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth… but their heart is far from me.” (Isaiah, quoted in Matthew 15)

Jesus makes it plain:

“Those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.” (Matthew 15:18–19)

Your mouth is a stethoscope for what is going on in your heart.

If you want to know what’s happening inside, listen to what keeps coming out.

Behavior Managed, Heart Neglected

Like the Pharisees, we often learn to filter behavior without monitoring the heart.

David prayed:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God.” (Psalm 51:10)

David’s greatest failure wasn’t behavior—it was neglecting his heart while managing his image.

How are things with your heart?

How long are you going to let it remain that way?

Spiritual Heart Disease

Cardiologists use arteriograms to reveal hidden blockages. Without diagnosis, symptoms appear unrelated—back pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, vision changes.

Treating symptoms can mask the disease.

Spiritual heart disease works the same way.

Outbursts, relational strain, secrecy, bitterness—often treated in isolation while the heart worsens.

“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)

You Have Another Heart

Not the physical heart—but the invisible center of your inner life:

Where love forms and breaks

Where pride swells and wounds linger

Where memories, fears, dreams, and desires live

This heart can become sick—and symptoms surface in speech, reactions, and relationships.

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

When filters fail, we say:

“I don’t know where that came from.”

“That’s not like me.”

Jesus answers: It came from the heart.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick.” (Jeremiah 17:9, ESV)

Christianity Is Heart Surgery

Christianity isn’t behavior modification—it’s transformation.

“A new heart also will I give you…” (Ezekiel 36:26)

God promised this to people who already had commandments.

Behavior alone was never enough.

Four Heart Conditions That Attack Relationships

1. GUILT — “I Owe You”

Cure: Confession

Guilt forms when a moral ledger feels unsettled.

Guilt is the absence of a clear moral ledger—a heavy weight you carry.

Unresolved guilt never stays contained—it infects relationships.

Jesus did not establish guilt as the culture of the Church.

“For God sent not his Son… to condemn the world.” (John 3:17)

Guilt grows in darkness but dissipates in light.

1 John 1:7

Scripture ties confession to healing and restoration:

Numbers 5:6–7

Luke 19:8–9

Matthew 5:23–24

James 5:16

While confession to God is primary and essential for forgiveness, Scripture also teaches that confession to one another plays a vital role in healing and restoration.

2. ANGER — “You Owe Me”

Cure: Forgiveness

Anger forms when we believe something owed was withheld.

“Be ye angry, and sin not… neither give place to the devil.”

(Ephesians 4:26–27)

Carried anger opens doors.

The longer it stays, the more it spills.

“Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Forgiveness cancels the debt and closes the account.

3. GREED — “Everyone Owes Me”

Cure: Giving

Greed disguises itself as caution.

It’s not a money issue—it’s a heart issue.

“A man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.” (Luke 12:15)

“Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:19–21)

Since your heart follows your money, giving can redirect your heart.

4. JEALOUSY — “God Owes Me”

Cure: Celebration

Jealousy resents others for being ahead.

It ultimately becomes a grievance with God.

James 4:1–2

1 Peter 5:7

James 1:17

The cure is intentional celebration.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

Jealousy cannot survive where love is practiced.

Final Question

A heart attack whispers before it screams.

Spiritual heart disease does the same.

So ask again:

How are things with your heart—today?

How long are you gonna let it stay that way?

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.”

(Proverbs 4:23, NLT)

Rediscovering Contentment — Sunday, January 18, 2026

Key Text: Exodus 20:17 — “Thou shalt not covet…”

Contentment frees the heart; coveting enslaves it — and our culture feeds it daily.

“When shopping becomes therapy, spending replaces contentment.”

Covetousness is highlighted as a defining spirit of perilous times.

2 Timothy 3:1–2 — “In the last days… men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous…”

What Is Coveting?

Coveting = the uncontrolled desire to acquire.

Human desire is necessary for motivation, but our fallen nature wants more than it needs.

John D. Rockefeller was asked how much he wanted: “Just a little more.”

Coveting is serious with God and is listed among sins that exclude from the kingdom if unrepented.

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 — “…nor thieves, nor covetous… shall inherit the kingdom of God.”

Coveting is a “seed sin” that produces many others.

Genesis 3:6 — Eve saw, desired, took, and gave—desire ran ahead of obedience.

Word note: The Hebrew word for covet is CHAMAD — to desire with the intent to own what can never be rightfully yours.

This is why the command names your neighbor’s house, wife, etc.

Coveting Leads to Other Sins (Examples in Scripture)

Lying — 2 Kings 5:22–25

Theft — Joshua 7:21

Domestic trouble — Proverbs 15:27

Murder/violence — Ezekiel 22:12

Lust/destructive cravings — 1 Timothy 6:9

Greed — Proverbs 1:19

Envy — Titus 3:3

Jealousy/division — 1 Corinthians 3:3

Proverbs 24:17–18 — Don’t rejoice when your enemy falls.

Rejoicing in a fall is participation in the sin.

A Warning About Money

1 Timothy 6:10 (NLT) — Love of money is a root producing “all kinds of evil… pierced themselves with many sorrows.”

Five Effects of Always Wanting More

Fatigue

Proverbs 23:4 (GN) — Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich.

Debt

Coveting wrecks budgets—often it’s not lack of income, it’s wanting too much.

Ecclesiastes 5:11 — “The more you have, the more people consume it…”

(LB idea: wealth runs through your fingers.)

Worry

More possessions = more stress to protect, insure, maintain, and keep.

Ecclesiastes 5:12 (GN) — Workers sleep; the rich stay awake worrying.

Conflict

Financial tension fuels fighting at home.

James 4:1 (CEV) — Conflicts come from selfish desires battling within.

Dissatisfaction

Stuff never satisfies for long.

Ecclesiastes 5:10 (NLT) — Those who love money never have enough.

The Antidote: Contentment

Contentment must be learned; it doesn’t come naturally.

Philippians 4:11–13 (CEV) — “I have learned to be satisfied… Christ gives me strength…”

Key truth: Contentment is not related to circumstances.

It isn’t laziness or lack of ambition—contentment means gratitude at every stage of life.

Four Ways to Conquer Coveting

1) Resist comparing myself to others

Comparing creates dissatisfaction and fuels coveting.

2 Corinthians 10:12 (GN) — Comparing by self-made standards is foolish.

Examples of coveting in Scripture:

Ahab / Naboth — 1 Kings 21

David / Uriah’s wife — 2 Samuel 11

Saul / David’s popularity — 1 Samuel 18

Miriam / Moses’ ministry — Numbers 12

Eve — Genesis 3:6

Achan — Joshua 7:21

Joseph’s brothers — Genesis 37:11

Korah — Numbers 16:1–3

Gehazi — 2 Kings 5:20–27

Ananias & Sapphira — Acts 5:1–10

Proverbs 14:30 (CEV) — Contentment is healthy; envy eats you up.

2) Rejoice in what I do have

God wants us to enjoy His gifts with gratitude.

Ecclesiastes 5:19 (NLT) — Enjoy your work and accept your lot—this is a gift from God.

Ecclesiastes 6:9 (CEV) — Better to enjoy what we have than chase what we don’t.

3) Release what I have to help others

Giving breaks materialism’s grip.

1 Timothy 6:17–19 (LB) — Don’t trust money; do good; be ready to share; store treasure in heaven.

Acts 20:35b (CEV) — “More blessings come from giving than from receiving.”

4) Refocus on what’s going to last

Earth is temporary; eternity is permanent.

2 Corinthians 4:18 (GN) — Seen things are temporary; unseen things are eternal.

Luke 12:15 (NLT) — Life isn’t measured by how much we own.

Why the 10th Commandment Is Last

Covetousness can start a downward slope into any of the other sins.

When we covet, we question God’s fairness and reveal a lack of trust—this is why holiness matters: it protects your connection to God.

The Right Kind of Desire

Not all desire is wrong—Scripture shows holy desire that blesses others.

Psalm 27:4 — “One thing have I desired… to dwell in the house of the LORD… to behold the beauty of the LORD…”

How has Satan convinced you that it is OK to lie ?

Acts 5:3

Ananias and Sapphira were church people—Spirit-filled, baptized believers—yet Satan filled their hearts to lie.

The deception did not begin with the lie; it began with concealment.

What must be hidden has already crossed a line.

Habitual concealment—from a spouse, family, or church—is already evidence of compromise.

Colossians 3:9

“Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man…”

Honesty vs. Dishonesty

Honesty is being real, authentic, open, and genuine.

Dishonesty is living partially hidden—feigned, forged, or false.

Honesty reflects self-respect and respect for others.

Dishonesty respects neither.

Honesty lives in the light.

Dishonesty seeks shade and cover.

Lying promises protection but produces destruction:

It destroys the liar

It damages relationships

It severs trust

God’s Command Is Absolute

Exodus 20:16

“Thou shalt not bear false witness…”

Grace does not excuse lies—it confronts them.

Grace does not merely pull us out of darkness; it demands truth.

The Easy Train of Deception

Lying is easy to justify and easy to begin—but hard to escape.

Each lie demands another until words become a prison.

Proverbs 19:5

“A false witness shall not be unpunished.”

When truth leaves, vision leaves.

2 Peter 1:9

Blindness follows deception.

Proverbs 4:19

The wicked stumble without knowing why.

Short-term lies destroy long-term vision, joy, and peace.

Saul vs. David

Saul wanted forgiveness without exposure—and lost the kingdom.

David wanted cleansing with exposure—and found restoration.

