Pastor Alex focused us this last Sunday morning on what we can do to help ourselves and others realize everything they can become. As a parent we want to see our children succeed and develop. Through life’s experiences we know that God uses all things, the hard and the easy to move us forward toward that which He has for us. Scripture confirms this in Romans 8:28 “ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” We see how God uses the good and the hard things in life to achieve good purposes in our lives. It takes the long view to see things from God’s perspective. We also know that God is good and has good things planned for us from Jeremiah 29:11 and Ephesians 2:10. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” “ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
How can we be freed from our past and open to embrace the future God has for us? It is a lifelong journey. It starts with repentance and accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Once He is at the helm, we just need to walk in obedience and trust Him. It is not easy to leave our regrets and failures behind and not let them cloud our present. Apostle Paul see where our hope comes from in Jesus in Romans 5:3-5 “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” All those things we encounter in life add to our character as we walk with Jesus. James has similar advice in James 1:2-4 “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James goes a bit farther and says we should rejoice, count it all joy! Can you look back and recall a hard time that now brings you joy because of your patient endurance through Christ! That is victory in Jesus!
Just as parents seek to move their children forward by helping them with their plans and dreams, God does the same for us. He cares for us and shows us a future filled with hope. In the Old Testament, God appeared or sent angels to guide the patriarchs and prophets. Today, God still guides us. He uses His Word and His indwelling Holy Spirit! His Word guides- Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
John 14:15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,”
John 14:26 “ But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. “ Moving others towards God’s standards and guide book, the Bible, will allow the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts. Who can you invite to a Bible Study, home group, Sunday School or church?
Pastor Alex’s last point was one of passion. Once we believe and are convinced that God is good and has the BEST plans for us, we need to tell others. Romans 10:17 tell us “ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Do you have a passionate faith that is on fire for the Lord? Is Jesus on you mind throughout the day motivating and leading your actions? Walking with Him involves Trust and Hope in the future. I love Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Do others see you as working heartily for the Lord?? Are you eager to serve and tell others of how Christ is working in your life? If you’ve lost your first love, or passion, Jesus tells the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2:4-5 “ But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first.” Repent and turn to Him. He is only a prayer of repentance away. Renew your passion for Christ and move forward to the future He has for you!
Linda
MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass
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