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Guiding Light Baptist Church, 3rd floor Mayfair Plaza, Lacson st, Bacolod CIty (2026)

Q: What is the address?

3rd Floor Mayfair Plaza, Lacson St

17/05/2026

CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
Genesis 32:24-31

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.

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THE FOUR STEP PROCESS OF CHANGE

1. The first step is CRISIS

v24."Then Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him until daybreak..."

This was no ordinary man for later on in our text Jacob says:
"I have seen God face to face, yet my life has been preserved."

He was having a real struggle -and worst of all he came to realize that he was in a no-win situation. By daybreak Jacob was getting tired. He was not going to win and his opponent was not going to win.

Fact: God often uses a crisis to get our attention.

Jacob was in the middle of a wrestling match - but more than that he was in the middle of crisis. It was as if God was saying to him, "Jacob you can't win - Jacob you're just going to get more and more tired - Jacob what are you going to do now?"

God wanted to get his attention.

Drop tower ride - it was not a good thing.
When I was in the middle of the ride I realized that I was in the middle of a crisis.

Sometimes we bring crisis on ourselves-sometimes we don't.

But the truth of the matter is that all of us will experience crisis at one point or another – Jacob did.

Some of us will never get closer to God because we pretend that we're doing alright on our own. We are comfortable where we are at.
We never change because we like the status quo

We will never change until we get uncomfortable
We will never change until we start feeling miserable
We will never change until we find ourselves in the middle of a crisis.

When we get miserable enough - we finally get motivated to let God do something in our lives.

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2. The second step is COMMITMENT

Let me go, for the dawn is breaking." But he (Jacob) said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me."

Jacob was committed - he was persistent - he stayed with the situation until he received a blessing. He was in a situation he didn't like - it was frustrating – it was getting him down - he was getting tired-but he said, "I am 100 percent committed to staying with the situation until God blesses me."

LESSON:
After God gets our attention with a crisis
- He doesn't solve it immediately.
- He waits a little longer to see if we really mean business.

Most people try to take the easy path.
Most people quit before the blessing.
Most people will miss God's best for their lives because they give up too soon.

Do you remember this story in the Bible- Matthew 8:19-20
"A scribe came and said to Him, "Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go." Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."

The Bible doesn't tell us if the scribe continued following Jesus
- but I can tell you this truth..
- some people give up too early.
- Some people give up because the path is not easy.
- Some people give up because it's not convenient.

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3. The third step is CONFESSION

After Jacob tells the wrestler he was not going to let go until he received a blessing the wrestler said to Jacob:

"What is your name?" And he said, "Jacob"

Jacob answered, "My name is Jacob." By saying his name Jacob admitted, "I'm a cheater. I'm a schemer."

He admitted his weaknesses because he was honest. When he identified himself as "Jacob," he was admitting his character flaws.

This is an important process in God changing us, because we never change until we honestly face and admit our faults and sins and weaknesses and mistakes.

God will not go to work on our problem until we first admit that we've got a problem. We need to say, "Lord, I've got a problem and I admit it.” It's at that point that God can go to work."

+++++++++++
4. The fourth step is COOPERATION

After Jacob confessed to God – God said: "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed."

Jacob did not argue with God about the name change. After he had a personal encounter with God he knew that his life would no longer be the same.

God changed Jacob from a cheater and schemer to an Israel - a "Prince of God."

God saw all of Jacob's weaknesses and faults - but He also saw Jacob's potential.
God always knows how to bring out the best in a person's life.
He knows how to do it better than we do.

Now the sun rose upon him just as he crossed over Penuel, and he was limping on his thigh."
Genesis 32:24-31

+++
There could be three reasons that Jacob would walk with a limp.

First: Is the fact that thigh muscle is one of the most powerful muscles in your body. God touched Jacob's thigh and it became a reminder to Jacob for the rest of his life that he was no longer to trust in his own power or his own might – but he was to trust in the power of God. He was no longer to live in his own strength but in God's strength.

Second: Jacob often got himself into trouble because of his cheating and scheming and most of the time when he was in trouble he simply run away.
God said, "I'll put a limp in his walk. I'll slow you down."
Never again could Jacob just run away from a difficult situation

Third: Limping Jacob was an example of God using a man with all his faults and flaws to be a great leader of a nation. We see God uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things - not because they are flawless – but because God is a big God.

