“At what point did you believe the lie?”

Candace’s notes:

“Did God really say?” is the question for all generations.

God created you to never know shame.

If you don’t really know what God says about you, you’re going to spend all of your life chasing the wrong thing and feeling like you’re not good enough.

Turn down the voice of the world, and turn up the voice of God.

“The Shaming Culture” “The Outrage Culture” but God actually created us not to know what shame is.

If the enemy can’t get your soul, he’ll try to get your fruitfulness.

Faith without works is dead. Obedience is not legalism, obedience will lead to a flourishing life.

Don’t have a big dialogue with the devil! Don’t sit there and speak with him!

What you did is not who you are. There is a difference between your who and your do. Confession is not a legalistic thing, it is such a gift that I could go and pour my heart out before God …and He forgives me.

“At what point did you believe the lie?” Who told you?

Discussion Questions

• How can we go about turning down the voice of the world, and turning up the voice of God?

• Do you find yourself listening to that inner voice of shame a lot?

• Would you say your relationship with Jesus is producing fruit in your life?

• What’s your main takeaway from that message?

This month, let’s focus on identifying the areas that we are participating WITH the shame, instead of against it. What does true freedom in Christ look like? What thought patterns, mindsets, and attitudes do you need to work on dismantling and replacing with grace?

• Practice scripture meditation and declaration this month! Pick one of the following verses per week, and write it somewhere you will see it every day. Focus on this verse, spend 10 minutes in the morning thinking about it, saying it out loud over your life, and let it be the last 10 minutes of your day as well.

• Galatians 5:1, “So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.”

• Romans 8:1-2, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.”

• 1 Peter 2:16, “For you are free, yet you are God’s slaves, so don’t use your freedom as an excuse to do evil.”

• 2 Corinthians 12:9, “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”

The Point of Prayer

Discussion:

1. We’re in a series about prayer right now as a church…what was your biggest takeaway from this message this past weekend?

2. What have you learned about prayer lately?

3. Has God answered any of your prayers lately?

4. What’s the one story or passage from the Bible do you think of, when you think of prayer?

5. What is the point of praying to God?

1. Join FV in our daily Bible Plan on the YouVersion Bible App! Comment each day about what God is teaching you, and read everyone else’s comments.

2. Fast with us for one morning a week, just one breakfast, and pray extra. Make a list of prayer requests maybe, or try some new way of spending time with God. Be intentional about it!

The Sanity Checklist

It’s been a tough year. There is no denying it. Plans cancelled, sickness, worrying about the people you love, anger at people who don’t agree, politics & controversy & chaos. Denying any of this won’t make it go away. So how do we maintain joy and momentum in our spiritual lives when everything feels so overwhelming?

Well, I think I have developed a checklist to help us with this, practically!

1. We acknowledge that we aren’t in control, but we know who is.

   1. something for God

   2. Psalms 63:4-5 TPT, “Daily I will worship you passionately and with all my heart. My arms will wave to you like banners of praise. I overflow with praise when I come before you, for the anointing of your presence satisfies me like nothing else. You are such a rich banquet of pleasure to my soul.”

   3. Read the Bible, make a prayer list, listen to a podcast or YouTube sermon, worship God alone along with some music, spend time in silence listening to Him, etc). List of Spiritual Disciplines here.

2. We acknowledge that it’s okay to feel low, but we can’t stay there.

   1. something for me

   2. Proverbs 17:22 ESV, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

   3. Fun feeds the soul. (an article from the psychological point of view)

   4. Learning about yourself is also an excellent way to do something for yourself. (Try a personality test, or try something new.)

3. We acknowledge that our behavior and attitudes do have an effect on others.

   1. something for the people closest to me

   2. 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

   3. Ideas for married couples, date ideas during COVID, keep kids busy and happy

4. We acknowledge that we can make a difference in the lives of people outside our household too.

   1. something for others

   2. Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”

   3. Reaching out during the pandemic

Throughout this whole year, my mantra has been, “one day at a time”. Some of those days have been incredibly low, and I counted it a win that I just got through it without dissolving into a puddle. There were a couple days where I was just proud of myself for taking a shower, or doing a load of laundry.

