Wk 33 Faith in the Shadows

WORSHIP SET🎶

Come Now is the Time

PRAISE & WORSHIP

These are different in scripture even though we blend them together in our conversations.

We read...

Psalm 100:4 NLT

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name.

It is in this position and heartfelt pouring out that we then can worship from a pure heart!

Think about it with me— if we just take what someone gives us and don’t show appreciation or say thank you for their generosity— we can develop a calloused heart.

Thanksgiving and praise, keeps our heart pliable in Father’s hands.

Cry out today with Thanks and praise that leads to an honest heart of worship.

WORSHIP SET🎶2

Give Me Faith

Jesus Paid It All

🎉CELEBRATION

30 Lunches prepped and delivered to the YMCA Summer Program

BIG Thank you to Dia and Grant for helping us be community minded.

and Working with Bridging Hunger.

PRAYER 🙏🏼

Pray for the Foursquare Disaster Relief Teams that serve around the world—especially now with victims from the recent Earthquake and Tsunami.

BACKGROUND STORY OF FDR: Foursquare Disaster Relief

From Foursquare Legacy Online

It was Christmas Eve during the Great Depression, and two girls, both under 10, found themselves abandoned and alone on the front porch of a volunteer from the Angelus Temple Commissary.

The sisters had no food, shelter or family—they had no Christmas. The older of the two, Dorothy, later became a Foursquare minister with her husband, Allan Hamilton. In an article published in 2014, Dorothy, who passed away in 1986, recounted how Foursquare and caring volunteers from Angelus Temple saved the girls’ lives and gave them a future in Jesus.

The Foursquare Crusader magazine, in an article dated Aug. 6, 1927, reported the formation of a new ministry at the time called the Foursquare City Sisters, perhaps the first structured response of The Foursquare Church to the burden of poverty and natural disasters.

“The words ‘Angelus Temple’ and ‘Service’ will be synonymous hereafter,” said Foursquare Founder Aimee Semple McPherson, referring to her Depression-era plan to cover the city of Los Angeles, the county and all of Southern California with what she called “a great service relief bureau such as the Automobile Club does for automobiles.”

For two years before the Great Depression struck, Angelus Temple met the needs of hurting people, in total serving some 1.5 million people. The Commissary distributed blankets and clothing, and Angelus Temple members even provided jobs for those who needed work.

Emergency requests came to Angelus Temple from across the City of Los Angeles, seeking assistance in the wake of disasters, such as a house fire that left a family homeless. The members of Angelus Temple responded as fast as they could. People often needed help before resources could be delivered by other agencies, and the Foursquare City Sisters were able to respond to emergencies in a timelier manner. They divided Southern California into sections on a map and then stocked emergency supplies in the homes of church members or in branch churches. When a call came in, the Angelus Temple switchboard would find out the local address and then call the Angelus Temple team member closest to the emergency.

Sister McPherson commissioned the City Sisters to “go anywhere at any time in response to the wailing of a newborn babe, the cries of weary and desolate souls, or the moans of a dying brother or sister.” For two years before the Great Depression struck, Angelus Temple met the needs of hurting people, in total serving some 1.5 million people. The Commissary distributed blankets and clothing, and Angelus Temple even had an Employment Bureau that helped find jobs for those who needed work.

(continue...)

During the Celebration of Life Service for Carole BlueJacket— we talked about how…

She traveled with FDR to New York City in the shambles of Hurricane Sandy when she was in her 70’s

Locally we have assisted in ways that bring relief to our citizens who are going through challenges in their lives....wailing of a newborn babe, the cries of weary and desolate souls, or the moans of a dying brother or sister.”

Your over the top giving is needed to make that happen each month...

Thank you!

IN EACH OF THESE CASES WE DESIRE...TO SEE SOULS SAVED

That is why we have a motto that says…

“Bringing Hope to Find and Follow Jesus”

💵 GENEROSITY 💌

Ways to Give

Online via website

🙏 LET’S PRAY 🙏🏽

🌻UPDATE💐

Hispanic church is taking a different path as the culture has shifted so much concerning Hispanics. So, NO Hispanic Church moving forward.

When we pray for our city and the Hispanics here, Let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will give Edwin and Debbie wisdom for next steps to win souls in the Hispanic community here.

No Wed MidWeek Circle

Porch Ministry 2.0 is PAUSED for the SUMMER. Re-Start in September!

