BREAKING BAD 12-31-21

BREAKING BAD

Judges 6:1-18

Then the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the LORD. So the LORD delivered them into the

hand of Midian for seven years, 2  and the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. Because of the

Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens, the caves, and the strongholds

which are in the mountains. 3  So it was, whenever Israel had sown, Midianites would come up;

also Amalekites and the people of the East would come up against them. 4  Then they would

encamp against them and destroy the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and leave no

sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. 5  For they would come up with their

livestock and their tents, coming in as numerous as locusts; both they and their camels were

without number; and they would enter the land to destroy it. 6  So Israel was greatly

impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the LORD. 7  And it

came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the LORD because of the Midianites, 8  that

the LORD sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to them, “Thus says the LORD God of

Israel: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage; 9  and I

delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all who oppressed you,

and drove them out before you and gave you their land. 10  Also I said to you, “I am the LORD your

God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” But you have not obeyed

My voice.’  Now the Angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth tree which was in

Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon threshed wheat in the

winepress, in order to hide it from the Midianites. 12  And the Angel of the LORD appeared to him,

and said to him, “The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valor!” 13  Gideon said to Him, “O my

lord, if the LORD is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles

which our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the

LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 14  Then the LORD turned

to him and said, “Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the

Midianites. Have I not sent you?” 15  So he said to Him, “O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed

my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” 16  And the LORD

said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat the Midianites as one man.” 17  Then

he said to Him, “If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who

talk with me. 18  Do not depart from here, I pray, until I come to You and bring out my offering

and set it before You.” And He said, “I will wait until you come back

I. BAD

Anything God does not sanction

Anything that is not producing desired results

Anything hindering your relationships

Anything that has been a family stronghold

Any negative thing spoken over you that you believe, or sub consciously act on

Anything you need to get rid of to be a better you

Any bad thing you did that you haven’t forgiven yourself for (stuck)

Any religious stronghold hindering your relationship with God

II. HOWTO BREAK BAD

1. Recognize Seasons Make Breakthrough Possible

2. Tap into Generational Inheritance – Ultimate Generational Blessing Jesus

3. Realize the Lord is With You if you are with Him

4. Believe What He Believes About You (Mighty Man of Valor)

5. Silence the Distracting Voices

6. Deal with your Doubts

7. Break Down the Altars

8. Get a Plan

9. Build your Team – 300

10. Execute the Plan

CULTIVATING A VIBRANT INNER LIFE

 CULTIVATING A VIBRANT INNER LIFE

 

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. 4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: 14​“Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” 15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

 

Luke 2:51

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart

 

I. MARY WAS DIFFERENT

1. Response to the Angel

Luke 1:38

Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

 

 

2. Miracle at Cana

John 2:1-5

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding. 3 And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it”

 

3. Didn’t go with other women to the Tomb

Luke 24:1-2

Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

 

 

II. BENEFITS OF CONTEMPLATION

1. Increased Faith/Optimism

 

 

2. Increase in Health

• increased positive mood

• improved concentration

• improved immune function

• less anxiety and depression

• slower aging

 

3. Enlarged Pre-Frontal Cortex

 

Long-time contemplators tend to have an enlarged frontal cortex (part of the brain responsible for intelligence, personality, sensory information, motor functions and thought) and a smaller amygdala (responsible for experiencing emotions). Contemplative practice allows emotions such as fear, agitation or anger to diminish.

 

4. Greater experience of Positive Emotions

 

 

 

III. HOW TO CONTEMPLATE MORE

1. Speak less, listen and think more

James 1:19

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath

 

Prov 10:19

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise

 

Prov 18:2

He who guards his mouth preserves his life, But he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction

 

James 1:26

If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless

 

Matthew 12:36-37

But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned”

 

2. Slow your roll

Matthew 11:28-30

 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light

 

Luke 10:38-42

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her”

 

Eccl 3:1

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven

 

 

3. Meditate (God, His Word, Truth)

Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the man Who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, And in His law he meditates day and night. 3 He shall be like a tree Planted by the rivers of water, That brings forth its fruit in its season, Whose leaf also shall not wither; And whatever he does shall prosper

 

Phil 4:8

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.

 

a. Get quiet

b. Focus

c. Turn the thought over

d. Breathe Deep

e. Bring Mind Back if it wanders

WAYS TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER DAILY

WAYS TO EXHORT ONE ANOTHER DAILY

Heb 3:12-14

Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the

living God; 13  but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be

hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14  For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold

the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end

INTRO:

Christianity is not a religion it’s a relationship (a way of life)

Distinct way of life that sets you at odds with the world system

Narrow is the way that leads to life broad is way to destruction

Matthew 10:34-38

“Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword.

