DAN GOULD

FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Author: dgould77

  • Sunday AM Remix – 12.18.11

    IN HOPE

    * We won’t understand a message on hope until we understand a message on humility. (click here to see a message on Humility.)

    * Humility = possessing nothing but having everything.

    “So Jesus went with him.  A large crowd followed and pressed around him. And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years.  She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.  When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak,  because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering. At once Jesus realized that power had gone out from him. He turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

     “You see the people crowding against you,’ his disciples answered, ‘and yet you can ask, ‘Who touched me?’ ”

    But Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it. Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth. He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.’” Mark 5:24-34 (NIV)

    “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

    * REALITY: You can’t understand the unforced rhythms of grace when you are living in the unforced rhythms of the world.

    * TRUTH: There is no such thing as following Jesus from a distance.  The Gospel makes more sense to those who are close to Him.

    * The Story of Christmas = God is HERE!

    * In the absence of a relevant Christmas Story we look for substitutes.

    * TRUTH: God never waste our pain, suffering, or hurt.

    “The LORD said to Moses, 38 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel. 39You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by going after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. 40 Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God. 41 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the LORD your God.’” Number 15:37-41 (NIV)

    * The woman touched the corner of Jesus robe or Prayer Shaw and was healed.

    * Her only hope was found in her faith that Jesus could heal her!

    “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.” Malachi 4:2 (NIV) 

    * The woman responded with fear and trembling.

    * Fear of the Lord = Reverent Awe

    * You can’t come to God without fear and trembling.

    “‘When a woman has a discharge of blood for many days at a time other than her monthly period or has a discharge that continues beyond her period, she will be unclean as long as she has the discharge, just as in the days of her period. 26 Any bed she lies on while her discharge continues will be unclean, as is her bed during her monthly period, and anything she sits on will be unclean, as during her period. 27 Whoever touches them will be unclean; he must wash his clothes and bathe with water, and he will be unclean till evening.

     28 “‘When she is cleansed from her discharge, she must count off seven days, and after that she will be ceremonially clean. 29 On the eighth day she must take two doves or two young pigeons and bring them to the priest at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 30 The priest is to sacrifice one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. In this way he will make atonement for her before the LORD for the uncleanness of her discharge.

     31 “‘You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place,[a] which is among them.’” Leviticus 15:25-31 (NIV)

    * The Lady was ceremonially unclean. This made her an outcast to society.

    * Jesus told her that her faith had made her well!

    * When all hope was gone she turned to Jesus. When all hope is gone, where do you turn?

    * Jesus can make all things new!

    * Peace = Shalom = completeness & wholeness.

    * Jesus makes all things complete when we trust Him with everything.

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1.  When you think of Hope, what is the first thing that comes to mind?

    2. Freddy mentioned only the humble understand grace and Americans struggles with grace because of our pride. What is your understanding of grace? Have you truly experienced the grace of God? Once you tasted grace how did it change your interaction to others.

    3. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus invites us to come to Him for rest … Do you find yourself naturally going to Jesus for REST?

    4. Freddy told the story of the Israelites in slavery found in Exodus. These people found their identity in what they did, making bricks, rather than in God. Where do you find your identity? What do you truly place your hope in?

    5. Freddy mentioned we are either in a season of growth, boredom, or decline. As you evaluate this past year would you say you have grown in your relationship with Jesus. If so, how? Have you begun sinking into a spiritual decline. If so, why?

    6. The woman was desperate to get to Jesus. She pressed through massive crowds to intentionally touch Jesus. What has been your closest experience to this scene. Tell of a time when your really “pressed into Jesus, and were desperate for him.

    7. Have you been shaped more by the difficult times or by the good times in your life?  Read James 1:2-4 Romans 5:3-5, How can these verses give us hope?

    8. Freddy related this story of suffering and tragedy to one of Hope. It was a compelling story and he  said Christmas was a compelling story. How would you share the Christmas story? Would others find it compelling? Why or why not?

    9. What we put our hope in we learn to rust in and what we trust in we learn to depend on … What/Who do you find yourself putting HOPE – TRUST – DEPENDANCE in?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    O Come All Ye Faithful

    Hark The Harald Angels Sing

    What Child Is This

    Awakening – Tomlin

    Jesus Paid it All – Stanfill

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Jackson Update – 12.13.11

    Many of you have been asking how our youngest son Jackson has been doing.  I have tried to keep everyone in the know through twitter … but, 140 characters can only keep you so informed. So here is whats been happening over the last 4 months.

    In March my family and I moved from Texas back to Missouri where I serve as the Community Pastor at First Baptist Church Harvester.  With Jackson seizures we knew we needed a good Neurologist that could take on the care that he received in Texas.  We found a great Neurologist and started to see him in June.

    On August 8th, Jackson had two back-to-back seizure within an hour.  This had never happened before so he was taken to the hospital via ambulance. He was released after a couple of hours with an anti-seizure prescription and appointment with our Neurologist.

    When meeting with our Neuro, He recommended putting Jackson on a new medication since his currents ones were at pretty high levels.  We began that process mid August and were seizure free till November as we made the transition from Depakote to Lamictal leaving his dose of Keppra the same.

    On Monday, November 7th, Jackson had three seizures within an hour.  On his third seizure we called the ambulance as each seizure seemed to intensify.  He was given an anti-seizure medication and watched for a couple of hours.  We were released with a 3 day anti-seizure prescription (a form of Valium) and instructed to call our neurologist.

    The very next day, Jackson had two seizures and a third one in the ambulance outside the house.  This was 6 seizures in a 24 hour period.  After the third seizure had stopped, the Ambulance took Jackson to Children’s STL where our Neurologist and team of Dr. could make sure nothing else was going on.  Jackson was admitted and kept on a pretty high dose of clonazepam for 24 hours and then a lower dose the next day.  We were released on that Thursday after spending 2 nights there for monitoring, with instructions to increase his new medication and a 3 day prescription of clonazepam.

    I wish I could say it stopped there but, it didn’t.  Early the Friday morning after Thanksgiving, Jackson had a seizure while he was sleeping.  Thankfully it was just one seizure this time but it was a seizure none the less. Our neurologist made a final increase to his medication to get him at the level that he wanted him to be on in hopes that Jackson would have less seizures. However, that has not been our experience with this new medication yet.

