Why Lack Luke 11 9-13

Read the passage: Luke 11

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+11&version=ASV

v.9 1. When Jesus has told us just to ask.

(Ask)

v.10 2. When Jesus desires us to receive His abundance.

(For everyone that asketh receiveth;)

v.10 3. When we are seeking that which can be found.

(and he that seeketh findeth;)

v.10 4. When Jesus will open the door for us.

(and to him that knocketh it shall be opened)

v.11 5. When our heavenly Father considers us His children.

v.11 6. When our heavenly Father desires to give.

(If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, …)

v.13 7. When our heavenly Father has so much to give.

(…how much more shall your heavenly father give the Holy Spirit to them

that ask Him.)

The Blessing of Believing-IV Luke 1 45

Read the passage: Luke 1

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+1&version=ASV

(And blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord.)

1. The covering of God's word in place.
   
   
2. The security of just trusting in the Savior.
   
   
3. The acknowledgment of the presence of God, that it is God.
   
   
4. The value in a life placed upon what God says, who God is.
   
   
5. Acknowledge the desire God has to prove Himself strong.
   
   
6. Blessing that has no wait.
   
   
7. Surrender that has no return. 
   

The Message Heaven Could Hold No Longer Luke 2 9-14

Read the passage: Luke 2

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2&version=ASV

v.10 1. The sharing of heaven's joy.

(...I bring you good tidings of great joy.)

v.10 2. The expanse of heaven's inclusion.

  (the opportunity given)(which shall be to all people.)

v.11 3. The telling of heaven's story.

(For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ

  the Lord.)

The only Savior for mens' sin.

v.11 4. The object of heaven's adoration.

(a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.)

v.13 5. The release of heaven's glory.

(And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host

  praising God, and saying,)

v.14 6. The celebration of heaven's wisdom.

(Glory to God in the highest,)

v.14 7. The revealing of heaven's opportunity.

(and on earth peace, good will toward men.)

A Chosen Vessel Luke 1 27-38

Read the passage: Luke 1

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+1&version=ASV

v.27 1. Not just a virgin but a virgin of God's choosing.

(To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David 

and the virgin's name was Mary.)

v.27 2. Not just any house but the house of David.

v.28 3. Not to one favored beforehand, but to one God chose to favor and bless.

(And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that are highly favored, the

  Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

v.29 4. Not to one expecting honor (proud of heart) but to one lowly of heart

    48 (And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, …)

(For He hath regarded the low estate of His handmaiden:)

v.30 5. Not to one qualified, but one chosen.

               (And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God.)

v.31 6. Not to one deserving, but one chosen.

(And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt 

call His name Jesus.)

v.32-7. Not to one who has foreknowledge nor understanding but one chosen.

(He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God 

shall give unto Him the throne of His father David:)

v.34 8. Not to one who knows the way, but to one chosen.

(Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?)

v.35 9. Not to one who is self reliant, but to one chosen.

                (And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, …)

v.38 10. Not to one capable of fulfillment, but to one chosen.

(And Mary said, behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy 

word.…)

Nothing Impossible-I Luke 1 37

Read the passage: Luke 1

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+1&version=ASV

(For with God nothing shall be impossible.)

1. God's eternal truth illustrated to men.
   
   
2. God's eternal hope positioned before men.
   
   
3. God's eternal justice brought before men.
   God's standard of acceptance is uncompromising. 
   Man cannot qualify on his own merit.
   
   
4. God's eternal grace brought before men.
   
   
5. God's eternal truth inspiring the believer's faith.
   
   
6. God's eternal truth preserving the believer's sanctification.
   
   
7. God's eternal truth continuously revealing God's unrelinquished control. 
   Even creating a new heaven and new earth. 
   

The Message Man Must Hear Luke 2 8-14

Read the passage: Luke 2

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2&version=ASV

v.8 1. The greatest message is not necessarily where the greatest gathering is.

(shepherds abiding in the field,)

v.8 2. The greatest message is not necessarily where earth’s seeming greatest

exposure is.

(shepherds abiding in the field,)

v.9 3. The greatest message has the greatest glory, not necessarily the greatest

attraction.

(and the glory of the Lord shone round about them;)

v.10 4. The greatest message has a joy which the world cannot purchase.

(…I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.)

v.11 5. The greatest message has the greatest presence of truth in it.

