Life's Healing Choices - Week 8

The Sharing Choice
Message by Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church

Bible Reference 1
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1 Peter 2:9-10 (NIV84)
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But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Note 1
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THE SHARING CHOICE:
I choose to yield myself to God to be used to bring the Good News to others, by both my example and by my words.

Note 2
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People need an example before they’ll listen to an explanation.

Note 3
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People don’t relate to perfection, they relate to struggle.

Bible Reference 2
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2 Corinthians 1:3-7 (NIV84)
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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort.

Note 4
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Talk about your experience.

Question
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What can you talk about with credibility?

Note 5
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Share your fear.

Bible Reference 3
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2 Corinthians 1:8 (NIV84)
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We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about the hardships we suffered in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life.

Note 6
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Share your frustration.

Bible Reference 4
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Romans 7:18-19 (NIV84)
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I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing.

Note 7
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Share your failures.

Bible Reference 5
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1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV84)
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Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst.

Note 8
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Share your strength.

Note 9
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Your strength is in God’s love.

Bible Reference 10
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Romans 8:38-39 (NIV84)
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For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Note 10
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Your strength is in God’s word.

Bible Reference 11
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Romans 15:4 (NIV84)
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For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Note 11
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Your strength is in God’s people.

Bible Reference 12
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Philippians 2:22 (NIV84)
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But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Bible Reference 13
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Philippians 2:25 (NIV84)
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But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.

Note 12
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Your strength is in God’s purpose.

Bible Reference 14
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Romans 8:28 (NIV84)
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And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Bible Reference 15
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1 Peter 3:15 (NIV84)
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But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Life's Healing Choices - Week 7

The Growth Choice
Message by Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church

Scripture Reference 1
2 Peter 3:18 GNT

But continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory, now and forever! Amen.

Growth Choice
I reserve a daily time with God for Bible reading, self-examination, and prayer in order to know God and his will for my life and to gain the power to follow his will. ~ Learn how to continue growing and make it to the finish line!

7 Good Tools for Growth 1
Set a daily time with God.

Note 1
When we do decide to have a dedicated time “satan” will throw all kinds of things at you. When we don’t have that daily time with God we don’t have the power and strength.

Scripture Reference 2
1 John 3:6 ESV

No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.
7 Good Tools for Growth 2
Fill our mind with scripture.

Scripture Reference 3
James 1:25 NIV84

But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it–he will be blessed in what he does.

7 Good Tools for Growth 3
Focus on my goal not my habit.

Scripture Reference 4
Philippians 3:12-14 NIV84

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Goals 1
Focused - specific. I want to serve.

Goals 2
Attainable - set goals that can really be done through God’s power, daily-time-where.

Goals 3
Individual - you are not making it for someone else. It’s for you.

Goals 4
Trackable - Starting tomorrow (date) will spend x time until x.

Goals 5
Heartfelt - gotta mean something to you.

The Skinny on Fasting
Whether your starving for food or your iPod, fasting is a key ingredient to renewing your dependence on God. Everyone seems to go about fasting in their own, unique way--as seen in this short comedy from the Skit Guys.
The Skinny on Fasting

7 Good Tools for Growth 4
Face and forsake my failures quickly.

Scripture Reference 5
Lamentations 3:40 NIV84

Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.

Scripture Reference 6
1 Corinthians 11:31 NIV84

But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment.
7 Good Tools for Growth 5
Flee temptation.

Scripture Reference 7
1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV84

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
Scripture Reference 8
1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV84

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

7 Good Tools for Growth 6
Participate in ongoing small group.

7 Good Tools for Growth 7
Follow Christ to the finish line: don’t quit.

Scripture Reference 9
Philippians 1:6 NIV84

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Scripture Reference 10
Galatians 6:9 NIV84

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Life's Healing Choices - Week 6

The Relationship Choice
Message by Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church

Key Scripture Reference 1
Matthew 5:7 NIV84

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Key Scripture Reference 2
Matthew 5:9 NIV84

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Note 1
In verses 7 and 9 Jesus is showing us what the right choices are when it comes to relationships: Mercy and Peacemaking.

The Relationship Choice:
I will evaluate all of my relationships, offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me, and make amends for harm that I have done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.

Note 2
Mercy and peacemaking stretch us and mold us to become more like Christ

Question
So what does mercy and peacemaking look like?

Note 3
Mercy is the action of doing something kind to someone who hasn’t earned the kindness or doesn’t even deserve the kindness.

