Tuesday, March 29, 2011
What God wants
Stories from the vineyard pt 1 John ch 15 v 1-10 Introduction Deathbed conversation, you never forget a word, Jesus was away to die, this is what he left his disciples, this is what he has left us, in this chapter there are real insights for our Christian walk that perhaps we have missed. At the end the parables and stories were passed this is as clear as it gets! Thursday night upstairs You know all about the upper room, the night before Passover, the prediction that the messiah will come, the disciples know the messiah is here, a nice lovely night chatting, predicting the overthrow of the roman empire, where they will sit in the new kingdom The unravelling John 13 v 2-5, the messiah to be acts as the menial servant, the slave, and washes their feet, it gets worse, one of you will betray me, before sunrise, you Peter will deny me three times, the wheels are coming off, this is of course what Jesus has been telling them along, a cross not a throne, but the disciples heard what they wanted to hear. Jesus says, the world will see me no more, but you will see me, the ruler of this world is coming means Jesus is not ruler, not king. Three years with him, it is unravelling, listen to the words, but see their faces, Little children, I have loved you, let your hearts not be troubled, I will not leave you as orphans Light in the vineyard Lets go from here (Jn 14:31) a garden on the Mount of Olives, not a word spoken? Away from all the Passover parties, sombre, through the kidron valley, through the ancient vineyards, through the rows of grapes, heading for Gethsemane, but here Jesus stops holds up a grape branch, he starts “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener” Jesus reveals their destiny The curtains of heaven Too many of us are standing in the shadows of that vineyard, too often we have discovered that we are following a Jesus that turns out to be totally different to what we expected, we may feel confused, disillusioned even betrayed by God. Your spiritual crisis, or perhaps spiritual apathy is because you have heard the words of Jesus in the vineyard but not understood them. Too often we have settled for spiritual experience that includes disappointment, doubt even anger, too often we think that God will help us on our terms, win our battles for us, too often we have failed to lean in and listen. But these words in the vineyard, they still speak today, it brings freedom and joy, what God wants from you and me is this “ a fruitful harvest for him”, this is what he is at work at in you, in me! Will you listen to what he says, at this crucial time? He is pulling back the curtains of heaven, giving us a glimpse, I think he was thinking of us as he spoke to cautious Thomas, reckless Peter, guileless Nathaniel, he saw and loved you too, and I think he led you here today to hear from him, He wants us to flourish, to follow him into an abundant life. What God wants look to see what Jesus does not have in his hand, not money, not a map for invasion, not a letter home, I am the true vine, the father is the gardener, every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit he takes away, every branch that bears fruit he prunes that it may bear more, I am the vine you are the branches, he who abides in me and I in him, bears much fruit, by this my Father is glorified that you bear much fruit. John 15 : 1-2, 5-8 are you getting the picture? Smell, feel the grapes? Jesus’ last message is not about angels descending, not about heaven or hell, not parables, but all about fruit! An old vineyard, a new perspective Picture of vineyard, Jesus gives us a picture to see how we are to bear fruit Jesus is the vine. Not the long trailing limb, the vine is the trunk that grows out of the ground, usually kept to waist height, 3-4 feet, the branches grow from this trunk Father is the gardener, the keeper of the vineyard, his job is simple, to let his plants grow as much good grapes as possible, a well maintained healthy vineyard means a bigger harvest. You and I are the branches, they are the focus of the gardener, tied to a trellis, or propped up to let air circulate, get the most sunshine, get full access for tending, the gardener lovingly cultivates each branch so that it will bear as much fruit as possible Lovely picture, but hours before death why did Jesus talk in such detail about grapes? Jesus knew now was the time to let the disciples see things in a new way, from a eternal perspective What is fruit? Often we think this is just about letting people meet with Jesus, and it is, but is also so much more, fruit and good works are used almost interchangeably throughout the bible Titus 3:14, for the disciples would know that fruit symbolized the best in life, the sweetest prize, Psalm 1:3. Fruit then represents a changed life and changed lives around you, thought, attitude, action that brings glory to God, the fruit of your life is how you bring glory to God and give him all the honour. Father is glorified when you bear much fruit. Inner fruit, the fruit of the Spirit, Gal 5:22 Outward fruit, when you allow God to work through you, sharing faith (apostles), but also