Numbers 5:6–7

Biblical repentance required:

Confession

Restitution (principal + 20%)

Restoration to people, not just sorrow before God

Confession without restitution left guilt unresolved.

Zacchaeus: Repentance That Acts

Luke 19:7–9

Zacchaeus said:

“I give…”

“I restore…”

He understood:

Grace does not erase accountability

Mercy does not cancel responsibility

Salvation produces visible change

Jesus said:

“This day is salvation come to this house.”

The Cost of Deception

Psalm 101:7

God will not dwell with deceit.

Revelation 21:7–8

Liars are listed among those excluded from eternal life.

Lying is the language of hell.

John 8:44 — Satan is the father of lies.

Five Kinds of Lies

Cruel Lie — resentment (gossip, slander)

Prov. 26:20; Prov. 17:9; Prov. 10:18

Cowardly Lie — fear (Adam, Saul)

1 Sam. 15:13–15

Conceited Lie — insecurity

Prov. 27:2; Gal. 6:3; Ps. 12:3

Calculated Lie — selfishness, flattery

Prov. 26:28; Rom. 16:18; Jude 1:16

Convenient Lie — laziness

Prov. 12:22; Ps. 34:12–13; Eph. 4:25; Col. 3:9

What About the Lost?

Compromise among God’s people dulls witness.

Jeremiah 5:1

God searched Jerusalem for one person who spoke truth—and found almost none.

2 Corinthians 4:2–4

Hidden dishonesty blinds both believers and the lost.

Honesty and conscience—not rules or harsh preaching—are God’s highest form of church government.

The Cure for Lying

Lying is not the root—it is the symptom.

Resentful hearts lie cruelly

Fearful hearts lie cowardly

Insecure hearts lie conceitedly

Selfish hearts lie calculatedly

Lazy hearts lie conveniently

Matthew 12:34

“Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.”

The cure is a new heart.

John 8:32

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

Lies promise protection but bring blindness.

Truth exposes—but heals.

Truth is costly—but it is the only path to light, freedom, and joy.

STRANGELY WRAPPED GIFTS

Luke 2:15–40

In Luke’s account of Christ’s birth and presentation, God reveals a profound pattern: His greatest gifts rarely arrive the way we expect them to.

Witnesses Who Recognized the Gift

• The Shepherds saw the child and “made known abroad” what God had revealed (Luke 2:17–18).

• Simeon, led by the Spirit, held the child and declared salvation had arrived (Luke 2:25–32).

• Anna gave thanks and “spake of Him to all them that looked for redemption” (Luke 2:38).

Heaven announced it.

Faithful people testified of it.

Yet many still missed it.

THE GIFT ARRIVED… BUT WRAPPED AS A CHILD

They wanted:

• A King → He came as a baby

• A Warrior → He came as the Prince of Peace

• A Deliverer with force → He came as a Servant

The Messiah arrived small, dependent, and undeveloped.

The miracle was real — but still growing.

Often, God answers prayers in seed form.

And many abandon their answers because they look immature when they arrive.

STRANGELY WRAPPED GIFTS

Life is full of gifts that don’t look like answers at first:

• Opportunities that look like problems

• Promotion wrapped in responsibility

• Calling wrapped in obscurity

• Provision wrapped in hard work

The danger is not rejection of the gift —

it’s rejection of the wrapping.

He rejected it — not because it wasn’t what he asked for — but because he didn’t like the way it was presented.

THE REGRET OF HINDSIGHT

What could have been.

What might have been.

What should have been —

if only the gift hadn’t come wrapped that way.

Psalm 118:24

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today is a gift — and it is rare.

We miss today by:

• Rewriting yesterday

• Daydreaming about tomorrow

“So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

JOSEPH: A STRANGELY WRAPPED DESTINY

Joseph’s advancement came wrapped in:

• Rejection

• False accusation

• Imprisonment

• Loneliness

What looked like setbacks were preparations.

What men meant for evil, God meant for good.

Faithfulness today prepared him for authority tomorrow.

You can’t do God’s job — and God won’t do yours.

DON’T MISS THE GIFT IN THE PERSON

Sometimes the gift is sitting next to you.

• Familiar voices

• Imperfect messengers

• Ordinary people with extraordinary purpose

Matthew 13:54–57

They rejected Jesus because He was “one of them.”

If you’re not careful, you’ll miss what God is doing because it came through someone you know.

DIFFERENTLY GIFTED — SAME BODY

Ephesians 4:8, 11–12

God gives gifts to men — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers — for the building of the body.

We are the same — but differently gifted.

Don’t reject the gift because it doesn’t look like yours.

PROTECT THE GIFT WHILE IT GROWS

The enemy’s strategy has always been the same:

Kill the answer while it is small.

Dreams.

Callings.

Faith.

Church.

Family.

Sometimes the answer is already in your life —

it just needs time, care, and perseverance to grow strong.

EVERY GOOD GIFT

James 1:17

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…

Romans 6:23

The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Salvation itself came strangely wrapped —

in humility, suffering, a cross, and a tomb.

THE GOSPEL PARADOX

• To live, you must die

• To find your life, you must lose it

• The world says “save yourself”

• Jesus says “follow Me”

Today is the first day of the rest of your life — and it is a gift.

A FINAL CHOICE

Joshua 24

The land is before you.

Life and death are before you.

Blessing and cursing are before you.

Choose life.

Choose faith.

Choose not to reject the gift because of the wrapping.

**DON’T MISS TODAY.

DON’T MISS THE GIFT.

DON’T MISS WHAT GOD IS GROWING IN YOUR LIFE.**

THE POWER & REVERENCE OF GOD’S NAME

Exodus 20:7 — “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain…”

(NLT) “Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God…”

Why is God’s name so sacred?

Because a name represents:

1. Reputation – what comes to mind when you hear a name.

2. Character – who a person is.

3. Authority – the power behind the name.

To misuse God’s name is to mishandle His reputation, character, and authority.

HOW GOD REVEALED HIS NAME

Old Testament Names of God

Jehovah • Elohim • Adonai • Jehovah-Jireh • Jehovah-Rapha • Jehovah-Nissi •

Jehovah-M’kaddesh • Jehovah-Shalom • Jehovah-Shaphat • Jehovah-Sabaoth •

Jehovah-Tsidkenu • Jehovah-Raah • Jehovah-Shammah • The Lord our Creator

Each reveals a dimension of who God is.

“I AM THAT I AM” — Exodus 3God reveals Himself as the Eternal, Self-Existent One — omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient.

Hebrew idiom: “When you get there, I will be there.”

YHWH (Yahweh / Jehovah)

So sacred that by Jesus’ day it had not been spoken aloud for 300+ years.

But God did not forbid speaking His name — only misusing it.

THE NAME REVEALED IN THE NEW

TESTAMENT

Matthew 1:21 — “Thou shalt call His name JESUS…”

The name Jesus includes and surpasses every OT name.

It is the redemptive, saving, supreme name of God.

Colossians 1:14–19; 2:9

Jesus is the image of the invisible God;

by Him all things were created;

in Him all the fulness of the Godhead dwells bodily.

JESUS = “Yahweh is Salvation.”

OT Shadow → NT Fulfillment

Isaiah 45:22–23 — Every knee shall bow…

Philippians 2:10–11 — Every knee shall bow at the name of Jesus…

Jesus Declares “I AM” (10 times)

Bread of life (Jn 6:35)

Light of world (Jn 8:12)Door (Jn 10:9)

Good shepherd (Jn 10:11)

Resurrection & life (Jn 11:25)

Way, truth, life (Jn 14:6)

If you believe not that I AM, you will die in your sins (Jn 8:24)

Before Abraham was, I AM (Jn 8:58)

To soldiers: I AM (they fall back) (Jn 18:5–6)

To the high priest: I AM (Mk 14:62)

Jesus openly identifies Himself as YAHWEH.

THE IRONY OF THE CROSS

John 19:19–22

Pilate unknowingly proclaims the truth:

“JESUS OF NAZARETH, KING OF THE JEWS.”

What man meant for insult, God used as revelation.

(1 Corinthians 1:27)

FIVE WAYS PEOPLE TAKE GOD’S NAME IN VAIN

1. To Insult

Using God’s name in profanity.

Swearing signals emotional immaturity.2. To Indulge

Using God’s name to excuse sinful decisions.

Leviticus 19:12 — “Do not swear falsely by My name…”

Blending secular ideology with Scripture is misuse of His name.

3. To Imitate (Manipulate)

Claiming “God told me” to justify personal desires.

This is spiritual forgery.

Exodus 20:7 warns God will not hold this guiltless.

4. To Impress

Religious clichés with no lifestyle to match.

Titus 1:16 — “They profess…but in works they deny Him.”

5. To Use Impulsively

Saying God’s name casually, thoughtlessly.

Even worship can be vain when the heart is absent.

Isaiah 29:13 • Matthew 6:7

The name Jesus makes angels stand at attention and demons tremble —

how can we say it casually?

HOW TO HONOR GOD’S NAME

1. Reverence His name continually.

Psalm 29:2 — “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto His name…”

2. Represent His name clearly.Your life lifts or drags His name.

2 Timothy 2:19 — depart from iniquity if you name His name.

“Jesus” is our family name—we must reflect our Father.

3. Rely on His name completely.

We pray, baptize, preach, and live in Jesus’ name.

Colossians 3:17

Acts 4:12

Acts 2:38

THE BLESSING OF HONORING HIS

NAME

Psalm 61:5 —

“Thou hast given me the heritage of those that fear Thy name.”

