WHAT CAN CAUSE YOU AND I TO FEEL HOPELESS? Hope can evade me when I experience unbearable events. Hope can evade me when I have unanswered questions. Hope can evade me when I am isolated and alone. Hope can evade me when I feel weak and inadequate. FOUR HOPE GIVING PRACTICES THAT MARY PROVIDES: 1. I LISTEN TO WHAT GOD HAS ALREADY REVEALED. You are my refuge and my shield; Your word is my source of hope. Psalms 119:114 (NLT) Hope is found when I listen to the positive parts of scripture. In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." Luke 1:26-28 (NIV) Hope IS found when I listen to the problematic parts of scripture. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel." The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 2:30-35 NIV But Mary kept all these words in her heart, and gave much thought to them. Luke2:19 BBE Truly, you will weep and mourn… but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy… John 16:20 NLT I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world. John 16:33 MP Peter arrived and went inside …and he saw and believed— for until then they hadn’t realized that the Scriptures said he would rise from the dead. John 20:8 NLT The point is, Before you trust, you have to listen… Romans 10:17a (MP) 2. I ACKNOWLEDGE HOW I AM FEELING. Mary was deeply troubled by the angel's message, and she wondered what his words meant. The angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary; God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High God. The Lord God will make him a king, as his ancestor David was, and he will be the king of the descendants of Jacob forever; his Kingdom will never end!" Mary said to the angel, "I am a virgin. How, then, will this be?" … "I am the Lord's servant," said Mary; "may it happen to me as you have said." And the angel left her. Luke 1:29-34, 38 GNT Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you. 1 Peter 5:7 NLT 3. I HANG OUT WITH THE PEOPLE WHO CAN HELP ME. But standing by the cross of Jesus were his mother and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. John 19:25 ESV Jesus saw his mother and the disciple he loved standing there; so he said to his mother, "He is your son." Then he said to the disciple, "She is your mother." From that time the disciple took her to live in his home. John 19:26, 27 GNT The apostles often met together and prayed with a single purpose in mind. The women and Mary the mother of Jesus would meet with them, and so would his brothers. Acts 1:14 CEV I do not sit with deceitful men, nor will I go with pretenders. Psalm 26:4 NASB 4. I TRUST AND OBEY GOD. The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit shall come upon you, and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son of God… For every promise from God shall surely come true.” Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant, and I am willing to do whatever he wants… Luke 1:35, 37, 38 (TLB) Lead me by Your truth and teach me, for You are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You. Psalm 25:5 (NLT)

Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “’I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Matthew 26:31 NIV Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers.” Peter said, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you, and even to die with you.” But Jesus said, “Peter, let me tell you something. The rooster will not crow tomorrow morning until you have denied three times that you even know me.” Luke 22:31 NLT RELATIONSHIP REALITIES ABOUT PETER AND ME Jesus realizes that Peter and I will sometimes fail. Even before the evening meal started, the devil had made Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, decide to betray Jesus. Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I go with you now? I would die for you!”… “Would you really die for me?” Jesus asked. “I tell you for certain that before a rooster crows, you will say three times that you don’t even know me.” John 13:1, 38 CEV 2. Jesus loves Peter and me anyway. It was before Passover, and Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and to return to the Father. He had always loved his followers in this world, and he loved them to the very end.” John 13:1 CEV “Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful. Romans 5:6 CEV 3. Jesus knows that Peter’s and my failures don’t have to be fatal. ..so when you have repented and turned to me again… Luke 22:32b NLT 4. Jesus is pulling for Peter and me to finish faithfully. Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to have all of you, to sift you like wheat. But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. Luke 22:31, 32a NLT 5. Jesus still has plans for Peter’s and my future. …So when you have repented and turned to me again, strengthen and build up your brothers. Luke 22:32b NLT WHAT MUST I DO TO FIND MY WAY BACK TO JESUS? I must repent. After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, "Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away." Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, "I don't know the man!" Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: "Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times." And he went outside and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:73-75 NIV Repentance involves being sorry, but is more than just being sorry. …the kind of sorrow God wants us to have leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 NLT 2. I must rely on Christ’s Word. But the man said, “Don’t be afraid. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, the one who was killed on a cross. He has risen from death. He is not here. Look, here is the place they laid him. Now go and tell his followers and Peter, ‘Jesus is going into Galilee. He will be there before you. You will see him there as he told you before.’” Mark 16:6, 7 ICB “Come now, and let us debate your case,” Says the LORD, “Though your sins are as scarlet, They shall become as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, You will eat the best of the land… Isaiah 1:18, 19 NASV 3. I must recommit to Christ’s purpose. We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His purpose. Romans 8:28 VOICE

