THINGS TO REMEMBER AS GOD'S CHILDREN

T:  Things to remember as God’s People

T: Deuteronomy  7^th  Chapter

By

Pastor. Francis

When we think of our lives we have many responsibilities to fulfill in the family and at our work places. 

In my childhood days I went to learn swimming, during that time my instructor instructed me to remember some things as an instruction before I get into the water.  This applies to us wherever we work and receive the training. Particularly in the Defense forces they remember very well what things to do and not to do in their job.

Let’s look into the God’s word what it says about the things that we need to remember.

1.    No compromising with the enemy V 2-3

2.    No connivance at False worship V 5

3.    No swerving from Divine command V 11-12

4.    No fearing face of Man  V  18

5.    No coveting the riches of the world V 25-26

                                                No compromising with the enemy V 2-3

As the difficulties raises in a personal, family life and Job, our natural human tendency is to compromise with the world.  As a God’s children when we go through difficult times and temptations there are chances to compromise in our lives with the enemy.

God’s word clearly commands us to remember that not to compromise with the enemy.  Why not to compromise with the enemy.

There are several reasons I would like to highlight as it is in Romans 1: 19-23

19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles.

They do not know the value of God

They do not know to whom worship                     Romans 1:19-23                      

They do not know the Law of God

They walk in darkness

Here God gives clear instructions to God’s children in which are they shouldn’t compromise.

1.       You shall not make Covenant: for a word “Covenant” in oxford it gives perfect meaning “basic relationship of commitment with God”. It talks that our basic commitment must start with God till we die. In Joshua 9:6 6 Then they went to Joshua in the camp at Gilgal and said to him and the Israelites, “We have come from a distant country; make a Covenant with us.” God’s children are supposed to maintain their relationship only with Him and in the following verses we find the adversaries what God’s children they faced. Many of the times we tend to believe blindly the words of enemy and fall into the snare.

Our Covenant with God and His people will benefit us and our families.

No connivance at False worship V 5

These are the main things that we need to remember in our life, that we need to stay away from our lives. From the altars, idols and wooden images.

God commands three things to stay away from the worldly worship

Altar

If we look into the God’s word there is some specialty about the Altar

i.                    These Altars are built in the most high places

ii.                  These have special consideration

iii.                These are built with a purpose

iv.                 These are built when God revealed Himself to God’s people

v.                   It’s a place where God cleanses peoples sin

vi.                 These are the places where God satisfies, but there is a reason when God commanded to destroy and not to gather near the gentile’s altar.

Gentiles they don’t know God, they built their altars for their purpose, for their enjoyment and has corrupted.

I would like to request you to ponder on this thing

Do you have such altars in your heart that which don’t glorify and please God?  If so come to the Christ he is willing to take away all the worldly things from your heart and gives you the peace and eternal life.

Not only the altars we built in our hearts but also we give room for idols in our heart. 

Idols

 Idols are made by man and it is made according to human mind.

In Ex 20: 1-3

“You shall have no other gods before me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

Wooden images 

 This could be the goddess of Canaanites or Feninians, its worship has been taking in the high places. As these places are built by man, in God’s word high places belongs to God. 

The Christian faith is Iconoclastic.

No swerving from Divine command V 11-12

If you want to receive the eternal blessings in your life, we need to follow God’s commandments.  In John Chapter 14:21, 24, 31

21 Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.”

24 Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me.

31 but I will do what the Father requires of me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Come, let’s be going.

Are you following God?

No fearing face of Man V 18

We as God’s children should never fear with the face of man, at the same time Bible commands us to obey our masters.

There are some incidents in the Bible where God strengthens His children by giving boldness.

In the Old Testament we find the boldness of Daniel

Dan 3:16-17 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty.

In the New Testament we find the boldness of John and Peter.

Acts 4:19-20

19 But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? 20 We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

No coveting the riches of the world V 25-26

God wants us to be content with what we have, don’t greed for the things that which you don’t have.  Thank God for what you have wherein God will bless you.

