Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLTHow to Trust God Directive # 1 - Follow the Instructor and His Instruction.Blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice. Luke 11:28 NLTMore than reading or hearing the instructions, following the instructions is what makes the difference. Faith is for believing God, not bossing God! Believing backed up by obeying is trusting!Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household. Acts 16:31 NKJVGod must be where we build, and determine with what and how we build our life of faith. How to Trust God Directive # 2 - Go all in!Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Commitment is the bridge between purpose and passion. - John Maxwell Passionate commitment to Jesus is punchy! Charisma will capture your attention but passion will captivate your heart.How to Trust God Directive # 3 - Settle that the question is how you will follow God, not if. Moses gave the men these instructions as he sent them out to explore the land. Numbers 13:17 NLT“We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” Numbers 13:3 NLTWe’re called navigate this life according to God’s will no matter what the opposition or obstacle! How to trust God Directive # 4 - Learn to right-size your problems.We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers, and that’s what they thought, too!” Numbers 13:33 NLTTwo of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the LORD is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the LORD, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the LORD is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” Numbers 14:6-9 NLTBT: Trust doesn’t require downsizing your difficulties, but rather right-sizing them against God!  How to Trust God Directive # 5 - Look to God for Peace instead of PanicYou will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Isaiah 26:3 NLTPeace is the fruit we find when we put our trust and hope in God. 

In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. 1 Peter 3:15 NIV - - It’s His church, not ours. - No good without Him! The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. John 14:26 ESVWhen we exclude Jesus we set ourselves up for drama, disappointment, and ultimately disaster.  Faith is neither dependent on, nor devoid of, empirical evidence. You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me. John 20:29 NLTThe decline of the New Atheists’ particular brand of hyperbolic anti-religious fervor does not necessarily signify a rise in religious faith or belief in God. - Alister McGrath (The Dawkins Delusion) We’re called to lean in and lead the way to Jesus.  Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect. 1 Peter 3:15 ESVIn the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. John 1:1-3 ESVAnd the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 ESVThe presence of problems can never overpower the presence of Jesus.  #SeeTheEmptyTombBlessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8 ESVFor we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 ESVYou see your regular failure, Jesus see’s your road to redemption. You see your consistent struggle, Jesus sees your willingness to fight and never give up!  You see yourself as a chump challenged by brokenness you think you may never overcome. Jesus sees you as champion who wins not only for you but for others! See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. 1 John 3:1 ESVBut God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5 ESVThe steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 ESVJesus pursues us to love us.The love of Jesus is the most obvious and consistent reality I’ve witnessed in this world. Your unfailing love, O LORD, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.  Psalm 36:5 NLT Through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together. Colossians 1:16-17 ESV Jesus holds everything in the universe and beyond together, including me and you. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10 NLTWhere shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there your hand shall lead me, and your right hand shall hold me. Psalm 139:7-10 ESVThe truth about Jesus, who He is and how He loves, is the most important truth that any human can ever know. POEMJesusWith us and for usHe finds us and binds us He holds us together with His loveHe sees us and frees usNever does He leave usHe heals us with power from aboveNo hope we have without HimNever should we doubt HimHis fingerprints are everywhere we lookAnd even when wouldn’t trust HimIn fact our choices surely hurt HimStill He gave His life, because that’s what it tookTo forgive and to restoreTo a place that’s better than beforeNow graced to come into the presence of the KingNothing we did to earn such graceIt was His choice, He made the spaceEven when He knew we had no gift to bringSo now we give ourselves for othersJust like the Jesus our big brother Praying they will see Him in the love we show. May our journeys give Him gloryAs He redeems our broken storiesSo those who see will trust the Savior we now know

God’s gift of forgiveness is the doorway to restoring every other destiny He has for us. Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”  In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 1 Corinthians 11:23-25 ESVRight standing and renewed relationship with God result from our putting our faith in Jesus.I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten. Joel 2:25 ESVGod’s wills to restore every design and destiny He has for you. It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. Ephesians 1:11-12 MSGChoosing God’s design and destiny is the best decision you’ve ever had the grace to make.From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 ESV - Restored destiny requires real repentance.Repentance is a powerfully graced choice the enemy can’t cope with. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind. Romans 12:1 ESVRestored destiny requires surrendered and renewed ways of thinking, deciding and living.Thus says the LORD: “Stand by the cross roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Jeremiah 6:16 ESV Diligence is crucial if we are going to follow God to destiny. Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 NKJVEven if you have God’s blessing and favor, you still have to choose it to walk in it.It takes determination to faithfully become who God created you to be. Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 ESVIf you’re looking for a cheap easy way to be a disciple, you will not find it. Adrian RogersYou were designed by God to know Him and to live the destiny He created for you.  You didn’t choose me, I chose you, I put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won’t spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you. John 15:16 MSG

