Confidence in God

 

Scripture Text

Psalm 138: 7-8

Intro: King David is a good example of one who had great confidence in God. The scriptures for this message tell us we too can have great confidence in God.

I. Christianity is not trouble free. Psalms 138:7 (NKJV) Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand Against the wrath of my enemies, And Your right hand will save me. Our hope is not in the absence of trouble. David walked daily in the midst of trouble and trials. So do Christians! Every day we face all kinds of troubles, distresses, different risks, sicknesses. So, we shouldn't expect an absence of trouble. Our hope is in God. He will revive us [cheer our spirit] in the midst of trouble. He will stretch out His hand against the wrath of our enemies. He will bring us victory in the midst of troubles. God says in Psalms 23:4 (NKJV) Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. If one finds their self in a valley of deep [trouble, distress, sickness, anxiety] , you need not fear. The Lord is with you and will protect you with His glorious provisions. A. God gives the victory in the presence of our enemies. [Psalms 23:5] You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. The psalmist here rejoices in the Lord’s provision. What was comforting to David was that the victory was in the presence of his enemies. Despite impending danger, the Lord spread out a table for him, that is, God provided for him and anointed his head with oil which is symbolic of the anointing of God's favor and blessings in which comes our victory. In view of the table and the oil, David knew that his lot in life (his cup) was abundant blessing from the Lord. His right hand will save us. The same hand that strikes out against our adversaries will save us from disaster. 1 Peter 3:22 (NKJV) Jesus has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him. Romans 8:34 (NKJV) Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

II. God will complete that which concerns us. Psalms 138:8 (NKJV) The Lord will perfect that which concerns me; Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; Do not forsake the works of Your hands. This is the same confidence that Paul expressed in; Philippians 1:6 (NKJV) being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. We can be sure God will complete His work in us because His steadfast love endures forever. [In Heb. 13:5 God says] “He will never leave us nor forsake us.” God's word says in; Romans 8:28 (NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

III. God never can or will forsake the works of His hand. We Christians are the work of His hands. Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Romans 8:38-39 (NKJV) ³⁸ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Conclusion: God works constantly to bring beauty out of pain. The question is not “Will He succeed?” But rather, “Will we trust Him until He completes that which concerns us?” The answer is up to us!

Invitation: Confidence in God begins with being born again by the Spirit. When we confess our sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive and save us, we can have confidence that He will hear us and save us. Once we have taken this first step we can have confidence that God will take care of us and deliver us through whatever we have to face in this life because He will never leave us nor forsake us. We can have then confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God which we have in Christ Jesus our Lord. We are His now and throughout eternity! Praise God!

Freedom

 

Scripture Text

Titus 3:3-8

Intro: This Thursday we celebrate our freedom and independence. Many men and women have died to make sure we stay free from bondage to another nation. As we celebrate the Lord’s Supper here today, we want to remember the freedom that God has given us through the gift of His Son, the wonderful Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

I. Remember our former way of life before Christ. Titus 3:3 (NLT)
³  Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. a. Without God, all of us were unbelievers enslaved to our passions and desires. Left alone, all human nature can only go from bad to worse. Instead of living for God, our lives were full of evil and envy before Christ. No matter how much “love” we tried to create without God, the overriding power of our sin produced a greater amount of hatred. We needed to be set free from this bondage to the devil. Thus there was no hope for us apart from the intervention of the holy God, the Creator and Savior.

II. We were set free from bondage by God our Savior. Titus 3:3-6 (NKJV)³  For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another.⁴  But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared,⁵  not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, ⁶  whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. a. All of our former bondage changed when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared. What we could in no wise do for ourselves, God did for us through Jesus Christ His Son. God freed us from bondage to Satan and sin. He freed us in His kindness, love, and mercy. God in His grace saves and sets free those who believe, not because of any righteousness in them, but because of His mercy, love, and kindness. The three words, “kindness,” “love,” and “mercy” all represent aspects of God’s grace. Grace is the unmerited favor of God. The dual means of grace through which He accomplished this salvation are (1) the rebirth spoken of as a washing from the filth of our sins, past, present, and future. (2) We were renewed by the Holy Spirit ( 2 Cor. 5:17). The moment we believed in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord we were washed clean from the filth of our sins and we were given new birth and new life by the power of the Holy Spirit which God generously poured out on us Paul says in verse 6.