In I Timothy 6:9-10

6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.

 Apostle Paul in his ministry life he says in Acts 20: 33

33 “I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes.

My dear reader where is your heart and where is your goal.  Are you content with what the Lord has given you.  Are you thanking Him in your day to day life for what you receive.

May God bless you.

ARE YOU ANCHORED IN THE STORM?

VIDEO LINKS TO "ARE YOU ANCHORED IN THE STORM?"

BY PASTOR MARK TAYLOR

ARE YOU ANCHORED IN THE STORM? - PART ONE

ARE YOU ANCHORED IN THE STORM? - PART TWO

ARE YOU ANCHORED IN THE STORM? - PART THREE

Are you anchored in the storm?

Acts 27:13-44

The surge of trouble is nothing new to God’s people. The Bible is filled with stories of those in trouble. The Hebrew children had their fiery furnace. Daniel had his den of lions. Joseph was cast into prison.  Paul was shipwrecked and beaten with stripes. Peter was sent to prison. John was exiled at Patmos. James had his head cut off. David fled from Saul. Samson had his eyes put out. 

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivers them out of them all.” Psalm 34:19 

When You’re In A Storm, You Cannot Depend On Human Wisdom.  

These were highly skilled sailors who knew what they were supposed to do whenever they faced a storm and they did exactly as they had been trained to do. And they executed it perfectly but look where they ended up...

As a follower of Jesus Christ, one of the most difficult things to do when you’re going through a storm will be to resist the temptation to handle your storms in the way that you think they should be handled.

After the sailors had done all that they knew to do, Paul stands up and gives them the “Word of the Lord” to let them know that they will all survive the storm they were in.

Whenever you’re in the middle of a storm, you need to remember that God will still be talking to you, you can depend on whatever He tells you and that He will bring you through every storm that you ever face!

Proverbs 3:5,6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

When You’re In A Storm, You Can Depend On Godly Wisdom

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”  James 3:17

When You’re In A Storm, You Need To Drop Some Anchors.

These sailors dropped four anchors to stabilize the ship so that they could survive this terrible storm. They had tried everything else and their last resort was to try to stabilize the ship and weather the storm..

Proverbs 10:25 Living Bible says, “Disaster strikes like a cyclone and the wicked are whirled away but the good man has a strong anchor.”

The Anchor of Prayer

Prayer is a powerful force that God will use to bring healing, restoration and forgiveness into your life!

But too often we leave this part out and wonder why relationships are broken. We wonder why the sick are still sick. 

James 5:13-16 says, “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

Jeremiah 33:3 God says, “Call unto Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things which you do not know.”

The Anchor of Fellowship

One of the first things I see whenever Christians are going through a storm is the mistake of pulling away from their church .   Satan knows that if he can get you separated from the rest of the Body that you are an easy target for him.

Hebrews 10:25 Living Bible says, “Let us not neglect our church meetings, as some people do, but encourage and warn each other, especially now that the day of His coming back again is drawing near.”

The Anchor of Faithfulness

Another tragic decision that some folks make is that they stop being faithful to what God has called them to do.

Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we will reap if we do not lose heart.”

1 Corinthians 15:58 says, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

This widow woman was in the most difficult storm of her entire life. She only had enough flour and oil to bake one final meal for she and her son and she knew that death was imminent.   1 Kings 17:13-16

Because this widow woman was willing to trust and obey, God miraculously caused her flour and oil to never run out!

Less than 5% of American Christians tithe. If every church member were to tithe, there would be an additional $131 billion available for God’s work for missions and helping the needy.

But money is not the only place we stop being faithful during a storm. The widow didn’t just give Elijah the flour and oil, she used her ability to cook the biscuit and her time.

The Anchor of Hope

Hope is defined as “a feeling of expectation and desire for something to happen.”   Some one once said “Let your hopes, not your hurts, shape your future.”

