8:21-23

1. Things change, challenges arise


2. Proclaim a fast


3. Display humility - not so much a posture as an attitude of heart, opposite of arrogance, to walk without strutting, to put oneself below God in stture


4. Ask - seek the Lord, inquire with a sense of urgency, look for

ask about a current need

petition for - intensified form of ask - to be really seeking, looking inquiring.....

in this case asked for a safe journey - literally means a straight path.....no detours, hills, holes, bumps etc......just a boring 4 or 5 months journey


5. In faith vs. 22

ashamed to show our lack of faith

were confronted with their own fears and lack of faith

challenge to practice what they preached


Nothing like a real crisis to help us identify what we really believe

8:15

Assembled - got organized


Checked - 8:15 - gain an understanding of exactly who was along for the ride - names, families, and abilities

people

priests IDENTITIES (names)

Levites


capabilities 8:17

temple servants ABILITIES (skills)

- those trained in the care of the things they were to carry, install and purchase in the new Temple in Jerusalem

Assess the travel needs -LIABILITIES

normal supply issues of food and water

finances - had that cared for by the King

safety concerns -

enemies - those who oppose the idea of their return

bandits - those who take advantage of vulnerable moments along the way


It is these liabilities that create the need for fasting and prayer regarding this trip back to Jerusalem

Notice the three pronged approach to assessing where one is, people, abiliites, liabilities ...kind of like a SWOT

7:27

Praise - say good things about, in a list form usually,

the hand of God upon us - the kinds of things that happen only when God is at work


God turning political opinion


Extended good favor - drew me close, reached down for me in mercy as one who needed a hand up


Courage as a result - ability to do things, to physically be capable now when you were not able before - and the louder voice or stronger stance that comes with added courage - boldness

Gathering a team of Leaders