every area of life, Paul tells us in 2 cor, to abound in God’s grace in every good work, shopping for a elderly neighbour, or a life in the jungle as a missionary, outward fruit appears when your motive is to give God all the glory. How important is fruit bearing then? Jesus tells us that he chose us so that we bear fruit and that fruit remains, it is a permanent deposit, it is the riches that do not rust or fade, it is the reason we are made! Jesus has not redeemed us to whisk us away; he has set us here for a purpose, to bring him much glory as we bear much fruit! Not automatic, all branches don’t react in the same way to the gardener, each branch is unique, each brings a different harvest! In fact there is 4 distinct levels of yield! Baskets of glory Imagine the baskets under the vines, 1st basket, not a grape! Every branch in me that bears no fruit. 2nd basket, some there! Branches that bears fruit 3rd basket, half full, branches bears more fruit 4th basket, overflowing, branches that bear much fruit we are all on the spectrum! From no fruit to too much fruit, and we go through seasons, but there is a time when the harvest will be gathered. The Father wants much fruit from us, so not only that he gets the glory but because we grow and stretch when we give him the glory in all things More is always possible! That is why he tends us, so we keep moving further up and further in, we were created to bear much fruit. How much fruit do you see in your life today? Created for abundance If I was to ask you to describe the level of fruit in your life today, more than half would say little or no fruit, a small percentage would bear much fruit. Part of that is false humility, part of that is that you are not sure what that fruit looks like, but part of that is that you are in a place where either you are struggling with your faith, with your church or with your life, you are built fit for purpose, but too often you feel like a square peg in a round hole. Bearing fruit is not reserved for the super Christian (they don’t actually exist), it is the destiny of every believer. Jesus expects abundance in our lives, we can’t find fulfilment in a half empty basket, as we look through this chapter over the next month in the run up to Easter, we will unlock 3 key points to how God will bear much fruit in you. Conclusion When you realise that God is at work in you, you will see that you do bear fruit, but God wants to bear much more in you. Will you let him in, will you let the Father tend to you? To work in you, to grow you, even when it feels like a stretch and it is painful? You have a choice, let God grow you, or be cut from the vine and thrown on the rubbish heap, I know what I want, I want to give God the glory in all areas, I can only do that with him working in and through me. May you…….
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Renewal
Isaiah 40 v 31
Introduction, long distance from Cairo, son on donkey grandmother brush with the law
Are you tired? Bored? Fed up? Are you knackered? Do you feel like you are running on empty? Our strength will eventually run out! Our enthusiasm, our energy, our delight, our excitement with life, will someday fall away. Good news huh? We are called to run the race, for God with God-to-God, how are we getting on? 7 year switch, spiritually we need to be renewed too!
I. The need for renewal
A. Some have quit running
1. They may still be around the race course
2. They may even still be standing among the runners
B. Some are tired of running
1. The race has been long and the course is difficult
2. These are people who are thinking about quitting
C. Some are tired in running
1. They are still plodding on
2. They are tired and thus less effective in running.
D. Just about everyone needs periodic renewal, if you are not there today, you maybe there tomorrow
II. The source of renewal
A. Resolution will not do
1. It is good to make resolutions
2. Resolution alone will not solve this problem
B. Self help Methods will not do
1. This is the big stress today, you can do whatever you set out to do, you can do it!
2. Many are finding that the race is too tough for this
C. Only spiritual renewal will do
1. The difficulties we face today all have a spiritual dimension
2. Only a spiritual change will help
D. The Lord is the source of our strength
III. The manner of renewal: “wait on the Lord”
A. It requires submission to his will
1. We wait as a servant waits for instruction
2. Only a submitted will waits
B. It requires listening to his word
1. There is no sure way to hear his voice outside of his word
2. There is no sure way to wait on him without listening for his voice
C. It requires obedience to his commands
1. Submission settles the issue
2. Continual commitment is required
D. it is only as we wait on the Lord that we will find strength
IV. The results of renewal
A. Help for the day to day
1. They shall walk and not faint
2. The day to day, the usual is the hardest of all
B. Strength for the extra demands
1. They shall run and not grow weary
2. Your call, your ministry is extra demanding! A lot of work for few people, a lot of need for a few givers, but if you step up, God steps in.