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel. 2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV) Gospel means “Good News” “By this gospel you are saved” 1 Corinthians 15:2 (NIV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His Only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not Perish but have Everlasting Life.” John 3:16 (KJV) GRASPING GOD’S PASSION CAN SECURE MY ETERNAL DESTINY… IF I ACKNOWLEDGE GOD’S GREAT PASSION “God SO loved the world...” “God showed how much He loved us by sending His only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love…He sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” 1 John 4:9-10 (NLT) “What an incredible quality of love the Father has shown us, that we would [be permitted to] be named and called and counted the children of God!” 1 John 3:1 (Amp) I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love. I pray that you can understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. Ephesians 3:18 (ICB) 2. IF I APPRECIATE GOD’S GREAT PRESENT “that He GAVE His only begotten Son...” “Out of sheer generosity God put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we’re in and restored us to where He always wanted us to be. And He did it by means of Jesus Christ. God sacrificed Jesus on the altar of the world to clear that world of sin.” Romans 3:24-25a (Message) “When we were unable to help ourselves, at the right time, Christ died for us, although we were living against God.” Romans 5:6 (NCV) For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin,[a] so that we could be made right with God through Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT) For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) 3. IF I ACCEPT GOD’S GREAT PROPOSAL “that WHOEVER BELIEVES in Him...” “For the free gift of eternal salvation is now being offered to everyone.” Titus 2:11(LB) “In this new Life one’s nationality or race or education or social position is unimportant; such things mean nothing. Whether a person has Christ is what matters, and He is equally available to all.” Colossians 3:11 (LB) The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” Everyone who hears this must also say, “Come!” Come, whoever is thirsty; accept the water of life as a gift, whoever wants it. Revelation 2:17 (GNT) 4. IF I ACTUALIZE GOD’S GREAT PROMISE “should not perish but have EVERLASTING LIFE!” … we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles in behalf of His name, Romans 1:5 (NASV) He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 1:8 (NIV) What a God we have! … Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven, and the future starts now!” 1 Peter 1:3-4 (Message) “So let everyone in Israel know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, to be both Lord and Messiah! Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do? ”Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away[h]—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Acts 2:36-40 (NLT) Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. Romans 6:3-5 (NIV) “Open your eyes and see how good God is!” Psalms 34:8 (Message)

Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him. He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach and to have authority to drive out demons. ‭ Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ● Every AUTHENTIC believer, EVERY PRETEND believer, and INFORMED unbelievers have been called. And you are included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. I am writing to all of you in Rome who are loved by God and are called to be his own holy people. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. ‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ● Responding correctly to the call SECURES MY SALVATION. Friend,’ he asked, ‘how is it that you are here without wedding clothes?’ But the man had no reply. Then the king said to his aides, ‘Bind his hands and feet and throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ “For many are called, but few are chosen.” ‭ Matthew‬ ‭22‬:‭12‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I know your deeds, that you are neither cold (invigorating, refreshing) nor hot (healing, therapeutic); I wish that you were cold or hot. Because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust] ... I counsel you to buy ... and white clothes [representing righteousness] to clothe yourself ... I stand at the door [of the church] and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him (restore him).... He who overcomes I will grant to him to sit beside Me on My throne... Revelation 3:15-21 AMP CHRIST’S CALL ON MY LIFE CALLS ME TO… 1. A relationship with a PERSON ”Jesus went up on a mountainside and called to him those he wanted, and they came to him.“ ‭ Mark‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ● Jesus calls me to a relationship where HE IS SUPREME. ”You cannot be my disciple, unless you love me more than you love your father and mother, your wife and children, and your brothers and sisters. You cannot follow me unless you love me more than you love your own life.“ ‭ Luke‬ ‭14‬:‭26‬ ‭CEV‬‬ ● Jesus calls me to a relationship where I AM SURRENDERED. Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me.“ Matt ‭16‬:‭24‬ ‭CEV‬‬ 2. A relationship with a PURPOSE Then he chose twelve of them to be his apostles… Mark 3:14 CEV ”To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:“ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ ● Jesus calls me to fulfill a COMMISSION not to form a CLIQUE. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.“ ‭ Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ 3. A relationship with a PROCESS “…that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach.” Mark 3:14b NIV And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Every day they spent time in the temple and in one home after another. They never stopped teaching and telling the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. ‭ Acts‬ ‭5‬:‭42‬ ‭CEV‬‬

