IF GOD PUTS YOU ON HOLD - DON'T HANG UP

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON

IF GOD PUTS YOU ON HOLD - DON'T HANG UP - PART ONE

IF GOD PUTS YOU ON HOLD - DON'T HANG UP - PART TWO

IF GOD PUT YOU ON HOLD - DON'T HANG UP - PART THREE

“If God Puts You On Hold - Don’t Hang Up”

(A Sermon on God’s Timing)

by Pastor Mark Taylor

 “Those who wait for the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;  they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31) 

Most of us have called a place of business and have been asked the question: “Can you hold?”

or a pre-recorded message says: “Please hold, we will are speaking to someone else.  Your wait time is approximately 15 minutes or less.”

I want you to know that you are not just a customer  when you dial God’s number. You are one of God’s chosen and He hears your prayers the moment they are prayed. There are many promises in the Bible that reminds us of that promise.  “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15).   “Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jeremiah 33:3).  Our Lord Jesus promised this to those who love Him and serve Him: “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you.  (John 15:16).

When you pray, God is not busy on His prayer line listening to someone else.  He is listening to you.  But sometimes He puts us on hold while He is working on our prayer request.  God is never in a hurry, but He is always on time.  While you are waiting, God is working.

When God appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18, it was with the intention to tell Abraham that he and Sarah were to finally have a son. Unfortunately, Abraham was 99 years old at the time, and Sarah was 89 years old. 

Both knew that it was already too late. They knew that it was physiologically impossible for them to have a child. The irony of the situation was not lost on Abraham and Sarah because they both burst out laughing saying, “God, it’s simply too late!  But God kept His promise and gave them a son, Isaac.

Mary and Martha watched their brother, Lazarus, become sick and die  (John 11). They had sent desperate messages to Jesus to come and help but He did not. Four days after Lazarus’ burial, Jesus appeared.  Out of desperation, they cried, “Lord, if you had been here, our brother would not have died.”  The Lord answered their prayers.  He was right on time:  “40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” 44 And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.” 

 Lazarus lived again.  You and I, and all of our loved ones in Heaven, are alive today because of the Lord’s power over death.  “And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die”.  (John 11:26).

While we are on “hold”,  God sees the big picture.  In Isaiah 55:8-9 God reminds us of a fundamental truth. He says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways . . . As the heavens are higher that the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This tells me that God operates on a different thought level. He has a vantage view that I am incapable of having.

2 Peter 3:8 says, that “with the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.” Obviously, God runs by a different clock. He functions on a totally different time scale. His time is not our time.

In Jeremiah 29:11, God makes a wonderful promise. “For I know the plans I have for you; plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” You see, God functions at a very different level of intentionality. Unlike you and I, he has only good plans. This is further corroborated by Romans 8:28. Paul writes, “We know that in everything, God works for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” This forces a conviction upon us that says that whatever happens to us fits a design. God is in control of our lives and He alone knows what is truly for our best.  Armed with this truth, we can now turn to the most important lesson of faith. Isaiah 40:31 states: “Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall rise up on wings like eagles. They shall run and not be wearied; they will walk and not faint.”

The question is “What do we do while, we are on hold?”  What do we do while we are waiting upon the Lord?  Hang in there…don’t hang up. Too often we are impatient when a business puts us on hold, we just hang up. Remember the words of Scripture, “Faithful is He that calls you who also will do it” (I Thessalonians. 5:24). 

Believe that God is working on your behalf.  He is busy while you are waiting.  

While you are on hold, look at yourself and see if there is a reason that God has you on hold.  Is it possible that there are known sins in your life that God is waiting on you to turn away from.  “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it 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” (Isaiah 59:1,2).  Sin will keep you on hold for a long time.  “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the LORD will not hear me” (Psalm 66:18).  While you are waiting confess your sins to the Lord and ask Him to give you power over them.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of all our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9). 

While we are on “hold”, we need to be more serious about our prayer and conversation with the Lord about our problems.   When the disciples could not cast a demon out of a child, they asked the Lord Jesus why.   “Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?  So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”  (Matthew 17: 19-22).

