Friday, January 18, 2019

The Journey from Despair


Be humble enough to ask for the help that you need from those who love you.


(John 19:28-29) Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty (He couldn't get a drink without help on the cross).”



Roadblocks to Help


✓ The fear of being hurt by others.




(Psalm 32:3-5 MSG) When I kept it all inside, my bones turned to powder, my words became daylong groans. The pressure never let up; all the juices of my life dried up. Then I let it all out; I said, “I’ll make a clean breast of my failures to God. Suddenly the pressure was gone.



The fear of being rejected.


(Psalms 139:14 NLT) Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”


John 12:43 (NIV)
43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.



✓ The fear of having your weaknesses exposed.




(If they knew about my secrets,  what would they think of me).

(2 Corinthians 4:2 MSG) We refuse to wear masks and play games...Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see.


(1 John 1:7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another.



Be Transparent


1. Establish loving relationships with Godly people.




The best way to grow is to build friendships with people who are what you'd like to be. 




The Church is a collection of people who love Jesus Christ and surrender themselves to reveal His love to others.






(Ephesians 2:20-22 NLT) Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord.


2. Enact a growth plan of personal Bible Study, prayer, and a place to help within a local Church who believes God's Word, the Bible, and loves each other





The Church is like a human body with parts having different functions.




(Ephesians 4:16 NLT) He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.




3. Enlist in spiritual warfare.



Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.




The Church is like a flock of sheep whom our shepherd, Jesus, takes care of.




(Luke 12:32 NLT) “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.”



4. Embrace being loved by God and other Christians.



Surround yourself with people who want to see you win.




The Church is a family.




(Ephesians 2:19 LB) You are a member of God's very own family...and you belong in God's household with every other Christian.




I can be myself, when I’m connected to those who love  and believe in me.



Chris Erwin, Church of the Highlands


Video
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/media/message/be-human-enough-to-acknowledge-your-need


Discussion Guide
https://www.churchofthehighlands.com/files/groups/guides/3-26-17.pdf




All scripture is from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.

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