New Life Community Church, Atwater, CA

“Beyond the Vote” 1 Timothy 2:1-4

In times of political uncertainty, we are quick to join the debate, but often slow to pray. What does it mean to be a good citizen and play our part in the society in which we live? Paul encouraged Jesus followers to play their part in advancing His Kingdom goals. In this country, we have the privilege of participating in the political process, but as citizens of God’s Kingdom we also have the responsibility to pray. 

“Better Pray or Pray Better?” Luke 11:1-4

Of all the amazing things Jesus did, only once did the disciples ask to teach them how to do it. Perhaps it was because they understood that this one thing would be the key to so much more. That one thing? “Teach us to pray” they asked. Prayer, at it’s core is so simple, yet praying well seems so elusive. Today we’ll begin with a foundation of the 3 P’s of prayer. 

The 3 P’s
The P__________ of Prayer
The P___________ for Prayer
 The P_____________ for Prayer 

“The Whispering Spot” Various Scriptures

Do you have a favorite place? How do you feel when you are there? As we continue to discern God’s voice, we have to realize that God is every- where and He chooses to speak to us in specific places. Jesus had places to be alone. We are encouraged to have a place to be alone with God. Solitude, silence and a place are elements that help our spiritual walk grow closer to the One that has already set the pattern for us. 

“A Whisper” Various Scriptures

We as people might have a hard time believing God still speaks. We are shown through scripture in the Bible that God spoke in ancient times and mysterious ways. The question is, “how do we hear his voice now?” The truth is God often speaks and communicates with His people, but often it’s through a whisper. It’s not to make it difficult to hear Him, but to draw us closer. 

“Surprised by Blessing” (Exploring the Book of Numbers #7) Numbers 24

A foreign prophet in the enemy camp was summoned to pronounce a curse on Israel, but found that God would not waver and would only bless them. The odd story of Balaam continues with yet another twist, a surprising reminder despite what may be a dire situation around you, that God is for you. 

“By Any Means” (Exploring the Book of Numbers #6) Numbers 22

Of all the strange stories contained in the Book of Numbers, story of Balaam takes the cake!  That it features a talking donkey is just the beginning of the strangeness, but  beneath it all is a powerful message Israel needed to know and we need to hear.  How do we respond when things don’t go our way?  Frustration?  Resignation? Anger?  How about looking for what God is doing amid our discomfort, and choosing to trust his plans for us?

“Our Only Hope” Lessons from the Wilderness Numbers 21:4-9

Actions have consequences. We live in a cause and effect world, yet Grace is when God intervenes. After Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, they spent 40 years in the wilderness before finally entering the Promised Land. During this time God revealed his graceful nature to them, a pattern Jesus recasts for each of us today. There is good news for the wanderer wondering if salvation is possible, it is, Jesus is our only Hope. 

“How Do We See Things?” Lessons from the Wilderness Numbers 13

The children of Israel were on the verge of entering the Promise Land. God chose 12 leaders from the 12 tribes, even though God already knew what was in the Promise Land. He wanted the children of Israel to see something or comprehend something. There was something He wanted to do in the hearts of the people. Here we are going to find out that there are all kinds of perspectives in life. How do you see things? How do we choose God’s perspective? There is my way, and there is God’s way! 

“Words that Hurt” Lessons from the Wilderness ( Numbers 12

After Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, they spent 40 years in the wilderness before finally entering the Promised Land. The Book of Numbers tells the story of most of those 40 years spent wandering. Despite receiving God’s leading and provision during this time, factions, critical words, rumors and gossip still posed a threat to community. We must be mindful of the way words can either build up or tear down the work that God is up to. 

“The Healthy Heart Diet” Lessons from the Wilderness Numbers 11

After Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, they spent 40 years in the wilderness before finally entering the Promised Land. The Book of Numbers tells the story of most of those 40 years spent wandering. One of the stories reveals some- thing that runs deep in all of us, our propensity to complain. It seems simply a part of our human nature, but todays story points to the dangers that patterns of complaining present to our faith and our emotional health.