Question
How has that anger and resentment worked for you so far?

Note 4
How am I going to make sure they don’t do it again? You don’t

Note 5
Your job is to obey your Lord and show mercy, their job is to obey the Lord and stop willfully sinning.

Scripture Reference 3
Romans 2:4 NIV84

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

Note 6
Healing comes when forgiveness is asked for, granted and amends are made.

The process of forgiving involves three steps:
1. Reveal your hurt to the right people.

Scripture Reference 4
Matthew 18:15 NIV84

“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

The process of forgiving involves three steps:
2. Release the offender

Scripture Reference 5
Matthew 18:21-22 NIV84

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy‑seven times.

The process of forgiving involves three steps:
3. Replace it with God’s peace and grace

Scripture Reference 5
Colossians 3:15 NIV84

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Scripture Reference 6
Psalm 103:12 NIV84

as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

Scripture Reference 7
Romans 12:17-18 NIV84

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone

Steps to Making Amends
1. Make a list of people the Holy Spirit shows you, you may have wronged.
Questions:
1. Any debts you haven’t repaid?
2. Any promises you have broken?
3. Anyone you’ve taken for granted?
4. Someone you have abused (verbally, physically, emotionally)
5. Have you lied to someone?
6. Have you slandered, criticized, gossiped…?

2. Seek out wisdom for the appropriate way to make amends.
Questions:
1. How would you want someone to make amends to you?
2. Have no expectations.
3. Will this possibly harm them and do more harm than good?
4. What is right attitude, timing, means (letter/call…) restitution?

Life's Healing Choices - Week 5

The Transformation Choice
Message by Pastor Terry Crawford
Covenant Church

Key Scripture Reference
Matthew 5:6 NIV84

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Note 1
In choosing righteousness, we are also choosing not to hunger and thirst for unrighteousness. Only righteousness brings fulfillment and happiness

Scripture Reference 1
Romans 12:1-2 NIV84

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer 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.

Note 2
TRANSFORMATION CHOICE:
Voluntarily submit to every change God wants to make in my life and humbly ask him to remove my character defects.

Note 3
Change is not painless. Going from single to married takes adjustment and dying to ourselves. Giving birth to new life means going through labor and delivery. Growing pains from puberty to adulthood leave emotional scars and baggage. Removing cancer to get to health is painful and there has to be a recovery period.

Scripture Reference 2
Genesis 32:11 NIV84

Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me, and also the mothers with their children.

Scripture Reference 3
Genesis 32:24-31 NIV84

So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob's hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. Then the man said, “Let me go, for it is daybreak.” But Jacob replied, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” The man asked him, “What is your name?” “Jacob,” he answered. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” Jacob said, “Please tell me your name.” But he replied, “Why do you ask my name?” Then he blessed him there. So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, “It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared.” The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip.

Note 4
As we passionately, actively hunger and thirst for righteousness, as we wrestle with God and hold on with perseverance, even through the pain of change, God transforms us from trespasser, claim jumper, enemy, lost to sons and daughters.
We have a new name (God Rules / Prince of God) and a new walk.

Prayer
Prayer: Have you made the Transformation Choice? Do you hunger and thirst for righteousness or are you still filling yourself with ho ho’s and no no’s? Are you wrestling with God, holding onto him with all your might? Have you asked him to make the changes He wants to make in your life?

Life's Healing Choices - Week 4

Housecleaning Choice
Message by: Terry Crawford
Covenant Church

Note 1
The Housecleaning Choice: I openly examine and confess my faults to myself, to God and to someone I trust.

Scripture Reference 1
Matthew 5:8 NIV84

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Scripture Reference 2
John 10:10 NIV84

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

Note 2
Jesus doesn't want me to be religious. He wants me to be real.

Scripture Reference 3
John 11:38-44 NIV84

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Scripture Reference 4
John 8:36 NIV84

So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Note 3
The basis for a pure heart is not how good you've been.
The basis for a pure heart is how good God is.

Question 1
Deep down inside, what does your heart want?
Do you want to see God in your life?

Scripture Reference 5
Psalm 139:1 CEV

You have looked deep into my heart, Lord , and you know all about me.

Scripture Reference 6
Romans 4:17 NIV84

As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed–the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.

Scripture Reference 7
1 John 1:9 NIV84

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Note 4
Sin should drive you to God not away from Him.

Scripture Reference 8
Matthew 5:8 NIV84

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.