(Living Bible: the blessing reserved for those who reverence His name.)

Use His name intentionally, gratefully, and worshipfully:

“Jesus.”

“Jesus.”

“Jesus.”

The name that heals, delivers, saves, and sustains.

Christmas is the greatest story ever told—a love story and a mystery.

God saw a need, looked for an intercessor, and when He found none…

He did it all by Himself.

JOSEPH’S STORY — COURAGE & SELF-CONTROL

Matthew 1:18–25

Joseph, a just man, faces a collapsing world: a pregnant fiancée, public shame, and a story nobody could believe. Yet God interrupts his fear with direction, and Joseph obeys.

Four words define this moment and our own walk with God:

• Courage

• Self-Control

• Convictions

• Consecration

Without these, we will never partake in the supernatural.

Joseph’s Courage

1. Courage to do right when others encourage the wrong.

2. Courage to stand alone.

3. Courage not to collapse beneath anxiety.

4. Courage to obey God when the details made no sense.

What do you do when you’ve heard from God but nobody else believes?

What do you do when your life story looks nothing like what you imagined?

Joseph’s answer:

“He knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn son.”

His courage was matched by self-control.

He refused to justify carnality even when wounded.

Carnality Is Always a Big Deal

Romans 6:12–13 — “Let not sin therefore reign…”

Carnality will:

• Rob your courage

• Sabotage self-control

• Justify doing less than God’s best

Courage must be teamed with self-control.

Self-control must defeat our own carnality.

1 Corinthians 9:24–27 — “I discipline my body and keep it under control…”

Some battle mental carnality.

Some emotional.

Some physical.

But it must be defeated if we are to walk by faith and not by sight.

MARY’S STORY — COURAGE IN LONELINESS

Luke 2:7

“She brought forth her firstborn son… laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

No room.

No midwife.

No mother.

No friends.

No Joseph mentioned in the delivery room.

A teenage girl delivered the Messiah alone, wrapped Him in rags, and laid Him in a filthy

feeding trough.

The birth of the King began with rejection—foreshadowing His life and death.

Spiritual Truth:

When you are “birthing” something great from God, you may feel alone, misunderstood,

abandoned.

But lack of human help cannot stop the miraculous.

God does His greatest works all by Himself.

Mary’s Courage

Luke 1:26–38

She receives an impossible promise. Her world shakes. Yet she says:

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”

Mary:

• Believed

• Persevered

• Defeated her own carnality

• Stood alone with God

What do you do when you know the will of God but your eyes cannot see what your heart

believes?

THE SHARED COURAGE OF JOSEPH & MARY

Joseph didn’t know.

Mary didn’t know.

Neither understood the future.

But both:

• Believed

• Persevered

• Overcame their carnality

• Walked by faith, not by sight Their stories are not the same.

And neither story is yours.

But the standard, the grace, and the God behind all three are the same.

THE CHRISTMAS CALL TO US

We too must live with:

Courage

— to trust God amid confusion.

Self-Control

— to defeat the carnality that wars within us.

Convictions

— that anchor us when feelings fail.

Consecration

— that keeps us partakers of the supernatural.

All of us must embrace this truth:

• “Courage must be teamed with self-control.”

• “Self-control must defeat carnality.”

• Hidden in Christ.

• Loyal to Christ.

• Loyal even when others are not loyal to themselves. Because the God who worked salvation all by Himself is still working miracles today—in stables, in caves, in confusion, and in lonely places.

EXODUS 20:3–11 — THE SECOND COMMANDMENT & IDOLATRY

THE COMMANDS

1. No other gods — 8 words

2. No graven images — 91 words

3. Do not take God’s name in vain — 27 words

4. Remember the Sabbath — 94 words

God devotes the most explanation to idolatry, because it is the most subtle, most common, and most destructive threat to His people.

THOU SHALT NOT MAKE UNTO THEE ANY GRAVEN IMAGE

What is an Idol?

The Hebrew word pecel means something carved or fashioned by human hands.

But idolatry is more than statues. Idolatry is anything we carve with our hearts, shape with our desires, or place before God. You don’t have to kneel before a statue to bow before an idol.

An idol is anything that takes the focus off God—even good things used the wrong way.

THREE PRIMARY IDOLS IN SCRIPTURE

• Baal – sensuality

• Mammon – money and ambition

• Molech – violence and destructive power

These idols still exist—now carved into culture, media, and personal values.

THE HEART OF IDOLATRY

Idolatry begins when we decide right and wrong for ourselves instead of submitting to what God says is right.

The second commandment is about authority.

Who defines truth, holiness, and morality—God or us?

Rejecting God’s will always leads us to create a god who agrees with us.

THE GARDEN: THE FIRST IDOL

(Genesis 2:16–17) God allowed Adam and Eve to enjoy everything except the authority to define morality.

The serpent offered Eve “godhood”: “Determine good for yourself; make your own rules.”

The real temptation was not the fruit—it was autonomy over God’s authority.

Satan disguised rebellion as revelation.

GOD’S BOUNDARIES ARE A BLESSING

Every good gift is from above. (James 1:17)

God is not withholding pleasure—He is protecting us from consequences.

Song of Solomon celebrates passion inside covenant.

Outside covenant, the same action brings bondage, guilt, and brokenness.

God doesn’t change the action - the covenant determines whether it blesses or destroys.

Every attempt to step outside God’s moral will is a form of idolatry.

THE JEALOUSY OF GOD

God’s jealousy is not insecurity—it is covenant devotion.

He will not share your heart with counterfeits that will destroy you.

WHAT IDOLS DO TO ME

1. Idols DISAPPOINT me.

Jeremiah 10:14

Idols overpromise and underdeliver.

Anything you expect to make you whole will eventually let you down.

2. Idols DOMINATE me.

1 Corinthians 12:2

What you love more than God will start controlling you.

The modern name for many idols is addiction.

If you “can quit anytime,” then quit. If you can’t, it’s an idol.

Idols also lead you astray, causing compromise and codependency.

Put God first, and bondage breaks.

3. Idols DEFORM me.

Psalm 115:8

You become like what you worship.

We shape idols, and they end up shaping us.

Jesus exposed the rich young ruler’s idol by touching the one thing he wouldn’t surrender.

If God asks you to give something up and you can’t - you don’t own it; it owns you.

Even feelings can become idols when we treat them as truth.

Feelings are unstable, unreliable, and not worthy of worship.

WHY WE CREATE IDOLS

1. To limit God’s location — keep Him in a “manageable” box.

2. To reduce God’s power — make Him less confronting.

3. To reshape God into our image — easier than letting Him reshape us.

THE BENEFITS OF WORSHIPPING ONLY GOD

1. It will DELIGHT me.

Psalm 37:4

“Seek your happiness in the Lord…”

2. It will DIRECT me.

Psalm 25:12

“He shall teach him the way…”

3. It will DEFEND me.

Psalm 91:14

“I will deliver him…”

4. It will DEVELOP me.

2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:49

We become what we behold.

5. It will DELIVER me from fear.

Psalm 34:4

6. It will DEFINE my identity.

Psalm 100:3

“He made us… we are His.”

7. It will DESTROY my idols.

Jonah 2:8

Idols cause us to forfeit grace.

8. It will DEEPEN my peace.

Isaiah 26:3

Perfect peace comes from a God-fixed mind.

FACE-TO-FACE RELATIONSHIP

This is the purpose of the commandment:

A heart fully devoted to God, free from counterfeits, living in covenant closeness with Him.

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” (1 John 5:21)

BIBLICAL STANDARDS — GOD’S UNCHANGING WORD

Definition

Biblical standards are God’s absolute, non-negotiable commands — not cultural opinions, not personal preferences. They reveal God’s character and define holiness.

“For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119:89)

“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

THE LONG GAME OF DIVINE REVELATION

Biblical standards are not about short-term compliance but long-term transformation.

Rules change behavior for a season; revelation changes hearts for a lifetime.

“He that believeth shall not make haste.” (Isaiah 28:16)

God’s standards outlast cultures and generations because they reflect His unchanging nature.

WHY STANDARDS MATTER

Standards are not fences to shut people out;

they are guardrails to keep God’s people safe, pure, and distinct.

“Be not conformed… but be ye transformed.” (Romans 12:2)

“Come out from among them… be ye separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17)

THE PRINCIPLE OF FIRST REVELATION

God’s first moral standard was engraved in stone: The Ten Commandments.

All later revelation must align with this foundation.

Exodus 20:1–17 — The Ten Commandments are not suggestions — they are divine law.

If you claim holiness but violate the Ten Commandments, you walk in darkness, not truth.

Holiness without

1. truth is hypocrisy

2. love is lifeless religion.

Revelation that ignores Scripture is deception.

WHY GOD GAVE THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

• Not to hurt us, but to help us

• Not to restrict us, but to protect us

If you break them — and they break you.

“Teach these diligently to your children.” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7)

The First Commandment sets the foundation:

“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:2–3)

PUT GOD FIRST.

WHY GOD DESERVES FIRST PLACE

1. He CREATED us
   Psalm 100:3; Revelation 4:11

2. He REDEEMED us
   1 Corinthians 6:19–20

3. He SUSTAINS us
   Acts 17:28

4. He SAVES & DELIVERS us
   Psalm 68:19–20

5. He ALONE is GOD
   Deuteronomy 6:4–5

6. He FIRST LOVED US
   1 John 4:19

7. He is the SOURCE of life
   Psalm 16:11

To put anything before Him is idolatry.

