BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN

Team:

Have you ever wanted something so bad you were willing to do anything to get it.

There have been polls taken asking people what they would be willing to do for Millions of Dollars?

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN

Over 50 percent of Men and Women said they would have an affair.

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN

Over 50 percent of Teens said they would go to bed with anybody for Millions of Dollars.

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN

Over 50 percent of Teens said they would take any drug for Millions of Dollars.

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN

Over 50 percent of Teens would advise or get an Abortion for Millions of Dollars.

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN

What would you give to gain the Power of the World? To gain Millions of Dollars?

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN

"After Absalom fled and went to Geshur, he stayed there three years. And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he was consoled concerning Amnon's death." 2 Samuel 13:1-39

Here we see a family ripped apart with a domino effect years after a tragedy took place. Decisions that have been made early on planted seeds for a disaster in years to come. They were:

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN!

David's son Ammon was in love with his brother Absalom's sister Tamar. David had more then one wife which was out of God's will and forbidden.

Ammon was advised by a shrewd friend to pretend he was sick so his sister would come in and see him and cook for him.

When she came to his room Ammon raped her and kicked her out. It says that Ammon hated her more then he loved her after the rape.

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN!

Tamar went away with ashes on her head crying. Absalom found out about it and let her stay at his house.

3 years later Absalom threw a party for the Kings sons. Absalom got his buddies to get Ammon drunk and kill him.

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN!

Absalom let revenge take over his life. He loved his sister and wanted justice. His father David didn't do anything to Ammon after the rape.

David let it go for some reason. I'm sure Absalom kept asking his dad what he was going to do about it? David probably kept putting it off saying, "don't worry I will punish Ammon."

Absalom decided to take the matters into his own hands and murdered Ammon.

David was trying to lesson the grief associated with Ammon's death. He wanted to make things right with Absalom but it was too late. His relationship with Absalom was beyond the point of no return.

Friends, sometimes we can go to far and we are beyond the point of no return. It is like going over The Niagara Falls. Once you get 100 yards from the Falls the current becomes too strong and pulls you over.

The enemy wants to use situations in your life to get you to the Point Of No Return and take you over the falls.

In this passage we see many points Of No Return:

David's disobedience in having multiple wives.

David's "hands off" approach with his kids.

David's reluctance to punish Ammon.

Ammon's Lust dominated him.

Absalom let Bitterness and Anger Control him when his dad let Ammon get away with the rape of Tamar.

Many seeds were planted by the enemy to destroy this First Family. Satan knew if he could bring down the First Family of Israel then God would not be able to come to the Rescue. The enemy wants to bring them to:

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN!

The same is true for us. When we are trying to do God's will the enemy will use whatever he can to derail us.

Friends and Family, we are at War in these days over Good and Evil. We are in the days the Bible calls "The Last Days."

The days where people say, "Good is Evil and Evil is Good."

The good news is this: When you feel you are at the Point Of No Return God can Step in if you are willing to let Him.

No matter what mistakes we have made God is Bigger and more Forgiving then you could ever imagine.

The Point Of No Return is good! Why? Because now we have no Choice but to Trust in God.

The Bible says, "Humble thyself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up!"

You may be in the middle of the Niagara Falls going down but if you look up with a Humble Heart God will Rescue you and your Family from:

BEYOND THE POINT OF NO RETURN!

Just Keep Going!

Rick

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THE BEST OF TIMES THE WORST OF TIMES

Team:

Have you ever been having the time of your life only to get blindsided by the unexpected?

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness,it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,
we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way...."

THE BEST OF TIMES THE WORST OF TIMES

Sometimes the Best Of Times can cause us to let our guard down and in comes the Worst of times.

One night Belshazzar was partying with all of Babylon and the City Gates were left open. That very night the Medes and the Persians took over Babylon.

Mighty Babylon has Fallen!!

Obviously Babylon fell because of complacency and bad choices.

THE BEST OF TIMES THE WORST OF TIMES

Other times things just happen during the Best Of Times that are no fault of anyone.

Job had an experience like that. Job was Blameless and Righteous. He was also the Wealthiest person of his day. He had no problems.

One day Job lost it all including his family. "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

What did Job Trust in? "I know my redeemer lives and in eternity. I will see Him." Job trusted that God would redeem him.

THE BEST OF TIMES THE WORST OF TIMES

One day a blind man met Jesus. The religious people of the day asked who's fault it was that this man is blind?

Everyone accused the Mom and Dad of some Great Sin that they were hiding that made the son blind.

Jesus went on to tell them that no one is at fault. Jesus told them it happened so we could see the glory of God.

The blind man said, "yesterday I was blind and now I see."

