PSALMS: “Window of the Heart” Sermons by Rev. Mike Jones [Revised November 17, 2021]
Psalm 01:1 Counsel of the Ungodly
Psalm 1:1-3 THE IMPACT OF A SINNER’S LIFE
Psalm 4:3 THE CHRISTIAN’S PURPOSE
Psalm 06:4 PRAYER’S GREATEST REQUEST
Psalm 10:1-2 GETTING AWAY WITH SIN
Psalm 11:3 STORM STANDING STONES
Psalm 14:1 WHAT KIND OF ATHEIST ARE YOU?
Psalm 15 WHO CAN ABIDE WITH GOD?
Psalm 16:- GOD HAS GOT YOU COVERED
Psalm 16:11 29 YEARS AND COUNTING
Psalm 16:11 WHAT CHRIST DID FOR ME
Psalm 16:11 CHRIST-OUR TRAVELING COMPANION
Psalm 18:23 KEPT FROM INIQUITY
Psalm 18:29 GETTING THRU IT AND GETTING OVER IT
Psalm 20: THE CHRISTIAN’S TRUST
Psalm 20:7 THINGS WORTH REMEMBERING
Psalm 23 RAP VERSION OF Psalm 23
Psalm 23:2 SPIRITUAL POSITIONS
Psalm 23:4 Peace in the Valley
Psalm 23:4 VICTORIOUS VALLEY LIVING
Psalm 29:3-9 HOW DOES GOD SPEAK
Psalm 34:1 The Christian and Thanksgiving
Psalm 34:18 JIGSAW PUZZLE OF LIFE
Psalms 36:1 WORLD’S BIGGEST PROBLEM
Psalm 37:1 11 THE RESTLESS CHRISTIAN
Psalm 37: HOW TO BE A “NOT” HEADED CHRISTIAN
Psalm 37:16 The Little Things God Uses
Psalm 37:23-29 GOING GOD’S WAY
Psalm 37:37 MEN WHO MADE A MARK
Psalm 38, 51:7 14 WHAT SIN DOES TO A CHRISTIAN
Psalm 39:2-3 SPIRITUAL TEMPERATURE
Psalm 40:1-3 4 ANCHORS IN LIFE’S STORMS
Psalm 42:1-3 THIRSTING FOR GOD
Psalm 42:3 5 Where Is Thy God?
Psalm 46: THINGS GOD PROVIDES HIS PEOPLE
PSA 50:12-15 RONNIE THANKSGIVING SERMON
Psalm 51 HOW DAVID GOT READY TO WIN SOULS
Psalm 53:1 Three Marks of an Atheist
Psalm 61:1-4 WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED
Psalm 63:1-8 GETTING CLOSE TO GOD
Psalm 69:2 WHEN THE ANCHOR DOES NOT HOLD
Psalm 74:16 17 SUMMER AND WINTER
Psalm 78:1-72 BAD THINGS MEN DO TO GOD
Psalms 78:4 GODLY REASONS TO REJOICE
Psalm 78:5-6 GENERATIONAL INFLUENCE
Psalm 78:41 LIVING LIFE WITHOUT LIMITING GOD
Psalm 78:68-72 WHEN GOD ACTED LIKE A DRUNK
Psalm 85:6 THE REASON FOR REVIVAL
Psalm 100:5 GENERATIONAL TRUTH
Psalm 102:6-7 PELICANS, OWLS, AND LONELY SPARROWS
Psalm 107:- REDEMPTION REJOICING
Psalm 116:- WHAT SHALL I RENDER UNTO THE LORD?
Psalm 121:- HELP FROM THE HILLS
Psalm 01:- PROSPER OR PERISH
The character of the godly man is consistent, dependable, settled, and dedicated to God’s purpose by determination and conviction. He has found God and he is satisfied but he realizes that “Still waters stagnate” and he wants to constantly be growing in the ways and will of God.
THOSE WHO PROSPER:
1. Separated from World- 1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2. Saturated by Word- 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Scripture- Memorization, Meditation, and Application,
3. Situated by the Water (Drink- Holy Spirit. Cleanse- Word)-3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
THOSE WHO PERISH:
1. Their Character is unstable: 4 The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
2. Their Condemnation is unfailing: 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.
3. Their Contrast is easily seen by God: 6 For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish. Sinners act like sinners but Saints must always act like Saints
Psalm 01: WHERE DO YOU STAND?
There are many views of Revival:
1) Another date in my already stress filled schedule
2) A Hope that the Evangelist will be good enough until many people will come to our services (and eventually our church) and we can brag in the community about our growth.
3) A Desire for Children to stop their wayward ways and for Husbands to begin to do right.
4) A hunger for God to work in your life and the life of those around you.
We are going to use a single Psalm as our Text during this week of Revival- Psalm 1-
Psalm means “A song for plucked Instrument” in Greek and “Praise” in Hebrew.
The 150 Psalms are divided into 5 books. The Longest Chapter (119), the Shortest Chapter (117), and the Middle verse (118:8- Better to put trust in God than man) are in the Psalms. They deal with all the human emotions and discuss such subjects as Praise, Prayer, Promises, Penance, Provocation, and Personal Needs.
Psalm 1:1 “Where do YOU Stand?”
Growth: Needs Desire, Determination, Divine Cooperation (Unless God build, labor in vain- 127:1)
Church Stands:
Must have Consistent Practices: 1 Thess 5:23-28
23-24 Must Live Godly Lives
25- Must Pray for Spiritual Leaders
26- Must have Friendly People
27- Must Study the Word of God
28- Must appropriate the Grace of God for your life (Saving Grace, Sustaining Grace, Sufficient)
Personal Stands:(Psa 1:1) Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
A) Walk Not in counsel of ungodly
B) Standeth in the Way of Sinners
C) Sitteth in the Seat of the Scornful
Example of Lot- Listened to counsel of Family about Sodom, Became a part of their society, Sat in their counsel – All American Success Story that ends like a lot of “all American” success stories (Lost, Family, Fortune, Relationship with God). (Example of Larry- Had it made but one hit of Cocaine led him to addiction and cost him his family, his job, and his friends)
Where do YOU stand in your relationship with God?
When is the last time you did something for the first time for God?
When words, thoughts, actions are exposed- What will it look like?
Are you ready to meet God?
Psalm 01:1 3 OBEYING THE WORD
Psa 1:1 3 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
These verses promise 3 things to the man who lives by the law:
PLEASURES- “Blessed”
PRODUCTIVITY- “Tree by water”
PROSPERITY- “Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper”
These seem “abstract” principles many times, however. What are some real down to earth RESULTS OF OBEYING THE WORD:
- A CLEAN LIFE: Psa 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. The Word will keep you from sin or sin will keep you from the word. Find a Verse that helps live a clean life- Prov 12:19 The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.
- VICTORY OVER SIN: Psa 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Used to defeat Temptations of Satan. Find a verse that helps gain victory over sin- 1 Sam 30:6 And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.
- ANSWERS FOR CRITICS: Psa 119:42 So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. Confidence comes from Faith; Faith comes from the Word. Find a verse that answers the criticism about serving God instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin- Heb 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
- A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF LIFE: Psa 119:104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. God has made foolish the wisdom of this world. Find a verse that shows how God’s way of looking at things is best-Phil 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
- GUIDANCE FOR LIFE: Psa 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. God has a “Path of life” for each person. The greatest joy in your life is finding and walking that path. Share a verse that God has used to guide your life-Mark 9:35 If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.
- PEACE IN LIFE: Psa 119:165 Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. When we build on the rock we can stand the storms. Find a verse that shows how God’s word produces Peace in life. Isa 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
Find a verse to memorize in the coming week- 1 John 5:4
Psalm 01:1 Counsel of the Ungodly
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish (Psalms 1:1-6).
WALKING IN THE COUNSEL OF THE UNGODLY:
1) Lot in Sodom- Lost fame, fortune, family
2) Peter at Fire- Lost testimony
3) Rehoboam – The Counsel of the young men caused him to split a Nation
For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety. (Proverbs 24:6).
Delight in the Law of the Lord
Divine Counsel
Divine Companions
Diving conversation
You are not trying to “build a Church”- Jesus said He would build the Church (Matt 16:18). Your objective should be to have a Healthy Body of believers who are constantly connected to the vine so fruit can be produced. A healthy body of believers will grow.
You will never be great as long as you are satisfied being good.
Psalm 1:1-3 THE IMPACT OF A SINNER’S LIFE
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Psalms 1:1-3).
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them (Romans 16:17).
Their impact on their COMPANIONS- Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass away (Proverbs 4:14-15).
Their Impact on their CHILDREN- Rapture
Their Impact on the KINGDOM of God- Missed Tithes, Talents, Testimony
Your Non repentant Heart grieves God- For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your heart, as in the provocation, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness: When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my work. Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest (Psalms 95:7-11). (God was sad but your hard heart made Him mad) {Initially God is sad over a nation’s rebellion but that continued rebellion makes God mad and that is bad- Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest (Psalms 95:10-11).
Remember when you make a deal with the devil he is a liar and the father of it (John 8:44).
Psalm 02:12 KISS THE KING
Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. (Psa 2:12)
A Kiss is considered a very private, very personal exchange between two people. It is much more than “swapping spit”!! as one of our men says. It implies concern and commitment. “Kisses” are mentioned numerous times in the Bible and we’re going to look at several implications from Kisses before we look at the command of our verse, “Kiss the King, lest he be angry”.
I. KISS OF LOVE: Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine (Song 1:2). Babies are kissed thousands of times by everyone who gets close to them. It used to means something special when a Boy and Girl kissed on a date (Now, evidently, everyone is expected to kiss every time, all the time).
Husbands and wives generally have at least two kinds of kisses; One is the “peck” of “you’re important but I really don’t have time for you right now” and the other is the Kiss of love and loving (Which is the one that’s “better than wine”).
Let me mention also that every parent should kiss or hug their child often enough that the child will feel loved and appreciated.
II. KISS OF BETRAYAL:
A. Most Famous Betrayal Kiss- Judas kissing Jesus: Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast (Mat 26:48). Some people USE other people while claiming to love them. People are not juice boxes that you suck the juice out of and then throw away.
B. Jacob betraying his father for the Blessing: And his father Isaac said unto him, Come near now, and kiss me, my son (Gen 27:26). Jacob had already bought the Birth Right and now he was stealing the Blessing. People come to me regularly saying they love the Lord; while they mean they expect the Church to support them. A kiss whose only purpose is to get instead of give has the wrong attitude.
C. Where we get our term “Back Stabber” from. When Joab kissed Amasa and then stabbed him: And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand: so he smote him therewith in the fifth rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and struck him not again; and he died. (2 Sam 20:9-10).
All of these people Kissed with their mouth and not with their mind! They wanted to give the APPEARANCE OF LOVE but they had different motives in mind. I think that’s what dealing with a prostitute would be like; lust without any love (and, therefore, no real satisfaction). Isn’t that the way some people treat God? They bring their bodies to church but keep their mind and love somewhere else; and then wonder why the Church service is not meeting their needs.
III. KISS OF SERVICE: Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet (Luke 7:45). We hear people use the expression “Kiss my foot” all the time. For them it is a term of contempt; for us it is a method of service. It means we are willing to show our love thru great sacrifice; Caring for the Sick, Helping the Hurting, giving our Self as well as our substance.
Sometimes the person you’re kissing has “onions on their breath” and the kiss is not as pleasant as it could be. In the same way, it would be nice if no one needed our help or concern except when it was convenient to us. Seldom is this the case however. Sometimes the only way to serve is to “kiss the feet”, but, remember, Jesus said that if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all (Mark 9:35).
IV. KISS OF GREETING: I’m just going to mention this in passing because the Bible mentions it so much. We shake hands today instead of kiss one another on the cheek but it refers to that act of friendliness that shows other people we’re glad they’re there. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. (Rom 16:16) All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. (1) Cor 16:20 Greet one another with an holy kiss. (2 Cor 13:12) Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. (1 Th 5:26) Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. (1 Pet 5:14)
If all you do is come to Church and sit in your pew you miss the real joy of Christian Fellowship. Greet the other people with a smile and a hearty hello. It’ll make them feel better and give you a joy in the service you’ve never had before.
Let me also mention that a visitor should never come to Church without being greeted by most of the members. It takes a lot of effort and will power to come into a strange church; make it as easy as possible on them.
V. KISS OF SUBMISSION: Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him (Psa 2:12).
When a man sins, IT IS GOD WHO IS OFFENDED; but man who wants to be petted! When I offend my wife, I don’t expect her to suddenly begin petting me; yet man thinks that God is supposed to make him feel good about himself since sin makes him feel so bad.
If Sin has separated you and God, come back to Him today, show Him a broken heart of repentance, ask His forgiveness because you have hurt Him so much with your sinfulness, and then pledge you allegiance and affection to Him. Kiss the King, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way!!
Psalm 03:3 LIFT UP YOUR EYES
Ps 3:3 But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head
There was once a boy who found a dime on the ground and spent the rest of his life looking down into the filth of the world. Are you like that. Do you spend all your time looking at the bad things in this world instead of looking up?? As a Christian we can look at this sin sick world as it drunkenly wobbles it’s way to destruction and wring our hands and say, “Oh me!, Oh me!”; or we can LOOK BEYOND THESE PRESENT PROBLEMS TO THE PERMANENT PROMISES OF GOD. The Psalmist said that God is the “Lifter up of my head”. Let’s look at what God wants us to see when we lift up our eyes.
LIFT UP YOUR EYES:
1. In Prayer- Jn 17:1 These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee. Don’t lift up your prayers with PRIDE like the Pharisee but be humble like the Publican (Luke 18:10 14). Seek God’s Glory; not your ease. Look as the Child looks to the Father. Pray in Faith- Don’t pray and then worry!!!
2.For Help- Ps 121:1 2 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Like the hills, the Lord is Stable and Strong. There is nothing impossible with God; nothing too hard for Him. The Psalmist here is referring to looking to the hills of Jerusalem where the Temple was for Help. Church is where we find Fellowship, Help in Prayer, Stability through the Word.
3. For Direction-
A) In your WORK: Ps 123:1 2 Unto thee lift I up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold as the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress; so our eyes wait upon the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us. God guides those who look to Him to lead them. (Sometimes we “miss the turn off” because we aren’t looking!)
B) In your WARFARE: When faced with an overwhelming enemy Jehoshaphat said to God, “neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.” II Chron 20:12. Giants and Walled cities cause us to be baffled but don’t even slow God down. As long as Peter had his eyes on Jesus even the stormy sea was his friend; when he looked at the circumstances instead of Christ he began to sink.
4. For Assurance- Is 40:26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth. The Sun rises each day without your effort, The stars twinkle at night in spite of your sleep. Jesus did not die for the sun or the stars- He died for you!! Lift up your head in confidence then in God’s Love and care. God hasn’t forgotten you or overlooked you.
5. For Fruit- Jn 4:35 Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.
When I was young I never could find beans on the bushes when I wanted to go swimming!! But mom always could! It depends on whether you want Fruit or Fun. If everyone in the Church contacted 5 people EVERY week and invited them to Church we would soon have to build a new building.
6. For Renewal- Dan 4:34 And at the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation. Nebuchadnezzar lived like an animal when he trusted in his own strength but was returned to his kingdom when he looked to the Lord.
The Prodigal Son came to himself in the hog pen when he looked at what he was compared to what he could be. Look around! Are you eating “Hog slop” when you could be dining at the Father’s table?
7. For the Lord’s Return- Luke 21:27 28 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. This is beautifully pictured in Gen 24:61 67 where Isaac is awaiting the Bride who is being sought by the Servant. He is walking in the cool of the Evening and lifts up his eyes and see the Bride coming. The Bride then lifts up her eyes and sees the Groom coming for her. We need to keep looking up and anxiously awaiting the return of the Saviour. (This will cause us to live right (I John 3:3) and have Hope (I Thess 4:13 18)).
I can never “get away” with anything around my wife. As soon as I stop looking her in the eyes she knows somethings wrong. How about YOU?? Can you “Look God in the Face” today? Ps 34:5 They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed.
Psalm 4:3 THE CHRISTIAN’S PURPOSE
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. (Psa 4:3)
Isn’t this a marvelous statement? It’s almost as if the Lord has made us the “Teacher’s Pet”. Several times in scripture the Lord says Christians are His Peculiar Treasure and in doing so He tells us what His purpose for us is. (The Word “Peculiar” is found 7 times in the Bible. One of these times is about a king’s treasures (Ecc 2:8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.) but the remaining 6 times are about God choosing us as His “Peculiar People” -Ps 135:4 For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.
I. CHRISTIANS ARE TO BE A SEPARATED PEOPLE. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14). De 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
A) Because we were Redeemed BY Christ- Jesus gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all iniquity. Christ paid the price for our freedom and gave us life.
B) Because we were Separated FOR Christ‑ Purify unto himself. God is a Holy God and He wants a Holy people (A mother loves her mud encrusted boy but she doesn’t want him sitting on her best dress!!)
C) Because we are Workers WITH Christ‑ zealous of good works. WANTING to work because of your love for God (If ye love me keep my commandments).
II. CHRISTIANS ARE AN OBEDIENT PEOPLE. Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: (Exo 19:5) De 26:18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;
If God is always right (and He is) then He is to always be obeyed. A sinner is simply someone who is not living his live in conformity to what God wants. God’s part of the covenant is to give the orders; my part is to obey them!!
How can I learn obedience?? Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (Heb 5:8). (Remember that God is refining you into a TREASURE; He can’t allow weaknesses to remain.)
III. CHRISTIANS ARE TO SHOW FORTH THE PRAISES OF GOD. But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Pet 2:9)
A) Where we are to show His Praises: –
1) In Society: A Chosen generation
2) In “Religion”- a royal priesthood
3) In the World- an holy nation
4) Individually- a peculiar people
B) Why we are to show His Praises: He has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
What are the results of being God’s Peculiar People?? Answered Prayer- But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. (Psa 4:3)
Psalm 4:3 GOD’S PET
But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. (Psa 4:3)
Isn’t this a marvelous statement? It’s almost as if the Lord has made us the “Teacher’s Pet”. Several times in scripture the Lord says Christians are His Peculiar Treasure and in doing so He tells us what His purpose for us is. [The Word “Peculiar” is found 7 times in the Bible. One of these times is about a king’s treasures (Ecc 2:8 I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts) but the remaining 6 times are about God choosing us as His “Peculiar People”].
1) God’s Pets are chosen by God: For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure. (Ps 135:4).
2) God’s Pets are Examples for God: For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. (De 14:2).
3) God’s Pets like to work for God: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14).
4) God’s Pets are obedient to God: De 26:18 And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments; If God is always right (and He is) then He is to always be obeyed. A sinner is simply someone who is not living his live in conformity to what God wants. God’s part of the covenant is to give the orders; my part is to obey them!!
How can I learn obedience?? Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; (Heb 5:8) (Remember that God is refining you into a TREASURE; He can’t allow weaknesses to remain.)
5) God’s Pets Bring Praise to God: But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Pet 2:9)
A) Where we are to show His Praises:
1) In Society: A Chosen generation
2) In “Religion”- a royal priesthood
3) In the World- an holy nation
4) Individually- a peculiar people
B) Why we are to show His Praises: He has called us out of darkness into his marvelous light.
6) God’s Pets have a special relationship with God: Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: (Exo 19:5).
What are the results of being God’s Peculiar People Pet?? Answered Prayer- But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him. (Psa 4:3)
Psalm 06:4 PRAYER’S GREATEST REQUEST
There are Many Prayer request in the Bible.
One of the greatest is- And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. (Exodus 33:18).
I believe the Greatest Prayer Request is- Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies’ sake. (Psalms 6:4).
Psalm 10:1-2 GETTING AWAY WITH SIN
Ps 10:1-2 Why standest thou afar off, O Lord? why hidest thou thyself in times of trouble? The wicked in his pride doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the devices that they have imagined.
We are living in a difficult time for Christians; Sinners are prospering and Saints are being persecuted. The Good seem to always come up short while the Greedy get richer and richer and seem to “Get By” with almost everything. I want us today to look at how God deals with Sin and see why He doesn’t “zap sinners with lightning bolts” as we sometimes want.
I. THE TIMING OF GOD’S JUDGEMENT:
A) Sometimes Swiftly and Publicly-
1) Haman (Esther 7:10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.)
2) Nadab and Abihu [Aaron’s sons] (Num.3:4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord, when they offered strange fire before the Lord.)
3) When Uzzah touched the ark of God as it was being transported he was killed immediately (II Sam 6:6-7)
B) Sometimes Slowly but Surely-
1) Pharaoh drowned the Israelite babies, but he was drowned in the Red Sea.
2) Ahab “got by” with sin for years until one day in a battle an archer shot an arrow “by chance” and killed him.
You may get by 99 times, but “be sure your sins will find you out.” Prov 5:22 His own iniquities shall take the wicked himself, and he shall be holden with the cords of his sins.
The swift method is necessary to show there is a God that rules on the earth; the slow method is necessary to show there is a judgment to come. But most of the time it appears that the “mills of God grind exceedingly slow”; and often it appears that, since vengeance belongs to God, He takes it after death instead of during life. Let’s look at some reasons that God does not always punish bad men (women) when they do wrong:
- The Frailty of man- If God dealt with Every sin instantly then the world would soon be destroyed- for all have sinned! God would be the destroyer, not the governor of the world.
- The Nature of God- Longsuffering: 2PE 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
- The Need of Man- Repentance: God expects man to TURN FROM Sin as well as Receive Pardon for it. Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent.
- The Desire of God- Voluntary Love: Because man is a free agent and present punishment would drive him to slavery rather than voluntary submission.
- The Love of God- God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked; He loved them enough for His only Son to die for them and this love makes Him patience in His punishment.
- The Need to “Protect” the Righteous while the wicked are being punished- Because the “bad” can’t be properly punished without sometimes harming the good (Pulling up the tares with the wheat).
- The Faith of the Righteous must be tested and purified- Is 48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction.
- Sometimes sins are not “ripe” for punishment.- Isreal stayed in Egypt 400 years til the sin of Canaan was “full” (Gen 15:16).
However, you can Rest assured that God will act [By the way, aren’t you glad God does not deal with you the way you want Him to deal with others?] in the BEST TIME:
- Because God puts off sentence, it does not mean He has forgotten. Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. Though a sinner do evil an hundred times, and his days be prolonged, yet surely I know that it shall be well with them that fear God, which fear before him: but it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
- The Evidence of Sin’s Punishment is not always obvious- The wicked flee when no man pursue. We can see if a person suffers in his body, or social position, or reputation; but we can’t see the inward man that knows he’s done wrong – the roiling turmoil, the constant threat of being “found out,” etc..
- Many Times God allows the Bad to punish the Bad- Assyrians, Romans. Is 7:20 In the same day shall the Lord shave with a razor that is hired, namely, by them beyond the river, by the king of Assyria
Be aware, however, that whether sentence is executed swiftly or slowly; or Privately or Publicly; court has been held and sentence has been passed on every sin (all evil and all evil workers): Ezek.18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die.
The only way to “get away” with sin is to give it to Jesus. Admit it, forsake it, trust only in His Grace.
Psalm 11:3 FALLEN FOUNDATIONS
Psa 11:3 If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?
One of the greatest tragedies to hit the Christian Church in my life time took place Tuesday. America decided to abandon all sense of morality and character and elect a man solely on his “pie in the sky” promise to increase jobs. Like Esau, we have sold our birth right for a bowl of soup. Like Judas, we have sold our Savior for a day’s pay. Soon our Cheers will turn to Tears- Prov 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.
Not only is the Leader of our Country lacking in moral values, we are face with a World System (The “World”) that is constantly seeking to bring us down into the mud and slime of sin.
Foundation of Family- Homosexuals
Foundations of Life- Abortions/ Mercy Killings
That door is closed- What we must do now is
1) Teach our Children that Sex is wrong outside of Marriage.
2) Provide a Loving, Forgiving atmosphere where a person can repent of their sin rather than add the sin of murder.
We need a foundation that will keep us stable during the Cravings of the Flesh, the Corruption of the World System, and the Constant attack of Satan. Why does God allow these? Persecution purifies us, Problems teach us to trust Him, and Pain makes us long for Heaven.
Those are the PROBLEMS. Now let’s look at the PROPER FOUNDATION to build with so that you can withstand any storm that comes your way. This Foundation is built upon what you believe and what you do as a result of that belief. We’ll look at 7 Key Foundation Stones:
1. JESUS CHRIST- I believe Jesus Christ is fully and absolutely God. I Believe Jesus Christ lived on this earth as a perfect sinless man. I Believe He died on a cross outside of Jerusalem as a payment for the sins of mankind. I believe that He was raised from the dead on the third day, that He ascended to Heaven to await the completion of God’s plan on earth, and that one day He will return to earth to claim His “Bride” (Followers). HAVE YOU ACCEPTED CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR??
2. THE BIBLE- I believe that the Bible is the Word of God. I believe it contains principles and applications for every situation of life in every age. I believe it should be read, study, and obeyed. DO YOU??
3. SALVATION- I believe Christianity is not an EXPERIENCE but a COMMITMENT. I believe it will effect not only my emotions but also my attitudes and actions. I do not believe Christianity makes me perfect but I do believe it makes me a new creature in Christ that will continue to grow. I believe a religion that stirs my heart without effecting my Hands is a faulty faith (The demons believe and tremble). IS THERE A TIME AND PLACE THAT YOU HAVE REPENTED OF SIN AND TRUSTED CHRIST? ARE YOU LIVING DIFFERENTLY AS A RESULT?
