Stones in the Garden

I. Take a few minutes, grab a pen & paper and write down the three most though consuming issues you are facing right now. They might be financial, relational, or even overwhelming thoughts of the future.

II. Look at each thing you wrote down, and take a look at 2 Corinthian 12:9, Phil 4:15-19, and 2 Timothy 2:1. What are the reoccurring thoughts in these passages?

III. The concept of grace is in all 3. It is only by God's grace that stones can be moved. We see this in Luke 22:39-44. Jesus looks in the cup which is reference to seeing his future and it brought great stress upon him
a) emotionally- notice the tears
b) physically- he sweated drops of blood
c) spiritually- notice his prayer to the Father

IV. But it is with great grace that the Lord took the stones that lie in the cup and he rolled the stones away out of his great love for us. The greatest stone in your life is the need for your sin to be forgiven. Without the forgiveness of sins you are like dead man in a cave, but read Eph. 2:8-9. God's grace rolled that stone away so that you could be alive in Him.
- Thank God for the stones in your life because his grace has conquered the greatest stone in your life.
- Surrender the other stones in your life to Him. He is faithful, and is grace is more than enough.
- Walk in the victory that grace brings. There is nothing more powerful than the grace and love of God.

Stone Movers

1. This week set aside some time to pray for your pastor and his family.
A. For their protection (physically, emotionally, & spiritually)
B. For an intimate time with the Lord
C. For a sweet time with Kayla, Tyler, Josh and Nicole
D. For wisdom and direction from the Lord for our church

2. Pray for Pastor's new series "Stone Movers" that will start this Sunday @ 9 a.m.

3. Finally, take some time to pray for the people you are going to invite to Easter Sunday.
A. Preparation of both yours and your guest heart
B. For the salvation of the lost

Thinking toward Heaven

1. What are the first thoughts that come to your mind when you think about Heaven? Are these the same thoughts you’ve always had, or have they changed over the years?

2. What has shaped most of those thoughts? (movies, books, people)

3. What should we think about heaven?

a. It was created -Genesis 1:1-2;14:22

b. It is a place of Blessing -Genesis 49:25;Exodus 16:4

c. It is a place of his Majesty & Greatness- Duet. 3:24

d. There are mysteries are mind cannot grasp -Job 38:33

e. God is preparing a place for his children -John14:2

4. Read Psalms 19, 97, 113 and Hebrews 1:1-3. What does it say about our Father and Heaven? Heaven was created in his image, so that it would bring glory to his name.

Ruling and Reigning With Christ

Ruling and Reigning with Christ is quite an interesting subject. There is no better place to look at what it will be like than in Scripture. Notice in these passages how we will rule with Him and what position we play in reigning with Him. 2 Tim 2:1-12/ 1 Pet. 5:3 /Rev. 4:10, 20:1-7
A. it is a place of reward
B. it is through enduring hardships
C. it is in directness and under his authority
D. it is through His power
E. it is a position that is not debunked nor removed
F. it is a position of Worship
G. it is a position of Victory

Remember that the Lord tells us that He is first will be last, and the last shall be first. Are you serving today? Have you turned your position as a spouse, worker, a parent into an opportunity to glorify the Lord even in difficult time? Those who do are the people who will rule and reign with Christ!