Stop Cheating God, Give God What He Looking For

Malachi 1:2-10

When we give God what He is looking for, we get what we're looking for. 

    v 10 "I am not pleased with you," says the Lord of Hosts,             

            "and I will accept no offering from your hands."

They were doubting Gods character. 

    v2 " I have loved you," says the Lord. But you ask: "How

           have you loved us?"

Doubting salvation is questioning His character. 

Doubting Gods love is questioning His character. 

Doubting Gods Forgiveness doubting His character. 

Doubting Gods Word is questioning His character

They were not showing God any honor. 

    v6 

There was no obedience. 

There was no worship. 

Were not taking God serious. 

They were angry about Gods requirements. 

    v7 

They were not giving God their best. 

    v8-9

Are You A Reader or A Doer?

James 1:22-25 

1. 1.There is a warning against misuse.  
   

2. 2.Belief and behavior go hand in hand.  
   

3. 3.Study The Word 
   

1. 1.Study the Bible! 
   

2. 2.Stay with it! 
   

3. 3.Seek the action 
   

1. 1.Is there an example I need to follow  
   

2. 2.Is there a sin for me to confess? 
   

3. 3.Is there a promise for me to claim? 
   

4. 4.Is there a prayer for me to repeat? 
   

5. 5.Is there a condition for me to repeat? 
   

6. 6.Memorize the text.  
   

7. 7.Is there an obstacle God wants to avoid? 

Fatherhood, Jesus Style

Matthew 7:11

ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

Do not compare yourself to others: The standard, the rule, should always be Jesus. 

1. A father's priority is God

2. A father provides for his children 

3. A father pardons his children

4. A father protects his children

It’s Time To Pay Up

It's Time To Pay Up

Luke 12:48

he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.

1. Everything belongs to God anyway! 

     Ref: Psalms 24:1 

  * We new to understand the difference between ownership and stewardship. 

   * Ownership implies that its my property. Stewardship implies that the authority I have has been delegated to me by the real owner. 

2. We have no rights. 

    * ref verse:  job 38-39 

3. We have been blessed to be a blessing. 

     * what we are given Gods responsibility. What we do with it is our  responsibility. 

4.  The judgement of God is coming. 

Why It Is So Hard To Leave The Boat

Why It Is So Hard To Leave The Boat? 

Matthew 14:22-31

straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. 28 And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. 29 And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. 31 And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

1. To leave the boat, disillusionment must be dispelled? (v26)

2. To leave the boat, the distractions must be defeated. (v30)

   -When we focus on the problem rather than the power, We sacrifice out connection with Jesus. 

3. To lev the boat, the doubt must be destroyed.  (v31)