“I do not think that any human mind can ever grasp the fullness of meaning of these four words, ‘I am thy reward.’ God himself, the reward of his faithful people” (Charles Spurgeon).

When we bring our doubts, God reveals His promise

Just as God walked that aisle alone in the darkness in Genesis, it points directly to a darker afternoon centuries later on a hill called Calvary.

Our assurance doesn’t rest on our perfection; it rests on Jesus

Faith isn’t a straight line of perfect performance; it’s a messy journey of relying entirely on God’s unmerited favor.

What is your most comfortable place to rest, recline, and feel peace?

Grace gives you the security to step into the unknown before you have all the answers.

Grace Interrupts Our Comfort

Grace Ensures Our Future

Grace Initiates Our Obedience

When have you delayed or said no to because you can’t see, or maybe even don’t like, the steps to follow?

“God, I don’t have the answers, but I trust Your grace. I’m stepping out in faith.”

It’s one thing to bring God’s presence into our city (lives), but it’s another thing entirely to His presence change how we actually behave (live)

It’s easier to judge those who are “all in”, than to get in the street and join the celebration

True passion requires true humility

What is one “rule of dignity”, you hold onto that keeps you (or others) from being fully present with God?

When might you be watching from the window, being critical and even in disgust because you don’t approve?

“Lord, make me even more undignified for your sake.”

Faith builds integrity. Integrity is choosing the harder right over the easier wrong when God is our only witness. (when no one else is looking)

Integrity resists the temptation and pressure of an “easy exit.”

Integrity responds to the smallest nudge of the Holy Spirit.

Integrity means you don’t have to “get even” because you know God sees the truth.

“Where am I tempted to take a shortcut right now?”

Integrity calls us to surrender; because of grace, we can open our arms in surrender into living holy.

Assurance begins when we ask the right questions… Assurance begins when we stop measuring the giant and start measuring the giant against the Lord.

Assurance begins when we identify the lions and bears God helped defeat in the past and know we are prepared for what is to come.

Assurance encourages us to reject and take off the heavy, awkward armor of reliance of anyone or anything other than the Lord.

Assurance is the beginning of a perspective shift from “me vs. it” to God vs. it”

Our assurance to be victorious over our giants is built on faith and on remembering God’s faithfulness and His promise of forever.

1. Beware the Surface
Humans look at the outward, but God looks at the heart.

2. Power of the Pasture
Being faithful in the pasture is only half the story; the real change happens when God’s selection becomes reality.

3. Weight of the Oil
Do I feel the weight of the oil?”

We rely on the power of the Holy Spirit because we cannot do it without Him.

God doesn’t check our resumes; he knows our hearts.

"Lord, I’m in this pasture today. Train my heart and my hands for whatever You have next."

What if Jesus had never risen from the dead?

Friends, the reason for hope and joy is because our Christ is risen!

There is no grave that can hold Jesus; through grace, there is no sin which can hold us.

1. The resurrection shows us the power and glory of God.

2. The resurrection shows us God’s compassion.

3. The resurrection shows it isn’t just about one person or one people; the resurrection changes everything.

Do you believe this? Do you believe Jesus?

Believe in Jesus.

If you were to make a time chart of your typical day, who/what would be at the center of your day?

We find ourselves being pulled in so many directions, which might cause us to not feel God’s presence.

Without God at the forefront, it wouldn’t be difficult for us to become subordinate to the things we think will save us.

Who/what is at the center of your day and life?

How might our actions mirror the Israelites?

How is God calling out to you?