Thoughts for the New Year

 

Intro: Since we have just entered the New Year; here are some thoughts from God's word we might want to remember so we can have a joyful and blessed year. God has some good advice for us, and we would be wise to heed what He has to say.

I. Forget the Past. Philippians 3:13–14 (NKJV) ¹³Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

a. Like Paul, we should be focusing on one goal: forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. Our past sins should not be used as a barrier to the future, as an excuse for dropping out, or for avoiding a closeness in our relationship with God. We must repent of past and present sins. 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Even the good we have done is past and we cannot hold on to that. We as Christians must forget the past, the good and bad things and press on toward the goal of perfection for which Christ saved us. In (Matthew 5:48) Jesus said to be perfect as our Father in Heaven is perfect. Paul did not consider that he had achieved perfection or spiritual maturity; he was not all that he knew he should be, but he lived his life growing in his relationship with God, pressing on toward the goal of ultimate perfection for which Christ died to give him.

II. Remember God is With You. [Rom. 8:29-31 ²⁹ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. ³⁰ Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. ³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

a. God who knew us in advance before we were born has predetermined us to be like Christ. He has called us by name, He has justified us, given us a right standing before Him and He has given us His glory, the glory of His Spirit within. We have a special relationship with the Lord as His covenant people. In verse 31 God says if we are His people then who can be against us? Because God has created us and called us, justified us and glorified us He will also care for us, He will continue as our Shepherd to guide us. Christ not only died for us but is now at God's right hand constantly pleading for us. Therefore, in difficult times, we should not give up and fear, for God is with us and will protect us and this makes us more than conquerors thru Him that loved us. He assures us that nothing in the heavens above or earth below, can separate us from His love which He has for us in Jesus Christ our Lord. Heb. 13:5 God promises He is always with us and He will never leave us nor forsake us.

III. Hold Fast to Your Faith. [Hebrews 6:13-20 (NLT)] ¹³ For example, there was God’s promise to Abraham. Since there was no one greater to swear by, God took an oath in his own name, saying: ¹⁴ “I will certainly bless you, and I will multiply your descendants beyond number.” ¹⁵ Then Abraham waited patiently, and he received what God had promised.

a. Abraham is our example. In verse 14 God made him a promise and in verse 15 the bible says that after he waited patiently, and he received what God had promised. God had confirmed his promise to Abraham with an oath, and these two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. God has promised us Christians His salvation and care for us. He has given His oath that He will provide for us a home in heaven. So we can have the sure hope of security because of the unchanging truth of His promise. It’s impossible for God to lie. Patience is our part whereby we hold on to his promise with confident hope just as Abraham did. We Christians have fled to God for refuge. Christ provides the safest place, the hope we count on, the encouragement we need. We must “hold on to his promise of salvation and blessings,” grasping it, refusing to let go no matter what happens around us. This confidence in God’s word is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, secure and immovable. Not only does this confidence in God’s promises hold us secure, but it leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary. The inner sanctuary refers to the Most Holy Place in the Jewish Temple where God’s presence was. God’s presence was closed from the people by a curtain. The curtain was torn from top to bottom and the way into God’s presence was opened when Jesus died on the cross as payment for our sins. Because Jesus has provided access to God's presence; Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV)  Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Invitation: Have you taken advantage of God’s promise to save you from Hell and give you a home in His Kingdom? When you confess your sins against Jesus and ask Him to forgive and save you, God has promised He will give you a home in His Kingdom. If you have not done that, do it right now before it’s eternally too late. Then use this year to draw close to Him as you read His word and communicate with Him in prayer.

Great Faith

 

Scripture Texts

Mark 6:6

Luke 7:1-10

Intro: There are only two times in the bible that Jesus marveled at people’s faith. Marvel means to be impressed, amazed, be surprised and stand in wonder of. There are two kinds of faith that makes Jesus marvel. We will look at those two kinds of faith. Take note of which kind of faith you have.