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT- I believe that the Holy Spirit convicts a person of sin and is the power in conversion. I believe that to try to do the work of God without the power of God is like trying to empty the ocean with a pitch fork; you’ll work yourself to death and never accomplish anything. You must submit yourself to the Holy Spirit’s control so that He can accomplish God’s will in your life. ARE YOU CONTINUALLY BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?
5. CHRISTIAN LIVING- I believe I should follow the example of Christ in my ever day life by always putting the will and work of the Heavenly Father first in every thing I do. I believe that the greatest thing any person will ever do on earth is to find his place in the body of Christ and function effectively there. ARE YOU WHERE GOD WANTS YOU TO BE DOING WHAT GOD WANTS??
6. WITNESSING- I believe it’s not the will of God that any should be lost but that all should come to repentance. I believe it is the happy duty of every Christian to Be a witness and to bear witness of the gospel of Christ. We are to reach every one we can, every time we can, with every method God gives us. DOES YOU LIGHT SHINE?
7. THE END OF TIME- I believe that the end of time is very very near and what I’m going to do for the Lord I need to do as soon as possible. I believe the next event on God’s calendar is the Rapture of the Church in which all believers will be “snatched” from the earth in the twinkling of an eye to meet the Lord.
I believe that will usher in a time of Tribulation such as has not been known on the earth to this time. During this time of Tribulation billions of people will die, antichrist will reign, and men will long for death, and it will flee from them. ARE YOU READY FOR DEATH OR THE RAPTURE??
Those are 7 foundation stones I believe will stand the storms of life. My anchor holds and grips the solid rock today. Does yours??
Psalm 11:3 STORM STANDING STONES
If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psa 11:3)
Jesus said you must build upon the rock if you were to withstand the storms of life. That Rock was hearing and heeding what He said (Matt 7:24-27). Paul said the Church was built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone- Eph 2:20. Now the Psalmist is telling us of a grave danger; that the foundation might be destroyed.
The Deacons and I met after Church Wednesday night and decided to purchase metal pipes to hold the Parsonage garage. The temporary wooden ones we put up several months ago have worked alright but we fear a snow storm might cause them to buckle. That would do great damage to the garage, the parsonage, and my car! That makes it important that we have a strong sturdy foundation. In the same way, I want us today to see the same need as we re-examine our Spiritual Foundation and make sure it will stand the storms of life.
We live in a world that is sliding on greased skids directly into the fiery wrath of God. Murder, robbery, and rape are a normal part of life in America today- from the school house to the church house.
We are drowning in a sea of our own garbage and pollution and no one cares as long as the garbage dump is put in someone else’s county!
We have no statesmen in government any more; only politicians who are out to squeeze as much from the people as they can while getting as much for themselves and their friends as they can. They moan and groan on TV and laugh and party behind closed doors while the average American knows it’s every man for himself any more.
Saddest of all, however, is the way that many so called “Christian” live today. They claim to be Christians but they live like the devil. They drink, commit adultery, swear, lie, steal, and attend the same activities the world attends; but somehow they think that saying something about “the man upstairs” when the preacher is around makes them alright (If you walk like a duck, quack like a duck, and fly like a duck; as far as I’m concerned when I go hunting, you’re dead duck!).
Many of these “Christians” only attend the 11am service on Sunday morning (and that when it’s convenient). They don’t read the Bible, pray, or witness to their faith (Knowing that if they did so their friends would look at them and say, “Are YOU a Christian?”).
I fear that many people are fooled about their Foundation; and when some stress is placed on them, their house will come crashing down around them. Let’s make sure you’ve got some STORM STANDING STONES to build your life on.
Those are the PROBLEMS. Now let’s look at the PROPER FOUNDATION to Build with so that you can withstand any storm that comes your way. This Foundation is built upon what you believe and what you do as a result of that belief. We’ll look at 7 Key Foundation Stones:
1. JESUS CHRIST- I believe Jesus Christ is fully and absolutely God. I Believe Jesus Christ lived on this earth as a perfect sinless man. I Believe He died on a cross outside of Jerusalem as a payment for the sins of mankind. I believe that He was raised from the dead on the third day, that He ascended to Heaven to await the completion of God’s plan on earth, and that one day He will return to earth to claim His “Bride” (Followers). HAVE YOU ACCEPTED CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR??
2. THE BIBLE- I believe that the Bible is the Word of God. I believe it contains principles and applications for every situation of life in every age. I believe it should be read, study, and obeyed. DO YOU??
3. SALVATION- I believe Christianity is not an EXPERIENCE but a COMMITMENT. I believe it will effect not only my emotions but also my attitudes and actions. I do not believe Christianity makes me perfect but I do believe it makes me a new creature in Christ that will continue to grow. I believe a religion that stirs my heart without effecting my Hands is a faulty faith (The demons believe and tremble). IS THERE A TIME AND PLACE THAT YOU HAVE REPENTED OF SIN AND TRUSTED CHRIST? ARE YOU LIVING DIFFERENTLY AS A RESULT?
4. THE HOLY SPIRIT- I believe that the Holy Spirit convicts a person of sin and is the power in conversion. I believe that to try to do the work of God without the power of God is like trying to empty the ocean with a pitch fork; you’ll work yourself to death and never accomplish anything. You must submit yourself to the Holy Spirit’s control so that He can accomplish God’s will in your life. ARE YOU CONTINUALLY BEING FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT?
5. CHRISTIAN LIVING- I believe I should follow the example of Christ in my ever day life by always putting the will and work of the Heavenly Father first in every thing I do. I believe that the greatest thing any person will ever do on earth is to find his place in the body of Christ and function effectively there. ARE YOU WHERE GOD WANTS YOU TO BE DOING WHAT GOD WANTS??
6. WITNESSING- I believe it’s not the will of God that any should be lost but that all should come to repentance. I believe it is the happy duty of every Christian to Be a witness and to bear witness of the gospel of Christ. We are to reach every one we can, every time we can, with every method God gives us. DOES YOU LIGHT SHINE?
7. THE END OF TIME- I believe that the end of time is very very near and what I’m going to do for the Lord I need to do as soon as possible. I believe the next event on God’s calendar is the Rapture of the Church in which all believers will be “snatched” from the earth in the twinkling of an eye to meet the Lord. I believe that will usher in a time of Tribulation such as has not been known on the earth to this time. During this time of Tribulation billions of people will die, antichrist will reign, and men will long for death, and it will flee from them. ARE YOU READY FOR DEATH OR THE RAPTURE??
Those are 7 foundation stones I believe will stand the storms of life. My anchor holds and grips the solid rock today. Does yours??
Psalm 13:1 FORGOTTEN
Story of my illness in 2nd grade and then forgotten in last day of awards.
How long wilt thou forget me, O LORD? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? (Psa 13:1). Cast me not off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength faileth (Psa 71:9).
Old People tend to feel they are forgotten. Here are some things to help you remember you are still remembered and important:
GRANDCHILDREN: And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath borne him (Ruth 4:15).
BIBLE TRAINING: Those that be planted in the house of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God. They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; To show that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him. (Psa 92:13-15)
EVEN IN ILLNESS: And even to your old age I am he; and even to hoar hairs will I carry you: I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you (Isa 46:4).
Psalm 14:1 WHAT KIND OF ATHEIST ARE YOU?
Ps 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.
The word ATHEIST comes from a Greek word meaning “No (a) God (Theos)” and was originally applied to those who deny the existence of a Supreme Being. While the word “Atheist” is not found in the Bible, the idea of “Denying God” is. And the amazing thing is that the vast majority of the world falls under the heading of Atheist! I want us today to look at the 3 “kinds” of atheist, the Perils of being an Atheist, and then I want to determine how we can recognize and build a relationship with God.
I. THE THREE KINDS OF ATHEIST:
1) Professing Atheist- Those who deny the God of the Bible. Rom 1:20-23 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
2) Philosophical Atheist- The crowd Paul had to content with on Mars Hill (Acts 17:23) For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
3) Practicing Atheist- Those who talk like they’re active but live like they’re Atheist! Tit 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Each of these “roots” has numerous Branches (and many times it’s difficult to connect the two but careful observation will reveal where the “sap” is coming from!); But the “fruit” they produce is destroyed lives and damning souls! Let’s examine them closer.
1. The PROFESSING ATHEIST- The easiest to recognize because they stand vocally and visibly against the God of the Bible. They may recognize A God but they stand against THE God. This is the majority of the Eastern World (Moslems, Hindus, Buddhist, etc.). Many of them are VERY Religious and have a standard of morals and manners that are to be envied but they refuse to acknowledge God and accept His Son, Jesus Christ. These are the Millions and Millions of “religious” people who have seldom (if ever) heard the Gospel and so they cling to idols and ideologies that are like giving aspirins to a man dying of cancer; they provide temporary relief for minor symptoms but do nothing to change the awful fate to come.
2. The PHILOSOPHICAL ATHEIST- Because God cannot be “put in a jar” or shown through “Scientific Reasoning” they make up something to replace God. Humanism (Man is God), “New Age” (The World is God), and the “Force” (Some impersonal power that cast us into a world to do the best we can) are branches of this root. These people are governed by Conscience, the Crowd’s Opinion, or the “Cosmos” (Astrology, mysticism, etc). They refuse the Bible’s Authority or application.
3. The PRACTICING ATHEIST- The “Worst” of all because they say one thing (that they believe and follow God) and live another thing (in works they deny Him). The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were like this- Matt 23:27-28 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Many people today who profess to be Christians worship at the altars of SELF, SUBSTANCE, or SUCCESS and think God doesn’t know or care. They will be offended today that I call them “Atheist” but they must realize (before it’s too late) that God doesn’t simply listen to your words, He examines your Fruit!! (Matt 7:20).
II. THE PERILS OF BEING AN ATHEIST:
a. You can lose your mind- Rom 1:28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient: (Then follows a list of some of the most despicable sins known to mankind; that are being practiced and proclaimed on TV today!).
b. You will lose your Soul- John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that beleiveth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
III. HOW CAN YOU KNOW THE REAL GOD?
a. Look at the Example He’s Given us- Jesus (He that hath seen me hath seen the Father Jn 14:9)
b. Look at the Evidence He has given us- Ps 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
c. Listen to the Exhortation of Paul- Phil 3:8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ.- God reveals Himself to those who SEEK to Know Him. He seldom reveals Himself to those with only a “passing interest”; Knowing God is not the Dedication of a Moment but the Determination of a Life Time.
d. Labor in the Exercises He has Left us:
1> His Word- John 17:8 For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me; and they have received them, and have known surely that I came out from thee, and they have believed that thou didst send me. Read, Study, and Meditate on the Word of God.
2> His Witness- The Spirit. John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. The “Spirit bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God” (Rom 8:16). Do not Grieve or Quench the Spirit but allow Him to reveal Christ in and to your heart.
3> His Works- Christians are part of the body of Christ. As we function FOR Him we learn more OF Him. Christianity is not a “mind game” we play but a changed life we live. We learn to have the Submitted Mind of Christ (Phil 2:5), the Serving Hands of Christ, and the Saving Witness of Christ (Luke 24:47-49).
Are you an Atheist in Word, Mind, or Actions?? Are you building a Relationship with God as you continually get to know Him more and more?
Psalm 14:1, 53:1 NO GOD
Thank the Lord for the work and the workers in India during this very difficult time. Your prayers and support are vital.
Memorial Day / Covid-19: [I have dealt with Death most of my life- Pastor (HIV) or Soldier: To some degree, the past two months have been the experience of 18 year olds during war time. Taken away from family and friends, they are thrown into a new experience where rules are rigid, life is completely different, and death is constantly seeking you. I remember how hard it was not to be able to go to someone and simply listen all night as they screamed their life away. I remember Mac, a kind and gentle soul, completely out of place in the horrors of war, who fell, hit his head on a rock, and drowned before anyone could reach him just days before his discharge. And I remember how many “good young men” abandoned God and good during this time.
That is what I am concerned about in today’s message as we look at a world which for the past two months has pushed people to doubt, distrust, or disbelieve God’s care and concern.
These two Psalms are basically the same. Why would God skip hundreds of years of history and countless experiences of great people in order to use valuable space to repeat a Psalm? That must mean the truth in this Psalm is Very Important.
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good (Psalms 14:1).The LORD looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God (Psalms 14:2).
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good (Psalms 53:1).
Satan, the Media, and the World have used 3 Methods to SEPARATE you from God:
1) Isolation from family, friends, and regulating relationships: “I fear exposing myself to anyone” “Everyone is a threat” “It is every man for themselves” NOT GOOD FOR ADAM TO BE ALONE
2) Escapism: “I like how it feels to not feel”. A two month “staycation” has turned into hiding in a cave to avoid Meaning, Motivation, and Schedule. Watching through the Window “Peeping Toms” who look at other people living life but never really making the effort to live their life. BODY of Christ
3) Abandonment by Government, “Grown-ups” (School, work, etc), and God as many have begun to doubt His Care, Concern, and Control (Existence, Authority, Salvation). God became FLESH
THREE TRUTHS YOU NEED TO REMEMBER so you will not say “No” to God:
1): There is a God and you are not Him. God does not have to make sense to you or to please you. You were created for God; God does not exist for you.
2) God still plays by the Old Rules– Redemption, Rewards. Would I serve God if there was no Hell or Heaven? Would I chose to choose God if the choice I made had no implications past this present world? Paul Said If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable (1 Cor 15:19).
3) You are allowed to say “No” to God but it has consequences. God has given mankind one of the most awesome privileges available in the universe; freedom of the will. He placed mankind on the earth, set in motion certain circumstances and events, and then allowed these mere mortals to make choices that impact the work of God on the earth. Choices that determine each person’s relationship with the God of the universe!
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God
Psalm 15 WHO CAN ABIDE WITH GOD?
This Psalm might be entitled “Fitness for Fellowship” because it describes that very thing. It shows that a Relationship with God is more than a Birth – it’s a life, and a Holy Life at that, as we fellowship with a Holy God. The Psalmist list the characteristics you will find in this Relationship.
Note that you “abide/dwell” – not something you do 5 minutes a day or a place you visit 2 hours a week. [Tabernacle = House of God. Holy Hill = Surroundings (God is a part of our life in the field as well as the fold, in the community as well as the Church)]
1. HIS WALK – “Walketh uprightly” – His manner of life is right- “Worketh Righteousness” – a. Works for Right things b. Works righteously.
2. HIS TALK – “Speaketh the truth in his heart” – True about himself True to himself “Backbiteth not with his tongue” – Not a gossip or a grump
3. HIS LIFE – “Doesn’t do Evil to his neighbor” – His actions correspond to his testimony. (His neighbors want what he’s got because what he’s got is worth wanting!)
“Doesn’t take up a reproach against his neighbor” – Because he loves his neighbor as himself he seeks to build them up instead of tear them down.
4. HIS LOVE – “In whose eyes a vile person is condemned” – Hates sin and what is does to people.
“He honoureth them that fear the Lord” – Loves and respects the people of God and the things of God. (Show me a man who looks for chances to do evil or associate with evil doers and who looks for excuses to miss associating with God’s people and I’ll show you a person who needs to check up on his Salvation!!)
5. HIS WORD – “Sweareth to his own hurt and changeth not” – He is dependable and trustworthy. In a sin-tossed world men are looking for real MEN who say what they mean and mean what they say.
6. HIS WEALTH – “Putteth not out his money to usury (excess interest)
“Doesn’t think Profit is more importnat than People. “Doesn’t take reward against the innocent” – Thinks right living ought to be rewarded by helping instead of taking advantage of.
7. HIS STABILITY – “He that doeth these things shall never be moved” A Constant Christian. He doesn’t rise and fall with the tide but serves God in Good times and in Bad, in Public and in Private, at Home and Abroad.
DO YOU HAVE AN APPOINTMENT WITH GOD ONCE A WEEK OR DO YOU ABIDE WITH HIM???
DO YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY HAVE ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO CONVICT YOU OF BEING A CHRISTIAN??
Psalm 16:- GOD HAS GOT YOU COVERED
This important Psalm was used by Peter in the Great sermon at Pentecost (vs 10-11) and Paul in his sermon when he changed course to go to the Gentiles (Vs 10). It also contains my “life verse”- vs 11. It is called a Michtam of David. Michtam means “To Cover” and is thought by many to be a declaration of David’s faith in God’s Protective Covering.
Today I want us to grasp how God covers us in every circumstance of life. Once we grasp this important principle we will find a Peace and confidence that will astonish us. Seven principles are listed in these verses that show us the covering power and protection of God.
1. DEPENDABLE: Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust (Psa 16:1). God is Trustworthy. We can put our Trust in Him and depend on Him to always do right. The roof at the parsonage has begun to leak. It’s aggravating and frustrating. What a joy it is, however, when you have a dependable covering. God covers you today and does not allow trial or temptation to come your way without giving strength to endure or over come.
2. RELIABLE: O my soul, thou hast said unto the LORD, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee (Psa 16:2). LORD means Jehovah, “the Self Existent One”. Lord means Adonai, “Master, Husband”. David is saying to the Self Existent God that he recognizes that God is the Master and David is the Servant; and he is willing to accept this state because of his confidence in God’s loving leadership. Many people have given God their sins but not their life!! They need to call Christ, Adonai, Master; and allow His control to cover their life.
3. DELIGHTFUL: But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight. Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips (Psa 16:3-4). Serving sin may seem to bring momentary pleasure but it leads to the degrading power of sin controlling our life. The only delight is when we serve God with a joyful willing heart. What peace and confidence come into our life when we rest under the covering of God’s Will. What confusion and danger come our way when we live outside of this covering.
4. RESOURCEFUL: The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage (Psa 16:5-6). The Lord has a way to Bless and keep me; to maintain my lot. His covering cares for even the hairs that fall from my head.
5. EDUCATIONAL: I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons (Psa 16:7). His covering includes counsel. Wisdom, direction, and guidance are all mine as I follow God’s directions.
6. HOPEFUL: I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption (Psa 16:8-10). His covering means I can rest in Hope! He will not allow even death to destroy me. As Christ was raised from the dead, so will I be.
7. FAITHFUL: Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore (Psa 16:11). God’s Covering shows me what to do now, How to Enjoy life, and gives me a wonderful end to anticipate. Glory!!
Psalm 16:11 29 YEARS AND COUNTING
I was born again on March 19, 1962. That was 29 years ago. Shortly after I was saved I took as my “life verse” Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. It tells about the 3 major things everyone needs to Know; What to do, How to obtain Joy, and What your ultimate destination will be.
I. THE PATH- Thou wilt show me the path of life.
A) Path is Singular- Only ONE Path is the right path (Narrow way)
B) It is a Path of LIFE- Broad way leads to destruction and DEATH
C) It is a Path chosen by God. This Path is:
1. Not seen by Human wisdom- There is a path which no fowl knoweth, and which the vulture’s eye hath not seen (Job 28:7) There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Prov 14:12). You must walk by Faith, not by sight.
2. Plain to those who want to learn- Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies (Psa 27:11). It’s only difficult when we doubt or fail to try.
3. Obeys God- Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight (Psa 119:35).
4. Guided by the Word- Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path (Psa 119:105). The Bible gives us examples of past travelers as well as encouragement for present difficulties.
5. A Consider path- Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways (Psa 139:3). The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just (Isa 26:7). God Considered ME before He chose this path for me. He knows my weaknesses as well as my abilities and He determined my path with all the facts in mind; therefore, I CAN walk my Path- When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path (Psa 142:3).
6. A Protected Path- When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isa 43:2). He walks with me in danger as well as discouragement; that’s all I need.
7. A growing Path- But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day (Prov 4:18). The longer I walk God’s Path for me the greater my understanding of what He’s trying to accomplish in my life; and the greater my testimony to those who watch me.
8. A Thoughtful Path- Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established (Prov 4:26). You must consider where you’ve been, where you are, and where you’re going. Marvel at God’s leadership, Trust in God’s Directions, and Look for journey’s end.
Peace about your Path will encourage your heart, establish your work, and motivate your “ministry”.
II. THE PRESENCE in thy presence is fulness of joy. (Happiness is a Shadow, it disappears in the shade! Joy is what we need).
A) How do we Come into His Presence-
1. Be Clean- Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water (Heb 10:22).
2. Be Willing- Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James 4:8).
B) What does it mean to be IN HIS PRESENCE?
1. A PLACE OF REST- And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest. And he said unto him, If thy presence go not with me, carry us not up hence. (Exo 33:14-15)
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old (Isa 63:9). We find Rest in His presence because we KNOW He understands and cares.
2. A Symbol OF REJECTION- For through the anger of the LORD it came to pass in Jerusalem and Judah, until he had cast them out from his presence, that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon (2 Ki 24:20). The greatest tragedy in all the world is when God’s Spirit ceases striving with you. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me (Psa 51:11).
3. A PLACE OF REJOICING- Glory and honour are in his presence; strength and gladness are in his place (1 Chr 16:27). Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms (Psa 95:2). Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing (Psa 100:2). Who wouldn’t be joyful in the presence of the God of the universe? Why then are so many Christians gloomy on Sunday Morning when they come into His presence to worship???
4. A PLACE OF REQUEST- If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help (2 Chr 20:9). You don’t want to pray to a blank wall!! You come before His presence because Christ intercedes for you. For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us (Heb 9:24). (Even Satan comes before His presence to make request!)- And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD (Job 1:12).
5. SOME WANT TO HIDE FROM HIS PRESENCE- Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (Psa 139:7). They fear God will ask them to do something they don’t like- But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD (Jonah 1:3)
6. A PLACE OF HUMILIATION- That no flesh should glory in his presence (1 Cor 1:29). The only Glorying there is God!
7. THE HORRORS OF HELL- Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power (2 Th 1:9) Hell is not bad simply because it’s Hot; it’s away from the presence of the Lord forever!!
III. AT THY RIGHT HAND THERE ARE PLEASURES FOR EVERMORE
A) Right Hand- The Place of Honor. This place of Honor is ours because to God we are:
1> PRECIOUS- It would have been wonderful if God had simply saved us from the horrors of Hell; But He did much more, He has made us sons of God- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name (John 1:12).
2> POETRY- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them (Eph 2:10). The word “Workmanship” here comes from a word meaning “God’s Poetry”. In the ages to come men will marvel at the transformation brought about in the life of a Christian as a result of our Faith in God.
3> PECULIAR- But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Pet 2:9). “Peculiar” here means to “Wrap around” and signifies that a Christian is “surrounded” by God. This protection does not keep us from experiencing Temptation but it does provide the assurance that the Temptation or Trial will not be more that we can handle-(I Cor 13:10).
In the ages to come it will bring honor to God as we reveal how He cared for us during our pilgrimage through this wicked world.
4> PRIZED- Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him (Mal 3:17). The amazing, astonishing, astounding, thing is that God puts Gold on His streets and jewels on His walls but puts Christians on display as His prized possession!! How the angels marvel at what Grace has wrought; and how we take it for granted!
B) Pleasures Forevermore-
1> THE PLEASURE OF HIS PRESENCE- We shall see Him face to face whom so long we have known heart to heart. What a joy it will be when we see Him in all His Glory and Majesty.
2> THE PLEASURE OF HIS PEACE- No more Pain, Sorrow, or Death to darken our days. No more Satan to attack and tempt us.
3> THE PLEASURE OF HIS PLACE- He said He had gone to prepare us a place and one day would come back for us. If God created the world in 7 days then what a marvelous place this must be after all this time.
God has a Path for you to Travel. He has promised His Presence along the Way. And He has prepared some Pleasures for us that are beyond description. Come join me as I walk for the Lord. The way is so simple until even I could find it!
Psalm 16:11 LIVING LIFE
Psa 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Today I begin my 33rd year as a Christian (Glory!). I’m now as old as Jesus was when he died. During these past 32 years I have pastored 5 different churches, taught in 3 different Bible Institutes, published devotional articles in 8 different newspapers, and written nearly 20 different books. I have preached nearly 5000 sermons and taught nearly 2000 Sunday School Lessons.
In order to Live a Good Life you NEED:
1) Provision- Mat 6:25-26 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? 26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
2) Purpose- Prov 29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. He who does not know where he is going ends up going into situations where he does not know where he is at and how to get from there to where he needs to be.
3) Protection- Rock
4) Power of Holy Ghost to go beyond your own abilities and resources.
Psalm 16:11 THE PATH OF LIFE
(Psa 16:11) Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Revelation teaches us that the world will get WORSE and WORSE. Money will be prevalent but Morals and Decency will deteriorate. Children will be shot at School and at Church. The work place will not be safe. Family life will deteriorate, Wickedness, drugs, cursing, and anarchy will be prevalent.
Thank God for the Blessed Hope! As we wait on the soon coming of our Savior and Lord let us see how to survive in a wicked world.
The “Path of Life” is:
A) From GOD- “Thou wilt Show me”
B) Not a GAMBLE- “Path”
C) GREAT- “of Life”
The Way of the Wicked is described as:
A) Chaff blown about by the wind that ends up in the Fire- (Psa 1:4) The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.
B) Upside down in thinking and actions- (Psa 146:9) The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. Like the waves of the sea they are tossed about.
C) Darkness and despair- (Prov 4:19) The way of the wicked is as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.