III. We have been justified by God’s grace. Titus 3:7 (NLT)  Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.” a. From Adam we inherited a sinful nature (the tendency to sin), and we were under God’s wrath and due His punishment. Because Jesus took the punishment we deserved for sin and made us right before God, we are now free from all bondage. We have been declared not guilty. We can trade our sin for Jesus’ righteousness. When we do that, we know that we will inherit eternal life. Colossians 1:13-14 (NKJV) ¹³ He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins. Eternal life began the moment we gave our life to Christ, but there is more to come! Our experience now is only a foretaste of what God has guaranteed to us in the future! Praise be to God!

IV. We are to devote ourselves to helping set others free from bondage. Titus 3:8 (NLT) This is a trustworthy saying, and I want you to insist on these teachings so that all who trust in God will devote themselves to doing good. These teachings are good and beneficial for everyone. a. Believers must show their beliefs through their conduct. We must be careful to do good deeds all the time, wherever we are. Sound belief must manifest itself in good works. As we live a godly life before others, and help reach them with the gospel message, we will be helping to set them free from their bondage to sin and Satan.

Invitation: Allow the Holy Spirit to look into your heart and tell you whether you are a child of God or not. If God’s Spirit points out you are not His child, you need to correct that. Confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him for His forgiveness. Do it now. Don’t wait!

Priorities for 2024

 

Intro: As we have just entered the New Year, it’s time to think about our priorities for 2024. Our top priorities should be of the spiritual nature. Those things that will help us grow in our relationship with God. Our spiritual life controls how we respond to all other things. God’s will for us all; 3 John 1:2 (NKJV) Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

I. The first priority is prayer. (Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV) 'Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.'

A. We have an open invitation from God to call on Him in prayer.

Only through prayer can believers stay in contact with God, know what he wants them to do, and then have the strength to do God’s will in all areas of life.

B. The promise is (V:33b)

1. He will answer us. We should pray in confidence, complete trust in God and His word to us.

2. He will show us the things we don’t know. God’s plans for the future are inaccessible to ordinary people. Only God can unlock the secrets of the future, and He offered this knowledge to Jeremiah and to every one of us who are children of Abraham by faith.

II. Jesus invites us to call on God in prayer.

In Matthew 6:9-13 (NKJV) ⁹  In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. ¹⁰  Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. ¹¹  Give us this day our daily bread. ¹²  And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
¹³  And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. Jesus had given the disciples a model prayer. Now He assured them that God welcomes prayer, and urged them to come to Him through their own prayers in His name.

A. Conditions of prayer. Matthew 7:⁷ "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you

1. Asking – Continuously and persistently action. Emphasized by the present tenses in the verbs:

2. Seeking- Like seeking some lost treasure that means the most to you.

3. Knocking - “keep on asking”; “keep on seeking”; “keep on knocking”

B. Some things to ask in prayer. God’s wisdom for daily living and for clear direction in our daily lives in the choices we make and paths we follow. Pray for God’s help in being faithful, disciplined and committed to Him in the use of our time and resources all year long. Pray for help in seeking His Kingdom first and living righteously.

C. The promise if we do these things faithfully. Matthew 7:8 (NKJV)
. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

1. It will be given you. The answers we need to make right choices that will keep us faithful to Him.

2. You will find. We will find God more than ready and willing to help us along life’s journey this year.

3. It will be opened to you. Every door that leads to the abundant life and His blessings for us will be opened to us.

III. These promises are for everyone who asks. Matthew 7:9-11 (NKJV)⁹  Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?¹⁰  Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent?¹¹  If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

A. The Father is willing to answer us because He delights in granting our request.

B. He will give us the good things that we need to promote our well-being.

Prayer makes sure we live with a humble acknowledgment of our need for His grace, knowing He is our only hope for staying on course and fulfilling our created purpose. God rewards those who call on Him.

Invitation: For the abundant life, make prayer your top priority for this year. Pray about everything from church, family and Nation to all your own needs. Ask God regularly to show you His agenda and priorities for your life, to order your steps so you can fulfill His Kingdom purposes in and through your life. First priority of prayer is salvation. If you have never called on Jesus to save you, now is the time! Ask Jesus to forgive your sins against God and invite Jesus into your life to take charge.

