Amanda Bergdorf

uncommon : bring nothing to the table

What does it mean to be blessed? μερκαριος " to be fulfilled " Normal people can experience extraordinary fulfillment! “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom…

Plan B: When People Let You Down

Joseph...consistently mistreated by people he should have been able to trust. 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…

Genesis 40:14 (NLT), Genesis 40:23 (NLT), Romans 8:28 (NLT), Hebrews 6:10 (NLT)

Plan B: when your dreams shatter

Everyone has a plan A. But God's plan B is better!! God's vision for my life is more complete and better than my own. That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven…

Psalm 40:5 (NLT), Proverbs 19:21 (NLT), Revelation 3:20 (NLT)

How to Save a Life: Wreck the Roof

What is our motivation?? To save people!!!! When Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, the news spread quickly that he was back home. Soon the house where he was staying was so packed with…

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT), Luke 13:3 (NLT), John 9:1 (NLT), John 9:3 (NLT)

The Find: The Persistent Widow

Something in us is broken when it comes to prayer. Myth 1: prayer is about getting what you want. **Ask for what you want, but surrender your desires to Him** Myth 2: prayer is a formula to be discovered…

Matthew 6:9 (NLT), Mark 14:36 (NLT), Luke 18:1 (NLT), Galatians 6:6 (NLT), James 4:2 (NLT), James 4:3 (NLT)

The Find: Two Debtors

Do I consider myself to be a big sinner or a little sinner? Looking at two people today: 1) a religious leader named Simon Invited Jesus to dinner. Kiss of greeting, foot washing, oil for the head-common…

Luke 7:36 (NLT), Luke 7:37 (NLT), Luke 7:38 (NLT), Luke 7:39 (NLT), Romans 3:23 (NLT), Hebrews 4:12 (NLT)

The Find: The Good Shepherd

John 10:1-10 Ezekiel 34:1-10 God's standards for leadership have not changed! John 10:11-17 Ezekiel 34:11-16 Jesus is making it clear that as He is the Good Shepherd, He is God! Psalm23 We are…

Psalm 23:1 (NLT), Ezekiel 34:1 (NLT), John 10:1 (NLT), John 10:10 (NLT)

The Find: Parable of the Mustard Seed

Jesus was a master communicator. The parables only made sense to those in the audience with a receptive heart and mind. The teachings were simply dismissed as stories by those with closed hearts and minds.…

Matthew 13:10 (NLT), Matthew 13:11 (NLT), Matthew 13:12 (NLT), Matthew 13:13 (NLT), Matthew 13:14 (NLT), Matthew 13:16 (NLT), Matthew 13:31 (NLT), Matthew 13:32 (NLT), Luke 17:5 (NLT), John 12:19 (NLT), Acts 2:47 (NLT)

Baggage

What do I need to let go of so I can embrace God's goodness with both hands this year??? What do I need to repent of...and let go of? Who do I need to apologize to? Confess to? Sanctification always…

John 12:23 (NIV), John 12:24 (NIV), Romans 6:3 (NIV), Romans 6:4 (NIV), 1 Corinthians 15:36 (NIV)

BELIEVE

Jesus can identify with us. He wore our flesh, experienced our burdens. We need to return the favor and strive to be like Him!! How can I be more like Jesus? 1) I've got more POWER to live on Draw on…

John 1:12 (NIV), John 1:14 (NIV), John 14:27 (NIV), Romans 8:28 (NIV), Philippians 4:13 (NIV)

It's A War Story

Who is the baby in the manger? HE IS A REVOLUTIONARY He challenged the political leaders of his day. He had a following. He changed the way of thinking for generations. HE IS A WARRIOR From the coziness…

Genesis 3:16 (NIV), Exodus 15:3 (NIV), Isaiah 11:1 (NIV), Isaiah 61:1 (NIV), Matthew 1:21 (NIV), Luke 2:6 (NIV), John 10:10 (NIV), Romans 8:37 (NIV), 2 Corinthians 10:3 (NIV), Ephesians 6:17 (NIV), 1 Timothy 6:12 (NIV), James 4:7 (NIV), Revelation 3:15 (NIV)

minimum vs. maximum

Give and give generously! There is always a promise of provision. Does the amount I give really matter? Generous giving=generous blessing How much blessing do I want??? How should I feel about being…

Psalm 103:2 (NIV), Proverbs 3:9 (NIV), John 6:66 (NIV), 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV), 2 Corinthians 9:6 (NIV), 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV), 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

generous vs. selfish

Rich young ruler. Positive qualities: he respected Jesus, fell on his knees before Him. Humility and submission. He is bold. Not embarrassed or ashamed. My obedience is not enough to make me right with…

Matthew 6:19 (NIV), Matthew 10:37 (NIV), Mark 10:17 (NIV), Mark 10:21 (NIV), Luke 10:25 (NIV), Luke 18:18 (NIV), Luke 18:22 (NIV), Romans 3:9 (NIV)

GeneroUS - Mine vs. His

What if God started repossessing what He loaned us? And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place…

Deuteronomy 10:14 (NIV), 1 Chronicles 29:11 (NIV), Psalm 24:1 (NIV), Psalm 37:1 (NIV), Hosea 13:6 (NIV), Haggai 2:8 (NIV), Matthew 6:25 (NIV), Mark 12:42 (NIV), Luke 12:15 (NIV), Luke 12:16 (NIV), Luke 12:32 (NIV)