Surviving Seasons of Uncertainty, Bible Study 3.25.20

Posted on April 2, 2020 by growintheword

4-Part Series: Surviving Seasons of Uncertainty

Synopsis of Part 1: The Significance of Preparation

Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, D.Min.
March 25, 2020

 

Everything God did in the earth, he prepared for us. God put things in place for man, before he created him. Water, grass, and the Sun was all created, before God created man. God prepares.

This season should expose the critical need for preparation. Preparation is developing a systematic schedule of events to accomplish a spiritual goal. In other words, it’s a plan. As we plan as a child of God, we have to ask God to bring forth his will. We want to line up with His will. God always works with a plan.

I.            THREE WAYS TO RECEIVE A PLAN

  1. Through Wise Counsel
  1. Isaiah 11:2 (NKJV) 2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.- It is important to know we have to have wise counsel to make strategic plans in this season.
  2. John 14:26 (NKJV) 26 But the [a]Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. -The Holy Spirit is inside you to bring you to a place where he can teach, navigate, and bring things to remembrance in your life. – This is why it’s important not to be too talkative. Don’t talk so much , that you don’t allow space for a response. We have to make sure we can hear when the Holy Spirit is speaking to us.
  3. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NKJV) 11 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ. – We do what Christ would have us to do.
  1. Direct Revelation – This helps us to come into what God wants us to receive.
    1. We allow God to speak to us, sometimes through sermon, and allow God to give us revelation that will guide us to what we are supposed to do next.
  2. The Spirit of Wisdom – Wisdom is spiritually, the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. God is looking for wisdom from us in this season.
    1. How do we get wisdom? We ask God for it.
      Scripture References:

      1. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (NIV) 11 1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. – “God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king,” – If we are like Solomon and we don’t ask for personal gain and we instead ask for wisdom, God will give you what you ask for and in addition what you didn’t ask for.
      2. James 1:5 (NIV) 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. – If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God.
      3. Isaiah 33:6 (NIV) 6 He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.[a]
      4. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV) 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.[a]- If we are going to prepare, we have to be in the wisdom of God.
    2. Gods word will get us through this season.

II.            THE IMPORTANCE OF STAYING IN THE WILL OF GOD

A.       Scripture References:
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) 11 so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

  1. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV) 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. – We often say we have no fear. We say we are not scared of Corona, because we have faith. However, we ask for wisdom, so that we won’t be foolish. In other words, we appropriately apply God’s word to our situation.

III.            BENEFITS OF APPLYING GOD’S WORD

  1. It Empties You of Excuses – The word of God will empty you of each excuse you have.
  2. It Equips You with the Resource of a Task – How do we do it?
  3. It Energizes You with the Grace and Power to Obey God – When you struggle to obey God, it is his word that will sustain you. James 4:8 (NIV) 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
  4. It Enriches Your Human Revelation – God’s word sheds light on you as a human being.
  5. It Enlarges You as a Reward for Your Obedience – As you obey God, He will enlarge your territory. Its about staying in the will of God.
  6. When things get rough, you can’t come up with illegal ways to stay in the will of God. You have to ask God to navigate you into this season.
  7. Malachi 3:14-18 (NIV) 14 “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? 15 But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’”16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. 17 “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.- God was so serious during this day. There is a choice you got to make. Are we going to serve God and do his will?
    1. Just because things are getting worse, it doesn’t mean God has changed, nor his standard, or his word.
  8. We have to be personal. We must do what God called us to do. Philippians 3:12-14 (NIV) 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.- When you understand God’s thoughts, you will think towards God’s will for your life.
    1. Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. – God has a future and a hope for you. His plans for your life has not been postponed or cancelled.
    2. Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;- God is going to complete what he started in you.
    3. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) 12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the [a]author and [b]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.- God is the Author and Finisher. In otherwords, He completed it, before it was started. He has already worked it out and he is waiting on you to walk it out.
  9. Financially -The power of preparation is what we must understand. Proverbs 6:6-11 (NKJV) 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, 7 Which, having no [a]captain, Overseer or ruler, 8 Provides her [b]supplies in the summer, And gathers her food in the harvest. 9 How long will you [c]slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep? 10 A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to sleep— 11 So shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, And your need like an armed man.- What is important is to hear what the prophets are telling you.
    1. Save your money. Now is the time to make financial preparation.
    2. The tithe – The tithe is a contractual arrangement where God will protect you even financially. This is how the tithe protects. When you tithe, you become a Covenant Partner with God. God protects those who are in covenant with him.
      1. Malachi 3:10-11 (NKJV) 10 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. 11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;- Bring your tithe into the place where you are being fed the word of God. The reason why our ministry is successful is because people of this ministry tithe. The point is when you tithe, God will rebuke the devour for your sake.
    3. The tithe rebukes the devour. It keeps the Economic Devour from coming to you. This is a moment you should be more a tither and seed sower, than ever before.
      1. Genesis 8:22 (NKJV) 22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and Summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”- Your seed in the ground is critical to this season.