    In the last week, Jackson has had 7 seizures.  We believe be had one this morning while he was watching TV because of the way he is sleeping as I type this post. His Neurologist has made another adjustment and  increased his medication again.  From what we are told, it takes about 4 days for any changes in medication to take full effect.  Jackson is on a very low dose of this new medication and has room to be increased on it quiet a bit. We are prayerful that this is just a transition in medicine that will eventually, once we have the right levels and dosage, have better long-term results and allow Jackson to not have seizures.

    Please continue to pray for Jackson.  We believe God has a great plan for him and us through this journey and we are trusting Him even when we have more questions right now than answers.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 12.11.11

    “IN HUMILITY”

    * We love to see humility done well in others. In fact humility is so beautiful that it is breathtaking when it is done in front of us.

    * REALITY: we don’t see humility lived out as often as we should.

    * We have famous people all the time living out the opposite of humility … pride.

    * GREAT INSIGHT: Humility is like a diamond, its valuable because it is rare.

    * TRUTH: The most humble expression shown to man came in the birth of Christ

    * He became nothing so we could become something.

    * The Bible says over 40 times to “humble yourselves.”

    * REALITY: Humility is best and most authentic when you do it yourself.

    * TRUTH: You are never more like God then when you humble yourself.

    “. . .  All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, ‘God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.’  Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.”  1 Peter 5:5-6 (NIV)

    * Greek word for humble = Tapeinos.  It literally means to level a hill or mountain.

    * Humility is not a badge you where but an attitude you have. It is an intentional act.

    Read Philippians 2:3-11

    BE WRAPPED UP IN HUMILITY THIS CHRISTMAS BY …

    1.  FIGHTING AGAINST YOUR PRIDE.

    “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” Philippians 2:3-4 (NKJV)

    * Unity requires humility.

    * What defiles a man is what is on the inside . . . .  All of us were born with pride.

    * Pride is natural … Humility is super natural.

    * Pride is one of those diseases that make everyone around you sick.

    The PQ test (prideful quotient)

    1.  I enjoy being the center of attention.         yes or no

    2.  I think I deserve the best.        yes or no

    3.  Much of my conversation is filled with “I”.        yes or no

    4.  I find it difficult to admit that I’m wrong.        yes or no

    5.  I seldom pass a mirror without looking at myself.        yes or no

    6.  I’m stubborn-I don’t like to be corrected or change!        yes or no

    7.  My feelings are easily hurt.        yes or no

    8.  I am impatient with other people’s mistakes.        yes or no

    9.  I don’t get enough appreciation for all that I do.        yes or no

    10. I’m offended if I render a service and don’t receive a “thank you”.        yes or no

    11.  I seldom ask for help, because I can do the job better myself.                yes or no

    12.  I feel pretty good that I didn’t check “yes” to every question.                    yes or no

    3 Big Problems With Pride:

    – Pride produces CONFLICT.

    * There is no problem to big to be worked out, just people to small to solve them.

    “Pride leads to conflict . . .”  Proverbs 13:10a (NLT)

    – Pride leads TO RUIN.

    * Whatever you want to ruin, just be prideful.

    “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
    Proverbs 16:18 (NIV)

    “Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”
    Proverbs 11:2 (NLT)

    * The only place pride doesn’t go before a fall is in the dictionary.

    * Satan had a pride problem and it led to ruin. READ – Isaiah 14

    * LEGIT: Satan isn’t working another scheme, he’s just presenting to you a different apple.

    – Pride provokes GOD.

    * In proverbs thee are 12 things God hates and pride is number 1.

    “But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”  James 4:6 (NKJV)

    * When you are prideful you put yourself on the opposite side of God.

    * If you don’t humble yourself, God will humble you!!!

    2.  FOLLOWING AFTER YOUR EXAMPLE.

    “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:5-8 (NKJV)

    Steps that God took to reveal humility …

    Step Down #1:  God came to EARTH.

    * The word “Form” = the “essence of” or “character of”. Jesus is the essence of God. He was the unchangeable character of God.

    “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.  He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation. . .”  Colossians 1:15a (NLT)

    Step Down #2:  God became a MAN.

    * Incarnate – carne = means meat! Jesus is the physical presence of God. He is God with meat on his bone. He is God with skin on.

    * Jesus is fully God, yet fully man.

    Step Down #3:  Jesus came to DIE.

    “And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”
    Philippians 2:8 (NKJV)

    * Jesus humiliated himself so that He could exonerate you and I.

    * Why did He do this …

    – To demonstrate Gods love

    – Pay for our sins.

    “. . . looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:2 (NKJV)

    “. . . who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.”  1 Peter 2:24 (NKJV)

    “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”   Matthew 23:12 (NIV)

    * TRUTH: On Jesus was laid my death so that on me could be laid his life.

    * TRUTH: One of these days every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord

    * QUOTE: We can’t get credit for kneeling when it becomes impossible to stand – C.S. Lewis

    * REMEMBER: EGO = Edging God Out

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1.  What’s the most humbling thing you do on a regular basis?  Why do you do it?  Who do you do it for?

    2.  Read 1 Peter 5:5-6.  Why do you think God commands us in Scripture to ‘humble ourselves’?  Why doesn’t He do it for us?  What practical ways do we ‘clothe’ ourselves in humility? How might you humble yourself this week so others might be lifted up?

    3.  Read Philippians 2:1-4.  Reading between the lines, what seems to be the problem in church at Philippi?  What does it mean to consider someone ‘better than yourself’ (verse 3)?

    4.  On a scale of 1 to 10, what is your pride level?  Read Proverbs 13:10, 16:8, 11:2, and James 4:6.  What kind of problems does pride cause?  How have you seen this happen in your own life?

    5.  How does humility differ from being a doormat?

    6.  Pastor Bob mentioned pride is root of all sin. Do you agree with this statement? Why are why not? Talk about the last time your pride got you in a disagreement? Why is it so difficult to battle our pride?

    7. Pastor Bob mentioned that Satan appealed to Eve’s pride and she gave in and eat the apple. What is your “apple”…where do you give in to pride? What area in your life is the most difficult to hand over to God?

    8.  Read Philippians 2:5-11.  What does it mean that Jesus is ‘in the form of God’?  What do you think it was like for Jesus to leave heaven and become human?

    9.  In what ways did Jesus demonstrate that He was 100% human?  In what ways did He demonstrate that He was 100% God?

    10.  Pastor Bob shared two specific reasons Jesus came to die?  Do you remember what they were?  Check out Romans 5:8 and 1 Peter 2:24.