NO OTHER GODS BEFORE ME — FACE-TO-FACE DEVOTION

The literal Hebrew: “No other gods in My face.”

God demands exclusive covenant intimacy — not legalism, but nearness.

Ephesians 5:30–32 — Marriage as the picture of covenant.

Genesis 32:30 — Jacob saw God “face to face.”

Exodus 33:11 — Moses spoke with God “face to face.”

1 Corinthians 13:12 — “Then face to face.”

2 Corinthians 4:6 — The glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

This is why idolatry is called adultery throughout the prophets (Hosea).

Idolatry is not rule-breaking — it is covenant-breaking.

PRINCIPLE & PROMISE

Every time God gives a principle, He gives a promise.

“In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)

Whatever you want God to bless — put Him first in that area.

FIRST — FINANCES

Proverbs 3:9–10 — Honor the Lord with your firstfruits.

Deuteronomy 14:23 (LB) — Tithing teaches you to put God first.

1 Corinthians 16:2 — Give on the first day of the week.

Malachi 3:10 — Test Me. Prove Me.

Money is the #1 test of priorities.

FIRST — INTERESTS

Put God first in recreation, hobbies, conversation, and attitude.

“Do all to the glory of God.”(1 Corinthians 10:31)

Ephesians 5:19 — Sing and speak to the Lord.

FIRST — RELATIONSHIPS

Choose friends carefully.

Proverbs 27:19 (LB) — Your friends reveal your character.

Proverbs 13:20 — Walk with the wise, or be destroyed.

Some relationships will pull you away from God.

FIRST — SCHEDULE

Put God first in your time.

Ephesians 5:16–17 — Redeem the time.

Mark 1:35 — Jesus prayed early in the morning.

Review priorities with God.

You do not have time to do everything — only what God wills.

Jeremiah 2:32 — Israel forgot God “days without number.”

FIRST — TROUBLES

Turn to God first in crisis.

Psalm 50:15 — “Call upon Me in trouble… I will deliver thee.”

Worry reveals misplaced priorities.

When God is first, worry loses its power.

Matthew 6:31–34 — Seek first the kingdom.

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT REMAINS THE FOUNDATION

“Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”

No gods in His face.

No rivals in His presence.

No competitors for His throne.

Put God first —

in Finances, Interests, Relationships, Schedule, and Troubles - and all these things shall be added unto you.

I. David, Gad, and Ornan — A Collaboration of Obedience

1 Chronicles 21:18–27

God speaks → Gad delivers the word → David obeys → Ornan opens the threshing floor.

• God & the man of God

• The man of God & David

• David & Ornan — the willing partner, freely opening his threshing floor to God’s purpose

1 Chron. 21:23 – “I give it all.”

1 Chron. 21:24 – “I will buy it for the full price.”

Neither man sought advantage:

• David refused a discount

• Ornan refused a profit

II. Sacrifice Stopped the Plague

“And he answered him from heaven by fire… and the angel put up his sword.”

(1 Chron. 21:26–27)

1. There will always be a need for sacrifice

2. There is always a cost involved in real sacrifice

3. And those involved will always be able to tells us how much it cost

When you give to God sacrificially

4. God will not give back to you, what He did not pay the full price for

2 Samuel 24:24

“I will not offer… that which doth cost me nothing.”

Where there is real sacrifice, there is divine response.

III. The Spirit of Our Day vs. The Spirit of Sacrifice

• Ministries seeking privilege

• Laypeople seeking blessing without obedience

• “Dumb dogs that cannot bark… itching ears…”

This is why we see:

• Praise without worship

• Preaching without consecration
  Because all real worship costs something.

IV. Sacrifice Is the Foundation of Everything Worthwhile

The word “sacrifice” sits at the center of every good thing.

Anything worthwhile demands sacrifice:

• Business

• Athletics

• Family

• Spiritual growth

Sacrifice is the pathway to blessing and favor.

You lay something down to step into something greater.

Practical Sacrifice:

• Getting up earlier / staying up later

• Less frivolity

• More accountability & discipline

• Less excuses / impulsiveness / procrastination

• Guarding thoughts, influences, emotions

• Showing up when tired

• Praying when others sleep

• Saving instead of spending

• Serving instead of being served

• Choosing responsibility > convenience

• Character > popularity

• Integrity > opportunity

• Refusing shortcuts

• Submitting to spiritual authority

• Doing the right thing even when hard

“If you want something you’ve never had, you’ve got to do something you’ve never done.”

Everything worthwhile begins with sacrifice.

V. Cain and Abel — First Fruits vs. Leftovers

Genesis 4:4–5

Hebrews 11:4

Cain — “in the process of time”

End of harvest → measured amount → after securing himself → no sacrifice → no respect.

Abel — firstlings of the flock

First-born → first-fruit → by faith → more excellent sacrifice.

By volume Cain may have given more — but Abel gave first.

VI. The Widow’s Mites — Sacrifice Beyond Amount

Mark 12:41–44

Rich gave abundance → leftover giving → Cain’s spirit.

Widow gave all her living → Abel’s spirit.

Jesus had respect unto her sacrifice.

No matter income status or spiritual background:

Sacrifice always has a cost, and the giver always knows that cost.

VII. Noah — First Fruits After the Flood

Noah’s first act after the ark: he built an altar.

He sacrificed from a limited supply.

Risked survival → honored God first.

VIII. Moses & the Sacrificial System

Over 400 verses in Torah detail sacrifice.

Leviticus alone: 250+

Exodus & Numbers: 150+

Because holy things require holy handling.

IX. The Priests — A Life of Continual Sacrifice

Their entire life revolved around the altar—day and night, continually.

X. Solomon’s Temple — Magnifical, Yet Not Holy Without Sacrifice

David prepared resources for a temple “exceedingly magnifical”—

gold everywhere, jewels, blue/purple/scarlet, precision in every detail.

Value today: tens or hundreds of billions.

Yet it was not God’s house until it was consecrated by sacrifice.

Buildings aren’t holy without sacrifice.

Talent isn’t consecrated without sacrifice.

XI. All Sacrifices Point to Calvary

From Abel to Noah to Moses to David to Solomon—

all were shadows of the Lamb,

the full-price sacrifice at Calvary.

XII. David & Ornan — Full-Price Worship

• David: “I’ll pay the full price.”

• Ornan: “I’ll give it all.”

70,000 dead.

The angel present.

Ornan hiding his sons—yet saying, “I give it all.”

What would a man give in exchange for his soul?

XIII. Sowing in Tears

Psalm 126:5–6

• Sowing in tears rips things out of you

• Sowing in tears strips self-sufficiency

• Sowing in tears forces dependency on God

• Precious seed = seed I’ve worked for, saved for, need

Doubtless—tear-watered seed ensures a guaranteed harvest.

If you’ve never cried while giving, you’ve never given sacrificially.

If you’ve never repented scared of how to keep your vows, you’ve not truly repented.

The widow woman sowed in tears.

Mary sowed in tears, breaking her alabaster—not opening it.

XIV. Abraham — “I and the lad will go yonder and worship.”

Genesis 22

Yonder = the unknown place of costly worship.

He offered the son who was:

• His future

• His identity

• His promise

• His treasure

Worship always involves sacrifice.

XV. Everything of Value Begins With Sacrifice

• Every ministry

• Every business

• Every miracle

• Every calling

If your sacrifice makes sense logically, it’s not sacrificial.

If your consecration makes sense to people, it’s not sacrificial.

God separated Joseph for sacrifice.

David was hidden until he could bear the cost of anointing.

If you don’t need a miracle to achieve your vision, your vision is too small.

XVI. The Weeping of Sacrifice

There is always:

• A breaking

• A vulnerability

• A cry

• A wrestling (Jacob)

“I will not offer to God that which costs me nothing.

And God will not give to me what cost Him nothing.”

David said, “I’ll pay the full price.”

Ornan said, “I’ll give it all.”

GO BACK AND DO IT AGAIN

Revelation 2:2–5 — RETURN TO YOUR FIRST LOVE

“I know thy works…nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember…from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works…”

Go back…and do it again.

You can start something important, meaningful, even God-given—and then wake up one day and realize you haven’t touched it in a long time.

You left your:

• First love

• Convictions

• Commitments

• Passion

• Gratitude

• The things that once kept you strong

But God says: “Remember… return… do the first works.”

Go back… and do it again.

1 Kings 18:41–45 — Elijah’s Servant: GO AGAIN

The servant said, “There is nothing.”

Elijah said, “Go back… and do it again. … seven times.”

On the seventh, the cloud appeared.

Some miracles only show up after repeated obedience.

THE HUMAN CONDITION

Scientists say 70–80% of our thoughts are negative.

Quitting, withdrawing, isolation, and self-protection feel natural.

If you’ve ever said, “I’m done…I quit…why bother?” You’re not broken—you’re human.

But the solution is not escape… it’s encouragement.

It’s a call to return.

Go back…and do it again.

THANKSGIVING BREAKS THE DRIFT

• The human heart naturally drifts toward ingratitude.

Thankfulness must be chosen—not felt.

“I will intentionally be thankful this year.”

Thanksgiving is not about abundance—it is gratitude and praise for the goodness of God.

This season: go back and be thankful again.

WHEN LIFE DOESN’T CHANGE THE FIRST TIME

• You prayed… and nothing changed.

• You fasted… and heaven was silent.

• You gave… and saw no return.

• You stepped out… and the door stayed shut.