(Isa 55:7) Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Psalm 16:11 WHAT CHRIST DID FOR ME
My “Key Verse” in life is Psalm 16:11. I generally put it with my name when I sign a letter. On this 25th anniversary of my preaching Ministry I want to combine it with the verse before it and share a few of the things God has done for me.
Psalm 16:10 11 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
I. MY SALVATION vs 10 Thanks be to God that He didn’t leave my soul in Hell! 25 years ago I knelt at an altar and trusted Christ as my Savior. I didn’t know a lot about the Bible but I knew I was lost without Hope. Someone leaned over me as I prayed at that altar and told me to “Trust Christ”- I did, and have been ever since. What a Glorious Privilege it is to be SAVED.
1. God Forgives the Past- Look WHAT HAPPENS TO FORGIVEN SIN??? Psalm 103:12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hast he removed our transgressions from us.
Isaiah 38:17 Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.
Isaiah 44:22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me: for I have redeemed thee.
Micah 7:19 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us: he will subdue our iniquities; ;and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Isaiah 43:25 I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. What sins are you talking about???
2. He gives POWER and a PATTERN for the Present- The Holy Spirit and the Example of Christ.
3. And He has promised us a Home in Heaven!!!
We normally say it this way. When you are saved YOU BECOME:
A) A New Creature {A NEW BEGINNING} II Cor 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
B) A Son of God John 1:12 But as many as received him to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name. With all the rights and privileges that involves
C) An Heir to Heaven John 14:1 2 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Now do you still wonder why I’m saved?? How about you? ARE YOU SAVED???
II. MY SERVICE vs 11 This verse says that because I’m saved then 3 things result:
1. A JOB Thou wilt show me the Path of Life Anyone that hears me preach many times will tell you that I stress over and over the fact that God has a Plan for everyone and that they need to find that plan and get in it.
My Particular area of service is that of Pastor. God called me to Preach almost immediately after He saved me, and it was not long after that that I began to realize that His Call for me involved Teaching as much as Preaching. Those two factors have intertwined and expanded until it absolutely astonishes me today. Reaching out with the Gospel has expanded into an Outreach with the Gospel that involves newsletters, tapes, radio, & Bible Institutes. These are not the result of my Talent or ability but of trust in God’s Promises and Provision.
God also has a PLAN and PURPOSE for YOU. It is yet to be seen what God can do with people who are dedicated to Him. And you will never find satisfaction or Joy apart from God’s Plan
2. REAL JOY In His Presence is fullness of joy I have found that Joy is Jesus and does not depend on Changing Circumstances. A vital part of my testimony is that Joy.
3. JESUS At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore But the greatest part of My Salvation is my relationship with Christ. Christianity is not a Religion I Preach but A Person I serve.
This Same Jesus can be yours today if you will simply let Him in.
Psalm 16:11 CHRIST-OUR TRAVELING COMPANION
Glad to be at the Best Church in Florence: Best People, Best Preacher, Best Music, and, most importantly, God is here. As we gather in celebration today my goal is to bring about CHANGE- in the Church and in your life. The Gospel of Christ is about calling people to change from what they are into the greatness they can be when they sins are forgiven and they begin a wonderful life walk with Christ.
Let’s start with the Church- Types of Churches:
1) Funeral Home: Celebrate the memory of past with positive praise sermons
2) Carnival: “Three ring circus must catch our attention at all times” Each act must be more thrilling than the last
3) Concert: Major on Music
4) Traditional: Show up each week because it is Sunday.
Young Boy in Cracker Barrel who pumped a hand water pump bolted to a board for all he was worth but no water ever came out- nor would it ever come out! Three things people look for in a church- Vision, Visible friendliness, Victory.
Given 5 minutes could you write down the vision and mission of THIS Church? 1> Many could not. 2> Many would not agree with each other. 3> Many would not agree with the one written down by the Pastor.
Some facts the Church needs to Know:
1) You are probably as big as you are WORKING to be
2) You are probably as big as you are WILLING to be- Parking, Seat
3) You are probably as big as you WANT to be- Where no ox are the crib is clean
4) You can be as big as God DESIRES you to be- “I will build my church” Learn to work FOR God instead of working WITH God- Find out where God is at work and join Him.
Three things that must Change for this church to move to the next level. (Expectations determine Outcome. Even Jesus “could do no might works because of their unbelief”):
1) Must change the CHURCH’S vision of the church.- None of us is as smart as all of us
2) Must change the COMMUNITY’S vision of the Church- You reap what you sow in Talk
3) Must change the Church’s Vision of CHRIST- Is 6, Rev 1, Mt of Transfiguration
You can never become what you were meant to be by remaining what you are- as a Church or as a Person. There are greater things than you can imagine ahead of you and there is a great God walking beside you! And that is our Scripture for today- Psalm 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Three answers to Life Questions are found in this verse:
1) Are you going in the right direction? God has a path for your life and you will never find peace until you CHANGE Directions and get on this path. The reason you get into trouble all the time is because you are traveling the wrong Road. The reason sin is wrong is because it is not God’s plan for your life. Man who used rock filled with gold nuggets for a door step.
2) Are you enjoying the journey? There is no greater joy that walking with God- At peace with God, at peace with others, at peace with yourself.
3) Will you like where you are when you reach your destination? No matter what the preacher says at the funeral you will not go to Heaven unless you are a Born Again Child of God.
One of my favorite illustrations in John Bunyan’s Christian Classic, “Pilgrim’s Progress” is when Christian is weary in his journey and spies castle Beautiful in the distance. Greatly desiring rest and refreshment he starts up the path to the castle only to be stopped by an awful roaring. Looking closer he sees a lion on either side of the road leading to the castle. Fearful for his life he does not know what to do until someone in the castle tells him to walk by faith and come to the castle. With mingled fear and faith, Christian walks in the center of the road toward castle Beautiful. It is only when he reaches the place where the lions reside on either side of the road that he realized the lions are chained and cannot touch him as long as he remains in the center of the road!
All of us face Lions in our life, things we fear that keep us from enjoying the rest and refreshment of castle Beautiful- Sinful habits, an overactive mouth, constant financial failure, inability to love or be loved, People pressure at work or school, etc. God wants to Change you. God Can Change you. Will you let Him start today?
Psalm 17:3 THE TONGUE
Ps 17:3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Every time the Lord has a program for his people Satan invents a “Counterfeit”. Jesus said he was the Vine and we were the branches and as such this “Grapevine” is used to bear the fruits of life in a sin sick world. Satan came along and made the “Grapevine” a means of spreading Gossip instead of the Gospel, Slander instead of Salvation. (Gossip comes from an old English word meaning godparent. This was a person who knew and revealed personal or sensational facts about a person. It eventually came to mean what was said instead of who said it- “a rumor or a report of an intimate nature”).
One of the things that keeps the “Gossip Grapevines” working is the tremendous “need to know” that is found in most of us. In surveys of those things which contribute to employee satisfaction, “Being in the know” always ranks near the top as being desirable. Knowing “what’s going on” has a way of making us feel important and worthwhile. Not knowing what is going on or being surprised, particularly by a piece of information that affects us personally, is very demoralizing.
It is this sense of knowing something that is known to no one else, or only a few, (Again “being in the Know”) that makes Gossip so much fun. This is why people watch the News on TV and buy trash magazines in Grocery Checkout lines; they want to learn something that they don’t know or have only heard a small amount about. [Interestingly enough, this is the basis of much advertising. Enough information is given to spark your interest and cause you to want to visit the store or try the product].
Let’s find out Why Gossip is bad, what can be done to correct it, and then see our Responsibility to correctly use our tongue. GOSSIP IS NORMALLY INACCURATE. Causes of Inaccurate Gossip:
1. Absence of Information. People feel like they need to know, but they do not know. So they start talking about things they do not know about.
2. Information passed on out of context. Only half of the story is given. Sometimes a person is just “bursting” to share something he or she knows so they give a few details and the person listening takes it for all the facts. Prov 29:20 Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? There is more hope of a fool than of him.
3. The need to feel important by knowing something that others do not know. You want to feel that you really are “in the know”.
4. The desire to promote your own interest so you build yourself up by repeating or making up stories that serve your own interest.
5. Desire to harm another person. The most awful kind of gossip- the malicious repeating of truth or untruth in such a way that it harms a person’s reputation or ability (I know of a Major Restaurant that almost closed because the competition put out the word that they were using “Cat Meat” in their dishes).
HOW CAN WE CONTROL OR CORRECT GOSSIP?
A. Make sure it stops at you-Prov 26:20 Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. Ask yourself these question about information you receive:
1. Is it TRUE?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Is its purpose to BUILD or DESTROY? Prov 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue
4. Is it NECESSARY for others to know? Prov 17:21 He that hath knowledge spareth his words See also 17:28
B. If it must be passed on then here are some questions to ask about information you pass on:
1. Would you say the same thing TO the person you are saying ABOUT the person?
2. If it is a problem between you and another, have you tried to be reconciled to them before you share your distress with others?
3. Are you sure you have the FACTS? Prov 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him. Be aware that Gossip is almost always a two-way street. Sooner or later the person you are talking about will know what you say and who said it- Sadly in matters like this, you generally sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.
WHAT ARE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES CONCERNING THE TONGUE?
The tongue is compared to a Fire- James 3:6 One “Match” burns a forest! to the poison of an asp- Ps 140:3, Rom 3:13 “Deadly” It is used to separate friends- Prov 17:9 He that covereth a transgression seeketh love: but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends. Prov 26:22 The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly. and can even destroy friends– Prov 11:9 An hypocrite with his mouth detroyeth his neighbor: but through knowledge shall the just be delivered.
It can overthrow a city- Prov 11:11 By the Blessing of the upright the city is exalted: but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
It can even kill you- Prov 13:3 He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.
But even worst it can even destroy your soul- Prov 21:23 Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. [See Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.]
We are commanded to Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. The Tongue can be one of the greatest assets to a person. It is the means of proclaiming publicly Christ as Savior and then publicly proclaiming Christ as YOUR Savior. Or it can be used to spread Gossip and condemn you- Matt 12:36 But I say unto you that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. Ps 110:5 Whoso privlily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off
HAVE YOU CONFESSED CHRIST AS SAVIOR? DO YOU NEED TO REPENT OF TONGUE TROUBLE??
Psalm 18:23 KEPT FROM INIQUITY
I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. (Psalms 18:23).
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God (Rev 3:2).
The warning that Christ gives to the Church at Sardis is one that all Christians need to heed today- Be on Guard; Increase in Strength; Realize that God is the one you must Please.
As the world we live in becomes increasingly wicked, we must be more on guard than ever against being entrapped by the mud and mire of sin. How can we “Keep ourselves from Sin”? and live the Victorious Life? How can we live so we can say like the Psalmist in Psalm 18:23 I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity.
Within this verse we find 3 main topics that tell us about the Iniquity that floods our world- A Personal Danger, A Special Guard, and a Happy Result.
I. A PERSONAL DANGER “Mine Iniquity”
A. It is a REAL Danger- This is not “I’d like to lose 10 pounds so I’d look better”. This is “If you don’t lose 20 pounds in a month you’ll die!”
1. For the Sinner, the Wages of Sin is Death (Hell Forever)
2. For the Christian, it involves Chastisement, lose of Fellowship, lose of Victory, lost of rewards, and the possibility of Apostasy.
3. Your “dirt” defiles others also- Sinners lead others into sin, Christians cause weaker brothers to stumble or become discouraged.
B. It is a PERSONAL Danger- All we like sheep have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way (Is 53:6). We cry against the sins of others and over look our own- BETTER TO LOOK IN THE MIRROR THAN OUT THE WINDOW.
1. Sometimes it depends on our Personality- Some expect much and fall into covetousness; some expect little and fall into despair and disbelief. Disbelief is as the sin of witchcraft and covetousness is idolatry.
2. Sometimes it depends on our Situation:
a. The Young Man is tempted to sinful pleasures; the Old Man to Covetousness; and the Middle Aged to Despair (On a journey you need God’s protection from start to finish).
b. The Rich have Temptations the Poor never know of (Easier for a camel to go thru eye of needle than for rich man to enter Heaven); yet the poor are tempted to do wrong or be bitter because they aren’t rich.
c. Those with Great Talent are tempted to Pride. Those with One talent are tempted to hide it.
d. Those in Adversity are tempted to doubt God or do wrong to relieve the burden (Don’t be like Pharaoh who prayed for God to remover the frogs and then became harder of heart afterwards).
e. Daily Living brings temptations. Some have home lives that cause them to vex their righteous soul from day to day as Lot did (II Pet). Some work in places of corruption and gossip (To Cheat in school or lie on the Job; sin is sin).
3. Sometimes it’s a “Ghost from the Past” that continues to haunt us. Perhaps you used to gossip or lie or lust or steal and even today it’s easy to fall back into the well worn ruts.
Whatever our own PERSONAL Sin, we need to acknowledge it and realize the danger it poses for us. Sadly, it’s this kind of personal confrontation that causes people to be angry instead of Repentant. They take out their anger on the Church or on the Pastor by fuming and vowing to never return again. Yet, these same people will pay and adore a doctor to tell them they have heart trouble!!
This very real danger means we must set up–
II. A SPECIAL GUARD “I have Kept myself from Mine iniquity”
A) I’m not talking about Reformation. If you haven’t been Born Again then you’re fighting a losing battle. Self effort will only end in defeat.
B) If you are saved then there are 4 things you can do to guard against sin:
1> Find out what it is- If the Doctor is treating you for heart problems and you have a broken leg then you’re in trouble. If you covet all the time then it’s probably because you don’t really believe God will meet your needs. The ROOT Sin is Disbelief while the FRUIT Sin is a Covetous life. If you don’t deal with the Root then the Fruit will come right back!
2> Make Sin exceedingly sinful- Realize God hates it and His children must hate it also. See what it’s doing to your life, your friends, and your relationship with God. Avoid the Places of Temptation- Even a weak Delilah can conquer a strong Samson if he’s lying in her lap!
3> Call on the Power of the Holy Spirit to aid you in defeating Sin. Why fight an elephant with a pea shooter when you have a cannon by your side!
4> Pray and Believe against Sin- For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4). Pray for God to “Lead you not into Temptation”. Tell God you WANT to be pure.
Remember that the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly (Rom 16:20). Because a Battle looks bad doesn’t mean the Devil won’t be defeated. God does not put you in the place where you CAN NOT Sin but in the place where you DON’T WANT TO Sin.
Fight manfully onward
Dark Passions subdue
Look ever to Jesus
He will carry you through
III. A HAPPY RESULT “I Kept myself from mine Iniquity”
A) You live a victorious life over sin
B) You are a light for the Lord in a sin darkened world
C) You will be able to face God and hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant”.
Have you Kept yourself from your sin or has Sin kept you from God??? Acknowledge your sin, Ask God to Forgive you, and then rest in His strength– If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Psalm 18:29 GETTING THRU IT AND GETTING OVER IT
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. (Psalms 18:29)
FOI Intro- Several years ago we faced a wall in our work in India. God is blessing in a marvelous and great way in India- God has blessed the Ministry under Missionary Carlisle Hanna to have:
16 Ordained Ministers in Northern India;
5 Ordained Ministers in Southern India
2 Bible Institutes with 99 students enrolled
Boys Home (Hostel) with 50 Boys
236 Organized Churches
325 Mission Preaching Points
485 Converts who were Baptized in 2006
276 Converts who were Baptized from January – June of 2007
In addition we have a dairy, a rice farm, and a wheat farm.
Because of Government policy we are no longer allowed to send permanent missionaries into India. Brother Carlisle is 78 years old. We must look to the Future. What will happen to the work of God in India when Brother Carlisle is no longer able to oversee the ministry? After Prayerful and Careful consideration a number of people who had visited the work in India on numerous occasions decided to form “South Carolina Friends of India”. This organization has a two fold function. We are promoting the present work as we seek to help Brother Carlisle’s regular account while at the same time lead the efforts to purchase things that are needed for the Ministry right now.
Our Long range effort is centered in the FOI Trust Fund. We estimate that it will take a minimum of $150,000 to maintain the work if Brother Carlisle is no longer there. A perpetual Trust Fund has been begun with the FWB Foundation that will generate a minimum of 5% interest. That means we are seeking at least $3 million dollars for the Trust Fund. The principle will never be touched but the Interest will support this work until the Lord returns.
If Satan cannot Destroy you then he will seek to
-Defeat you- If he cannot defeat you then he will seek to defeat someone whose defeat will defeat you.
-Deceive you- About God’s Character and God’s Word- Gen 3
-Distract you- Hide your light under a bushel or a bed (too busy or too tired to work for God)
-Discourage / deflate you- Lose your vision- Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. (2 John 1:8)
-Divide you- Over Preachers, Power, Personalities, Problems
All of us have problems in our life. Generally, these problems can be placed into 2 categories: Battles and Barrier Problems. David tells us in our Scripture how to get thru and over both these problems.
I. Battles and Barriers we face:
A) Troops Many (not a single problem)
Military- Serve different Country, Commander, Cause
Militant- This is a fight, not a picnic.
B) Walls Barriers to keep us in or keep us out
Boundaries-
1) Limit Movements
2) Direct us to doors
II. Getting Thru and Over it
A) Direction- Forward and Upward (Run and Leap)
B) Dependence- By Thee / By My God (When we fight on our own we end up bruised and battered). God’s Power can get you Thru it and Over it:
– Elisha (II Kings 6:13-18). Vs 16 And Elisha answered, Fear not; for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.
– Joshua (Jericho in Joshua 6) vs 20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets; and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city.
C) Dedication- Need a personal relationship “My God”. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Phil 4:13)
For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. (Psalms 18:29)
The Apollo 11 mission was the first manned mission to land on the Moon. It was the fifth human spaceflight of the Apollo program and the third human voyage to the moon. Launched on July 16, 1969, it carried Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module Pilot ‘Buzz’ Aldrin, Jr. On July 20, Armstrong and Aldrin became the first humans to land on the Moon, while Collins orbited above.
On July 24, 1969 Apollo 11 returned to earth. During the 195 hours, 18 minutes, and 35 seconds that Apollo 11 was in space I got little rest. We had a weather scan machine (sort of like a modern fax) that we had to get to work in order to get a picture of where we were supposed to be positioned in order to help pick up the Astronauts. This machine broke during the mission. After several days of work I determined that the main tube in the machine was no good. We did not have a replacement. My Captain said it HAD to Work, lives depended on it. I stopped work and told the Captain I was going to pray. When I finished praying the machine fired up, printed out a beautiful map- and never operated again. It is buried in the sea between Wake Island and Hawaii. This is a wall I could only leap over with the help of God. Do you have any walls like that in your life?
I grant freely that it costs little to be a mere outward Christian. A man has only got to attend a place of worship twice on Sunday, and to be tolerably moral during the week, and he has gone as far as thousands around him ever go in religion. All this is cheap and easy work: it entails no self-denial or self-sacrifice. If this is saving Christianity, and will take us to heaven when we die, we must alter the description of the way of life, and write, “Wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to heaven!”
But it does cost something to be a real Christian, according to the standard of the Bible. There are enemies to be overcome, battles to be fought, sacrifices to be made, an Egypt to be forsaken, a wilderness to be passed through, a cross to be carried, a race to be run. Conversion is not putting a man in an arm-chair and taking him easily to heaven. It is the beginning of a mighty conflict, in which it costs much to win the victory. Hence arises the unspeakable importance of “counting the cost.”
For another thing, it will cost a man his sins. He must be willing to give up every habit and practice which is wrong in God’s sight. He must set his face against it, quarrel with it, break off from it, fight with it, crucify it, and labor to keep it under, whatever the world around him may say or think. He must do this honestly and fairly. There must be no separate truce with any special sin which he loves. He must count all sins as his deadly enemies, and hate every false way. Whether little or great, whether open or secret, all his sins must be thoroughly renounced. They may struggle hard with him every day, and sometimes almost get the mastery over him. But he must never give way to them. He must keep up a perpetual war with his sins. It is written—“Cast away from you all your transgressions.”—“Break off thy sins and iniquities.”—“Cease to do evil.”—(Ezek. xviii. 31; Daniel iv. 27; Isa. i. 16.)
This also sounds hard. I do not wonder. Our sins are often as dear to us as our children: we love them, hug them, cleave to them, and delight in them. To part with them is as hard as cutting off a right hand, or plucking out a right eye. But it must be done. The parting must come. “Though wickedness be sweet in the sinner’s mouth, though he hide it under his tongue; though he spare it, and forsake it not,” yet it must be given up, if he wishes to be saved. (Job xx. 12, 13.) He and sin must quarrel, if he and God are to be friends. Christ is willing to receive any sinners. But He will not receive them if they will stick to their sins. Let us set down that item second in our account. To be a Christian it will cost a man his sins.
From “Holiness: Its nature, hindrances, difficulties, and roots” by J C Ryle
Psalm 18:35 WHY I SERVE GOD
Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great (Psalms 18:35)
What would you think if I came to change your god today? This is the task of Missionary Carlisle Hanna as he preaches about Christ in Hindi India.
Men have many needs today:
1- Wounded Heart (Psalm 109) For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. (Psalms 109:22).Divorce, Distrust,
2- Broken Heart- Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none (Psalms 69:20).
3- Divided Heart- Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images (Hosea 10:2).
4- Deceitful Heart- The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)
How can I get the Help I need for my Heart and my Life so I can be “Gentle and Great”?
1) The Shield of Salvation
A) Convicts us, Calls us, Converts us, Changes us, Challenges us, Comforts us.
2) The Hand that Helps- Can’t even walk without God holding my hand
3) The Gentleness that produces Greatness (Gentleness= Humbleness, Mercy, Loving Care)
When Missionary Carlisle Hanna’s Wife, Marie, died it shut down many towns in the area- a tremendous honor and sign of the greatness of her kind and gentle spirit.
How Great are YOU? The three people you are:
1) The person YOU See in the Mirror
2) The person OTHERS see in the world
3) The person GOD sees and knows.
Psalm 20: THE CHRISTIAN’S TRUST
One of the Great things about being a Christian is the Trust (Peace of Heart) that is the lifeblood of our life.
I. TRUST GOD FOR SALVATION- I Can’t explain Salvation; I just enjoy it!
II, TRUST GOD IN CIRCUMSTANCES
- Life’s Problems: Lost of Job and Mate- Death, Divorce
- Life’s Pleasures: Never find ultimate satisfaction in this life; The Abundant life is found in a relationship with Christ.
- Life’s Perplexities: Trust God’s:
Word- It will not fail
Work- He knows what’s best for you.
Way- It is always right
in Wrath- One day it will fall on Sinners. Let God take care of Vengeance
Rest in the Rock when tribulation comes.
Look for help in:
1. God’s Name vs 1 Call on for Salvation, Pray in.
2. God’s House vs 2 Fellowship, Friendship, Training
3. God’s Records vs 3 God sees the thoughts of your heart.
Psalm 20:7 THINGS WORTH REMEMBERING
Ps 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
All of us have things we like to remember– Places, People, Pictures. What a rosey smile people get when they sit around and remember good times gone by. Even God likes us to remember some of the things He did so He made Memorials for us:
a. Rainbow- to remember that there would be no more Flood
b. Passover- to remember deliverance from Egypt
c. Rock Monument- to remember crossing Jordan river
d. Lord’s Supper- Remember the Lord’s Death until He come
Men also like to have Memorials- Washington, DC, Gettysburg, and even Cementaries remind us of past events or people. We also remember things like Birthdays, Anniversaries, the “Fourth of July”, etc.. But there are some things we WANT to forget [Bad experiences, Painful situations…] and some things we TEND to Forget [Birthdays, Anniversaries…]. There are some things however that the Lord says we ought to remember. I want us to look at these today and see “Some things that are worth remembering”:
I. THINGS THE CHURCH NEEDS TO REMEMBER- Rev 2:5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.
a. Remember where we were- Ep 2:11 12 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Isreal, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world.
b. Remember to REPENT and RETURN to the First works- Zeal for God in Prayer [Did you know that God “Bottles” your Prayers- Rev 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
God doesn’t simply want our Requests, He wants our Relationship!
God wants our Soul winning to come from our Soul [We don’t try TO Witness, we ARE witnesses]
God wants our Fellowship to be real (We’re too ready to remember Grudges instead of Goodness).
Have you begun to take God and Fellow Saints for Granted? Need to tell God you’re sorry, tell Sinners the Gospel, and tell Saints you appreciate them.
II. THINGS GOD REMEMBERS-
A) Our Witness- Mal 3:16 17 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Just as we have “Remembrance Books” in our homes to remind us of past events, so God keeps records of our talk and thoughts about Him.
B) Our Worship- Remember the Sabbath Day to keep it Holy. God misses every one of His “Children” when they’re absence from His house.
III. THINGS OTHERS NEED TO REMEMBER
A) The Backslider needs to REMEMBER LOT’S WIFE- She loved the world more that God and looked back and became an everlasting memorial to putting your hand to the plow and looking back. The Cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches and the lust of other things enter in and choke the word and it becomes unfruitful. Don’t be remembered like Demas; Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.
B) Young People need to REMEMBER NOW THY CREATOR IN THE DAYS OF THY YOUTH. There is a Judgment to Come. Life is a vapor that appeareth for a moment and then vanisheth away. Remember this, It is appointed unto man once to die and after this the Judgment.
C) The Lost need to Remember:
1. The Rich Man- in hell he was told to remember that in this life he received his goods but now he was tormented. He’s still remembering.