Finally, remember and remind yourself that He loves you and is listening to you.  “I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.” (Psalm 116:1).  If God puts you on hold, don’t hang up!!

(For more video and written sermons by Pastor Mark Taylor go to:

www.sermonstotheworld.blogspot.com )

A CAUTION AGAINST CRITICISM

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON

A CAUTION AGAINST CRITICISM - PT 1

A CAUTION AGAINST CRITICISM - PT 2

A CAUTION AGAINST CRITICISM - PT 3

A CAUTION AGAINST CRITICISM
by Pastor Mark Taylor

“And Jesus said: Forbid them not.”   Mark 9:38-40

In this sermon I am not talking about not being critical of sin, but of those serving the Lord. But even in that it should be done in a redemptive way to bring a person to Christ.  This message is about criticizing other people who are serving the Lord Jesus Christ in a different way than you or I do.

Criticism seldom, if ever, works. Even in our sincere efforts to help people, they don’t always appreciate it, and it tends to tear people down more than it builds them up. 

Even so, it’s a terrible tendency especially for those of us who have followed Christ for a while. We’ve learned so much over the years.  If we’re not careful we find ourselves becoming critical of those who are less experienced or who just don’t do it the way we have done it for years.  Worst of all, we can become crabby, old cranks that nobody can please, and I know none of us wants that.   So watch out for a critical spirit, because it really doesn’t benefit those we are trying to help, and in the long-run, it is self-destructive. 

But somebody says, “I really want to help people. If pointing out their faults doesn’t work, what does?” That’s the question I want us to explore this morning: How can we truly help people? How can we help the young and those with less experience grow in their relationship with Christ and serve Christ better? 

We have people who worship the Lord in different ways.  Some like traditional music, some like contemporary music, and others like “high church” music.  Some like short sermons and others like long sermons.

“Forbid him Not”  is a command from our Lord not to discourage others from serving Him, either by your authority, your arguments, or your persuasions.  If you have authority within the church, do not use that to stop the work of God.  

Do not cause people to stop expressing their love for Christ, just because it is different than yours.  If you are not careful you might find yourself “fighting against God”.

n I want us to explore this morning: How can we truly help people? How can we help the young and those with less experience grow in their relationship with Christ and serve Christ better? 

Well, let’s see how Jesus addressed that problem with his first disciples who themselves were becoming overly critical. You see, they had followed Jesus for three years, and they had learned from the best – Jesus Himself! So when they see somebody else trying to do their ministry, they stop him. 

Mark 9:38 “Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” (NIV)  He didn’t go to the right “school.” He didn’t do it the way we do it, so we stopped him. 

The disciples were quick to point out to Jesus that the person who was “casting out devils in Jesus name”.... “he’s not one of us; he’s not our kind.” 

"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you." (Matthew 7:1-2)

What does Jesus have to say about this? 

Mark 9:39-40 “Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. (NIV)

We should encourage who ever God has saved and called to worship Him.  As an older more mature Christian, you should be the one who strengthens others who are trying to serve the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus says, and I’m going to reward the least little effort of anyone who serves in my name. 

Mark 9:41 “I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” (NIV)

So don’t stop the young and inexperienced. Don’t stop those who are trying to serve the Lord Jesus differently than you do.

Don’t hinder them from serving. Don’t keep them from ministering in Jesus’ name, even if all they do is give a cup of cold water, because Jesus appreciates it even if we would criticize it. 

There are people right here in this room who need to hear your words of appreciation today. They don’t need to hear your words of criticism, of how they did it wrong. They need to hear you say, “I appreciate you. I appreciate your efforts to serve. Thank you very much.”   Oh, how much we could lighten the load for each other just by saying, “Thank you” on a regular basis. Our words of encouragement can provide even the most weary servant the courage it takes to keep on going one more day. On the other hand, our critical comments can stop them dead in their tracks. 