God speaks to weary pilgrims the same way He always has: “Go back… and do it again.”

• If you consecrated something to Christ—do it again.

• If you surrendered an area to God—do it again.

• If you’re fighting lifelong battles—do it again.

Victory rarely comes in one day or one service.

Transformation is never a one-time event.

HELL’S ONLY STRATEGY

Hell’s only hope is to discourage you until you quit.

• But if you will keep moving toward God…

• If you will simply get up and do it again…

You have a 100% chance of success—not because you are strong, but because God is faithful.

Weariness is the strategy of the enemy

The biblical thread from Genesis to Revelation:

“And he shall wear out the saints of the most High…” (Daniel 7:25)

• This is the modus operandi of the Antichrist spirit—through political, economic, cultural, and moral pressure—not overpowering the saints, but wearing them down.

“Make war with the saints…” (Revelation 13:7)

• Grinding, continual pressure.

“The devil… having great wrath…” (Revelation 12:12)

• The enemy fights hardest when he is losing ground.

“Your adversary… seeking whom he may devour. Resist steadfast…” (1 Peter 5:8–9)

• A continual pressure requiring continual resistance.

“We wrestle…”(Ephesians 6:12–13) — prolonged struggle.

“Stand…”(Ephesians 6:12–13)— endurance under attack.

“Be not weary… we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

“Lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.” (Hebrews 12:3)

“Sift you as wheat.” (Luke 22:31–32)

Sifting is not a blow—it is exhaustion.

“Pressed… perplexed… persecuted… cast down—yet not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8–9)

“Youths shall faint… but they that wait shall renew strength.” (Isaiah 40:30–31)

• The enemy tries to wear you down.

God calls you to rise up again.

I. GOD WILL SEND YOU BACK

1. Peter (Luke 5)

“Launch out… and let down your nets again.”

• The miracle came after repeated obedience.

2. Elijah’s Servant (1 Kings 18)

“Go again… seven times.”

• Breakthrough came on the seventh, not the first.

3. Naaman (2 Kings 5)

Dip again… and again… and again.

• Seven dips—one miracle.

“Be not weary in well doing… for in due season you shall reap.” (Galatians 6:9)

II. WHY GOD MAKES US DO IT AGAIN

1. Doing it again kills pride.

• Pride wants instant results and one-time victories.

• But repeated obedience destroys self-reliance.

• One victory builds confidence in yourself.

• Repeated obedience builds confidence in God.

• And sometimes the repetition has nothing to do with you—it’s a battle between God and the devil, and you are the ground on which God is proving His glory.

2. Doing it again builds spiritual muscle.

• Faith grows when stretched.

• Endurance is the backbone of spiritual maturity.

3. Doing it again aligns you with God’s timing.

• Some miracles happen instantly.

• Some miracles happen as you walk.

• Some miracles happen after long obedience.

• God’s “not yet” is not God’s “no.”

III. WHAT “DO IT AGAIN” LOOKS LIKE

1. Pray again.

• There is no wasted prayer.

2. Forgive again.

• Healing often requires repeated surrender.

3. Worship again.

Matthew 15:22–27 — The Canaanite woman worshiped… again. Stayed in the conversation… again. And Jesus called her faith “great.”

4. Try again.

• Try the ministry again.

• Try loving again.

• Try leading again.

5. Believe again.

• Hope is holy.

• Faith is sacred.

• Refuse to stop believing.

V. JESUS: THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE

In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed the same prayer three times.

“Let this cup pass… nevertheless not my will.”

• He prayed again.

• He surrendered again.

• And through repetition—He won the greatest victory in history.

FINAL WORD

• If you’ve stumbled, start again.

• If you’ve drifted, return.

• If you’re weary, rise up.

Go back… and do it again.

Playing The Long Game:

“The Suffering Christ and the Justice of Heaven”

“He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.” — Isaiah 53:7

“The greatest among you shall be your servant.” — Matthew 23:11

“He that believeth shall not make haste.” — Isaiah 28:16 (KJV)

“He who believes… will not be disturbed or give way in sudden panic.” — Isaiah 28:16 (AMP)

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

“The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” — Habakkuk 2:20

I.  The Pain of Delayed Justice

• We live in an unbalanced world: evil seems to advance, the wicked prosper, the righteous suffer.

• Like Habakkuk, we ask, “Lord, why do You let injustice go on?”
  

  • God’s answer: “The LORD is in his holy temple…” — Habakkuk 2:20

  • “I am in My holy temple. I have not lost control. I see what you see — and more.”

• Two responses to injustice:
  

  • Faith: “God is in His temple — I can wait.”

  • Pride: “God’s not fixing this fast enough — I’ll fix it myself.”

• “The just shall live by his faith.” — Habakkuk 2:4
  Faith is not denial of pain; it is defiance of despair.

The Sanctuary Perspective

• Even strong believers stumble when life looks unfair.
  

  • “But as for me, my feet were almost gone… For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” — Psalm 73:2–3

• The turning point for Asaph:
  

  • “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” — Psalm 73:17

What happens in the sanctuary?

• Perspective changes: we see life through faith, not frustration.

• Peace returns:
  “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” — Isaiah 26:3

• Faith is strengthened:
  “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — Romans 10:17

“The LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” — Habakkuk 2:20

II.  When Waiting Feels Like Losing

• We want God to act now, crush injustice, silence critics, vindicate us.

• Even the disciples wanted to call down fire (Luke 9:54).

• But Jesus chose the long road of redemption, not the short road of revenge.
  

  • He didn’t come to conquer Rome; He came to conquer sin.

  • The cross comes before the crown.

III.  The Ever-Shifting Dynamic of Power and Control

Illustration: The Ten Blocks

• Two children fight over ten blocks: grab, lose, reclaim — no peace, only exhaustion.

• The issue isn’t the blocks; it’s the need to possess them.

• That’s how the kingdoms of men escalate:
  

  • From words to weapons

  • From rivalry to ruin

  • Nations, leaders, parties all fighting for the same “ten blocks” of power.

A Different Kingdom

• The Kingdom of God doesn’t move by possession, but by surrender.

• Jesus before Pilate:
  “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight.” — John 18:36

• If His kingdom worked like ours, they would have fought.

• But Christ didn’t come to win the fight — He came to end the cycle.

At Calvary

• While men gambled for garments, He was buying back humanity.

• While the world fought to win, Christ died to redeem.

• That is the long game — and we are called to play it.

IV.  The Suffering Christ — Our Greatest Pattern

1. The Cross Was The Plan, Not a Detour
   

   • Christ didn’t lose to evil; He outlasted it.

   • His silence was worship, not weakness.
     “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.” — Isaiah 53:7

2. Surrender Broke the Cycle of “My Will Over Yours”
   

1. • Every empire and argument: “my will above yours.”

   • Jesus in Gethsemane:
     “Not my will, but thine be done.” — Luke 22:42

3. The Way Up Is Still Down
   

1. • “He humbled himself… even to the death of the cross.” — Philippians 2:8

   • The world climbs ladders; Christ descended Calvary.

4. Trusting God’s Timing
   

1. • “He that believeth shall not make haste.” — Isaiah 28:16

   • Faith isn’t proven by escape but by endurance.

Examples of God’s Long Game:

• An ark on floodwaters.

• A shepherd with a sling.

• A carpenter on a cross.
  Each looked like loss — until God revealed the long game.

Short-Game Indicators

1. Lying — The Shortcut to Self-Protection
   

   • Trades long-term trust for short-term relief.

   • “A lying tongue is but for a moment.” — Proverbs 12:19

2. Anger — The Shortcut to Destruction
   

1. • “The wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.” — James 1:20

   • “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.” — Proverbs 16:32

3. Compromise for Approval

1. • Choosing acceptance over conviction.

   • “For do I now persuade men, or God? … If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10

4. Unforgiveness

1. • Refuses to trust God with justice.

   • “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” — Romans 12:19

The short game is fueled by fear, pride, and impatience.

The long game is built on faith, humility, and endurance.

V.  The Purpose of the Gospel — Bearing Injustice Without Becoming Unjust

“When He was reviled, He reviled not again.” — 1 Peter 2:23

• The Gospel doesn’t promise instant liberation from every wrong.

• It gives us strength to bear injustice without becoming unjust.

• To suffer without cruelty, endure without bitterness, trust without control.

“This is not weakness; it is the power of the Cross.”

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

This is only possible when we commit to play the long game for a heavenly reward.

VI.  The Long Game of Faith

“ The Lord is not slack concerning His promise… but is longsuffering.” — 2 Peter 3:9

• From Eden to Calvary to Pentecost — God is redemptive, not reactive.

• While we crave quick resolution, God is weaving resurrection.

• While we rush outcomes, God is cultivating overcomers.

The Long Game of God:

• Suffering produces strength.

• Waiting births wisdom.

• Humility unlocks heaven’s help.
  He’s not slow — He’s sovereign.

To follow Christ is to:

• Trust seedtime and harvest.

• Choose faithfulness over fame.

• Build what outlasts emotion, opposition, and applause.

The Language of This House

We will be a church with:

• A good work ethic

• God-centered faith

• A willingness to play the long game
  Knowing this: God keeps perfect books.

And when we cannot fix the imbalance, right the wrongs, or escape the weight of waiting —

we look again to the Suffering Christ:

• He bore injustice to redeem it.

• He endured pain to transform it.

• And He calls us to join Him —
  not in conquering others,
  but in trusting the long game of God.