👨🏽‍🏫 Current Series:

Summertime — Reaching Out

Grab a Life Card ♥️

INTRO 📈

MOVIES, SONG TITLES AND LYRICS

Sometimes Marcie and I love movies when the lead character does what we could never do, i.e., Liam Neeson in Taken—

OKAY— LET’S HAVE A LITTLE FUN THIS MORNING

Some Song Lyrics can also say what we are feeling or thinking. Sometimes we just don’t have the words

TITLES

"I've Got A Dark Alley And A Bad Idea That Says You Should Shut Your Mouth" (by Fall Out Boy)

I think someone is about to get a whooping

Graves into Gardens (Elevation Worship)

Trusting in God when things are not going good

"You Be The Anchor That Keeps My Feet On The Ground, I'll Be The Wings That Keep Your Heart In The Clouds" (Mayday Parade)

Tab and Marsha...Tatoo of Kite and sting

LYRICS we NEED Day to Day

"Shut Up And Dance" (Walk The Moon)

"Oh, don't you dare look back Just keep your eyes on me." I said, "You're holding back." She said, "Shut up and dance with me!"

A song about helping a friend through tough times

Old Rugged Cross (George Bennard 1912)

So I'll cherish the old rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down I will cling to the old rugged Cross And exchange it some day for a crown

A song of Hope about what Jesus has done in our lives

Jesus Paid It All (Elvina M. Hall 1865)

 Verse 1

I hear the Savior say, "Thy strength indeed is small, Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all."

Refrain: Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

Verse 4

And when, before the throne, I stand in Him complete, "Jesus died my soul to save," My lips shall still repeat.

My TALK today is Titled “Faith in the Shadows”

I found a Book online this morning by Austin FISCHER titled Faith in the Shadows: Finding Christ in the Midst of Doubt

The forward written by a Pastor from Missouri

Starts talking about a pastor that resigned after announcing a week after Easter that he had become an atheist.

We can become so attached to our fundalemental views of christianity that we miss the Love of God and Beauty of Christ.

We accept the DOUBT more than the FAITH we have in God’s Love.

LET’S DO ONE MORE...

HONEST by LEANNA CRAWFORD from her Debut Album titled STILL WATERS released July 19, 2024 Verse 1

I try to pray but the words aren’t coming out the way they used to Did I lose my faith God, do I still trust You (mmm)

I try to worship but when I lift my hands it all just feels so empty Is it the heavy of the world or is it just me (mmm) Though I’ve sung a thousand times You’re perfect and You’ll never leave leave my side Chorus

Can I be honest I just wanna know that You still got this When all I’m holding onto is a promise God You promised That You’ll never leave me When I’m scared of the dark You’re right there with me Your kindness never fails, it’s always reaching after me But right now, God all I need Is to be honest Verse 2

Oh I’ve heard stories of you showing up when it was least expected Every time you prove your timing always perfect - and the wait was worth it Again and again and again - see your power coming through

You bring life to what is dead - no there’s nothing You can’t do I believe you did it then - so won’t You do it now

Can I be honest

Bridge

It’s Your breath when I can’t breathe Your eyes when I can’t see An anchor as the waves crash all around

Be my heart when I can’t feel And show me something real Just one taste of heaven here and now Can I be honest

SUMMERTIME: REACHING OUT

Reaching Out Can be uncomfortable as we...

Think about sharing Jesus with others

It’s hard to look at our lives and investigate what Jesus has done in our lives

Especially when we actually decide to Share our story— we might be filled with anxiety

Plus, what are we going to do if they say, “Will Jesus do that for me?” or “I want to know Jesus too.”

Let’s talk about Faith in the shadows

Months ago I gave you Five Ways to strengthen your Faith

Let’s start there as a refresher…

5 Ways to Pump up your Faith

TRUST God in ALL Things (Ps. 3.5)

PRAY Like You Mean It (Mark 11.23; Eph 6.18)

READ the Scriptures (Matt. 17.20; Phil. 4.19; Malachi 3.10; Eph. 6.10-17; Ps 119.105)

LIVE Out His Word Everyday (James 1.22)

Be the LIGHT (Matt. 5.16; Gal. 6.9)

5 Ways to Pump up your Faith

1. TRUST God in ALL Things (Ps. 3.5

Psalm 3:5 NLT

5 I lay down and slept, yet I woke up in safety, for the Lord was watching over me.

2. PRAY Like You Mean It (Mark 11.23 Eph 6.18

Mark 11:23 NLT

23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart.