18/01/2026

FOCUS ON YOUR SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Questions
1. What does it mean to 'grow spiritually'?
2. What has been my experience of spiritual growth?
A. Do I want to grow spiritually?
B. How can I grow spiritually?
C. What is 'spiritual maturity'?

Spiritual growth means to increase your knowledge of Christ and become more constant in your love for Him and your obedience to Him.

7 SIGNS YOU'RE GROWING SPIRITUALLY
1 You Desire God's Presence More
2 You Hunger for the Word
3 You Control Your Emotions Better
4 You Forgive Quickly
5 You Resist Temptations Stronger
6 You Care for Others Deeply
7 You Obey God Even When It's Hard

Growth is a process. Stay hungry for God.

The Bible doesn't just invite us to grow spiritually-it commands it. Peter's final recorded words in Scripture are not a suggestion but an urgent exhortation: Grow! Not in height or bank account, but in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

Spiritual growth is normal for every true believer, essential for our health, and glorifying God.
If we're not growing, something is hindering us-and God wants to remove those barriers so we can mature into the fullness of Christ.
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1. WHY SPIRITUAL GROWTH MATTERS
(Because it is the Biblical Mandate)

Spiritual growth is not optional; it's the natural outflow of new life in Christ.

SPIRITUAL GROWTH IS NOT OPTIONAL; IT IS ESSENTIAL. AND IT COMES BY CRAVING AND CONSUMING THE WORD OF GOD.
-John MacArthur

AS NEWBORN BABES, DESIRE THE PURE MILK OF THE WORD, THAT YOU MAY GROW THEREBY.
1 PETER 2:2

Paul warns against remaining immature:
"We are no longer children, tossed here and there by waves... but...
grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:14-15).

1 Corinthians 13:11
When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

The goal? "Attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ" (Ephesians 4:13).

Mga Taga-Efeso 4:13
13. Kag malambot naton ang pag-isa sang aton pagtuo kag sang aton pagkilala sa Anak sang Dios, kag manginhamtong kita nga mga tawo kaangay ni Cristo.

Peter ends his letter with a command because he knows the dangers: false teachers, worldly distractions, and complacency can lead you to spiritual stagnantation. (2 Peter 3:17).

Growth guards us, keeps us steadfast, and leads to eternal fruitfulness.

Common Causes of Spiritual Stagnation

1. Neglecting Spiritual Disciplines:
Skipping regular prayer, Bible study, or fellowship deprives the soul of nourishment. Without consistent intake of God's Word and communion with Him, faith can feel stale (like neglecting food leads to physical weakness).

2. Unconfessed or Hidden Sin:
Harboring sin creates distance from God, leading to dryness or a hardened heart. Repentance restores closeness.

3. Distractions and Busyness:
Modern life-social media, entertainment, work, materialism-crowds out time with God. Prioritizing worldly things shifts focus from the gospel.

4. Complacency or Comfort Zones:
Staying in familiar routines without stepping out in faith, service, or new challenges. Growth requires balance (e.g., inward disciplines like solitude plus outward ones like fellowship and serving others). Refusing to expand responsibilities can breed stagnation

5. Prideful Self-Sufficiency or Passivity:
Thinking growth is all your effort (leading to burnout) or all God's (leading to laziness). True growth is cooperative: God works as we actively pursue Him (Philippians 2:12-13).

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II. WHAT TRUE SPIRITUAL GROWTH LOOKS LIKE?
Growth isn't about becoming more religious-it's about becoming more like Jesus.

Peter tells us to grow in two intertwined areas:

Grace - This is the empowering presence of God that transforms us.
We grow in experiencing more of God's unmerited favor, which produces humility, obedience, and love.

Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - Not mere facts, but intimate, life-changing knowledge of who Jesus is-His character, His work, His promises.

The Bible describes stages of growth!

John 2:12-14
12.I write to you, dear children, because your sins are forgiven through Christ.
13 I write to you, fathers, because you know the one who existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you have defeated the Evil One.
14. I write to you, children, because you know the Father. I write to you, fathers, because you know the one who existed from the beginning. I write to you, young people, because you are strong. The word of God lives in you, and you have defeated the Evil One.

1. Little children - Knowing the Father and forgiveness.
2. Young men - Strong in the Word, overcoming the evil one.
3. Fathers - Deep, abiding knowledge of God, mentoring others.