IV.            WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I REFUSE TO SUBMIT MY FINANCES TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD?

  1. I Miss God – We often miss the move of God when we don’t trust God with what he has give to us.
  2. I Rob Others – People’s lives depend on what we do. When we don’t support God’s Kingdom, then we prevent blessings to get to some people.
  3. I Prove to God that I Cannot be Trusted – We are saying to God, “You can’t trust me to represent the Kingdom”.
  4. I Live Off the Sacrifice of Others – When we don’t give, we benefit from the giving of others.
  5. I Cause Others to Make Painful Adjustments by Having to Sacrifice Even More – Others have to carry our load instead of the weight of the load being evenly distributed.
  6. The word Store House mentioned in Malachi 3 is critical. You need to lay or store some stuff up. 1 Chronicles 26:15-17 (NIV) 15 The lot for the South Gate fell to Obed-Edom, and the lot for the storehouse fell to his sons. 16 The lots for the West Gate and the Shalleketh Gate on the upper road fell to Shuppim and Hosah. Guard was alongside of guard: 17 There were six Levites a day on the east, four a day on the north, four a day on the south and two at a time at the storehouse. – This scripture shows that they had a storehouse where they stored things up.
    1. 1 Chronicles 27:27 (NKJV) 27 And Shimei the Ramathite was over the vineyards, and Zabdi the Shiphmite was over the produce of the vineyards for the supply of wine.
    2. 1 Corinthians 9:19 (NKJV) 19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 2 Chronicles 32:28 (NKJV) 28 storehouses for the harvest of grain, wine, and oil; and stalls for all kinds of livestock, and [a]folds for flocks. – Everyone ought to have a storehouse. In this season, start making wise financial situation.
  7. Diversify yourself.
    1. Proverbs 21:20 (NKJV) 20 There is desirable treasure, And oil in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it.- When you squander all your money, the bible refers to you as foolish.
    2. Ecclesiastes 11:2 (NKJV) 2 Give a serving to seven, and also to eight, For you do not know what evil will be on the earth. – Don’t put all your money in one place. You don’t know what might come along next.
  8. Nothing catches God off guard. Mark 4:1-9 (NKJV) 4 And again He began to teach by the sea. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He got into a boat and sat in it on the sea; and the whole multitude was on the land facing the sea. 2 Then He taught them many things by parables, and said to them in His teaching: 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And it happened, as he sowed, that some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds [a]of the air came and devoured it. 5 Some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. 7 And some seed fell among thorns; and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no [b]crop. 8 But other seed fell on good ground and yielded a crop that sprang up, increased and produced: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” 9 And He said [c]to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”-This is an example of how we hear the word of God. Think back to all the sermons you’ve heard, prior to this Pandemic happening. God was preparing us. Referring to this scripture, God wants to know, “Has His word fallen on good ground?”. God never lets a Season happen that you are not prepared for.