Please, let’s watch our criticism lest our words of criticism stop the efforts of others to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Sure, they’re going to make mistakes. Sure, they have a lot to learn, but we don’t help them when our critical remarks keep them from trying any further. Please, don’t stop people from serving with critical remarks.   Don’t cause them to stumble. Don’t trip them up with your words. That’s what Jesus warns His disciples about. 

Do you truly want to help people? Do you truly want to help the young and inexperienced grow in their relationship with Christ and in their ability to serve Him? Then don’t stop them with words of criticism, and don’t scandalize them. Instead, deal with your own faults first, and then try to help others.

We never know what other people are dealing with, and the last thing they need is somebody putting them down. Instead they need somebody to lift them up. They need somebody to come along side them and to encourage them when they are down.  When they see your words are words of love, they will listen to you and at least give your words some thought.  Then the Holy Spirit can work in their lives to change wrong methods or beliefs.  You can't change people, but God can through your love and patience.

Learn to give people the benefit of the doubt. Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, excellent and admirable, think on these things. Look more at the 50% of the jar that is full and positive instead of the 50% that is negative or empty.

Let God be the judge and do not try to take His place as the righteous judge. This will go a long ways in preventing problems and resolving differences and minimizing self-destructive attitudes, actions and thinking.  This will help the work of Christ if we let Him handle those who worship different or even believe different than we do.

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH

THE SERMON BELOW WAS DELIVERED AT FRIENDSHIP CHURCH ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2012.

DELIVERED BY REV. TERRY FLEMING

                             

  

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH - PART ONE

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH - PART TWO

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE CHURCH - PART THREE

"THE WOUNDED WARRIOR"

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS MESSAGE

WOUNDED WARRIOR - PART ONE

WOUNDED WARRIOR - PART TWO

WOUNDED WARRIOR - PART THREE

      Pastor Mark Taylor                            

“The Wounded Warrior”

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5)

We need healing today in many areas of our lives.  Physical healing is only one area that God is able to and wants to heal you in.  

• “Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, (Psalms 103:2-5).  

Sin is the disease that Christ died to destroy in the lives of His people.  As disease weakens the body, sin weakens the moral energy and causes pain and produces visible evidence of hurt.  No human physician can deal with it, but there is heavenly medicine a great physician who can heal us.  Christ was in pain that we might be at ease; He gave satisfaction to the justice of God that we might have satisfaction in our own minds knowing that through him our sins are forgiven us.  Because of the Lord Jesus’ suffering we have healing; for ” by his stripes we are healed.”  Sin is not only a crime, for which we were condemned to die and which Christ purchased for us the pardon of, but it is a disease, which affects directly the death of our souls and which Christ provided for the cure of. By his stripes (that is, the sufferings he underwent), and by the doctrine of Christ's cross, and the powerful arguments it furnishes us with against sin, the dominion of sin is broken in us and we are strengthen against that which feeds the disease.   By the strips of Jesus we are healed, and by these alone.  When the Son of God came to earth, he surprised a lot of people. His life was marked by humility. He came as a baby, born in a manger. God’s son lying in a cattle stall. Royalty born in poverty. From the time he was born until the day he died, he was always doing things differently than people expected. He refused to follow the script. He was a man on a mission – but the mission was one few could understand.

Jesus, the Warrior, went to battle long before he made his last fateful trip to Jerusalem.  As Jesus moved from town to town ministering to the needs of the people, he seemed from a human standpoint, to be nothing more than a traveling preacher with his followers. But in the spiritual realm, he was a man continuously at war.  Jesus showed with every healing that he had power over every form of sickness and disease. When Jesus came to town, the blind could see, the deaf could hear, the leper was cleansed, and the crippled would leap for joy.  The Warrior would walk right into the enemies’ camp and set captives free! Free from sin. Free from the past. Free to start a new life. “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more!”

Every sickness. Every sin. Every blow had been for a reason. Every stripe on his back, every drop of blood…there was a purpose for it all. The Wounded Warrior fought off death until he knew the price was paid. When the deed was done, the Bible says Jesus lifted up his eyes toward heaven and with his last ounce of strength and shouted, “It is finished!” And he died.  Three days later He arose from death and now promises us healing because of His suffering.