C. Ability for the exceptional opportunity
1. They shall mount up with wings as eagles
2. There is always an opportunity, we have to have the eyes of eagles to seem them sometimes, but when we do God will lift us, we will soar with him
3. Don’t you want to soar?
Conclusion
Wait on the Lord, A church that is waiting on the Lord always knows where it’s strength lies, namely in God. The same goes for the tired, the depressed, the overworked the miserable as well as the happy, content and peaceful, if you wait on God, you receive his renewal, his joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. Born to fly, May you………………..
Introduction, long distance from Cairo, son on donkey grandmother brush with the law
Are you tired? Bored? Fed up? Are you knackered? Do you feel like you are running on empty? Our strength will eventually run out! Our enthusiasm, our energy, our delight, our excitement with life, will someday fall away. Good news huh? We are called to run the race, for God with God-to-God, how are we getting on? 7 year switch, spiritually we need to be renewed too!
I. The need for renewal
A. Some have quit running
1. They may still be around the race course
2. They may even still be standing among the runners
B. Some are tired of running
1. The race has been long and the course is difficult
2. These are people who are thinking about quitting
C. Some are tired in running
1. They are still plodding on
2. They are tired and thus less effective in running.
D. Just about everyone needs periodic renewal, if you are not there today, you maybe there tomorrow
II. The source of renewal
A. Resolution will not do
1. It is good to make resolutions
2. Resolution alone will not solve this problem
B. Self help Methods will not do
1. This is the big stress today, you can do whatever you set out to do, you can do it!
2. Many are finding that the race is too tough for this
C. Only spiritual renewal will do
1. The difficulties we face today all have a spiritual dimension
2. Only a spiritual change will help
D. The Lord is the source of our strength
III. The manner of renewal: “wait on the Lord”
A. It requires submission to his will
1. We wait as a servant waits for instruction
2. Only a submitted will waits
B. It requires listening to his word
1. There is no sure way to hear his voice outside of his word
2. There is no sure way to wait on him without listening for his voice
C. It requires obedience to his commands
1. Submission settles the issue
2. Continual commitment is required
D. it is only as we wait on the Lord that we will find strength
IV. The results of renewal
A. Help for the day to day
1. They shall walk and not faint
2. The day to day, the usual is the hardest of all
B. Strength for the extra demands
1. They shall run and not grow weary
2. Your call, your ministry is extra demanding! A lot of work for few people, a lot of need for a few givers, but if you step up, God steps in.
C. Ability for the exceptional opportunity
1. They shall mount up with wings as eagles
2. There is always an opportunity, we have to have the eyes of eagles to seem them sometimes, but when we do God will lift us, we will soar with him
3. Don’t you want to soar?
Conclusion
Wait on the Lord, A church that is waiting on the Lord always knows where it’s strength lies, namely in God. The same goes for the tired, the depressed, the overworked the miserable as well as the happy, content and peaceful, if you wait on God, you receive his renewal, his joy, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. Born to fly, May you………………..
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Dog-eared
Proverbs 26:17
Introduction story of the American president Lyndon, holding his dogs by the ears. Many Christians become involved in something similar! It is the result of interfering in the affairs of others, this verse describes the situation and how we can apply practical biblical teaching to our lives and really see the benefits!
Proverbs 26 v 17 Getting involved in an argument that is none of your business is like going down the street and grabbing a dog by it’s ears
What is this verse talking about? Meddling!
I. what is meddling?
A. the verse is self explanatory
1. Meddle comes from the Latin to mix thoroughly
2. if you meddle, you are itching to get in there, something is winding you up, you are getting agitated
3. it is an argument, so you want to get involved in a ding dong!
