Message Notes                                                                           

Working Through the Difficult Times

October 31, 2004

 

1) Don’t Give Up, Determine to break through the problems!

Galatians 6:9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

 

2) Deal with the difficulties as they OCCUR.  Never allow an offense to remain UNRESOLVED.

Ephesians 4:46b Do not let the sun go down on your anger.

 

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

 

3) Fake it until you make it!

Ephesians 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…

 

4) Recognize your differences as part of God’s design

Genesis 2:18 The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him."

 

One Example: POPULAR, PERFECT, POWERFUL, PEACEMAKER

 

5) Tap into God’s Power and ask Him for a renew vision for your relationship

Ephesians 3:20 - Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

 

John 15:5 "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

 

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

 

Jesus Christ, This is it.  Today I'm starting a relationship with You.  I turn from living for myself to you. I ask You to forgive me for the wrong things I've done. Thank You for forgiving me so I can start to feel closer to You.  I want You to start to show me how to live.  Direct my life.  Please take over my life and guide me.  I have a lot to learn.  Would You please teach me? Help me to live for you every moment of my life. Amen.

 

6) Don’t be afraid to seek outside help!

James 4:6b …”God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

 

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.