I think if I had come up with this list earlier in the year, I might have been somewhat better off. And I think if I start writing these down in a journal, I’ll be amazed to see what it will do after a month, 3 months, a year.

Being vibrant, passionate, and selfless doesn’t come naturally. It comes from Jesus. The Holy Spirit can bring these things out of us, but sometimes we have to discipline ourselves to start the process.

1. Start a Checklist Journal. I call mine “The Sanity Checklist”…but you can call yours something else if you want. :)

2. Begin to read the book of Psalms. I HIGHLY recommend The Passion Translation, and this particular version from Hillsong, which you can order right here online for only $10, because you can highlight all your favorite parts, and lines that speak the most to you.

   1. The book of Psalms always speaks to me when I’m feeling emotions particularly passionately. Because David (the writer of most of the Psalms) did too. And it reminds me that it’s okay to feel low, it’s okay to feel passionate, it’s okay to feel whatever I’m feeling, as long as I’m letting God in on the conversation.

"We Are Social Animals"

SEE THE LIVE NOV 4TH CLASS HERE
We stream live on the Bold & Brave facebook group.

We’re going to focus on the term “Accountability Partners” this week.

I’ve always thought of the term “accountability partners” as a solely religious thing. But actually, this term is in the business world too, and it functions pretty much exactly the same way.

It’s most basic definition is: someone to hold you accountable to what YOU want to do.

An accountability partner doesn’t necessarily tell you what to do, or assign you goals and metrics to hit, they just as if you’ve done what you said you were going to do. Or, in the case of breaking habits, ask you if you didn’t do what you said you weren’t going to do.

God has placed us in community, in families. In the beginning, He said it wasn’t good for man to be alone. We have to believe that’s for a reason!

“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”

— Genesis 2:18

Throughout the Bible, we can see God giving his leaders partners in ministry, life, and leadership! When we need help, God will often send a person!

• Moses said he couldn’t do what God had called him to do at the burning bush, and so God sent Aaron. In Exodus 17.8-15, Aaron and Hur join to hold up Moses's hands that enabled Joshua and the Israelites to over their adversary

• When the prophet Elijah needed food, God sent the widow. When he cried out to God for help, at Mt. Sinai, God appointed more leaders.

• In Luke 10, Jesus sends his disciples out in pairs.

• Paul had many partners in ministry, throughout his missionary journeys.

Ecclesiastes 4:9 ESV, “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.

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In Christian accountability, we tend to focus on 4 main areas of growth:

1. Are you growing in your relationship with God?

2. Are you growing in your relationships with people?

3. Are you becoming a better steward of your resources?

4. Are you growing in your influence with outsiders?

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If you had someone that you knew was going to ask you those questions every week, how would that change your perspective and mindset? How would you measure whether or not you were growing?

1. Find an accountability partner or two. A group of 3 would work just as well, but probably not many more than that! Don’t be discouraged if you get a “no” at first, stay committed until you find the right person/group for you! It will work best if the whole group is also committed to Bold & Brave, but doesn’t have to be. Plan to meet at least once before our next First Wednesday.

2. Take a serious look at the spiritual growth questions from above. What is your strongest area? What is your weakest area? Where do you hope to grow the most this year? Discuss this with your partner(s). Plan some goals in those areas.

3. GO FURTHER: Watch this video from Pastor Dharius Daniels titled, “What About Your Friends?”. You can see my sermon notes here.

   1. Read 1 Samuel 16-18 at home this month, and really consider the perspective of each character (might mean you have to read previous chapters and maybe watch The Bible Project’s 1 Samuel video for context too).

      • What questions does this bring up for you?

      • After listening to this message, would you consider yourself a good friend?

