Life Hacks: A Study in Psalms Better 1-29-17

Sermon Notes: 1-29-17

Life Hacks: A Study in Psalms

Key Word: Better

Scriptures: Psalm 37:16-19, 84:10, 118:8-9, 63:1-5

Note: See below for six conclusions.

I. Better: is Little than Much -  Psalm 37:16-19

A. Experience Contentment - Phil 4:11-13, Heb 13:5

B. Pursue Godliness - Phil 6:6-8, 1 Tim 4:7-8

C. Have Integrity - Prov 11:3

II. Better: is Serving than Being Served - Psalm 84:10

A. Servanthood and Worship

-  Better to Be Like Him  - John 12:26

- Better to serve others  - Mark 9:35,  Luke 22:26

- Better to Serve as Worship - Romans 12:1-2 

B. Selection of Yahweh for Life

- Better to be the doorkeeper 

- Better to live in a manner worthy of the Lord. 

III. Better: is the Refuge of the Lord - Psalm 118:8-9

A. Where do We Retreat?

B. Who do we Trust?

IV. Better: is His Love than Life Itself  - Psalm 63:1-5

A. First Love - Mt 22:36-37

B. First Priority - Mt 6:33.

C. Above All - Psalm 95:3, Phil 2:9-11

Conclusions:

1. 2017 will be better not because we set expectations lower, but we set them more clearly regarding purposeful decisions, and in line with God's agenda and purpose.

2.Contentment in Christ tames the fleshly yearn for things, yet it cause the spiritual flame to burn more brightly as we understand the true and real value of knowing Him and pursuing His kingdom.

3. A life well lived is one in which right choices have been made and right directions have been followed.

4. Your destination is often determined by the people you journey with.

5. Being available to the Lord likened to being the doorkeeper who stands instantly ready to serve the Master.

6. What you hope "better for" may determine the "how you get there." That's why it's important to hope for the right things.

Life Hacks: Abound - Psalm 23

Life Hacks - A Study in Psalms

Key  Word: Abound - Psalm 23

I. The Person of Yahweh

He is Shepherd - Provider - not just the provision, He is provider!

Now the Provision:

A. He causes me to lie down - Rest

B. He leads me beside tranquil waters - Restoration

C. He renews my soul - Renewal

D. He guides me into his fullness - Re-position

II. The Profession of the Believer

A1. Even in the deepest darkest places/circumstances

B1. Your Rod and Staff

- weapon and guiding staff

- scepter and kingship

A2. In the Presence of my enemies

B2. You anoint my head with oil

- my cup is filled, beyond over flowing. 

NT reference verses:

1. Romans 15:13

2. Ephesians 3:20

3. 1 Corinthians 2:9

III. The Perpetuity of His Provision

A. Good and Love Pursue Me - all the days of my life

B. I will dwell in the House of the Lord - for length of days

We Wait in Hope for the Lord Psalm 33:12-22

(Sermon preached on 1-15-2017)

I. There is a Blessing for the People of God

II. The Lord Looks Down Upon His People

III. He Discerns Their Actions

A. The King is Not Saved by His Army

B. The Warrior is Not Rescued by His Strength

C. The Horse is a False Hope for Victory

IV. The Eye of The Lord is Upon Them

V. We Wait in Hope for the Lord

A. We wait

B. He Helps

C. We rejoice

D. Because We Trust

VI. The Blessing of His Faithful Love

Guatemala - Parramos update related to the Construction Project

A significant part of the mission trip last May was to explore opportunities for Calvary to develop a partnership with a Church in Guatemala. We visited and discussed the possibilities with Pastor Samuel at Iglesia Bautista Nazareth, a church located in Parramos, Guatemala.  They shared with us an immediate need related to the Christian School in their church. There was great concern about keeping their accreditation which was due a review in the next few weeks.  If the construction of an upper classroom addition was not complete, the church school could lose its state accreditation.

Calvary and Lascassas Baptist together raised the funds to provide the resources for the completion of the addition. While on a mission trip to Guatemala in November where Jan taught at the Women's Conference and I taught an Introduction to Biblical Hebrew at the Seminary, we were able to visit Nazareth Baptist Church again and view the completed project.

On our most recent trip we discussed with Pastor Samuel further needs which include the construction of additional restroom facilities on the ground floor, as well as the possibility of scholarship programs for students and sponsorship of a school lunch program. We'll provide more information on these opportunities as things shape up.


The pictures below will give you a short summary of the school and the work completed.

The Nazareth Baptist Church in Parramos

Children in existing classroom

The block walls of the incomplete addition with rubble from construction.
Note there is only a partial ceiling.

The outer walkway looking into the construction area.

The completed walkway with door on left.

Completed classroom in second floor addition!