I. Jesus marvels at the lack of faith. Mark 6:5–7 (NKJV) ⁵Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them. ⁶And He marveled because of their unbelief. Then He went about the villages in a circuit, teaching. a. Unbelief ties Jesus’ hands so that He can do no mighty work among us. (v:5) Unbelief or lack of faith prevents Jesus’ mighty working power in our lives. God works by faith!

b. "Jesus marveled because of their unbelief!" (v:6) He stood in amazement and shock of their total disbelief. They had His presence, His wisdom, and the testimony of His mighty works. They had His power to help them in all their need, yet they stayed away from His meetings. They would not come to Him. In pride, they refused to trust and believe Him. The situation amazed Jesus. Their unbelief was just incredible, but He had to accept their rejection. He could not force Himself upon them, so He left town and traveled to the villages around Nazareth.

II. Jesus marvels at great faith. (Luke 7:1-7) Now when He concluded all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered Capernaum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 So when he heard about Jesus, he sent elders of the Jews to Him, pleading with Him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that the one for whom He should do this was deserving, 5 “for he loves our nation, and has built us a synagogue.” 6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was already not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not even think myself worthy to come to You. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. 8 For I also am a man placed under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him, and turned around and said to the crowd that followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” a. A Roman centurion had a servant very dear to him who was sick. Note that the centurion built the Jews a synagogue. He diligently sought Jesus. The centurion was a very humble man who sought Jesus through the Jews because he did not feel worthy to approach Jesus. The centurion was a man of faith. He believed Jesus could meet his need. The centurion illustrated perfectly what great faith is. Jesus marveled at his faith. (v:9)

1. Great Faith believes that "God is": that He is sovereign Lord over all. Believing God takes faith. (Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” All power is subject to Him.

2. Great Faith believes that "God rewards those that diligently seek Him." Faith in Jesus words believes He will use His power on behalf of those who diligently seek Him. The great faith of the Roman centurion believed God had given Jesus supreme authority over every other power and authority that exists. Philippians 2:10 (NKJV) At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth. Many believers diligently seek the Lord, but the centurion's faith was so much greater than most believers. Why? Because he believed that the Word of Christ was all that was needed. Jesus did not have to be present for the need to be met. As a centurion, he was under the Roman government’s authority and he had been given authority over men. All he had to do was issue an order and it was carried out, whether he was present or not. He was a sovereign commander. He was saying, "How much more authority you have, O' Lord. Your authority is supreme. Speak the word only, and my need shall be met."

III. The results of great faith. The centurion’s servant was healed right then. Luke 7:10 (NKJV) ¹⁰And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well who had been sick.

Conclusion: Believing, that is, great faith, is a rare thing. Not many believe with great faith; yet belief in Christ is one of the greatest qualities of human life—a quality ignored, neglected, and in some cases denied. Often Christians limit Jesus’ power from working in their lives by not believing He is able to deal with their particular circumstance. May we determine right now to have great faith in Jesus!

Invitation: Have you put total faith in Jesus for your salvation? Have you confessed your sins to Jesus and asked His forgiveness? If you do, He will save you from hell! Where is your faith level on a scale from 1-10? We either allow Jesus to work in our lives or we limit Him by our faith! Jesus always wants to do more in our lives if we will allow Him!

Blessings of the Believer

 

Scripture Text

Psalm 36:7-9

Intro: We who are children of God through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are the most blessed people on earth. Some envy the wicked, but they are not blessed of God. Psalms 1:6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

I. There is security in the Lord. Psalm 36:7 (NKJV) How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings.                                                        A. His unfailing love endures forever. We have the Security of a merciful, loving, kind, caring God. (Psalm 57:1) Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me! For my soul trusts in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, Until these calamities have passed by. God’s loyal love is precious, because humans can take refuge in the Lord like chicks taking refuge under their mother hen’s wings. If we are in God’s will, nothing can touch us without His permission.

II. There are abundant provisions. Psalm 36:8 (NKJV) They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, And You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures.                                                A. The fullness of God’s house. The psalmist here uses the imagery of the temple to say that believers enjoy the provisions of God’s house. (Isaiah 55:1-2) ¹ "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come; buy wine and milk Without money and without price. ² Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. God invites people to come to Him. The blessings God gives are available without cost. Salvation is a free gift of God; it refers to spiritual redemption and physical deliverance. Both are intended here. The Lord asks how people could be interested in other things besides Himself as He is the only One who can bring genuine satisfaction. Throughout all history people have tried to find satisfaction through many things other than God.