Growth is gradual, like a plant (Mark 4:26-29)-little by little, day by day, through obedience, not instant miracles.

Keep your roots deep in him, build your lives on him, and become stronger in your faith.
COLOSSIANS 2:7 GNT

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III. THE FUNDAMENTAL MEANS OF SPIRITUAL GROWTH
God doesn't grow us magically-
He gives us the tools.

Here are the key disciplines:

1. The Word of God - Our primary food. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
• Daily reading, studying, meditating, and applying Scripture transforms us (Romans 12:2).

2. Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit - We grow as we abide in Christ (John 15:5).
• Prayer invites the Spirit's power to produce fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, and more (Galatians 5:22-23).

3. Obedience and Trials - Growth comes through practice and perseverance. Trials test and refine faith (James 1:2-4), producing maturity.
• Obedience turns knowledge into character.

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Are you still on milk, or moving toward solid food?

Are you growing in grace-becoming more humble, loving, and obedient?

Are you growing in knowledge-knowing Jesus more deeply each day?

16/11/2025

THE LEPROSY OF INGRATITUDE

"Thank you"

- is a fundamental act of expressing gratitude, appreciation, and recognition for the kindness and support we receive from others. It is a simple - yet powerful gesture that conveys acknowledgment of someone's effort, generosity, or thoughtful actions.

Not saying thank you is the most basic form of bad manners, one among the bad habits we must overcome in order to reach greater heights.

LUKE 7:11-19

The Great Kanto Earthquake in Japan - 1923

Today we ask the same question of ourselves: Why do so many of us forget to thank God?

We forget to thank God because we are blinded by three spiritual diseases:

1.Pride
2.Busyness
3. Familiarity.

But gratitude is the cure-and it leads us to worship.

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I. THE FIRST REASON: PRIDE ("I deserved this.")

Deuteronomy 8:17-18 -"Beware lest you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.'...It is He who gives you the power to get wealth."

The nine lepers assumed healing was their right.
Pride whispers: "I worked hard. I prayed enough. I'm a good person.
This was owed to me."
Pride turns gifts into entitlements.

Entitlement Mentality
The lack of gratitude is what the entitlement mentality shows. And it is a belief or thought that whatever you like or want, you have a right to it.

ENTITLEMENT?

- Is the inner voice whispering, "I deserve this --without the sweat, the struggle, or the gratitude."

It is the opposite of Humility and it is a fast track to disappointment.

(The Parable of the Prodigal son)

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Why Do many People feel Entitled?

1. CULTURE'S MEGAPHONE : Social media cries out, You are Special! You deserve it!

"In the 1950s, television was culture's megaphone-three networks decided what America saw every night."

Media historian

"Today, culture's megaphone is TikTok-15-second clips now shape Gen Z's worldview more than any textbook."

2. PRIDE'S WHISPER: We confuse God's blessings with our own awesomeness, abilities, being amazing.

3. COMPARISON TRAP: Seeing others get "more" makes us think we are owed the same or better.

Entitlement is like wearing sunglasses indoors -- you miss the light thats already there. Take it off, look around, and THANK GOD for the abundance of His grace you dont deserve but you get anyway.

A man wins the raffle promo and says, "I always knew I was lucky!" Never once, "Lord, why me?"

Ask yourself: When was the last time I thanked God for something I felt I "earned"?

Antidote: Humble confession.

"Every good gift is from above"
(James 1:17).

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II. THE SECOND REASON: BUSYNESS
("I'll thank Him later.")

Psalm 106:13 - "They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel."

The nine lepers were running-to priests, to families, to normal life.
Busyness crowds out gratitude. We're too distracted to look back.

In our day: no time to look at the notifications, deadlines, no time to scroll back important details.
No margin for praise.

Antidote: Build a habit of remembrance.
End each day with 3 things you thanked God for.

Set a phone reminder: "Pause & Praise."

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III. THE THIRD REASON: FAMILIARITY ("I see it every day.")

Romans 1:21 - "For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him..."

The nine lepers had cried out in desperation.
Once healed, normalcy returned-and gratitude faded.

We thank God for the miracle, but forget the mundane: breath, sunlight, coffee, a beating heart.

Familiarity breeds ingratitude.