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.”

Psa 31:24 “So be strong and take courage, all you who put your hope in the LORD!” 

Psa 33:22 “Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.” 

Job 14:7-9 says, “There is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again and that its tender shoots will not cease. Though its root may grow old in the earth, and its stump may die in the ground, at the scent of water it will bud and bring forth branches like a plant.”

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Edward Mote put it this way, in His hymn “The Solid Rock” “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.  I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ Name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand all other ground is sinking sand. All other ground is sinking sand.”

Paul said in I Corinthians 10:13, "There hath no temptation (trouble) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trouble ) also make a way to escape." 

COMMON SENSE WAYS OF LIVING LIFE WITH LESS STRESS

  

VIDEO LINKS 

COMMON SENSE WAYS TO LIVE LIFE WITH LESS STRESS- PART 1

COMMON SENSE WAYS TO LIVE LIFE WITH LESS STRESS - PART 2

COMMON SENSE WAYS TO LIVE LIFE WITH LESS STRESS - PART 3

COMMON SENSE WAYS TO LIVE LIFE WTIH LESS STRESS - PART 4

Common Sense Ways of Living Life With Less Stress

By Pastor Mark Taylor

"But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:33-34)

In Part One of these messages on “Living A Life With Less Stress”, we discussed the fact that stress is in all our lives and it is not healthy.  We mentioned that leaning how to relax and taking control of our lives will help us reduce stress in our lives.  Because our Lord wants us to live with less stress, we need to look at ways to accomplish this important life skill.

If you can’t avoid a stressful situation, try to alter it. Figure out what you can do to change things so the problem doesn’t present itself in the future. Often, this involves changing the way you communicate and operate in your daily life.  If you can’t change the person or thing that is stressing you, change yourself. You can adapt to stressful situations and regain your sense of control by changing your expectations and attitude.

Look at the big picture. Take perspective of the stressful situation. Ask yourself how important it will be in the long run. Will it matter in a month? A year? Is it really worth getting upset over? If the answer is no, focus your time and energy elsewhere.  

Focus on the positive. When stress is getting you down, take a moment to reflect on all the things you appreciate in your life, including your own positive qualities and gifts. This simple strategy can help you keep things in perspective.

Adjust your standards. Perfectionism is a major source of avoidable stress. Stop setting yourself up for failure by demanding perfection. Set reasonable standards for yourself and others, and learn to be okay with “good enough.” 

Don’t try to control the uncontrollable. Many things in life are beyond our control— particularly the behavior of other people. Rather than stressing out over them, focus on the things you can control such as the way you choose to react to problems.

Learn to forgive. Accept the fact that we live in an imperfect world and that people make mistakes. Let go of anger and resentments. Free yourself from negative energy by forgiving and moving on.  “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Prov. 14:30)

Adopt a healthy lifestyle.  You can increase your resistance to stress by strengthening your physical health.  Exercise regularly. Physical activity plays a key role in reducing and preventing the effects of stress. Make time for at least 30 minutes of exercise, three times per week. 

Eat a healthy diet. Well-nourished bodies are better prepared to cope with stress, so be mindful of what you eat. Start your day right with breakfast, and keep your energy up and your mind clear with balanced, nutritious meals throughout the day.

Have a good support system.  Church, family and positive people can help you reduce stress in your life  “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the House of the Lord” (Psalms 122: 1).    God’s House should be a place where people are happy and joyful and can encourage each other.

Accept your personality, don't try to alter it. Instead, learn to manage your strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, stop chastising yourself for past mistakes. Learn from them - then let them go. Remind yourself of God ability when He created you and gave to you your special gifts and abilities.  “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works..” (Psalm 139:14)

Self-talk is one way to deal with stress. We all talk to ourselves; sometimes we talk out loud but usually we keep self-talk in our heads. Self-talk can be positive ("I can do this" or "Things will work out") or negative ("I'll never get well" or "I'm so stupid").  “And be not drunk with wine in excess; but be filled with the Holy Spirit;  Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heat to the Lord;  Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Ephesians 5: 18-20.

