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Title Speaker Text

The Goodness of God

Liz Dowdy

2/28/2024

Liz Dowdy

Description
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego discovered the goodness of God isn’t recognized in the good times as much as it is in the fire. Daniel interpreted King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. It was a godly dream given to an ungodly man. The ungodly can’t understand God’s Word. Later he came up with his own interpretation focusing on himself and made an unrighteous decree that affected everyone. Don’t expect unrighteous people to make righteous laws.

Life changes in a moment. The Hebrews had to decide to obey the king or obey God. They stood firm in their belief and trusted God even though there were adverse consequences. They would be thrown into a fiery furnace. They discovered God is good even when the circumstances are bad. God delivered them. He led them through the fire without being burned or even the smell of smoke on them. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged they served Someone greater than himself.

We must look beyond the what we are going through to see the goodness of God.

Daniel 2:37-38; Daniel 3:4-26; Psalm 23:6

Faith Requires Decisions

Tim Wright

2/25/2024

Tim Wright

Description
Faith requires we trust and believe in Jesus. Faith requires us to persist through struggles. Faith requires us to focus on Jesus without distraction. And we finish the series with faith requires us to decide. Decide to make Jesus Lord of our life. Deny ourselves. Decide to face the challenges. Take up our cross. Decide to live in His steps. Follow Jesus. Follow Jesus because He saves us. He gives us eternal life. Follow Him with unashamed boldness. What decision will you make today?

Mark 8:29-38; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Mark 16:15,16

Good New Bad News

Liz Dowdy

2/21/2024

Liz Dowdy

Description
Our life is filled with good news and bad news. Daniel’s life was as well. He gives us some proper perspective to keep our life steady and focused forward through the ups and downs. Daniel received good news. He was promoted. But that did not mean he would not face testing and challenges. He kept his cool and was a great example of how to respond to authority with respect. He did not pretend to have all the answers. He knew the power of prayer and praying friends. And God answers specific prayer specifically. It did not stop there. Daniel was quick to give all glory to God and did not take credit for the things God used him to accomplish.

Daniel 1:19-21; Daniel 2:1-49; Matthew 18:19-20

Faith Requires Focus

Tim Wright

2/18/2024

Tim Wright

Description
We live in a world defined by being distracted. I believe that the more intentional time we spend being present with ourselves and engaged with the world around us, the more content we will be and the more capable we can become.

Faith deserves our focus, our attention, our intentional purpose. Faith is not a one-time experience, but a life-time journey. Consider these five questions about the focus of faith: Does faith focus on tradition or Scripture? Does faith focus on judgment or grace? Does faith focus on outward acts or heartfelt worship? Does faith focus on arrogance or confessions? Does faith focus on self or Jesus? Turn your eyes upon Jesus. In a world of distractions, don’t lose focus. Love people the way Jesus loves them. Serve others from the heart. Worship God. Recognize who we are inside and how much we need the Lord in our daily life.

Mark 7:1-23; Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:1; Matthew 9:13

Courage to Change

Liz Dowdy

2/14/2024

Liz Dowdy

Description
There’s a lot of talk about change today. But not everyone wants change for the rights reasons or has the courage to make it happen. And some people just do not want change so that makes things more difficult.

Daniel understood discipleship lesson 8, it takes courage to change. First, you must identify why change is needed. Then, don’t be afraid to be the only one to stand up. Realize not everyone will change. Don’t give up. Know who can and will help. Have a plan ready. Let people make their own decisions. Know God is not afraid of tests. And finally, expect the change to last.

Daniel 1:5-21

Faith Requires Us to Persist

Tim Wright

2/11/2024

Tim Wright

Description
Faith is not a one-time experience; it is a life-long journey. Even Jesus had to persist in faith. He did miracles. The people that saw and heard were amazed. In our text Jesus came to his hometown. He was among his friends and relatives there but was unable to do miracles. Why? They rejected what they had heard and seen, were offended by Jesus’ claims, and would not believe He was the Christ. Their faith prevented the miracles He would have done.

He will give us power to persist when our faith feels weak. Don’t give up. Remember the outcome. Prepare for turbulence. Know faith defeats the schemes of Satan. Fight for your faith and turn to Scripture. Jesus knows us and all we are going through. Realize your faith energizes the faith of others.