V.            BIBLICAL EXAMPLES OF STORING UP FOR LATER

  1. Genesis 41:33 (NKJV) 33 “Now therefore, let Pharaoh select a discerning and wise man, and set him over the land of Egypt. – Joseph tells them how to store up for a season that was to come. Thanks to Joseph, Egypt survived because they had made preparation.

VI.            FOUR THREATS TO PREPARATION

  1. Complacency – No foresight, no insight.
  2. Self-Reliance- False sense of security: Example, “It won’t happen to me”.
  3. Misuse of Spirituality- This is like us saying, “I won’t get screened, because the word says, I won’t get cancer”.
  4. Too Busy to Pay Attention to Detail – Have you been paying attention to what God is dropping into your spirit? Now you realize all the stuff you pay for that you don’t need. God want’s you to pay attention to all that you waste.

VII.            THE SIGNS OF A PREPARED PERSON

A.     They Possess Peace

1.       When you are prepared from God, it is evident.

a.       Scripture References:
Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

  1. Genesis 41:33 (NIV) 33 “And now let Pharaoh look for a discerning and wise man and put him in charge of the land of Egypt.
  2. John 14:7 (NIV) 7 If you really know me, you will know[a] my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” – When you are prepared, you have peace. You are not worried.

B.     They Are Not Stressed

  1. The Disciples should have been stressed out on the ship, because Jesus was on the ship. don’t
    Scripture Reference: John 14:27 NIV – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

C.     They Are Not Struggling

  1. Scripture Reference: Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) 3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.-

D.     They Are Not Settling

  1. Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 1:20 (NIV) 20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. – God’s promise will manifest, therefore, I refuse to settle.

E.      They Do Not Succumb

  1. Scripture Reference: Psalm 91:5-7 NIV – “5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.”- When you prepared, you don’t get stressed

*Speak this over your house.

Psalm 92:5-7 (NKJV) 5 O Lord, how great are Your works! Your thoughts are very deep. 6 A senseless man does not know, Nor does a fool understand this. 7 When the wicked [a]spring up like grass, And when all the workers of iniquity flourish, It is that they may be destroyed forever.- A thousand my fall at your side, and 10,000 at your right hand, but it shall not come near you.

 

Lay your hand on yourself and say ”it shall not come near me”!!

 

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2-Part Series: Confronting the Spirits of Anxiety and Insecurity, Bible Study 03.17.20

Posted on March 25, 2020 by growintheword

 

Part 2: Insecurity

Synopsis of Bible Study 3/17/20

Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, D.Min.

Joshua 1:7-9
7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

I.          WHAT IS INSECURITY CAUSED BY?

  1. Insecurity is to lack confidence about yourself. As a result, it causes you to have a sense of instability.
  2. Insecurity can be caused by events like divorce, violence, abuse, comparing ourselves to others, and more.

II.          5 WAYS INSECURITIES SHOW UP

  1. By Masking. – For example, you may say, “I am not enough”. You may pretend like you are something that you are not.
  2. Being easily Influenced. – When you are not comfortable in your perspective, you yield to other people’s perspective.
  3. You always see yourself as a victim. – Everyone is the enemy. You always find fault in others.
  4. You resist Feedback from others. You have difficulty receiving criticism from others. Be careful of those who always want to tell you who they are over, but never who’s over them.
  5. You are an obsessive People Pleasers. – Example: What if I don’t fit in?

III.          HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN YOU ARE INSECURE?

  1. Self-Doubt Which Causes Hesitancy – You always look at what others are doing.
  2. You Live Comparatively – You always compare what you are doing to what others are doing.
  3. You Do Not Know Your Purpose – You live out other people’s dream for you.

IV.          HOW SATAN EXPLOITS OUR INSECURITIES

1 Peter 5:8  (NKJV) 8 Be [a]sober, be [b]vigilant; [c]because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

  1. By Social Insecurity – You feel like all eyes is on you. You live with a level of low self-esteem. You have created a world that doesn’t exist, and you are imagining that everyone is against you.