III. There is life in the Lord. (Psalm 36:9a) For with You is the fountain of life; A. Jesus came for this purpose. John 14:6 (NKJV)Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the (life.) No one comes to the Father except through Me. Understanding, joy, and abundant life come from the Lord, our Source. (John 10:10b)

IV. There is light in the Lord. (Psalm 36:9b) For In Your light we see light. A. The light of the Lord overcomes darkness. John 8:12 — Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Jesus lights our way through the darkest of times. His Spirit guides us.      2Cor. 4:6 — For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Conclusion: So in contrast with the corruptions of the wicked, an obedient believer’s life is characterized by security in the Lord, abundant provisions, life, and understanding in God’s presence. This is the promise of God for all His children.

Invitation: If you are enjoying these provisions of the Lord you should give thanks right now. If you are not enjoying all these provisions of the Lord, now is the time to correct that. Simply confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your life. Do it now!

Words to Live By

 

Scripture Text

Mark Chapter 5

Intro: No matter what situation you are in or what you are facing now or what you might face in the future, Jesus has some words of truth that you and I can live by. Jesus’ words will never fail you! He is the same yesterday, today and forever! What He speaks He brings to pass! He can not lie because He is the truth!

I. The problem. Mark 5:22-23 (NLT) ²²  Then a leader of the local synagogue, whose name was Jairus, arrived. When he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet, ²³  pleading fervently with him. “My little daughter is dying,” he said. “Please come and lay your hands on her; heal her so she can live.” V: 35 (NLT) While he was still speaking to her, messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.” Jairus’ daughter was sick and he approached Jesus for help. While Jesus was speaking to the woman who had an issue of blood, his servants came and told him his daughter had died. This was a hopeless situation from a human point of view. I'm sure Jairus was saddened and thought now its too late, I've lost my daughter. Maybe you are going through a hopeless situation or circumstance right now.

II. Jesus reaction to our problems. Mark 5:36a NLT But Jesus overheard them talking. Messengers from Jairus’ house came with the word that his daughter was dead and Jesus heard them. Jesus had compassion on Jairus and was going to help him. He has compassion for us and is willing to help us. He tells us what we need to do. Jesus said to ask, seek, and knock on heaven’s door for all our needs. Luke 11:9-10 (NLT) ⁹ “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. ¹⁰ For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. 1 Peter 5:7  Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. When we pray, Jesus cares and hears our cry for help.

III. Jesus speaks words of faith. (Mark 5:36b) Don't be afraid,” Jesus knows our first reaction to a problem. Fear and faith can’t exist together. Fear cancels out faith! Fear paralyzes us, drags us down. Fear is all around us each and every day to some degree. How can we overcome fear? Jesus tells us how! “Only Believe.” (v:36b) Hymn we sing! All things are possible, only believe! Jesus says the way to handle our every problem is to have faith in Him and believe. Believe means to have complete confidence in the truth of Jesus' word. He only speaks truth. Believe also means to have a conviction that Jesus will be involved in a given situation. It means to have faith in the mercy, grace and compassion of Jesus. When we bring a problem to Jesus in prayer, we are to have trust and confidence that He has heard us, and He will take care of the problem. James 1:6-7 (NLT) ⁶ But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

IV. Jesus powerful words. Mark 5:41-42 (NLT) ⁴¹ Holding her hand, he said to her, “Talitha koum,” which means “Little girl, get up!” ⁴² And the girl, who was twelve years old, immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed. Jesus demonstrated His great love and amazing power and raised Jairus' daughter from the dead, whereby showing us His great mercy and power. The angel Gabriel told Mary in (Luke 1:37) “nothing is impossible with God.” In Mark 9:23 There was a father who asked Jesus if He could do anything for his demon possessed son. Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes."