The One Needful Thing!

 

Scripture Text

Luke 10:38-42

Intro: Most Christians think they have to be busy doing things for the Lord to please Him. The more they do the more pleased Jesus is with them. But the verses before us today give us enlightenment as to what Jesus considers the most needful thing in a person's life.

I. Martha welcomed Jesus into her house! Luke 10:38 (NKJV)
³⁸  Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. We need to be like Martha in this respect. May we welcome Him into our life as we start each day! Jesus stands at the door and knocks in; Revelation 3:20 (NKJV) Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. He won't force His way in, He must be invited in.

II. Martha's focus. Luke 10:40 (NKJV) But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me." She was distracted by much serving. She complained about no help! Many Christians are stressed out from to much serving. They feel they have to keep busy for Him to please Him. Jesus let Martha know the truth about her misplaced priorities. Luke 10:41 And Jesus answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. Jesus was not rebuking her for wanting to serve Him, but she was to sit at His feet and listen to Him first and then serve. You can be so busy for Jesus and others that you don’t take time to be in His presence and listen to Him. If you don't take time to listen to Jesus there will be no joy in your serving. You will be serving in your own strength. Martha's eyes were on her sister. Some today try to serve that way. She was worried and troubled about many things, not just serving. How many do you know that are serving God and it is torture for them and they make it known to everyone? They complain about this and that. Miserable Christians they are! Jesus doesn’t want you to stress out over serving Him and others so you need to stop, sit at Jesus' feet and listen to Him. Then we will be prepared to serve Him in His way and strength instead of our own which really profits nothing.

III. Mary's focus. Luke 10:39 (NKJV) And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet and heard His word. We need to be like Mary also. She knew what was important and needful. Luke 10:42 But one thing is needful, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." Jesus said one thing is needful, necessary, worth being concerned over and that's Listening to Him. Mary had chosen the good part and it would not be taken from her. When you take time out of your daily schedule to sit at Jesus’ feet you have chosen that good part and you will be blessed. Godly Christians are to pray for understanding and knowledge and listen to hear the Holy Spirit speaking through God’s word. God has given us His word to strengthen, comfort, and encourage us. His word gives us guidance and direction in life. From Jesus’ word we obtain wisdom that we need to serve Him and live successfully for Him in this world. God blesses and favors those who read His word. Our relationship with Jesus is made ever more intimate as we sit at Jesus feet and hear His words. Then we apply them in our service for Him and in our every day life. In God’s word we will find His promises to us and we will find the path for a victorious lifestyle. May all Christians see a need to read God’s word and listen for the Holy Spirit's leading. How many problems of the church and our lives could we avoid if we all read this word daily and lived each day by it?Jesus has a plan for our lives but if we don’t take time to sit at His feet we won’t find it!Jesus wrote the instruction book for life! Have you ever tried to put something you bought together without reading the instructions first? What usually happens besides not being able to finish the job? A great loss of time! Jesus alone knows the most successful path in life. In John 15:5 Jesus said “without Him we could do nothing.” Jesus says in verse 42 that There is Nothing more needful in your life than God’s word. Luke 4:4 But Jesus answered him-[the devil], saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' "

Conclusion: When you choose God’s word as the most needful thing in your life, it will not be taken from you and you will have great success and you can serve God in His power!

INVITATION: God’s word says He wants all mankind to come to the knowledge of the truth. Do you know Jesus as your personal Savior? If not confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Invite Him into your life to take charge of you. Is Jesus saying to you that you are troubled and worried about many things? Do you feel stressed out over things? Then take time daily to read His word!

Trust – The Way of God

 

Scripture Text

Proverbs 3:5-6

Intro: In these scriptures we look at a way by which God works. It is the way of trust in Him through all life’s situations whatever they may be.