Antidote: Cultivate childlike wonder.
Pray like David: "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" (Ps. 139:14).
Thank God for one ordinary thing every morning

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The Beautiful Part:
The one who returned was a Samaritan-a racial, religious, and social outcast.
The least likely to return became the most likely to worship.

Gratitude is not about privilege.
It's about perspective.

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THE CURE: A RETURN TO WORSHIP

A. The One Leper's Response (Luke 17:15-16):

He saw he was healed.
He turned back.
He praised God loudly.
He fell at Jesus' feet.
He gave thanks.

Jesus' Pronouncement (v. 19):
"Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well."

Literally: "Your faith has saved you."
The other nine were healed in body.
This one was healed in soul.

Every one of us is a leper-unclean before God because of sin.
Jesus didn't just heal ten lepers. He died for billions-including you.
What's The greatest reason to thank God? Salvation through Christ.

21/09/2025

NECESSARY INGREDIENTS FOR A VICTORIOUS CHRISTIAN LIFE
Joshua 5:1-15

Mantra:

A mantra is a repeated word, phrase, or sound that serves to focus the mind and may have religious or spiritual significance, but it can also be a powerful personal affirmation.

Nike: "Just Do It" Encourages action and determination, resonating with athletes and anyone striving to overcome obstacles.

Apple: "Think Different" Promotes innovation and creativity, inspiring people to challenge the status quo.

McDonald's: "I'm Lovin' It"
Conveys positivity and enjoyment, creating an emotional connection with customers.

"This too shall pass"
serves as a reminder that all situations, whether joyful or difficult, are temporary.

MOTTO'S or MANTRA'S are good But what is more inspiring is,
When we put the principles of this book into our lives, victorious living becomes a lifestyle.

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PREPARATION

IF YOU WANT TO BE VICTORIOUS IN YOUR CHRISTIAN LIFE...
"Be well prepared inside and out"

Joshua 5 reveals to us that GOD DID NOT ALLOW THE ISRAELITES TO CONQUER JERICHO RIGHT AWAY..why???
because before they can conquer others, they must first allow God to conquer them...

They have to get some things right with Him before they can fight for Him.
God says, "Slow down.
I want to make sure you've surrendered or submitted yourself to me."

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God's requirement of their submission:

a) THEY NEED TO SHOW THEIR OBEDIENCE TO GOD.

Joshua 5:2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, "Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelites again.

I can imagine that there was a debate about this delay.
Military men would have wanted to strike while the enemies were fearful.
The time was right for victory.

But Joshua says, "No, we have to circumcise all the men before we go any farther."

God's requirement of their submission:
Circumcision was established as a sign of God's covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10-14), symbolizing the Israelites' unique relationship with God

Genesis 17:14 Any uncircumcised male, who has not been circumcised in the flesh, will be cut off from his people because he has broken my covenant.

This renewal was a reminder that God had not left them and that He would fulfill all His promises to them.

Spiritual: It symbolized purification, obedience, and consecration to God.
By undergoing circumcision, the Israelites demonstrated their willingness to align with God's will before undertaking the conquest of Canaan.

Practical: It distinguished them from surrounding nations, reinforcing their distinct identity. It also served as a moment of vulnerability (as they recovered from the procedure), requiring trust in God's protection (Joshua 5:8).

RESULT AFTER CIRCUMCISION:

Joshua 5: 9 Dayon nagsiling ang Ginoo kay Josue, "Ginkuha ko sa inyo subong ang kahuluy-an sang inyo pagkaulipon sa Egypt." Gani ang lugar nga ato ginatawag nga Gilgal hasta subong.

LESSON: God's people must learn that obedience always goes before victory.

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b) THEY MUST SHOW THEIR COMPLETE TRUST TO GOD.

Remember after the circumcision they celebrate Passover.

Joshua 5:10-12 10 ..On the evening of the fourteenth day of the month, while camped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, the Israelites celebrated the Passover.

11The day after the Passover, that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land: unleavened bread and roasted grain.

12The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate the produce of Canaan.

Geographic Metaphors of Salvation

SINAI
Wilderness" Midbar
place of conversation or action
symbol of learning to Trust God

EGYPT
Mitzrayim
= "a narrow place symbol of Bo***ge

THE MANNA STOPPED
God was now going to provide for them from the land.
He's actually taking away something that they no longer need and giving them another opportunity to trust Him.

