8-28-2016
"A Song for the Valleys of Life"
Psalm 23

A SONG FOR THE VALLEYS OF LIFE PSALM 23 I.  HAVE YOU BEEN THROUGH ONE OF LIFE’S _______  LATELY? A.  What are life’s valleys? B.  Life’s ______may occur in the valleys C.  Sometimes the valleys are peaceful…not fearful D.  Sometimes they are just ______ II.  HOW DO WE FEEL WHEN WE ARE IN LIFE’S VALLEY? A.  Tired B.  ______ C.  In need of some still waters III.  SONG CHANGES FROM  “______ THE SHEPHERD” TO                    “SINGING TO THE SHEPHERD” A.  You are with me B.  The Psalm is very ______ IV.  ARE YOU IN ONE OF LIFE’S VALLEYS? A.  Lost a loved one B.  Feeling ______, weary, fearful C.  Are you trying to handle the battles of your life, and growing wearier every day? V.  THINK ABOUT WHAT THE SHEPHERD ______ A.  His leading B.  ______ pastures and still waters and restoration C.  His presence…”I will not fear for You are with me…” D.  The ______ of the shepherd’s rod and staff E.  His provision for our needs F.  ______ and mercy VI.  THE PSALM IS ONLY POETRY AND FLOWERY WORDS –                   UNLESS YOU ______ THE SHEPHERD!

8-21-2016
"A Reminder that God Watches and Knows"
Psalm 139

A Reminder That God Watches & Knows Psalm 139 I.  PSALM 139-  “A wise man’s _______________.” A.  A song of a “God examined life” B.  Reminds us that God is omniscient, omnipresent, and __________ II.  GOD __________ - (vss 1-6) – He is omniscient A.  Stated as a personal experience…not some great doctrine B.  It inspires him- ”such knowledge is too ___________ for me…” (v.6) III.  GOD IS ________ : (vss. 7-12) – He is omnipresent A.  _______ of the dawn… other side of the sea B.  In the darkness? C.  How does it feel to know that God is always there and always watching? IV.  GOD IS OMNIPOTENT-   A.  HE MADE US (vss 13-18)-  HE KNOWS ________ B.  God’s __________ are precious, and vast C.  Not only did He create us…but entire universe V.  HOW DOES ONE DEAL WITH A GOD WHO WATCHES AND KNOWS US SO INTIMATELY?  A.  The psalm encourages us to find _______ & security in this B.  However there is the other side- God sees and knows. *His goal is not to spoil your fun, but to keep you _______, and help you find the joy and    goodness that comes by walking with Him.  VI.  THE BIBLE OFFERS US THIS MODEL PRAYER AS OUR WAY OF INVITING GOD TO BE IN ________, AND TO LEAD US IN HIS PATHS. A.  If we trust Him, and believe He loves us, and has our best interests at heart, then the prayer is just a way of inviting Him to lead & guide us in the best ways. B.  Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts.  Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life…(NLT)

8-14-2016
"A Song When I've Really Blown It"
Psalm 51. 1-12

A Song When I’ve Really Blown It

Psalm 51. 1-12

I.           QUESTION:  HAVE YOU EVER REALLY __________IT?

a.     Do you wish you could go back and ______ something you did?

b.     We can all relate to this Psalm…because we’ve all “really blown it.”

II. CRY OUT TO GOD FOR ____________

a. Some may come ___________ others;  Some may make excuses

b. The psalm begins with a cry for mercy.

III. CONFESSION:

a. So often we look down on those whose sin is amplified by the news, or by the perceived damage, but ____fail to admit that _____have offended God and others in equally big ways…

b. What should we do when we’ve “really blown it?”  Confess  __    ___  

IV. PRAY FOR _______________

a. “Blot out…wash away…cleanse” 

b. “Wash me and I shall be whiter than _______”

c. Ask ______ to restore you

V. PRAY FOR GOD’S POWER TO _________YOU IN RIGHT WAYS

a. We need to learn from our sin, and our wrongs

b. So we pray for God to _______  us and help us 

VI. TRUST IN GOD’S GRACIOUS PROMISES:

a. If we confess our sin…He is faithful and just to forgive our sin…”

b. Remember Jesus’ words

c. Remember why Jesus died- TO SAVE ____________

d. Forgiveness doesn’t mean no ______________, but Jesus will even help us deal with them.  

8-7-2016
"A Song for When I Feel Like Jumping for Joy"
Psalm 100

A SONG WHEN I FEEL LIKE JUMPING FOR JOY PSALM 100 I.  Question: SHOULD GOING TO WORSHIP BE _______?  *The psalm seems to indicate that going to the Temple to worship was an enjoyable and happy experience. *What Makes You Feel Like _________ for _____? II.  PSALM 100- DOESN’T MENTION JUMPING…but does mention some other ________ things. A.  Shout, worship with _____________ B.  Come with singing, thanksgiving, praise III.  _______ JOY AND GLADNESS?  PSALM 100 TELLS US: A.  The Lord is ______…He Made us B.  We are His- his people…his sheep C.  The Lord is G_____ D.  His love and faithfulness endure…_____________! IV.  HOW OFTEN DO PEOPLE COME TO CHURCH TO ____________? Should Church be a Happy Place? A.  How seldom do we celebrate in outward ways, when our prayer is _________, or when there is healing or Gods’ goodness? B.  How do we show our gratitude when we experience God’s hand of ____________ or grace? V.  PSALM 100 IS A SONG WHEN WE FEEL LIKE JUMPING FOR JOY! A.  Also, a song to __________ us that there are times we should be jumping whether we feel it or not! B.  Joy is ___________- one person’s praise leads others to praise God as well. VI.  SO I WANT TO CHALLENGE YOU THIS WEEK TO DO SOME _________ A.  Share some praise, or joy, or gladness this week B.  Make your expression of gratitude an _______ of worship

7-31-2016
"A Song for Times of Trouble and Change"
Psalm 46

A Song for Times of Trouble and Change Psalm 46 I.  WHAT KINDS OF STORMS and ___________ DO               PEOPLE FACE? A.  What kinds of storms and changes do people face?  B.  People Face Storms of  _______ C.  How do you- as a person of ______- respond to change AND TROUBLES?  II.  PSALM 46 TEACHES US TO __________ ON GOD-  A.  Our ________, Strength, Present help in trouble B.  Therefore…we will choose ___________…faith…Christ III.  PSALM 46- SHOWS GOD’S ____________ OVER               THINGS A.  Though the earth should ____________ B.  Though the “nations rage” (v. 6) C.  WE COULD FEAR THESE THINGS BUT…”There is a river THAT BRINGS GLADNESS” IV.  PSALM 46 TEACHES ______  ____  HANDLE THE               CHANGES:                A.  Be Still and know… B.  Amidst the changes, the tumult of nations, despite the wars and calamities…the answer to fears may come best in the silence. C.  God says, “be _________…and _________…”   V.  QUESTION: Do You ________ time to      BE STILL AND KNOW GOD? A.  You have a refuge and strength- are you seeking Him? B.  This week’s  ____________  to you: “BE STILL.”