I. We are to trust God. Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding. To trust in means to have full reliance and dependence in God. Human insight is never enough, that's why

a. We are not to lean or rely on our own understanding, but we are to trust in God for everything we need in life. We read God's word to get His understanding about life's situations. God has perfect understanding about everything we face so we fully trust Him for what we need. God has made us dependent on Him and we are to be conscience of that fact at all times and through all circumstances.

b. We have confidence which means a strong belief, in the assurance that God will do all He has promised in His word. God is the fountain of all good.

c. We are to lean on, trust and be confident in God with all our heart. Heart in Hebrew means intellect.) The intellect determines what a person does, his behavior in all circumstances. The Mind is - the seat of reasoning, understanding, intention, purpose and attitude. We completely trust God for our direction I life.

It determines our true character, personality. We are to reason and make decisions based on God’s view of whatever we are facing at the time. We think about His perspective of the situation remembering nothing is impossible with Him.

d. Trials, temptations, sicknesses, and situations in life are to be conquered by our confident belief in God. We do not see God, but we lean on, trust and have confidence Him. These words are in the present continuous tense. It is continuous action, continuous trust—a trust that continues on and on. It is belief in and never ceasing to be confident, always leaning on God at all times. When we continue to have this assurance, confidence and trust in God, then we are fully relying on Him. We are doing what He says and He will bless us accordingly.

We are standing firm in His presence and power to conquer and to carry us through all trials. We are confident God will fulfill all His promises in His word.

  We do not rely, or look for support and stability in ourselves or someone else.

We are not to rely on our own insight, understanding or discernment.

We don’t have full knowledge of all the facts surrounding the things we have to face in life.

II. In all our ways we are to acknowledge God. Proverbs 3:6 (NKJV) In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

a. Know (the value of God and acknowledge Him.) We are to know He is the all-powerful One to do whatever needs to be done in every area of our lives.

He is well able to handle and take care of whatever the problem might be.

God is everywhere at one time. He is always aware of what is going on concerning us.

b. We Recognize God as in control of everything in this world.

c. We acknowledge (confess) the presence of God in our lives at all times. He will never leave us nor forsake us.

Psalms 46:1 (NKJV) God is our refuge (our shelter from the storm) and strength, (He is our power and strength because of His influence over everything His absolute authority and resources,) A very present (available) help in trouble.

d. He shall direct your paths when you acknowledge Him in all your ways. God will regulate the course of your daily path and control your every step. He will make smooth and straight your way. He will make plain the way we are to go. He will keep us from the path of sin and destruction. The Lord will guide us to the final goal of life. God gives wisdom and with it the task of making wise decisions. The first decision is to seek God’s wisdom. Second decision is to be obedient to what God is saying.

Conclusion: We would be wise to follow the advice we find in these scriptures if we want an abundant, fully blessed life. God has made His wisdom available to us through His word. We would be wise to seek out His wisdom and follow it.

Invitation: Father, help us to trust You more each day that we have left on this earth. May we learn to completely trust You know matter the situation or circumstance we may face in this life. Forgive our sin of not always fully trusting You. If there is one reading this who has not trusted in Jesus for the forgiveness of their sins, may this be the day that they fully trust in Jesus as their Savior!

Top Priority for This Year

 

Intro: Jesus said We are to pray for God's kingdom to come and His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. (Matt. 6:10) We as God's people can help bring His kingdom to earth by praying for it and by the way we live.

I. Seek first God’s kingdom. (Matt. 6:33) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

a. Seek first means it must have the priority over all else in our lives.

Seek means to go in search or quest of. Seeking God’s kingdom starts with a new birth. Jesus said” you must be born again.” (John 3:3) After we enter the kingdom through the salvation that Jesus provided for us we are to seek to live our lives in the righteous standing that Jesus provided us when He died on the cross for our sins. Salvation is the beginning of a new abundant life in Jesus Christ. He empowers us by His Spirit within and we have the word of God to be our guide each day of our lives. We are to: “Keep seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness by praying for it and reading, studying and meditating on His word” and speaking it over our lives so that it changes and shapes our lives into His perfect will for us.

