Providing Encouragement for Handling Life’s Concerns Key Outcome of Series: Providing Encouragement for Handling Life’s Concerns that cause us to Struggle with Worry, Anxiety and Fear!

Marriage Renewal Ceremony? Are there any Couples present who have participated in a Marriage Renewal Ceremony?

90th Birthday Celebrations Ceremonies like Marriage Renewals or 90th Birthday Celebrations are precious moments in our life!

Ceremonies two ingredients: — Release from the past — Renewal for the future

Circumcision of the Heart Joshua 5: 2 - 12

Circumcision: “Visible Sign of Covenant with God!”

between God and Abraham Circumcision: An Agreement between God and Abraham that involved Promises to each other

Forty Years in Wilderness the Jews did not celebrate During the Forty Years in Wilderness the Jews did not celebrate any of their Holy Days or Participate in the act of Circumcision

Punishment in the Wilderness was a long and vivid reminder The Forty Years of Punishment in the Wilderness was a long and vivid reminder of how they Allowed Fear and Worry to replace Trusting God for their future!

Following the crossing of the Jordan River God provided instructions for the act of Circumcision to be conducted and the Passover to be Celebrated!

Ceremonies two ingredients: — Release from the past — Renewal for the future

Disciples of Jesus Embrace the Circumcision of our Hearts! Romans 2: 28 - 29

Circumcision of the Heart is how a Believer allows the Holy Spirit to Reshape and Transform our Heart

There is no Escape… to be Pleasing to God our Hearts Must Be Circumcised!

This involves us being open to the Holy Spirit and when HE identifies Sin in our lives… we Must be Willing to Surrender and Change!

Know this important fact: Circumcision of the heart is a requirement of God and it is more challenging than following church rules or doctrines

God desires to Chisel at our Heart because HE loves us and desires for us to be all we can be for Him!

Know this important fact: None of us possess a “Perfect Heart”!

What Jesus desires is for His followers to have a “Willing Heart”!

A Circumcised Willing Heart: — Loves Jesus — Is Eager to Worship —Trusts in His Word —Is Eager to Serve —Is Open to Transformation

SO WHAT?

WINNING the WORRY BATTLE involves a choice… “Will I let my heart be Circumcised?”