    11.  How can Jesus’ example inspire you to think less of yourself and more about others?

    12.  Jesus rescued us from being a slave to pride! Do you feel that freedom or do you feel enslaved to your pride? Why or Why Not?

    13.  What is one specific way you can imitate Christ’s humility this coming week?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

     Joy To The World (Unspeakable) – Tomlin

    The First Noel – Wickham

    He Is Exalted – Shane & Shane

    Filled With Glory – Gungor

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 12-04-11

    “In Generosity” 

    * Just because there are things we have possession of … doesn’t necessarily make them our things.

    * The Bible says that we own nothing, but are stewards of many things.

    * One of the marks of a spirit filled church and spirit filled christian is Generosity. Look at these verses,

    “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.”  Deuteronomy 15:10 (NLT)

    “The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.”  Psalm 37:21 (NLT)

    “Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.”  Psalm 112:4 (NLT)

    “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”  Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)

    “Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.”  Proverbs 22:9 (NLT)

    “But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.”  Isaiah 32:8 (NLT)

    * REMINDER: Generosity is not about stuff, it’s a reflection of your heart.

    * QUESTION: When it comes to possessions and generosity, where is your heart? Does it drift toward the things of the world or the things of God?

     * REALITY: Many times we don’t like to talk or think about generosity because it hurts.  However, when the Lord speaks and it hurts or you don’t like it, it indicates and an area that is unhealthy and needs to be healed.

     TWO THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT GENEROSITY 

    1.  Generosity defeats MATERIALISM.

    * Every time you give generously your heart grows.

    “You cannot serve both God and money.”  Matthew 6:24b (NIV)

    2.  Generosity makes me MORE LIKE GOD.

     * It’s part of the sanctification process. Every time we give we become more like Him.

     ‘For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son . . .’  John 3:16a (NLT)

    * TRUTH: You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.

    * When God is living on the inside of you, you think generous thoughts!

    * When you realize nothing is yours, it’s easier to be generous! Ex. If its someone else’s money, it’s easier to give away.

     “But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to You? Everything we have has come from You, and we give You only what You first gave us!”  1 Chronicles 29:14 (NLT)

     “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.”  Psalm 24:1 (NLT)

    * When we get angry and defensive about being generous we take for-granted all the things God gives us.

    * What if God started to take away everything he let’s us use?

    LEVELS OF GENEROSITY

    Level #1:  Generous people start with A TITHE.

    * The Hebrew word for tenth = Ma`aser

    * This is the most basic form of generosity.

    ‘”A tithe of everything from the land, whether grain from the soil or fruit from the trees, belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD.”’   Leviticus 27:30 (NIV)

     * A tithe is a tenth of everything that comes in.

     * In scripture it’s the first tenth that we are supposed to give.

     * You can rob someone without harm simply by withholding something from them.

    * When you neglect to tithe you rob (withhold what is his) God.

    ‘Will a man rob God?  Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, “In what way have we robbed You?”  In tithes and offerings.  You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me, even this whole nation.   Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’  Says the LORD of hosts, ‘If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it.’  Malachi 3:8-10 (NKJV)

    * Some would say that this is Old Testament and now we are under grace so it doesn’t apply. However, like one pastor said,  To give less under grace than the law is a disgrace.

    * God has given us a tithe to know where generosity begins. This is his way of teaching us how to be generous.

    * We use the excuse that we don’t have enough to tithe … Can we really afford to rob or steal from God?

    * QUESTION: Are you a tither? What are the challenges or blessings you have seen in tithing? What is one thing you would say to someone wanting to grow in this area?

    * Old Testament Temple = New Testament Church

    * You can designate your offering but not your tithe.

    * We do this so there may be food in the house. In other words we do this so ministry can go out.

    * INTERESTING STAT: If every church member in the US was put on welfare but everyone tithed off of that check, every church in the US would experience a 30% increase in income.

    * God can do more with 90 percent than you can do with 100 percent! God will take care of you!

    * The only place that God dares us to challenge Him is in our giving.

    Level #2:  Generous people give WILLINGLY.

    “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NIV)

    * The Greek word for cheerful = Hilaros. This is the attitude we should have when giving.

    * Generosity is not about the amount, but the attitude.

    * Sometimes we are more convicted about what we give or don’t give instead of the condition of our heart.

     “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”  2 Corinthians 8:2-3 (NIV)

    * When your attitude is right, God will make sure the amount is right.

    Level #3:  Generous people give SACRIFICIALLY.

    * This is where we give even when and  tho it hurts.

     “But the king replied to Araunah, ‘No, I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.’”  2 Samuel 24:24 (NIV)

    * Our God is a sacrificial God and He expects us to be giving sacrificially to make us like Him?

    * QUESTION: When was the last time you gave and felt it?

    * God is crazy to love us the way he does and when we give sacrificially it shows him how crazy we are about Him.

     “Calling His disciples to Him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.’”  Mark 12:43-44 (NIV)

    * Where are you today? What is God asking you to give?

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1.  What’s the most generous thing anyone has ever done for you?  What is the most generous thing you’ve done in the last month?

    2.  Read the following Scripture passages, and talk about the commands and promises concerning generosity.

    Deuteronomy 15:10, “Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do.”

    Psalm 37:21, “The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.”

    Psalm 112:4, “Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous.”

    Proverbs 11:25, “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

    Proverbs 22:9, “Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.”

    Isaiah 32:8, “But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.”

    3.  Read Matthew 6:24.  Why do you think so many people struggle with greed and materialism?  What area of your life do you struggle to be generous?

    4.  Pastor Bob said when we struggle to be generous with what God has given us it’s a sign we are really struggling with ownership.  Do you agree?  Why or why not?

    5.  Read Leviticus 27:30 and Malachi 3:8-10.  What is a tithe?  Do you think tithing is for New Testament Christians today?  Why or why not?  Do you think God has lowered His standard of generosity from Old Testament days to the New Testament times?  What does that mean for us today?

    6.  What are the promised blessings of tithing and consequences of not tithing?  Have you experienced either of these in your life?

    7.  Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.  What are some of the principles of giving that we learn in this passage?  In what area do you do well?  In what area do you need to improve?