Negative self-talk increases stress. Positive self-talk helps you calm down and control stress. With practice, you can learn to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. For example:  Instead of saying “I can’t do this”; say “I will do my best”.  Instead of saying “Everything is going wrong.”, say “I can handle things if I take one step at a time”; or “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).  Instead of saying “I don’t know how I am going to make it”, say to yourself God’s Words:       “My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus”  (Philippians 4:19). 

Another way to reduce stress in your life is simply not to argue with people who have different views from you and are convinced they are right and you are wrong.  This can be in the area of politics, religion, and social issues.  If you are convinced that your views are in line with God’s Word, the Lord Jesus has given us some very good advice.  “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matthew 7:6).  Save the wisdom God has given you to give to those who are searching for the truth that comes from above.

Finally, and probably the most important way to reduce stress in your life is simply to   “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).  If you are living a life that is in line with God’s Word, and you are trying to please the Lord Jesus Christ, you will be “too blessed to be stressed”

Jesus said: “Take My yoke on you and learn of Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest to your souls” (Matthew 11:29).  Our minds are very important to God.  He wants you and I to develop them to be used for His service. “Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”  (2 Timothy 2:15).  God wants you to be wise and to make good decisions.  

Start today using one or more of these steps that God has shown you to live a life with less stress.  You will be happier and be a greater positive influence on others, and bring honor and glory to your Heavenly Father.

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

www.sermonstotheworld.blogspot.com )

A LIFE WITH LESS STRESS

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS WEEK'S MESSAGE

A LIFE WITH LESS STRESS - PART ONE

A LIFE WITH LESS STRESS - PART TWO

A LIFE WITH LESS STRESS - PART THREE

A Life With Less Stress - Part One

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”  (Philippians 4:5-7)

Most people have some stress in their lives and that is normal.  But Christians have the power of the Holy Spirit to live a life with less stress.  Statistics reveal that stress actually causes eighty to ninety percent of illnesses. Stress related illnesses can be anything that make you miss a day of work, from a common cold to a migraine headache.  75% of the general population experiences some type of stress every two weeks.. 75%-90% of all visits to the primary care physicians are stress-related complaints or disorders. Nearly half of all worker-related turnover in the market place is stress related. This is the type of stress we do not need in our lives.

In this series of messages I hope to give you both spiritual and common sense strategies to handle the stress that comes into your life.  We know it is not God’s will for us to live our lives with worry, anxiety, and stress.  Our Lord has told us  “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” (Matthew 6:34-35).  He told us: “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14: 1).

First of all, you must recognize you need a life with less stress and that God wants you to live that kind of life.  It is something you can do something about with the Lord’s help.  Maybe you have lived in a stressful life for so long, that you think it is normal, but it is not.  Not everyone deals with “drama” everyday.  Some people have chosen to draw boundaries in which they have chosen not to stress out about everyone else’s problems.  These people live with a thing called “Peace”.  That is their day is full of thoughts and actions that bring joy into their lives and into the lives of others.  Boundaries are important and we will learn how to set them and live within those boundaries as this series continues.

Stress management starts with identifying the sources of stress in your life. This isn’t as easy as it sounds. Your true sources of stress aren’t always obvious, and it’s all too easy to overlook your own stress-inducing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.  We will identify some of those sources later, but first of all lets think about why God created us.  He created us after His image.  That image includes joy, peace, and love. Our Lord and Savior came for many reasons but one is that you could enjoy life.  “I have come that you might have life, and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

Sometimes we get so busy with life, we forget to live.  Our lives should include periods of happiness and relaxation and enjoying the many blessings God has given us.   “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15:11).  Don’t get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life that you forget to take care of your own needs. Nurturing yourself is a necessity, not a luxury.