We need healing from many things and below are some of them. And then we need to do some things after we have been healed.

The Lord Jesus can heal you from a guilty conscience of past failures. Because we are healed from our past, we should not dwell on it.  Our heart is healed from the love of sin and rebellion toward God.  We are new creatures. 

• “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).  

The Lord Jesus can heal us from the disease of being hurt by Satan and others.  

• “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalms 147:3). “The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves such as have a contrite heart”. (Psalms 34:18). 

• “Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.” (Psalms 6:2).  "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. (Exodus 14:13).

The Lord Jesus can heal us when we are discouraged and depressed.  

• “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him For the help of His countenance. (Psalms 42:5 NKJV).  “Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.” (Psalms 6:2).  

When you receive your healing there is new ways you should behave.  Get out of the company of others who have the disease you have been healed from. 

• “Blessed is the person who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, Nor stands in the path of sinners, Nor sits in the seat of the scornful; (Psalms 1:1)

Use your healing and new strength to help others.

• “Brothers and sisters, if someone  is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:1-2)

Praise the Physician who healed you. 

• “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Hebrews 13:15).

• “I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and my supplications. Because He has inclined His ear to me, Therefore, I will call upon Him as long as I live.”     (Psalms 116:1-2)

SPEAKING A BLESSING

SPEAKING A BLESSING

By Pastor Mark Taylor

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue..” Proverbs 18:21

A blessing is not a blessing until it is spoken.  Avoiding negative talk is helpful, but it is only part of changing the way we think and speak to God, ourselves, and to others.  The moment you speak something in words, you give birth to it.  If you want to change your life, you start by changing your words.  If there is ever a time you should guard what you say, it is in times of trouble.

Your Words Can Bring Blessings to Others

Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)

You can tell people that they are loved and valued by you and by God.  We have the medicine of encouragement.  We have the medicine of hope.  We have the medicine of God’s Word.

It is reported that many physical problems are caused by stress and anxiety.  You and I can bring the peace of God to others simply by saying words of blessing on others.  God told Moses to tell Aaron to speak these words to bless the children of Israel:  “The LORD bless you, and keep you:  The LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you:  The LORD lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26).  There are times when people need to hear from their friends and loved ones that everything is going to be ok and that God loves them and is going to take care of them.

Be a blessing to others by avoiding arguments and disagreements, especially on things that do not matter. There are several books written entitled “Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff” which is a good principle to live by.   Nine times out of ten, an argument ends with each person becoming more firmly convinced than ever that they are right and ending in hurt feelings on both sides.  No one really “wins” an argument.  Even when you are convinced you are 100% right, you may lose the respect and love of others by not respecting their right to disagree with you.  “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man.” (Colossians 4:6)

“Here lies the body of William Jay,

Who died maintaining His right of way.

He was right, dead right, as he sped along,

But he is just as dead as if he were wrong.”

Your Words Can Bring Blessings To Your Heavenly Father

God can read your mind, but He would really like to hear your voice.  “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.”   (Hebrews 13:15).  The sacrifice of praise is something you do when you don’t feel like doing it.  If things are not as good as you would like them, then praise God that they are not worse than they could be.  “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. ” Psalms 19:14

You can be a blessing to God by simply loving Him with your words.  Here is an example:

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfies your mouth with good things; so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.” (Psalms 103:1-5).

Your Words To Yourself Can Bring Blessings To You

That is why we need to be extremely careful about what we think, and especially careful about what we say.  Our words have tremendous power, and whether we want to or not, we will give life to what we are saying, either good or bad.  Words are similar to seeds.  By speaking them aloud, they are planted in our subconscious minds, and they take on a life of their own.  They take root, grow, and produce fruit of the same kind.  If we speak positive words, our lives will move in that direction.  Similarly, negative words will produce poor results.  We can’t expect to speak words of defeat and failure and to live in victory.  We will reap exactly what we sow.