2. The Thief on the Cross- he Cried to Jesus, “Remember me when thou comest to thy Kingdom” and his pain and sins are remembered no more as he dwells with the Lord. (There is something about us that the Lord doesn’t remember- Sins under the Blood: Heb 8:12 For I will be merciful to their unrightousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. Praise the Lord!)
HAS GOD BROUGHT SOMETHING TO YOUR REMEMBRANCE TODAY THAT YOU NEED TO DEAL WITH?? IF IT’S SIN OR SLACKNESS THEN PUT IT UNDER THE BLOOD.
Psalm 22:3 PRAISE THE LORD
But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel (Psa 22:3) Amazingly, This is the Psalm that Jesus repeated on the Cross. During this time of agony and pain He gives us a very useful insight into the value and place of Praise in the life of the Christian.
I. THE HEALING POWER OF PRAISE
A) It helps our Health Prov 17:22 A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.
B) It helps our Looks Prov 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of heart the spirit is broken. In fact, we are admonished to wear Is 61:3 …the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness...
C) It helps our attitude Prov 15:15 He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast. I learned long ago that you can’t Praise the Lord and grumble at the same time.
II. THE WORSHIP OF PRAISE
A) With our Lips- Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (At All Times)
B) Under all Circumstances- I Thess 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (In All Circumstances)
C) With God’s Glory in View- Ps 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God. God is not glorified by our silence, our fears, our doubts, or our frustrations. He is glorified by our Praise. (For God’s Glory)
III. THE VICTORY OF PRAISE- Jehoshaphat in II Chron 20: defeated the enemey by Praise vs 22 and when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushments against the children of Ammon…
When God delivers us our first reaction should be Praise- Ps 106:47 Save us, o Lord our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.
IV. THE PREPARATION OF PRAISE- Sin blocks the fountain of Joy- Ps 51:11 12 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Right living puts praise on our lips- Ps 119:7 I will praise thee with uprightenss of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments.
The inability to praise points toward a deeper problem- Matt 12:34 Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
HOW SHOULD WE PRAISE? With our mouth Ps 145:21, With joyful lips Ps 63:5, with a shout Ex 3:11 (Praise the Lord is Hallelujah!!), with trumpet and sound of cornet Ps 98:6, with stringed instruments and flutes Ps 150:4
WHERE SHOULD WE PRAISE? In the gates of the camp of the Lord (II Chron 31:2), In the midst of the congregation (Ps 22:22), Among many people (Ps 35:18), Among the Nations (Ps 57:9)
WHEN SHOULD WE PRAISE? All day long (Ps 35:28), At all times (Ps 34:1), Seven times a day (Ps 119:164), Continually (Ps 71:6).
WHAT SHOULD WE PRAISE FOR? His mighty acts (Ps 150:2), His power (Ps 21:13), His excellent greatness (Ps 150:2), His word (Ps 56:4), His name (Ps 54:6), His wonders (Ps 89:5), His faithfulness (Ps 89:5)
Ps 150:6 Let everything that hath breath praise the lord. Ps 115:17 18 The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and for evermore. Praise the Lord.
Psalm 23 RAP VERSION OF Psalm 23
BY Mike Jones
The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want;
I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd, I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd.
He makes me lie down in pastures of green, beside still waters He keeps me so clean;
I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd, I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd.
He restores my soul and leads me along; He guides me in paths that are right not wrong;
I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd, I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd.
Through the valley of death I will walk without fear; His presence and power bring comfort and cheer;
I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd, I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd.
He prepares me a feast in front of my foes; He anoints me His own and joy overflows;
I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd, I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow my life, and one day soon I will dwell in HIS house;
I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd, I said the Lord, the Lord is my shepherd.
If you are a lost sheep that is wandering in sin, then seek the good shepherd He will gladly come in
Then the Lord, the Lord will be your shepherd; then the Lord, the Lord will be your shepherd. Amen
Psalm 23: OUR SHEPHERD
KJV- Ps 23:1 <<A Psalm of David.>> The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23- Amp Bible
1 The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack.
2 He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters.
3 He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him—not for my earning it, but] for His name’s sake.
4 Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my [brimming] cup runs over.
6 Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life, and through the length of my days the house of the Lord [and His presence] shall be my dwelling place.
OUR SHEPHERD: From Green Pastures to Death’s Valley- Psalm 23. The Middle in a Trilogy of Psalms leading from the Cross to the Kingdom. This “most beloved of all Psalms” exalts in a life with God in charge and remains excited about meeting that good shepherd after death.
God is “Elohim” {the strong one}
LORD is “Jehovah” /”Yahweh” {self-existent one}.
Lord is “Adonai” {master, ruler}
The self-existent Yahweh is my Shepherd- He who needs nothing gives me everything!
I. The Shepherd- in Life
a) Sheep’s Confidence- I shall not want
b) Shepherd’s Control- He maketh me to lie down
c) Sheep’s Reflection- He leadeth me beside still waters
d) Shepherd’s restoration- He restores my soul by leading me into the paths of righteousness.
II. The Shadow- at Death
a) No Substance- valley of the “Shadow”
b) No Fear because of presence, protection, and guidance
c) Victory dinner awaits.
III. The Confidence of God’s Sheep: Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and (at death) I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
When the “roaring lion” attacks; will you have a good shepherd?
When the sheep are divided from the goats will you go to the shepherd’s right hand or left hand? (Matt 25)
Psalm 23:2 SPIRITUAL POSITIONS
This is a rework of Ronnie’s sermon “Postures of Spiritual Progress”.
During the course of a day we find ourselves in numerous Physical Positions. In much the same way, as we live for the Lord we find ourselves in many Spiritual Positions. I want us to look at some of them and determine to make the most of every situation we find ourselves in [Sometimes we think we must “bow our heads to pray” but that is difficult (and Dangerous!!) while driving a car. Today preachers stand to preach while in Jesus’ day they sat (Luke 4:16-21). Not many years ago people would “walk the aisles” Praising God; today we’re much too sophisticated for that (Unless of course it’s at a ball game and our team is winning!)].
I believe it’s possible to worship God in the Sick Bed as well as the Church; in the Work Place as well as the Worship Service. We simply must look for Opportunities.
The Seven Spiritual Positions We can use to advantage are:
I. Lying Down– Spiritual Rest Psalms 23:2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. A time of Spiritual Rest has been one of God’s requirements from the very beginning (Gen 2:2-3); but today it goes like this- rush to Church (Coming in breathlessly at the very last minute), leave church and throw together something for dinner before rushing off to do some shopping or other activity so you can just get back in time for the evening service (and pat your foot during it because you’ve got more things to do as soon as it’s over). Then we wonder why we don’t enjoy fellowship with God or feel so tired on Monday.
And we go through the entire week like that also. Try this for one week and see if you don’t find a noticeable difference– Take 5 Five minutes breaks during the day to read a Chapter in the Bible and think about what God is telling you. You’ll find increased energy, tremendously less stress, and a wonderful relationship with God.
The Three Elements the Psalmist lists are: (1) Requirement “He Maketh Me”, (2) Refreshment “Green Pastures”, and (3) Reflection “Beside the Still Waters”. Do you need Spiritual Rest??
II. Sitting– Spiritual Instruction Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. As long as you’re “roaming around” it’s hard to instruct you but when the teacher can get you seated then they can get your attention. Many people fail to understand (and as a result fail to accomplish) God’s Will for their lives because God can’t get them to focus on what He’s trying to say to them. They’re so busy with living until they miss the purpose of life.
Try this for a week- Take a Half Hour of your “television Time” and use it to sit and read the Bible. You’ll find God has been saying a lot more than you’ve been hearing!
III. Standing– Spiritual Warfare Ephesians 6:14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with the truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness. You need something firm to stand on- Get on the Rock so the Storms of life won’t undermine you. You also need a good pair of Shoes to grip the Rock, Eph 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace;. If you don’t stand for God you’ll fall with the Devil.
IV. Walking– Spiritual Fellowship
A) Walk by Faith- II Cor 5:7
B) Walk in the Spirit- Gal 5:25
C) Walk with Christ and His Church- I John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Wouldn’t it be great if they could write on your tombstone as they did on Enoch’s “He Walked with God”? But it can’t be just on Sunday, It must be a Daily Fellowship.
V. Running– Spiritual Progress Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. A Runner realizes two things– He must run within Boundaries (God’s Guidelines) and He run toward a Goal (God’s Purpose). How far have you progressed from the time you were saved?? Have you laid aside the hindrances and determined to patiently go forward (A long distance runner realizes he can “dash” the entire way. He learns to get in the proper “stride” so that he can manage the long haul).
VI. Leaping– Spiritual Praise Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping and praising God. Sometimes we simply must leap in exhalation as we praise the Lord and Rejoice in His goodness. While Christianity can not be based solely on emotion, one of the things that is missing in many people’s relationship is emotional involvement. No wonder some people dread coming to church instead of joy in serving the Lord.
When is the last time the Word of God so excited you until a hearty “AMEN” burst from your lips?? When’s the last time God so blessed you until you couldn’t wait to get to Church and testify?? When is the last time you really ENJOYED serving the Lord??
VII. Mounting Up– Spiritual Energy Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah uses this verse to include all the positions- Waiting (Resting and Sitting), walking, running, and leaping (Mount up with wings of Eagles). He shows us that when we position ourselves correctly with the Lord then we receive the power we need to do the jobs on life’s journey. Instead of being tired all the time we are able to accomplish exactly what the Lord intends; and enjoy life while we’re doing it!
What Position are you in?? Do you need:
REST– Matt 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Lay or Sit at His Feet
SECURITY– Plant your feet securely on the Rock
FELLOWSHIP– Walk with the Lord and His People
JOY– Count your Blessings
ENERGY– Wait on the Lord. Most of the pressure you are under is of your own making!! because you’re following your timetable instead of the Lord’s. Stop trying to be what everyone else wants you to be and become what God intends you to be.
Psalm 23:4 Peace in the Valley
What kind of Valley are you traveling through today?
1. The Valley of Destruction- Lot chose the well watered valleys of Sodom over dwelling in the high country with God. In this valley Lot lost His Family and His Fortune.
He was warned by
1) His Conflicts- Sodom taken captive and Abraham had to deliver Him
2) His Conscience- II Pet 2:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds😉 Are you in the Valley of Destruction today?? Flee out of Sodom into the safety of the Savior.
2. The Valley of Decision- The Children of Israel chose to back away from the “Grapes of the valley of Eschol” and wander in the wilderness instead of going on to victory with God. God presents us opportunities for victory and progress but we must be willing to take a step of Faith. When David faced Goliath across that valley he knew that he couldn’t win the battle without the Lord’s help but He knew the Lord walked with him and he was willing to face a giant with a slingshot! It was in the valley that the Jordan River presented a barrier to the Children of Israel but they chose to believe God and walked across on dry ground.
What Decision will you make when you are faced with a difficult valley? Will you stay on this side in defeat and death or trust God
3. The valley of Damnation- Gehenna is a valley outside Jerusalem that is used as a Garbage dump. It is the word Jesus used to describe Hell- Eternal flame burning the waste material.
God does not want to cast men into Hell eternally but they refuse to be useful for Him and finally He has to cast them on the “Trash Heap”. The Door to Salvation and Service is Jesus.
4. The Valley of Deliverance- The valley of Jezreel is where the great battle of Armageddon will be fought. It it there that God will finally put an end to the rebellion of Satan and his followers. Let Satan boast all he wants to now, just remember that we know the end of the book- and the results of the finally battle
5. The Valley of Death- Will you fear or will the Savior walk with you?
Are you in the Valley of Destruction today? Sodom will be destroyed soon.
Are you in the Valley of Decision? Faith is the Victory
Are you headed for the Valley of Damnation? Christ is Savior
Do you fear the valley of Death? With Jesus you can say, “Thou art with me”.
Psalm 23:4 VICTORIOUS VALLEY LIVING
THEME: Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? (Psalms 85:6) Sometimes we lose our Joy because of Conflict and Confusion but many times we lose our Joy when we fall into a valley of disease, debt, or despair. Story of the man who took his first plane ride- Engine died, had parachute, parachute did not open, headed for hay stack, pitchfork in haystack, missed haystack.
Life is full of Valleys and there is no way to avoid all of them.
1. THE VALLEY OF DECISION- Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14). Every day we face decisions that can impact our Joy- What we wear, How we react to problems and people, What we will buy, who we will date or marry, etc. Let me give you one example of a man whose decision produced a life changing impact. Lot chose the well watered valleys of Sodom over dwelling in the high country with God. In this valley Lot lost His Family and His Fortune.
God warned Lot about this valley by:
A) His Conflicts- Sodom taken captive and Abraham had to deliver Him
B) His Conscience- II Pet 2:8 For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. Are you in the Valley of Destruction today?? There are decisions you make that will kill your joy. Flee out of Sodom into the safety of the Savior
2. THE VALLEY OF DAILY LIVING- Psalm 23 is between Psalm 22 (The horror of Death on the Cross and Psalm 24 (The Reigning of our King). It shows the Joy that is ours when we live in fellowship with THE SHEPHERD OF THE VALLEY
1. He Makes me to lie Down
2. He Leads me to Reflection and Refreshment
3. He Restores my Soul
4. He Guides me in Paths of Righteousness
5. He Walks with me even through the Shadow of Death
6. He Prepares for my provision (Table)
7. He Anoints my head with Healing Oil
8. He promises Helpers for my life (Mercy and Grace) and a Home with Him forever.
3. THE VALLEY OF DESPAIR- Gehenna is a valley outside Jerusalem that is used as a Garbage dump. It is the word Jesus used to describe Hell- Eternal flame burning the waste material. God does not want to cast men into Hell eternally but they refuse to be useful for Him and finally He has to cast them on the “Trash Heap”.
God did not say everything would be alright; He said everything would be under control while He used “molten moments” to shape us into the vessel He wants us to be. When Metal is to be made into pipes they form the metal into bars, attach the bars to a lathe to spin the bar and heat the metal. As the metal spins centrifugal force causes the metal to move toward the edge thus forming a hollow pipe. If the metal is too hot it flies off into space. If too cold it will not move. The right “Molten Moment” is needed.
Psalm 26:7 A THANKFUL HEART
THANKFUL HEARTS:
OVERFLOW ONTO OTHERS- Psa 26:7 That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.
MAGNIFY GOD IN SONG Psa 69:30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. Sign of being Spirit filled.
PAY THEIR VOWS Psa 50:14 Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High. {Be careful what you vow: Man who promised to sacrifice first thing that came to meet him on return home- It was his daughter. When you vow a vow unto God defer not to pay it for God has no pleasure in fools, pay that that thou has vowed}.
ATTEND CHURCH Psa 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Wants to be with the one it loves.
PRAY IN FAITH Phil 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. Col 4:2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.
COMMIT TO CHRIST Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
And on Thanksgiving Day, I am glad to say that a Thankful Heart EATS OYSTER STEW AT MOTHER’S HOME- 1 Tim 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.
Psalm 29:3-9 HOW DOES GOD SPEAK
Many people WANT to do right; they just aren’t sure what is right. Most people would be willing to obey God if they could be sure it WAS GOD speaking to them. How can we distinguish God’s voice speaking to us in the middle of all the conflicting sounds we hear each day?? How does God communicate to people?
THE MEANS HE USES-
1. THE VOICE OF GOD– Peter tells us in 2 Peter 1:17-18 that he heard the voice of God testify that Jesus was His Beloved Son. It is unusual for God to speak in an audible voice but He did so on several occasions:
A) Testified of Jesus– at His Baptism (Matt 3:17), on the mount of Transfiguration (2 Peter 1:17-18), and when he talked about his coming death to some Greeks- Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again (John 12:28).
B) Convicted Paul on the road to Damascus [Acts 9:3-7] but those with him heard only a sound without understanding what was said [Cp Acts 9:7 with 22:9]
C) Spoke extensively with Moses on the Mount as He gave him the Law for the People- And the LORD said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the LORD (Exo 19:9).
Most of us, however, never hear God speak in an audible voice like this. Generally He speaks to us in a “Still small voice”; and then only when we get to a place where we will finally listen to Him (See Elijah in I Kings 19).
2. SCRIPTURE– I Samuel 3:21 And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord. Many things in Scripture are open to some interpretation since they must be looked at in their context, but most things are plain as God can make them! Our job is to READ it and APPLY it.
3. THE SPIRIT– Talks about Jesus. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: (John 15:26). Tells about Truths for today and Events of the Future. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come (John 16:13).
4. PREACHERS–
A) The Need of- How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (Rom 10:14)
B) The Message of- If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Pet 4:11)
5. STARS– Led Wise Men to Jesus, used in navigation, Misused in Astrology (Even convicts Sinners! Ps 8:3-4 When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?).
6. ANGELS– Told Shepherds where to find Jesus; Told Zacharias about the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-13); and Mary about the Birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26-33). Told Joseph to marry Mary (Matt 1:19-21); when to leave Bethlehem (Matt 2:13) and then Egypt (Matt 2:19-20).
How do we hear Angels talk to us today-
A) Listen to Compassion- Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares (Heb 13:2).
B) Listen to Protection- The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them (Psa 34:7). For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone (Psa 91:11-12).
THE METHODS GOD EMPLOYS TO SPEAK TO US:
1. CIRCUMSTANCES– Rom 8:28 See Joseph in Egypt- But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive (Gen 50:20); the Captive girl who told Naaman about Elisha ability to cure Leprosy (II Kings 5:2-3); and Daniel in Babylon. Each of these was a case of captivity that separated someone from home and family in order for God to use them in a special way. Whatever the circumstances we must immediately ask ourselves, “What is God trying to get me to accomplish?” We can feel sorry for our situation; or look for opportunities to glorify God.
2. ANIMALS– Ass to Balaam (Warned Him); Whale for Jonah (Saved him from death); Dove for Noah (Told him when to leave the ark). Notice the differences here- It is a Supernatural thing for an ass to talk; it is a natural thing for a whale to eat something in the water but it was a supernatural thing for him to preserve Jonah alive in his body for 3 days and then vomit him up on the shore {God had Prepared Him- Jonah 1:17}; and it was a completely natural thing for a dove to return to the ark until the ground was dry enough for man to live on.
The Crowing Rooster convicted Peter (Matt 26:75); the “lockjaw” lions testified of Daniel’s righteousness (Dan 6:25-27); and the powerless snake allowed Paul to preach a Revival while still a prisoner (Acts 28:3-10).
God wants to use men to carry His message. Don’t make him replace you with a donkey because you won’t carry His message!
3. PLANTS– He used a Vine to convict Jonah (Jon 4:-); A Fig tree to preach to Israel (Matt 21:19-21; 24:32-33); and a Burning bush to call Moses (Exodus 3:2-6). Today Weeds remind us of sin’s penalty (Gen 3:18) and the lilies of the field remind us of God’s Care (Matt 6:28-30).
4. DREAMS– Used to warn the Wise Men to depart another way (Matt 2:12); to warn Joseph not to settle in Judea (Matt 2:22); and to tell Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:28) and Pharaoh (Gen 41) about the Future.
Today we’re too exhausted or too drugged to have anything but nightmares! How sad to not have a “dream” to motivate and move our lives.
RESPONDING WHEN GOD SPEAKS: The fact that it’s a MESSAGE FROM GOD means we have numerous responsibilities:
1> We must HEAR what God is saying- We must be aware that we never become so busy until we ignore God’s Message to Us; regardless of how it comes- Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they are a rebellious house (Ezek) 12:2. Jesus talked over and over to His disciples about the fact that the people of His day had “ears to hear” and would not hear; and suffered pain and destruction as a result. ARE YOU LISTENING TO WHAT GOD IS SAYING???
2> We must OBEY when God Speaks- And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams (1 Sam 15:22). We aren’t supposed to find out what God is saying simply to know what He is saying! We are to obey His instructions; whatever they are. ARE YOU DOING WHAT GOD IS SAYING???
3> We must RESPOND to God’s Call- Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me (Isa 6:8). Several times in scripture God said He called and we would not answer. What a sad, tragic thing to hear the call of God and then pretend we don’t hear. ARE YOU GOING WHERE GOD IS SENDING???
4> We must CHANGE at God’s Command- Therefore now amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the LORD your God; and the LORD will repent him of the evil that he hath pronounced against you (Jer 26:13). When God points out an area in our lives we must take the necessary steps to correct that situation. When God says to “clean our room” we’re not supposed to ask “WHY?”; we’re supposed to say, “Yes, Sir.” ARE YOUR EARS AFFECTING YOUR WALK???
I’m convinced that if you want to know God’s Will you simply have to listen. God has a way to communicate with you. The problem is in our ears that are hard to hear or our hearts that are harden in sin. Today you need to say, “Speak, Lord for thy servant hears.”
Psalm 30:5 The Morning Cometh
Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
Charles Swindoll in his book “Come before Winter” relates a story about a man who had Troubles that we all can relate to {Which supposedly came from a true accident report!}:
When I got to the building I found that the hurricane had knocked off some bricks around the top. So I rigged up a beam with a pulley at the top of the building and hoisted up a couple barrels full of bricks. When I had fixed the damaged area, there were a lot of bricks left over. Then I went to the bottom and began releasing the line. Unfortunately, the barrel of bricks was much heavier than I was– and before I knew what was happening the barrel started coming down, jerking me up.
I decided to hang on since I was too far off the ground by then to jump, and halfway up I met the barrel of bricks coming down fast. I received a hard blow on my shoulder, I then continued to the top, banging my head against the beam and getting my fingers pinched and jammed in the pulley. When the barrel hit the ground hard, it burst its bottom, allowing the bricks to spill out.
I was now heavier than the barrel. So I started down again at high speed. Halfway down I met the barrel coming up fast and received sever injuries to my shins. When I hit the ground, I landed on the pile of spilled bricks, getting several painful cuts and deep bruises. At this point I must have lost my presence of mind, because I let go of my grip on the line. The barrel came down fast–giving me another blow on my head and putting me in the hospital. I respectfully request sick leave.
There are many ways of describing “Troubles piled on top of Troubles” like this man had- “Going from bad to worst”; “Jumping from the frying pan into the fire”. “Between a rock and a hard place” “Cheer up, things could get worse. So I cheered up and sure enough things got worse!” “My mother said there would be days like this but she never said they would come in bunches like bananas”; but, however you describe it, all of us have to go through a time like this from time to time. One of the great things about being a Child of God is that we know no matter how dark the night gets there is coming a morning light that will chase the gloom away and put a smile back on our face.
The Psalmist made Two points in this passage– 1) There is a Possibility of Problems and 2) God Promises the Morning.
I. A Possibility “…weeping may endure for a night…”
A) WEEPING- Death, Disease, Debt, Dissatisfaction, Sorrow, trouble are all part of the world today. Weeping is a way of life!
Not only is this a problem for a sinful world but servants of God have been known as “Weepers” throughout history:
Job was a man of tears. Job 6:2,3 O that my grief were thoroughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sands of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up.
David wrote many of his psalms in the midst of sorrow and sadness.
Jeremiah (the weeping prophet) Jeremiah 9:1 Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!
Jesus was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. [He Wept for Jerusalem and Lazarus. John 11:35 Jesus Wept]. Christians are not immune from troubles or tears!
B) MAY ENDURE- This is REAL sorrow that MAY last the entire night!! (I once tried to comfort some people weeping because “Sarah died” until I found Sarah was on a Soap Opera!!) Life is full of REAL tears over REAL troubles that last and last and last.
C) FOR A NIGHT- We are now living in the night (Spiritual Darkness) of Sin and Satan. And in this battle we are going to have some Conflict and Casualties! But the Darker the night the brighter our lights will shine!
II. A Promise “..joy cometh in the morning.” The Christian is not left without Help or Hope however.
A) This Promise is not simply “Positive Thinking”- Trying to smile during troubles is like painting a burning building; it makes it look better but it’s still burning!!
B) Neither is it “holding on by the skin of your teeth”- Four boys decided to go mountain climbing one weekend. In the middle of the climb, one fella slipped over a cliff, dropped about sixty feet, and landed with a thud on the ledge below. The other three, hoping to rescue him, yelled, “Joe, are you alright?” “I’m alive…but I think I broke both my arms!” “We’ll toss a rope down to you and pull you up. Just lie still”, said the three. They dropped down the rope, tugging and grunting together, working feverishly to pull their wounded companion to safety. When they had him about three-fourths of the way up, they suddenly remembered he said he had broken BOTH arms. “Joe, if you broke your arms, how in the world are you hanging on?” Joe responded, “With my TEEEEEEEEETH…”
C) It is a:
Firm Commitment from God in this life- That He will be WITH US (Holy Spirit living within) in the midst of Life’s Storms {Jesus in the boat in Mark 4, “Why were you afraid?”}
Blessed Hope of His Coming to change night into day- the Second Coming– Revelation 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
1. Weep no longer for departed loved one. (They will be with us.)
2. Pain of body will be gone. (New body)
3. Poverty gone. (streets of gold)
4. Persecution, criticism, and ridicule gone.
5. Joy will reign supreme. (We will forget that we ever had sorrow. ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy – John 16:20
Christians will have some tears in this life but May our tears become telescopes to better see Him when He appears.
If you are unsaved my advice to you is (Romans 13:12) The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. Come to Christ today.
Psalm 32:- FORGIVING YOURSELF
The Psalmist begins by telling how wonderful it feels to have your sins forgiven- Psa 32:1-2 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
Then he goes on to tell how horrible life was before he faced up to his sin and God’s forgiveness- Psa 32:3-5 When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. 4 For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. 5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
Sometimes it is easier to believe God will forgive you than it is to forgive yourself:
MISTAKES: in Judgement. Some people can’t accept the fact that they aren’t perfect all the time. They can’t cope with imperfection in themselves; or others.