THE BEST OF TIMES THE WORST OF TIMES

Friends, we don't know why things happen the way they do however we do know in Eternity we will see our Redeemer.

No matter what happens in The Best of Times to turn it into The Worst of Times God always has a backup plan so we can see His Glory in the situation we are in.

THE BEST OF TIMES THE WORST OF TIMES

Ruth was a newlywed and it was the Best of Times. One day the Best of Times turned into the Worst of Times. Ruth lost her husband and her dream of a prosperous life.

She became an immigrant worker working in the fields picking up the leftovers for her Mother in Law Naomi. Then one day The Worst of Times turned into the Best of Times.

BOAZ SHOWED UP! HE BECAME THE KINSMAN REDEEMER!

He redeemed Ruth and Naomi. A couple of Generations later David the King of Israel would be from their offspring. Many years after that The Redeemer Job mentioned would come to this World. His name is Jesus Christ.

God has a Plan and a Purpose in the Best of Times and the Worst of Times.

Why?

Because God is beyond time and longs to be with you either in The Best of Times or The Worst of Times.

Solomon said there is a time and a season for everything under heaven. Ecc 3:1

No Matter what Time it is God is Beyond Time and Lives to make Intercession for us.

Think about that! Jesus Christ Lives to Intercede for you day and night. God's Purpose in Eternity is to be your Redeemer IN THE BEST OF TIMES AND THE WORST OF TIMES.

TRUST IN GOD'S PLAN IN EVERYTHING

Jesus said, "Fear Not For I have overcome the World!"

IN THE BEST OF TIMES AND THE WORST OF TIMES!

Just Keep Going!!

Rick

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Team:

What do we Forget?
What do we Focus on?
What is the Future?

Sometimes we Focus on the past don't we?

Here Paul tells us to Focus on Forgetting the past!

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
—Philippians 3:13–14

Friends, sometimes we get strangled with the past. The enemy wants us to remember our failures. He tries to remind us of our failures to take us out of the game.

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Paul was just like us. He had some baggage from the past that kept haunting him.

Paul was saying I have not achieved what I need to achieve.

I cannot be Complacent!

God has so much more in store for our future.

The Lord wants us to Forget the past because He knows the past can strangle us.

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

So how do we Forget the past? Paul says to Focus Forgetting it and to Focus on the Future.

Look Forward to what is ahead! Look Forward to the Finish Line.

Have you ever looked through a telescope that wasn't Focused? You can't see anything because the image is blurred.

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Our perception is the same way. When we look at our goals are they blurry?

If so we might want to Forget the Past.

Why?

Because sometimes the Past is more Focused then our Future. The enemy tries to Remind us of all our failures.

Martin Luther said, "the just shall live by Faith."

How do we get Faith? "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God."

"Thy Word is a Lamp unto my feet and a light to my path."

If we don't "forget the past" and move on our Future will be dark and blurry.

If our future is dark and blurry then we will be confused wandering aimlessly without a Purpose.

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

We must Forget the Past and Focus on the Future!

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Just Go!!

Rick

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Team:

What do we Focus on?

What do we Forget?

What is the Future?

Sometimes we Focus on the past don't we?

Here Paul tells us to Forget the past!

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

"No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.
—Philippians 3:13–14

Friends, sometimes we get strangled with the past. The enemy wants us to remember our failures. He tries to remind us of our failures to take us out of the game.

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Paul was just like us. He had some baggage from the past that kept haunting him.

Paul was saying I have not achieved what I need to achieve. I cannot be Complacent!

God has so much more in store for our future.

The Lord wants us to Forget the past because He knows the past can strangle us.

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

So how do we Forget the past? Paul says to Focus on the Future.

Look Forward to what is ahead! Look Forward to the Finish Line.

Have you ever looked through a telescope that wasn't Focused? You can't see anything because the image is blurred.

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Our perception is the same way. When you look at your goals are your goals blurry?

When you look at Jesus is your image of Him blurred?

If so you might want to Forget the Past. Our past can really blur our Future.

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Sometimes the Past is more in Focus then the Future. This will trip us up hinder our progress.

We must Forget the Past and Focus on the Future!

FORGET - FOCUS - FUTURE

Just Go!!

Rick

FINISH STRONG!!

Team:

Have you ever felt like God has given up on you?

Do you lack Confidence?

Sometimes in Life there seems to be a silent season where we don't seem to hear much from God.

God is always there but sometimes He wants us to go to the Sanctuary like King David did.

This is where David began to understand why things were crumbling around him.

The Sanctuary is the place where you begin to understand and also get a Game Plan for success.

"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"
(Philippians 1:6, NIV)

When Paul wrote this he was in Jail with rats hanging all over him and biting him.