    8.  Have you ever given sacrificially to the Lord?  Do you think God ever calls us to do this?  Why or why not?

    9.  How do generosity and financial planning fit together?

    10.  What is the clearest thing God is saying to you through this study?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    Salvation Is Here – Houston

    Go Tell It – Davis

    God Is Able – Morgan & Fielding

    I Surrender All

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 11.27.11

    “I Will Dwell In the House of the Lord Forever”

    * A lot of people spend their lives worrying about tomorrow. They never enjoy today because they’re worrying about tomorrow. Why? Because we don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.

    * REALITY: We can’t control what’s going to happen. Instead, we worry, fret, and agonize over what could happen.

    The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 
    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 
    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. Psalm 23

    * FACT: David ends this psalm with extreme confidence.

    * QUESTION: Is it easier for you to focus on the fear of what could be or to have faith in what can be? Why or How?

    * As believers we can face the future with confidence.

    I CAN FACE THE FUTURE CONFIDENTLY …

    1. BECAUSE GOD’S GOODNESS IS WATCHING OVER ME.

    “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life . . .”  Psalm 23:6a (NKJV)

    * TRUTH: God’s goodness is tracking us down all the time.

    * REALITY: Bad things still happen to Godly people.

    * PROMISE: God promises that He will use everything that happens to us for our good. No matter what bad or evil things come our way, if the Lord is our shepherd, He will make sure goodness comes out of whatever happens.

    * Psalm 23:6 is to the Old Testament what Romans 8:28 is to the New Testament, look what it says …

     “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

    * There is no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, disaster in the life of a Christian that ultimately God won’t bring good out of. Eventually, God’s goodness will flow out of it. Somehow.

    * Sometimes we are so close to the situation that we can’t see how God is working and even wonder Why He is letting this happen, or How could this be gods plan?  It may take day, months, or years before we see that God wasn’t absent, he was just quietly growing us in the process.

    * REMINDER: Paul wrote much of the New Testament while sitting in prison.

    * Psalm 23 is a Shepherds Psalm. It’s a reminder of how a shepherd is supposed to lead his sheep. And we know that the shepherd of this psalm is the Savior in the Gospels.

    * Jesus says He is the Good Shepherd

    * The word ‘good’ doesn’t mean nice; it means unique or one of a kind.

    * Jesus was saying there is no one like me, so there is no one who can take care of you like I can. So follow Me and I’ll lead you into goodness.

    “And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.”  Acts 10:38 (NLT)

    * For 33 years living life on this earth, Jesus went about doing good for His sheep. Listen, what He did then, He is doing now. The Good Shepherd is still doing good for His sheep.

    “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  James 1:17 (NIV)

    * TRUTH: Everything good in my life comes as a gift from God.

    * QUESTION: What are the good things that God has given you that sometimes you overlook?

    “. . . The goodness of God endures continually.”  Psalm 52:1b (NKJV)

    “The LORD is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.”  Psalm 145:9 (NKJV)

    “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”  Matthew 5:45b (NIV)

    “He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.”  Psalm 33:5 (NKJV)

    * You can’t go anywhere in this world where you can’t find some evidence of the goodness of God.

    * OUR PROBLEM: We take God’s goodness for granted so often that we don’t often realize just how good God really is, and how we benefit from His goodness every second of every day.

    2. BECAUSE GOD’S GRACE IS WORKING IN ME.

    “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. . .”  Psalm 23:6a (NKJV)

    * The word ‘Mercy’ here is the Hebrew word ‘Hesed’. It’s used 246 times in the Old Testament and half of those are in the book of Psalms. It’s David’s favorite word to describe God’s attitude toward His children. Hesed can be rendered mercy or loving-kindness or overwhelming grace.

    * Mercy is the flip side of Grace. In fact, mercy is the result of God’s grace.

    * God’s grace is the vehicle that carries God’s mercy to you. You could even say that grace is mercy in action.

    “. . . I will now have mercy on you through My grace.”  Isaiah 60:10b (NLT)

    “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. . .”  Psalm 23:6a (NKJV)

     * The Hebrew word for ‘follow’ literally means ‘to pursue or chase down’.

    * REALITY: God’s goodness and His mercy pursue us, chase us down, run after us, and stays right on our heels all the days of our lives.

    * REMINDER this is a shepherd song’s. Shepherds don’t drive sheep, they lead sheep.

    * QUESTION: who are you Shepherding? Are you leading them or driving them? What do you feel like you need to do?

    “Through the LORD’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.   They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”  Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)

    * If you belong to the Lord, if the Lord is your shepherd, you don’t have to face the future with a question mark, you can face it with an exclamation point. Because Gods goodness and mercy follows you, picking up the pieces, cleaning up the messes, and making you complete by His Grace and Mercy found in Christ Jesus.

    3. BECAUSE GOD’S GLORY IS WAITING FOR ME.

    “And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalm 23:6b (NKJV)

    * The word And here is very important because that little word connects our today’s with our tomorrows. It binds our present with our future.

     “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek Him in His temple.”  Psalm 27:4 (NIV)

    * David had one purpose in life: to glorify God. He had one goal for his future: to live in the presence of God forever and ever and ever.

     “We know that our body—the tent we live in here on earth—will be destroyed. But when that happens, God will have a house for us. It will not be a house made by human hands; instead, it will be a home in heaven that will last forever.”  2 Corinthians 5:1 (NCV)

    * This is why Christians should be the most confident people on the planet. We know who we are, whose we are, and where we’re going when we die.

    “So we are always confident, even though we know that as long as we live in these bodies we are not at home with the Lord. . . Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:6, 8 (NLT)

    * PERSPECTIVE: Death, for Christians, is a transfer, a promotion. It’s on to better things. No more problems, not more tears, no more sin. But you’re not ready to live until you’re ready to die. You don’t know how to live until you’re ready to die.

    FINAL THOUGHTS:

    In this Psalm, God saves the best for last. From the very beginning, He tells us that will lack nothing. He says when we’re hungry, He will lead us to green pastures. When we’re thirsty, He will lead us to still waters. When we’re lost, He will find us and lead us down the right path. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He will protect us with His rod and staff. And even when we are surrounded by our enemies, we will eat in calmness and abundance from His table, knowing He is right beside us all the time.

    He promises our earthly life will be full of goodness and mercy, and all of that is wonderful, but this Psalm closes by saying that if the Lord is your Shepherd the best is yet to be. In other words, the best moments of your existence are still ahead. You haven’t seen anything until you reach your final destination.

    Listen…life is hard. There are struggles, and strife, and countless issues we have to deal with, but listen, God is saying to you right now…keep your fork…the best, His best, is yet to come.