(For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the

Lord.)

fulfilling prophecy

v.11 6. The greatest message is for the greatest need man has.

(a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.)

v.12 7. The greatest message has the greatest humility.

(…ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.)

v.13 8. The greatest message has the greatest affirmation.

(And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host,)

v.13, 9. The greatest message is in harmony with heaven’s heart of rejoicing.

   14 (…praising God,and saying,Glory to God in the highest,)

v.14 10. The greatest message brings the only true peace that may be found.

(…and on earth peace, good will toward men.)

The Message Released Luke 19 38-40

Read the passage: Luke 19

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+19&version=ASV

v.38 1. Jesus is the King.

(Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord;)

v.38 2. There is not like unto Jesus, who is both blessed and a blessing.

(Saying, Blessed be the King)

v.38 3. The name of the King is Jesus, the Lord; there is none greater nor more

wonderful.

(the King that cometh in the name of the Lord;)

v.38 4. Jesus comes with heaven’s commendation.

(peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.)

v.38 5. Jesus comes with heaven’s splendor and glory.

(and glory in the highest.)

v.40 6. The news of Jesus coming cannot be denied nor quieted.

(And He answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold

their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.)

The time had arrived that eternity to that point awaited.

v.40 7. To suppress news of the King would be to call creation to bear witness.

The Powerful Christ III Mark 5 23-42

Read the passage: Mark 5

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mark+5&version=ASV

v.23 1. Unthreatened by the intensity of the moment. 

(And besought Him greatly, saying,) 

v.23 2. Unthreatened by the pressure of the circumstance. 

(My little daughter lieth at the point of death.

v.23,24  3. Unthreatened by time. 

(come and lay hands on her, ... And Jesus went with him.) 

v.35 4. Unthreatened by impossibility. 

( ... there came from the ruler of the synagogue's house certain who said, Thy daughter is dead.) 

v.36 5. Unthreatened by any fear. 

(Be not afraid. only believe.) 

Fear of error of omission, of problem, of opinion, ... ) 

V40  6. Unthreatened by unbelief. 

(And they laughed Him to scorn.) 

v41,42 ,7. Unthreatened by  premature conclusion. 

(And He took the child by the hand, and said unto her, ... I say unto thee, arise. And straightway the child arose.) 

The Mighty Christ John 11 3-44

Read the passage: John 11

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+11&version=ASV

v.3 1. Awaiting diving opportunity.

(...Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.)

v.6 2. Knowing divine timing.

(...He abode two days still in the same place where He was.)

v.14 3. Presenting divine control.

(...Lazarus is dead.)

Christ knows the issue.

v.25 4. Revealing divine truth.

(...I am the resurrection, and the life:)

v.25 5. Revealing divine life.

(...and the life:)

v.43 6. Showing forth divine power.

(Lazarus, come forth.)

v.44 7. Revealing divine liberty.

(Loose him, and let him go.)

A Believer Secure psalms 145 20

Read the passage: Psalms 145

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms+145&version=ASV

(The Lord preserveth all them that love Him.)

1. Self preservation is not an issue to God's people.
   
   
2. Insecurity is a false claimant against God's child.
   
   
3. The apparent rule of circumstances imposes no binding upon God.
   
   
4. The believer's focus is to be upon God.
   
   
5. The believer is free to follow and only when he is following God is he free.
   
   
6. God has fully secured (vested) the life of every believer.
   
   
7. To love God more fully is a valued pursuit. 
   

When God Moves Psalms 114

Read the passage: Psalms 114

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms+114&version=ASV

1)When God moves, it causes a terrible chain reaction. Impossible things occur.
v.1When Israel went out of Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language;
v,2 Judah was his sanctuary, and Israel his dominion.
v.3 The sea saw it, and fled: Jordan was driven back.

2) God’s movement forces and enforces conformity to God’s will. 
v.4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs.

3)Pictured in God’s creation is the wonderful surrender and conformity required of God’s will.
v.5 What ailed thee, O thou sea, that thou fleddest? thou Jordan, that thou wast driven back?
v.6 Ye mountains, that ye skipped like rams; and ye little hills, like lambs?

4) Ultimately, God will accept no departures nor deviations from His truth. God’s judgment will bring an equality
Isaiah 55: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

5) God is a fearsome God.
v.7 Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob;

6) When God’s word is honored and surrendered to, it goes forth with might and power to deliver God’s intent.