"God removes to replace."

God will never take away something in your life without the Intention of replacing it with something so much better.

Trust God in the pruning, transition, and transformation.

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c) THEY MUST HAVE A HEART OF FULL SURRENDER...

The men are now circumcised and Passover has been celebrated.

◆ Joshua was ready to go, but God knows he's not quite ready because Joshua's will has not yet fully surrendered before Him.

"the place where you are standing is holy"
13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood opposite him with His sword drawn in His hand. And Joshua went to Him and said to Him, "Are You for us or for our adversaries?"

"Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right."
--Abraham Lincoln

"the place where you are standing is holy"
14 So He said, "No, but as Commander of the army of the LORD I have now come." And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and said to Him, "What does my Lord say to His servant?"

Joshua's will (hearts desire) had to completely fall down and surrender before the walls would fall because the walls fall only after the will fall.

God expects us total surrender before he takes over your life and makes it into a victorious one.

++++++++++

Peter (Simon Peter) - A disciple of Jesus, Peter denied knowing Christ three times out of fear during Jesus' arrest (Luke 22:54-62). Despite this significant failure, he repented and was restored by Jesus (John 21:15-17). Peter became a foundational leader of the early church, preaching boldly and leading thousands to faith (Acts 2:14-41). His story highlights God's grace and redemption after failure

King David - Described as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), David committed grave sins, including adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrating her husband's murder (2 Samuel 11-12). After deep repentance, God forgave him, and David continued to lead Israel, writing many Psalms that inspire believers today. His restoration shows that sincere repentance can lead to renewed purpose.

Paul (Saul of Tarsus) - Before his conversion, Paul persecuted Christians, contributing to their suffering (Acts 9:1-2). After encountering Christ, he faced numerous trials, including imprisonment and rejection, yet became the most influential apostle, authoring much of the New Testament and spreading Christianity widely (Acts 9:15-16). His transformation underscores God's ability to redeem a past of failure.

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UNDERSTAND THAT THE VICTORY IS AVAILABLE!
BUT IT REQUIRES YOU TO SURRENDER.

Surrender is laying down pride and self-sufficiency.-

YOU DON'T HAVE TO CARRY WHAT ONLY GOD CAN HANDLE.
HIS STRENGTH FILLS YOUR WEAKNESS.
(2 CORINTHIANS 12:9)

SURRENDER. /SƏ RENDƏR/
IN BATTLE, SURRENDER MEANS DEFEAT.
BUT WITH GOD, SURRENDER' MEANS FREEDOM.

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d) THEY MUST POSSES GENUINE SANCTIFICATION

THE COMMANDER (5:10-12)

"the place where you are standing is holy"
15 Then the Commander of the Lord's army said to Joshua, "Take your sandal off your foot, for the place where you stand is holy." And Joshua did so.

"the place where you are standing is holy"
The instruction to remove sandals and the declaration of holy ground call Joshua to approach God's mission with reverence, purity, and dependence on divine power rather than human strategy.

Genuine sanctification is marked by sincerity and authenticity, not mere outward acts but a heart transformed by God's grace, evident in love for God and others. It's not about perfection but progress, rooted in a real relationship with Christ.

The real battle of Jericho was fought right here and it was won when Joshua fell to the ground because the walls fall only after the will falls.

Once Joshua has surrendered his life and will to God, Jericho's surrender becomes imminent.

31/08/2025

THE PRESCRIPTION OF WORSHIP

Desire
• It is a very powerful word..
• It is the key factor that fuels the heart of man to Worship God.

◆ Without desire you cannot worship God..
◆ Without your desire you cannot spend time with Him.
◆ Without desire you cannot communicate with Him properly.
◆ Without desire, growth is imposible..
◆ Without your desire for God, your faith will not develop..

As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.
1 Peter 2:2

So if you want to GROW in your faith...
If you want to honor God in your worship...
If you want your desire to be fulfilling...
Then, Follow His Prescription in your life...believe me it is meaningful

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2 important notes to understand in studying the Scriptures:

If the scripture is:
1.Descriptive
2.Prescriptive

DESCRIPTIVE verse is a passage simply describing something that had happened.

PRESCRIPTIVE verses contain commands or exhortations we are to obey - they are prescribed to us.
it is specifically teaching that something should happen.