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1. What do you look forward to most when you think about heaven?

    2. Confidence is something we all hope to possess. In your life what does does confidence look like and in what areas do you feel you have this confidence? Where do you think this confidence come from?

    3. On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you that you are going to heaven when you die? What do you base your ‘score’ on?

    4. Read Ps. 23:6, 1 John 5:13, Romans 8:35-39. What do these verses have to say about being confident in your salvation? How should this assurance bolster the way you live?

    5. Read Ps. 33:5, 52:1, 145:9. What do these verses say about the goodness of God? What do you think David means when he says that God’s goodness follows him every day of his life? Are you experiencing this? Why or why not?

    6. What’s the difference between grace and mercy? Why do we need both? How do both of these wonderful gifts of God play a role in your every day life?

    7. Pastor Bob said grace is the vehicle that carries God’s mercy to you …. grace is mercy in action. Grace is a gift to you that you don’t deserve. Gods grace pursues us, it chases us down. How does this change your prospective of thinking God is angry with you?

    8. Pastor Bob noted that the Shepherd lead the sheep he didn’t drive the sheep. When it comes to your leadership, do you tend to lead or drive the people around you? How is this impacting your relationships?

    9. Read Lamentations 3:22. Why is it important for a Christian to know that God’s mercy never runs out? How should that affect your walk with Christ?

    10. Read 2 Corinthians 5:1-8. How does Paul’s future ‘home’ affect his daily living? Is Paul more motivated by the desire to be with Christ, or by fear of judgment? Which motivates you?

    11. Pastor Bob mentioned the best is yet to come, speaking about Heaven. What do you imagine heaven to be like? Read John 14:2-4
    Do you know people that aren’t aware of God’s glory awaiting them? How might you ministry to them after hearing today’s sermon?

    12. What part of Psalm 23 is most impacting your life right now? Why?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    You Never Let Go – Redman

    Everlasting God – Brown

    My Reward – Stanfill

    Great Is Thy Faithfulness

    Sweetly Broken – Riddle

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

     

  • Sunday AM Remix – 11.20.11

    ‘I Will Fear No Evil’

    The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 
    Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 
    You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
    Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. Psalm 23

    * REALITY: Fear is a choice! You can choose to walk in faith or stand still in fear.

    * QUESTION: Have you had anything in life that just seemed to have you by the throat?

    * The Bible says to fear not 365 times.

    * Satan uses fear in our life to take us away from the One who calms all fear.

    YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE IN FEAR BECAUSE THE LORD YOUR SHEPHERD WILL PROVIDE . . .

    1.  DIRECTION WHEN YOU’RE CONFUSED.

    * Sheep get lost very easily.

    * QUESTION: Have you ever had a time that you just felt lost or played the what if game?

    “He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”  Psalm 23:3b

    * He leads us down the right path.

    * Path and Way are used a lot throughout the Bible

    * Early Christians were known as people of the way

    * There are several paths that you can take but they don’t all lead you to right way!

    * QUESTION: What path are you on?

    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.”  Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

    “The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And he is happy in His way.”  Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

    “You make known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.” Psalm 16:11 (NIV)

    HOW DO I GET ON THE RIGHT PATH?

     – God’s will is found in GOD’S WORD.

    “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)

    – God’s will is found in GODLY COUNSEL.

    “Fighting comes only from pride, but wisdom is with those who listen when told what they should do.”  Proverbs 13:10 (NLT)

    “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise.”  Proverbs 12:15 (NKJV)

    – God’s will is found in GOD’S SPIRIT.

    “Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.”  Philippians 2:12b-13 (NLT)

    “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered.”  Hebrews 5:8 (NLT)

    * Just because the path is tough doest mean the path is wrong. Rain, pruning, and pressure are always needed in sanctification process.

    * Suffering can be apart of Gods plan.

    ‘But He knows where I am going.  And when He tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.   For I have stayed on God’s paths; I have followed His ways and not turned aside.’  Job 23:10-11 (NLT)

    * In life, everything that happens is Father filtered. Nothing touches us without the permission of God.

    2.  PROTECTION WHEN YOU’RE AFRAID.

    “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me.”  Psalm 23:4a, b (NKJV)

    * The valley of the shadow of death is a real place that many feared going through because of the dangers that lurked in the dark narrow passage. But people would go through it because it led to the greenest pastures. Sometimes we have to go through the valley to get to the blessing.

    * The first 3 verses talk about The Shepherd, in the last 2 David starts talking to The Shepherd.

    “If God is for us, who can ever be against us?”   Romans 8:31b (NLT)

    “But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you.  O Israel, the one who formed you says, ‘Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.’”  Isaiah 43:1-3a (NLT)

    * TRUTH: When you are with the shepherd, he provides protection.

    3.  CORRECTION WHEN YOU’RE WRONG.

    “. . . for Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.”  Psalm 23:4c (NKJV)

    * INTERESTING FACT: Shepherds carried a rod and a staff.  The Staff was used to guide and direct the sheep, while the rod was used to beat off animals that may attach and used to discipline the sheep.

    ‘Come, let us return to the Lord.  He has torn us to pieces; now He will heal us.  He has injured us; now He will bandage our wounds.’  Hosea 6:1 (NLT)

    “I used to wander off until You disciplined me; but now I closely follow Your word . . . My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to Your decrees.”  Psalm 119:67, 71 (NLT)

    4.  SATISFACTION WHEN YOU’RE IN NEED.

    “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”  Psalm 23:5 (NKJV)

    * This is a picture of you not lacking anything, God gives us all that we need.

    * The table represent a green lush pasture also called a tableland.

    * The Oil is representative of the Holy Spirit.  The Bible uses this many times in scripture.

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1.  Share one experience in your life that caused you to have a lot of fear.  What did you do?  How would you handle that situation differently today?

    2.  Read Matthew 14:22-33.  What moved Peter to get out of the boat and onto the water?  What caused Peter to sink after being successful for a while?  How does this passage relate to Psalm 23:4?

    3.  Verse 3 says, “He guides me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”  What does this mean?  Check out Proverbs 3:4-5, Ps. 37:23, Ps. 16:11.  What promise does God make through all of these verses?  What do you need divine guidance and direction for in your life right now?