Romans 12:2 NKJV – 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. – Don’t conform to this world. If you do, you become a prisoner of others perception and image of who you are.

  1. By Professional Insecurity – That fear of losing a job.

Matthew 6:25-30 NKJV – 25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? – God will take care of you. We are God’s responsibility. God is not a dead-beat Dad.

  1. Lay your hand on yourself and say, “I’m going to be straight”! Realize that you have value.
  1. By Economic Insecurity – This comes from us wasting money. We waste money and make bad decisions.
    1. As a Ministry, a lot of us are good inside the building, but we have failed to prepare people for life on the outside.
      1. You have to have an emergency fund.
      2. Never put yourself in position where Satan can exploit you economically.
      3. Personal Insecurity – You wonder if you are going to make it.

V.          BIBLICAL EXAMPLES of Insecurities

  1. Samson – Samson was exploited, because of his weakness. He met Delilah. His weakness was liking women of the enemy. The need for attention and the need to be important can mess you up. The devil will send people to exploit your weakness.
  2. Saul – His was his attitude towards David. Comparative Living led to Saul’s insecurity. He won great battles but struggled with his attitude towards David. We call them haters (people that keep privately hate towards you).
  3. Gideon – His attitude was towards himself. Judges 6:14-15 (NKJV) 14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?”15 So he said to Him, “O [a]my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.”- Gideon said he was the least in his father’s house, even after God told him that he would have the victory.
  1. Insecurity will cause you to have a negative attitude towards yourself.
  2. Give yourself credit for the things you have survived. Many of you have survived cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heartaches, etc… If you survived all of that, why wouldn’t you survive what you are going through now?

VI.          HOW DO YOU OVERCOME INSECURITY?

  1. Let yourself fade away in the background and focus on Jesus Christ.
  1. Luke 9:23 (NKJV) 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross [a]daily, and follow Me.
  2. Matthew 10:38 (NKJV) 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
  1. Exchanging self-confidence for Christ confidence. When you deny yourself, you are truly free. Psalm 16:2 (NKJV) 2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.” – When you see the word Lord, just use the word over. We have to tap into the goodness of God to understand who he is.
  2. Exchange Insecurity for Love – Be committed to prayer. Moses was told to tell Pharaoh to let his people go. Moses had a speech impediment and was worried that he couldn’t do what God asked him to do.
    1. Exodus 4:14-17 (NKJV) 14 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. 16 So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God. 17 And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”- Rather than masking his insecurities, he took them to God. God helped him with this.
  1. 1 John 5:15 (NKJV) 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
  2. John 16:33 (NKJV) 33 These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you [a]will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”-When you call it out according to his word, God hears you. Even when you don’t know what to say, the Holy Spirit will intercede for you
  3. Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV) 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.- Don’t sit around and be anxious in your securities. Ask the Lord specifically for what you need.
    1. You have to walk in peace about this after you ask God for what you need. There is no sense made out of this season.
  4. 1 Peter 4:19 (NKJV) 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. – This is the time to keep doing good and serving God.
  5. Luke 9:23 NKJV – 23 Then He said to them all, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.
  6. Matthew 10:38 NKJV – 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.
  7. Psalm 16:2 NKJV – O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord, My goodness is nothing apart from You.”
  8. Exodus 4:14-17 NKJV – 14 So the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said: “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And look, he is also coming out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 Now you shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and I will teach you what you shall do. 16 So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God. 17 And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs.”
  9. 1 John 5:14 NKJV – 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
  10. 1 Peter 4:19 NKJV – 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.

VII. THE TRUTH ABOUT INSECURITY REGARDING THE CHRISTIAN

We’re not like everyone else. We are a different bread of folk.