II. What is God’s kingdom?

a. It is where God as King rules and reigns over all that belongs to Him. It’s where He has supreme authority over those in His kingdom. We Christians are His servants, He is our King and we are to obey Him in every area of our lives.

b. The kingdom of God is not external but internal. Romans 14:17 (NKJV) It is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It’s more important what we feed our souls than it is our bodies. The kingdom of God is about a change in our heart and soul, not about keeping a set of rules and regulations.

c. The kingdom of God is in righteous living . 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NKJV) For God made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. In Christ we have become the righteousness of God. Because Jesus has made us the righteousness of God, we are to work out the righteousness that Jesus provided for us and is characteristic of God’s kingdom. This is to be the priority of our lives here on this earth. We must seek to be holy in righteous living as a part of our daily lives.

d. The kingdom of God is in Peaceful living. The kind of peace that Jesus gives. John 14:27 (NKJV) Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

In God’s kingdom there is perfect peace and we are to allow His peace to rule in our hearts. Colossians 3:15 (NKJV) And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let God’s peace govern and control your mind and actions. Peace will settle any friction and strife so we believers can remain strong and unified as one body in Christ. Real peace is a fruit of the Spirit who is at work in us. We are to seek peace in the midst of all that is going on in world.

e. Kingdom living is Joyful living. Christian joy is not just happiness that knows no gloom, but is the result of victorious faith over our adverse and trying circumstances. Instead of hindering our joy, these things actually enhances our joy in the Lord. Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit! It comes from His working in our lives. God’s very presence within us by His Holy Spirit brings assurance, confidence, and security in the love and care of God. Real joy comes from knowing that God will take care of us no matter the problem or circumstance. God’s joy comes from knowing we can be absolutely assured of victory through Christ and that God will allow nothing to overcome or defeat us. This brings us joy unspeakable and full of glory.

III. Where is God’s kingdom at this time? Luke 17:20-21 (NKJV)
²⁰ Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation;
²¹ nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you."

a. Until Jesus returns and sets up God’s kingdom here on earth, His kingdom is now in the hearts and lives of His people that have been born again by His Spirit, having been purchased by the blood of Christ. We Christians are to allow God’s will to be done in all that we think, say, and do here on this earth. In that way we help bring God's kingdom to this earth and God will be well pleased with us.

Conclusion: When our priority is God’s kingdom, His righteousness and His rule over our lives, God will take care of the material things we need, for where God guides, He provides. This is God’s “social security” program. The believer’s responsibility is to live for the Lord as He commands in His word, trusting God for the future with unshakable confidence that He will provide. This year may we seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness and live for Him. Then we will be successful and prosperous in God’s eyes and we will be a great blessing to those of us around us!

Invitation: You can never be completely successful in this life or the one to come unless you have entered God’s kingdom. You enter by being be born again. When you put your faith in Jesus Christ and His work on the Cross as payment for your sins, you are born again by the Spirit of God. If you are not sure about your salvation, now is the time to confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and save you from the penalty of your sins. Then be baptized and live for Him.

WORD OF GOD

Intro: God’s word is the primary means by which He is present and working in the world. We can not see God with our physical eyes, but He acts in this world by means of His word. He becomes personally known to us through His word. His word is powerfully creative. He spoke everything into existence and sustains it by His word.

I. God's word and its purposes are irresistible. [Isaiah 55:10-11] ¹⁰ "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, ¹¹ So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. The meaning of these verses is plain. The hearts of people by nature are what the earth would be without the rains of heaven—barren and sterile. But God says that his truth shall certainly accomplish an effect similar to that produced by descending showers. The rain never descends in vain. It makes the earth fertile, beautiful, and lovely and causes it to produce. So it is with his truth in the moral world. The comparison of truth with descending rain or dews is exceedingly beautiful. Deuteronomy 32:1-3 (NKJV) ¹  "Give ear, O heavens, and I will speak; And hear, O earth, the words of my mouth. ²  Let my teaching drop as the rain, My speech distill as the dew, As raindrops on the tender herb, And as showers on the grass. ³  For I proclaim the name of the LORD: Ascribe greatness to our God. The appeal to the heavens and the earth meant that the word of God has significance for the entire created order. Anyone who follows the teaching of God's word becomes fruitful and prosperous in the way rain and dew refresh the new grass and tender plants. The scriptures are a proclamation of the name of the Lord, it is a description of His character and works. Anyone who gives serious consideration to the character and work of God, and puts their trust in Him, can expect to enjoy a blessed and abundant life.

