Pastor Bria Bradshaw

Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

Leviticus 23:22 (ESV) “And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”

1. Live well within your boundaries - “Don’t reap your field right up to its edges…”
2. Leave what’s behind for others - “Nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest.”

Deuteronomy 24:19-22 (ESV) “When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this.

GOD'S PLAN TO CARE FOR THE POOR AND THE MARGINALIZED HAS ALWAYS BEEN HIS PEOPLE.

√ WE ARE MAXED OUT.

√ WE WANT A RETURN.

√ WE FORGET.

Deuteronomy 24:22 (ESV) You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this.

I. WHERE WE MAKE SPACE

Ask - Lord, where is my life so filled with me that there’s no room for you to move?

II. WHERE WE REMEMBER

Ask - Lord, where have I forgotten what you’ve done in my life?

III. WHERE WE'RE SURRENDERED

Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV) Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you did it to me.’

Ask - Lord, what part of my life is not surrendered or unavailable to you?

1. Making Space

• Where do you notice our family/life being “filled to the edges” right now?
• What is one practical way we could create more space—time, margin, or resources—so God can move through us?

2. Remembering

• What is something God has done for you that you don’t want to forget?
• How might remembering God’s faithfulness make us more open-handed with others?

3. Surrendering & Generosity

• What area of our lives feels hardest to surrender or give generously—time, money, attention, energy? Why?
• Who around us might be “the least of these” that God is inviting us to see and care for this week?

Pastor Wes Morris

Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

√ I NEED TO PROTECT MYSELF.

Proverbs 29:25 (NIV) Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.

√ HAVING MORE WILL MAKE ME SECURE.

Mark 10:21–22 (NLT) Jesus looked at him and loved him. “There is still one thing you haven’t done,” he said. “Go and sell all your possessions…then come, follow me.” At this the man’s face fell, and he went away sad, for he had many possessions.”

√ WHAT I HAVE DETERMINES WHO I AM.

II Corinthians 8:1-2 (NLT) Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.

A LIFE THAT OVERFLOWS

I. OPEN YOUR HEART TO HEALING.

Luke 10:31-33 (NIV) A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

II. PLACE YOUR SECURITY IN JESUS.

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation…I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

III. LIVE WITH ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.

I Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV) Command them not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

NEXT STEPS

Where is God asking you to show courage this week so your life can overflow - in healing, in trust, or in living with an eternal perspective?

Pastor Wes Morris

Proverbs 11:24 (MSG) The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

√ WE HOLD ON TRYING TO PROTECT WHAT WE HAVE.

√ WE HAVE A SCARCITY MINDSET.

John 6:8-9 (NLT) Then Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up. “There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?”

John 6:11 (NLT) Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.

Philippians 4:19 (NLT) And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.


√ WE’VE BEEN HURT IN THE PAST.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV) I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.

I. PRACTICE DAILY SURRENDER.

John 12:24 (NIV) Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Romans 12:1 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.


II. DEVELOP A THANKFUL HEART.

II Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.


III. FIND JOY IN BEING GENEROUS.

Proverbs 11:25 (NIV) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

ICEBREAKER QUESTIONS (Pick One)

• If you could have one superpower to help people (not to make your own life easier), what would it be?
• What’s something small someone gave you that meant way more than its actual value?
• If you had to describe your week using only one word of gratitude, what would it be?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Key Verse: “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” Proverbs 11:24 (MSG)

1. WE HOLD ON TRYING TO PROTECT WHAT WE HAVE.

• Why do you think our first instinct is often to hold on tightly instead of trusting God?
• How does generosity challenge our desire to stay in control?
  
  

2. WE HAVE A SCARCITY MINDSET.

John 6:9-11 (NLT), Philippians 4:19 (NLT)

“Scarcity isn’t the absence of resources; it’s the absence of trust.”

• When have you felt like you didn’t have enough - time, money, energy, or ability - yet saw God provide?
  
  

3. WE’VE BEEN HURT IN THE PAST.

Ezekiel 36:26 (NIV)

• How can past pain or disappointment cause us to close our hands or hearts?
• What does it look like to let God soften your heart again?
• How might healing and generosity be connected?
  
  

I. PRACTICE DAILY SURRENDER

John 12:24 (NIV), Romans 12:1 (NIV)

• What does surrender practically look like in your everyday life?
• Why is it so hard to let go, even when we know God can do more with what we give Him?
• What’s one area where God might be asking you to take your hands off and trust Him?
  
  

Judge #1: Othniel
Judges 3:7-11 (NLT) The Israelites did evil in the LORD’s sight. They forgot about the LORD their God, and they served the images of Baal and the Asherah poles. Then the LORD burned with anger against Israel, and he turned them over to King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram-naharaim. And the Israelites served Cushan-rishathaim for eight years.
But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help, the LORD raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Othniel, the son of Caleb’s younger brother, Kenaz. The Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he became Israel’s judge. He went to war against King Cushan-rishathaim of Aram, and the LORD gave Othniel victory over him. So there was peace in the land for forty years. Then Othniel son of Kenaz died.

Judge #2: Ehud

Judges 3:12-7 (NLT) Once again the Israelites did evil in the LORD’s sight, and the LORD gave King Eglon of Moab control over Israel because of their evil. Eglon enlisted the Ammonites and Amalekites as allies, and then he went out and defeated Israel, taking possession of Jericho, the city of palms. And the Israelites served Eglon of Moab for eighteen years.
But when the people of Israel cried out to the LORD for help, the LORD again raised up a rescuer to save them. His name was Ehud son of Gera, a left-handed man of the tribe of Benjamin. The Israelites sent Ehud to deliver their tribute money to King Eglon of Moab. So Ehud made a double-edged dagger that was about a foot long, and he strapped it to his right thigh, keeping it hidden under his clothing. He brought the tribute money to Eglon, who was very fat.