Ephesians 6:18 NLT

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

3. READ the Scriptures (Matt. 17.20; Phil. 4.19; Malachi 3.10; Eph. 6.10-17; Ps 119.105)

Matthew 17:20 NLT

20 “You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.”

Philippians 4:19 NLT

19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.

Malachi 3:10 NLT

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my Temple. If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the windows of heaven for you. I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in! Try it! Put me to the test!

Ephesians 6:10–17 NLT

10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. 12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. 14 Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. 15 For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. 16 In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. 17 Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Psalm 119:105 NLT

105 Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

4. LIVE Out His Word Everyday (James 1.22)

James 1:22 NLT

22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.

5. Be the LIGHT (Matt. 5.16; Gal. 6.9)

Matthew 5:16 NLT

16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

Galatians 6:9 NLT

9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

OFTEN THESE STEPS FEEL LIKE— a check list THAT WE ARE CECKING OFF.

Today, let’s build a foundation that we can build upon with a few thoughts from Rick Warren - author of Purpose Driven Life.

There are two common myths about what you believe.

Sincerity Myth

Situational Myth

Sincerity Myth

says, “It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere.”

But here’s the problem with that myth: You can be sincerely wrong. I’ve been sincerely wrong many, many times in my life. I imagine you have too.

Sincerity is not enough.

I can sincerely believe that the sun revolves around the earth. But it doesn’t matter how sincere I am about it—I’m sincerely wrong.  

Situational Myth

says, “It doesn’t really matter what you believe because everything depends on circumstances.”

You can believe one thing in one situation and believe another thing in another.

This causes enormous amounts of stress in your life because it doesn’t make sense.

Those are MYTHS...

but here is the first part in building a firm foundation...

Truth is ALWAYS True.

It does matter what you believe, and

it matters that your beliefs are consistent.

It is hard to build faith when we don’t know what is TRUE or who the TRUTH GIVER is.

The Bible gives 3 clear reasons why your beliefs matter.

Your beliefs determine your behavior.

or you can say= what we think will determine our actions.

1. Your beliefs shape your life. The Bible says, “Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts” Proverbs 4:23 GNT

O be careful little eyes what you see O be careful little ears what you hear

O be careful little feet where you go There's a Father up above and He's looking down in love

O be careful little eyes what you see

When you don’t know what you believe and why you believe it, your life ends up being shaped by beliefs you’re not even aware of.

So if you want to change something in your life, start with your thoughts—with your beliefs.

Change happens from the inside out. 

#2 WHEN WE DO NOT ACCEPT GOD’S DIRECTION CREATES PROBLEMS IN LIFE

Rick Warner says....

2. A faulty worldview causes all kinds of unnecessary problems in your life.  ~Rick Warner

The Message paraphrase says, 

“If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed” Proverbs 29:18 MSG 

When you don’t know the purpose of life—when you’re building your life on the wrong set of beliefs—you just drift along, occasionally stumbling over yourself.

But when you build your life on God’s truth—when you “attend to what he reveals”—you experience God’s blessings.

Proverbs 29:18 ASV

18 Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint; But he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful. Proverbs 29.18 NLT

#3 SHARE IT — SHARE TRUTH YOU DISCOVER IN CHRIST!

3. God wants you to share what you believe with other people. 

The Bible says, 

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15 NIV 

ALWAYS BE READY TO EXPLAIN IT IF SOMEONE ASKS!

Our world needs people who know what they believe, know why they believe it, and know how to share those beliefs with others in love.

God made you in his own image—and for his purposes. And he wants you to build your life on beliefs that WILL help you live those purposes to the fullest!

Talk It Over

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV

28 Come to me, all 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 gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

In what ways has your life been shaped by your beliefs?

When has a faulty worldview caused a problem in your life?

If someone asked you to “give the reason for the hope that you have,” what would you say?

Back to Fischer’s book: Faith in the Shadows...

“Faith is NOT the absence of Doubt, but the presence of LOVE.”

Seeing, “The beauty of Christ is the only answer in the interrogations of Doubt.”

HONESTLY— WHERE IS YOUR HEART?

NO MATTER: What kind of doubt you are experiencing Christ and His LOVE is the Answer

LOOK UP!

NEXT WEEK — LET’S DISCOVER HOW TO TWEAK OUR WORLDVIEW TO LOOK MORE LIKE GOD’S VIEW!

READ: Luke 12:1-34

PONDER:

What is life more than?

What should we seek?

Where is your heart?

🙏 LET’S PRAY 🙏🏽