II. God’s word is totally dependable. [Isaiah 40:8] The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.

God's word represents His everlasting commitment. In contrast to the grass and flowers, God's Word never fails but it endures forever. This fact greatly comforts and encourages those who read God's words and live accordingly. We can not depend on the words of others but we can put full trust and confidence in the word of God.
When heard and responded to, God's word meets deep needs in the human heart and provides joy, satisfaction, and confident direction that can be achieved in no other manner. Luke 4:4 Jesus answered the devil saying, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.' " Just as our bodies can not live without bread, neither can our soul live and prosper without God's word.

III. God's word is powerful. Hebrews 4:12 (NKJV) For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. The word powerful translated means energy. It means to say that God’s word has God’s power and energy behind it. Because it is God’s word, it can not be defeated in its purpose. The Bible has all the essentials of the life and power of God to do his work! Not only that, its penetrating power is greater than any double-edged sword and reaches the innermost being of a person so that it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. It is able to discriminate between what is spiritual in man and what is merely “soulish” or natural (it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit), and does so even when these inner elements are interwoven as closely as joints and marrow. The inner life of a Christian is often a strange mixture of motivations, both genuinely spiritual and completely human. It takes a supernaturally discerning agent such as the Word of God to sort these out and to expose what is of the flesh.

Invitation: God's word says you must be born again! If you have not been born again now is the perfect time right where you are. Just confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Then invite Him into your life to take charge of you. Then go to a church that preaches the true gospel and be baptized to show that you are sincere.

When Fearful Times Come!

Scripture Text

Psalm 56:3-4

Intro: Anxieties arise in our lives, not only because this is a fallen world, but God can use our anxieties in order to teach us faith. Sometimes we must be brought to the end of ourselves so we will choose to trust the Father. This is a necessary lesson and a vital part of maturing us as believers. God desires that we grow in our trust of Him.

I. Times of fearfulness will come. [Psalms 56:3a] (NKJV) Whenever I am afraid,

a. David said when I am afraid. There will be times when we are afraid. David had many enemies and problems to face each day. [v:2]

b. There are physical and spiritual enemies who hound and fight against us. Enemies are sent of Satan to destroy us. They come to keep us from experiencing God’s best for our lives. Fighting against these enemies burden us down and put pressure on us. So what do we do in these situations?

II. When fearful times come we choose our course of action. Psalm 56:3b (NKJV)  Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.

a. Every day we either choose to be afraid and succumb to our fears or we can trust in God. It’s a matter of the will. David said “I will trust in God.” The bible says in Philippians 4:6-7 ⁶ Be anxious (fearful) for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, (with thanksgiving,) let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. In troubled times our hearts and minds need protection. Prayer is the key! Take everything to God in prayer and leave it there.                                                                                                                               

III. Our trust is in the character of God and the faithfulness of His word. [Psalms 56:4] In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? David wills [chooses] to honor God's word and not fear.

a. God is more powerful than all our foes combined, and He has promised in His word to protect us from harm. Nothing can penetrate the protective hedge which He sets up around us except by His permissive will. This is why we can trust in God without a fear. If you are not close to God and growing in Him you won't be able to trust Him and you will be afraid. God has to be first in our life.

If God is first in our lives What can man or anything else do to us? Romans 8:31 -32 (NKJV) What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

CONCLUSION: So today, is your heart in despair? Are questions, painful thoughts, or fears flooding your mind? Is there overwhelming situations that you cannot handle? Do as David did and come back to the truth of your Father’s perfect provision and unfailing care for your every need. God has not and never will abandon you. He has made His people a promise in His unfailing word. Isaiah 41:13 ¹³ For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, 'Fear not, I will help you.' Whenever you start to feel afraid, remember that God is holding you by your right hand. Nothing can separate you from His presence. Trust Him to help you!

Invitation: You can never trust in God or His word until you have confessed your sins to God’s Son Jesus and asked Him to forgive your sins against Father God and save you from Hell? You can choose this day to be forgiven and set free from the penalty of your sin by Asking Jesus to forgive you and save you!