35  For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a

daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’; 36  and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own

household.’ 37  He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who

loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38  And he who does not take his cross

and follow after Me is not worthy of Me

John 15:18-19

“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19  If you were of the

world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out

of the world, therefore the world hates you.

Ex. Change or Die. (Community)

Ex. Healthy at Last (Soul Food… - Plant Based)

I. WE NEED EACH OTHER

Eccl 4:9-12

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if

they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls,

For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep

warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by

another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Rom 12:4-5

For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the

same function, 5  so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually

members of one another

Phil 2:4

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of

others

Heb 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25  not

forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but

exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching

Col 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing

one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your

hearts to the Lord

Acts 2:42-47

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the

breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43  Then fear came upon every soul, and many

wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44  Now all who believed were

together, and had all things in common, 45  and sold their possessions and goods, and

divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46  So continuing daily with one accord

in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with

gladness and simplicity of heart, 47  praising God and having favor with all the people.

And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved

II. WAYS WE MUST EXHORT EACH OTHER

1. To Stand

1 Cor 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in

the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.

2. To Faith

Rom 1:11-12

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you

may be established— 12  that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by

the mutual faith both of you and me

Jude 20

  But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the

Holy Spirit, 21  keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our

Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life

3. To Love

Heb 10:24

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love…

4. To serve

Gal 5 13

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an

opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Matthew 9:37-38

Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are

few. 38  Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His

harvest

5. To draw others

Jude 22-23

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; 23  but others save with fear,

pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh

Luke 14:22-23

And the servant said, ‘Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is

room.’ 23  Then the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and

hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

6. To do good Works

Heb 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to stir up…good works

7. To love God

Song 5:2-16 – 6:1

I sleep, but my heart is awake; It is the voice of my beloved! He knocks, saying,

“Open for me, my sister, my love, My dove, my perfect one; For my head is

covered with dew, My locks with the drops of the night.” 3 I have taken off my

robe; How can I put it on again? I have washed my feet; How can I defile them? 4

My beloved put his hand By the latch of the door, And my heart yearned for him.

5 I arose to open for my beloved, And my hands dripped with myrrh, My fingers

with liquid myrrh, On the handles of the lock. 6 I opened for my beloved, But my

beloved had turned away and was gone. My heart leaped up when he spoke. I

sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7

The watchmen who went about the city found me. They struck me, they

wounded me; The keepers of the walls Took my veil away from me. 8 I charge

you, O daughters of Jerusalem, If you find my beloved, That you tell him I am

lovesick! 9 What is your beloved More than another beloved, O fairest among

women? What is your beloved More than another beloved, That you so charge

us?

10 My beloved is white and ruddy, Chief among ten thousand. 11 His head is like

the finest gold; His locks are wavy, And black as a raven. 12 His eyes are like

doves By the rivers of waters, Washed with milk, And fitly set. 13 His cheeks are

like a bed of spices, Banks of scented herbs. His lips are lilies, dripping liquid

myrrh…His mouth is most sweet, Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved,

And this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem!

6:1 Where has your beloved gone, O fairest among women? Where has your

beloved turned aside, That we may seek him with you

8. To look for Jesus Return

2 Peter 3:11-13

Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought

you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12  looking for and hastening the coming

of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire,

and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13  Nevertheless we, according to

His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness

dwells

The Time Is Now Pt. 1 - Bishop Fred

The Time is now

 

1. The Signs are here.

Luke 21:25 -27 And there will be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress

of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them from fear and

the expectation of those things which are coming on the earth, for the powers of the heavens will be

shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now

when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.

2. Jesus is coming back

Revelation 16:15 Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his

garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed! ESV

Matthew 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the

thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

1 Thessalonians 5:4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 

3. The earth is waiting on you to save them from hell fire 

Romans 8:19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of

God.

 The Manifestation of the sons of God is the purpose and destiny of every born again believer 

4. You are created to show the light of the son of God

 This is the churches Isaiah 60 moment

 Isaiah 60: 1-3, Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. 2 For

behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will be seen upon you. 3 And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of

your rising.

5. When the Master come what will you present to Him

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will

sit on the throne of His glory. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them

one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He will set the sheep on His

right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you

blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:35 ‘for I

was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took

Me in 36 ‘I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to

Me. 37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or

thirsty and give You drink? 38 ‘When did we see You as a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe

You? 39 ‘Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’

Matthew 25:40-41 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you

did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’41 “Then He will also say to those on the

left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in

their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

 You are not a goat 

 Is Ministry Time

 Show time. Is time to show Jesus

RELEASING EMOTIONAL TENSION

RELEASING EMOTIONAL TENSION

I. GOD WANTS US OK INSIDE

1. The Preferred Disposition

John 14:1

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.