ACCIDENTS: Wife Wreck. Eccl 9:11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all.
PERSONALITY/PHYSICAL FLAWS: Noone is perfect- Isa 53:2 For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when we shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
PAST SINS:
1) Receive God’s Forgiveness
2) Restitution when Possible
3) Realization that you can’t change water under the Bridge (Some past sins have present consequences- divorce disqualifies from being ordained as a Deacon or Pastor. Sin is forgiven, Service is rendered but God has decreed Consequences.
Psalm 33:12 A Nation’s God
Officially America has no God. Everyone has the right to worship (or abstain from worshipping) who and what they please. Yet, one of the most basic laws of human nature is that everyone will worship something. With that in mind, let me point you in the right direction.
1. CHOSE THE RIGHT GOD- Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance (Psalm 33:12). A Nation is made up of people. People don’t serve a God by accident; a decision must be made. People worship many Gods:
a> Greed- But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows (1 Tim 6:9-10), People sell their souls to sin and drugs, Rob God’s Tithes, Trade family for dollar.
b> Popularity- The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe (Prov 29:25).
c> Pleasure- He that loveth pleasure shall be a poor man: he that loveth wine and oil shall not be rich (Prov 21:17).
d> Self- “Me” Generation
2. FOLLOW GOD’S GUIDELINES- Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. (Prov 14:34)
a> Cursing, Immorality, have become a way of life.
b> Resist Racism- Thurgood Marshall, NAACP, Don’t condemn Customs; condemn Sin
c> Learn the right way and follow that path; if it kills you!
3. REALIZE THAT GOD BLESSES ACCORDING TO PRESENT ACTIONS- At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it; If that nation, against whom I have pronounced, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do unto them. And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it; If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them (Jer 18:7-10). The darker the night, the brighter our light
When God runs a survey of YOUR heart, who will He find is the God of this nation??
Psalm 34:1 The Christian and Thanksgiving
Psalm 34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
I. WHY SHOULD WE BE THANKFUL?
A) Sign of being Spirit filled- Ep 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
B) Sign of Stability and growth- Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
II. WHAT ARE WE TO BE THANKFUL FOR?? I Thess 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
III. HOW ARE WE TO THANK GOD?
A) In Song Ps 92:1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most high: [Have someone lined up to sing some specials or let the congregation sing several “Praise Songs”.]
B) By Testimony Ps 105:1 O give thanks unto the Lord: call upon his name: make known his deeds among the People. [Allow people to Praise in Prayer and Testimony].
Psalm 34:18 JIGSAW PUZZLE OF LIFE
The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. (Psalms 34:18). Sometimes we simply need to let God show us how to put the pieces back together again. Remember this, God wants us to have an Abundant Life- He calls us to Joy and a Journey; not just to escape Judgement. God saves us FOR something; not just FROM something.
As we begin a new year we need to look at where we are and where we are going. Ask yourself these questions: 1) What do you want God to accomplish in your life this year? 2) What do you plan to correct or change in your life this year- You can never become what you want to be by remaining what you are!
My wife and I like to put together Jigsaw puzzles. It is relaxing and we spend time together and eventually get to see how all those separate little pieces look when they are put together into a beautiful picture.
Like life, it takes patience and persistence to put together the pieces. Sometimes it is difficult to find the right piece and sometimes a piece looks so close to being what you need until you want to force it to fit (Had to learn you do not hatch an egg with a hammer!).
Here are some guidelines to help you put together your life puzzle:
1. HAVE A SYSTEM (Border pieces, blue pieces, earth pieces). Our lives are easier and more productive when our activities, our attitudes, our lifestyle, and our friends are compatible with our goal (Four helps to determining God’s Will: Word of God, Open Door, Ability, Peace of Heart)
2. DO NOT SWAP PIECES with other puzzles- Do not try to be someone else- God created each of us unique with the talents and abilities He wanted us to have. Our life consist of many odd shaped and multicolored pieces that make little sense apart from the rest of the puzzle.
3. PATIENCE AND PERSISTENCE are necessary:
A) If a piece will not fit now we put it down and try another piece
B) Sometimes we walk away from the puzzle for a while (Jesus spent nights in prayer) [Wife and I have a “puzzle board” we put puzzle on so it can be moved easily]
C) You cannot trim or force pieces to fit in the wrong place. (The way to tell if a piece fits correctly is to look at it on the back side).
D) Sometimes you try the right piece in the right place several times before it finally fits- (E M W 3) Depends on how you hold it.
E) Missing Pieces spoil the picture. Sometimes you “little” piece of the puzzle makes a BIG Difference: The Captive Maid had one moment of Glory- And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman’s wife. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy (2 Kings 5:2-3). Young boy had one lunch to share with Christ in order to feed 5000.
F) Sometimes you need encouragement in order to continue putting the pieces together. Easy to quit and hard to restart.
4. The FINISHED PICTURE is worth the effort. God wants to put the pieces of your life together into a beautiful picture but you must be willing to let the Master move the pieces in the necessary way.
Psalms 36:1 WORLD’S BIGGEST PROBLEM
(Psalms 36:1) The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.
There are many problems in the world today- Terrorism, sickness, hunger,,, but the greatest problem I find is “Lack of Respect for obeying God”- 9 of 10 seniors said they were Christians this year but less than 1 in 10 said planned to attend Church regularly after graduation.
Note: “Fear not” used almost 50 times- common greeting of angels.
Don’t Fear man– (Proverbs 29:25) The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.
Don’t Fear Death– (Hebrews 2:14-15) Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.
Don’t Fear Fear– (2 Timothy 1:7) For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1) Fear of God defined- Scofield: “Reverential trust with a hatred of Evil” Mjones- Reverential Respect for God’s Person and Laws
A) Hate Evil- (Proverbs 8:13) The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the forward mouth, do I hate.
B) Basis of Wisdom- (Psalms 111:10) The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.
C) Fountain of Life- (Proverbs 14:27) The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death.
D) Stabilizing Force of Life- (Hebrews 12:28) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:
2) Results of Fear of God
A) Live Holy- (2 Corinthians 7:1) Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
B) Converts-(Acts 10:35) But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 2Co 5:11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men;…
C) Fellowship with God- (Acts 9:31) Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
(Ecclesiastes 12:13) Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.
Snakes in House in Florida because we had an unseen hole in our closet. What is allowing “Snakes” into your life?
Psalm 37:1 11 THE RESTLESS CHRISTIAN
Christians are supposed to be examples of the Peace and Stability of God. Instead, many of them have “fretting” hearts and, like restless ill children, they cannot be satisfied (“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” James 4:1). Let’s look at the Cause and Cure for these “Fretters”.
I. THE CAUSE OF FRETTING:
A) Our Own Foolishness- Prov 19:3 The foolishness of man perverteth his way: and his heart fretteth against the Lord. We Fret about-
1. Our Weakness: Lack of Strength or Wisdom to handle a situation
2. Our Waywardness: “Prone to wander, Lord I feel it”. It’s EASY to backslide!! We must keep our body under subjection to be faithful.
3. Our Wickedness: “When I would do good evil is present with me”
B) The “Pleasures” of the Wicked- Ps 37:1 Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. We’re supposed to have Abundant Life but they have FUN!! (Sleep late on Sunday, “Party” all the time, etc.). (If it was so much fun why were we so glad to leave it????? Ever notice now even bad things begin to look good when you’re away awhile??).
C) The Riches of Others- Ps 37:7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Sinners seem to get rich while many Christians have to pray for Daily Bread and miss most of the comforts of this life. (“Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward” Heb 11:26. Depends on where you want your mansion!!!).
D) Because of Affliction- Ps 119:75 I know, O Lord, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness has afflicted me. Why do some suffer great pain while others are well?? (“Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” II Cor 12:10).
E) Because of what MIGHT happen- Ps 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord. The Just shall live by FAITH.
II. THE CURE FOR FRETTING:
A) Look at the Long Road- Ps 37:2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. vs 7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Will You sell your “Birthright” for a mess of pottage because of a little hunger now???
B) Have Faith in God’s Love- 37:3 Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shall thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. (I’ll trust Him even if the Boat sinks!!! Mark 4.)
C) Let Sinners enjoy all they can now because Hell is long and hot! 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.
D) Remember vs 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; FRET NOT THYSELF IN ANY WISE TO DO EVIL. Don’t allow Satan to make you Fret instead of have Faith.
Are you Restless?? Or Resting in Christ???
III. THE COMMANDS THAT WITHSTAND FRETTING:
A) Vs 3 “Trust (lean on, rely on and be confident)in the Lord, and do good;” Result- Thou shalt dwell in the land, and be fed- STABILITY
B) Vs 4 “Delight thyself also in the Lord:” Result- He shall give thee the desires of thine heart-NEEDS
C) vs 5 “Commit thy way unto the Lord (Roll and repose each care of your road on Him);”
“Trust also in him”. Result- He shall bring it to pass- LEADERSHIP
D) vs 7 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:”- FAITH
Psalm 37: HOW TO BE A “NOT” HEADED CHRISTIAN
Psalm 23 had a melody (We used “rap” to express it). Psalm 37 is an entirely different music. Psalm 37 does not “flow” as much as it makes “definitive declarations” about feelings and situations. The closest musical form would be Jazz.
The declarations in this Psalm are personal exhortations about our response to life when it does not seem fair or right.
Vs 1 Fret Not thyself because of evildoers;
Vs 7 Fret Not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way.
Vs 8 Fret Not thyself in any wise to do evil.
Vs 11-17 Fear Not the wicked for “his day is coming” (vs 13)
Vs 18- 20 Worry Not “In the day of famine they shall be satisfied” (vs 19)
Vs 21-40 Fail Not to live in Faith that God and Good will prevail- “I have been young and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread” (vs 25).
Psalm 37:3 5 Trust
There is little that can be trusted in today. It seems that all our foundations are crumbling and falling–Every day the paper tells of someone molesting 3,4, or 5 year old children; or of young people being murdered or murdering someone. Many families are crumbling and divorce is now as common as marriage. “Superstars” in sports and entertainment are everyday seen to have “feet of clay”.
Even in our own lives we seem to struggle and struggle and, as men in quick sand, seem to only get deeper and deeper. Everything we invent seems to have a bad side effect- Industry pollutes. Comforts cause us to get fat, have heart problems, and spend all our money trying to get slim again! And conveniences seem to give our families less time together instead of more. And even money doesn’t help-Most people earn more in a month now than their parents did in a year and yet we can hardly seem to “keep our heads above water”.
What can we do in situations like this? Should we “throw up our hands and quit”? Should we “eat, drink, and be merry because tomorrow we die”? Is there an answer?? Is there anything we can trust in?? Let’s look at the Word of God and see what He has to say.
I. THINGS NOT TO PUT TRUST IN:
A) Man Jer 17:5 Thus saith the lord; cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. Ps 118:8 It is better to put trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.
When I see an entertainer fall I feel pity for the person. When I see an evangelist fall I see a failure to practice what was preached and a disgrace to God’s name and honor. Mixed in with the pity I feel is anger that this person failed, fear that if it happened to them it could happen to me, and discouragement- If they couldn’t do right with all their talent then how can I possibly hope to succeed as a Christian with my limited abilities? Trusting in man is dangerous!
B) Riches Mk 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God. One of the best selling books today is Larry Burkett’s “What ever happened to the American Dream”. In it he lists how Americans will be forced to look to the future with less expectations as well as less money. It’s not just that they will make less money; opportunities to grow and improve will also be greatly reduced. Will people have the courage to work more and more for less and less- or will we give in to the idea that it’s alright for one man to control the world as long as he gives us the things we want!
The main thing to remember about riches, however, is that the Bible says (Rev 3:15-21) that the last day Laodicean church will be rich, increased with goods, and have need of nothing. Riches will ruin us.
C) Weapons (David and Goliath) I Sam 17:45 Then said David to the Philistine, thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Isreal, whom thou has defied. Is 26:4 Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength. Psa 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. No matter how strong you get you’ll never be strong enough to defeat society, self, Satan, or God’s Plans. The only place of Safety is in the Rock- Jesus.
II. WHO TO PUT TRUST IN: Prov 3:5 6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
A) WHO Trust in the LORD
B) HOW With ALL thine Heart Lean not unto thine own understanding
The RESULTS of such Trust:
1. You will dwell and be fed Ps 37:3. Ps 31:19 Oh, how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!
Ps 34:22 The Lord redeemeth the soul of his servants; and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate.
2. Accomplishment of God’s will (“he shall bring it to pass”) 37:5
3. Direction for your life Prov 3:6
4. Mercy Ps 32:10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about.
5. Steadfastness Ps 125:1 They that trust in the Lord shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth for ever.
6. Perfect Peace Is 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. John 16:33 (Amp Bible) I have told you these things so that in Me you may have perfect peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer–take courage, be confident, certain, undaunted- for I have overcome the world.- I have deprived it of power to harm, have conquered it [for you].
TRUST: Confidence in or reliance on something. What have you placed your confidence in today?? What are you relying on to get you through this world and provide safety for the next??
A “Human Fly” was climbing up the side of a building once when suddenly he lost his hold and came crashing to his death. When they examined his body they found clutched in his hand a cobweb that had been stained by dust to resemble the building he was climbing. This man trusted in the wrong thing and paid with his life. CAN YOU TRUST YOUR LIFE TO WHAT YOU TRUST IN?????
Psalms 37:5 TRUE WORSHIP
What do you call a boomerang that does not work? A Stick!
Years ago in Russia, a czar came upon a lonely sentry standing at attention in a secluded corner of the palace garden. “What are you guarding” asked the czar. “I don’t know. The captain ordered me to this post.” The sentry replied.
The czar called the captain. His answer: “written regulations specify a guard was to be assigned to that area.” The czar ordered a search to find out why. The archives finally revealed the reason. Years before, Catherine the Great had planted a rose bush in that corner and ordered a sentry to protect it for that evening. One hundred years later, sentries were still guarding that barren spot.
Many people in Church may be able to relate to this story. They do not know why they do things the way they do things but someone years ago told them to “guard this spot” and they still show up each Sunday to perform their duty.
How can we change from Traditional worship into True worship?
True Worship:
1) Centers God in you- He is on the throne, not you.
2) Gathers others with you- Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together
3) Revels things to you- Sin to be abandoned and Service to be rendered
4) Celebrates God through you- Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs
5) Responds to God’s will for you-
- Commit your Ways- Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass (Psalms 37:5).
- Commit your Works- Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established (Proverbs 16:3).
- Commit your Soul- Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator (1 Peter 4:19).
Psalm 37:16 The Little Things God Uses
For the past few days we have lived in a state of seige in our area due to the “Sleet Storm” that we had. It’s amazing that little tiny drops of frozen water can cause such damage and inconvience- and yet be enjoyed so much by so many of us “kids”. This made me think of the little things that God can use for His Glory and Grace. (See back of bulletin). Ps 37:16 A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.
1. FISH- The fish who saved a Preacher- Jonah 1:17 Provided by God, led to repentance, changed the course of his life (Teacher of the year in early 1960’s made a statement that changed me- “I want my student to go far beyond me”. 2nd grade teacher changed my attitude by making us line up and reverse the line, “First shall be last”.
The fish that fed a multitude- Matt 14:17 21 The little servant girl that was stolen from her home but told Naaman how to be healed of Leporsy.
The fish that paid taxes- Matt 17:27 go thou to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.
2. The Donkey who Preached to a “Preacher”- Baalem. Are youwilling to be a “Donkey for the Lord”? He that would be greatest of all shall be servant of all.
3. The Rainbow- Caused by the refraction of light as it passes thru the atmosphere it is a sign of God’s pledge. (ROY G BIV are its colors). Are you willing to be “Bent out of shape” to show God? Paul and Silas in the jail at Philippi
It is the “Little Foxes” that spoil the vines and (Ecc 10:1) Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor; so doeth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honor. Most people stumble over pebbles instead ofboulders. A little Leaven leaveneth the whole loaf.
Are you crumbling under a load of “Little Things” today? Jesus said that His yoke was easy and his burden light.
Are you willing to face eternity in Hell because you think your sins are “little” in comparison to others- If you keep the whole law and break it in one part you are guilty of all.
Are you willing to use your “little” for the Lord today?
ECC 9:12 For man also knoweth not his time: as the fishes that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare; so are the sons of men snared in an evil time, when it falleth suddenly upon them.
Psalm 37:23-29 GOING GOD’S WAY
PSA 37:23-29 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. He is ever merciful, and lendeth; and his seed is blessed. Depart from evil, and do good; and dwell for evermore. For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever.
The Steps of a Righteous Man are:
vs 23a- PLANNED BY GOD
vs 23b- PLEASING TO GOD
vs 24- STRENGTHENED BY GOD
vs 25- SECURE IN GOD
vs 26- HELPFUL TO HUMANITY
vs 27- HOLY BEFORE GOD
vs 28-29- LEAD TO HEAVEN WITH GOD
Psalm 37:37 MEN WHO MADE A MARK
Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright: for the end of that man is peace (Psalms 37:37).
Most of us are just plain people who go through life without much chance of being heroes or famous. I want to look at some men in the Bible today who made a mark for God and see if we can’t be that same kind of person.
ENOCH was a man who was known for his walk with God- And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him (Genesis 5:24). “Walk” here is a word meaning “Manner of life” or “Character”. Do you know someone in the community who impresses you with their consistent Christian Character? What do people say about your Christian walk?
ABRAHAM was a man known for being the Friend of God- Jas 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Abraham was God’s Friend because of his willingness to trust God’s promises and God’s plan for his life. Do you know someone who stands out as a person of faith and confidence in God? You are either known as the friend of God or the friend of the world- which are you?
DAVID was a man who touched the heart of God- Ac 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. Because David’s heart and God’s heart were so intertwined David wrote songs and poems that show very clearly the range of emotions felt by God and man in their relationship. Do you know anyone who is able to express by song or words the very heart of God and help you to really understand how much God cares about the innermost part of your life? Is God in your Heart as well as in your head? Do people in the community know you for your songs of praise to God or for your gossip or grumbling?
Finally, I want to look at NOAH. Noah was probably a pretty good fellow but we know little about his character. He did not walk with God in the same way Enoch did. He was not called the friend of God because of his faith like Abraham. And, as far as we know, he never sang a song or wrote a poem like David.
Noah’s claim to fame is that he “found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Gen 6:8). Grace in “unmerited Favor”. Noah did not deserve anything but God gave it to him anyway!! My kind of man!
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith (Hebrews 11:7).
A) Noah’s Motivation- fear of coming judgment
B) Noah’s Work- Prepared an ark
C) Noah’s Heritage- the saving of his house
D) Noah’s Testimony- Condemned the world
E) Noah’s Reward- An heir of the righteousness which is by faith
“Consider Telemachus the Turkish monk who made a pilgrimage to Rome in the early 5th Century. When he reached the city, he inadvertently followed the surging crowd into the Coliseum. He was horrified to see two gladiators intent on killing each other. He leaped over the wall, and ran between the men, shouting, “In the name of Christ, forbear!” Ashamed, the gladiators stopped fighting. The crowd, enraged that their bloodlust had been interrupted, began to heave stones at the little monk. In a matter of moments, Telemachus lay dead on the floor of the Coliseum. When the crowd saw what they had done, they fell silent and left the stadium one by one.
As a result of Telemachus’ actions, three days later, the Emperor ended the Games by official decree. Can one life, lived well, with courage and action affect the course of a nation? Without a doubt.” (Aug, 2012 “One” magazine).
Psalm 38, 51:7 14 WHAT SIN DOES TO A CHRISTIAN
Psalm 38, 51:7 14 We know that the Blood of Christ cleanse us from all sin. We also Know that we are saved by Faith and not by works. Sin in the life of the Christian does not “lose” us but it does have some terrible results.
I. SEPARATES FROM GOD Isaiah 59:1 2 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that is cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
A) Breaks Fellowship
B) Hinders Prayer
II. DESTROYS JOY Ps 51:12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.
III. BRINGS THE CHASTENING HAND OF GOD Heb 12:9 10 Further more we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we give them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
IV. BRINGS PREMATURE DEATH I Cor 11:28 30 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep.
One of the greatest “examples” of sin in the life of a “Christian” is that of David. Listen as he describes the results of that sin. Ps 51:7 14
1. vs 7 Makes us feel unclean- loss of Peace and Confidence
2. vs 8 9 Destroys Fellowship- Loss of Joy and gladness
3. vs 10 Breaks our heart and spirit
4. vs 11 12 Grieves and Quenches the Holy Spirit so we lose his Presence and Power
5. vs 13 14 Causes us to get out of God’s Purpose for us- Getting people to Know and Show Christ.
My little Children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous I John 2:1.
Psalm 39:1-3 HOLY HEART BURN
Most people need something to motivate them if they are to begin are continue a job. I want to look at three things that gave men “Holy Heart Burn”; that is, it moved them to speak about Christ. Then I want us to find how we can get that same motivation.
We live in a difficult time to be a Christian. As the end approaches, the church will become increasingly lukewarm, sinners will become increasingly selfish and violent, and God will move governments in such a way that it will appear Christians are doing more harm than good many times. With all these factors, it will become increasingly easy to let your love wax cold and your life become lukewarm.
Add to this the increasing pressure of Physical stress, financial problems, family difficulties (as parents live longer and children face greater trials), and absence of time to develop a really meaningful relationship with the Lord; and you see how easy it would be to back OFF at least, and back OUT at worst. What can keep you going during these difficult days?? Only the burning fire of God in your heart. Our question then becomes, “How do we get, and maintain, Holy Heart Burn?”
I> DESIRE TO SEE WRONG CORRECTED: To the chief Musician, even to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David. I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. 2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. 3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, (Psa 39:1-3) Sometimes we, like the Psalmist, think the best thing to do is keep our mouth shut and let the world go to Hell in a handbasket. Three things make our heart burn and motivate us to proclaim the right:
1. The Destination of the Lost- Hell
2. The Command of God for us to be Witnesses and lights
3. The Remembrance that we did wrong also until someone showed us the right way.
II> BURDEN FOR THE MISSION OF GOD- O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me. 8 For since I spake, I cried out, I cried violence and spoil; because the word of the LORD was made a reproach unto me, and a derision, daily. 9 Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay (Jer 20:7-9).
Sometimes it seems that applying Bible principles makes things worst instead of better. The feeling begins to grow that the best thing we can do is prepare for Heaven while having as little to do with this world as possible. But then the fire starts in our heart:
1. Failure to do our job causes us to lose PEACE
2. Failure to do our job cause us to lose our VISION (Where there is no vision the people perish.)
3. Failure to do our job causes us to FEAR facing God.
III> FELLOWSHIP WITH THE LORD- And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke 24:32)
Sometimes we must admit that the real problem is our failure to spend time with God. What would allow this fire of fellowship to go out?
1. The time we spend in the world- it’s hard to keep a fire going in a refrigerator
2. The fire has gone out because we have failed to keep wood on it- too busy to feed the fire.
We began to think the iron of the world would burn just as good as wood because it was so much easier to get. It takes commitment to keep a fire going. But the warmth, light, and witness of that fire will draw many. How does your fire look today??
Psalm 39:2-3 SPIRITUAL TEMPERATURE
India Report: God is doing a great work- averaging over 2 people each day coming to Christ (Muslim Joseph Persecution). Churches are being built as fast as we receive money for their construction. New areas are being developed (Nepal and Bhutan- Hasamara Church need). A long term plan is in place to continue the work long after Brother Carlisle has gone to his great reward. FOI Trust fund interest and FOI General Fund meeting present needs. Give generously to a great work. (Child Home has a budget of $400K to care for 2 to ten children. India has a budget of $350K to care for 50 boys, pay CarHanna, 18 pastors, 112 Evangelist, build churches, care for 63 block churches and 350 other churches, 2 bible schools, and the work in South India.)
I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spake I with my tongue, (Psalms 39:2-3).
Your “spiritual temperature” will determine the amount and the effectiveness of your work for God. Are you satisfied to simply “be saved” or do you want to be a devoted disciple of our Lord?
WHY ARE YOU HERE??
Years ago in Russia, a czar came upon a lonely sentry standing at attention in a secluded corner of the palace garden. “What are you guarding?” asked the czar. “I don’t know. The Captain ordered me to guard this post,” the sentry replied.
The czar called the captain. His answer to the czar’s question, “Written regulations specify a guard is to be assigned to that area.” The czar ordered a search to find out why. The archives finally revealed the reason. Years before, Catherine the Great had planted a rose bush in that corner and ordered a sentry to stand guard over it that night. One hundred years later, the rose had long died, and sentries were still guarding what was now a barren area.
God does not call us to stand guard over emptiness and barrenness. He wants our life to have meaning and victories. Here is a temperature gauge to determine how healthy you are:
A) COLD- (Mat 24:12) “And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” B) LUKEWARM- (Rev 3:16) “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
C) BURNING- (Luke 24:32) “And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?”
How to Stay Hot:
• Word in your heart defeats Iniquity that makes us cold (work have I hid that I might not sin against thee)
• Walk with God develops Love- Love is communication, cooperation, and consummation (Two become one). You will be called Christian.
The road you travel determines your destination. The devil’s roads lead to a hog pen home while God’s paths lead to life, fullness of joy, and pleasures evermore- Glory! Are you a vibrant thriving Christian who is Working for God, Walking in the Spirit, and Waiting on Christ?