      • What does healthy accountability look like in your life?

The Practical Jesus

NEW: Changes coming to the B&B schedule!
FV will be moving to a FIRST WEDNESDAY schedule, where all of our Wednesday activities will be happening on the FIRST Wednesday of the month!

So we’ll do a big B&B gathering on that Wednesday, and I’ll make monthly assignments. Every month, you’ll be encouraged to get together with 1-3 other women and do the assignments together!

This week:

• Spirituality or Practicality?

• Should Spirituality Always Trump Practicality?

I have always been interested in the content of Jesus’ prayer, as he was teaching the disciples to pray. He so perfectly paired the spiritual, with the practical.

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Matthew 6:9-13 - "This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Luke 11:2-4 - "He said to them, "When you pray, say: " 'Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.'"

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Start thinking about who you might ask to meet with you once a month! If you can, open up your home! Have 1-2 others over for coffee and cookies once a month, or you could even meet in a coffee shop or restaurant! Think now about times that would work for you, and who you’re going to ask to be in your group!

Was Jesus political?

The Political Landscape of Jesus’ Time

Zealots - The Zealot movement took the revolutionary option. It advocated outward violence, even armed rebellion, to rid Israel of Roman oppression. Nothing else, they figured, would bring final liberation to the Jewish people. Depending on the point of view, Zealots were looked upon as freedom-fighters or terrorists.

Sadducees - The Sadduccees were the great pragmatists of the day. As wealthy lay-nobles, priests and aristocrats, they sought to conserve their wealth and power through comprosmise with Rome. Politically speaking, this was the most realistic option. Most of the members of the Sanhedrin were from the Sadduccee group. Moreover, as the people at the top of the pecking order in the Jewish society of their time, they were much more concerned with present-day affairs than speculation on the life-to-come. In the Gospels, it is evidently the Sadduccees who are the main opponents of Jesus at the time of his trial and death. They rightly saw that Jesus' radical brand of religion threatened their power and status.

Pharisees - The Pharisees were in many ways the idealists of Jewish society. Most of the Scribes (the 'theologians' of the day) were Pharisees. In general, despite their 'bad press' in the Gospels, the Pharisees sought to live a life of spiritual purity by a meticulous following of the torah (Jewish law). They did not believe in compromise with the Romans (as did the Sadduccees) nor in revolutionary activity (as did the Zealots). No doubt their emphasis on the law could result in legalism which may, in turn, become a pretext for hypocrisy. Nonetheless, many Pharisees were highly committed and deeply spiritual people. They believed in the resurrection of the dead. From their perspective, Jesus seemed to relativize the law which explains their anger towards him.

Essenes - solved the problem of Jewish identity in a Roman-occupied Israel by withdrawing to a monastic-like setting. They were, if you like, the hippies of the day insofar as they completely opted out of mainstream Jewish society.

SOURCE: https://resource.acu.edu.au/gehall/XTOLOGY2.htm

• “kingdom” was a political term

• “messiah” was a political term

• Palm Sunday was a political move, and yet, he didn’t go to the governor’s mansion

• Read John 6:14-15

  • Now go back and read the passage before that. Why did they want him to be the king? Could they have forced him? Most people would gladly accept more power…why didn’t Jesus?

• Read John 18:19-19:16

  • Why was Pilate scared? Why do you think Jesus responded the way He did? Why do you think Pilate asked, “what is truth?”

• Read Luke 20:19-26

  • Why would that question have trapped Jesus? What do you think they expected his answer to be?

Real Rest

These articles are great, but I disagree with their conclusion on WHY God rested. I think he may have included in the Bible as an example to us, but I think He rested because it was the PERFECT thing to do, after creating something PERFECT. It is complete, whole, and nothing can be added to it or taken from it, and therefore, you rest in it.

Which—is why we rest in Him. Understanding that we don’t have to work harder, be better, know all the future threats, etc...we just REST IN HIM.