4. GN back to front, it is not going down the street to grab a dog’s ears, rather you are a passer by to the argument, so you don’t even know what the argument is even about
5. It is none of your business though! There is no personal stake for the meddler in what is going on!
B. Meddling can be expressed in various ways
1. Someone who sticks his nose in where it is not wanted
2. Giving your tuppence worth
3. Or as the Greeks put it in a proverb, “strive not in a matter that concerns you not”
II. What are the results of meddling?
A. It is like grabbing a dog by the ears
1. Not a wise way to handle dogs
2. the verse seems to be suggesting the idea of a stray dog
3. you grab a dog by it’s lugs, you will incur it’s rage and you will at the very least get a nip, if not a right good bite!
B. A meddler exposes himself to danger
1. If you enter an argument between two people, you will either take one side and upset the other, or no side and upset both
2. Once we are in an argument that is not ours, it is very difficult to get out of it!
3. Involvement in arguments and fights of others, almost always results in hurt
4. Uninvited involvement is rarely appreciated!
III. How does meddling differ from peacemaking?
A. There is a clear difference
1. Peacemaking is about bringing people together
2. Meddling is often about taking one side and looking for a victory
B. Two guidelines
1. Peacemaking is best done reluctantly and hesitantly
2. We should be very sure of our call to act before we do so!
IV. Are there biblical illustrations regarding meddling?
A. The story of Jehoshaphat in 1 Kings 22
1. Jehoshaphat is in a battle that is not his concern
2. He escapes but very nearly lost his life for his trouble
B. Incident in Luke 12 v 13-14
1. Jesus confronted a man who wanted him to become involved in an argument
2. Jesus perfectly practices prov 26 v 17
3. We would do well to follow the example of Jesus and avoid arguments and feuds, that do not concern us
V. What are the lessons to be learned from meddling?
I think it is daft to argue/fight about things we really care about, it is really idiotic to become involved in things that are none of our business, just think about what can happen if you get involved an issue such as who gets the inheritance, or if you try to help a couple that are having real relationship issues? Minefield
If we are not to be quick to sort out our own problems, why should be trying to sort out other people’s lives? Jesus I am sure said something about logs and specks in people’s eyes, do you remember, or to put it another way people in glass houses, shouldn’t throw stones
When we do intervene as a peacemaker, we must do so only after much prayer, with good reason and with solid biblical support
Think about the witness to Jesus you give by meddling or peacemaking.
VI. What is the answer to meddling?
A. recognise we love to do it!
B. Accept biblical cautions against it (I peter 4 v 15-16)
C. Hear the words of Paul I thess 4 :11, make it your ambition to mind your own business, so you win the respect of others! You are little Christ’s, you bring Jesus to everyone you meet! Think about how Jesus is seen in you!
Conclusion
We have too often forgotten that God can handle many things we want to handle, let’s not go out grabbing the ears of those around us! We will not only get bitten, we will cause great hurt, lets remember we are the face of Jesus to all we meet!
Introduction story of the American president Lyndon, holding his dogs by the ears. Many Christians become involved in something similar! It is the result of interfering in the affairs of others, this verse describes the situation and how we can apply practical biblical teaching to our lives and really see the benefits!
Proverbs 26 v 17 Getting involved in an argument that is none of your business is like going down the street and grabbing a dog by it’s ears
What is this verse talking about? Meddling!
I. what is meddling?
A. the verse is self explanatory
1. Meddle comes from the Latin to mix thoroughly
2. if you meddle, you are itching to get in there, something is winding you up, you are getting agitated
3. it is an argument, so you want to get involved in a ding dong!