7) When the rock of God is tapped, its contents flow forth in abundance.
Exodus 17: 6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

God is willing to share His great riches. His word is a controlling factor. No man mocks God; no man deceives God. God’s word and will are to be respected, surrendered to and complied with. 

The Giving of Thanks Psalms 75 1

Read the passage: Psalms 75

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalms+75&version=ASV

(Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks; for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.)

1. Thanksgiving is fitting to one so generous of heart as our God.
   
   
2. Thanksgiving is fitting to the source of all blessing.
   
   
3. Thanksgiving is not to be hidden; then it isn't thanksgiving. 
   Psalms 118: 1; 111; 113
   
   
4. Thanksgiving is an active response because of God's continued goodness. 
   Ps. 81: 16 fed them with finest of wheat
   Ps. 142: 7 for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.
   
   
5. Thanksgiving acknowledges God's nearness.
   
   
6. Thanksgiving sees God's wondrous works in life. 
   Ps. 107
   
   
7. Thanksgiving gladly proclaims the author of those works is God. 
   Ps. 136; 108 
   

Get Ready Romans 8 28

Read the passage: Romans 8

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8&version=ASV

(And we know that all things work together for good ...)

1. Be prepared for some things not meeting your expectations.
   
   
2. Be prepared for some things not working out as planned.
   
   
3. Be prepared to face your own imperfections.
   
   
4. Be prepared to deal with results of others' imperfections.
   
   
5. Be prepared for responding to things beyond your control.
   
   
6. Be prepared for the growth opportunity that shall accompany the things that appear intrusive.
   
   
7. Be prepared to walk with God fully through your trial- to receive His victorious deliverance. 
   

The Message Worth Waiting For Acts 3 6, 8

Read the passage: Acts 3

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+3&version=ASV

(Rise up and walk)

1. A supply greater than expectancy.

2. An answer unbelievably true.

3. A love exceedingly abundant.

4. A generosity overwhelmingly extended.

5. A release unfelt never experienced before.

6. A freedom totally new to follow.

v.8
7. A nonexpiring joy to behold.
(And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, 
and praising God.) 

My Life as One of God's Sheep Psalms 23

Read the passage: Psalms 23

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+23&version=ASV

My life is to typify:

1)   God’s shepherding               

 ( v 1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.)

2)  God’s sufficiency.

(v 1  I shall not want.)

3)  My trust in God’s leadership.

( v 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.)

4) My reliance upon God’s protection.

(v 2  He leadeth me bside the still waters.

5)  My dependency upon God’s power to restore.

( v 3 He restoreth my soul 

6)  My loyalty to God’s name.

(v 3 he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.)

7)  The absence of fear in my walk.

(v 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;)

8)  My peacefulness and comfort exhibited.

(v 4  thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.)

9)  My willingness for God’s special touch on my life.

(v 4  thy rod and thy staff)

10)  My regard for God’s honor when enemies visit. .

(v 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:)

11)  The fullness of my life, the fullness of Jesus.

(v 5  thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.)

12)  The joy of goodness and mercy encamped about me.

(v 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:)

13)  My secure dwelling in Christ.

(v 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:)

14)  My love focus on forever living in/with Jesus.

 (v 6   and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

The Faithfulness of God's Presence Genesis 39 21-23

Read the passage: Genesis 39

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+39&version=ASV

Answers how to be a blessing to God where you are

-in your challenging circumstances-

Many times the appearing inconsistency of our circumstances trouble us.

(Joseph undoubtedly was concerned with the meaning of his circumstances. 

vs.2l 1) God affirms the rightness of our stand for righteousness with His accompanying presence. 

(But the Lord was with Joseph,) 

Joseph had taken a stand. He had been obedient. 

We may question, did we do right? 

Our seeking to be so totally right leaves us uncertain as to whether what we do or said was right.,

In Joseph’s case it was clear he was right.

Sometimes our situation may not be as clearly evident

God’s presence gives us assurance.

vs.2l 2) God ministers to our need according to the abundance of our need. His supply is sufficient. 

(and showed him mercy) 

How great was Joseph's need? God's supply was equal to the need. 

Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.  Matt. 5: 7

The travail of heart Joseph must have felt was not with God’s mercy.