You cannot walk with God if you do not agree with God. The road you travel determines your destination. Sometimes you chase wild geese and end up in quicksand.
Psalm 40:1-3 4 ANCHORS IN LIFE’S STORMS
(Psa 40:1 3) To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. {2} He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. {3} And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.
Example of Couple using Bucket in attic to “repair” leak in the Storm- not long term fix!
I. KNOW YOU ARE SAVED – (2 Tim 1:12) For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
II. KNOW GOD LOVES YOU- (Heb 6:18 19) That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: {19} Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil.
This means ALL Circumstances come thru the filter of God=s Love- (Rom 8:28) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
III. KNOW GOD WILL BE THE FINAL JUDGE- (Rom 2:16) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
IV. KNOW ETERNITY IS WORTH THE WAIT- (Phil 3:20) For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Psalm 41:4 HEALING THE SOUL
I said, “O LORD, have mercy on me; heal me, for I have sinned against you.” Psa 41:4 NIV (Page 502 in Study Bible). I said, Lord, be merciful unto me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. Ps 41:4 KJV. he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Psa 23:3 NIV
One of the great ministries of our Church is our request prayers for the sick. We don’t do a lot of “Faith Healing” but we do have faith in God to Heal those that are sick; or give them strength during their time of trouble. We earnestly pray for people because we know how serious sickness really is- The pain, the disruption of life, the financial burden, and even the fear of death.
Today we enter a period of Revival. We believe this is God’s time (More so than ever because of the tremendous obstacles we have had to face- sickness, snow, situations). We believe that the men who will bring the messages from God are God’s men. Much effort and prayer have been put into this special time. The reason- we believe that many people have “Soul Sickness” and we’re concerned about them, and about the consequences of them remaining in their sickness.
Let’s see what kinds of Soul Sickness men have and then let’s find how to Heal the Soul.
SICKNESSES OF THE SOUL:
A. Cold Heart- Several causes:
1. Love of the world- And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful (Mark 4:18-19). The Worries of the World consume all your strength and energy and you have none left for God or your place in God’s Plan.
The Wickedness of Wealth causes you to “hedge” the truth, make shady deals, do wrong, lie about circumstances, etc
The Passion of “Wanting” takes away your Thankfulness and your trust. Your life is consumed now with simply wanting MORE. YOUR FRUIT FAILS AS THE WORLD CONSUMES YOUR TIME AND ENERGY
2. Loss of Love for God- Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent (Rev 2:4-5). The more you love the world, the less you love God. You fail to eat God’s Word, rest in times of Prayer to God, and exercise your faith for God. The soul’s defenses are weakened and Satan is able to conquer you. Cold hearts soon have “heart attacks”.
B. Luke Warm Life- I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth (Rev 3:15-16). You aren’t deathly sick; it’s just that sinful craving make you feel so bad all the time until you never have the energy or enthusiasm to do anything for God.
C. Cold Feet- Not Willing to make a stand for God
1. Possessions Hold you- Rich Young Ruler- Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions (Mark 10:21-22). Your feet are cold because they’re buried in gold instead of covered with grace. And you would rather stand in the cold with your possessions than make the sacrifice that’s needed to walk in the light with Christ.
2. Pride Hinders you- Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian (Acts 26:28). Agrippa knew his feet were cold but Pride would not allow him to ask God for the socks of salvation. He could feel the warmth of God in his heart but he refused to allow that warmth to get to his feet. He chose to die on his feet rather that kneel before God; and ending up in hot water!
VII. PRESCRIPTION FOR HEALING- If you went to a Doctor today with pains in your chest and, after examining you, he said he was going to have to do open heart surgery on you, you would accept that solution. It would involve TRUSTING the Doctor to make the right diagnosis; COMMITTING yourself to his care as he cut open your body, held your heart in his hands, and repaired your heart; and LIVING A CHANGED LIFE STYLE to prevent yourself from becoming sick again.
That’s exactly what I want you to do today. Sin is destroying you in this life and leading you to eternal condemnation. We all know what’s wrong; we even know what you need to do. But the medicine does no good unless you take it. Will you come to Christ for healing today?
A. Sinners-Repent of your Sins, Trust Christ to save you today.
B. Luke Warm Christian- Do your first works again. Re-commit to Christ. Change your Life Style.
God wants to heal your Soul today. Won’t your Trust Him, Commit to Him, and make a public stand for Him. Don’t allow the sickness of your soul to be a sickness unto death!
Psalm 42:1-3 THIRSTING FOR GOD
Psalm 42:1-3; Psalm 63:1; Isaiah 44:3; John 7:37; Matthew 5:6; Psalm 143:6
INTRODUCTION: The Bible has much to say about God and man’s relationship to God. Today we want to look at man’s thirst for God.
If you thirst for God, you are in a minority but there were Bible heroes who thirsted for God (they give us encouragement):
1. Moses-Exodus 33:18
2. David-Here in the Psalms
3. Paul-Philippians 3:10
It should be a normal response for the regenerated person to thirst for God. As the animal pants (Hebrew-aw-rag) for the brook of water, he only thinks of the brook, other things in the wilderness have no attraction for him. Should things in the wilderness garner out attention? NO! We should long for God.
I want to encourage you to thirst for God. “The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire.” –Tozer. God waits to be wanted.
I. REASONS TO THIRST FOR GOD
A. Without God, we are nothing. We are unable to witness, pray, or perform effectively.
B. Only God can satisfy a thirsty soul.
C. Supreme love and adoration to God for what he has done and what he is doing for us right now.
The person who has an insatiable thirst for God will be:
1. Acutely aware of sin
2. Will find they see less of themselves and more of others and more of God.
3. Their thirst will grow larger as they get closer
II. RESULTS OF NOT THIRSTING AFTER GOD
A. Attachment to things not God
B. Lack of fellowship with God
C. Ill. Hosea called Israel a “Backsliding heifer.”
III. REMEDY
A. Begin to do something for God Activity brings thirst
B. Lay an axe to the hindrances between you and God.
C. Seek Him with all your heart.
Psalm 42:3 5 Where Is Thy God?
Psalm 42:3 5 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, where is thy god? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of god, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, o my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. When unfavorable circumstances strike the Christian the world likes to “Hoot” and say, “Where is Your God??”. Whenever it happens to you here are some answers you can give them:
I. He Is Above Us- Joshua 2:11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts did melt, neither did there remain any more courage in any man, because of you: for the lord your god, he is god in heaven above, and in earth beneath. Looking down with Love and Protection.
II. He Is Around Us- Psalms 125:2 As the mountains are round about jeruasalem, so the lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever. Guarding us.
III. He Is Before Us- Exodus 13:21 And the lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way; and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light; to go by day and night.To Guide us
IV. He Is Behind Us- Isaiah 30:21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, this is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left. To Direct us along the way.
V. He Is Beneath Us- Deuteronomy 33:27 The eternal god is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, destroy them.To carry us
VI. He Is With Us- Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy god: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. To give us assurance and Peace
VII. He Is In Us- Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We are His Temple and His prized Possession.
Psalm 45:7 HOLY HAPPINESS
(Psa 45:7) Thou lovest righteousness, and hatest wickedness: therefore God, thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.
Joy vs Happiness
I. PURITY OF LIFE
A) Love the Right
B) Hate the Wrong
II. PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD- “Thy God”
Salvation is not a place we reach but a journey we begin. (Psa 16:11) Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Happiness is a way of life that makes the most of opportunities, the least of difficulties, and the best of everything.
Repentance is a CHANGE OF: (as shown in the example of the Prodigal)
A) Mind- Came to himself
B) Heart- I Have sinned
C) Will- I will go to the Father
The two leading causes of mental illness are Religious and Sexual dysfunction
Man operates on 3 levels
A) Conscious– Body
B) Conscience–Soul
C) Subconscious- Spirit
I go to the store for gas (conscious). I see a candy bar and am tempted to steal it (conscience). I steal the candy bar and the guilt causes me to begin the battle in myself over the wrong I have done causing me to be bitter at life for not giving me the money I need and angry with myself for being so weak. I eat the candy bar but it does more eating me than I do eating it.
In order for happiness to return to my life I must come to grips with the REALIZATION of my wrong (mind), the ADMITTING of my wrong (Heart), and the REVERSAL of my wrong (Will).
Psalm 46: THINGS GOD PROVIDES HIS PEOPLE
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Psa 46:-) (P503)
PROTECTION:
A) Refuge- Place to run when Satan Attacks.
B) Strength- To develop as God wants. All of us have “Giants” we must deal with:
1. Guilt about failures.
2. Fear- Crime, lost of job, etc
3. Anger- Loss of control over circumstances (Insurance, taxes)
C) Ever-Present Help in Trouble- We can’t life as hermits. In the real world we must face, God is Ever Present (Glory).
PRESENCE: His presence is the place of Full Joy (Ps 16:11). His Presence is the place of Conforming to His image (mirror)
PEACE: Makes wars to cease- in self, family, jobs. In midst of storms, be still and KNOW he is GOD.
PSA 50:12-15 RONNIE THANKSGIVING SERMON
PSA 50:12-15 If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof. Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats? Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
Isn’t it great that we have someone to deliver us in the day of trouble? Notice the positive statement “I will deliver thee“, and then notice the result, “thou shalt glorify me“; which will be the thanksgiving offered unto God. God wants us to realize our need of thanking Him.
I. WHAT SHOULD WE BE THANKFUL FOR ?
A. Material (tangible) things: LAM 3:22-23 It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Things we take for granted, like God owes them to us, e.g., a home to live in. But notice:
LUK 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.
And even with this, there are often complaints because someone else seems to have more. Notice how we should act: 1TI 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
GRACE TO DO WITHOUT
My heart rejoices in God’s will,
Tis ever best – I do not doubt;
He may not give me what I ask,
But He gives me grace to do without!
I blindly ask for what I crave
With haughty heart and will so stout;
He oft denies me what I seek,
But gives me grace to do without!
He makes me love the way He leads,
And every fear is put to rout;
But with my fondest wish denied,
He gives me grace to do without!
Oh blessed, hallowed will of God,
To it I bow with heart devout;
I will abide in all God’s will,
His way is best, I do not doubt.
He may not give me what I ask,
But He gives me grace to do without!
B. Physical (bodily) things: 3JO 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.
It’s true that sometimes you may not feel the best, but have you stopped and thanked God that you are not in the condition that many are in; suffering extreme pain? “I felt sorry for myself because I had no shoes; and then I met a man who had no feet.”
When you are discouraged,
Don’t sit down and frown;
Just get a piece of paper
And write your blessings down!
C. Spiritual things: HEB 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;
Notice the blessings we have described here: a. salvation b. promised by God c. preached by redeemed
We should be thankful when we realize how we earn (merit) this salvation; we DON’T earn it: EPH 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not only are we redeemed, but we also have a companion that stands by us and understands our heart’s needs: JOH 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
The God of Heaven promised to meet with us when we meet to give Him thanks: MAT 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. In fact, He is always with us: MAT 28:20 …lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
David must have had some of these truths in mind when he penned: PSA 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.
II. HOW SHOULD WE GIVE OUR THANKS ?
A. Thoughts: Some of our most sincere thanks are times when we “Think Him Thanks.”
PSA 94:11 The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man…
PRO 23:7 For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…
PHI 4:8 …whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
B. Words: This Thanksgiving, why don’t you resolve to tell someone how good your God is?
MAR 5:19 …Jesus …saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.
ACT 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
C. Deeds
PSA 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
1JO 3:17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
BECAUSE OF YOU
Is anybody happier
because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember
that you spoke to him today?
Can you say tonight, in parting
with the day that’s slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother
of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing
over what you did or said?
Does the man whose hopes were fading
now with courage look ahead?
As you walked this day’s journey,
no matter where you went,
Did you leave a trail of kindness,
or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber,
Do you think that God will say,
“You have earned one more tomorrow,
By the work you did today.”
III. WHEN SHALL WE GIVE OUR THANKS ?
We should give our thanks;
a. NOW: 2CO 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
PSA 95:2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving…
PSA 97:12 Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
PSA 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
b. AND FOREVER:
PHI 1:3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
1TH 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing,
EPH 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
PSA 119:62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments.
PSA 30:12 …O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
c. Now, in closing, the sad part about this joyous time of thanksgiving is that some will never truly “give thanks,” for you see, the only true “thanks-giving” is “thanks-living.” (Sam McCutchen’s Birthday party – “I don’t want your presents, I want your love.”)
Are you thankful for what God has done for you? Enough to give Him your heart and life?
PSA 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.
Psalm 51 HOW DAVID GOT READY TO WIN SOULS
This Psalm was written by David after he had sinned with Bathsheba and Nathan the Prophet had come to him exposing his sin. Although it was difficult for Nathan to point a finger at David and show him that his actions were unclean, cruel, and guilty of blood it led to the repentance of David (We would never have had David’s Psalms except for Nathan’s Sermon!).
There are several important Principles we need to understand in this Psalm:
1. Preachers need to expose sin so men will repent of it; for, although David knew his sin, he did not repent of it until the Prophet of God brought him face to face with it.
2. Men need to realize they sin because they are SINNERS. Most people try to blame circumstances or other people but we, like David, need to “acknowledge our transgression and sin” (vs 3) and realize we did so because we were “shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me” (vs 5). The Heart of the problem is the Problem of the Heart. The Source of Sin is our Souls, not our surroundings.
3. We need to realize WHO we sinned against- “Against thee (God), thee only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight;” (vs 4). Many people try to justify their sin by pointing to the sins or short comings of the person they sinned against or with. [Many a husband has blamed his affair on his wife. Many people excuse their stealing from their employer as simply “getting what’s owed me.”]. We must face up to the fact that we are accountable to God and HE WILL DO THE JUDGING.
4. Sin in the life of a Christian not only affects his relationship with God but also hampers his ability to win souls to Christ.
David list 4 basic needs in the Soul winner’s life in vs 10 14:
1. RENEWAL OF RIGHTEOUSNESS- vs 10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me”. You must get the “beam” out of your eye before you can see to get the “mote” out of your Brother’s eye. Is there sin in your life you need to confess??
2. RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD- vs 11 “Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me”. How can you invite others to enjoy fellowship you don’t have???
3. RESTORATION OF JOY- vs 12 “Restore unto me the joy of thy Salvation; and uphold me with thy free (willing) Spirit”. Exposing Sin shows the sinner his need of leaving Satan but the Joy of Christian living causes him to want to come to God. That’s the vital element missing in many people’s testimony.
4. REALIZATION OF RESPONSIBILITY- vs 14 “Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,…”. God has said that if man die in their sins because I refuse to sound the warning that their blood will be on my hands!! (Ez 33:7 9). Witnessing for Christ is not an option we think about but an order we obey.
RESULTS- vs 13 “Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”
a. Teach Transgressors- Restore the backslidden
b. Sinners converted- Lost saved from a devil’s hell.
We know what to do now let’s do it
Psalm 53:1 Three Marks of an Atheist
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good (Psalms 53:1).
Glad to be at the best church in Spartanburg: Best people, best preacher, best singers, and God is here! Use these Three Principles to help you continue to Grow and Prosper-
1) None of us is as smart as all of us- The Church is a Body, Join together to do a great work for God.
2) You reap what you sow- Criticizing the Church and its leadership decreases their ability to impact this town for Christ. [When tongues of Christians are set on fire from Heaven thousands are saved (Acts 2) but when they are set on fire from Hell they bring great destruction (James 3:6)]. Praising the Church draws people to the Church. Praying for the Church and its leadership empowers the Church for greatest (This is God’s Church, He said HE would build it. Invite Him to do that). Proclaiming the Word of God will not return void.
3) Expectations determine outcome- (Mark 9:29) According to your faith be it unto you. A Big God can do Big Things but even Jesus was limited in His hometown by the unbelief of the people (Mark 13:58).
Panasi is located in India. It is a small village of less than 1000 people. An Evangelist visited the village, won a family to faith in Christ and soon 15 families were believers and needed a place to worship. A Temporary building was built until we could raise the money for a permanent Church. On a Saturday recently, Hindu Militants came to the church, threatened the Church Leader, and completely destroyed the Church. The Police would not take a report on the incident until the village council (Muslim) approved the need of a report.
I have two requests today- Pray for this situation and use it to see if YOU are fighting against God and His work.
The word ATHEIST comes from a Greek word meaning “No (a) God (Theos)” and was originally applied to those who deny the existence of a Supreme Being. While the word “Atheist” is not found in the Bible, the idea of “Denying God” is. Today I want to look at Three Ways People Show they are Atheist.
1) In their Mind- The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts (Psalms 10:4) with this result: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Romans 1:28). In the list that follows (Rom 1:29-32) God shows that people who deny God in their Mind Dishonor themselves, Disrespect their Family, Corrupt Society, and end up taking pleasure in sin and sinful behavior.
2) With their Actions- They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. (Titus 1:16). Christianity that does not work at your work is a Christianity that does not work.
3) From their Heart- The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good (Psalms 14:1). We deny God when we:
a. Make our Plans without God- In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6).
b. Refuse to Repent and Ask God for Mercy and Grace- “There is “ in Italics. NO God.
Will you Destroy the Church (Hindi), Put up with the Church (Muslim), or become part of the Church (Christian)?
Psalm 55:18 MANY WITH ME
Ps 55:18 He hath delievered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me; for there were many with me.
Sometimes the most difficult thing to deal with is Loneliness- Adam’s problem, Mother’s day blues (your mom dead or away), betrayal of a friend. etc.. At time like this it’s good to know that you’re not alone.
1. God is with you- Ps 54:4 Behold God is mine helper; the Lord is with them that uphold my soul.
How is God a Helper?
a. Source of Strength- Ps 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusteth in him, and I am not ashamed. Strength- Ability to withstand, ability to accomplish. Shield- Protection.
b. Source of Succor- Ps 40:17 But I am poor and needy yet the Lord thinketh upon me; thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.
He Thinks of me- Hairs of head numbered
He Helps me
He delivers me- even though sometimes it seems like He’s late!!
c. Source of Stability- Heb 13:5 6 For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. God does not change.
2. Other Christians Phil 4:3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and my other fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life.
a. Prayer- II Cor 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayers for us.
b. Partners- I Cor 16:16 To everyone that helpeth with us. Paul ends all of his letters with Praise to his helpers and friends.
c. Encouragement- Is 41:6 They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of Good courage..
3. The Spirit- Rom 8:26 The Spirit also helpeth
Psalm 56:8 GOD’S TEAR BOTTLE
INTRODUCTION: God is bottling up or tears!
Tears move:
The heart of God
The heart of a sinner
The heart in your own bosom.
We have too much dry-eyed religion.
Notice some of the tears found in the Bible:
I. THE TEARS OF THE SAVIOR.
(1) At Lazarus’ grave -John 11:35
(2) In the garden -Hebrews 5:7
(3) Over Jerusalem -Luke 19:41
II. THE TEARS OF JOY- Joseph wept over his brethren-Genesis 45:15. He kissed and wept upon each of his brethren.
III. THE TEARS OF GRATITUDE- A poor thankful woman wept upon Jesus’ feet-Luke 7:38 and began to wash His feet with her tears.
IV. THE TEARS OF REGRET- Esau found no place for repentance-Hebrews 12:17 Thought it sought it carefully with tears.
V. THE TEARS OF A SOUL WINNER – Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed-shall bring in sheaves
VI. THE TEARS OF A BACK SLIDER- Psalms 137:1-2There we sat and wept By rivers of Babylon when we remembered Zion.
VII. THE TEARS IN HELL- Luke 16:23 The rich man lifted his eyes in Hell and cried, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me for I am tormented in this flame.
Psalm 61:1-4 WHEN MY HEART IS OVERWHELMED
Sometimes life is just too much for us. It may be our:
A) Sorrow: death, disease, debt
B) Sinfulness: OUR Sins- Paul cried, “O wretched man that I am”
OTHERS Sins- David, “I said in my haste, all men are liars”
C) Sightlessness: Faith is the evidence of things NOT SEEN (Often it is difficult to ignore the physical we see and believe the spiritual we cannot see)
David had such a time as this and from it we learn how to handle the times in our own life when our heart is overwhelmed.
I. REASON for the Prayer: “From the end of the warth will I cry unto thee, WHEN my heart is overwhelmed” Most times we must face a major problem before we get serious about praying. Sometimes the Lord must overwhelm our heart to get us to pray.
This was written by David after his son Absalom’s revolt had been crushed but before David returned to Jerusalem. His heart was overwhelmed at the loss of his son. He needed his faith to triumph over his sorrow so he could rejoice in God restoring his Kingdom.
This is much like what happened when Christ came; the world was in darkness (not an accident that Christ was born at night). Israel was enslaved to Rome, worship of God was mainly a form, and sin seemed to rule the world. Christ came to establish a kingdom of righteousness, set the captives free, and give hope to overwhelmed heart.
II. REQUEST of the Prayer: “Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I”. God has to get us to look beyond our selves for the help we need (Example of man who sent toy truck to son in hospital and the son hugged and thanked the orderly who delivered the truck).
A) Shelter for me: From sin’s punishment (Jack Rabbit runs and is killed. Cottontail hides under rock and is safe).
B) A Strong tower from the enemy: A place of defense from Satan’s attack
C) Security: HOME- “I will abide in thy tabernacle forever” and HOPE “I will trust in the covert of thy wings” (As a hen gathers her chicks under her wings).
III. REFLECTION on the Prayer: “Selah” (Stop and think about this”
A) There are some THINGS that overwhelm us
B) There are some TRUTHS that sustain us: Has God done anything? Will God do anything?
C) There are some TRUSTS that deliver us: Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalms 62:8).
Psalm 63:1-8 GETTING CLOSE TO GOD
The desire of every Christian ought to be to get close to God. One Problem is that many people have just enough religion to make them miserable. They aren’t sold out to God and yet they’re ashamed to go back into the world. They’re like the man who decided to be neutral during the Civil War. He wore a Blue Shirt and Grey Pants; and both sides shot him!
I. WHAT YOU WANT- The Heart is a restless hunter seeking only Love. God has put a “God conscience” in us that lets us know we can only find real Peace in a personal relationship with Him.
A) A Personal Relationship- Thou art MY God vs 1
1> Christianity is not a Religion but a Person- Christ
2> Our Soul should thirst for Him and our Flesh should long for Him. Like Paul we should count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Phil 3:8). We should MAKE GOD YOUR GOAL.
We Know this; and we really want to get close to God, but we have FEARS:
1. About our Abilities to meet God’s Standards- Taken care of in Christ (I don’t have to be perfect; Christ was).
2. About our Pride- We live in a society that tells us we’ve always got to look out for ourselves. If we go weeping to an alter then we fear people will think we have some great hidden sin or that we are not “man enough” to face life on our own (we aren’t!).
3. About the “foolishness of Faith”. We fear that somehow God will ask us to be a “Holy Fanatic” that people make fun of. And some people fear public opinion NOW more than they fear Hell in the future.
These fears cause us to want to see:
B) A Power Demonstrated- To see thy power and thy glory so as I have seen thee in the Sanctuary vs 2. We want to know that the “picture” the Preacher draws in the pulpit can be lived in daily life (We aren’t really sure the preacher knows how contrary our husband is, or how much pressure is put on us at work to conform to the world’s standards in order to make a good living [compared to just surviving].
We’d like to see God “knock my husband side the head with a two by four” so he’d realize what a good wife I am; or let my boss give me a thousand dollar bonus because he saw me pray- before we get completely involved in getting close to God.
That’s not the way it works however. God has already shown His part in this committal by giving us the best Heaven had (Jesus). Now He expects us to joyfully and lovingly give Him our all (God doesn’t want to USE us. He wants us to SERVE Him. When you USE someone it’s a joyless frustration. When someone SERVES you it’s a joyful consummation).
II. WHAT YOU DO vs 3-6
A) Praise God 3-5 Praise God for WHO He is and WHAT He has done (God inhabits the Praises of His People. Don’t expect to get close to God complaining all the time- Don’t be a nagging Bride!!). Your Lips (vs 3), Your Limbs (vs 4), and Your Life (vs 5) should proclaim the goodness of God. Even when your circumstances aren’t good; GOD IS!
B) Meditate about God vs 6 The Devil tries to control your thought life with music, TV, Discouragement, Gossip, etc. Paul tells us we are to Cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; (2 Cor 10:5).
This mediation must also involve Prayer because The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth (Psa 145:18). Chew the Cud with God- Talk with God and let God talk with you! After all, who knows more? God or You!! Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice. (Psa 55:17)
III. WHAT YOU GET vs 7-8
A) Protection is realized – By trusting in His Power we find Rest in the Shadow of His Wings. What a joy to Rest in His Strength instead of having to do everything on our own.
B) Proximity is reached- God is near you and you are near God. You’re up under Him; ready for use and for Fellowship.
IS GOD A FAR AWAY IDEAL TO YOU?? HE WANTS TO BE A LOVING HEAVENLY FATHER. TODAY IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET CLOSE TO HIM.
The Sad Truth, however, is that you’re as close to God right now as you WANT to be! You wouldn’t mind God Blessing you (and you surely want to go to Heaven when you die!) but you don’t think it’s important enough to give up sin and take up your Cross.
May God give you a Holy Hunger today that will only be satisfied with a continual feast of the Bread of Life and Water of Life.