4. GN back to front, it is not going down the street to grab a dog’s ears, rather you are a passer by to the argument, so you don’t even know what the argument is even about
5. It is none of your business though! There is no personal stake for the meddler in what is going on!
B. Meddling can be expressed in various ways
1. Someone who sticks his nose in where it is not wanted
2. Giving your tuppence worth
3. Or as the Greeks put it in a proverb, “strive not in a matter that concerns you not”
II. What are the results of meddling?
A. It is like grabbing a dog by the ears
1. Not a wise way to handle dogs
2. the verse seems to be suggesting the idea of a stray dog
3. you grab a dog by it’s lugs, you will incur it’s rage and you will at the very least get a nip, if not a right good bite!
B. A meddler exposes himself to danger
1. If you enter an argument between two people, you will either take one side and upset the other, or no side and upset both
2. Once we are in an argument that is not ours, it is very difficult to get out of it!
3. Involvement in arguments and fights of others, almost always results in hurt
4. Uninvited involvement is rarely appreciated!
III. How does meddling differ from peacemaking?
A. There is a clear difference
1. Peacemaking is about bringing people together
2. Meddling is often about taking one side and looking for a victory
B. Two guidelines
1. Peacemaking is best done reluctantly and hesitantly
2. We should be very sure of our call to act before we do so!
IV. Are there biblical illustrations regarding meddling?
A. The story of Jehoshaphat in 1 Kings 22
1. Jehoshaphat is in a battle that is not his concern
2. He escapes but very nearly lost his life for his trouble
B. Incident in Luke 12 v 13-14
1. Jesus confronted a man who wanted him to become involved in an argument
2. Jesus perfectly practices prov 26 v 17
3. We would do well to follow the example of Jesus and avoid arguments and feuds, that do not concern us
V. What are the lessons to be learned from meddling?
I think it is daft to argue/fight about things we really care about, it is really idiotic to become involved in things that are none of our business, just think about what can happen if you get involved an issue such as who gets the inheritance, or if you try to help a couple that are having real relationship issues? Minefield
If we are not to be quick to sort out our own problems, why should be trying to sort out other people’s lives? Jesus I am sure said something about logs and specks in people’s eyes, do you remember, or to put it another way people in glass houses, shouldn’t throw stones
When we do intervene as a peacemaker, we must do so only after much prayer, with good reason and with solid biblical support
Think about the witness to Jesus you give by meddling or peacemaking.
VI. What is the answer to meddling?
A. recognise we love to do it!
B. Accept biblical cautions against it (I peter 4 v 15-16)
C. Hear the words of Paul I thess 4 :11, make it your ambition to mind your own business, so you win the respect of others! You are little Christ’s, you bring Jesus to everyone you meet! Think about how Jesus is seen in you!
Conclusion
We have too often forgotten that God can handle many things we want to handle, let’s not go out grabbing the ears of those around us! We will not only get bitten, we will cause great hurt, lets remember we are the face of Jesus to all we meet!
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
A penny for your thoughts
Proverbs 4 v 23
Introduction
Often said when someone is deep in thought, a penny for your thoughts! But your thoughts are worth so much more than a penny! In fact your thoughts are among some of your most precious treasures. Solomon said “as he thinks in his heart, so he is” (prov 23v 7), Solomon was known as the wisest man to have ever lived, he probably knew more about this subject than we do, so lets just unpack on verse, Prov 4 v 23