Philippians 4:4

Rejoice in the Lord Always and Again I say Rejoice

Philippians 4:6-7

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with

thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7  and the peace of God,

which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through

Christ Jesus

Psalm 46:10

Be Still and Know that I am God

James 1:2

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Rejoice always, 17  pray without ceasing, 18  in everything give thanks; for this is the

will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Matthew 6:25

“Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what

you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on

Matthew 14:27

But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be

afraid

John 16:24

Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that

your joy may be full

Isaiah 61:1-3

“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon Me, Because the LORD has anointed Me To

preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To

proclaim liberty to the captives, And the opening of the prison to those who are

bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, And the day of vengeance

of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To console those who mourn in Zion, To

give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise

for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The

planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

2. The only time negative emotions are permitted seems to be expressing

remorse to God and then we are to embrace the joy that comes with Mercy

and Forgiveness

a. Joel

Joel 2:12-13

“Now, therefore,” says the LORD, “Turn to Me with all your heart, With

fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 So rend your heart, and not

your garments; Return to the LORD your God

b. James

James 4:8-10

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you

sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9  Lament and mourn and

weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom.

10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

II. PROLONGED EXPPRESSION OF NEGATIVE EMOTIONS IS DAMAGING

1. A Broken Spirit Dries the Bones

Proverbs 17:22

A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones

2. Negative Emotions Promote Weakness

Nehemiah 8:10

Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send

portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord.

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength

3. It is Unhealthy

Ninety percent of doctor visits are stress related, according to the Centers for

Disease Control and Prevention.

III. HOW

1. Literally release them to God

1 Peter 5:6-7

Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt

you in due time, 7  casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Psalm 55:22

Cast your burden on the LORD, And He shall sustain you; He shall never permit the

righteous to be moved.

Matthew 11:28-30

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,

and you will find rest for your souls. 30  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

2. Tap into the Spirit’s Emotions

Galatians 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness,

faithfulness, 23  gentleness, self-control

3. Change the thoughts causing the negative emotions

Romans 12:1-2

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your

bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable

service. 2  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the

renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable

and perfect will of God

4. Practice Expressing gratitude

Colossians 3:15

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in

one body; and be thankful.

5. Stay in your pay grade

Psalm 46:10

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be

exalted in the earth!

6. Think Big Picture

Psalm 27:1-3

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength

of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked came against me To eat

up my flesh, My enemies and foes, They stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army

may encamp against me, My heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against

me, In this I will be confident.

7. Pray in the Spirit

Romans 8:26-28

Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we

should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with

groanings which cannot be uttered. 27  Now He who searches the hearts knows

what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints

according to the will of God. 28  And we know that all things work together for

good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His

purpose.

THE COMMITMENT CRISIS DEMANDS

 THE COMMITMENT CRISIS DEMANDS

 

Joel 1:1-4

The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel. 2Hear this, you elder, And give ear, all you inhabitants of the land! Has anything like this happened in your days, Or even in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation. 4 What the chewing locust left, the swarming locust has eaten; What the swarming locust left, the crawling locust has eaten; And what the crawling locust left, the consuming locust has eaten.

 

Joel 2:1-5

Blow the trumpet in Zion And sound an alarm in My holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; For the day of the Lord is coming, For it is at hand: 2 A Day of darkness and gloominess, A Day of clouds and thick darkness, Like the morning clouds spread over the mountains. A people come, great and strong, The like of whom has never been; Nor will there ever be any such after them, Even for many successive generations. 3 A fire devours before them, And behind them a flame burns; The land is like the Garden of Eden before them,And behind them a desolate wilderness; Surely nothing shall escape them. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses;And like swift steeds, so they run. 5 With a noise like chariotsOver mountaintops they leap, Like the noise of a flaming fire that devours the stubble, Like a strong people set in battle array.

 

 

I. ORIGIN OF THE CRISIS

1. Locust Invasion

 

Joel 1:4 

That which the palmerworm hath left hath the locust eaten; and that which the locust hath left hath the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm hath left hath the caterpillar eaten. 

 

Joel 1:7 

He hath laid my vine waste and barked my fig tree: he hath made it clean bare and cast it away; the branches thereof are made white. 