To get through a rough time quicker and with better results, we must learn to speak as positively as possible.  “Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue, keeps his soul from  troubles.”  (Proverbs 21:23).  If there is ever a time you must guard what you say, it is in times of trouble.  What you say to yourself and others about your situation will impact how long you stay in that difficultly.  Even when you pray you should speak to God less about how big your problems are, and speak to Him about how big He is.  Remind yourself of His precious Words to you.  “Let not your heart be trouble...” (John 14:1).  “But seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for tomorrow: for tomorrow shall take care of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (Matthew 6:33-34).

God wants us to use our words to change our negative situations.  Don’t dwell on the problem, talk about the solution.  Jesus clearly tells us to speak to our mountains. “For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says” (Mark 11:23).

DETOURS IN LIFE

VIDEO LINKS FOR THIS MESSAGE

SPECIAL MUSIC - HE LOOKED BEYOND MY FAULTS

DETOURS IN LIFE - PART ONE

DETOURS IN LIFE - PART TWO

DETOURS IN LIFE - PART THREE

DETOURS IN LIFE

by Pastor Mark Taylor

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Ex 13:17 “And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:”

The verse above tells us that the Jews were going from point A to point B, but God made them detour and go the long way for their own good.  We are told the reason for their detour. Basically God said, the Jews are not ready for a fight, they would turn back and return to Egypt at the first sign of trouble. So the detour was to save them some trouble, and to keep them on God's path.

A detour is an unexpected event that changes the course of your life.  Some examples include: the loss of a job; a death or illness; an unexpected pregnancy; a job offer; or a best friend moves away.

We don’t like detours or signs that slow us down.  Reduced Speed Ahead; No Right on Red;Yield; No Parking Zone; Dead End; Detour; Red Lights/Stop Signs.

Each one of them, in one way or another, cause us to slow down on our journey. We don't like slowing down. We don't like things that hinder or change our plans to use the most direct route possible.

Detours are put up by the relevant authority because some danger or obstruction is ahead. God gives detours for the very same reasons, but He doesn't usually bother to tell us why.

Detours are a course correction that God uses to keep us on the right path.  Not our path, but the right path.

We want to get from A to B, God wants us to get from here to the crucified life, the life of holiness, the upward call of God in Christ, that is the path that God is concerned with.  Not the path to a physical location, but a path to keep us walking with Him.  We are told to pray, deliver us from temptation, and here we have an example of God doing it.  The detour you may today be fussing about, might just be God's answer to your prayer for Christ likeness!  Eternity will only tell all the messes God kept us from.

Detours send us on an unfamiliar route and require that we trust the sign makers.

When we are traveling away from home and come to a detour, it usually sends in a direction we know nothing about. Detours require us to pay strict attention and keep looking for signs on the way we should go. One of the blessings about detours is that help us to be very diligent about seeking God and His direction for our life.

Detours involve a time delay, and a longer trip.   It is important we don't let impatience move us off the route God has chosen. We need to remind ourselves from the passage in Exodus that the shortest trip, was also the shortest trip to trouble. We don't do delay very well. We prefer to get in the end zone as soon as possible, patience may be a virtue, but we tend to avoid it at all costs.

Sometimes in life the best course is just to slow ourselves down.

Detours involve a longer trip.  You can see a shorter route, just beyond the sign, but are denied access to it. Can you say "frustration!" Have you ever tried to find out if the bridge was really out?

Don't waste your time.  God always has a good reason for detours.  Detours involve routes that seem to go in the wrong direction. Our internal GPS has a hard time dealing with detours. 

Sometimes detours are not from God but are caused by the sins of others, but we have great promises to guide us in those times.  Joseph, Mary and Jesus had to go to Egypt because of the murderous intentions of Herod. Some of Paul’s detours were caused by Satan.  “Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.”  I Thessalonians 2:18.