Set aside relaxation time. Include rest and relaxation in your daily schedule. Don’t allow other obligations to encroach. This is your time to take a break from all responsibilities and recharge your batteries.  Connect with others. Spend time with positive people who enhance your life. A strong support system will buffer you from the negative effects of stress.  Do something you enjoy every day. Make time for leisure activities that bring you joy, whether it be stargazing, playing the piano, or working on your bike.

Healthy ways to relax and recharge can include: taking a walk; spending time in nature; call a good positive friend; sweat out tension with a good workout; write in a journal; play with a pet, work in a garden or flower bed; listen to music; and many more things that bring you joy.

The second thing the Lord wants us to have in our lives is peace.  Most people are disconnected from peace on a daily basis due to one of three reasons: (1) sin – loss of peace with God; stress – loss of peace with self; conflict – loss of peace with others. That’s the bad news. The good news is that God has an answer in the form of one of the names of God. Jehovah-Shalom. The God of peace desires to come into the broken lives of humanity. 

Have you seen the bumper sticker, “No Peace, No God…Know Peace, Know God.”?  Quite simply, that’s what this peace is all about. If we don’t have peace with God, we will certainly never enjoy any other sort of peace. This peace comes to a man or women when they invite Christ to come into their lives and follows His teachings and direction from the Holy Spirit.

Take control of your environment – If the evening news makes you anxious, turn the TV off. If traffic’s got you tense, take a longer but less-traveled route. If going to the market is an unpleasant chore, do your grocery shopping online.

This is probably the most important mental tactic when it comes to dealing with stress. You have to understand that only you are in charge of your life. Only you are in charge of what you think, and most importantly only you decide whether you are stressed or not.

”Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” (Colossians 3:15).  The key word is “let”.  Make a choice that you are going to think on things that bring peace into daily life.  What are thoughts that will bring you peace?  “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”  (Philippians 4:8).  Think about what you are thinking about.  “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3).  If politics and world problems stress you out, avoid talking with people about these subjects.  Avoid people who stress you out – If someone consistently causes stress in your life and you can’t turn the relationship around, limit the amount of time you spend with that person or end the relationship entirely.  You might say “I am married to them, or they are my children.”  In that case you have to work on yourself which we will talk about later.

To live a life with less stress, I would encourage to begin praying and making your requests known to God about these two areas.  The first is to take time for yourself.  The second is to take control of your life, especially what you think.  Ask God to help you and as you make progress, give thanks to our Heavenly Father for helping you.

THE WILL OF GOD CONCERNING YOU

VIDEO LINKS TO THIS SERMON

THE WILL OF GOD CONCERNING YOU - PT 1

THE WILL OF GOD CONCERNING YOU - PT 2

THE WILL OF GOD CONCERNING YOU - PT 3

THE WILL OF GOD CONCERNING YOU - PT 4

THE WILL OF GOD CONCERNING YOU

BY PASTOR MARK TAYLOR

“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” ( I Thessalonians 5:18)

God expects us to live a life of thanksgiving rather than offering limited thanks. And we must never lose sight of God’s goodness, and God’s hand at work in everything we face. 

Why is it that so many people have chosen to be negative and have an unthankful attitude towards God and others?  

1.  Possibly it is because of the way people have been raised in their childhood and the many disappointments they have  faced during their life times.  One word seems to sum up those experiences and that is rejection.  Possibly, the unthankful attitude is a result of feeling that our friends, our family, our wives or husbands, our children, or even God has rejected us.  When we feel that way it is hard to give thanks.  

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ experienced all those feelings, yet He remained thankful.  “He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.  We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care. (Isaiah 53:3).  Yes, this was a prophecy that the Lord knew about 740 years before He chose to come to Earth and die for us.  He knew that not only the people of His life time would reject Him, but that you and I would reject Him, but He came anyway.  He overcame His feelings of rejection by fulfilling His purpose and demonstrating His love for you and me.  “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:7-8).  And even though the very people He came to save rejected Him, many others were saved and blessed by Him.  “He came into the very world He created, but the world didn’t receive Him.  He came to His own people, and even they rejected Him.  But to all who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1: 10-12)  How did he remain thankful and positive?  He knew that this was the will of God for His life and He focused upon His Father’s love for Him.

