making it work

John 19:30   When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. (NIV)

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT)

Romans 5:3–5   Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4  perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (NIV)

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.  (NIV)

1. Jesus purchased our salvation

Colossians 1:14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (NLT)

Hebrews 9:28 so also Christ was offered once for all time as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again, not to deal with our sins, but to bring salvation to all who are eagerly waiting for him. (NLT)

2. Jesus purchased our relationship with God

Romans 5:10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. (NLT)

1 Timothy 2:5 For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. (NLT)

3. Jesus purchased our freedom

1 Timothy 2:6 (NLT)   He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.

4. Jesus purchased our purity

Hebrews 10:14 It was a perfect sacrifice by a perfect person to perfect some very imperfect people. By that single offering, he did everything that needed to be done for everyone who takes part in the purifying process. (The Message)

Hebrews 13:12   So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood. (NLT)

5. Jesus purchased our peace

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (NIV)

6. Jesus purchased our healing

1 Peter 2:24 He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. (NLT)

7. Jesus purchased our blessings Galatians 3:13–14 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”  14  He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. (NIV)

8. Jesus purchased our victory

1. You have victory over death

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NLT)

2. You have victory over the devil

Colossians 2:14–15   He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. 15  In this way, he disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross. (NLT)

Revelation 12:11   And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. (NKJV)

1 Corinthians 11:23–25   For I pass on to you what I received from the Lord himself. On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took some bread 24  and gave thanks to God for it. Then he broke it in pieces and said, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” 25  In the same way, he took the cup of wine after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant between God and his people—an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me as often as you drink it.” (NLT)

John 19:28 Later, knowing that everything had now been finished, and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” (NIV)

Genesis 3:7–10 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. 8  Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden. 9  But the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10  He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” (NIV)

Proverbs 29:25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the LORD means safety. (NLT)

1. Fear of being hurt

Psalm 32:3-5 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. (MSG)

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

Proverbs 28:13   People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy. (NLT)

2. Fear of rejection

Genesis 3:7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked; so they sewed fig leaves together and made coverings for themselves. (NIV)

3. Fear of our image

1. Be vulnerable and transparent with God

Genesis 3:9–12 Then the LORD God called to the man, “Where are you?” 10  He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.” 11  “Who told you that you were naked?” the LORD God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?” 12  The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.” (NLT)

2. Be vulnerable and transparent with some friends

James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (NIV)

1. Family friends

2. Small group friends

3. Church friends

2 Corinthians 4:2 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. (MSG)

Matthew 27:45–46   From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46  About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”.  (NIV)

3 Right Responses When You Feel Abandoned By God

1. Remind yourself God loves you and is with you

Hebrews 13:5   Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  (NIV)

1. Because God is with you, you’re not alone

Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (NIV)

2. Because God is with you, take your hard questions to God

Hebrews 4:15–16 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16  So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. (NLT)

3. Because God is with you, this season is a part of your story not the entire story

1 Corinthians 13:12   For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. (ESV)

2. Turn why God? Into What God?

1. Ask God what do you want to teach me?

Hebrews 5:8 Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. (NLT)

2. Ask God what do you want to do in me?

2 Corinthians 12:7 or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. (NIV)

3. Ask God what do you want to do through me?

Hebrews 12:2 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. (NIV)

3. When you can’t trace God’s hand trust God’s heart

Luke 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last. (NIV)

2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (NIV)

Hebrews 13:5,"Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you,"

Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” (NLT)

Ephesians 3:20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,  (KJV)

1 Peter 5:10 And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.  (ESV)

Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (NIV)

Romans 8:32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? (NIV)

Lamentations 3:22-23 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (NIV)

Luke 23:39-43 (NIV) 39  One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40  But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under thesame sentence?  41  We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But thisman has done nothing wrong.” 42  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

I want to show you three things we can learn from this statement from Jesus’ final words. Three things that if we do them, they help us to get through a bad day.

1. Remember why you’re still here.  Luke 23:42 (NIV) 42  Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

Luke 19:10 (NIV) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

2. Think Long term Luke 23:43 (NIV) 43  Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Psalm 30:5 (NIV) Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.

James 4:14 (NIV) What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 

Hebrews 9:27 (ESV) And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment

Hebrews 9:27 (MSG) 27-28  Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever.

3. Make the most of every opportunity. Ephesians 5:15-16 (NLT) 15  So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise…  16  Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days.

1. Betrayal 2. False accusations 3. Rejection 4. Abuse 5. Humiliation

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (NIV)

4 Things Forgiveness Is Not

1. Forgiveness is not minimizing the seriousness of what they did 2. Forgiveness is not reconciliation 3. Forgiveness is not about doing what's fair 4. Forgiveness is not impossible

Philippians 4:13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (NIV)

4 Forgiveness Lessons from Jesus 1. Pray for them Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (NIV)

Matthew 5:44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (NIV)

2. Bless them Luke 6:28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. (NIV)

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (NIV)

3. Do good to them

Luke 6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (NIV)

Luke 6:35-36 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (NIV)

Romans 12:17–21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”  21  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (NIV)

4. Do good to you

Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 9:24 - Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! NLT

Ecclesiastes - 5:18-19 – 18  Even so, I have noticed one thing, at least, that is good. It is good for people to eat, drink, and enjoy their work under the sun during the short life God has given them, and to accept their lot in life.  19  And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life—this is indeed a gift from God. NLT

Genesis 2:1-3 - Thus the heavens and the earth were completed in all their vast array. 2  By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.  3  Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. NIV

Genesis 2:15 - The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.  NIV

Genesis 2:19-20 - Now the LORD God had formed out of the ground all the wild animals and all the birds in the sky. He brought them to the man to see what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that was its name.  20  So the man gave names to all the livestock, the birds in the sky and all the wild animals. NIV

3 Keys to Winning at Work

1. See your career as your calling.

Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. NIV

Psalm 139:13-16 - For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16  Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. NIV

2. See your work as worship.

Colossians 3:17 - And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:23-24 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,  24  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

3. See your workplace as your mission field.

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  16  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that [a]  they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)

Winning in Marriage

I Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

I Defined my role as a wife and fulfilled it

I Realized that My Spouse is not My God

I Stopped Sweating the Small Stuff

I placed a value on covenant

I began to see her how God sees her

We got around other couples who had strong marriages

I Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.