    4.  Pastor Bob shared three ways to get on God’s path.  What were they?  Which do you struggle with most?  Why?

    5. Pastor Bob spent a lot of time talking about being on the right path and headed in the right way. In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus talks about a wide and narrow gate and a wide and narrow road. Which path do you tend to travel down the most? What changes need to be made for you to get on and stay on the narrow road going through the narrow gate?

    6. What valley’s have you recently walked through?  How has God responded to you through these times? What verses, passages of scripture, and or songs have helped you walk through this valley?

    7.  How do the shepherd’s tools the rod and staff ‘comfort’ his sheep?  How has God used these on you?

    8.  Verse 5 has three beautiful phrases: ‘You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.’  What do each of these mean to you?  Who are your enemies today?  What would like your cup to overflow with?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    You Are Holy – Smith

    Jesus Messiah/Enough – Tomlin

    How Deep The Father’s Love – Townend

    There is A Fountain – Cowper

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

     

  • “I’m a Guru” – Gurus 2011 Rap

  • Sunday AM Remix – 11.13.11

     “He Restores My Soul”

    * Many of us have been in the trap of worry and frantic living that we think it is normal. But when we look at scripture we see there is a different way to live.

    * There is a difference to being driven and being led.

    * QUESTION: Are you being driven by life or led by the shepherd?

    “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
    5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever.”
    Psalm 23 (NKJV)

    * The word Restore means to replenish or bring back to its original form.

    5 THINGS THAT CAN DRAIN YOUR SOUL:

    • PEOPLE
    • DIFFICULT PEOPLE

    * 2 types of people VIP’s & VDP’s! VIP’s = Very Inspiring People – VDP’s = Very Draining People

    • HURRIEDNESS

    * There is a difference between being busy and being hurried. Busyness is an outward condition of the body hurriedness  is an inward condition of the soul.

    • PROBLEMS
    • COVETING

    * Always wanting what you don’t have. It is a state of never being content or happy with where you are or what you have.

    5 THINGS THAT CAN RESTORE YOUR SOUL:

    • SLEEP

    * The Bible says sleep is a gift from God.

    * Sleep Patterns are different for every person. It’s important that you find what you need and then make sure you get it.

    * God restores you while you sleep.

    • REST

    * Sleep and Rest are very different. You can sleep but not be totally rested.

    * Rest is found throughout scripture and something we were created in need of.

    * Rest is an intentional time of letting the body and mind relax and restore.

    • REFLECTION

    * Reflection is time where the soul gazes upon itself.

    * If you don’t sleep well or rest well, you will not be able to reflect well

    * Here are 4 things that reflection causes you to do

    ** Looking back – Where have you been, what have you done, what have you said?

    ** Looking up – What is God Teaching you, Where is He Leading you, Are you following Him?

    ** Looking around – Who are people influencing you and who are people you influence? Are there things going on that need to change to create a change in you?

    ** Looking ahead – Where do you see God leading, Where do you see yourself in a couple of years, what are some things you want to achieve, what needs to be done to get there?

    *** REALITY: Many times we don’t do this because we are either hurried or tired to think about these 4 things.

    • DIVERSION

    * Diversions allow you to do something else to get your mind off of the everyday things.

    * Diversions are great until they become our focus.

    • MINISTRY

    * If you don’t do the things above, ministry becomes a burden instead of being joyful.

    * God uses these things to restore us

    SOUL RESTORATION REQUIRES . . .

    1.  RESTING IN GOD’S PRESENCE.

    “He makes me to lie down. . . “  Psalm 23:2a (NKJV)

    * The idea here is that God insist we rest in His Presence.

    * Resistance to rest is a dangerous thing. God will make you rest either on your own choosing or His.

    * We see in the Creation Story that the first thing God does (REST) is often the last thing that we think we need?

    * QUESTION: Are you resting in the Lords presence before you go to work?

    ‘Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’  Matthew 11:28-29 (NKJV)

    * INTERESTING FACT: When sheep lay down their wool grows the most and their body gets stronger.

    * Everyone needs a Sabbath. A Sabbath is a day of rest. God modeled this in creation and it also made it to the big Ten!

    ‘Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.’  Exodus 20:8 (NKJV)

    2.  RELYING ON GOD’S PROVISION.

    “He makes me to lie down in green pastures . . . “  Psalm 23:2a,b (NKJV)

    “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.”  Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJV)

    “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”  Psalm 119:103 (NKJV)

    * INTERESTING FACT: Sheep will eat anything, but there are something’s that are bad for them. The shepherd leads the sheep to the green stuff. We are the same way, the Shepherd leads us to green pastures.

    “‘I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel.  There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel.  I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,’ says the Lord God.”  Ezekiel 34:14-15 (NKJV)

    3.  BEING REFRESHED WITH GOD’S PEACE.

    “He leads me beside the still waters.”  Psalm 23:2c

    * INTERESTING FACT: Sheep are fearful of fast-moving water. So the shepherd has to lead them to still water.

    * Gods word is the green grass for our lives and Gods Spirit is the fresh water we need.

    “On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.”  John 7:37-39 (NKJV)

    ‘. . . but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.’ John 4:14 (NKJV)

    * I need my soul restored when…

    ** Little things put me over the edge

    ** When I can’t get to sleep or can’t get up

    ** When my plate is to full and my heart is to empty

    ** When dust is gathered on my Bible and I’m not praying about anything

    * OPEN CHALLENGE – Spend 3 separate hours with God this week.

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1.  How busy is your life?  Low, medium, or high?  What consumes most of your time? What consumes most of your thoughts?

    2.  Pastor Bob gave five things that can drain our soul: people, difficult people, hurriedness, and coveting.  Describe how each of these can hinder you.  Which one do you struggle with the most?

    3. Pastor Bob gave five things that can drain our soul and many of us relate to that list pretty well. But what are the five things that are currently draining your soul?

    4.  Pastor Bob gave five things the Lord can use to restore our soul: sleep, rest, reflection, diversion, and ministry.  Describe how each of these can be beneficial to your life.  Which one do you need to spend more time doing?  Why?

    5. Why are sleep and rest so needed, so simple to desire, but so hard to actually do? What keeps you from resting? What have you found to help you find the rest you need?

    6.  David wrote, ‘He makes me lie down in green pastures.’  Why does a shepherd have to force a sheep to lie down?  How are we like sheep in that way?  In what ways does God force people to lie down in His presence?

    7.  Read Matthew 11:28-29.  What is required for Jesus to give us rest for our souls?  Are you doing this regularly?  Why or why not?