Finally, sometimes we cause our own detours. “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.” I Peter 3:7

Regardless of the reasons of your delays, if you love the Lord Jesus and trust Him in your journey, you will arrive at the right place and at the right time.  “For we know that all things work together for good to them that love the Lord, and are called according to His purpose.”  Romans 8:28

If you can just wait on the Lord a little while longer he will renew your strength. The answer hasn’t arrived yet but he will renew your strength.  “He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, And the young men shall utterly fall, But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles,They shall run and not be weary,They shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40: 29-31)

ONE MORE NIGHT WITH THE FROGS

Video Links To This Sermon

ONE MORE NIGHT WITH THE FROGS - PART ONE

ONE MORE NIIGHT WITH THE FROGS - PART TWO

ONE MORE NIGHT WITH THE FROGS - PART THREE

ONE MORE NIGHT WITH THE FROGS

by Pastor Mark Taylor

EXODUS CHAPTER 8

“And Moses said unto Pharaoh.. When shall I ask God for you, and for your servants, and for your people, to destroy the frogs from you and your houses...And he said Tomorrow” (Exodus 8:9-10)

How many people know in their heart what they should do, and have good intentions but they keep putting it off? One of the greatest challenges we face is procrastination. The interesting thing about procrastination is that it is so easy to justify. We may say:  One day… 

 I’ll get serious about my relationship with God.

 I’m going to forgive that person who hurt me.

 I’m going to get back in shape.

 I’m going to get my finances in order.

 I’ll find a ministry and start serving God.

What is your…

“One day I’ll __________________”? 

“Tomorrow”- Are you serious? When given the opportunity to get rid of millions of nasty, stinky, diseased ridden frogs at any moment,  Pharaoh said, “Tomorrow”.  He could have gotten rid of them at that very moment. When given the opportunity to rid yourselves of all of the nasty, stinky, diseased things within your life; why do you tell God, “Later”?

Procrastination is dangerous because it robs us of that which can never be regained.  An opportunity unused is indeed an opportunity lost. Let us resolve to take advantage of the opportunities presented unto us. “Redeem your time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16)

Pharaoh’s procrastination not only affected him, but his family, servants, and the whole nation of Egypt with the exception of where God’s people were living.  When we delay “getting right with God”, it affects everyone that is in our sphere of influence.

It is a bad decision to put off obeying the gospel and spend one more night with the frogs.  It is true that God is very patient.  The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering towards us, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  But the day could come when God would give up on you.  “And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man...” (Genesis 6:3).

The people of Noah’s time lived lives in which the thoughts of men were continually evil.  God gave them 120 years to turn to Him, and then he sealed the door of the ark and no man could open it.   They had spent one night too many with the frogs and lost the opportunity to have a relationship with God.

It is a bad decision to spend one more night with the frogs because the conscience may become hardened.  “Today, if you will heart His voice, harden not your hearts.” (Hebrews 3:15).  

God does not easily give up on people.  He is a God of mercy and love.  But there are times when people choose to give up on God and reject the Holy Spirit speaking to them.  When their hearts becomes so depraved by repeated rebellion to God that their conscience is no longer open to the word of God, they are risking the salvation and forgiveness He offers.  “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 right.  Became filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy murder, debate, deceit,   malignity (malice, meanness, nastiness, spitefulness), whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable (hardheaded, hard-nosed, headstrong, immovable, obstinate), unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.”  (Romans 1:28-32).

It is a bad decision to spend one more night with the frogs because of the uncertainty of death.  “You do not know what shall happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  It is even as a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away...Therefore to him that knows to do good, and does it not, to him it is sin.”  (James 4: 14, 17).  What is is that God is telling you today?  God is the Creator of time. God’s great gift to you is #1-Jesus and #2-Time. The Lord has given us time to work, time to play, time to laugh, time to labor, etc... We need to learn to see that every day is a gift from God. Did you know that every morning a gracious God, who loves you, deposits into your bank of time 1,440 minutes?

Identify the priorities of your day.  Motivate yourself to do it now.  Energize yourself with God’s power, not your own.  “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12.   Wisdom is the art of spending time wisely. 

What frogs are you letting stay in your life until later? Will you spend one more day or night with the frogs and risk your heart becoming harden?  Recognize that God wants to deliver you today from the sins that are keeping you from another day of peace and happiness that He has to offer you.

“Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.”        (James 4:17)

GOOD TREASURE OF THE HEART

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS MESSAGE

GOOD TREASURE OF THE HEART - PART ONE

GOOD TREASURE OF THE HEART - PART TWO

GOOD TREASURE OF THE HEART - PART THREE

Good Treasure of The Heart

Sermon by Pastor Mark Taylor

“A good person out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things; and an evil person out the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” (Matthew 12:35)

Our Lord Jesus is giving us a life principle in these scriptures which is recorded also in Luke 6:45.  It is very important for us to guard our minds, our mouths, and our hearts, because what ever goes into our hearts and minds will come out of our mouths and out in our actions.  This applies to our spiritual life, our professional life, and our relationships with others.  This is not just a principle of “positive thinking”, but of “positive living”.  For the purpose of this message this principle is specific to those who love the Lord and are serving Him.  It does apply to everyone in a general sense, Christian and Non-Christian, but the blessings promised are to God’s children.

First, let me say that I do not think everything that bad happens to us is a result of bad thinking or bad living.  There are times when we have unexpected health problems like cancer, diabetes, or heart problems that can be related to heredity or just general environmental reasons.  There are also times when we are Attacked by Satan using others or even nature itself. A storm could come through your area and destroy your home, an accident could occur leaving you disabled, and many other things could happen to you that are not related to bad thinking or bad choices. You and I do not have control over outside forces that act upon our lives.  Paul was often beaten and put into prison just for preaching God's Word and living a Godly life.  This was not the result of bad thinking on Paul's part, but God gave Him the strength to get through those difficult days.

This message is not to bring guilt or condemnation upon you.   The Bible says: "There is therefore now, no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus". (Romans 8:1)

The purpose of this message is to help you change your thinking and living to prevent unnecessary heartache and defeat as you live your daily lives.  One thing we do have control over is our thought live and our responses to others and choices we make.

Good thoughts and actions do not produce bad results.  Bad thoughts and actions do not produce good results.  Nothing can come from a seed that is planted except the fruit it was designed to produce.  If you plant corn, you will get corn.  If you plant weeds, you will get weeds.  People understand this law in the natural world and use it to produce good things they can use and eat.  But few understand this as a spiritual law that works in our lives.

Every thought-seed sown or allowed to fall into the mind, and to take root there, produces its own results, good or bad.  These seeds will blossom sooner or later into an act.  Your thoughts will bear a fruit of opportunity or a circumstance of failure.  Good thoughts produce good fruit, and bad thoughts produce bad fruit.

A person is literally what they think.  Your character is the complete sum of all your thoughts.  Your mind is like a garden which may be spiritually and intelligently cultivated to bring success and happiness or allowed to run wild and produce failure and unhappiness.  Intellectual and professional achievements are the result of thought dedicated to the search of knowledge and developing skills.  Spiritual achievement is the result of holy aspirations and goals empowered by he Holy Spirit to aid you in self-control, resolution, purity, righteousness, and well-directed thoughts.

Success and happiness do not just randomly happen.  It is something that God wants us to have and He has a plan for us to achieve it.  “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a good future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11).

Your thoughts not only produce the kind of fruit you think, but also the quantity.  “He which sows sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”  (2 Corinthians 9:6).  If your thoughts are always negative, you will reap a lot of negative results in your life.  If your thoughts are good, a lot of good things will happen in your life.

Our Lord wants us to be optimistic in difficult times and even be happy when the world around us is not a happy place.  “In this world, you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; for I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33).  Optimistic people become successes in school, at work, on the playing field and in relationships.  They are successful because of what they do when they feel they have run up against a brick wall.  What one does is the difference between helplessness and success,  They learn how to keep going and do not quit.  The child of God says and believes: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

The way we think about life can actually diminish or enlarge the control we have over it.  The pessimist can become paralyzed by fear and the very thought “Nothing I do matters”, prevents them from acting.  Pessimistic prophecies are self-fulfilling..  One of the most significant findings in psychology in the last twenty years is that individuals can choose the way they think.  Isn’t it amazing that the Bible told us about this 4000 years ago:  “For as a person thinks in his heart, so is he”  (Proverbs 23:7).