  1. Christians are Very Secure
    Proverbs 3:21-26 NKJV – 21 My son, let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; 22 So they will be life to your soul And grace to your neck. 23 Then you will walk safely in your way, And your foot will not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid; Yes, you will lie down and your sleep will be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden terror, Nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes; 26 For the Lord will be your confidence, And will keep your foot from being caught. – You should be walking in the confidence of the Lord through this season. We are not going to be stuck in this season.
  2. Christians Have Great Help
    1. Romans 8:31 NKJV – 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? If God is for you, who can be against you?
    2. Psalm 27:5 NKJV – 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock. – God has you in a safe place.
  3. God is always at Your Side
    1. Psalm 23:4 NKJV – 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.
    2. Matthew 28:20 NKJV – 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
    3. Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV – 5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” 6 So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”
  4. The Remedy is Complete Trust and Confidence
    1. Isaiah 40:31 NKJV – 31 But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.
    2. John 14:1 NKJV -14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.
    3. Philippians 4:13 NKJV – 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.- We trust God.
    4. Deuteronomy 31:7-8 NKJV – 7 Then Moses called Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land which the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”
  5. This is a faith that is transferred from one generation to the next. The promise of God on your life has not been cancelled. It may have been postponed, but not canceled. Be encouraged and walk in confidence. Not one ounce of fear, because we trust God’s word.
  6. What God is doing through all of this Corona Virus is showing that there will be a great transference.
    1. Ask yourself, do you truly believe? What God promised us, you will get it. You got to come out of insecurity and walk in authority. Gods word does not come back void. It accomplishes what it set out to do.
  7. God will make sure you will still get your check and if he doesn’t, he will show you how he will still make a way.
    1. Romans 8:31 NKJV – 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
    2. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NKJV – 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

 

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Just a thought for today

Posted on March 20, 2020 by growintheword

Luke 8:22-26 New King James Version (NKJV)

Wind and Wave Obey Jesus

22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in [a]jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”

 

The revelation really isn’t in the portion where Jesus rebuked the wind and the water. Here’s the revelation.

If Jesus said let us cross over to the other side, then it is a clear indication that “us” is destined to make it to the other side! ~ Bishop Walker

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2-Part Series: Confronting the Spirits of Anxiety and Insecurity, Bible Study 3.11.20

Posted on March 19, 2020 by growintheword

2-Part Series: Confronting the Spirits of Anxiety and Insecurity

Part 1: Anxiety

Confronting the Spirits of Anxiety and Insecurity

Synopsis of Bible Study March 11, 2020

 

Delivered by Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, D.Min.

 

Philippians 4:6-9 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – By prayer and supplication, make your request be made known. Supplication in this text means to “be specific”.

 

Everyone is familiar with anxiety. Anxiety happens to be in epidemic proportions these days.

 

Being caught up in Anxiety is the most counterproductive thing you can do. It is like trying to make a fast get away on a wooden horse.

 

I.          UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEM

A.    What is Anxiety?

  1. Anxiety is the fear of danger and misfortune. Another source says it is the state of apprehension. Anxiety in a real sense is your body’s response to stress. It is fear of what is to come.
  2. Studies show that 43% of adults report being stressed. Other studies report that the root of most physical ailments is 60% caused by stress.
  3. Xenophobia is the fear of the unknown. When we have this phobia, it causes us to lose control. When we are no longer in control, then we have stress and anxiety.

 

B.     Fear of anxiety?

  1. Fear of anxiety is real or imagined threats against us. There are some things you stress about that is all in your head. Your mind will embellish things so much, it will put stress into your life. Imagined threats can sometimes be worse than real ones. When we were kids, the Boogie Man for instance, made us afraid of the dark.
  2. We often have more fear of what could happen than we do current threats.

Phillipians 4:8 (NKJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

  1. Fear of anxiety brings on insecurity. Insecurity means we always have a feeling that something bad is going to happen.

 

 

C.     What Causes Anxiety?

 

  1. Anxiety has 3 Main Elements
    1. Insecurity – Sometimes you conjure up things that might happen, because things look too good to be true.
    2. Helplessness – This is the idea that you can’t fix it.
    3. Isolation – This is the idea of thinking, “Who is going to help me with this”?
      1. Isolation is the playground of the devil. The devil wants you in isolation so that he can interrogate you.