I. What we should do: guard your thoughts!
A. Any meaningful consideration of your thoughts must examine your heart also
1. There is more to us than our brains, but our brains and our thoughts are what make the inner man meaningful
2. Your thinking is what you really are
B. Keeping your heart involves 2 things
1. What you allow to enter it
2. What you allow to go on in it
II. How we are to do it: carefully!
A. With extreme care
1. Not only carefully, but with all diligence
2. Another translation tells us to exercise the utmost care over our thoughts
B. How careful are you?
1. If you kept your body like you keep your mind……
2. If you kept your house like you keep your mind…..
3. If you kept your friends like you keep your mind…..
4. If you kept your finances like you keep your mind….
III. Why we are to do it: because they are the source of true life
A. Because our minds don’t turn naturally toward God
1. It is deceitful (Jer 17:9, Prov 28 v 26)
2. It’s desires are determined by pride (Rom 12: 3)
B. Because the mind determines what we are (prov 23 v 7 again!)
1. The real nature of you and me is in our thoughts
2. This is why a brain transplant is impossible!!!!!!
C. Because the mind determines what we do
1. Jesus is very clear on this (Matt 12: 35)
2. This works in both directions (Dan 5:6)
D. Because we can sin with our thoughts
1. Jesus taught us this (Matt 5: 28)
2. If you think about it (!) there is more mental sin than physical stuff! Both bad!
E. Because the mind it the communication point with temptation
1. Clearly taught in James 1 v 14
2. This is the reason for Jesus suggestion prayer in Mark 14 v 38
F. Because uncontrolled thoughts lead to problems
1. A controlled life is necessary to positive Christian living (2 Cor 10:5)
2. Uncontrolled thoughts can impact others (Heb 12:15)
G. Because our desires arise out of our thoughts
1. The “fruits of our thoughts” (Jer 6:19)
2. very few sins are unplanned!
Conclusion
What you think is so important, bitterness, lust, hate, discontent, pride, lies. The ways you think are also incredibly important, negativity, worry, fantasies, self pity, distrust, unhappiness. Never take a penny for your thoughts, as they are worth so much more than that, they are in fact priceless! They can make you or break you, in this world and for the world to come!
Introduction
Often said when someone is deep in thought, a penny for your thoughts! But your thoughts are worth so much more than a penny! In fact your thoughts are among some of your most precious treasures. Solomon said “as he thinks in his heart, so he is” (prov 23v 7), Solomon was known as the wisest man to have ever lived, he probably knew more about this subject than we do, so lets just unpack on verse, Prov 4 v 23
I. What we should do: guard your thoughts!
A. Any meaningful consideration of your thoughts must examine your heart also
1. There is more to us than our brains, but our brains and our thoughts are what make the inner man meaningful
2. Your thinking is what you really are
B. Keeping your heart involves 2 things
1. What you allow to enter it
2. What you allow to go on in it
II. How we are to do it: carefully!
A. With extreme care
1. Not only carefully, but with all diligence
2. Another translation tells us to exercise the utmost care over our thoughts
B. How careful are you?
1. If you kept your body like you keep your mind……
2. If you kept your house like you keep your mind…..
3. If you kept your friends like you keep your mind…..
4. If you kept your finances like you keep your mind….
III. Why we are to do it: because they are the source of true life
A. Because our minds don’t turn naturally toward God
1. It is deceitful (Jer 17:9, Prov 28 v 26)
2. It’s desires are determined by pride (Rom 12: 3)
B. Because the mind determines what we are (prov 23 v 7 again!)
1. The real nature of you and me is in our thoughts
2. This is why a brain transplant is impossible!!!!!!
C. Because the mind determines what we do
1. Jesus is very clear on this (Matt 12: 35)
2. This works in both directions (Dan 5:6)
D. Because we can sin with our thoughts
1. Jesus taught us this (Matt 5: 28)
2. If you think about it (!) there is more mental sin than physical stuff! Both bad!
E. Because the mind it the communication point with temptation
1. Clearly taught in James 1 v 14
2. This is the reason for Jesus suggestion prayer in Mark 14 v 38
F. Because uncontrolled thoughts lead to problems
1. A controlled life is necessary to positive Christian living (2 Cor 10:5)
2. Uncontrolled thoughts can impact others (Heb 12:15)
G. Because our desires arise out of our thoughts
1. The “fruits of our thoughts” (Jer 6:19)
2. very few sins are unplanned!
Conclusion
What you think is so important, bitterness, lust, hate, discontent, pride, lies. The ways you think are also incredibly important, negativity, worry, fantasies, self pity, distrust, unhappiness. Never take a penny for your thoughts, as they are worth so much more than that, they are in fact priceless! They can make you or break you, in this world and for the world to come!