Judge #3: Shamgar

Judges 3:31 (NLT) After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath rescued Israel. He once killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad.

NEXT STEPS

• Depend Daily - Begin each day this week with a simple prayer: “Holy Spirit, I depend on You today. Lead me, empower me, and help me not to rely on myself.”
• Be Available - Ask God to show you one area where you’ve been holding back because you felt inadequate and say yes to His leading.
• Use What You Have - Identify one resource, relationship, or skill you already have that could serve God or someone in need this week and act on it.

Pastor Wes Morris

Mark 5:2-20 (NIV) When Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an impure spirit came from the tombs to meet him. This man lived in the tombs, and no one could bind him anymore, not even with a chain.

Night and day among the tombs and in the hills he would cry out and cut himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell on his knees in front of him.

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” The demons begged Jesus, “Send us among the pigs.” He gave them permission, and the impure spirits came out and went into the pigs. The herd, about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.

When the people came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind.

As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man begged to go with him. Jesus said, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.”

So the man went away and began to tell in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him. And all the people were amazed.

√ HE LABELS YOU BY YOUR BROKENNESS.

√ HE TRIES TO MAKE YOU COMFORTABLE IN THE DARK.

John 8:12 (NIV) I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

√ HE CONVINCES YOU NOTHING WILL EVER CHANGE.

John 10:10 (NIV) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

I. LEAVE THE TOMBS BEHIND.

Ephesians 5:14 (NIV) Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.


II. SEE YOURSELF THE WAY GOD SEES YOU.

Judges 6:11–12 (NIV) The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”

II Corinthians 5:17 (ESV) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.


III. STEP INTO YOUR PURPOSE.

Mark 5:19 (NIV) “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you…”

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Built Different Pt. 6 | October 19, 2025
Pastor Wes Morris

Ephesians 3:16 (NLT) I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit.


√ WE KEEP TRYING TO MANAGE WHAT GOD WANTS TO HEAL.

Mark 5:25-29 (NIV) A woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse.

When she heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, because she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed.” Immediately her bleeding stopped and she felt in her body that she was freed from her suffering.


√ WE WANT GOD’S BLESSING WITHOUT HIS BOUNDARIES.

James 1:25 (NIV) But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.


√ WE’RE HOLDING ONTO THINGS GOD NEVER ASKED US TO CARRY.

I Peter 5:7 (NIV) Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Psalm 55:22 (NLT) Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.


BUILT DIFFERENT: STRONG ON THE INSIDE


I. GUARD WHAT GETS IN.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV) Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.

Romans 12:2 (NLT) Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you by changing the way you think.


II. STAY CONSISTENT WHEN IT’S NOT CONVENIENT.

Daniel 6:10 (NIV) Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

I Corinthians 15:58 (TLB) So, my dear brothers, since future victory is sure, be strong and steady, always abounding in the Lord’s work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever wasted.


III. ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO CHANGE YOU FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

Philippians 2:13 (NLT) For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases Him.

Pastor Wes Morris

II Timothy 1:1-7 (NLT) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, to Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

√ DISTRACTION - it divides our focus.

√ SHAME - it kills our confidence.

Romans 8:1 (NLT) So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.

√ COMFORT - it weakens our dependence.

Exodus 3:2-4 (NLT) There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up. “This is amazing,” Moses said to himself. “Why isn’t that bush burning up? I must go see it.”

When the Lord saw Moses coming to take a closer look, God called to him from the middle of the bush, “Moses! Moses!” “Here I am!” Moses replied.

I. POWER: STAY CONNECTED TO THE SOURCE.

Acts 1:8 (NLT) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.

II. LOVE: STAY ROOTED IN RELATIONSHIP.

Romans 5:5 (NLT) ...God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

Romans 8:14-16 (GNT) Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children. For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, “Father! my Father!” God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children.

III. SOUND MIND: STAY ANCHORED IN TRUTH.

John 14:16-17 (NIV) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever - the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.

Colossians 3:23 (NIV) Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Colossians 3:23 (TLB) Let heaven fill your thoughts; don’t spend your time worrying about things down here.

• What’s something in your life that helps you “recharge” when you’re feeling drained - physically or spiritually?

READ TOGETHER
II Timothy 1:6–7 (NLT) For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

FIRE KILLERS

√ Distraction – divides our focus
√ Shame – kills our confidence
√ Comfort – weakens our dependence

• Which of these three “fire killers” tends to affect you the most right now?
  What practical steps can you take this week to guard against it?
• Why do you think comfort can be just as dangerous to your faith as fear or shame?

FUELED BY POWER, LOVE AND A SOUND MI

Pastor Bria Bradshaw

Matthew 7:24–27 (ESV) “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

John 16:33 (ESV) I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

We can either be deformed by avoiding our pain or be transformed by meeting God in our pain.

✓ Deny - Deny that you have pain

✓ Detach - Emotionally disconnect from feeling pain

✓ Drug - Numb our pain

I. LEAVE SOME THINGS BEHIND

Matthew 26:36-37 (NIV) Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.

II. NAME IT WITH OTHERS

Matthew 26:38 (NIV) Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

III. GET REAL WITH GOD

Matthew 26:39a (NIV) Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me.

IV. SURRENDER TO HIS WILL

Matthew 26:39b (NIV) “...Yet not as I will, but as you will.”