Notes:
Sharing = Taking some of what you have and giving it to someone else.
Secret of Biblical Sharing: Sharing doesn’t subtract, doesn’t divide, doesn’t add… it multiplies.
Sharing Involves:
-Sanctification (being set aside for a particular purpose/use.
-Truth (not lies, not perversion, not a story or fable)
-Word (Creates, Clarifies, and Solidifies)
-Love (Attention, Attitude, Accomplishment)
-Declaration (Verbal, Internal, Contract)
-Name (Identity, Purpose, Power)
Prayer– Talking to God in thought and words.
-First Responder?
-Last Resort?
-Obligation?
-Opportunity?
Luther: How should we pray?
-In the name of Jesus, that is, with faith in Him as our redeemer
-With Confidence, that is, with firm trust that for Jesus’ sake our prayers will be answered.
Remember: God sees you clearly
God sees your hopes and dreams AND your fears, failures, and frustrations
God sees your strengths and spiritual gifts, and your weaknesses
God sees your past and your future
God sees you and loves you and calls you anyway!
Notes:
God’s Love Is…
-Pre-emptive (God takes the initiative; He loved us first)
-Universal (God loves everyone; He doesn’t pick winners/losers)
-Specific (God loves each of us; His love is unique_)
-Active (God has acted, is acting, and will continue to act on our behalf)
-Empowering (God’s love sets us free and turns us on; empowering, not overpowering)
Two Times When It’s Tough for God’s Love to Get Through to Us…
1. When things are going really bad.
2. When things are going really good.