But for me, this year, I was reading my Bible, I was leading others, I was worshipping, and sleeping, and taking days off, and I still was having trouble with true soul-rest.

What I needed, to get back to that, was an out-of-town-trip. And I didn’t know it until afterward, but that out-of-town trip (and a few afterward), fulfilled a few things in me that I can now see:

1. Anonymity. (shedding the weight of being known & watched)

2. Adventure & Fun. (learning new things, abandon, some could even call it “danger”, simple enjoyment of the life God has given you)

3. Freedom to be spontaneous. (no plan for the day, choices based on want, rather than need)

4. Change of scenery. (understanding that there is more in this world, than MY world)

Those things fulfilled, in me, a return to being able to rest. They shaved off the fear, the panic, the need to be in control, and allowed me to see things a little more clearly from God’s perspective again.

What is God saying to you about rest?

How can you get better at it? What do you need right now?

From last week:

• What is God saying to you about your prayer life right now?

• Did you fast? How did it go? What did you learn?

• Did you do this past Bible Plan? What was your biggest takeaway from that?

From the sermon:

• What does the Good News mean to me?

• How can I use my own sufferings, to help someone else or further the Kingdom?

1. Sign up for a day of fasting with the FIERCE Fast Challenge FV is starting on Sunday!

2. Research prayer in the Bible. What is God saying to you about your prayer life right now?

Lately, I have this burning fire deep down in my soul to see ministry happening everywhere. Not just where I am. Not just in the church building. Not just by an ordained, credentialed, salaried pastor, but by every disciple of Jesus Christ, everywhere, all the time.

As a culture, and as a church, I think we need to challenge ourselves to go deeper, and spread the message of the Gospel further.

Lately, what God has been showing me is the difference between doing things for God out of obedience, and doing things for God out of a deep desire and heart for Him.

1. Do something that challenges you, puts you out of your comfort zone, in terms of spiritual health and growth.

2. Do something that takes you into deeper understanding of who God is.

Radical Honesty

As a church, we have always valued authenticity very highly. We’re not a very “religious” atmosphere, in that we have to put on airs to fit in, or dress up to avoid looks, or be someone we’re not. We can come as we are, into the presence of God, and into the house of God.

RADICAL HONESTY:

1. IS NOT…honesty for other people.

   • Not a license to gossip or tell other people’s secrets and indiscretions.

   • Ephesians 5:12, “It is shameful even to talk about the things that ungodly people do in secret.”

   • “speak the truth in love” Ephesians 4

2. IS…looking deeper at the reasons why you do things.

   • Don’t allow yourself excuses. Recognize the excuse when it comes out of your mouth.

   • Let The Word in deep.

3. IS NOT…telling everyone everything.

   • Tell the right people everything.

   • Others should get the honest thing, but not everything.

4. IS…learning who you are, from your Creator Himself.

   • YOU don’t have to define YOU. God has already done that.

   • The 40 I Am’s

Radical honesty is how I keep myself humble. Humility on purpose. Confidence, not arrogance.

Worldly confidence says, “I am enough.” Godly confidence says, “HE is enough.”

Read:

• Proverbs 22:4

  • How would you define “true humility”?

• Colossians 3:12-15

  • What do you think it means to “clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience”? How would your life be different if you could do this all the time?

• James 4

  • What’s your biggest takeaway from this passage?

Joy Unspeakable

Joy is one of those things that I don’t usually struggle with—but when I do, I really do.

I had one of those seasons lately. I dug myself out…grudgingly, finally, groggily. Actually, I think maybe my husband pulled me out. But at any rate, I’m out! And I learned a few things along the way.

Read this article.

“You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.”

— 1 Peter 1:8-9

• Write down one thing that you used to believe about joy, and what you believe now.

• On a scale of 1 - 10, rate yourself in the joy category.