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 ESVDo not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESVGrowth and change are challenging, but exactly what God gives us the power to do.Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 7:24-25 NLT We have that and then some! Look up! - Ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities, His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. Romans 1:20 NLTYou made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you! Jeremiah 32:17 NLTWill power is limited, God’s power is not. When it comes to growth and change, connection to the power source is the most crucial factor!By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. 2 Peter 1:3 ESVHow to plug in!? - Submit! - - Give yourself completely to God.Do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:5-7 ESVSubmit - Resist - Overcome - Repeat!Life is about learning to give everything to God one thing at a time!I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1 ESVSurrender isn’t giving up on yourself, but giving yourself and your every attitude, decision, and destiny to God!  My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. Matthew 26:39 NLT The power to grow and change is a power we access when we give ourselves completely to God.

Even if we’re ready to change and grow, there will still be obstacles we have to overcome.He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4:4 ESVI can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. Psalm 18:29 NLTDo not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3 NLTDo not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 ESVPain Pain is a hurdle that often keeps us from pursuing our potential for growth and change.After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10 ESVThe LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. The righteous person faces many troubles, but the LORD comes to the rescue each time. Psalm 34:18-19 NLTPeopleDo not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 ESVGod directed boundaries are necessary for Godly behavior and breakthrough. Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLTYour friends are either obstacles or catalyst for the growth and change Jesus is working in your life.Past Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 2:22-24 NLTPridePride can prevent even the most disciplined and successful person from being whole and free. Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And even when you saw it, you did not afterward change your minds and believe him. Matthew 21:31-32 ESVPerspectiveChristianity is not a behavioral improvement program, but a choice to walk with and be like Jesus.God created man in his own image. Genesis 1:27 NLT Growth and change are an opportunity to embody and become who God made you to be.God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. Romans 8:29 MSGThe daily goal of every God follower should be to get as close to, and be as much like, Jesus as possible.  

Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17 NLTChange and growth are choices that we’re graced to choose. You must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 NLTPeople who refuse to change and grow, will spend an entire life dying without ever really living.We’re often ready for something to change, but not as often willing to be the thing that changes.Recognizing the need to change.Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24 NIVDo you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 ESVFor this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 NLT Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 ESVWilling to ChangeJesus said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. Luke 16:15 ESVEveryone struggles with something, but those who justify nullify the grace God gives to overcome.Choose to ChangeWith the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. Ephesians 4:17-18 MSGThey can’t think straight anymore. Feeling no pain, they let themselves go in sexual obsession, addicted to every sort of perversion. Ephesians 4:19 MSG“Make it up on your own” morality has led to next level desperation in the hearts of people.But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:20-24 NLT Listen and AlignJesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32 NLT “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set free’?” Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. John 8:32-33 NLT Self-deception and denial never lead to deliverance.Ready for RedemptionIn him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Ephesians 1:7 ESV Jesus always provides the grace for people in process to choose repentance and redemption.My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 ESVRedemption makes those things that once seemed impossible, supernaturally natural.The heart that is ready to change will be flooded with grace beyond description, strong enough to overcome any barrier to change and breakthrough! 

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!---- SUNDAY'S NOTES ----There is value in moments for remembering! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2 ESVThe steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. Lamentations 3:22 NLTWe know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLTHis mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness oh God. Lamentations 3:23 ESVYour kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 ESVIf you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 28:1 NLTMake this new year about what God wants and wills.He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10 ESVSow what you want to see grow in your heart and life. Together. Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLTWe’re only better together if we’re together with God.Get rid of the baggage and carry what counts together! The key to carrying what you carry well, is to carry what you carry with Christ.---------------------------Download the 828 Church app!To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLTChristmas doesn’t have to be merry from an earthly perspective to be amazing!(Linus is queue)And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:8-14 KJVChristmas is Merry because Christ amazing.Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalms 37:7 ESVBut if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 5:25 ESVComing up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 ESVThere’s no reason to continue waiting for what God has already given.For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 ESVMerry, Godly, Graced, Christ centered Christmas.

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:25 -26 NLTIt’s those who are looking that invariably and inevitably see Jesus. That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. Luke 2:27-29 NLTFaithfulness will set you up to see Jesus The proofs that Jesus is real are powerful and yet inadequate without relationship.I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel! Luke 2:30-32 NLTThe peace that comes from knowing you’re forgiven is priceless!Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” Luke 2:33-35 NLTOur destiny will be determined by what we believe about and do with the Jesus. What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets. Luke 6:26 NLT - - He is either a liar and lunatic, or the Way truth and Life… You can’t just tip your hat to Jesus, you’ve got to bow a knee and see Jesus as Savior and Lord.Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:28:32 NLT