Bloom Church Podcast

THE RUTHLESS ELIMINATION OF HURRY   BUSYNESS   BUSYNESS            HOW ARE YOU DOING?   “THE PROBLEM ISN’T WHEN YOU HAVE A LOT TO DO; ITS WHEN YOU HAVE TOO MUCH TO DO AND THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP THE QUOTA UP IS TO HURRY.” – JOHN MARK COMER   “YOU MUST RUTHLESSLY ELIMINATE HURRY FROM YOUR LIFE.” – DALLAS WILLARD   “THERE IS NOTHING ELSE. HURRY IS THE GREAT ENEMY OF SPIRITUAL LIFE IN OUR DAY. YOU MUST RUTHLESSLY ELIMINATE HURRY FROM YOUR LIFE.” – DALLAS WILLARD   HURRY IS NOT JUST A DIS-ORDERED SCHEDULE. HURRY IS A DIS-ORDERED HEART.   “IF THE DEVIL CAN’T MAKE YOU SIN, HE’LL MAKE YOU BUSY.” – CORRIE TEN BOOM   “HURRY IS NOT OF THE DEVIL; HURRY IS THE DEVIL.” – CARL JUNG   BOTH SIN AND BUSYNESS HAVE THE SAME EFFECT – THEY CUT OFF YOUR CONNECTION TO GOD, PEOPLE AND YOUR OWN SOUL   “Today a number of historical circumstances are blindly flowing together and accidentally conspiring to produce a climate within which it is difficult not just to think about God or to pray, but simply to have any interior depth whatsoever

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. Matthew 16:25 NLT   And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:18-20 NLT   QUESTIONS THAT DETERMINE WHOSE WAY WE ARE CHOOSING   Then Balak tried again. This time he sent a larger number of even more distinguished officials than those he had sent the first time. They went to Balaam and delivered this message to him: “This is what Balak son of Zippor says: Please don’t let anything stop you from coming to help me. I will pay you very well and do whatever you tell me. Just come and curse these people

STAY SUBMITTED AND COMMITTED TO THE WILL OF GOD!   You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalms 16:11 NLT   Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him. Genesis 37:3-4 NLT   1. GRASP THAT PERSPECTIVE IMPACTS YOUR FUTURE   Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2 NLT   The Lord was with Joseph, so he succeeded in everything he did as he served in the home of his Egyptian master. Genesis 39:2 NLT   But the Lord was with Joseph in the prison and showed him his faithful love. And the Lord made Joseph a favorite with the prison warden. Genesis 39:21 NLT   Let God transform you into a new person by changin

Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was over nine feet tall! He wore a bronze helmet, and his bronze coat of mail weighed 125 pounds. He also wore bronze leg armor, and he carried a bronze javelin on his shoulder. The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed  pounds. His armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a shield. Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. “Why are you all coming out to fight?” he called. “I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me! If he kills me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! I defy the armies of Israel today! Send me a man who will fight me!” When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken. 1 Samuel 17:4-11 NLT   YOUR GOLIATH DOES NOT HAVE THE ABILITY TO DEFINE YOUR FUTURE. HOWEVER, Y

1. MAKE SURE YOU ARE FOLLOWING THE RIGHT PERSON   Ruth the Moabitess asked Naomi, “Will you let me go into the fields and gather fallen grain behind someone with whom I find favor?” Ruth 2:2 CSB   Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble. Proverbs 13:20 NLT   A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 CSB   2. THE DILIGENT REAP THE HARVEST WHILE THE IDLE REAP SCARCITY   She asked, ‘Will you let me gather fallen grain among the bundles behind the harvesters? ’ She came and has been on her feet since early morning, except that she rested a little in the shelter.” Ruth 2:7 CSB   Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty! Proverbs 14:23 NLT   Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches. The son who gathers during summer is prudent; the son who sleeps during harvest is disgraceful. Proverbs 10:4-5 CSB   The eyes of the LORD search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. 2 Ch

Do it AFRAID    PRESSURE IS A PRIVILEGE    “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah 1:3 NLT    “ When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of Heaven.” Nehemiah 1:4 NLT    “Early the following spring, in the month of Nisan, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was serving the king his wine. I had never before appeared sad in his presence. So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Nehemiah 2:1-2 NLT    “…Then I was terrified...” Nehemiah 2:2 NLT    “…I was terrified, but I replied” Nehemiah 2:2-3 NLT    A NERVOUS FEELING IS A GOOD THING   “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” The king asked, “Well, how

Women should be silent during the church meetings. It is not proper for them to speak. They should be submissive, just as the law says. If they have any questions, they should ask their husbands at home, for it is improper for women to speak in church meetings. 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 NLT   Women should learn quietly and submissively. I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. 1 Timothy 2:11-12 NLT   1. NEVER READ A VERSE ALONE 2. REMEMBER, THAT THE BIBLE IS WRITTEN FOR US BUT NOT TO US. 3. THE BIBLE DOES NOT CONTRADICT ITSELF   Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities the Spirit gives us. I don’t want you to misunderstand this. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice ; to another the