DEUTERONOMY 22:8 — BATTLEMENTS PROTECT LIFE

“When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof…”

Ancient roofs were flat living spaces. God commanded protective walls—not for decoration, but for safety.

Battlements symbolize boundaries. They protect your integrity, not your image.

Even if others ignore them, YOU are responsible for your house.

Where Do We Need Guardrails?

• Bridges — little margin for error

• Medians — near oncoming traffic

• Curves — when life turns unexpectedly

Guardrails are set before danger zones.

They allow minor impact to spare you major damage.

A crash of conscience is better than a crash of life.

Ephesians 5:15–17 — WISDOM BUILDS BOUNDARIES

Wise people ask, “Is it wise?”

Fools ask, “Is it wrong?”

Wisdom builds before disaster; foolishness assumes, “I’ll be fine.”

THREE KINDS OF STANDARDS

1. Bible Standards — God’s direct commands

2. Church Standards — leadership applying biblical principles

3. Personal Standards — Holy Spirit convictions

Your personal standards should be highest; they protect you long before sin damages you.

Proverbs 13:20 — Friendship & INFLUENCE

“He that walketh with wise men shall be wise…”

Friends shape direction and destiny.

The danger isn’t imitation—it’s proximity.

Acceptance always leads to influence.

Guardrails for Desire

Desire itself is good—it fuels calling, creativity, intimacy, and worship.

But desire without boundaries becomes lust.

THE DRIFT TOWARD SIN

Drifting is not sudden. It is slow, subtle, quiet.

It begins not with rebellion—but with relaxation.

“Every man is tempted, when he is drawn away…” (James 1:14)

HOLY PASSION NEEDS DIRECTION

Without submission and self-control, passion becomes deception.

God gives guardrails not to kill desire, but to protect its purpose.

Proverbs 25:28

“He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down…”

A city without battlements is open to every enemy.

LUST DEFINED

Lust is desire out of order—

a good thing pursued the wrong way or at the wrong time.

SUBMISSION & SELF CONTROL

Where there is no submission, there is rebellion.

Where there is no self-control, there is ruin.

Submission doesn’t cage you—it crowns you.

Self-control doesn’t weaken you—it walls you.

“For her hair is given her for a covering.” (1 Corinthians 11:15)

Heaven still anoints the bowed head and crowns the yielded heart.

Guardrails for Money

“They that will be rich fall into temptation…” (1 Timothy 6:6-10)

“Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” (Matthew 6:24)

Two ditches destroy balance:

• Consumption: “It’s all for now.”

• Hoarding: “It’s all for later.”

Both flow from the same root—self-centeredness.

Luke 12:16–21 — THE RICH FOOL

He assumed everything he received was for himself.

God calls that foolishness.

James 4:3 — THE HEART OF GREED

“Ye ask… that ye may consume it upon your lusts.”

Greed asks, “How do I use this on myself?”

Stewardship asks, “Lord, why did You trust me with this?”

GOD’S ORDER FOR RESOURCES

1. Give (eternity)

2. Repay (past)

3. Enjoy (present)

4. Save (future)

GRACE IS NOT JUST A GIFT — IT IS A TRUST

Whether anointing, money, opportunity, or influence—

every grace requires stewardship.

Grace enjoyed becomes blessing.

Grace stewarded becomes legacy.

Guardrails for Purity

“Let not sin reign in your mortal body…” (Romans 6:12-13)

“Flee fornication… your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost.” (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)

The world says sex is physical; God says it’s spiritual.

Culture baits to the edge and mocks when you fall.

Paul says: FLEE, don’t flirt.

You can recover from money—but not from a shattered soul.

Integrity is the only path to intimacy and peace.

DANIEL’S EXAMPLE OF A GUARDRAIL

“Daniel purposed in his heart…” (Daniel 1:8)

Daniel built boundaries before the crisis.

Guardrails guided him into favor.

“A prudent man foreseeth the evil…” (Proverbs 27:12)

Guardrails are built in seasons of peace, not panic.

MARRIAGE GUARDRAILS

1. Don’t travel or eat alone with the opposite sex.

Shared space creates shared vulnerability.

2. Don’t confide emotionally in anyone but your spouse.

Emotional transparency opens a door.

3. When your heart drifts, confess quickly.

Drifting begins with secrecy.

4. Never speak negatively about your marriage.

Most “marriage problems” are two single problems that got married.

5. Don’t let your spouse become a roommate.

Sharing a roof isn’t sharing a covenant.

Intimacy renews covenant and protects unity.

A marriage that stays intimate is nearly unbreakable.

THE ORIGIN OF INFIDELITY

Infidelity starts emotionally, not physically.

A soft word, a shared moment, a private conversation—long before a physical act.

Guardrails protect covenant because we know we are human.

THE ENEMY’S REAL AGENDA

If you look at culture, you’d think the devil is obsessed with sex.

He isn’t. He doesn’t even have a body.

His obsession is singular:

to break God’s Word and destroy God’s covenant.

When single, he pulls you into sexual sin.

When married, he pulls you away from covenant intimacy.

Sex is the battlefield—not the objective.

The target is obedience, covenant, and your relationship with God.

Honoring your marriage covenant is worship.

Faithfulness to your spouse is faithfulness to God.

Sex outside covenant is sin.

Sex inside covenant is worship.

THE MEANING OF ADULTRY

Adultery (adulterate) means to contaminate or pollute.

But the Hebrew “Lo Na’aph” means: “Do not apostatize.”

Adultery is not only physical betrayal—it is spiritual apostasy.

It contaminates the covenant meant to reflect God’s faithfulness.

CLOSING

Battlements and guardrails are not decoration — they are declaration.

They declare:

• “I take responsibility for my life.”

• “I take responsibility for my family.”

• “I take responsibility for my soul.”

They may not make life prettier, but they make it safer, purer, stronger, and more pleasing to God.

Thou Shalt Not Lie

Exodus 20:16 — “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.”

The Heart of the Commandment

• Truth isn’t optional; it’s the foundation of God’s nature.

• Hebrews 6:18 — “It is impossible for God to lie.”

• John 14:6 — “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”

• When we lie, we contradict His character.Why God Hates Lying

• Proverbs 6:16–19 — Two of the seven things God hates involve lying.

• Lies destroy trust, justice, and relationship.

• John 8:44 — The devil “is a liar, and the father of it.”

• Every lie aligns us with darkness; every truth aligns us with God’s Spirit.

The Progression of Deception

2 Peter 1:9 — “He that lacketh these things is blind… hath forgotten that he was purged.”

When truth leaves, vision leaves.

When vision leaves, joy and direction die.

Proverbs 4:19 — “They know not at what they

stumble.”

• Lies blind us to the future and to who we are in Christ.

• The liar lives by reaction, not revelation.

The Boiling Cauldron of Lies

Every lie brews in a cauldron of unclean spirits:

• Fear — afraid of being exposed.

• Pride — unwilling to admit fault.

• Control — manipulating outcomes instead of trusting God.

• Envy — pretending to be what one is not.

Psalm 101:7 — “He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house.”Five Kinds of Lies

1. The Cruel Lie — Motivation: Resentment

Used to get revenge or destroy reputation.

Gossip is verbal terrorism — throwing a bomb and running away.

Proverbs 10:18; 16:28; 26:20

2. The Cowardly Lie — Motivation: Fear

Told to avoid punishment or exposure.

Adam hid behind this lie in Eden.

Genesis 3:9–12; Proverbs 29:25; 1 Samuel 15:13–153. The Conceited Lie — Motivation: Insecurity

Exaggerations and embellishments used to impress.

Self-promotion is self-deception.

Proverbs 27:2; Galatians 6:3; Luke 18:11–14

4. The Calculated Lie — Motivation: Selfishness

Used to manipulate or flatter for personal gain.

Flattery strengthens imperfection and deceives the innocent.

Proverbs 26:28; Romans 16:18; Jude 1:16

5. The Convenient Lie — Motivation: Laziness

Told to avoid effort or involvement; disguised as “tact.”

Truth takes labor; lies take shortcuts.

The Cure for Lying

“The beginning of honesty is the confession of

dishonesty.”

• Lying is a heart problem, not a mouth problem.

• Matthew 12:34 — “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.”

• Each lie reveals what fills the heart — fear, pride, envy, laziness, or resentment.

• The only cure is a new heart.

Psalm 51:10 — “Create in me a clean heart, O God.”

Summary

• Truth gives shape to the road; lies blur the path.

• Proverbs 14:12 — “There is a way which seemeth right… but the end thereof are the

ways of death.”

• John 8:32 — “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ”When the truth no longer means everything, it no longer means anything

A Warning from the Wrong Side of History

Key Scriptures

• Acts 24:24–25 – Felix trembled at Paul’s preaching, yet said, “Go thy way for this time.”

• Matthew 26:14–16 – Judas sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.

• Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”

History remembers many names — not for what they did right, but for the moment they chose wrong.

Chamberlain tried to make peace with evil.

Judas walked with Truth but sold it.

Felix heard Truth but delayed obeying it.

Each stands as a warning:

You can be close to what’s right and still end up on the wrong side of history — and eternity.

I. Chamberlain — The Man Who Appeased Evil

Chamberlain wanted peace, but mistook compromise for wisdom and silence for safety.

He didn’t realize you can’t reason with evil.

2 Corinthians 2:11 — “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Ephesians 6:13–14 — “Take unto you the whole armour of God… Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth.”

Lesson:

Appeasement always empowers the adversary.

Peace at the cost of truth is not peace — it’s surrender.

Truth holds everything together.

Good intentions without discernment lead to destruction.