Acknowledge the Fact that you are a sinner and you can’t save yourself.
Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died to provide a payment for YOUR Sins.
By Faith, Accept Christ as Savior, Acknowledge that fact publicly, and begin a new life of commitment and service to the Lord. You’re going to like the difference!!!
Psalm 65:4 APPROACHING GOD
Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. — Psa 65:4
We immediately notice Four Blessings:
- Selection– Whom thou Choosest
- Sanctification- Causeth to approach unto thee
- Stability- He may dwell in thy courts
- Satisfaction- We shall be satisfied with….
I. GUIDELINES FOR APPROACHING GOD [Note Moses at Sinai (Exo 19:10-20)]
A) How to Approach God:
1. Purity- Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. — Psa 24:3-4
2. Faith in Christ- According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. — Eph 3:11-12
3. Sincerity- Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. — Heb 10:22
B) Why we should approach God:
1. When we approach Him, He approaches Us- Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. — James 4:8
2. It pleases God- But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. — John 4:23
The Example of Approaching God given in the Order of the Tabernacle (Ex 40:20-38).
- Only 1 Door
- First come to the Altar of Sacrifice- Blood
- Next Laver (made of Women’s Mirrors). Need of Constant Cleansing
- Holy Place
- Table of Shewbread- Daily Bread of life (word)
- Lamp stands- inner light of Spirit
- Altar of Incense- Prayers of Saints- Communion with God
- Holy of Holies- Direct Fellowship (Glory of God dwelt there)
Are you a spectator Christian or a Participator? Do you approach God or shy from Him?
Psalm 69:2 WHEN THE ANCHOR DOES NOT HOLD
I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing: I am come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me. (Psalms 69:2)
What do you do when the anchor does NOT hold? How do you handle life when life does not happen the way you expect?
- When a leader leaves after you left everything to commit to Him- Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:11)
- Stay Together- Acts 1:12-14
- Make sure the organization remains organized- Acts 1:
- Spend a lot of time in prayer Acts 1:14
- Wait for a clear direction from the lord before you do anything- Acts 2:
- When life does not turn out the way you expect- Lady in Candy store (4 of her children were faithful but 4 were spoiled and the spoiled seemed to be winning!)
- Example of Anchor thrown out of boat that did no good because the rope was not long enough- Stretch yourself and go deeper- Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; (Isaiah 54:1-2)
- Example of Anchor on sandy bottom that dragged instead of stabilizing the Ship- And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (Matthew 7:26-27)
What can you do to make sure the Anchor holds- Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 6:17-20)
Look for where God is at Work and join Him.
301 in attendance last Sunday – largest in State- Every person is important every service.
Great Spirit of Enthusiasm and Cooperation- Everyone helping helps everyone
Only S C Church giving to India Hostel- Our good example is a great inspiration and encouragement
Psalm 74:16 17 SUMMER AND WINTER
Ps 74:16 17 The day is thine, the night also is thine: thou hast prepared the light and the sun. Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter. (See Ecc 3:1 8)
In ancient mythology Winter was made by one of the gods who was angry with the god who had made the beauty and wonder of summer (Much in the same way that darkness was made to combat the glory of the day). But we know that God made the summer and the winter- and that He has a reason and purpose for them both. So it is in our life. We would claim the Sunshine always- forgetting that without the rain storms we would have a desert; and without the winter to kill back the weeds, the earth would be overgrown and uninhabitable (This very thing worries scientist today as they worry that the ozone layer will be depleted and a “Greenhouse” effect will cause continuous summer and destroy the earth).
I. HOW CAN WE UNDERSTAND WINTER? (We never sing about the “Lazy hazy crazy days of Winter”).
A) Accept the fact that it’s a part of life- Gen 8:22 While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.
1) In our Circumstances- The Summer and Winter of Experiences: God is just as good when the wind is sharply blowing across the icy earth as He is when it is softly blowing on a warm summer even. (Job knew how to serve God in Summer and in Winter).
2) In its “Coldness”. We say Winter is dead- yet from this death comes forth life (The trees must shed their leaves in order to fertilize themselves so they can grow in the summer). Christ was born in the winter so he could be resurrected in the spring. Many times we must Lose in order to win- We go thru times of Death, Depression, and Desperate times (when it feels our soul will shrivel and die) in order to be conformed into the image of Christ.
B) Recognize that it’s only a PART of life; Summer is coming!- Song of Sol 2:11 12 For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.
II. HOW CAN WE WITHSTAND WINTER? [Be a “Winner” over Winter!)
A) Prepare during the Summer!- PRO 30:25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer. When everything is going well and opportunities present themselves- take advantage of them.
1) Work and Witness while it is harvest time because there is coming a season of waiting instead of working.
2) Enjoy the “Summer” before it becomes Winter and you can’t get out and do the things you want to do.
3) Build a Safe Solid Shelter: Build on God’s Word- (In Paul’s last letter he stressed to Timothy to bring him the Book before winter) You need a safe shelter, built on a strong foundation, to withstand the storms of Winter.
B) Rest in God’s time- Is 28:16 He that believeth maketh not haste Is 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee, because he trusteth in Thee. Faith in God to do what He has promised to do. A faith that allows you to plant when you know that nothing can grow yet. A Faith that allows you to Relax and regain strength for the hard hot days to come.
C) Stay close to the Fire- Heb 12:29 For our God is a Consuming Fire. Jer 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord;…
And don’t stray from the fire of the Fellowship- Your “Winter” is the time you need Church more than ever.
Psalm 78:1-72 BAD THINGS MEN DO TO GOD
Most Sermons are about the GOOD GOD DOES FOR MAN. Psalm 78 is about the BAD MEN DO TO A GOOD GOD. 14 Attitudes or Actions are listed- Only a God who IS LOVE could STILL LOVE mankind.
Vs 7 & 11- forgot his works and his wonders [Failed to remember God’s Loving Care]
Vs 8- whose spirit was not steadfast with God [Undependable]
Vs 10- refused to walk in his law [Insubordinate]
Vs 17- sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness [Infuriating Conduct]
Vs 18- they tempted God in their heart [Got on God’s “last nerve”]
Vs 19- they spoke against God [Insulted and demeaned God]
Vs 22- they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation [Called God a “Liar”]
Vs 32- For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works [Disregarded God’s Gifts]
Vs 36- they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues [Fraud]
VS 37- their heart was not right with him, neither were they steadfast in his covenant [Hypocrite]
Vs 40- How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert [Hurt God’s Heart]
VS 41- they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel [Limited the Limitless]
VS 56- Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies [Rebellious]
Vs 58- they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images [Replaced God in their hearts and lives]
Psalms 78:1-72 KJV 1 <<Maschil of Asaph.>> Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: 3 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. 5 For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: 6 That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: 7 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments: 8 And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God. 9 The children of Ephraim, being armed, and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. 10 They kept not the covenant of God, and refused to walk in his law; 11 And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them. 12 Marvellous things did he in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. 13 He divided the sea, and caused them to pass through; and he made the waters to stand as an heap. 14 In the daytime also he led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. 15 He clave the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink as out of the great depths. 16 He brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers. 17 And they sinned yet more against him by provoking the most High in the wilderness. 18 And they tempted God in their heart by asking meat for their lust. 19 Yea, they spake against God; they said, Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? 20 Behold, he smote the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed; can he give bread also? can he provide flesh for his people? 21 Therefore the LORD heard this, and was wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel; 22 Because they believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation: 23 Though he had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, 24 And had rained down manna upon them to eat, and had given them of the corn of heaven. 25 Man did eat angels’ food: he sent them meat to the full. 26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heaven: and by his power he brought in the south wind. 27 He rained flesh also upon them as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the sea: 28 And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations. 29 So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire; 30 They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, 31 The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. 32 For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. 33 Therefore their days did he consume in vanity, and their years in trouble. 34 When he slew them, then they sought him: and they returned and enquired early after God. 35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. 36 Nevertheless they did flatter him with their mouth, and they lied unto him with their tongues. 37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. 38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. 39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again. 40 How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! 41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They remembered not his hand, nor the day when he delivered them from the enemy. 43 How he had wrought his signs in Egypt, and his wonders in the field of Zoan: 44 And had turned their rivers into blood; and their floods, that they could not drink. 45 He sent divers sorts of flies among them, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them. 46 He gave also their increase unto the caterpiller, and their labour unto the locust. 47 He destroyed their vines with hail, and their sycomore trees with frost. 48 He gave up their cattle also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. 49 He cast upon them the fierceness of his anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble, by sending evil angels among them. 50 He made a way to his anger; he spared not their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence; 51 And smote all the firstborn in Egypt; the chief of their strength in the tabernacles of Ham: 52 But made his own people to go forth like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. 53 And he led them on safely, so that they feared not: but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. 54 And he brought them to the border of his sanctuary, even to this mountain, which his right hand had purchased. 55 He cast out the heathen also before them, and divided them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents. 56 Yet they tempted and provoked the most high God, and kept not his testimonies: 57 But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow. 58 For they provoked him to anger with their high places, and moved him to jealousy with their graven images. 59 When God heard this, he was wroth, and greatly abhorred Israel: 60 So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men; 61 And delivered his strength into captivity, and his glory into the enemy’s hand. 62 He gave his people over also unto the sword; and was wroth with his inheritance. 63 The fire consumed their young men; and their maidens were not given to marriage. 64 Their priests fell by the sword; and their widows made no lamentation. 65 Then the Lord awaked as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man that shouteth by reason of wine. 66 And he smote his enemies in the hinder parts: he put them to a perpetual reproach. 67 Moreover he refused the tabernacle of Joseph, and chose not the tribe of Ephraim: 68 But chose the tribe of Judah, the mount Zion which he loved. 69 And he built his sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth which he hath established for ever. 70 He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: 71 From following the ewes great with young he brought him to feed Jacob his people, and Israel his inheritance. 72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart; and guided them by the skilfulness of his hands.
Psalms 78:4 GODLY REASONS TO REJOICE
I never promised you a Rose Garden, along with the sunshine there has to be a little rain sometimes. So smile for a while and let’s be jolly, life shouldn’t be so melancholy. So come along with me and enjoy life while you can. I never promised you a Rose Garden. Today I want us to “smell the Roses” with God and remember the motto I think needs to be on every refrigerator- “Everybody needs a little bit of petting every now and then”.
Most of the time Thanksgiving seems to be about what God did for US instead of about the God who did for us. Our Scripture shows we need to “Tell the Generations about God’s Goodness”.
We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done (Psalms 78:4).
Our Relationship with the Lord should give us REASONS TO REJOICE: [“Rejoice” in each verse]
- BECAUSE GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL- In a world where Morals and Money are used to destroy Culture, Country, and Christianity we can still say, Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice: and let men say among the nations, The LORD reigneth (1 Chr 16:31). God is Not Dead.
- BECAUSE GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF US: But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee (Psa 5:11). God is on Our Side.
- BECAUSE GOD WILL RIGHTLY JUDGE THE WICKED: The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked (Psa 58:10). We Win
- BECAUSE GOD HAS GIVEN US ANOTHER DAY TO ENJOY: This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it (Psa 118:24). Find a way to enjoy your day.
- BECAUSE WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE WORD OF GOD: I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil (Psa 119:162). Daily let Scripture be your Delight. Scripture is our FINAL AUTHORITY
- BECAUSE OF THE FAMILY GOD HAS GIVEN YOU: Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth (Prov 5:18) and CHRISTIAN CHILDREN- The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: and he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him (Prov 23:24).
- BECAUSE YOU HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BEING PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE: Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you (Mat 5:12). But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy (1 Pet 4:13). Never choose “Likes” over the Lord. Follow God’s Path for you, Regardless.
- BECAUSE CHRIST IS BEING PROCLAIMED: What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice. (Phil 1:18)
- BECAUSE LOST SHEEP ARE COMING HOME- And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost (Luke 15:6). Lives are being Changed all around the world. Churches are Increasing!
- BECAUSE FAITH IN CHRIST BRINGS ABUNDANT LIFE- Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory (1 Pet 1:8). You should be Happy Being Holy!
- BECAUSE OUR NAME IS WRITTEN IN HEAVEN: Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20). The Greatest Reason to Rejoice: We will one day see Him face to face whom so long we have known heart to heart.
REASONS YOU ARE NOT REJOICING – LUKEWARM LIVING: Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? (Psa 85:6)
WAY TO GET BACK A REJOICING HEART- SEEK THE LORD: Glory ye in his holy name: let the heart of them rejoice that seek the LORD (1 Chr 16:10).
Psalm 78:5-6 GENERATIONAL INFLUENCE
For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: (Psalms 78:5-6). God expects each generation to teach the next generation who then teaches the next generation (Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation Joel 1:3).
God established the very smart plan of “Generational Influence” as His method of teaching and training because He knew it was a plan which allowed each generation to feel they were an important part of God’s work as they shared the goodness and greatness of God- One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts (Psalms 145:4).
Today we have come to honor a man (and his beautiful bride) for their ministry, their work for God, and the godly influence they have had on so many. This honoring of God’s man is biblically based: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. (1 Timothy 5:17) and lovingly inspired.
We recognize our Pastor today for his care and concern and for his Godly Influence on our family and our community through his life and his ministry. God recognizes the importance of such godly influence when Solomon became King: If thou wilt walk before me, as David thy father walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded thee, and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments: Then I will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying, There shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of Israel. But if ye shall at all turn from following me, ye or your children, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but go and serve other gods, and worship them: Then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have hallowed for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all people: (1 Kings 9:4-7).
FIVE things you should do for your Pastor:
1. Pray for Him Privately (and Frequently) Purity, Power (empty ocean with pitchfork), Problems
2. Praise Him Publically-
Find something good to say about him each week.
NEVER say bad things about your church or your pastor in front of lost loved ones- Protect his reputation jealously.
Share something from his message with lost people each week.
3. Partner with him willingly- He is the neck, you are the body. You must function together in order to survive.
4. Provide for him abundantly- Workman is worthy of his hire. (Plan for assistant Pastor).
5. Practice what he preaches. His Ministry is a Vital Part of God’s Plan- For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:13-15).
Your family should be in church so each generation can teach another generation about the greatness of our God.
One person can change a family’s conduct and destination (me). (Boy in Youth Camp- Article).
For your information and edification I must warn you that this “Generational Influence” also happens in Bad Living: THE RESULTS OF SIN CAN PASS FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION: (Ex 34:7 Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation. Nu 14:18 The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation.
A) Harmful Habits- Children of Alcoholics are more apt to be Alcoholics. Abusers are more apt to abuse. Remember, you become like those you are around: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. (Psa 1:1)
B) Extreme Sins- Abortion has killed an entire generation that might have made a great difference for Christ. Sexual Perversion Sins brought Death to the World during Noah’s Day and to Sodom in Lot’s Day.
C) Idol Sins- Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me, (Deuteronomy 5:8-9).
Two Principles that must be added:
First: SOME THINGS HAPPEN IN THE LIFE OF A PERSON THAT HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH THEIR SIN OR THE SINS OF THEIR PARENTS: And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. (John 9:1-3)
Second: THE ETERNAL DESTINATION OF A PERSON IS DETERMINED BY THAT PERSON, NOT THEIR PARENTS: Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him (Ezekiel 18:19-20).
Psalm 78:32 41 LIMITING GOD
God is all powerful, all knowing, and never fails. He speaks and worlds come into being. He holds man’s breath in His hand. He sees the future; knows everything about the past, and is everywhere present right now. How then can I talk about Limiting God???
The answer is found in the Free Will of Man. God could have made man a slave to His every command but instead God wanted man to WANT to Love and Serve Him. In order to do this must had to be allowed a Free Will so He could chose God. It is this Free Will that allows man to Limit God (My car might be able to go 100 miles per hour but it can’t do so if it’s out of gas or has a flat tire)
I. CHRISTIANS LIMIT GOD
A) Thru Lack of Prayer- James 4:2 Ye have not because ye ask not. God tells His Children to ask Him:
For STRENGTH: Luke 11:13 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Christians limit God by failing to be filled with His Spirit. Instead of being filled with the Spirit for Power we grieve and quench the Spirit and end up with a form of Godliness without the power. May God help us to allow God to Do anything with us HE wants to do.
For SUPPLY: Matt 7:7 Ask, and it shall be given you:… (Example of man who ate cheese and crackers on board ship because he didn’t know that meals were included in the ticket), God’s Eyes are open and His ears listen for our Cry but we limit God by our Lack of Prayer. WHY Don’t we Pray?????
1. Lack of Faith- Matt 21:22 And all things, whatsoever, ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. (We think God is not concerned with the little things when He knows the hairs on our head)
WHAT COULD GOD HAVE DONE FOR US IF WE SIMPLY HAD FAITH TO ASK??
2. Sin in our Lives- Ps 66:18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. (Instead of working THRU us the Holy Spirit has to work IN us.). Ps 81:10 11 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. BUT my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me.
B) We limit God by wasting our TIME- Redeeming the time because the days are evil Ep 5:16 Have you “bought up” every opportunity??
C) We limit God by failing to TITHE- Mal 3:10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, If I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough to receive it. (90% with God is more than 100% without Him) GOD’S WORK IS LIMITED BECAUSE THE MONEY HE PLANNED TO USE TO DO IT IS USED FOR SOMETHING ELSE. Neh 9:37 And it yieldeth much increase unto the Kings thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. I Cor 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him. Where your Treasure is there will your heart be also. [If a man misses paying his tithes he is to add the fifth part to it as interest. Lv 27:31]
D) We limit God with a bad TESTIMONY- Abstain from very appearance of Evil II Thes 5:22. We must be Aware of our Brother’s Conscience and of Sinner’s observation. II Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
IS THIS CONSECRATION??
I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
Real service is what I desire;
I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord-
But don’t ask me to sing in the Choir.
I’ll say what you want me to say, dear Lord,
I like to see things come to pass:
But don’t ask me to teach girls and boys, dear Lord-
I’d rather just stay in my class.
I’ll do what you want me to do, dear Lord,
I yearn for the kingdom to thrive;
I’ll give you my nickels and dimes, dear Lord–
But please don’t ask me to tithe.
I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord,
I’ll say what you want me to say;
I’m busy just now with myself, dear Lord–
I’ll help YOU some other day.
GOD EXPECTS NO MORE THAN YOU ARE ABLE TO GIVE BUT HE EXPECTS THAT MUCH.
IT IS NOT ENOUGH NOT TO DO WRONG. YOU MUST DO RIGHT.
WHEN GOD CALLS YOU TO ACCOUNT FOR YOUR TALENTS WILL HE SAY, “WELL DONE” OR “DEPART FROM ME”?????
II. SINNERS LIMIT GOD- By refusing the Salvation God freely offers: It is not the will of God that any should be lost but that ALL should come to life. God has provided the payment for your sins, the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart, and I’m proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. The only “Hold back” is YOU. You limit what God can do for you by your stubborn rebellion.
WHAT SHOULD CHRISTIANS DO?? CONFESS OUR FAILURES. GET BACK IN GOD’S PLAN
What should Sinners do?? Repent of sin, Accept Christ as Savior.
Psalm 78:41 LIVING LIFE WITHOUT LIMITING GOD
Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. (Psalms 78:41).
He who aims at nothing; normally hits it. You have not taught unless people learn. Nothing works unless you work it.
(Intro by Dr Robert Picirilli from his Calvinism VS Arminianism Class)
THE NATURE OF GOD:
- God is SOVEREIGN. He is absolutely free to act as He wills. His actions in no way “conditioned” by any consideration except to be true to Himself.
- God is creator and preserver of everything that is not in Him. Everything else that exists does so by His will. Nothings that transpires is outside His plan.
- God is Omniscient, and His knowledge manifests His will. Before creating the cosmos, looking ahead at all possible consequences, He chose that very course of events that He set in motion by His creative decisions. Thus He willed everything that is and knows all that will be as certain to be because He willed it to be. Nor can His will in any matter be thwarted.
- God is Good and He alone is to be glorified. As the only source of all good, He is therefore deserving of unmixed glory for anything good.
THE PLACE OF MAN:
- Man is God’s creature. Being therefore wholly subordinate to God, man has no claim on God that God must take into account before acting.
- Man is fallen and wholly sinful. Since the fall, man is altogether bad and nothing good can come from him. This “Total depravity” means that man, as fallen is not free; his will is bound and he is incapable even of faith.
We begin by realizing there are some limits we have NO CONTROL OVER:
1. LORD LIMITS: Limits set by God. These are for our good and the good of mankind. When we go Past God’s Limits it will lead to chaos and confusion. Ultimately it will lead to chastisement and Wrath (Flood {Sexual Impurity}, Sodom {Homosexual}, Israel {Idolatry}, Annanias {Lying to God}).
LIFE LIMITS:
- Natural / Physical: Can’t sing if can’t sing. Eyesight, health.
- Financial: Poor you have with you always: Poor “Poor”, Perpetual Poor, Professional Poor, and Part Time Poor.
- Relational: Marriage- Behind every good man is a good woman
- Children Limit
- Family Limit: care for sick or elderly
- Our Perception of our Self- “Best church in SC”
- Our Willingness to Grow:
- You are as dedicated to God as you are WORKING to be
- You are as dedicated to God as you are WILLING to be
- You are as dedicated to God as you WANT to be
But you can be the Christian God DESIRES you to be- For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13). Christian Holiness is not denying who we are; it is allowing the Holy Spirit to restore us to what God intended us to be. Holiness is the life of the Holy Spirit penetrating every part of the Moral and Spiritual being of the Christian. As we allow the Holy Spirit to work in our life then He transforms us into the image of Christ.
I am not asking you to change a thing today. Christ will change your life, the Holy Spirit will change your character, and God will change your destination.
HOW THEN CAN MERE MAN LIMIT GOD? – The Problem is the Free Will that God has given to man. In order for free will to be free will it must be able to act outside of the desired will of God (NOT outside of the Known or Ultimate Will of God. Even Free Will does not catch God by surprise. He is All Knowing).
That brings us to today’s Scripture- Psa 78:41 Yea, they turned back and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel. God wanted Isreal to conquer the promised land; instead they died in Desert. Illustration of Carl pushing brake in Driver’s Ed Car. Everything ready but Carl hindered progress.
REASONS WE LIMIT GOD
1) Unbelief – Jesus could do no might miracles in home town because of Unbelief. We Limit what we will allow God to do FOR and THROUGH us
2) Sin in our Lives: Isa 43:24 Thou hast bought me no sweet cane with money, neither hast thou filled me with the fat of thy sacrifices: but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities. God must stop His work FOR us and begin a work ON us. Failure is not falling down; it is staying down- For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. (Proverbs 24:16).
3) Left First Love/ Lose Desire to Do Good (Motivation Missing)- A Carnal (immature) Christian
Demands Attention / Desires to be Served instead of Serve.
4) Fatigue: We are too tired to work and determine that other things MUST be done while God’s work can be put off. The Result is we do nothing to build up ourselves or others.
5) Love of this World: We want to go to Heaven but there is no real love for fellowship with, and work for, God- John 14:15 If ye love me, keep my commandments
RESULTS OF LIMITING GOD
- Missed Blessings
- Chastisement
- Missed Opportunities- Multitudes are lost because of our Silence-
- People fall because our lights are dark- Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
REACTION TO LIMITING GOD
What should we do?
What can we do? Heb 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke (Stimulate, Motivate) unto love and to good works:
How can we stop limiting God??
Believe God’s Word and act on God’s Promises
Love God better than anything else so He will get First place in your life.
Give God your Time, Talents, Tithe.
Live within the boundaries set by God.
Psalm 78:68-72 WHEN GOD ACTED LIKE A DRUNK
Intro:
God Greatly Blessed His People
Israel Continually went back to the ways of the wicked and the world
God finally leaves them to be punished by captors
vs 65- God could stand it no longer so He stirred Himself as from sleep or like a strong man shouts in the “strength” of liquor.
vs 66- God ” smote his enemies in the hinder parts” and let them know HE was boss.
The danger of Rejection we face if we reject God’s way. vs 67-69 God Changes Direction- Judah instead of Israel
The danger of Replacement if we fail to follow God. vs 70-71 God Changes Leaders- David instead of Saul
vs 72 God provides for His people
The Promise of Resources (Fed, Guided) to them that follow them. Fed according to the integrity of His heart. Guided them by the skillfulness of his hands
Note Psalm 81:10-16 in closing.
I am the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. But my people would not hearken to my voice; and Israel would none of me. So I gave them up unto their own hearts’ lust: and they walked in their own counsels. Oh that my people had hearkened unto me, and Israel had walked in my ways! I should soon have subdued their enemies, and turned my hand against their adversaries. The haters of the LORD should have submitted themselves unto him: but their time should have endured for ever. He should have fed them also with the finest of the wheat: and with honey out of the rock should I have satisfied thee (Psalms 81:10-16).
Psalm 84:11 SHIELDS
For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. (Psa 84:11)
SHIELD- The Dictionary defines a Shield as: 1. A broad piece of armor made of rigid material and strapped to the arm or carried in the hand for protection against hurled or thrusted weapons. 2. A person or thing that provides protection. 3. A protective device or structure
The key word in each definition is Protection. Therefore, A Shield is something that protects us from something else. In our verse today we find God is our Shield. Now let’s find out what He protects us from.
The first use of Shield is found in Gen 15:1 After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. Abraham had just returned from delivering Lot from the Army that had defeated the cities of Sodom. The king of Sodom had offered Abraham all the goods he recovered but Abraham had refused so the king of Sodom would not claim he had made Abraham rich.