REFLECT ON WHAT JESUS SAID. …Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that His disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake… Matthew 14:22a NLT So faith comes from hearing the message… Romans 10:17 GW I will never leave you or abandon you Therefore, we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Hebrews 13:5b, 6 CSB I've told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I've conquered the world. John 16:33 MP 2. RECOGNIZE THE INEVITABILITY OF STORMS. Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that His disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while He sent the people home. After sending them home, He went up into the hills by Himself to pray. Night fell while He was there alone. Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. Matthew 14:22-24 NLT Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials… James 1:2 NASV 3. REMEMBER WHAT I HAVE SEEN. “All we have here are five loaves and two fish,” they replied. “Then bring them here to me,” Jesus said. He ordered the people to sit down on the grass; then he took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. Everyone ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up twelve baskets full of what was left over. The number of men who ate was about five thousand, not counting the women and children. Matthew 14:17-21 GNT Jesus got into the boat with them, and the wind stopped; and they were utterly astonished, for they had not gained any insight from the incident of the loaves, but their heart was hardened. Mark 6:51, 52 NIV 4. REALIZE THAT JESUS KNOWS MY STRUGGLE. About three o'clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. Matthew 14:25 (NLT) When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. Isaiah 43:2 TLB And it was necessary for Jesus to be like us, his brothers, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God … For since He himself has now been through suffering … He knows what it is like when we suffer … and He is wonderfully able to help us. Hebrews 2:17-18 TLB 5. RECOGNIZE THE VALUE OF STORMS. Note: Storms will bring growth that nothing else will. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him! Matthew 8:27 NIV When they had climbed into the boat, the wind died down. They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves: their hearts were hardened. Then those who were in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the son of God.” Mark 6:51, 52 Don’t run from tests and hardships, brothers and sisters. As difficult as they are, you will ultimately find joy in them; if you embrace them, your faith will blossom under pressure and teach you true patience as you endure. And true patience brought on by endurance will equip you to complete the long journey and cross the finish line—mature, complete, and wanting nothing. James 1:2, 3 VOICE We felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us. As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened. Instead of trusting in our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally--not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead! 2 Corinthians 1:9 MP

TO TRUST JESUS WHEN HIS TEACHINGS ARE HARD I MUST… 1. ADMIT THAT SOME OF JESUS TEACHINGS ARE HARD FOR ME. • I can confess this to Jesus. (A good thing) On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” John 6:60 NIV • I can complain about this to others. (A bad thing) Jesus was aware that His disciples were complaining, so He said to them, "Does this offend you? John 6:61 NLT “And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” Matthew 11:6 ESV 2. ANTICIPATE JESUS REFUSING TO RELAX HIS STANDARD. Then what will you think when you see the Son of Man going up to where he came from? It is the Spirit that gives life. The body is of no value for that. But the things I have told you are from the Spirit, so they give life. But some of you don’t believe.” (Jesus knew the people who did not believe). And he knew the one who would hand him over to his enemies.) After Jesus said these things, many of his followers left and stopped following him.67 Jesus asked the twelve apostles, “Do you want to leave too?” John 6:62-66 ERV 3. ASK WHY THE TEACHING IS HARD AND ANSWER HONESTLY. • Is the teaching difficult to understand? Paul talks about these same things in all his letters, but part of what he says is hard to understand. 2 Peter 3:16a CEV They are darkened in their understanding… because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Ephesians 4:18 NIV • Do I disagree with the teaching? Jonah was very upset about this, and he became angry. “… That’s why I tried to run to Tarshish in the first place. I knew that you are a merciful and compassionate God …always ready to forgive… So now, LORD, take my life. I’d rather be dead than alive.” Jonah 4:1-3 GW • Does the teaching disclose a motive problem? Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. John 6:26 NLT Do not work for food that does not last. Work for food that lasts forever. The Son of Man will give you that kind of food. God the Father has shown He will do this.” John 6:27 NLV • Am I focused on personal blessing or becoming like Christ? 4. ACKNOWLEGE WHO JESUS IS AND THE IMPLICATIONS. Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68, 69 NLT • Jesus is the Lord of Lords. for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess[a] to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:11, 12 ESV • Jesus alone provides the words that bring salvation. This is My Father’s will and His purpose, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] at the last day. John 6:40 AMPC The LORD our God commanded us to obey all these laws and to fear him. These laws are for our own good as long as we live so that he will preserve our lives. It’s still true today. Deuteronomy 6:24 GW • Jesus is the “Holy one of God.” For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day." John 6:40 NIV 5. ANALYZE THE VALIDITY OF MY FAITH AND ADJUST ACCORDINGLY. My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show you really do have faith? Can this kind of faith save you? … You surely believe there is only one God. That's fine. Even demons believe this, and it makes them shake with fear. James 2:14, 19 CEV Is my trust the kind of trust the crowds had? Is my trust the kind of faith Judas had? Is my trust the kind of trust Peter had?