Peace that ignores evil is not peace.

Romans 12:2 — “Be not conformed to this world…”

2 Corinthians 6:14 — “What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?”

Romans 12:9 — “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

Ephesians 5:11 — “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

You cannot negotiate with darkness — it must be resisted.

Compromise always grows — what begins as flexibility ends as captivity.

II. Judas — The Man Who Betrayed Truth

Judas walked with Jesus, heard Truth, but had a divided heart.

He wanted to serve two masters — and lost both.

Matthew 26:15 — “What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you?”

Mark 8:36 — “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

Lesson:

Half-hearted devotion is full betrayal in the end.

The greatest betrayal isn’t always with a kiss — sometimes it’s a slow compromise of the heart.

You can walk with Jesus and still not belong to Him if your heart isn’t fully surrendered.

III. Felix — The Man Who Delayed Decision

Felix trembled under conviction but said, “When I have a convenient season…” (Acts 24:25)

That convenient time never came.

Delayed obedience is repackaged disobedience.

Procrastination is one of hell’s most effective tools.

Many don’t reject truth — they simply delay it until it’s too late.

2 Corinthians 6:2 — “Now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

Almost persuaded is still lost.

IV. The Common Thread

Each man made a fatal mistake — not in ignorance, but in response to truth.

• Chamberlain saw evil and tried to manage it.

• Judas knew truth and tried to balance both sides.

• Felix heard truth and tried to postpone it.

Joshua 24:15 — “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”

Neutrality is a choice — and it’s the wrong one.

V. Standing on the Right Side of History

The right side of history is not defined by culture or politics — it’s defined by obedience to God’s Word.

Like Moses, Elijah, Daniel, and Peter — they chose God, not convenience.

Hebrews 11 — Heroes of faith “subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises…”

Acts 5:29 — “We ought to obey God rather than men.”

Conclusion

• Chamberlain warns: Don’t make peace with sin.

• Judas warns: Don’t sell out your convictions.

• Felix warns: Don’t delay your obedience.

Hebrews 3:15 — “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”

Exodus 32:26 — “Who is on the Lord’s side?”

Joshua 24:15 — “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.”

Eternity will remember which side you chose.

Be found on the right side — the side of Truth, Courage, and Surrender.

Battlements & Guardrails

Deuteronomy 22:8 (KJV)

“When thou buildest a new house, then thou shalt make a battlement for thy roof, that thou bring not blood upon thine house, if any man fall from thence.”

In ancient Israel, flat roofs were common for rest, work, or gatherings. The battlement (or guardrail) was a low wall built purely for protection—it added nothing to beauty, only safety. God commanded it not for appearance, but for responsibility.

Where We Need Guardrails

• Areas of temptation

• Relationships where careless words could wound

• Finances where poor choices could lead to ruin

• Habits where small lapses have big consequences

Principles of Guardrails

• They take small impacts, preventing larger disasters.

• They instruct without destroying.

• They protect against temptation, error, and moral drifting.

• They are necessary in every generation, even if culture sees them as outdated.

“Some of your greatest regrets in life could have been avoided if you had guardrails in place.”

Guardrails = Margin for Error

They are positioned in safe zones to prevent disaster. Some damage occurs if you hit them—but far less than if they weren’t there.

“Don’t ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up.”

Guardrails guide conscience and behavior, providing small warnings before life-changing consequences. They help avoid drifting into sin, harm, or neglect.

Drifting & Danger

Life often drifts gradually—through neglect, compromise, or distraction. Examples:

• Solomon’s heart drifted due to small compromises (1 Kings 11:4).

• The church in Ephesus lost their “first love” (Revelation 2:4).

Drifting is subtle: we test boundaries, asking, “How close can I get without sinning?” Guardrails prevent this slow slide.

Spiritual Guardrails: Ephesians 5

Ephesians 5:15-21 provides guidance for personal guardrails:

1. Walk wisely (5:15) – Think beyond right/wrong; aim for the wise, safe path.

2. Redeem the time (5:16) – Live intentionally; time is precious in dangerous times.

3. Understand God’s will (5:17) – Act on what you already know God wants you to do.

4. Avoid excess (5:18) – Any indulgence that threatens control needs a guardrail.

5. Encourage yourself (5:19) – Guardrails are often private convictions to keep you aligned with God.

6. Give thanks (5:20) – Personal standards bring joy, not restriction.

7. Submit in the fear of God (5:21) – Guardrails include submission under God’s design, even when you disagree.

Types of Standards

1. Bible standards – Direct commands of Scripture

2. Church standards – Application of Scripture by spiritual leadership

3. Personal standards – Guardrails prompted by the Holy Spirit

Personal guardrails should be higher than both Bible or church standards. They convict us before we approach sin.

Conclusion: Guardrails are life-saving, practical, and spiritual measures. Like the roof battlement, they may not be beautiful—but they protect life, preserve integrity, and prevent regret.

Have You Received the Holy Ghost?

When Paul arrived in Ephesus, he asked a simple but powerful question: “Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed?” (Acts 19:2)

• These disciples had believed in Jesus, repented of their sins, and been baptized in John’s baptism, yet something was missing.

• Paul’s question reminds us that faith and repentance are the beginning, not the end, of the Christian life.

THE FULL PATERN OF NEW BIRTH

1. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ

2. Repent of your sins

3. Be baptized in the name of Jesus

4. Receive the Holy Ghost

This pattern, repeated throughout Acts, (Acts 2, Acts 10, Acts 19), demonstrates that baptism and the Spirit are not optional — they are the completion of salvation and the empowerment for a victorious life in Christ.

• When Paul laid hands on the Ephesians, they spoke in tongues and prophesied — the Spirit’s presence was undeniable.

• Acts 1:8 promises power through the Holy Ghost, not just belief or ritual.

SEIZE THE MOMENT— KAIROS TIME

• Chronos = ordinary, measured time

• Kairos = God’s appointed, life-changing moment

• Jerusalem missed its Kairos — Luke 19:41–44

• Felix delayed — Acts 24:25

• Salvation is urgent: 2 Corinthians 6:2 – “Now is the day of salvation.”

The Ethiopian eunuch acted immediately when he saw the water: “Here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?” (Acts 8:36)

• Don’t wait for convenience, a better time, or a perfect moment — obedience now matters.

BAPTISM IN JESUS’ NAME

• Acts 19 shows that even believers baptized in John’s name were rebaptized in Jesus’ name.

• Acts 4:12 – “Neither is there salvation in any other.”

• Baptism is about obedience to God’s command, not ritual or ceremony.

Common Reasons People Delay Baptism

1.“I’m waiting for a more convenient season.”

Salvation isn’t about convenience; it’s about obedience.

“Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2)

2. “I was already baptized in the titles Father, Son, and Holy Ghost — that’s good enough.”

Every baptism in the New Testament church — without exception — was done in the name of Jesus Christ.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

To be baptized in Jesus’ name is to take on the name of the One who died for you, was buried, and rose again.

It’s not “just a formula.” It’s the fulfillment of the gospel — death, burial, and resurrection applied to your life.

3. “Baptism isn’t really that important.”

But Jesus Himself said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16)

Peter said on the Day of Pentecost, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38)

If It Was Important for Jesus…

Even Jesus — who knew no sin — was baptized.

He didn’t need forgiveness, yet He said,

“Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15)

He was showing us the pattern — 

• obedience before ministry, 

• humility before glory, and 

• water before the Spirit.

WHY BAPTISM MATTERS

• Baptism completes the new birth: 1 Peter 3:21 – “Baptism doth also now save us”

• Obedience through baptism connects repentance with the Holy Spirit.

• It is both symbolic and real:

  • Buried with Christ, raised to new life — Colossians 2:12

  • Old sin and bondage left behind — Psalm 103:12

  • Like the Red Sea: passing through brings deliverance, leaving enemies behind

• Baptism is not about the water itself, but the Name and obedience.

• Every chain, every sin, every past failure is left behind when you step into the water in Jesus’ name.

• water before the Spirit.

SO WHAT DOTH HINDER ME?

• There is water — here

• Faith — now

• A Savior — ready to forgive, fill, and transform

Step into the water in Jesus’ name and let new life begin!

Shake It Off And Keep The Fire Burning

Acts Chapter 29 - Discovering God’s Blueprint for His Church

“Upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it…whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.”(Matthew 16:18–19)

This series reveals how God builds His church and how we partner with Him to keep the fire burning.

“When Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, a viper came out of the heat and fastened on his hand…And he shook off the beast into the fire and felt no harm.” (Acts 28:3–5)

• Whenever you build a spiritual fire, the enemy shows up—because he can’t stand the heat you’re applying to him!

SATAN IS REAL, AND HE HAS A KINGDOM

It is a Kingdom of Darkness.

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness…” (Colossians 1:13)

The kingdom of darkness opposes everything in God’s kingdom:

1. Darkness ✖ Light

2. Deception ✖ Truth

3. Bondage ✖ Freedom

4. Fear ✖ Faith

5. Sickness ✖ Healing

6. Death ✖ Life

7. Pride ✖ Humility

8. Destruction ✖ Restoration

It is an Influential Kingdom

• Satan showed Jesus “all the kingdoms of the world…” (Luke 4:5–6)

• Satan’s reach is real—but temporary and subordinate to God’s authority.

It is a Counterfeit Kingdom

“He is a liar, and the father of it.” (John 8:44)

• The devil mimics God’s structure—false prophets, false churches, and counterfeit miracles—to steal worship. But his power is imitation, not creation.