2.  Perhaps the reason some are unthankful is that they do not think that life has been fair to them, or maybe even that God has not been fair.  God's idea of fairness is different than that of the world.

God's idea of fairness is based on love and righteousness, not on equality.  A real Christian's relationship with God is based on trusting that He is in charge of our lives (because we have given it to Him) and that He working on our behalf out of love for us.

3.  Perhaps another reason people are unthankful is that they view themselves as victims.  The victim mentality seeks sympathy.  Often people are not enthusiastic about giving up their victim role  because they fear it will cut off the attention they receive from their friends and loved ones.  Taking on the victim role leads to bitterness and unthankfulness.  This is not "God's will concerning you".

"Get rid of all bitterness, passion, and anger. No more shouting or insults, no more hateful feelings of any sort. Instead, be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ." (EPHESIANS 4:31-32).

In every situation, we are to have an attitude of thankfulness toward God.  Have an “attitude of gratitude”.  How in the world is that possible?  First, recognize that although not everything is good in itself, God can and will use everything in our lives for our ultimate blessing.

God is good, all the time, but life isn’t.  God allows, (not causes), circumstances that ultimately can result in something good if we let Him work.  I don’t personally believe that God causes any evil of any kind, but He can turn bad circumstances into a blessing for us.  As Christians who love God, we should take the attitude that since God is good, then this bad circumstance can bring about some further good in or through my life, or else God would not have allowed it.  Bad things are going to happen to everyone, regardless if they are a child of God or not.  But God is very concerned about His children when bad things do happen to them.

Giving thanks reminds us that God uses all our circumstances to make us more like Him   “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.” (Romans 8:28-29). 

God has a good and wise and loving purpose for everything He allows into our lives, even pain and suffering. We can give thanks in the knowledge that He loves us and will never permit us any pain unless the ultimate benefit is worth the cost. That doesn’t mean we can understand His ways. We may have no idea how anything could be worth this much pain. But God’s Word tells us that it will be worth it.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (determination). Perseverance (determination) must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”  (James 1:2-4).  If you allow God to help you, your difficulties will make you a stronger person.

There are times we cause our own problems.  This includes health issues, financial difficulties, and relationship failures.  Certainly this is not “the will of God” for you.  Sometimes the sins and failures of others cause us hurt and hardships.  Neither are the pains others inflict upon us “God’s will”.  All of us have free will to choose positive or negative behaviors that both affect us and others.  This is why the Lord Jesus Christ shed His precious blood for you and I that we might be forgiven and start over when we make wrong choices or others cause bad things to happen to us.  “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and cleanse us from all sin.” ( I John 1:9).

There are times when there is no explanation of "why" bad things are happing to us.  Some people are born with disabilities or handicaps and we do not know "why".  Our response can be negative, when bad things happen to us.  But that is not “God’s will concerning you”.  Our response should be thankfulness.  You may ask: “How can I be thankful for the losses in my life, the illness in my body, the rejection I feel?”  It is not easy.  

But you can start by:

Thanking God for the people you have left in your life that love you; 

Looking around and see that your health could be worse and thank Him for the years of good health you have already received; 

You can look at the homeless, the prisoners in jail, those bound by the chains of drug and alcohol addiction; and those in war torn countries around the world and thank God for your freedom and comfort;

You can thank the Lord that you have heard the Gospel and God has chosen you to love Him and live with Him forever and that He loves you and wants a relationship with you.

Our Lord did not promise us a life without pain or difficulties.  He said this:
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33).

Do you want to do God’s will today?  His will is that you be thankful.

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