Note: God didn’t meet the travail of his heart with exhoneration, but with mercy.

God didn’t free him from the injustice, but was merciful to him in it.

Therein lies the hope.

To be free at this point would deny or maybe cut off God designed spiritual growth and future usefulness and timing of ministry.

v.21 3) The companion of  God' s favor extends comfort to our heart in time of new challenge. 

(and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.) 

...- prison keeper likely not very trusting .... most likely a skeptic

Ask God to give you His favor in your trial and testing of faith.

Look for evidences of God’s favor to comfort your heart. ie.  special protection, personal ministry, timeliness of God’s provision, joy of the spirit, abnormal trust of a superior, unusual blessings, 

The Holy Spirit is our comforter. He will not leave us comfortless. John 14: 18; John 15: 26, 27;  John 16

We  are comforted by the evidences of God’s presence.

4) God's faithfulness extends to all circumstances. 

(gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.) 

God’s presence cannot be held back by man.

This type of prison situation was not known for its favor.

God can give His favor in any situation. God is faithful. Rely on His faithfulness.

God honors His word. God honors those who keep His word.

We must believe that and be committed to live thereby.

The honor of man is not a worthwhile reward. The honor of God is!

v.22  5) What the world accuses of being undependable God can depend upon. (and the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners … he was the doer of it.) 

 Joseph was falsely accused of not being trustworthy.

God’s trust of Joseph was shown in an unusual way. God does reward integrity.

 God may not always allow us the glamorous recognition, (Potiphar’s house) but there will be reward (Potiphar’s house).

Ultimately heaven’s rewards if forthcoming.

That is where our treasures are to be laid up.

It is God’s reward we labor for, not man’s.

6) The ministry opportunity is not the issue, but faithfulness in that ministry opportunity is the issue. 

(The keeper of the prison looked not to anything that was under his hand; because the Lord was with him,) 

This doesn’t apply to a called type position or activity but what we are doing for God.

Joseph was not proud. He was willing for God to use him.

He desired to be a testimony to God wherever he was, everywhere he was.

He didn’t look at the prison opportunity as hopeless or degrading.

He looked at God and knew of God’s faithfulness, of God’s honor.

God desires our report of Him be one of counting Him to be faithful.

Rather than continually looking for a new ministry opportunity God wants our faithfulness in the ministry opportunity given.

No situation is too hard for God to prove Himself faithful and sovereign.

Victory comes from the hand of a faithful God when we serve through our ministry opportunity.

v.23 7)  Where God ‘s presence is the greater, there may be the entrustment of responsibility to you. 

(and that which he did, the Lord made it to prosper.) 

because that person is committed to trusting God, to looking to Him, to follow Him, 

Where God is present, He is revealing Himself.

God is granting His grace, His might, His wisdom.

What a blessing to be in such a situation.

We often covet greener pastures that in no way have such a rich reward of His presence.

God’s presence is immeasurably valuable to God’s child.

Seek his presence.

Matt. 6: 33 What God adds is your hope.

The prison days will end but you will exit convinced and assured of  God’s presence and power readied for God’s added challenges of faith.

God's Tools of Development Genesis 37 13, 18, 20, 23, 25, 28, 36

Read the passage: Genesis 37

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+37&version=ASV

vs .13,18

 1) God may not protect us from a circumstance we would see as harmful. 

He may be seeing something beyond it. 

(And Israel said unto Joseph…) (and when they saw him afar off …) 

Joseph was just doing what he was asked to do by his father.

vs.23 

2) God may even allow your favor before others to wane. 

(They stripped Joseph out of his coat, …) 

also Potiphar

vs.20,25 

3) God will intervene as necessary to protect His plan and to extend your life. 

(Come now therefore, and let us slay him, …) 

(and they lifted up their eyes, and behold, a company of Ishmaelites … ) 

God did step in and protect his life. He didn't protect Joseph from his brother's abuse. 

vs. 28

4) God may allow your life to have little worth before others (for a season). 

(and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver:) 

vs.36 

5) Separation from people you love may even be in God's pathway.

 (And the Midianites sold him into Egypt, … ) 

v.36

6) Many may there be who unknowingly have a hand in God's development of your life. 

(Joseph's brothers, Midianite merchant men, … ) 

7) The testimony is not of the tools but of the one using them to develop you spiritually.