It is a Limited Kingdom

“The strong man is defeated when the Stronger One comes!” (Luke 11:21–22)

• Satan’s power is on a leash—restricted by God.

• At Calvary, Jesus stripped him of authority and took the keys of death and hell. “You’re trespassing on property that belongs to Jesus!”

SHAKE IT OFF AND KEEP BUILDING THE FIRE

When the Serpent Strikes

When Satan fastens himself to your life, here’s what to do:

1. Ignore Him.

• Don’t give him attention. Don’t discuss the viper—keep building the fire!

• “Answer him not a word.”

• The devil is a talker—don’t argue or justify yourself. Silence is strength.

2. Shake Him Off.

• Praise is your best weapon!

• “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21)

• Shake off the enemy through worship, prayer, and speaking the Word.

3. Stay by the Fire.

• The same fire that exposes the viper destroys it.

Stay faithful to:

1. The house of God

2. Bible study

3. New life discipleship

• Faithfulness keeps the fire burning and the serpent powerless.

4. Throw Him in the Fire.

• “When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard.” (Isaiah 59:19)

• What came out of the fire must die in the fire—turn up the heat!

5. Continue Your Ministry.

• Paul’s deliverance became revival. What the enemy means to destroy, God turns into opportunity.

PRAY THE PROMISES

“God is no respecter of persons.” (Acts 10:34)

• What He did for the early church, He’ll do today!

• When Israel faced Goliath, they waited on God—but God waited on David.

• God moves when we move!

• Pray the Word until it becomes reality.

Why Pray the Word?

1. It gives us the right language. God’s Word is the answer to every prayer.

2. It unites the church. Agreement in prayer releases power.

3. It aligns us with God’s will. Praying Scripture ensures we’re praying His priorities.

4. It invites the Spirit’s presence. The Spirit “shall teach you all things…” (John 14:26)

THE BOOK OF ACTS IS UNFINISHED

Acts doesn’t end with “Amen” because the Holy Ghost is still writing the story—through us!

• The same Spirit that fell in Acts 2 is alive in the Church today.

• We are living in Acts 29—the next chapter of revival and power.

“I would hate for our chapter to be pale in comparison to the first 28.”

• If they turned the world upside down, we should be turning ours right side up!

• Let’s live boldly, pray passionately, and let Heaven say: “The Acts of the Holy Ghost are still being written.”

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THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: A BATTLEFIELD, NOT A PLAYGROUND

‍“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life…” (1 Timothy 6:12)

“Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Timothy 2:3)

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

• The Christian life is a battlefield, not a playground.

• Every believer is enlisted in a spiritual war for souls.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE: THE REAL CONFLICT

“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God…” (2 Corinthians 10:4)

“Be strong in the Lord… Put on the whole armour of God… For we wrestle not against flesh and blood…” (Ephesians 6:10–12)

Our weapons are spiritual—our war is unseen.

• In the Old Testament, battles were physical; In the New Testament, the war moved to the spiritual realm with the incarnation of Jesus.

• Israel fought physical enemies. We fight spiritual ones.

“We wrestle not against flesh and blood…”

• The enemy is not people, but the devil—who manipulates and deceives.

“Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the king.” (1 Kings 22:31)

• Focus on the King! This is not a left or right issue—it’s a heaven or hell issue.

Ephesians 6:13–18 - THE ARMOR OF GOD

“Put on the whole armour of God…”

• Every piece matters—leave nothing exposed.

“Neither give place to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:27)

1. The Girdle of Truth

“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)

• Truth holds everything together—without it, the rest of the armor falls apart.

• The loins represent strength; gird them with truth.

• Truth exposes lies and gives authority to speak with power.

• Integrity before power; truth before victory.

2. The Breastplate of Righteousness

• Covers the heart—the seat of life.

• This is not our righteousness, but Christ’s righteousness lived through us.

• Holiness is ARMOR, not a burden.

• All armor covers the front—none for the back.

• We are called to stand and advance, not retreat.

“Having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:13)

SPIRITUAL ALIGNMENT & HEADSHIP

“The head of every man is Christ… the head of the woman is the man… and the head of Christ is God.” (1 Corinthians 11:3)

• Alignment brings protection; rebellion opens gaps.

• Unity in marriage and church is spiritual armor.

“One shall chase a thousand, and two shall put ten thousand to flight.” (Deuteronomy 32:30)

“If two agree… it shall be done…” (Matthew 18:19)

• Unity is armor. Submission is strategy. Agreement releases authority.

3. Sandals of the Gospel of Peace

• Roman sandals gave traction.

• Peace comes from obedience to the Gospel.

• If your footing is unsure, you’ll fall in battle.

4. Shield of Faith

• Four feet tall, two feet wide—locks with others.

• Protects from fiery darts of doubt, fear, and temptation.

• Faith is strongest when joined with others:

“If your faith is weak, stand beside me!”

5. Helmet of Salvation

• Protects the mind—our battlefield of belief.

“To be spiritually minded is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6)

• Live by choices, not feelings. Guard your thoughts through the Spirit.

6. Sword of the Spirit

“The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12)

• This is Rhema—a Spirit-given word for the moment of battle.

• The Spirit turns Scripture into a weapon of precision.

• When the Word is breathed upon, it becomes power in your mouth.

7. Praying Always

• Prayer fuels every piece of the armor.

• “Praying always” equals constant communion, not constant speech.

• Keep the line open—stay connected to Heaven.

“…with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)

• Spirit-led prayer is AIMED, not random, but Scripture-fed and Spirit-breathed.

THIS IS A GOOD FIGHT

“I will be an enemy unto thine enemies.” (Exodus 23:22)

“I will not drive them out in one year… by little and little I will drive them out…” (Exodus 23:29–30)

• God uses battle to build strength.

“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20)

“Had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (1 Corinthians 2:7–8)

• Satan always overplays his hand.

The cross looked like defeat—but became VICTORY.

• The same pattern holds for YOUR life:

1. Every setback becomes a setup.

2. Every battle becomes birth.

3. Every trial becomes testimony.

• The Christian life is a battlefield—but you fight FROM VICTORY, not for it.

Remember the Sabbath: A Call to Rest and Renewal

Exodus 14:10–13: STAND STILL AND SEE

“Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will show to you today…”

• Israel panicked when pursued by Egypt, doubting God’s plan.

• Moses reminds them: Fear not. Stand still. See God’s salvation.

Key Truth:

If you do not need the miraculous in your life, you are living beneath your calling. Some aspects of life require God’s direct, supernatural intervention.

Exodus 20: THE TEN COMMANDMENTS AND THE SABBATH

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8–11)

• Six days for work, one day for rest.

• Rest includes your household, servants, animals, and guests.

• God rested not out of fatigue, but to set a pattern for life.

Reflection:

God dedicates more words to Sabbath than to many moral commands—indicating the priority of rest, rhythm, and relationship with Him.

THE MEANING OF SABBATH

• Holy: Set apart, blessed, clean, consecrated, pure, undefiled, unworldly.

• Antonyms of Holy: Unholy, immoral, irrelevant, depraved.

The Sabbath is about:

• Relationship, not restriction

• Restoring balance and inner peace

• Time to prioritize what truly matters.

• Without it, life becomes unbalanced, causing fatigue, stress, and unfinished purpose.

THE COST OF NEGLECTING THE SABBATH

• Too many days without prayer, family connection, purpose, or covenant relationship

• Loss of balance → loss of rest → impoverished refreshing

“For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people… yet they would not hear.” (Isaiah 28:11–13)

• Ignoring God’s call to rest leaves your life desolate (Matthew 23:37–38).

• Land and life need Sabbath too (Leviticus 26:34–35).

SABBATH: GOD’S COMMAND TO BE STILL

• God didn’t rest because He was tired; He rested to set a rhythm.

Different voices, same message:

• Moses: “Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord.”

• David: “He leads me beside still waters.”

• God: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

Jesus’ Reminder:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)

REDEEMING TIME

• Chronos: Quantity of time (measured by the clock)

• Kairos: Quality of time (divine moments)

• The Sabbath resets both: your schedule and your soul

Scripture Highlights:

• (Luke 19:41–44) Jesus grieved over missed divine opportunities.

• (Acts 24:25) Felix postponed Kairos moments, losing them.

• (Ephesians 5:15–16) Redeem the time; use your days wisely.

THREE PILLARS OF SABBATH PRACTICE

1. Rest Your Body

• (Psalm 127:2) God wants His loved ones to rest.

• Lie down, stop striving, trust God.

2. Recharge Your Emotions & Spirit

• (Psalm 90:12) Apply your heart to wisdom.

• (Matthew 11:28) Jesus gives rest to the weary.

• Sabbath equals worship, not just ceasing work.

3. Fellowship & Community

• (Hebrews 10:25) Spiritual community brings rejuvenation and accountability.

• Encourage one another. Share life in God’s rhythm.

PRACTICAL SABBATH APPLICATIONS

• Quietness: Be still with God; silence renews perspective and strength (Psalm 23:2–3; Isaiah 30:15).

• Family: Model values and rest; children learn by example (Ecclesiastes 9:9).

• Worship: Tune out distractions; tune into God (Psalm 95:6).

Sabbath is:

• A gift, not a burden

• A rhythm to prevent burnout

• A reset for mind, body, and spirit

FINAL CALL

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” (Exodus 20:8)

• Holy equals set apart, special, consecrated

• Sabbath equals redeemed time, a pause to focus on God

• Chronos and Kairos restored through Sabbath