Story of David and Goliath, for example.

Goliath was blaspheming the God of Israel & mocking God's people, & David fought him with a sling & a stone, killed him, & cut off his head (1 Samuel

If we take this passage as descriptive (which it is) then there are many things we can learn from the history, such as the value of trusting God.

However, if we take 1 Samuel 17 as prescriptive (which it's not), then we might conclude that we should sling shot anybody who insults us or mocks God

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What is the prescribed worship exemplified in the scriptures?
Psalm 100:1-5
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; Come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; We are his people, the sheep of his pasture."* Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

The Book of Psalms

The middle-most book of the Bible
The "heart" of the Bible
The songbook of the Bible
Prayers and heart cries to God

Book 1 (Psalm 1-41) - David's conflict w/Saul.
Book 2 (Psalm 42-72) - David's Kingship.
Book 3 (Psalm 73-89) - The Assyrian Crisis.
Book 4 (Psalm 90-106) - The destruction of the temple and the Exile.
Book 5 (Psalm 107-150) - The return from Exile and the beginning of a new era.

Psalm 100 Imperatives
Shout- joyfully
Serve with gladness
Come- in worship
Know-Who God is; Who we are
Enter- with thanksgiving, praise
Give Thanks- to the Lord
Bless- His name

Psalm 100 is primarily a prescriptive psalm, meaning it commands believers to worship God through joyful shouts, service, and singing, and to enter His presence with thanksgiving.

The prescription of David when you come to worship God you must have:
A Heart of GLADNESS & JOY, a heart of service & FULL OF THANKSGIVING TO GOD.

Psalms 100 is a beautiful picture of David's Excitement about God.

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2 Samuel 6: 12, 14-15
12...So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David with gladness.
14. And David danced before the Lord with all his might; and David was girded with a linen ephod.
15.So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

Background.
When David became the king, the first act that he wanted to do was to bring back the Ark of the Covenant. He wanted to bring it to Jerusalem.
The Ark of the Covenant, in the Old Testament, is the very presence of God.

His first action, "let's bring this to Jerusalem, with gladness."
• Do you understand the heart of David?
• He was so excited.
• He was jumping. He was dancing.
• He was leaping because he was excited about God.

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2 Samuel 6: 16
16.And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the Lord; and she despised him in her heart.

"and she despised Him in her heart."
• Why was the wife of David despising Him?
• Was she not excited about the presence of God entering Jerusalem?
• Why was she angry?
• Why was she despising?
• Why she hated david?

Reason:
• Michal did not really know the Lord.
• she did not understood the significance of David's love for the Lord, because she was born as a princess.
• She lived in the palace.
• She focused on what?
• Dignity, How a person should behave.
• She was focused on what people think, not on what God thinks

20.And David returned to bless his household. But Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, "How the king of Israel honored himself today, uncovering himself today before the eyes of his servants' female servants, as one of the vulgar fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!"
21.And David said to Michal, "It was before the Lord, who chose me above your father and above all his house, to appoint me as prince over Israel, the people of the Lord - and I will celebrate before the Lord
22.I will be more lightly esteemed than this and will be humble in my own eyes, but with the maids of whom you have spoken, with them I will be distinguished."

TRUTH: Some people come to worship God on Sunday, but their eyes and heart are out focus.

Are you judging people?
Or are you focused on God?

Michal was focused on people.

23. Saul's daughter Michal never had a child. She died without having any children.

God did not bless Michal.

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Truth to ponder:
It mattters to God your attitude towards Him.

Two paths in life...
1. Ungratefulness- Results in BITTERNESS.
2. Thanksgiving- Results in BLESSING.

ACTS 3: 6, 8-9
6. But Peter said, "I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene -walk!"
8. With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God.
9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

The Lame man...
Why was he walking, leaping, and praising God?
Because he encountered the goodness of God.

Big Idea: “God desires for His people to choose to respond to Him with humility, dependence and gratitude."

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CHALLENGE:

If you want to understand how to worship God, be excited about the Lord.

Do you have time for Him?
Do you prepare your heart?

The prescription of David when you come to worship God you must have:

A Heart of GLADNESS & JOY, a heart of service & FULL OF THANKSGIVING TO GOD.

Guiding Light Baptist Church

17/05/2026

18/01/2026

16/11/2025

21/09/2025

31/08/2025

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