When Jesus had finished giving these instructions to his twelve disciples, he went out to teach and preach in towns throughout the region. John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting,[a] or should we keep looking for someone else?” Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” And he added, “God blesses those who do not fall away because of me.[b]” As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began talking about him to the crowds. “What kind of man did you go into the wilderness to see? Was he a weak reed, swayed by every breath of wind? Or were you expecting to see a man dressed in expensive clothes? No, people with expensive clothes live in palaces. Were you looking for a prophet? Yes, and he is more than a prophet. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’[c] “I tell you the truth, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he is… For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time. And if you are willing to accept what I say, he is Elijah, the one the prophets said would come.[e] Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’ For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man, on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ Matthew 11: 1-19a NLT TO DEAL WITH MY DOUBTS EFFECTIVELY… 1. I Acquire Help From Other Believers. John the Baptist, who was in prison, heard about all the things the Messiah was doing. So he sent his disciples to ask Jesus… Matthew 11:2 NLT 2. I Admit My Doubts to Jesus. “Are you the Messiah we’ve been expecting,[a] or should we keep looking for someone else?” Matthew 11: 3 NLT And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out[a] and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:23, 24 ESV 3. I Acquire and Examine the Evidence. Evidence of the power of Christ. Jesus told them, “Go back to John and tell him what you have heard and seen— the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised to life, and the Good News is being preached to the poor.” Matthew 11:4, 5 NLT Jesus performed many other miracles that his disciples saw. Those miracles are not written in this book. But these miracles have been written so that you will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and so that you will have life by believing in him. John 20:30, 31 GW Evidence of Prophecy Fulfilled by Christ. John is the man to whom the Scriptures refer when they say, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, and he will prepare your way before you.’ Matthew 11:10 NLT 4. I Act Upon the Evidence. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! “To what can I compare this generation? It is like children playing a game in the public square. They complain to their friends, ‘We played wedding songs, and you didn’t dance, so we played funeral songs, and you didn’t mourn.’ For John didn’t spend his time eating and drinking, and you say, ‘He’s possessed by a demon.’ The Son of Man,[f] on the other hand, feasts and drinks, and you say, ‘He’s a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and other sinners!’ But wisdom is shown to be right by its results.” Matthew 11:15-19 NLT Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. John 7:17 NIV Some ask questions looking for Excuses. Some ask questions looking for Answers.

Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here a great number of disabled people used to lie—the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jewish leaders said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” 11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” 12 So they asked him, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?” 13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there. 14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had made him well.  John 5:2-15 NIV I CAN FIND HOPE WHEN LIFES SEEMS HOPELESS… 1.  by Determining what I Desire. When Jesus saw him lying there and learne d that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?  John 5:6 NIV ....I place before you Life and Death, Blessing and Curse. Choose life so that you and your children will live. Deuteronomy 30:19b MP The workers’ hunger helps them, because their desire to eat makes them work. Proverbs 16:26 CEV 2.  by Fighting my Frustrations. "Sir,” the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”  John 5:7 NIV ·    Frustration can lead me to blame others. "How did you know you were naked?" God asked. "Did you eat any fruit from that tree in the middle of the garden?"  12 "It was the woman you put here with me," the man said. "She gave me some of the fruit, and I ate it."  Genesis 3:11, 12 NIV ·    Frustration can lead me to give up. When hope is crushed, the heart is crushed… Proverbs 13:12 GNT So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35, 36 NIV 3.  by Learning to Listen. ·    Listening promotes healing by teaching me what to do. Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” John 5:8 NIV … you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.  John 13:17 NIV · Listening promotes healing by teaching me what not to do. Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you."  John 5:14 NIV By your teachings, Lord, I am warned; by obeying them, I am greatly rewarded…  13 Don't let me do wrong on purpose. Psalms 19:11, 13 CEV 4.  by RECONNECTING my Restorer. But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’  John 5:11 NIV The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.   John 5:15 NIV When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good he has given you. 11 Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his command... Deuteronomy 8:10 NIV

CLARIFYING THE CONCEPT OF CRAZY People told his family what was happening. So they went to take him away with them. They thought that Jesus was crazy. John 3:21 EASY Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” John 2:17 NKJV If we are crazy, it is for God. If we have our right mind, it is for you. 2 Corinthians 5:13 ERV “When the whole world is running towards a cliff, he who is running in the opposite direction appears to have lost his mind.” C. S. Lewis CLARIFYING THE CONCEPT OF TEMPLE The Jews  responded to him, “What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples recalled what he had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken. John 2:18 -22 NIV The God who made the world and everything else in it is the Lord of heaven and earthy and does not live in temples built by hands... Acts 17:24 NIV Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple. I Corinthians 3:16, 17 NIV 1 Corinthians 6:19 1 Corinthians 3:16 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20  2 Corinthians 6:16 Ephesians 2:19-22 Ephesians 2:21-22 1 Peter 2:5 1 Corinthians 3:17 1 Peter 2:4-5 IT DRIVES JESUS CRAZY… 1. WHEN HIS TEMPLE (that’s me) IS NOT PROPERLY MOTIVATED. The time was near to celebrate the Passover, the festival commemorating when God rescued His children from slavery in Egypt, so Jesus went to Jerusalem for the celebration. John 2:1 VOICE For it is Christ’s love that fuels our passion and motivates us, because we are absolutely convinced that he has given his life for all of us. This means all died with him, so that those who live should no longer live self-absorbed lives but lives that are poured out for him—the one who died for us and now lives again. 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15 TP Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Romans 12:11a MP 2. WHEN HIS TEMPLE (that’s me) IS NOT PURE. Jesus made a whip out of ropes. He chased all the sheep and cattle from the temple. He scattered the coins of the people exchanging money. And he turned over their tables. He told those who were selling doves, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" John 2:15, 16 NIRV How could she pour out this vast amount of fine oil? Why didn’t she sell it? It is worth nearly a year’s wages; [a]  the money could have been given to the poor. This had nothing to do with Judas’s desire to help the poor. The truth is he served as the treasurer, and he helped himself to the money from the common pot at every opportunity. John 12:5, 6 VOICE ... Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy cleansing her by the washing of the water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless Ephesians 5:25-27 3. WHEN HIS TEMPLE (that’s me) IS NOT PURPOSEFUL. Jesus refused to allow any to carry goods through the Temple courts. Then he taught the people, saying, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘My Temple will be called a house for prayer for people from all nations.’ But you are changing God’s house into a ‘hideout for robbers.’” Mark 11:16, 17 NCV But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV

I CAN OVERCOME THE TEMPTATIONS I FACE, IF, LIKE JESUS… 1. I MAKE PLEASING GOD TODAY MY DAILY PASSION. Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment… a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:13-17 NIV So whether we live or die we make it our life’s passion to live our lives pleasing to him. 2 Corinthians 5:9 TPT So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today. Matthew 6:34 NLT 2. I CHOOSE TO BE LED BY GOD'S SPIRIT NOT BY MY DESIRES He was led by the Spirit to go out into the wilderness, where the Devil tempted him for forty days. He ate nothing all that time and was very hungry. Luke 4:1b-2 NLT But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. Galatians 5:16, 17 ESV 3. I AM AWARE THAT I WILL FACE TEMPTATION. ... where the Devil tempted him for forty days. He ate nothing all that time and was very hungry. Luke 4:2 NLT And remember, when you are being tempted…” James 1:13 NLT I don't want Satan to outwit us. After all, we are not ignorant about Satan's scheming. 2 Corinthians 2:11 GW 4. I UTILIZE THE TOOLS GOD GAVE ME. No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it. 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV 3 TOOLS THAT ALLOWED JESUS TO RESIST TEMPTATION: ● God gave me the tool of FASTING. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. Matthew 4:2 NIV This kind doesn’t go out except by prayer and fasting. Matt 17:21 WEB ● God gave me the tool of PRAYER. However, Jesus continued his habit of retiring to deserted places and praying. Luke 5:16 ISV Watch and pray. Then you won't fall into sin when you are tempted. The spirit is willing. But the body is weak. Mark 14:38 NIrV ● God gave me the tool of SCRIPTURE. ”The devil… said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these rocks to become bread.” Jesus answered him, “The Scriptures say, ‘It is not just bread that keeps people alive. Their lives depend on what God says.’” Matthew 4:3-4 ERV Then the devil led Jesus to the holy city of Jerusalem and put him on a high place at the edge of the Temple area. He said to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God, jump off, because the Scriptures say ‘God will command his angels to help you, and their hands will catch you, so that you will not hit your foot on a rock.’” Jesus answered, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God.’” Matthew 4: 5-7 ERV Then the devil led Jesus to the top of a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and all the wonderful things in them. The devil said, “If you will bow down and worship me, I will give you all these things. Jesus said to him, “Get away from me, Satan! The Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God. Serve only him!’” Matthew 4: 7-10 ERV So the devil left him. Then some angels came to Jesus and helped him. Matthew 4: 11 ERV

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him.  If we disown him, he will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2 TIMOTHY 2:1-13 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel… 2 Timothy 2: 8 NIV 1.     Remembering Jesus helps me appreciate my salvation. You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1 NIV This statement is completely reliable and should be universally accepted: “Christ Jesus entered the world to rescue sinners”. I realize that I was the worst of them all, and that because of this very fact God was particularly merciful to me. 16 It was a demonstration of the extent of Christ’s patience towards the worst of men, to serve as an example to all who in the future should trust him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15, 16 Phillips For it is Christ’s love that motivates us, because we are absolutely convinced that he has given his life for all of us. 15 so that those who live should no longer live self-absorbed lives but lives that are poured out for him—the one who died for us and now lives again.  2 Corinthians 5:14, 15 TPT 2.     Remembering Jesus helps me to accept my mission. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 2 Timothy 2:2 NIV All this is God’s doing, for he has reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ; and he has made us agents of the reconciliation. God was in Christ personally reconciling the world to himself—not counting their sins against them—and has commissioned us with the message of reconciliation. We are now Christ’s ambassadors… 2 Corinthians 5:18, 19 Phillips God’s amazing grace has made me who I am! And his grace to me was not fruitless. In fact, I worked harder than the rest, yet not in my own strength but God’s, for his empowering grace is poured out upon me. 1 Corinthians 15:10 TPT 3.      Remembering Jesus helps me approach my preparation. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.  2 Timothy 2:3-7 NIV 4.       Remembering Jesus helps me accomplish my mission. This is my gospel,9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:8b-10 NIV We must focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith. He saw the joy ahead of him, so he endured death on the cross and ignored the disgrace… Now he holds the honored position—the one next to God the Father on the heavenly throne. 3 Think about Jesus, who endured opposition from sinners, so that you don’t become tired and give up. Hebrews 12:2, 3 GW 5.       Remembering Jesus HELP alert me to my condition. Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, HE will also disown us; 13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. 2 Timothy 2:11-13 NIV Everyone who acknowledges Me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before My Father in heaven.  33 But everyone who denies Me here on earth, I will also deny before My Father in heaven. Matthew 10:32, 33 NLT “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’  24“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. Down came the rain and up came the floods, while the winds blew and roared upon that house—and it did not fall because its foundations were on the rock. 26-27 “And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not follow them can be compared with a foolish man who built his house on sand. Down came the rain and up came the floods, while the winds blew and battered that house till it collapsed, and fell with a great crash.”  Matthew 7:21-23 NIV 24-27 Phillips