    8.  Read Exodus 20:8.  How serious of a command is this to God?  How about to you?  What does the Sabbath day mean to you?

    9.  Pastor Bob talked about how the ‘green pastures’ for us today is the Word of God.  God wants us to daily feed in His Word.  Are you doing this?  If not, what is hindering you?  What is your favorite way to spend quiet time with God in His Word?

    10.   Read John 7:37-39.  What is Jesus talking about?  How does this relate to Psalm 23:2?

    11.  How is God wanting to restore your soul this week?

    12. Pastor Bob gave a challenge on Sunday to spend 3 separate hours alone with God this week. Have you had a chance to do that yet? What did that time look like?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    Come Thou Fount/God Of Glory – Williams

    God Is Able – Morgan & Fielding

    You Are God Alone – Foote

    My Savior My God – Schust

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 11.6.11

    “The LORD is my Shepherd.”

    *Many of us live in a constant state of the hurry up, multitasking, sitting on the edge of our seats lifestyle.

    *Life doesn’t have to be lived at a High Pace, High Pressure, and  High Stressed Lifestyle.  There is a life that can be lived that is much different that is filled with Peace, Contentment, and Satisfaction.

    “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  3 He restores my soul;He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. 
    4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;   For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil;  My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell in the house of the LORD Forever. ” Psalm 23 (NKJV)

    *QUESTION: Where do you find satisfaction, contentment, and peace?

    LIKE DAVID, WE CAN BE THRILLED & SATISFIED WITH GOD AS OUR SHEPHERD BECAUSE . . .

    1.  HE IS POWERFUL IN HIS NATURE.

    *REMINDER: They key to Psalm 23 is not us, but the Lord

    “The LORD . . .” Psalm 23:1a (NKJV)

    *The Hebrew word used here for the LORD is Yahweh. It is used throughout Scripture in the Holiest, Purest, and most Reverent way when referring to God.

    ‘Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they say to me, “What is His name?” what shall I say to them?’   And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, “AM has sent me to you.”’ Moreover God said to Moses,‘ thus you shall say to the children of Israel: “The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.”’  Exodus 3:13-15 (NKJV)

    *TRUTH: The LORD is everything you need. If you need … He is …! Every need you have, He is!

    *When we have the right perspective of the LORD our problems seem smaller than we first thought they were.

    2.  HE IS PERSONAL WITH HIS CARE.

    “The Lord is my shepherd . . .” Psalm 23:1 (NKJV)

    *The Lord is not just my friend, He is my Shepherd because He is the one who guides me, protects me, & comforts me.

    SHEEP MUST HAVE A SHEPHERD BECAUSE THEY ARE . . .

    – PRONE TO WANDER/FOLLOW 

    *We do the same thing. Because we are so trusting, we will follow people into the wrong things like …

    – VULNERABLE

     *Sheep have to have a protector because they are defenseless, and because they get lost easily. We are the same way. We are defenseless when it comes to the spiritual battle going on around us making us vulnerable to all kinds of temptation.

    – STUBBORN

    *Many times we are so stubborn that we don’t hear the things that we need to hear.

    “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way . . . “Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV)

    “I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”  John 10:11 (ESV)

    *The word “Good” means “one of kind”. Jesus is a “one of a kind” Shepherd.

    *QUESTION:Can you say that the LORD really is your shepherd? Test yourself with John 10:27

    “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.”  John 10:27 (ESV)

    * Test

    – My sheep listen to my voice – do you hear His voice as the truth goes out? When you read scripture are you hungry for what it says?

    – My sheep follow my voice – do you follow His voice?

    3.  HE IS PLENTIFUL IN HIS SUPPLY.

    “I shall not want . . .“ Psalm 23:1c (NKJV)

    “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does He withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”  Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

    “Fear the Lord, you His godly people, for those who fear Him will have all they need.”  Psalm 34:9 (NLT)

    “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need.”  Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

    “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:19 (NIV)

    *NOTE: Philippians 4:19 & Isaiah 53:5  are not wealth and health verses. They are verses that point to Christ ability to take care of all our needs not all our greeds.

    “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”  Isaiah 53:5 (NKJV)

    “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”  Isaiah 53:6 (NKJV)

    *THOUGHT: The LORD is my Shepherd, Could this statement/reality, once really comprehended, believed, and lived out could also mean that we get to the point in our life to never want for a different Shepherd?

    “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.”  1 Timothy 6:7-8 (NKJV)

    *TRUTH:There is a difference knowing Psalm 23 and knowing the Shepherd.

    *QUESTION: Do you know Psalm 23 or do you know the Shepherd in Psalm 23?

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1. Where do you tend to find yourself seeking satisfaction, contentment, and/or  peace?  How does this impact your view of God as Shepherd?

    2.  When is comes to dealing with worry & stress, what formula were you raised with in dealing with these?  ‘Forget about it’? ‘Pray about it’? ‘Sleep on it’? How would your kids answer this question?

    3.  Read Psalm 23.  Now read this Psalm again in the negative (“The Lord is not my shepherd…”).  What verse is most disturbing to you?

    4.  David uses the most personal and sacred name for God when he writes ‘The LORD is my shepherd’.  It’s the name Yahweh.  What do you know about this name of God?  Why is David’s use of it here significant?

    5.  The bible compares humans to sheep continually.  Why?  What similarities do you see in your life?

    6. Satan seems to know the areas we are most vulnerable to temptation and temps us in these areas consistently. What areas have you identified in your life that you seem to be most vulnerable? What are you doing to stay close to the Shepherd enabling you to resist these temptations?

    7. We all have stubborn tendencies and our stubbornness can keep us from being obedient to God. What area/s do you need to surrender to the Shepherd?

    8.  Read John 10:11 and John 10:27.  How are these encouraging verses for Christians?  What is the proof that Jesus is our Shepherd?  How would you explain this to another person who is seeking to know Jesus?

    9.  How do you discern the voice of Jesus from all the other voices that vie for your attention?

    10.  How does it make you feel to think of God caring for you as the Good Shepherd?

    11.  What did David mean when he wrote, ‘…I shall not want’?  Read Ps. 84:11, 34:9, Matthew 6:33, Philippians 4:19.  What is God promising to His children?  How could this relieve stress and pressure in your life today?

    12.  What is the most obvious area of your life God wants you to learn to be content?  Why?  How can your group pray for you today?

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

    Today Is The Day – Brewster

    God Is Able – Morgan & Fielding

    Revelation Song – Jobe

    Jesus Paid It All – Stanfill

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.