Mark 6:1-6; Hebrews 11:6; Mark 5:5; Galatians 6:9; Philippians 3:14; 1 Peter 1:8-9; Mark 9:24; Ephesians 6:16; 1 Corinthians 16:13; 1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 3:15-16; Revelation 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; Galatians 3:26-27; Hebrews 12:1-2

Favor Is Not Fair

Liz Dowdy

2/7/2024

Liz Dowdy

Description
God is the one who gives favor. He often uses the most unlikely people to display it. Many times, it comes through unexpected circumstances. And often shows up in the hard times.

Understanding favor – What it is and what it is not. Favor is God’s gift of grace and is often unexpected. Favor can be given through unbelievers. Favor usually improves circumstances. Our favor is a blessing to others and can last beyond us.

Favor is not a way around the rules. Favor is not authority. Favor is not a way to override3 God’s plan for our life. Our favor is not a change-factor for others. Favor is not a guarantee we get what we want.

But favor can help in our appeal for change, which we will talk more about in the next session.

Daniel 1:9-10; Esther 2:8-9

Faith Requires Belief

Tim Wright

2/4/2024

Tim Wright

Description
Christians are called to live by faith. Faith requires belief. Do we believe in Jesus Christ? If we do, what difference does it make in our everyday life? The text from Mark tells of a man named Jarius. Jarius was a synagogue leader who was in a desperate situation. His daughter was dying. He asked Jesus to come and lay hands on her so she could get well and live. He felt helpless. There is nothing as helpless and death. It seems so final. Jesus encouraged Jarius to believe. Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Believe when others have given up. Living a life of faith in a world of faithlessness can be challenging. Jesus walked through the house with doubters and those who laughed at him. When we are afraid, He is not. When we do not know the future, He does. When we have no power, He is powerful. When we aren’t sure, He is faithful. Believe because He can. Nothing is beyond His power.

Believe because He is our last hope. Sandwiched in the story is an interruption. A desperate women crawled to Jesus through the crowd. She determined that “If I just touch His clothes, I’ll be made well.” She believed Jesus could do what no one else could do. Belief is core to Christianity. When you’re feeling helpless – Believe Him! When others have given up – Believe Him! When in doubt, Believe Him! When you’re feeling hopeless, Believe Him!

Mark 5:21-43; Luke 8:41; Genesis 18:14

Little Things Matter

Liz Dowdy

1/31/2024

Liz Dowdy

Description
Personality is what everyone sees. Character is who you are when no one is watching. It is often the little things that no one pays attention to that make a difference in our success and in our walk with God. God sees the heart. Above all else Daniel had a desire to be pleasing to God. And because of that he was unwilling to go along with what everyone else was doing. He was not afraid to stand up and stand out. Daniel acted, realizing that it was not all up to him. He made the decision and God gave him the ability to carry it out.

Daniel 1:8; Romans 7:18-19; Romans 8:18; Philippians 2:13; Hebrews 13:20-21; Ephesians 2:8-10

Recover Your Determination

Tim Wright

1/28/2024

Tim Wright

Description
In this series on Recovery, we are talking about recovery of our way back to God. Jacob’s story is a great place to spend some time talking about recovering our determination to follow God. Jacob was known as a schemer. He had made a mess of his life. Wealthy, but having shredded his relationships to pieces. It was time to face the One who loved him relentlessly. There were four determinations he made to change things. We can make these same decisions in our own life. Determine to trust God’s promises. Determine to trust God’s rescue. Determine to trust God’s blessing. Determine to receive God’s healing. If you ever wonder if God will help you, hear Jesus: I am willing. God is calling you to new life today. Come as you are. When we repair our relationship with God, we have the strength we need to overcome.

Genesis 32; Romans 7:18; Psalm 13:2; Romans 12:1; Romans 3:23-24; Luke 5:12-13

Identity Theft

Liz Dowdy

1/24/2024

Liz Dowdy

Description
Identity theft is nothing new. It dates back to the beginning of time. In our study of Daniel, we find four men whose names were changed in attempt to change who they were and disrupt their God given purpose. The enemy wants to steal your identity. Your name represents who you are, and it speaks to your purpose and future. Satan will attack our identity to destroy us just as he did in the times of Daniel.

Daniel 1:6-7; Genesis 1:26-30; Matthew 4:1-4; Revelation 12:11

Recover Your Faith

Tim Wright

1/21/2024

Tim Wright

Description
Abraham and Sarah – Two people who laughed, but it was not a joke. It was a promise that was humanly impossible. A child was promised, but God waited until Sarah was 90 and Isaac was 100 to fulfill that promise. Wow! God’s promises didn’t come when Sarah thought they would. God’s promises were answered by her own attempts.