The Lord is saying to us all today, to think about how you treat yourself and in turn others.  “You have planted much, and bring in little; you eat, but you have not enough, you drink, but you are not filled with drink; you put clothes on yourself, but there in no warmth;; and he that earns wages, earns wages to put into bags with holes.  Thus says the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.”  (Haggai 1:6-7).  This is what happens to people who live a life of pessimism.  Will you “Consider your ways”?

You may say that you cannot help the way you feel, but you can control what you think.  And when you control what you think and what you say to yourself, your feelings will change. 

“Finally, brethren, 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.” (Philippians 4:8).

Think about what you think about!!  Are you constantly thinking that you are a “victim” of life.  “In every things give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18). When bad things happen to you, and they will to all of us, take this attitude and things will change.  “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”  (Romans 8:28).

Every day we have the opportunity to do something good for someone without expecting something in return. Each of us has God-given talents and abilities we can use to make life better for others.  You may feel and say that nothing good ever happens to me.  It may be that you are not planting the right kind of seeds to get the harvest you desire.  Service and love toward others is part of the “good treasure” our Lord was speaking about.  You can’t out give God with your time, money or service to others.  The more you give, the more treasure you will receive in this life time and in Heaven.

EXCUSES

 Excuses  

by  

Pastor Mark Taylor

“And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?”  (Exodus 3:11).

When God appeared to Moses at the burning bush, He called him to the task of leading the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.  In response, Moses gave excuses as to why he did not think he was the man for the job.  Today, I would like for us to look at those excuses and God’s response.  Then let us examine what the Lord is asking us to do and apply God’s answers to Moses to our calling.

Moses first excuse was “Who am I?” Though he was once a member of the ruling house of Egypt, he was now a lowly shepherd.  It had been 40 years since he had been in Egypt and now he was 80 years old.  He believed he was insufficient for the task God was asking him to do.  What about you and me?  What has he called you to do?  Maybe it is as simple as going living a Christian life and influencing others to come to the knowledge of the love of Christ.  You may feel that you are too old, too young, or simply not good enough.  It is true that without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and a real relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, we are all insufficient in strength and ability.   But God’s answer to Moses was: “And He said, Certainly I will be with you;” (Exodus 3:12).  God has also given us that promise.  "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:19-20).  Reach out to others today with the message of the love of Christ and don’t make excuses of what you cannot do.  Instead, make this verse your life motto: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

 (Philippians 4:13 ).

Moses second excuse for not going was “What shall I say?” (Exodus 3:13).  We try to excuse ourselves by saying that our knowledge is inadequate.  God told Moses what he needed to say in response to others questions.  God has told us what to say.  “And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” (1 John 3:23-24).  Talk about Jesus and His love.

A third excuse was “Then Moses answered and said, "But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'" (Exodus 4:1).  The fear of failure often keeps people from trying to follow the Lord.  God gave Moses convincing proofs and He gives us the Word of God to produce faith in us.  “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”  (Romans 10:17).  Today we have the evidences concerning the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, and His promises to be with us when we proclaim His Words and His Love.  “"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." (Deuteronomy 31:6).

A fourth excuse Moses gave God:  “Then Moses said to the LORD, "O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue." (Exodus 4:10).  God already knows the inability and shortcomings of those He calls.  But our God is a God of miracles and He can give you what you need to get His job done.  “But Jesus looked at them and said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible." (Mark 10:27).

Moses’ real excuse:  "Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say." But he said, "O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send." (Exodus 4:12-13).  He simply did not want to go.  It may be true with us that we would really rather that God would use someone else.  Send someone else to visit the sick.  Send someone else to invite people to church.

Someone else can pray.  Someone else can give their money and time.

With Moses we know that He did answer the call and was successful in delivering the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage.  What about us?  Will we heed the call to use our gifts and abilities for the service of the Lord?  Moses is with the Lord right now enjoying his salvation and rewards for making the right decision.  It is an honor to be called by God and to serve Him.  If you put aside your excuses you will hear Him say to you: “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” (Matthew 25:21).