Sunday, November 26th - Way of The Wise Pt. 3 Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV) Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. √ ISOLATION Proverbs 18:1 (ESV) Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he fights against all sound judgment. √ COMPARISON Hebrews 12:1 (NIV) And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us… √ OPPOSITION Hebrews 12:3 (NIV) Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. JOY NO MATTER WHAT I. NEGATIVE IS NOT MY NORMAL. Luke 15:28-31 (NIV) The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.’” II. MY PURPOSE IS GREATER THAN MY PAIN. Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame... III. JESUS IS MY JOY. Philippians 3:7-8 (TLB) But all these things that I once thought very worthwhile—now I’ve thrown them all away so that I can put my trust and hope in Christ alone. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

Psalm 27:1-5 (NIV) The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. ✓ My fear. Psalm 34:4 (ESV) I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. ✓ My foes. ✓ My family. Psalm 27:10 (NIV) Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. John 20:26-27 (NLT) Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” WOUNDED BUT WISER I. I WILL FOCUS ON GOD’S FAITHFULNESS. Psalm 103:2-4 (NIV) Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy. Genesis 50:20 (NLT) You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. II. I WILL WORSHIP MY WAY THROUGH IT. Psalm 27:8 (GNT) When you said, “Come worship me,” I answered, “I will come, Lord.” Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! III. I WILL TRUST GOD’S TIMING. Psalm 27:14 (NIV) Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Sunday, November 12th - Way of The Wise Pt. 1 Proverbs 4:7 (NIV) The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. √ We believe our way is the best way. √ We are resistant to change. √ We choose what feels good instead of what is good. I Kings 3:7-12 (NIV) Now, Lord my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart. A DISCERNING HEART Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right. - Charles Spurgeon I. BEGINS WITH HUMILITY. Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 18:12 (ESV) Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. II. QUICK TO LISTEN. James 1:19 (NIV) My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. III. SURRENDERED TO THE WILL OF GOD. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.