 

II.          SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY

A.    Natural – This is referred to as having butterflies or having bubble guts or just simply being restlessness.

  1. You might feel out of control. Out of control is that disconnect between the body and your spirit.
  2. You start experiencing panic attacks, a lack of sleep, or lots of stress. This will make you lose the ability to trust in God.

 

B.     Spiritual – Anxiety will rob you of the ability to enjoy your life. You become obsessed of what is going on in your life and you let it overwhelm you. The enemy’s plan is to get you stuck, so you will abort the plan of God for your life.

 

III.          5 WAYS TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY

 

  1. Admit There is a Problem (Scripture Reference: Psalm 32:2) – We have to admit that we have a problem. We are stressed and concerned.
  2. This doesn’t mean that we are not spiritual, it simply means that we are honest with God. If you don’t face it, you can’t fix it. Psalm 32:2 (NKJV) 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not [a]impute iniquity, And in whose spirit, there is no deceit. – Tell God the truth. For example, say “Lord I’m worried about my job”. Be honest with God.
  3. Stop Self Medicating in Unhealthy Ways – Stop self-medicating in unhealthy ways.
    1. The way we cope with anxiety can be Everyone has ways that they cope with stress that is unhealthy (i.e drinking, smoking, and etc…). Your coping mechanisms can often be dysfunctional.
  4. Take Care of Yourself Physically – Physical help is attached to your mental health. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body [a]and in your spirit, which are God’s. -When you are stressed out, you eat when you’re not even hungry.
  5. You don’t sleep and you don’t feel like working out. When you experience anxiety, this really is the time to we should eat right, sleep right, and exercise.
  6. Be Intentional About What Enters Your Mind (Scripture Reference: Philippians 4:8) – There are 3 gates to the life of a believer.
  7. It starts with what you see, enforced by what you hear, then you start talking about it. We take precautions for the corona virus, but we don’t live in fear of it. Philippians 4:8 New (NKJV) 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.- Everything you hear isn’t always true. Meditation on the word is not just emptying the mind of wrong things, but also filling your mind of things that are right.
  8. Embrace the Process – Trust God to bring you through. You must depend on God.

 

  1. Case study-Jesus tells the disciples, let us pass over to the other side. Jesus gets into the ship, gets a pillow and goes to sleep. A pop-up storm comes, and the disciples get nervous. They panic and wake Jesus up. The Disciples say “Master” (meaning teacher) and ask, “Do you care if we die?”. Jesus then asks them where their faith was.

 

Note that Jesus saying “Peace be still” is not the moral of the story as most may think. The moral of this story is when Jesus says, “Let us go over to the other side”. In other words, if he uses the words “let us go”, then it is an indication that “us” is going to make it to the other side. If God told you that you are going to make it, then stop panicking.

  1. It is impossible to be stressed and trust God at the same time.

 

  1. Know that there is a way out!

 

  1. Ways out
  2. Stay busy. – DESPAIR is a form of laziness. Blessed is the person too busy to worry in the day and too sleepy to worry at night.
  3. Trade in your panic for prayer.

 

  1. View the anxiety moments as the Word Moments, meaning, take this opportunity to get deeper into God’s word. Satin will whisper lies in your ear while you are going through moments of anxiety.

 

  1. Story:

On 12/31/19, Bishop preached “Run Back to God”. In this sermon he explained how God had told him how he was heartbroken, because of how people had turned away from him, particularly People of Faith. God explained how he wanted us all to come back into relationship with him. Bishop said that God would confirm his word by 3 things which were Conflict, (Iran), issue in nature, and the Economy. Now just look at what’s going on in this season. In addition, the conflict with Iran happened within days of this sermon being delivered. In this sermon God said that if we were in covenant with him, then we wouldn’t have to walk in fear when these 3 things occured.

 

This story teaches us that now is a time for us to understand, pray, and not to panic. Ask the Lord to show you what you are supposed to be doing during the time our nation is going through this struggle.