Conclusion: May these words of truth and faith dwell in our hearts from this day forward. When we face problems in this world and we take them to God in prayer, may we be able to remember the words of Jesus in each situation. “Don’t be afraid, only believe.”

Invitation: Have you placed your faith and belief in Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord? If not, confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and save you from hell right now. “Don’t be afraid, only believe.” Invite Him into your life and know the love, peace and joy of sins forgiven!

Look to and Trust in God

 

Scripture Text

Proverbs 3:5-10

Intro: Solomon instructs us that to have favor and success with God and Man we need to look to and trust in God and His word.  Just as people in haste can reach out to the wrong set of answers looking for their needs to be met, we too, can hastily reach out to answers which are insufficient and outside of God's best for our lives.

1. When You Face Life's Challenges Trust in God. Proverbs 3:5 (NKJV) Trust in the LORD with all your heart And lean not on your own understanding; Heart in Hebrew refers more often to one's intellect (understanding, discernment, and will.) To trust in the Lord wholeheartedly means one should not (lean) or rely on his own understanding. Human insights are never enough. God sees things from His perspective and His ways are not our ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) ⁸  "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the LORD. ⁹  "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. He is always trustworthy. All the wisdom a person may acquire here on earth can never replace the need for full trust in God's superior ways.

  2.When You Reach for Life's Answers Look to God. Proverbs 3: 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. There are many places a person can turn for life's answers but the place that never fails is God and His wisdom. In (all) your ways, recognize the existence of God, truth of God, and the facts of God. A person who puts His trust in the Lord and His wisdom and has an intimate knowledge and recognition of God in all his ways, finds that God directs or makes his paths straight. This means more than guidance; it means God removes the hindrances and sin, making a smooth path or way of life, bringing one to the correct answer or goal. Direct your paths means God will assist and bless all your endeavors and keep you from the paths of sin and destruction.
 
3. When You Look for Wisdom Turn to God. Proverbs 3:7 (NKJV) Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil. People who acquire God's wisdom need to remember that they did not become wise by themselves; wisdom comes from God. A heart awareness of and proper response to God keeps us from evil. The fear of the Lord occurs 11 times in Proverbs. Fearing the Lord, Solomon wrote, is the beginning of knowledge. "Beginning" in the Hebrew means "the start." Fear as used here refers to a deep respect, reverence, and awe for God. It is used to describe the attitude of a person who recognizes God’s power, majesty, and holiness. The “fear of the Lord” is also associated with His wisdom and knowledge. One cannot gain knowledge of spiritual things if he begins at the wrong point, refusing to fear the Lord. To recognize God's character and respond by revering, trusting, worshiping, obeying, and serving Him help prevent the evil of pride and sin.

4. God's wisdom brings healing. Proverbs 3:8 (NKJV) It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones. Seeking and following God's wisdom instead of your own will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. As a result of fearing God and turning from evil, you will have health and vigor. Health in one's bones, mentioned several times in Proverbs suggests that spiritual and physical health are related.

5. Life's Priorities Start with God. Proverbs 3:9-10 (NKJV) ⁹  Honor the LORD with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase; ¹⁰  So your barns will be filled with plenty, And your vats will overflow with new wine. In Israel, honoring the Lord with their wealth and the first fruits of all one's crops was a way of expressing gratitude to Him for His provisions. They gave a tithe of all they earned and all their crops. It was a way of acknowledging, honoring and thanking God for His help. In return, God then promised to fill the barns (with grain) and the vats... with new wine. ("Freshly squeezed grape juice"). Honoring God first results in gain and brings prosperity, spiritual and material. (Matt. 6:33) Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these shall be added to you.

Conclusion: We should prioritize God in our lives and be sure that our ways belong to God and His wisdom if we want to be successful in this life.

Invitation: God's wisdom says that to enter His kingdom you admit you are a sinner and confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you. Then invite Him into your life to save you from hell and guide you with His wisdom. Be baptized as a public testimony to your faith in Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord.