Prayer: Lord, speak to the heart of those who may need to trust in Jesus for their salvation and give them the grace to respond. Lord, help us that are Your children to put our trust in You and Your word when we are afraid. Help us to have faith in Your provisions and protection. Thank You for loving us and drawing us all closer to You in Jesus’ holy name. Amen!

Time for an Eye Examination

Scripture Text

Matthew 6:19-24

Intro: Our spiritual vision is critical to our well being. Jesus says we are to give ourselves an eye examination to see if our spiritual vision is what it needs to be.

I. There are two treasures. Matthew 6:19-21 (NKJV)
¹⁹  "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; ²⁰  but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Jesus speaks of two treasures that mankind can choose from. He gives His advice on which is the wisest choice. Each person will make a choice. Then Jesus tells us our choice will be determined by our spiritual eyesight.

II. There is the good eye. Matthew 6:22 (NKJV) "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light. The eye is a gate that gives entrance to the mind of man. What man looks at is what he thinks about, and what he thinks about is what he actually becomes (Proverbs 23:7 says “As a man thinks so he is.”). If a person’s spiritual eye focuses upon Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the world, then their mind and heart will be full of light. Therefore, the deeds of their body will be deeds of light. Singleness of the eye and heart means that a person sets his attention upon the Lord Jesus for the purpose of doing His will. If a person's eye is good and healthy, then he is able to focus upon the heavenly treasures and grasp the truth. A good eye seeks the treasures of heaven which are eternal: Eternal treasures are incorruptible and secure. Matthew 6:20 (NKJV) 

 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. They cause a person’s "whole body to be full of light."  Matthew 6:22 (NKJV) "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light.

Eternal treasures consume a person’s whole being in all the meaning and   purpose and significance of life. Eternal treasures cause a person to love and to serve God and draw a person near to God. Matthew 6:24 (NKJV) "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. A person's heart is precisely where his treasure is. If his healthy spiritual eye is on treasures in heaven, then his heart is on heavenly treasures. Matthew 6:21 (NKJV) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.      

III. There is the bad eye. Matthew 6:23 (NKJV) But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!  A bad evil eye is one that focuses upon anything that is not of God. If the eye is unhealthy, it is not able to focus upon the true treasures of heaven. It is blind and in darkness. If a person’s focus is on treasures of this earth, his heart is on earth. A bad eye is not able to focus upon the true treasures; it’s not able to focus upon the things of God. A bad eye is blind and in darkness. So it is with the heart.  An unhealthy heart is like an unhealthy eye. It is in darkness, unable to see the heavenly treasures. Christ says that a person is not to set his heart upon earthly treasures. Why? Such a person focuses his eyes (heart, attention, mind, thoughts, energy, and effort) on evil. What does Christ call earthly treasures evil? Earthly treasures are evil because they are deceiving; they are not true treasures at all.

1. Earthly treasures are corruptible; they age, die, waste away, deteriorate, and decay. (V:19) (2.) They are insecure; they will be stolen or taken away or left behind. (V:23)

 3. They cause a person's heart to be full of darkness (V:23).

 4. They will consume a person (V:24).

 5. They cause a person to hate, despise, and reject God and alienate a person from God (V:24). Then the shadows of darkness set in upon him. He becomes deceived.

6.  He is deceived in that he becomes covetous and greedy (to get more and more).

 7. He becomes apprehensive and fearful (of losing everything).

 8. He begins to complain about his situation in life and hold grudges against others.

 9. He becomes a cold hard hearted person. He is close-minded to the things of God.

Conclusion: The choice is clear. A man either serves God or material things.

 There are only two treasures: the earth and its treasures or God and His treasures,    physical and material things or spiritual and eternal things.

Every man without exception will commit his life to one of two treasures: mammon or God. He will focus his heart, eyes, mind, attention, thoughts, hands, and energy upon earthly things or upon heavenly things. He cannot "serve God and mammon."

Invitation: Has your eye focused on Jesus and His salvation or are you still blind to your need for His forgiveness? If you have never stopped and confessed your sins to Christ and asked Him to forgive you, now is the perfect time.

         If you know Christ as your Savior, is your eye good and focused on Him and the treasures of Heaven? Are you living for Christ each day and serving Him in some way? If not, now is the time to correct you vision! Don’t live another day with bad eye sight!