  • (1 being: “I NEVER have ANY joy in my life”, and 10 being “I am overflowing with joy to the people around me all the time”)

• Identify one thing that you can do this week to get to a better rating.

• Extra credit ;)

  • Read the book of 1 Peter (it’s not long!).

  • Watch The Bible Project’s Word Study on Joy

The 5 Second Window

I came across this video on Facebook. It’s not particularly spiritual, but I think it’s just what I need right now. Maybe it is for you too.

I answered a question lately from a friend, about the spiritual disciplines, and what I mean when I say that. I don’t know about you, but discipline is the exact thing that I need in my life right now. I realized, with the amount of “I gained so much weight during quarantine”’s that I hear, that it might not be just me!

Let’s discipline ourselves, before God has to.

1. Try one of the spiritual disciplines, that you’ve never tried before (or just haven’t done in a long time, or particularly need right now). What did you learn?

2. Begin to read with us in this new Bible Plan.

40 Days of Fasting From Wrong Thinking

I hope you’re joining us in our Fast from Wrong Thinking on the Bible App! Join us here.

And log into Zoom for a 30-min check-in about how it’s going! Wednesdays at 5pm

New Roads New Rivers

Join us in the new Bible Plan here!

Heroes of the Faith

Hey B&B!

I hope you’re still following along with us! We met via Zoom at 5pm today (Wednesday 4/1), and it was great to see you all! I think that time will work better for us moving forward.

I hope that you can tune in with us for Wednesday Night Live and catch my short message on laughter! It’s so important that we continue to laugh and make gratitude and joy a priority in this season!

Your assignment for this week is to check out www.fv.church/heroes and follow along with us in our Bible Plan!

Chain Breaker

Read:

• John 4:1-26

• Acts 8:1-8

• What was your main takeaway?

• What chains do you feel God wants to break in your life right now? (generational curses, or forgiveness)

The Best Part of Waking Up

• What is the purpose of the quiet time? 

• How important should quiet time be on your priorities? — Luke 10:38-42, Phil. 3:7-11 

• How will a quiet time help in your endeavor to know God? — Jeremiah 9:23-24 

• What are the results of quiet time? — John 15:1-5 

• What should the content of your quiet time be? — 2 Timothy 3:16-17, John 15:7 

• What are example of Jesus having a quiet time? — Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16 

• How will a quiet time help you seek God? — Jeremiah 29:11-13 

• How will a quiet time help you live out the goal of life? — John 17:3

Ordinary

Tonight, Candace spoke in youth in a message she called ORDINARY, based on this verse from the book of Acts.
Acts 4:13, ”The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus.”

Read John 21.

• Why do you think Jesus asked Peter those questions?

• Why so many times?

• Why do you think he show up to the disciples in this way?

Break My Heart

Key Scriptures

My grief is beyond healing; my heart is broken. ... I hurt with the hurt of my people. I mourn and am overcome with grief.
Jeremiah 8:18, 21 NLT

With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.
Romans 9:1-3 NLT

SERMON NOTES

Strip me of comfort, ease, and spiritual apathy. If you pray this prayer, you may find yourself burdened and aching. You might lose sleep. Your heart might start to burn with a righteous anger.

Jeremiah is known as the weeping prophet.

What if God’s greatest blessings come from God’s greatest breakings? on the other side of the pain that moves you out of SELF.

It is so much better to hurt with a purpose, than to exist without one.

Following Jesus was never meant to be safe.

DISCUSSION

• What do you think about asking God to break your heart? What feelings does that stir up?

• Have you ever experienced God’s blessings as a result of suffering? What happened?

• What truly breaks your heart on behalf of God?

• Read Romans 9:1-3. Have you ever experienced this sort of brokenness for someone or something else?

  • Spend some time in prayer about what you are going to do about what breaks your heart.

  • If God has broken your heart over something, ask God to show you your next steps. Then do them!

• Check out the Dangerous Prayers Bible Plan at: www.go2.lc/dangerousprayers