  • Sunday AM Remix – 10.30.11

    How About a New . . . Attitude?

    * Everyone has an attitude!!!
    * Attitude is an inward feeling demonstrated  by outward behavior
    * Your attitude is a choice, no-one chose this for you.
    * In life we move from condition to choices. We are born into a set of conditions and spend the rest of our life making choices around these conditions.
    * REALITY: How you chose to deal with circumstances and conditions, impact your attitude

    “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”  2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)

    3 Reasons Your Attitude is Important . . .

    •  Your attitude determines your PERSPECTIVE of life.

    * Like a pair of sunglasses – Your attitude is the lens you look through everyday!
    * No matter where you go your attitude is there and impacts your perspective on life

    •  Your attitude develops your RELATIONSHIPS in life.

    * TRUTH: People will either be drawn to you or repelled by you based on your attitude.

    •  Your attitude changes your PROBLEMS problems into BLESSINGS.

    * REALITY: Even people with good attitudes have problems.
    * TRUTH: Every miracle in the Bibles started with a problem.
    * QUESTION: How’s your attitude?

    • Your attitude can be measured by your RESPONSE to challenging CIRCUMSTANCES and/or PEOPLE.

    * The overflow of your heart is revealed in your attitude.

    WHAT IS THE ATTITUDE OF AN EXTRA MILE TAKER?

    1.  AN E.M.T. IS WILLING TO GET WORSE THAN THEY DESERVE.

     ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.”  But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.’  Matthew 5:38-39 (NKJV)

    “But if any harm follows, then you shall give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, burn for burn, wound for wound, stripe for stripe.”  Exodus 21:23-25 (NKJV)

    * CONTEXT: Jesus reminds us that Exodus 21:23-25 was given:
    1. To curtail crime
    2. To make sure the punishment didn’t exceed the crime
    3. It was given for the courts to use in a public matter not for people to use it on a personal matter.

    * This passage is not pointing to passivity. It’s not teaching to not defend yourself.
    * Sometimes the most loving thing you can do is respond accordingly.
    * QUESTION: Does your attitude reflect the Kingdom of Heaven?

    2.  AN E.M.T. IS WILLING TO GIVE MORE THAN THEY ARE ASKED.

    “If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.”  Matthew 5:40 (NKJV)

    * REALITY: Many of us look to give the least to feel the most.
    * TRUTH: Giving the most requires more of us and shows more care.
    * It’s not about what you have … But what you give!
    * REMINDER: The relationship is more important than the stuff you have.

    3.  AN E.M.T. IS WILLING TO GO FARTHER THAN THEY ARE REQUIRED.

    “And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.”  Matthew 5:41

    * CONTEXT:  In this day, the Roman Soldiers could force Jewish men to carry their stuff for up to 1,000 steps. When Jesus says this about going an extra mile, it is radical to what the people did and how they responded to the demands of the soldiers.

    “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16 (NKJV)

    * TRUTH/CONVICTION: Anyone can go the first mile, it’s the 2nd, 3rd , 4th, miles that cause others to notice and ask questions.

    “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men . . .”  Colossians 3:23 (NKJV)

    4.  AN E.M.T.  WILLING TO GRANT ALL THEY SEE IS NEEDED.

    “Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.”  Matthew 5:42 (NKJV)

    * CONTEXT – Jesus isn’t saying give to everyone, He is stressing the importance of when you see a need to open your heart and let people borrow from you.

    “Good comes to those who lend money generously and conduct their business fairly.”  Psalm 112:5 (NLT)

    * REALITY: Many times when you close up your wallet you close up your heart!

    “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.   You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.   Though He was God, He did not think of equality with God  as something to cling to.   Instead, He gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being.  When He appeared in human form, He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.”  Philippians 2:3-8 (NLT)

    * QUESTION:Are you an extra mile taker? What steps do you need to take to become an EMT?

    SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

    1. If you were to describe your attitude, in general, with one word, what word would you choose and why?

    2. Since attitude is defined as an inward feeling demonstrated  by outward behavior. What are some of the things that impact your attitude? How has your attitude positive/negative been revealed by your behavior? (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

    3. How do you choose to deal with circumstances and conditions that impact your attitude?  What’s your coping mechanism? (Read Philippians 2:5)

    4. Has there been a change in your attitude since you were saved?  Why or Why NOT? (Read 2 Corinthians 5:17)

    5. Your attitude can be measured by your response to challenging circumstances and/or people.  (Read Luke 6:45)  The overflow of your heart is revealed in your attitude.  Which is more important? Your heart or your attitude? Why?

    6. Having the right attitude can change problems into blessings? (Read 1 Peter 5:6-7) Share of a time when a bad attitude created a bigger problem. Share a time when a right attitude allowed God to turn a problem into a blessing.

    7. We learned that an EMT is an Extra Mile Taker. With who and Where do you need to be an EMT? What will some of the challenges be?

    8. An EMT is willing to get worse than they deserve. This is easy to read and hear, but actually hard to apply. Why is it difficult for us to think in this way? Is there a solution? What steps should be taken?  (Read Matthew 5:38-39)

    9. An EMT is willing to give more than they are asked. The attitude of Giving and Blessing are similar but very different.  Which one are you more likely to have? Why?(Read Matthew 5:40)

    10. An EMT is willing to go further than what is required. Why is it easier to walk with someone the 1st mile, but so difficult to go the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th miles? Who are you going the extra miles with? Who is your group going the extra miles with? (Read Colossians 3:23)

    11. An EMT is willing to grant all they see is needed. Sadly, sometimes we have filters that allow us to see some needs and ignore other needs. What filters, good or bad, have kept you from seeing a need and meeting a need? (Read Philippians 2:3-8)

    MUSICAL WORSHIP SET

     Joyful- Brown

    Stronger – Morgan

    Inside Out – Houston

    Nothing But The Blood – Lavik

    We hope that you found Sundays Message and following Small Group Questions helpful. If you missed this weeks message, I encourage you to get it here.  While you are there, browse around our website … we think you will like it and find it to be a great tool in inviting friends to FBC Harvester.

    As always, I hope you make plans to join us at FBC Harvester next weekend! If distance is a problem, you are always welcome to listen to any of the teachings from our worship service on our website. If you have questions, please feel free to contact us here. We would love the privilege of helping where we can and seeing God do amazing things in our lives together.