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40 Days of Encouragement
Forecast: Showers of Encouragement
Exodus 16:1-21
Pastor Tom
3-31-10

Introduction – When we take the time to look, we will see God’s daily supply for life.

I. How quickly we forget – vv. 1-3

• Discontentment and murmuring always reside close to our hearts

II. God’s gracious rain – vv. 4-12

• God’s hears our complaints
• God promises speedy and constant supply
• To see if they would trust and serve Him – Deuteronomy 8:3

III. God’s promised delivery – vv. 13-21

• Feast at night – good things for necessity and delight
• What is it by day – daily providence
• Diligence and prudence – Psalm 104:28
• Contentment and satisfaction with sufficiency

Conclusion: The same God that brought manna gives us all things richly to enjoy. – Psalm 136:25

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40 Days of Encouragement
The Encouragement of Knowing
Luke 24:13-49
Pastor Tom
3-28-10

Introduction: We are made aware of the increase of diseases like Alzheimer’s in movies like “The Notebook”. The worst part is no longer knowing those loved ones around you. Knowing God is the greatest encouragement.

I. Knowing we belong- vv.13-25

• I John 5:13

II. Knowing why we suffer – vv. 26-27

• II Timothy 1:12 – To build assurance
• Philippians 3:10 – To be more like Him

III. Knowing how much He loves us – vv. 28-31

• Typically we are blinded by circumstance
• Psalm 46:10

IV. Knowing His peace – vv. 32-41

• Not based on circumstances – John 14:27-28
• The opposite – Matthew 7:23

V. Knowing His plan – vv. 44-49

• Kept exactly as promised

Conclusion: Knowing He will come again – Acts 1:11

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40 Days of Encouragement
The Bread That Encourages
John 6: 1-71
Guest Speaker: Dean Mileto
3-24-10

Introduction: The Bread of Life (Jesus Christ) is in the life changing business, and, “Business is Good”

I. The Setting – vv. 1-24

• The “crowd” follows and is fed – vv.1-13
• “That Prophet” – vv.14-15, Deut. 18:15
• The storms of life are raging, but Jesus is there – vv.16-24

II. The Bread of Life – vv.25-51

• What shall we do? – vv. 25-29
• Signs, signs, everywhere a sign – vv.30-31
• The “Bread of Life” is the bread that changes lives – vv.32-40
• The “Bread of Life” the sequel – vv.41-51

III. The Spiritual Life is not “The Big Easy” – vv.52-71

• Carnal does not comprehend spiritual – vs. 63
• Many “split” – vs. 66
• Are you leaving too? – vs. 68
• Peter says it, later he will believe it – 69

Conclusion: The Bread of Life came to change people. Salvation allows you to rise above what people said you would become.

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40 Days of Encouragement
The Encouragement of God’s Provision
I Kings 17
Pastor Tom
3-21-10

Introduction – Where one turns after discovering the world does not satisfy defines an eternal existence.

I. The curse – v.1

• The carrot we never quite get
• It is never enough
• The famine of soul
• Hard times get personal – vv. 2-7

II. Providing care – vv. 8-16

• The enemies hometown – Jezebel’s father
• Enough to eat for three years
• Gentile woman not Jewish

III. Providing life – vv. 17-24

• The guilt of death
• The covering of God – Luke 13:34, Luke 19:41-44
• The promise of the resurrection

Conclusion- Psalm 142:5- Life becomes rich when we decide that Christ is enough.

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40 Days of Encouragement
The Encouragement of Returning Home
Ezra
Pastor Tom
3-17-10

Introduction: Many times we do not realize what we have until we mistakenly walk away from it.

I. Leaving home – v. 2:1

• Leaving happens in our hearts before our feet – 2 Kings 17:6-18

II. Awakening – Psalm 137:1

• Once awakened we need to prepare our return – vv. 7:10, 27-28
• We can be far away yet not leave – vv. 9:1-4

III. Destination: A place of grace

• Admit – vv. 9:5-6
• Confess – v. 9:7
• Trust – v.9:8

Conclusion: Being grounded in truth and grace daily keeps us home.

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40 Days of Encouragement
The Encouragement of a Clear Conscience
Luke 22 and John 21
Pastor Tom
3-14-10

Introduction – Life’s heavy load is lightened when we come clean about past deceit.

I. Lack of trust brings deceit

• The promise – Luke 22:29
• The argument – Luke 22:24
• The self-confidence – Luke 22:31-34

II. Deceit lulls us into apathy

• Christ needed him – Luke 22:40, 44
• Peter resisted while Christ submitted – Luke 22:45-46

III. Apathy births denial

• Three denials- Luke 22:54-60
• The painful look – Luke 22:61
• Life becomes bitter – Luke 22:62

IV. The dawn of a new day

• The message – Mark 16:7
• The conversation – John 21:7
• The provision – John 21:12
• The command – John 21:15-17

Conclusion: Usefulness to the Lord depends on our desire to follow Him with a clear conscience. John 21:19

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40 Days of Encouragement
The Encouragement of God’s Promises
II Peter 1:3-11
Pastor Tom
3-10-10

Introduction –There is great encouragement when we see the evidence of our salvation in a changed life.

I. The rescue – vv.3-4

• He promised to save – Romans 10:13
• The planned escape – Joshua 2:12-13

II. The Journey – vv. 5-7

• Virtue-resolution
• Knowledge-intelligence of God
• self control-steadfastness
• Patience-endurance
• Godliness-piety
• Kindness-affection
• Love-sacrificial – Joshua 2: 4, 21; 6:25

III. The arrival – vv.8-11

• Guaranteed results
• Triumphal entry
• Rehab’s honor – Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31

Conclusion: As we rely upon God’s promises, life becomes more abundantly clear and rewarding.

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40 Days of Encouragement
My Pain, Your Gain
2 Corinthians 1:3-11
Pastor Tom
3-7-10

Introduction – Allowing God to comfort us in our difficulties makes possible the opportunity for others to benefit tomorrow.

I. Comfort for us. – vv. 3-5

• The originator of mercy
• The giver of the comforter – John 15:26
• During our suffering – 2 Corinthians 11:24-28

II. Comfort for others – vv. 6-11

• Through our faith and patience in our afflictions… It can be done- -2 Corinthians 12:7-10
• Faith is encouraged not weakened

Conclusion: Christians are trailblazers, creating a path of faith others can follow.

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40 Days of Encouragement
The Encouragement of Being Set Free
Pastor Tom
3-3-10

Introduction –Some sinful behavior and attitudes that victimize and enslave people cannot be fixed with a simple prayer or choice – They require more-Isaiah 58:6.

I. Sins bondage

• Not sins of neglect or lapse nor rebellion
• Besetting sin takes away our will – Hebrews 12:1
• I Corinthians 10:13 – A way out

II. Satan’s lie – John 8:44

• I tried before and can’t break it
• I don’t want to do this but can’t help it
• I need an answer but can’t find it
• Basically his lie convinces us we have no power – Romans 7:19

III. The power of prayer and fasting

• Demon possessed boy – Matthew 17:14-15
• Disciples powerless – Matthew 17:16
• Recognize external forces – Matthew 17:17-18
• Confess a lack of faith – Matthew 17:19
• Faith experience – expression – event – Matthew 17:20
• Fast repeatedly until delivered – Matthew 17:21

Conclusion: 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 – Following God’s steps and breaking spiritual bondage greatly encourages a believer.