A Touch of Faith

Scripture Text

Mark 5:25-34

The bible says in Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

1.  Faith in Christ shouldn't be last resort. Mark 5:25-26 (NKJV)²⁵  Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, ²⁶  and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse.

The woman had been hemorrhaging for twelve years; it was uncontrollable. No one could touch her or anything she had touched. This particular woman had tried all she knew. She had seen "many physicians" and "spent all that she had," and yet she "grew worse." She was to be totally cut off from society and religious worship. Her last resort was to turn to Jesus!

2.  By faith we activate the presence and power of God. Mark 5:27 (NKJV) ²⁷  When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment.
Even though she couldn’t go to God’s house, by her faith she activated the very presence and power of God in her life and situation. We can activate our faith wherever we are. It's not the place but our faith and trust in God.

She had a shy, embarrassed, unworthy attitude. Note the woman made her way through the crowd and came up behind Jesus. She wanted to touch Jesus without being seen or noticed because she was embarrassed and felt unworthy. Her hemorrhaging was a personal, intimate matter for her, something she did not want to be known and discussed. She was considered unclean; therefore, she felt unworthy to approach Jesus but she had an expectant, believing attitude. Maybe you feel unworthy, but don't let that stop you from touching Jesus. The poor woman believed what "she had heard of Jesus." (V:27) She believed the gospel that Jesus loved and cared and would make her whole.

Mark 5:28 (NKJV) For she said, "If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well."

She believed in her mind, heart, and soul, with her 

whole being. She cast off all doubts!

She believed two things: the gospel (what she had 

heard about Jesus) and the power of Jesus to make 

her whole. By her faith she activated the power of God in her life. We all must use our faith to activate God's power to answer each prayer that we have. When she touched Jesus' power in her life the answer came. Mark 5:29 (NKJV) Immediately the fountain of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of the affliction.

3.  Her faith touched Jesus. Mark 5:30 (NKJV) And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned around in the crowd and said, "Who touched My clothes?"

There was no way Jesus could have felt the touch to His robe. He was being pressed and thronged by the crowd, yet when she stepped up behind Him and touched His robe, He knew. How?

It is faith that touches Jesus. Faith will never go unnoticed nor be ignored by Jesus.

4.  BY faith we activate the purposes of God.

a. Others must know of God's power. Mark 5:33 (NKJV) But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had happened to her, came and fell down before Him and told Him the whole truth. Jesus had made the way easy for her. He had allowed her to be healed without embarrassment, but it was not enough to believe in secret. The secret disciple had to be brought to the point of confessing her faith so that everyone could know God’s purpose for mankind. God's purpose is to bring glory to Himself through His salvation, love, care for His people. We are to let others know what God wants to do.

When a person or a group of people place their faith in Jesus and His power, it touches Jesus, and Jesus infuses His power and presence into that situation.

Thus the purpose of God was activated by this woman who was an outcast by society.

Others must know God’s purpose for mankind is eternal life and salvation. It's also the infusion of His power, and abundant life and healing into the spirit, soul, and body of mankind.

b.  Mark 5:34 (NKJV) And He said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction."

 Conclusion: She was given comfort, joyfulness, courage, confidence, and boldness in her faith and healing.

She was assured that she was whole permanently. Her deliverance would last.

 She became a daughter of God. She was given physical healing, soul salvation and peace with God. We all need something from God! It’s crisis time for your faith.

Invitation: Have you put your faith in Jesus for the salvation He provides?

He provides salvation from the penalty of sins, just confess your sins to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you and invite Him into your heart to take charge of your life and you will experience the saving power of Jesus.

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.

Worry Free Living

Scripture Text

Matt. 6: 24- 34

Intro: Who is the greatest preacher you have ever heard? Jesus, the greatest preacher that has ever been on this earth, is going to preach to us and we would be wise to listen and heed His words. If we heed Jesus’ words, we will surely be victorious in this life!

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.

There are only two treasures: the earth and its treasures or God and His treasures, physical and material things or spiritual and eternal things. One of these is the master-owner of your life. A Slave has no free time of his own,but is controlled by the master.