 

a. No produce or fruit

b. No harvest

c. No substance

d. Branches stripped off

 

 

 

 

2. Babylonian Invasion

 

3. Armageddon Invasion

 

II. CAUSE OF THE CRISIS 

Five Factors

1. God's judgment: 

Isaiah 26:9

For when Your judgments are in the earth, The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness

 

2. Satan's rage: to kill, steal and destroy:

Revelation 12:12

Therefore rejoice, O heavens, and you who dwell in them! Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time

 

3. Man's sin: 

Galatians 6:7

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap

 

4. Creation’s groan: 

Romans 8:23

For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now

 

5. Preparation for the Coming Move of God 

 

III. RESPONSE TO CRISIS

1. Understand God’s Role in Crisis

a. Either He’s doing it

Joel 2:25

“My great army which I sent among you” 

 

Jeremiah 29:4

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon:” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. He’s Allowing it

Ecclesiastes 9:11

I returned and saw under the sun that— The race isnot to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all. 

 

c. He’s Working Redemption through it

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose

 

James 1:2

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces

 

2. Wholeheartedness

Joel 2:12

“Now, therefore,” says the Lord, “Turn to Me with all your heart

 

​​Revelation 2:4-5

4 Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent

 

3. Embrace Community

Joel 1:14

​​​Consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly

 

Joel 2:15

Blow the trumpet in Zion, consecrate a fast, Call a sacred assembly

 

Joel 2:16

“Gather the people…Gather the children and nursing babes..”

 

Joel 1:3

Tell your children about it, Let your children tell their children, And their children another generation

 

 

 

 

 

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

 

Hebrews 10:24-25

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

 

• Stay with your church

• Develop stronger relationships

• Fight for your family

• Consider partnerships

• Pray for Kingdom connections

• Learn to trust people

 

4. Give Yourself to Prayer

Joel 1:14

And all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God,

And cry out to the Lord

 

5. Develop Confidence in God’s Kindness

Joel 2:13-14

So rend your heart, and not your garments; Return to the Lord your God, For He is gracious and merciful,Slow to anger, and of great kindness; And He relents from doing harm. 14 Who knows if He will turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind Him— A grain offering and a drink offering For the Lord your God

 

A. Lord is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness (zealous 2:18).         Exodus 34:6 - Psalm 86:15; 103:8; 145:8 - Nehemiah 9:17 - Jonah3:9; 4:2 -Micah 6:8; 7:18 - Hosea 6:6

 

B. He relents from doing harm (deals wondrously with His people - Joel 2:26c).

C. Who knows if He will turn…and leave a blessing behind Him - Zephaniah 2:3 - Jonah 2:9 – Ezekiel 33:11 - Jeremiah 51:8 - Habakkuk 3:17 - Amos 5:15; 7:3 -  2 Samuel 12:22; 24:14 - 2 Chronicles34:27. 

 

 

 

 

IV. RESULT

1. Restoration   

Joel 2:25

“So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,

The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you

 

2. Economic Prosperity (Blessing on agricultural, atmosphere, animals economic) 

Joel 2:19

The Lord will answer and say to His people, “Behold, I will send you grain and new wine and oil, And you will be satisfied by them

 

Joel 2:26

You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, And praise the name of the Lord your God, Who has dealt wondrously with you; And My people shall never be put to shame

 

Joel 3:19

And it will come to pass in that day That the mountains shall drip with new wine,

The hills shall flow with milk, And all the brooks of Judah shall be flooded with water; A fountain shall flow from the house of the Lord And water the Valley of Acacias

 

3. Abundant Rain 

Joel 2:23

Be glad then, you children of Zion, And rejoice in the Lord your God; For He has given you the former rain faithfully, And He will cause the rain to come down for you— The former rain, And the latter rain in the first month

 

Zechariah 10:1

Ask the Lord for rain In the time of the latter rain. The Lord will make flashing clouds; He will give them showers of rain, Grass in the field for everyone

 

Zechariah 14:17

And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain

 

4. Victory over enemies

Joel 2:19d-20; 3:1-17, 19)

 

5. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit

Joel 2:28-32; 3:17, 20-21 (prophecy 2:28-29; signs/wonders 2:30-31)

 

 

6. Evangelism 

Joel 2:32a

And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance

 

7. Physical protection – supernatural deliverance and provision

Joel 2:32b

And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, As the Lord has said, Among the remnant whom the Lordcalls

 

Joel 3:16

The Lord also will roar from Zion, And utter His voice from Jerusalem; The heavens and earth will shake; But the Lord will be a shelter for His people,

And the strength of the children of Israel