On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 (ESV) “Risk in God’s language is spelled: F A I T H.” Rick Warren GOD WILL REWARD MY (our) RISK TAKING IF… 1. I VERIFY MY PLANS Ask: “Is this something that God wants done?” Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. … and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. Proverbs 3:5, 6 (VOICE) People can make all kinds of plans, but only the LORD’s plan [purpose; advice] will happen [succeed]. Proverbs 19:21 (EB) The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord, and God delights in every step they take to follow him. If they stumble badly they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with his hands. Psalm 37:23-24 (TPT) 2. I PURIFY MY MOTIVE Ask: “Am I doing this for the right reason?” And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely;  never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. Proverbs 3:5, 6 (VOICE) When you pray, don't be like hypocrites. They like to stand in synagogues and on street corners to pray so that everyone can see them. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. Matthew 6:5 (GW) 3. I FORTIFY MY FAITH Ask: “Can I do this without the help of God?” My faith is always the key to my victory. …every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. 1 John 5:4 (GNT) 3 ways that faith is fortified: I fortify my faith by … Committing to listening to the word. So faith comes from hearing the Good News… Romans 10:17a (ERV) You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. 1 Peter 2:2 (NLT) Calling out to God in prayer. And now, Lord, listen to [consider] their threats. Lord, help us, you servants [slaves], to speak your word  without fear. Acts 4:29 (EXB) Connecting with strong believers. NOTE: God used people to begin my faith … and He will use people to build my faith. So faith comes from hearing the Good News. And people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ. Romans 10:17 (ERV) Day and night we sincerely pray that we will see you again and help you to have an even stronger faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:9 (CEV) Listen to your leaders, who have spoken God’s word to you. Notice the fruits of their lives and mirror their faith. Hebrews 13:7 (VOICE) 4. INTENSIFY MY EFFORT Ask: “Am I willing to work hard to achieve this?” So, then, brothers and sisters, don't let anyone move you off the foundation of your faith. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (GW) He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Hebrews 10:37-39 (NIV) On one occasion, while the crowd was pressing in on him to hear the word of God, he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret, and he saw two boats by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, which was Simon's, he asked him to put out a little from the land. And he sat down and taught the people from the boat. And when he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” And Simon answered, “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at your word I will let down the nets.” And when they had done this, they enclosed a large number of fish, and their nets were breaking. They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. And they came and filled both the boats, so that they began to sink. But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken, and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 (ESV) “Risk in God’s language is spelled: F A I T H.” Rick Warren GOD WILL REWARD MY (our) RISK TAKING IF… 1. I VERIFY MY PLANS Ask: “Is this something that God wants done?” Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely; never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. … and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. Proverbs 3:5, 6 (VOICE) People can make all kinds of plans, but only the LORD’s plan [purpose; advice] will happen [succeed]. Proverbs 19:21 (EB) The steps of the God-pursuing ones follow firmly in the footsteps of the Lord, and God delights in every step they take to follow him. If they stumble badly they will still survive, for the Lord lifts them up with his hands. Psalm 37:23-24 (TPT) 2. I PURIFY MY MOTIVE Ask: “Am I doing this for the right reason?” And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. 1 Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) Place your trust in the Eternal; rely on Him completely;  never depend upon your own ideas and inventions. Give Him the credit for everything you accomplish, and He will smooth out and straighten the road that lies ahead. Proverbs 3:5, 6 (VOICE) When you pray, don't be like hypocrites. They like to stand in synagogues and on street corners to pray so that everyone can see them. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. Matthew 6:5 (GW) 3. I FORTIFY MY FAITH Ask: “Can I do this without the help of God?” My faith is always the key to my victory. …every child of God is able to defeat the world. And we win the victory over the world by means of our faith. 1 John 5:4 (GNT) 3 ways that faith is fortified: I fortify my faith by … Committing to listening to the word. So faith comes from hearing the Good News… Romans 10:17a (ERV) You must crave pure spiritual milk so that you can grow into the fullness of your salvation. 1 Peter 2:2 (NLT) Calling out to God in prayer. And now, Lord, listen to [consider] their threats. Lord, help us, you servants [slaves], to speak your word  without fear. Acts 4:29 (EXB) Connecting with strong believers. NOTE: God used people to begin my faith … and He will use people to build my faith. So faith comes from hearing the Good News. And people hear the Good News when someone tells them about Christ. Romans 10:17 (ERV) Day and night we sincerely pray that we will see you again and help you to have an even stronger faith. 1 Thessalonians 3:9 (CEV) Listen to your leaders, who have spoken God’s word to you. Notice the fruits of their lives and mirror their faith. Hebrews 13:7 (VOICE) 4. INTENSIFY MY EFFORT Ask: “Am I willing to work hard to achieve this?” So, then, brothers and sisters, don't let anyone move you off the foundation of your faith. Always excel in the work you do for the Lord. You know that the hard work you do for the Lord is not pointless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (GW) He who is coming will come and will not delay. But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him. But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. Hebrews 10:37-39 (NIV)