Mammon- Aramaic for Money, wealth or any material thing that has value to a person. This means property, possessions, money, stocks, bonds, precious metals or jewels. You can’t serve yourself with things and God at the same time! The wealth or the things of this world will never bring you real joy, peace, or fulfillment. That only comes from within!

Matthew 6:25 (NKJV) "Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?

The point is clear and striking: a person's life and body are of more value—much more value—than the food he eats and the clothes he puts on. Why then should a person allow these things, secondary things, to consume and dominate his life? Be sure God is your master and you won’t have to worry about anything else. Remember Your master owns you! Matthew 6:26 (NKJV) Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Go bird watching! Look at them and study them. Use your eyes and learn thoroughly—learn from what you see around you. The providence of God takes care of the birds. Learn that God will likewise take care of the believer who really trusts Him. Jesus is saying; Man is a higher being, on a much higher level of creation, than animals. He is more noble and excellent, a spiritual being made in the image of God and capable of a personal relationship with God. Man is the crowning creation of God.

Matthew 6:27 (NKJV) Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?

The point is striking. Worry is sin, senseless—just as senseless as trying to add to one's height or lengthen a minute to one's life span (when it is time for one to die).

Matthew 6:28 (NKJV) So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin;

Lilies grow from a deep root. The roots are where they belong, deep in the soil to receive nourishment. The roots of believers are not to be in the material things of this earth. In order to receive their nourishment and fulfill their purpose on earth, believers are to put their roots where they belong, deep in God and His righteousness.

Matthew 6:29 (NKJV) and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

Lilies do not toil or spin at spinning wheels to adorn themselves with beauty. Their beauty comes naturally as they go about their purpose in the world. So our beauty comes from fulfilling God’s purpose for us in this world.

Matthew 6:30 (NKJV) Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

Man is as the lilies of the field: here today and gone tomorrow. There is so little time; he does not have time to become entangled with worldly affairs. To worry about your clothes, food, money and things shows little faith in God’s ability to supply. Is He in control of all things? Is He able to take care of us? “Is God really who He says He is and will He do what He said He would do?

Heb. 11:6 Says “Without faith it is impossible to please God.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NKJV) For we walk by faith, not by sight. Feed your faith and fear, worry, and doubt will starve to death. Matthew 6:31-32 (NKJV) Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ³² For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

All unsaved people seek after these things. They worry constantly about them. Christians Do not spend energy fretting over having enough food or drink or clothing. Worry has no place in the lives of Jesus’ disciples because their heavenly Father already knows all their needs.

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Jesus now tells us the solution to worry. We must be seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. We are to focus our minds and hearts on seeking the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The kingdom of God right now is in believers on earth. We should be focused on how much of the kingdom of God is being lived in me. I am to be concerned about living righteously. Strangely enough, when you get your priorities right, Jesus promised that God will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him. When Jesus’ followers seek (go in search of) his Kingdom first, God takes care of all their needs. That’s His promise to us and by faith we receive it.

Matthew 6:34 (NKJV) Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Because God cares for his people’s needs, Jesus says, “Don’t worry (fear, or be anxious) about tomorrow.” In an appeal to common sense, Jesus explained that what we worry about happening tomorrow may never happen, and we may not live another day, so we will have wasted time and energy worrying. We need to reserve that energy because today’s trouble is enough for today. We only add to today’s burdens when we worry about the future. All the anxieties about tomorrow will not change the outcome, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. The burdens of today are enough, so let God take care of them. We must trust God for today without worrying about tomorrow. Tomorrow we will trust God for that day. We are to have A calm God-centered and trusting attitude. A person goes about living and working ever so diligently and calmly, trusting God to take care of all. He does all he can about the necessities of life, both for himself and for others, but he seeks God and His righteousness first. This will make for the greatest year yet.

Invitation: If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sins against God, all you can do is worry. Only the forgiveness of Christ can give you a worry free life here on this earth and for an eternity. The destination for the unsaved is Hell. You do not want to go there and you don’t have to. Call on Jesus right now to save you and if you are serious about it, He will save you and come into your life by His Spirit and live in you. He will bring you worry free living.