Paul had to have something to hold on to when he was locked up.

Some of us need something to hold on to when we are locked up with fear and confusion!

Be Confident in your Maker!

God isn't Finished with You!!!

Finish Strong!

Rick

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MOTHERS?

Team:

How important are Mother's?

Mothers' Day was held in Boston in 1872 at the suggestion of Julia Ward Howe, writer of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

But it was Anna Jarvis, daughter of a Methodist minister in Grafton, West Virginia, who made it a national event.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MOTHERS?

During the Civil War Anna Jarvis's mother organized camps to help the wounded soldiers. She organized supplies and other necessities to help the wounded soldiers both Union and Confederate.

MAY 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first National Mothers' Day as a "public expression of...love and reverence for the mothers of our country."

Bill Federer

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MOTHERS?

Friends,

God has used wise mothers over and over in the Bible.

When you read about the Kings of Israel you will find that every great King was influenced by a Godly Mother.

The Greatest King was born 2000 years ago to a young humble Godly Mother by the name of Mary.

Mary's cousin Elizabeth also gave birth to an incredible Leader by the name of John the Baptist.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MOTHERS?

Have you ever wondered who Mary and Elizabeth's mothers were? They must have been great Godly Women.

I never realized that Jesus and John had a Grandmother!

The Grandmothers of Jesus and John the Baptist were sisters. It was their mother that began an incredible work in the lives of two women who gave birth to Mary and Elizabeth. Mary and Elizabeth gave birth to the two most influential people ever.

Some Mothers become adopted mothers like in the case of Ruth and Naomi. Naomi became Ruth's mother and had an incredible influence on the Future of Israel.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MOTHERS?

How important are Mothers, Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers to the next generation?

"A Jewish saying sums it up: 'God could not be everywhere - so He created mothers.'"
Ronald Reagan on Mothers Day 1986

Grandmothers help mothers in so many ways. They are there to help when their daughters are overwhelmed with all the
responsibilities of a young family.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MOTHERS?

When a grandchild is in the hospital and the doctors don't have an answer Grandmothers always show up and give a reason for hope. God's light shines through them to give their daughters strength in a very stressful situation.

God gave Grandmothers the gift of "Helps." The gift of being there when their daughters or young mothers need them most.

Mothers, Grandmothers and Great Grandmothers can change a Nation.

These Mothers had the Power to change the World and so do you!

"God could not be everywhere - so He created mothers."  Ronald Reagan

Mothers will be Grandmothers and Grandmothers will be Great Grandmothers. No matter what they are still Mothers to the Next Generation!!

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MOTHERS?

Just Go!

Rick

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IT'S ABOUT TIME!

Team:

How many times a day do you smile?

"A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:22

According to research children smile 400 times per day. According to Ron Gutman of TED Talk only a third of grown-ups smile more than 20 times per day. Only 14 percent muster a grin more than 5 times in 24 hours.

Why is this?

People are stressed out! People are worried about the future!

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

Parents are worried about their kids.

People are worried about their finances and retirement.

Young adults are worried about their next move: college, trade school, marriage, the future ect..

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

Life might be faster and more rapid these days but anxiety is anxiety.

When you hit the pillow at night are you at peace? When you wake up are you at peace?

2000 years ago many people had the same thoughts and anxieties that we have.

One day Jesus looked at all the people and had compassion on them.

Jesus saw them wandering around aimlessly just surviving day to day.

Their minds were like a hamster wheel. They were sheep with no shepard.

Jesus talked about the same things we are concerned about. He gave them the Answer to any and every question we have.

Why am I here?

Why do I feel empty?

Why am I afraid of dying?

Jesus had the answers people were looking for. Check out Matthew 5-6. Jesus showed the people the real meaning of life.

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

"Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be added unto you." Matt 6:33

In other words, seek God's kingdom First and His will for your life and everything will fall into place.

The people were seeking everything but God to find a Cheerful Heart. Jesus said, "Come to Me and I will give you rest and a cheerful heart."

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

Rest from what?

Rest from all the anxiety and frustration of trying to be someone we are not.

Rest from trying to be like everyone else.

Rest from doubt. Rest from worry ect...

IT'S ABOUT TIME!

When we fully give it over to the Lord we get Rest. When we are well Rested we wake up Cheerful!!

A Cheerful Heart will make you Smile because you know God is in Control!!!

A CHEERFUL HEART IS GOOD MEDICINE!

IT'S ABOUT TIME TO SMILE!

Just Go!!!

Rick

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GOD'S PERFECT TIMING!

Team:

Have you ever been confused about things going on in your life?

Have you ever wondered where God is in this situation? Why is all of this happening to me?