 

  1. Example of prayer:

Hannah prayed for a child out of anxiety and fear. She prayed so hard in the temple, Eli the priest, thought she was drunk. After the prayer, the man of God told Hannah that her answer was on the way.

 

1 Samuel 1:26-28 (NKJV) 26 And she said, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. 27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. 28 Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be [a]lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there. – Hannah prayed for her child Samuel, so she promised the Lord that the child would always belong to the Lord.

IV.          HOW TO COMBAT ANXIETY

 

  1. Reframe Your Thoughts (Scripture Reference: Psalm 94:17-19) – When you understand you are spiritual and on a spiritual path, you realize that problems are for learning. You are right where you need to be. Your initial reaction will be replaced by the question, “What can I learn out of this?” or “What opportunities are hidden in these obstacles.?” Psalm 94:17-19 (NKJV) 17 Unless the Lord had been my help, My soul would soon have settled in silence. 18 If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up. 19 In the multitude of my anxieties within me, Your comforts delight my soul. – This should be a revelation scripture for us all.
  2. Be Realistic (Scripture Reference: Ecclesiastes 8:16-17) – Peace of mind doesn’t depend on solving all problems and righting all wrongs. Ecclesiastes 8:16-17 (NKJV) 16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom and to see the business that is done on earth, even though one sees no sleep day or night, 17 then I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. For though a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it; moreover, though a wise man attempts to know it, he will not be able to find it.- Some things will not change so be realistic enough to accept it.
  3. The are some problems that have no solutions. There are some things that you will have to minster to and there is really no solution to them. Sometimes it is best to be present and silent. Some situations you simply have to live through it. Look at what you’ve already have lived through. You lived through Sars, H1N1, and others and God kept you through them! If you lived through that, know that you are going to live through this!
  4. The art to being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook ~ William James
  5. What is a uniform response for people that want to bring drama: The Bible says in the book of Job, Chapter 14, “Man born of a woman is of few days of trouble”? Those days are full of trouble. So why would I add another person’s trouble to trouble we are already guaranteed to have.
  6. Find Support – Find the right people to be around.
  7. Choose to be Optimistic (Scripture Reference: Joshua 1:8) – Optimism can kill any negative spirt. Attend church, feed yourself with God’s word. Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you[a] shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. – Know that God’s got you!
  8. Good Cares – Care for things that are good. (Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 12:25 (NKJV) 25 that there should be no [a]schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.- Stop dealing with things that cause division. 2 Corinthians 11:28 (NKJV) 28 besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.; Philippians 2:20 (NKJV) 20 For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state.)
  9. Bad Cares (Scripture References: Matthew 13:22 (NKJV) 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.; 1 Peter 5:7 (NKJV) 7 casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.)
  10. Only One Thing is Necessary (Scripture References: Matthew 6:33-34 (NKJV) 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.)
  11. You Do Not Have to be Perfect to be Loved by God (Scripture References: Philippians 4:10-13 (NKJV) 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your[a] care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to [b]be abased, and I know how to [c]abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through [d]Christ who strengthens me. Deuteronomy 28:13 (NKJV) 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you [a]heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them.; Romans 15:4 (NKJV) 4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the [a]patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.; 2 Peter 1:3 (NKJV) 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,)

Questions:

  1. What is God trying to teach you in this season? We can do all things through Christ, because he strengthens us. We have learned how to trust God and worship him though this.
  2. When you grow in the knowledge of God, your learn peace is part of the promise.
  3. Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am [a]gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”-Of all of the things… when you been through a tornado, you realize why this was written: John 14:17 (NKJV) 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. – This is very relevant! Jesus didn’t say this bling-bling I leave to you. Jesus says “Peace I leave to you”. Psalm 4:8 (NKJV) 8 I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. – After it is all over, God is going to make you lie down in safety.
  4. This is a time for spiritual people to trust God’s word. We will dwell in safety.
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