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Patience and courage
Psalm 27 v 13-14
Introduction
Bear in cave “Spurgeon said, “The Christian life is no child’s play. All who have gone on pilgrimage to the celestial city have found a tough road, sloughs of despondency and hills of difficulty, giants to fight and tempters to shun”
I Typical trials
A. We are not sure at what time in David’s life this psalm was written
1. Clearly it refers to trials or was written during time of trial
2. David went through many- this may be a typical one
3. This may be recoded in 1 Samuel 21 v 1-10 or 1 Samuel 22 v 6-23
B. What were some of the things typical of David’s trials?
1. Danger- Saul wanted to kill him
2. Distress- anguish over the death of the priests
3. Discomfort- his whole personal life was torn up
4. Despair- He had little idea of the future
II. Timeless teaching
A. The encouragement of Expectation (v13)
1. He yet expected to see the goodness of the Lord
2. He expected to see it in the “land of the living” refers to this life here on earth
B. The power of patience- “wait on the Lord” – The hardest thing to do is nothing “ sometimes the servant will have to wait in absolute inaction and this is not always to the taste of energetic minds”
1. Look to him as your source- nothing comes other than from him
2. Stand before him in submission
3. Be patient for his timing- this is at the heart of so much!
4. Stay in constant communion with him.
5. Hold on to the things you believe “Don’t doubt in the dark what God has given you in the light”
C. The character of courage, “be of good courage” (courage is a state o mind which results from a decision on the will
1. continue waiting on the Lord
2. keep on facing life
3. stay involved in service
4. Keep doing right
5. remain faithful in prayer
D. The enhancement of experience “again I say”
1. David adds his own experience here
2. No matter when this was written, he had already been through more than most of us will ever face
III. Timely truth
Things that are not promised
He will remove your trials
He will remove you from trials
He will make your life easy
The thing that is promised: He will strengthen your heart
He will keep you in the trial
He will keep you through the trial
He will be a refuge in the trial
He will use the trial
Conclusion
Emperor moth. Wait on the Lord. Stick around, be what you should be, do what you should do. As you do it, he will enable you to do it. Ultimately there will be a solution. “hands of there and leave it with the most high”
Introduction
Bear in cave “Spurgeon said, “The Christian life is no child’s play. All who have gone on pilgrimage to the celestial city have found a tough road, sloughs of despondency and hills of difficulty, giants to fight and tempters to shun”
I Typical trials
A. We are not sure at what time in David’s life this psalm was written
1. Clearly it refers to trials or was written during time of trial
2. David went through many- this may be a typical one
3. This may be recoded in 1 Samuel 21 v 1-10 or 1 Samuel 22 v 6-23
B. What were some of the things typical of David’s trials?
1. Danger- Saul wanted to kill him
2. Distress- anguish over the death of the priests
3. Discomfort- his whole personal life was torn up
4. Despair- He had little idea of the future
II. Timeless teaching
A. The encouragement of Expectation (v13)
1. He yet expected to see the goodness of the Lord
2. He expected to see it in the “land of the living” refers to this life here on earth
B. The power of patience- “wait on the Lord” – The hardest thing to do is nothing “ sometimes the servant will have to wait in absolute inaction and this is not always to the taste of energetic minds”
1. Look to him as your source- nothing comes other than from him
2. Stand before him in submission
3. Be patient for his timing- this is at the heart of so much!
4. Stay in constant communion with him.
5. Hold on to the things you believe “Don’t doubt in the dark what God has given you in the light”
C. The character of courage, “be of good courage” (courage is a state o mind which results from a decision on the will
1. continue waiting on the Lord
2. keep on facing life
3. stay involved in service
4. Keep doing right
5. remain faithful in prayer
D. The enhancement of experience “again I say”
1. David adds his own experience here
2. No matter when this was written, he had already been through more than most of us will ever face
III. Timely truth
Things that are not promised
He will remove your trials
He will remove you from trials
He will make your life easy
The thing that is promised: He will strengthen your heart
He will keep you in the trial
He will keep you through the trial
He will be a refuge in the trial
He will use the trial
Conclusion
Emperor moth. Wait on the Lord. Stick around, be what you should be, do what you should do. As you do it, he will enable you to do it. Ultimately there will be a solution. “hands of there and leave it with the most high”
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