Faith

1 Kings 18:16-19:18

1. When you find yourself in a valley, don't forget your mountaintop experiences. We can't make it on emotion alone, we need to rely on God. 

2. God is always ready and willing to gently restore us. 1 Kings 19:5-9

3. After a spiritual encounter with God, Satan WILL show up. 1 Kings 19:9-10 "I am the only one left" - a lie that Satan uses against us. 1 Kings 18:13. Don't run and isolate yourself, lean on the church community. You are not alone. Rom 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."

4. God often comes in the quiet, DON'T MISS IT! 1 Kings 19:11-18. God reminds us of who He is, how good He is, and how faithful He is.

Peace

Jesus came to bring us peace. Isa 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Lk 2:13-14 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

How we can have peace:

1. I can have peace because God is in control. Mt 1:18-21; Jn 14:27

2. I can have peace because my sins are forgiven. Rom 5:1

3. I can have peace because God specializes in the impossible. Lk 1:37

A Heart Of Generosity

2 Cor 9:15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (Jesus' life and the gift of salvation)

Having a heart of generosity is a sign that your confession of faith is genuine.

2 Cor 9:6-15 

1. We are to give generously. v6. Mal 3:10

2. We are to give cheerfully. v7. Have a plan, think about what you are going to give. You will never be generous if you don't have a plan for being generous. Generosity is not about the size of the gift. God doesn't want generosity from us, he wants

3. God will continue to give you what you need to continue to be generous. v8, 11. When God supplies us with what we need, it's not so we can have all we want.

4. Generosity points people to God. v11-12. 

5. Generosity proves your faith in Jesus is real. v13. Our lives as followers of Jesus are to be radically different. 2 Cor 5:17.

6. Jesus is the most generous gift ever given.