http://bible.com/events/48118137

Title: It’s Not Worth It!
You have no idea what God can do and desires to do with your life when you are completely surrendered to Him.

Appetites (and/or feelings)

• These are things that can ruin our lives and make us miserable, if they are not ultimately surrendered to God
• They can become gods/idols in our lives that we give our affection + energy too
  • You will either be ruled by them or you’ll rule over them by loving obedience to God

3 Things I Want You to Know About Appetites
1. God created appetites, but sin distorted them
2. Appetites are never fully & finally satisfied
3. Your appetites always scream NOW and never LATER

Genesis 25:29-33 
Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished. 30 He said to Jacob, “Quick, let me have some of that red stew! I’m famished!” (That is why he was also called Edom.[f]) 31 Jacob replied, “First sell me your birthright.” 32 “Look, I am about to die,” Esau said. “What good is the birthright to me?” 33 But Jacob said, “Swear to me first.” So, he swore an oath to him, selling his birthright to Jacob.

Who in their right mind would trade their birthright for a bowl of stew?

Never underestimate the significance of even the smallest act of obedience — or disobedience. 

“Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good (i add obedient) act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of. An apparently trivial indulgence in lust or anger (or name any other appetite) today is the loss of a ridge or railway line or bridgehead from which the enemy may launch an attack otherwise impossible.” -C.S. Lewis
Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some lentil stew. He ate and drank, and then got up and left. So, Esau despised his birthright.

RepentRe-frameRefrain
James 1:12-16
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. 16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

Extra Scripture:Matthew 6:24Matthew 10:39John 14:21Romans 8:14-17Ephesians 4:17-32Psalm 112:1

http://bible.com/events/48033171

Throughout the Christmas season, our focus has been upon Light and it’s symbolism for all that Jesus did in overcoming darkness for us.No matter which Christmas light is your favorite, there is one truth that will always remain: YOU CAN’T OUT-DARK THE LIGHT

Luke 2:29-32

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.”
No matter what darkness you are experiencing today, know this:  this Light is unquenchable and darkness cannot overcome it.Don’t let this Christmas season pass without asking: Jesus, will you shine on me? I’m tired of the dark.

John 1:5 

The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

http://bible.com/events/48029969

Youversion 

 December 20

Christmas Light, Part 4 – Shine

Series review:

• God created light and it was good
• Everything else from creation stems from that moment 
• Throughout the story of God light is a constant symbol of the presence and power of God 
• The prophecies foretold about the coming of Jesus 
• Christmas then is the dawning of LIGHT 

“on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.”

• And this light brings JOY and a calls us to respond 
• We are not just to observe the light, acknowledge the light, but WALK in the light 
• So the question this morning is: What about YOUR light?

What do you do about all of this Christmas light?

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people 

light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to 

everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see 

your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

• As they are listening, Jesus’ hearers would have known Light as symbolic of God Himself (2 Samuel 22:29, Psalm 18:28, Psalm 43:3, etc.).
• When Jesus proclaims “you are the light”, He commands His followers to be what He Himself claimed to be (John 8:12) 
• In response to this proclamation, you ARE the Light, Jesus gives us only two choices in the Sermon on the Mount (verse 15):
  • Shine ( “it gives light”) 
  • Cover your light (“put it under a bowl”) The implication is that, as believers, we have to actually work not to shine.

But the truth is this:

The greatest gift we can receive is His Light, 

the greatest gift we can give is His Light. 

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light. Ephesians 5:8