The Bible is filled with people who had this same questions.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING!

"Just then Boaz arrived from Bethlehem and greeted the harvesters," 'The Lord be with you! ' ""The Lord bless you! " they answered.
Ruth 2:4

Remember Ruth and Naomi? Ruth was married to Naomi's son. Naomi's son died and Ruth who was from Moab had to make a decision. Should she go back to her old life or continue to press forward in her new life.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

Ruth chose to believe in the God of Naomi. Ruth chose to keep moving forward with her faith in the God of Israel.
On the other hand Ruth's sister in law who also lost her husband (Naomi's other son) chose to go back to her old life.

When we get in a Pressure Cooker situation how do we react?

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

Ruth reacted by saying, "I will never ever give up." Ruth's sister in law gave up and went back.

Moab is an example of our old life before we knew Christ. Naomi represents the Holy Spirit leading and guiding us to our Boaz which is our Redeemer. Boaz is our New Life in Christ.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

Ruth obviously embraced a great opportunity to learn about the God of Naomi and became firmly grounded with a well foundation in her knew faith.

Ruth was prepared to be prepared for the Storms of Life. I do believe Ruth had questions like all of us have however when the Game of Life threw her into a Storm she was able to Endure.

Ruth was Prepared to be Prepared.

Some of you are in a Storm right now. You think you may be going under.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

No matter how grounded we are the Storm is Bigger than us and we lose control.

This is when the Lord steps in and takes over. When the disciples were going under in the storm Jesus got up and said, "Peace, be Still." At that moment the Storm ceased.

Was Jesus talking to the storm or to the disciples?

Have you ever heard that slogan, "God will only give you what you can handle?'

Sometimes God gives us a little bit more than we can handle so we have to totally rely on Him.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

Sometimes God uses events in our lives to buy some time so He can have everything line up for one special event that will change your life.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

In Ruth's life things happened so God could arrange a meeting between Ruth and Boaz. If some of the delays didn't take place Ruth and Boaz would have never met.

Two Generations later Ruth's grandson David was born because of God's Perfect timing.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

What is going on in your life that seems to be dragging on?

Maybe you are very strong and have a handle on things.

Maybe you were always able to escape the Storms of Life by your Strength and Attitude.

Maybe you are well grounded in the Word and know all the answers but now you are at a loss for words.

Maybe you have done all you can do but you need a little bit more.

Maybe you are at the end of your rope with no answers and hope is almost gone.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

I heard a story the other day about the Power of One More Degree.

Water is very hot at 211 degrees.

At 212 degrees water boils.
Boiling water turns into steam.
Steam can Move a Locomotive Train.

One More Degree is the Difference.

God does give us more than we can handle but when He does He gives us the Power of One More Degree!

211 - 212

ONE DEGREE - ONE DEGREE - ONE DEGREE.

"Jesus said fear not for I have overcome the world."

Ruth was stressed out. She lost the love of her life. Ruth was wise and chose to follow God no matter what happened. Ruth chose to look at her circumstance as an opportunity for God to work out His plan in her life.

Naomi was also stressed out and chose to believe God had a Purpose in this unfortunate situation.

What was Ruth and Naomi's secret?

They were Available for God's Perfect Timing and for The Power of One More Degree.

Are you at 211 right now? Have you turned up the heat as high as possible but are still to cold?

Are you the Locomotive Train that needs just One More Degree to carry your family up the mountain?

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING! JUST THEN BOAZ ARRIVED!

Naomi was the One Degree difference in Ruth's life to a brighter future. The Power of the Holy Spirit is the One Extra Degree in your Life.

"Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up" Jimmy Valvino Head Coach of NC State National Champions Basketball Team

You are One Degree away! Keep Leaning on God The Holy Spirit to bring you through.

GOD'S PERFECT TIMING!

JUST THEN JESUS ARRIVED!

You may be have a loved one in the Hospital who is very sick and the Doctors have no Answers.

Maybe it has been one infection after another and you are losing hope.

God might be using these infections to buy time so it will work into the schedule of the right Doctor being in the right place at the right time to bring an answer.

Our One Degree might be One More Day!
Without the extra infection your loved one goes home and misses the Doctor who happened to be visiting from Europe and has an answer. This Answer will help thousands of other people with the same ailment.

JUST THEN JESUS ARRIVED!

We don't know why but we do know, "All things work together for good..." Romans 8:28

Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." So he and his whole household believed. John 4:53

JUST THEN JESUS ARRIVED!

Just Go!

Rick

May 6th Ruth 2-4:22; John 4:43-54; Psalm 5:16-36; Proverbs 14:26-27 (New International Version)