Alaska: No moose on sidewalks Arizona: It is illegal for a donkey to sleep in a bathtub Kentucky: It is illegal to carry ice cream in your back pocket Connecticut: It is illegal to sell a pickle that does not bounce   1. THE BIBLE IS A LIBRARY, NOT A BOOK.   All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT   “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life. John 5:39-40 NLT   2. THE BIBLE IS WRITTEN FOR US, NOT TO US.   You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to d

THE PURPOSE OF THE SHEPHERD   I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 1. THE SHEPHERD PROVIDES The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Psalms 23:1-2 ESV   And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 2. THE SHEPHERD RESTORES He restores my soul…. Psalms 23:3 ESV   The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, “Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!” Judges 6:12 NLT   you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession 1 Peter 2:9 NOT   3. THE SHEPHERD LEADS He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake. Psalms 23:3 ESV   The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. After he has gathered his own flock, he walks ahead of them, and t

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Mark 12:30-31 NLT   “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength…” Mark 12:30 NLT    Me’od   Me’od: Muchness   “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT    WE CAN’T EXPECT AN ORDINARY LIFE WHEN WE SERVE AN EXTRAORDINARY GOD    “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” Mark 12:31 NLT    “…Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strate

    “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me’” -Erma Bombeck   If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it. Matthew 10:37-39 NLT   And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:30-31 NLT   WHEN YOU ARE INTIMATELY CONNECTED WITH SOMEONE YOU HAVE A DEEP DESIRE TO DO WHAT THEY LOVE.   LOVING JESUS WITH ALL YOUR SOUL IS HAVING THE SAME DESIRES THAT HE DESIRED.   “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witness

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Mark 12:30-31    “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 ESV   ochuroma (okh-oo'-ro-mah); to fortify, a strong castle, a prisoner locked by deception.   DEMOLISHING THE STRONGHOLD OF THE MIND   1. IDENTIFY THE STRONGHOLD   “Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.” 2 Timothy 2:26 NLT    “When he (the devil) lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 ESV   We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised agai

One of them, an expert in religious law, tried to trap him with this question: “Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Matthew 22:35NLT   Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40 NLT   Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.” The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my

The thief’s (devil) purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10 NLT   When an evil spirit leaves a person, it goes into the desert, searching for rest. But when it finds none, it says, ‘I will return to the person I came from.’ So it returns and finds that its former home is all swept and in order. Then the spirit finds seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all enter the person and live there. And so that person is worse off than before. Luke 11:24-26 NLT   A GROWING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS IS INTENTIONAL, NOT ACCIDENTAL.   So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behav

Reset – Week 9   Reset: To set, adjust or fix in a new or different way    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 NKJV   “Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation. Whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. For I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 NLT    “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:12-13 NIV THE SECRET TO CONTENTMENT    THE SECRET SAUCE    “This is why I tell you to never be worried about your life, for all that you need will be provided, such as food, water, clothing - everything your body needs. Isn’t there more t

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. Philippians 4:2 NLT   ANYTHING OR ANYONE DIFFERENT CAN BE DIFFICULT   If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 ESV   THREE HINDRANCES OF CONFLICT HINDERS MY CONNECTION WITH GOD …Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NLT HINDERS MY PRAYERS In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together… Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 NLT HINDERS MY HAPPINESS So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 NLT   HOW DO WE HAVE HEALTHY CONFRONTATION?    1. WE MUST VALUE THE PERSON   I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. Philippian

Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. Philippians 4:2 NLT   ANYTHING OR ANYONE DIFFERENT CAN BE DIFFICULT   If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 ESV   THREE HINDRANCES OF CONFLICT HINDERS MY CONNECTION WITH GOD …Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:7-8 NLT HINDERS MY PRAYERS In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together… Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered. 1 Peter 3:7 NLT HINDERS MY HAPPINESS So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Romans 8:6 NLT   HOW DO WE HAVE HEALTHY CONFRONTATION?   1. WE MUST VALUE THE PERSON   I love you and long to see you, dear friends, for you are my joy and the crown I receive for my work. Philippians

Reset: To set, adjust or fix in a new or different way   “I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done for me. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead! I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I

though I could have confidence in my own effort if anyone could. Indeed, if others have reason for confidence in their own efforts, I have even more! I was circumcised when I was eight days old. I am a pure-blooded citizen of Israel and a member of the tribe of Benjamin—a real Hebrew if there ever was one! I was a member of the Pharisees, who demand the strictest obedience to the Jewish law. I was so zealous that I harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, I obeyed the law without fault. I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Philippians 3:4-7 NLT   YOU HAVE TO GIVE UP TO GO UP!   'Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Chris