This was the second time Abraham had given up what looked like great riches in order to do the right thing (The first was when he allowed Lot the choice of locations and Lot chose the well watered valley of Sodom). Now God assures Abraham that He would reward him with protection and provision.
How does God Provide this protection for us??
1. SHIELD OF SALVATION- Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great (Psa 18:35)
2. SHIELD OF ENCOURAGEMENT- But thou, O LORD, art a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head (Psa 3:3).
3. SHIELD OF BLESSING- For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield (Psa 5:12).
4. SHIELD OF STRENGTH- The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him (Psa 28:7).
5. SHIELD OF PROTECTION- Slay them not, lest my people forget: scatter them by thy power; and bring them down, O Lord our shield (Psa 59:11). He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler (Psa 91:4). O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield (Psa 115:9). My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me (Psa 144:2).
6. SHIELD OF FAITH- Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked (Eph 6:16). (Only time ”Shield” used in NT)
Psalm 84:7 GODLY GOALS
They go from strength to strength, every one of them in Zion appeareth before God (Psalms 84:7). This verse shows us that God wants us to go from “strength to strength” as we grow by progressive steps into the person and plan God has for us. In order to do this we need Goals that will help us realize our destination and offer “gauges of growth” along the way.
Two reasons We fail to set or reach goals:
1. Doubt our Faith
2. Doubt our Ability
Mustard Seed Faith (And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you Matthew 17:20) is what is needed.
The Problems and Potential of this “Mustard Seed” that will grow from “Strength to Strength” is illustrated in the Parable of the Sower:
1. Plant the seed- Put the seed into a place God can use it. It is no good in the package or in the barn. You must be willing to be in the place God would have you so you can grow.
2. Allow yourself to die- That is, learn to say “NO” to self and “YES” to the Savior. That is a difficult decision for many. We are used to doing things in our own way and in our own strength. It’s hard to keep your hands off when you “KNOW” you were allowed to but that’s FAITH in God’s Purpose and Plans.
3. Wait on God to provide the needed Nutrients: The seed in the dirt must wait on God’s time for warm earth, life giving rain, and the drawing power of the Sun.
Be Patience
Put out “Roots” to sustain you- Unseen by the world (Who will only want to see your Fruit or smell your Flowers) yet the root system is vital to the life of the plant. You must have constant secret communion with God and His word. Develop a Prayer closet that is not only a place of Prayer but also a source of Power.
4. Don’t get “choked” by the things of the world; things that would rob you of your Fruitfulness. The Master will keep your garden “weeded” if you’ll let Him. Just don’t allow these clinging vines to wrap themselves around you.
5. Don’t make the mistake of comparing fruit. You won’t be acceptable to the Master according to the amount of Fruit you produce but according to the amount of Fruit you produce compared to what YOU COULD HAVE PRODUCED.
GOALS MUST HAVE DESTINATION AND DETERMINATION. Remember, Fruit is not what we produce from our own efforts. It is what is produced when we Abide in the Vine and allow Him to work Through Us.
Psalm 85:6 THE REASON FOR REVIVAL
(Psa 85:6) Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?
There are numerous reasons people give for having Revival: We want Revival because a Revived Church has: If you know what it takes to have Revival and don’t you are guilty. One Person can be the Key to Revival.
1. A Different Atmosphere 2. A Different Attitude
3. Applied Preaching 4. Affection for each other
5. Appeal by Sinners- they respect it and desire to have what it’s got
6. Approval by God.
—Revival makes us search our heart, turn from our sin, and restore sweet Peace to our soul.
—Revival makes us keenly aware of God’s presence again
—Revival makes old songs new.
—Revival brings God’s people together in love.
—Revival brings the Church back to its purpose- Soul Winning
But if you summarize all of these you come up with TWO SIMPLE REASONS WE NEED REVIVAL
1) To bring the JOY of Salvation to lost and dying sinners
2) To restore the JOY to Weary, Wayward, Wandering Christians.
WHY WE LOSE OUR JOY:
1) In David’s Case it was SIN-(Psa 51:8-13) Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. {9} Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. {10} Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. {11} Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. {12} Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. {13} Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
2) In the Case of Israel it was SEPARATION FROM GOD’S SERVICE- (Psa 137:1-2) By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down, yea, we wept, when we remembered Zion. {2} We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. When you get out of God’s Will and God’s Work you find that life loses it meaning and joy disappears like the morning dew.
3) FOCUSING ON THE HERE AND NOW instead of the Hereafter: Troubles, Trials, and Temptations sap our strength and rob us of our joy- (John 16:33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
HOW DO YOU GET JOY TO RETURN??
1. A RIGHT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD- Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven (Luke 10:20).
A) Sins confessed and repented of so you will have Peace WITH God as well as the Peace OF God
B) Be sure of the Assurance of your Salvation
2. WITNESSING OF YOUR FAITH- They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him (Psa 126:5-6).
A) The Joy of EXPECTATION (Faith) as you sow- Purpose to Life
B) The Joy of HARVEST when God gives us Fruit
3. ABIDING IN CHRIST- These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full (John 15:11) (Remember that Fruit is produced for OTHERS; not for the branch producing it). Ask Christ for the Joy you are missing— Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full (John 16:24).
Psalm 94:18-19 SLIPPING FEET
(Psalm 94:18-19) When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your love, O LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
This message has a twofold objective: (1) To Encourage Christians to hold to God in life’s Difficult circumstances. (2) To show Lost People how slippery the path of sin really is; and how dreadful will be the consequences of “Slipping Feet” above the pits of Hell!
I began preaching when I was 14 years old; that’s over 30 years now. During that time, I have preached in many churches; under a vast variety of circumstances. Some services have been wonderful with the fellowship of God’s people and the free moving of the Spirit of God. Others times it would have been easier digging ditches on a cold January morning than trying to warm the frosty faces of the congregation.
I have preached about spiritual suicide, unaware that a family in the congregation had just lost a son to that tragedy. I have preached on the horrible consequences of loose morals, unaware that two teen age girls in the congregation had just found they were pregnant out of wedlock.
I have also preached under a variety of physical circumstances. I began preaching in a tobacco packhouse that was converted into a church one night a week. I have preached standing atop trailers, standing on street corners, and standing in water so cold I could hardly speak above my chattering teeth.
One of the most “interesting” times I’ve had speaking, however, was a “regular” church service. The janitor had done an exceptional job of waxing the floor that week and I had to plant my feet and hold on to the pulpit for dear life in order to stand. Like a lot of preachers, I use my hands extensively when I preach. That day I was afraid to even nod my head!
You may feel that someone had waxed the floor under the circumstances of your life recently. You live in constant fear that the smallest mistake will expose your instability and send you sprawling into injury or embarrassment. Let me share a great truth with you. Psalm 94:18-19, “When I said, ‘My foot is slipping,’ your love, O Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”
Great a grip on God. He’s rock solid in a world of shifting sand. No matter how slippery your feet; you’ll never fall as long as He hold your hand.
I. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE SLIPPING FEET?
A. Lack of Stability- If you’ve ever tried to walk on slippery Ice you know how difficult and dangerous that is. The other day I was hanging some hanging baskets for my wife. I had to stand on the top of a VERY shaky ladder to reach the ceiling. If I would have made any sudden moves the basket and I would have decorated the floor!
We experience this lack of Stability today in numerous areas of Life:
Job Insecurity is common now
Family Problems. Divorce, Drugs, Debt
Government Collapse- Taxes, Lack of Trust, Promoting Wrong
B. Lack of Security- “When Anxiety was great within me”. When we are unsure of a situation we become anxious (fearful): First dates, Job Interviews, etc. “Nerves” are a problem that plague everyone today; from our Youth to those with Grey Heads.
Life is hard when you must continually walk on ice. There is no peace and no place to rest. And yet, many people life “on the ice” all the time. Thank God that He is a stable Rock.
II. RESULTS OF FOOT SLIPPING
A. Embarrassment- It’s hard not to laugh at someone who takes a tumble. It just seems funny, unless it’s you!
B. Stress- Trying to always keep your balance on life’s slippery surfaces can be very stressful. It takes all your energy just to stand up; much less go forward. And it’s doubly tough when you can hardly stand yourself and yet many others are leaning on you for support.
C) Injury- When you fall you can injury Self and/or Others (Domino effect).
III. WHAT TO DO ABOUT SLIPPING FEET
A. Get a Grip on God- Put your Hand (and Life) in God’s Hand. Things aren’t so slippery when you’ve got something stable to hold to.
B. Set your feet on the Rock- Build on the eternal Rock instead of shifting sands. That’s a life time commitment; not a moment’s concern. If you don’t commit to staying on the Rock you will find yourself slipping in the mud of the world again. Stand, and having done all stand.
C. Claim God’s Consolation- Encourage yourself in the Lord (HAS God ever helped?? Is there any reason He won’t help again today??). Don’t let Satan panic you into believing there is no stability for you. Even in the midst of ice storms, the rock never moves!
No matter how slippery the path, I am stable by holding to God’s Hand. How about YOU?? Are you walking on slippery ice above the burning pits?? Grab God before you fall.
Psalm 100 THANKFUL
“Thankful” is found 3 TIMES IN SCRIPTURE:
- ADORATION- Ps 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
- CONDEMNATION- Ro 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
- STABILIZATION- Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
Psalm 100:<<A Psalm of praise.>>
1) Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands.
2) Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing.
3) Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.
5) For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.
Several Things last forever:
1) Love- Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away (1 Corinthians 13:8).
2) Word of God- Vs 5. Ps 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Isa 40:8 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
3) Praise of God- The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever (Psalms 111:10).
Thankful that:
A) God INHABITS our Praises- But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. (Psalms 22:3)
B) God RECORDS our Praises- Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name (Malachi 3:16).
Psalm 100:5 GENERATIONAL TRUTH
For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. (Psalms 100:5)
I. Our Generation is Attacking God’s Truth- Instead of realizing that For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven (Psalms 119:89) – men are seeking something new and better: Socially (DaVinci Code), Schools (Good Morals but not Godly), Scientifically (“Discoveries” to disprove). The Truth for this generation is that The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations (Psalms 33:11).
II. Our Generation is Ignoring God’s Truth-
A) Families are faltering- Pr 30:11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.
B) Standards are slipping- Pr 30:12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.
C) We are headed for God’s Judgment.
Nations forget God in a Generation- Jg 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Punishment for sinful behavior can last a generation- Nu 32:13 And the LORD’S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed.
III. Our Generation should be Applying God’s Truth- -1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
A) Repent of Sins and Trust in Christ to save
B) Live like a Chosen Generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation
C) Trust in God’s Care – Peculiar means surrounded
Psalm 102:6-7 PELICANS, OWLS, AND LONELY SPARROWS
Note the Intro to this Psalm- (Psa 102:1) A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee.
3 THINGS EVERYONE NEEDS:
- REWARDS- Feeling of Accomplishment (Pelican missing)
- RESPECT- Feeling of Acceptance (Owl Missing)
- RESPONSIBILITY- Feeling of Need (Sparrow Missing)
I. Pelicans- Vomits- Keep bringing up the Past. Location- Wilderness Life of Desolation- no improvements. ILLUSTRATION- “Black Bart” was His name. He was a professional thief and his name stirred fear all along the Wells Fargo line for 13 years. During the last 8 years of his career he stole the money from 29 different stagecoach crews– all without firing a shot or taking a hostage.. His weapon was his reputation. His ammunition was intimidation. He wore a hood to hide his face so no sketch was ever make of him.
When the authorities finally tracked “Black Bart” down they did not find a blood thirsty bandit from Death Valley; they found a mind-mannered druggist from Decatur, Illinois. The man the papers pictured as storming through the mountains on horseback was, in reality, so afraid of horses until he rode to and from his robberies in a buggy. His real name was Charles E Boles. The reason he never once fired a shot was because he never once loaded his gun!
II. Owls- Night Animals- Live in Dark. Location- Desert- Life of no fruit, No Refreshment
ILLUSTRATION- Preacher’s child who wanted a flashlight to take to bed because the lights has gone out during a storm and her night light had gone out. Need a light we carry with us.
III. Sparrow- Flock animal but alone- Isolated. Location- On the top of the House Family and Friends near but you are not part with them. ILLUSTRATION- Mohammad Ali stored his trophies and pictures in his gym. When he took a reporter to see them they were streaked with Bird dung. “Don’t amount to anything at all” He said.
Harrison Ford in “Working Girl” One lost deal is all it takes to get canned these days. The line button on my phone all have an inch of little pieces of tape piled on them- the names of new guys over the name so old guys- good men who aren’t at the other end of the line anymore because of one lost deal. I don’t want to get buried under a little piece of tape.
Psalm 107:- REDEMPTION REJOICING
This Psalm contains 4 Reasons that God’s People should Praise the Name and Nature of God. As we look at them today, I want to apply them to our present circumstances. Hopefully, this will deepen our faith and extend our Witness.
1. REJOICE BECAUSE YOU HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM THE CAPTIVITY OF SIN- Psa 107:1 7 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
2 Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
3 And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south.
4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.
5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.
6 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them out of their distresses.
7 And he led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. (Home!!)
2. REJOICE BECAUSE YOU HAVE A SATISFIED SOUL- Psa 107:8 14 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
9 For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
10 Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; 11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the most High:
12 Therefore he brought down their heart with labour; they fell down, and there was none to help.
13 Then they cried unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses.
14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.
3. REJOICE BECAUSE YOU HAVE CONFIDENCE IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE- Psa 107:15 20 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
16 For he hath broken the gates of brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder.
17 Fools because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, are afflicted.
18 Their soul abhorreth all manner of meat; and they draw near unto the gates of death.
19 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. 20 He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.
4. REJOICE BECAUSE GOD GUIDES THROUGH LIFE- Psa 107:21 30 Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! 22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing. 23 They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; 24 These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. 25 For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26 They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit’s end. 28 Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. 29 He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. 30 Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.
Psalm 107:2 ENJOY OR ENDURE?
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy; (Psalms 107:2).
Have you ever listened to the tone of some people’s testimony? They will describe in vivid lively details their life of sin and at the end will say, “and then I got saved” (But it really sounds like, “and then I caught the measles!”). They sound like Salvation is something you have to endure instead of enjoy; and wonder why they aren’t very good soul winners!
Out of the millions of reasons why I’m glad I’m saved let me share with you three that will help you understand why I enjoy my relationship with the Lord so much.
1> Possession- Ps 4:3 “The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself“. I rejoice that I’m not simply one of the herd of humanity that struggles and dies on planet earth. I am the personal possession of the God of the universe; bought and paid for by the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus.
2> Prized- Zech 2:8 “He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” Not only do I belong to God but God actually thinks I’m something special!! Since God bought me He had the right to make me a slave; instead, He made me a Son! And promised me an inheritance in Heaven!
3> Protected- I Pet 2:9 “Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;“. The word Peculiar here means “Encircled” or “Surrounded” and shows how God allows only those temptations and trials to come my way that are for my good and His glory. The storms of Satan may lash the world but I’m safe in the “Rock” and rejoice in His care.
I’m guarded and guided by a God who thinks I’m special because I belong to Him. It’s not the “measles”; it’s majesty!
Purchased by God.
Provided by God.
Permanent Home with God: Therefore the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come with singing unto Zion; and everlasting joy shall be upon their head: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and mourning shall flee away (Isaiah 51:11).
Psalm 112:7 Bad News
Some ways “Tidings” are used:
Ex 33:4 The Evil Tidings of God’s Anger when the people built the golden calf.
I Sam 11:6 when the men of Jabesh were surrounded and sent word to Saul for relief the tidings made Saul angry
II Sam 18 Tidings of Absalom’s death
II KIngs 7:9 don’t hold good tidings also Is 40:9
Is 52:7 Run to tell good tidings Rom 10:15
Is 61:1 Spirit helps preach good tidings
Lu 2:10 Angels brought good tidings
Luke 8:1 Jesus preached good tidings
Ps 112:7 He shall not be afraid of evil tidings (Bad News): his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.
What are Evil tidings? Good news is sometimes bad (hard for rich to enter Heaven. Angels brought glad tidings but soon people wept as babies were slain). Bad news is sometimes Good (Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.)
There are 3 major things people fear to hear about:
1. Disease “In all your afflictions He is afflicted”
2. Disaster “All things work together for good to them …”
3. Debt “My God shall supply all your need by his riches in Glory 4. Death “Christ conquered him that had the power of death”
Afraid it will come??
Afraid when it Comes??
Heart fixed- Stable emotionally in spite of physical change
Trusting in the Lord- Faith (Mk 4: though boat sink)
WE are to proclaim the Good Tidings of the Gospel
Example of Joseph Gen 45:5 Now therefore be not grieved , nor angery with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to perserve life.
Psalm 116:- WHAT SHALL I RENDER UNTO THE LORD?
It is amazing what God has done for me:
I WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR ME vs 8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling
A) DELIVERED MY SOUL FROM DEATH- SALVATION
B) DELIVERED MINE EYES FROM TEARS-SATISFACTION Abundant Life Hungary Child
C) DELIVERED MY FEET FROM FALLING- SANCTIFICATION Set me on the Rock. I’m in the Lord and greater is he that is within me than he that is in the world
II. WHAT SHALL I GIVE HIM???
1. VS 13 TIME Ps 90:12 Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom Conscience of Limited time I want to walk my life worthy: Ep 5:15-16 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
A) Watchful Walk – Circumspectly- looking around Ex. of Snakes: One in cornrow, none in Hawaii)
B) Wise Walk- Common Sense, Spiritual Sense (Word as a lamp to feet) (Ex of electric wire- find the post!!) Walk-manner of life
C) Economical Walk-Buying up the opportunities (EX- Man gives you $1440 a day but you must spend it all every day and you must give account for how you spent it. 1440 minutes in a day.)
1) Do the important things multiply time-tapes-memory scripture
2) Be aware of time robbers.
2. vs 14-15 TRUSTWORTHINESS Ecc 5:4 When thou vowest aa vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed (Just as you vow to be faithful to Mate)
This involves Faithfulness in our Attendance, our money, vacation etc.
The Tithe- Personal- Will a man rob God?
Associational- Nehemiah 10:38 And the priest the son of aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes; and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, unto the treasure house. Numbers 18:26 Thus speak unto the Levites, and say unto them, when ye take of the Children of Israel the tithes which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then ye shall offer up an heave offering of it for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe.
II Cor 9:7-8 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.
3. vs 16 TALENT You are the Lord’s Servant, don’t hide your Talent
Some have 5, some 2, some 1- it’s not how many talents you have but what you do with what you have. Hide it to your Hurt
4. vs 17-18 TRUE LOVE Rev 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Everything is a sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal without. Love Stuart Briscoe’s kids
He gave His Son to die for us. The Spirit to live in us, and Heaven as a Home. If he doesn’t deserve our best then none does. Are you giving God your scraps or the best you have???
If you’ve been giving scraps repent and give your all.
Psalm 117:2 ENDURING TRUTH
(Psa 117:2) For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD.
Time of Change:
Personal Change- New Job, New Home, Address, Phone
Society Change- Technology- Y2K (Books to Thailand, Switzerland). 1 car to multicar
Churches Change- March 19, 1962 to Huge buildings and school today.
Some things never change: the truth of the LORD endureth for ever
Truth about Scripture- (Psa 119:89) For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.
Truth about Service- Every Christian has a job to do and the whole body suffers when one part fails to function.
Truth about Supplication- God still answers Prayer
Truth about Sin:
The Nature of Sin- Missing God’s Mark
Actions- Drunk, Homosexual, Cursing
Attitude- Bitterness, Revenge, Anger
Acceptable- Coveting, Gossip, Lust
The Wages of Sin- Death
The Scope of Sin- All have sinned and come short of God’s Glory
The Payment for sin- Repent of Sins and Trust Christ as Savior
God does not Change- Mal 3:6 I am the Lord, I change not, Heb 13:8 Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever.
God’s love does not change- For everyone- The World
For what is best for us- Rebuke and Chasten
Despite Circumstances- Rom 8:35-39
One day I went on a wild goose chase and ended up in quicksand. I needed someone to extend me a hand from above and pull me out. You need that same hand today.
Psalm 121:- HELP FROM THE HILLS
I. THE SOURCE OF HELP- The Lord 1 2
A) The Hills are the hills of Jerusalem where the temple sat and the people met with God. (It would be the same as us saying “Church”)
B) God is able to help- He made the Heavens and the earth and there is nothing impossible with God. (ALL POWERFUL GOD)
II. THE SECURITY OF OUR HELP 3 4
A) He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; you have a sure foundation. (No man is able to pluck you out of God’s Hand)
B) He never sleeps on the Job- God is always available. (DEPENDABLE GOD)
III. THE SATISFACTION OF HIS HELP 5 6
A) God, who loves me and wants the best for me, is my Keeper. I can rest in his care.
B) He is a refuge from the heat of this world- He protects me when I am attacked so that I won’t get “heatstroke”. (PROTECTING GOD)
IV. THE STABILITY OF GOD’S HELP 7 8
A) Protection from evil- Preserve: “Keep unto himself”. God encircles us and will not allow us to be tempted above that we are able to bear.
B) a Pathway provided by God- so that my going and coming will always be right as I depend on His direction.
(SECURE IN GOD)
Psalm 142:4 NO MAN’S LAND
No Man Knows when Christ will Return– MAR 13:32-33 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father. Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
I. NO MAN CARED Ps 142:4 I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.
Results of No Man Caring: The vineyard becomes a wasteland when no man lays it to heart- Jer 12:10-11 Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my potion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness. They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourneth unto me; the whole land is made desolate, because no man layeth it to heart.
II. NO MAN PRAYED Ez 22:30 And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.
III. NO MAN STAYED II Tim 4:16-17 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
No man loses by Following Christ- MAR 10:28-31 Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.
IV. NO MAN HELPED Jn 5:7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
Jesus can Unbind the man no man can bind– MAR 5:2-3 And when he was come out of the ship, immediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:
V. NO MAN INTERCEDED Is 59:16 And he saw that there as no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him.
Psalm 147:5 UNDERSTANDING GOD
Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite (Psa 147:5).
In order to Find God we must understand some things about Him. Our verse for today says it’s impossible to know all there is to know about God; but, at the same time, it’s important that we know some things to help us recognize and relate to God.
One of the most important aspects of God is His Sovereignty (Supremacy of authority or rule, Complete independence and self-government). God could not be God unless He was completely Sovereign. Yet, He must use His Sovereignty in such a way until Mankind is allowed to have a Free Will. Therein lies the difficulty in beginning to understand God.
1) The Sovereignty of God must never be thought of apart from all else that God is- Holy, Wisdom, goodness, kindness, Love. God is not just an absolute POWER; He is a PERSON. The Sovereignty of God must be seen as the all controlling expression of His moral and ethical perfection.
2) Man has a Free Will but it must operate within the Sovereignty of God- Satan was free to rebel against God but he was not free to escape the consequences. And, since God is infinite, He plans for and Controls the results of sin in His Sovereignty- the Example of Joseph: God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth, and to save your lives by a great deliverance. So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God:… (Gen 45:7-8)
3) God’s Sovereignty is the overriding principle expressed in the First book of the Bible (Genesis). That’s because nations and people must learn to look for, and accept, God’s sovereign will if they are to prosper- Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. (Psa 127:1)
Note the Sovereignty of God illustrated in:
A) THE CREATION- God made man supreme in spite of the fact that others were more beautiful, powerful, dedicated, etc.
[It is not your ability but God’s Choosing that counts]
B) THE FALL- Satan won a battle but lost the war. Man ate a fruit and lost a garden. Free will clashed with Sovereignty and God won.
[Sin can be made to serve under the power of God]
C) THE FLOOD- Mankind disobeyed God’s laws but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
[Society’s fall should not bring despair but uplifted eyes]
D) THE TOWER OF BABEL- God set the races apart and only Antichrist will be able to bring them together again.
[The way that seems good to man leads to destruction]
See God’s Sovereignty in the lives of People: (1) Sovereign CALL to Abraham. (2) Sovereign CONCEPTION in the birth of Isaac. (3) Sovereign CONTROL in God’s Care of Jacob. (4) Sovereign CARE in God’s protection of Joseph.
You may not understand God’s Sovereignty but YOU CAN SURE REST IN IT!! Cling to a God who is in complete control and who is working ALL things together for the good for those who love Him and who are the called according to His purpose.
Psalm 150 HALLELUJAH
“Praise the Lord” is the same as HALLELUJAH. The Psalmist gives some very important information about our “Praise Lives” in this concluding Psalm:
1. WHERE‑ Praise God in his Sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2. WHY‑ Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3‑5 HOW‑ Praise him with the sound of the tumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 WHO‑ Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
THE TITLES ON THE PSALMS:
At times Authorship is emphasized. Sometimes Relationship. The occasion of the psalm’s composition is sometimes pointed out. Certain titles indicate the desired musical effect of setting. Still others describe the basic character of the psalm as (1) a hymn to be sung with musical accompaniment (mizmor), (2) a song (shir), (3) an anthem (maskil), or (4) a lamentation (miktam).
All but 34 of the psalms bear some type of title as a superscription. 73 use the inscription “A Psalm of David”. 12 are connected with Asaph, 12 with the sons of Korah, 2 with Solomon, 1 with Ethan, and 1 with Moses.
THE DIVISION OF THE BOOK:
Psalms is divided into 5 “books” that appear to correspond to the 5 books of the Law.