God’s promises arrived after the impossibility. We are in the same situation with our faith. But know, God never made a promise that was too good to be true. Experience faith recovery in these areas: prayer, trust, expectations. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. Don’t be afraid to believe God will keep his promises.

Genesis 18:1-15; Genesis 21:1-7; Proverbs 15:13,15, Proverbs 17:22; Genesis 17:5, 16, 17; Hebrews 11:11

It's Not My Fault

Liz Dowdy

1/17/2024

Liz Dowdy

Description
This session begins the Bible series Discipleship from Daniel. The book of Daniel is filled with prophecy, but that will not be our focus. What will be the focus are the practical lessons we can learn and apply to our everyday life. Insight from scripture and stories from personal life experience will provide you with encouragement and understanding to help you as you navigate your everyday life. Life can present challenges, but we can grow and develop as disciples of Christ. Today we will learn that everything that happens to us is not necessarily our fault. Sometimes things happen because I’m good, not bad. Not all knowledge is good. And the road to success is not the same for everyone.

Daniel 1:1-5; Genesis 10:10

Recovery

Tim Wright

1/14/2024

Tim Wright

Description
The truth is we are all in recovery. It’s not hard to admit that we are sinners. It’s the one thing we know about ourselves. But it is hard to admit that our own sin and struggle have left a mess behind us. And many of us are still dealing with that mess.

The Bible is full of men and women who lost their way. One of the first stories of recovery in the Bible is the first story with Adam and Eve. The world God created for us was perfect in every way. It seems like nothing could interfere with this pure and perfect environment. But the fatal reality was the power of choice. Adam and Eve lost their way. Man was not set up to be his own moral compass and decide for himself what was good and what was evil. Through their disobedience, they opened the door to sin. But Jesus made a way for their recovery and our recovery too! Hear Jesus call you wherever you are. Make the first steps.

You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the end. ~ C.S. Lewis

Genesis 2:1-25; Romans 3:10,23; Romans 7:15,19; Romans 6:3-5; Mark 1:16-20; Revelation 22:1-2

A Fresh Start

Liz Dowdy

1/3/2024

Liz Dowdy

Description
2024 will bring a fresh start to all in some way. Let’s look at four examples of people who experienced a fresh start from Scripture. Peter. Denied Jesus. Paul. Persecuted Christians. Ruth. A poor unbelieving widow. Esther. A good girl with a comfortable life. They all had to leave something behind to experience their fresh start. Peter left behind guilt. Paul left behind false beliefs. Ruth left behind security. Esther left behind family and friends. What do you need to leave behind to experience your fresh start?

Directions Forward

Tim Wright

12/31/2023

Tim Wright

Description
Everyday we ask ourselves about the path moving forward. As we navigate life forward as Christian people, we need to hear words of wisdom from Scripture. The text in Acts 14 recounts the end of Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey. They endured so many struggles but kept going. Even at the end of this mission, there is a sense that there is much more to do. We can find some directions here with the knowledge that there is a big mission ahead.

Acts 14:21-28; Revelation 1:4

Joy To the World - An Accidental Classic

Liz Dowdy

12/27/2023

Liz Dowdy

Description
Joy to the World in its original form had nothing to do with Christmas. It was a poem written by Isaac Watts based on Psalm 98 to celebrate the second coming of Christ. Watts never knew the second half of his poem would be slightly adapted and set to music to become one of the most famous of all Christmas carols. Lowell Mason, a well-known composer and arranger, published his version around Christmas time. The song quickly became a holiday favorite.

Psalm 98:1-9; Genesis 3:17-19

Joseph's Story

Tim Wright

12/24/2023

Tim Wright

Description
The birth of Jesus Christ is multi-layered and filled with mystery. The details are scandalous and messy. The focus of Matthew’s account is on Joseph’s story. What is your picture of a perfect Christmas? The first Christmas was probably a lot like our real Christmas, not the one we dream of having, but the one that we end up with.

In this story we see Joseph driven by love, driven by God’s guidance, and driven by obedience. Joseph was called a righteous man. Are these qualities what we find when we look in our lives? Are we driven by love, rather than self-service? Are we driven by God’s guidance, rather than cultural pressures? Are we driven by obedience, rather than ignoring God’s Word? Jesus is not just the Savior of the world, He is our Savior if we will give our life to Him.

Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Philippians 2:9-11; Isaiah 9:6-7; Hebrews 4:15-16; 2 John 1:6

Go Tell It On the Mountain: The Story Behind It

Liz Dowdy

12/20/2023

Liz Dowdy

Description
“Go Tell It On the Mountain” is one of the most well-known and beloved African American spirituals and represents one of countless contributions made to American music by enslaved people. These songs represented a passion for life and living despite the suffering, humiliation, and unimaginable cruelty of slavery. Originally the song was just a chorus. Later stanzas were added.

John Wesley Work began a mission to write down melodies and lyrics to these well-known spirituals. Work’s passion for the music and history of these plantation songs was passed down three generations. And John Work III changed the arrangement and added more stanzas. This is the arrangement we are familiar with and still sing today. The song is reminder of our responsibility to tell others about the One who came to bring us salvation.

Luke 2:8-20

Unlikely Choices

Tim Wright

12/17/2023

Tim Wright

Description
John’s Gospel is an invitation to come and see Jesus. Let’s look at some of the people Jesus influenced in the beginning of his ministry. They are people who carried out his mission after he resurrected and went to the Father. If you were on the Apostle Selection Committee, what qualities would you look for? Being an apostle is an important task. They would nurture the infant church. They would inform the church of God’s will through their speaking and writing. But the men Jesus chose to be his Apostles were unexpected. They did not have what it takes to do the job! John begins his gospel telling us of these unlikely choices. These men had no idea what was ahead, but they knew who led them into their new journey. We may not know what’s ahead, but we know who leads the way!

John 1:35-51; John 20:30-31; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

Away In A Manger: History and Mystery

Liz Dowdy

12/13/2023

Liz Dowdy

Description
Many claimed this popular carol was written by Martin Luther, but research reveals a different story and that it probably originated in America. Many think it was originally composed by Jonathan Silman in 1837, before being adapted in 1895 by William Kirkpatrick. His is the version most commonly used today. It’s somewhat of an unsolved mystery and who really wrote the song may never be known for certain. But, millions have been blessed by the words that cause them to recall the birth of Jesus.

Luke 2:4-7; Philippians 2:5-8; John 3:16-17

Why We Need Christmas

Tim Wright

12/10/2023

Tim Wright

Description
Christmas brings a lot of stress – emotional and financial. But if there ever was a time when we needed Christmas, it is now. Not the commercial trappings of the season, but the reality and wonder of the truth of the season. When you feel lost, know that God came looking for us. When you feel unloved, know God loves us. When you feel alone, know God understands us. When you feel powerless, know God can do anything. When everything seems like a lie, know God keeps His promises. When we wonder why we are here, know God wants to save us.

Luke 1-2; John 1:14; Jon 3:16; Ephesians 3:20-21

The Story Behind "Silent Night"

Liz Dowdy

12/6/2023

Liz Dowdy

Description
Originally written as a poem by Father Joseph Mohr. He was a priest in a small church in Austria in the 1800’s. It’s an amazing story from its simple beginning and still now it is a Christmas carol sung worldwide. On its 200th anniversary it was still the third bestselling single in history. Get the whole story here.

Luke 2:8

Turn To God When You Feel Alone

Tim Wright

12/3/2023

Tim Wright

Description
The holiday season is one that is filled with family gatherings, food, and friends. It is also a time when loneliness is accentuated and often experienced. We fill like we should be happier – but it is not always so. Turn to God when you feel alone.

Jeremiah offers us truth and strength for the days ahead. Engage in the life around you. Pray for the world around you. Focus on God’s truth. Remember God’s good promises. Call on God and seek Him with your whole heart.

Jeremiah 29:4-14; Matthew 6:11; Psalm 118:24; Philippians 4:8; John 14:27

Surviving in Pain

Liz Dowdy

11/29/2023

Liz Dowdy

Description
From beatings to imprisonment, Paul had endured much suffering for Christ. Finding the balance between where we are and where we would like to be is the challenge of contentment. Contentment was learned. Learned conveys learning by habitual practice, over time and with experience. It did not come automatic with salvation.

Contentment is not in a circumstance or location. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned to be content. Contentment is in Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Paul teaches what he learned about giving and receiving. The gift blessed the recipient. The gift blessed the gtiver. The gift blessed God.

Learning to living in His supply. Paul was thankful for the help of others, and He recognized the Supplier. It’s personal. It’s guaranteed. It’s specific. It’s more than enough. It’s powerful. Despite the problem or the pain, God promises the contentment and the provision you need.

Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Timothy 6:6; Philippians 1:5-2:4; Philippians 1:5; Philippians 1:7; Philippians 1:19; Philippians 2:4

Waiting

Tim Wright

11/26/2023

Tim Wright

Description
We are a waiting people. We live in the hopeful shadow of the coming of the Lord. What do we do while we wait? First, accept the offer of salvation. No one is beyond rescue. Then live the life. Say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions. Live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age. Maintain hope. Jesus is coming again! Finally, stay eager. Follow the example of Jesus. He gave Himself for us. He redeemed us. He purified us. We are His people.

Titus 2:11-14; Titus 3:1,3, 8, 14; Matthew 11:28; 1 John 2:15-16; Galatians 5:19-21

Surviving in Pain

Liz Dowdy

11/22/2023

Liz Dowdy

Description
From beatings to imprisonment, Paul had endured much suffering for Christ. Finding the balance between where we are and where we would like to be is the challenge of contentment. Contentment was learned. Learned conveys learning by habitual practice, over time and with experience. It did not come automatic with salvation.

Contentment is not in a circumstance or location. Everywhere and in all things, I have learned to be content. Contentment is in Christ. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Paul teaches what he learned about giving and receiving. The gift blessed the recipient. The gift blessed the gtiver. The gift blessed God.

Learning to live in His supply. Paul was thankful for the help of others, and He recognized the Supplier. It’s personal. It’s guaranteed. It’s specific. It’s more than enough. It’s powerful. Despite the problem or the pain, God promises the contentment and the provision you need.

Philippians 4:10-19; 1 Timothy 6:6; Philippians 1:5-2:4; Philippians 1:5; Philippians 1:7; Philippians 1:19; Philippians 2:4

Peace In Anxiety

Liz Dowdy

11/22/2023

Liz Dowdy

Description
Anxiety affects most of society. In a long-term study on worry it was discovered that only 8% of worry stemmed from legitimate reasons. So why do we worry so much and how can we stop worrying?

Philippians 4 exhorts us in this matter: Be anxious of nothing. To be anxious basically means to be distracted or to have a divided mind. Paul’s advice for anxiety is to turn it into prayer and the outcome will be peace. When we feed our mind on what is true, we can face the same circumstances as others, but have a peace that is different. God’s peace becomes a protection for heart and mind.

What you think is up to you. Right thinking leads to right doing. This replaces worry. True. Honest. Just. Pure. Lovely. Of good report. Virtue. Praiseworthy. Meditate on these things. Our thought life influences our outward behavior. It is easier to control what we do when our thoughts are in control.

Decide who to follow. Paul was an example – What you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. Have you experienced this peace that passes understanding? Share it with others. The Presence of God furnishes the peace of God. And isn’t that what we are all looking for in the midst of our pain?

Philippians 4:6-9; Matthew 6:25-33; Romans 8:28; Romans 5:1; Proverbs 23:7

God Just Wants Me To Be Happy

Tim Wright

11/19/2023

Tim Wright

Description
What does it mean to be happy? Happiness is defined by everyone in a different way. Sometimes what makes us happy is not good for us. God does not want you to be happy when it makes you unwise or causes you to sin. God does not want you to be happy when it means loving the world more than Him. When we follow God’s plan for our life, we will know true happiness.

Joy is greater than happiness. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Joy is a command from Scripture. Joy is built on Jesus. Jesus makes the invisible God visible. He is the firstborn over all creation. All things were created through Him and for Him and He is the One who sustains all things. He is the head of the church and deserves first place in our life. Find joy and happiness in God.

Ephesians 5:15; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 2:15-17; Psalm 68:3; Galatians 5:22; Philippians 4:4; Colossians 1:15-18; Proverbs 3:5; 1 Peter 3:10-12

Facing Disagreements

Liz Dowdy

11/15/2023

Liz Dowdy

Description
Facing Disagreements. Everyone at someone point has been involved in a disagreement directly or indirectly. Paul spoke directly to those involved. The disagreement was causing disunity in the whole church. Disunity is a problem, so Paul spoke directly to everyone involved and let them know their responsibilities to resolve the conflict. He publicly recognized the value of those causing the problem and offered a solution. That solution was to rejoice in the Lord regardless of the conflict. Divisions and distractions can wear us down. But in all situations, we are to rejoice. Joy is not based on easy or agreeable circumstances, but on a relationship with God.

The Lord is at hand. Keep eternity in view. Paul urges the Philippians to honor God with their lives and conduct. Our response should be the same.

Philippians 4:1-5

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