| Event: | Pastor's Notes Part 1 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | Coping with the Tough Times -Habakkuk 1:12-17. ( Part 1)
Overcoming difficult times, is predicated upon the heavenly convictions rather than the earthly one. The person who has God's point of view is the one who overcomes. Thus it's imperative to learn God's ways and to implement them, regularly. We are no different than the prophet with our reactions - perplexed and confused. We pray for our nation and now we are dealing with a pandemic. That's not what we were expecting. So now we must act spiritually and not inpulsevely. God's Truth and the Holy Spirit must guide us and not our emotions. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
Paul reminds us that we have the mind of Christ (1Cor. 2:16 )
So whenever we face trials of every type, we must view them from God's perspective, the heavenly view. The earthly view is limited and negative. The heavenly view is unlimited, positive and pertinent. God alone has the answers and solutions to our problems and needs. The more we allow God and His Truth to govern our thoughts and our hearts, the more we conquer our problems and enemies. Keep in mind that right thinking leads to right living and right feelings. That's why we must have our minds transformed daily by the Holy Spirit and the Bible.(Rom. 12:1-2;Isa. 26:3)
Thinking spiritually will lead to peace and victory. Practice the discipline of Biblical meditation and you will succeed and prosper (Psalm 1). |
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| Event: | Pastor's Notes Part 2 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | Coping with the Tough Times: Habakkuk 1:12-17 (Part 2)
We are not the first not the last to experience catastrophic events. The Bible records for us, some of those events and how God's people responded to them. ( Romans 15:4 )
The more we are familiar with the Bible and governed by its teachings, the better equipped we will be to overcome the difficult times. ( 2 Timothy 3:16 ) The key is knowing and doing the Word of God - Jn. 13:17;Jam. 1:22; Joshua 1:8.
From our text we have learned: Think before you act and now we learn Dwell on God's absolute Truth. As long as our focus is on the eternal Word of God, we shall be triumphant. It's normal to be confused with what we and the world is going through, but we do not despair. We stick wth who/what we know and not go to the unknown. The devil will try to take you to the unknown so that he can shipwreck your faith, but our faith is grounded in God and His Word. God and His Truth is unchanging, eternal, reliable. If you want to fail and be disappointed, lean on yourself and others, but if you want to succeed and be victorious, lean totally and completely on the Lord and His Word. When all around us is unstable, we lean on the Rock. We know that He alone is dependable, at all times. He will never fail us,period. His love, power, wisdom will never let us down. He is all-powerful and all-loving,(Psalm 62:11-12). He can solve any problem,He can heal any sickness, He can defeat any foe. He is our God! " If God be for us, who then can be against us?" Romans 8:31
Dwell on who and what God is, dwell on what He has done for you and your family and your problems and difficulties will grow smaller. The God who has delivered you from so many problems in the past, has not changed and will help you defeat them, now. |
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| Event: | Pastor's Notes Part 3 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | Coping with the Tough Times - Habakkuk 1:12-17
"To be forewarned is to be forearmed."
This principle is clearly taught throughout the Scriptures. God always equips His people to face and to conquer adversity. The road from earth to glory is marked with sufferings, hardships, difficulties. Our Lord walked the via dolorosa (the way of suffering ), for us and now we follow in His footsteps. He warned us in Jn, 16:33 that in this world we would have trouble. His apostles followed the same theme. ( 1Peter 4:12; James 1:2 ) The Lord also made it clear that He has conquered the world, the grave and the devil. Through Him we are more than conquerors. Because of the Scriptures we have a different perspective on trials and the stings. We see them as our friends and not our foes. We see the gains and not just the pain. God's truth, when understood and applied will always defeat our problems and enemies. That's why our minds must be renewed daily by the Holy Spirit and God's Word. (Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:1-2; Isaiah 26:3) Then alone we will have the "high view," on the earthly trials. Healthy minds think God's thoughts and produce healthy lives. We must stand on His truth, no matter what. In times of uncertainty, we are certain of God and His promises. ( 2 Timothy 1:12; Matthew 24:35 ) When we focus on God's attributes and His promises, the attention shifts from the problem to the solution, from the need to the supplier. If we belong to God, we have ground for assurance, confidence that He will take great care of us. ( Psalm 34:8,19;Romans 8:31,35-37 ) Keep in mind that God is a rewarded of them that diligently seek Him. ( Hebrews 11:6 ) Stand on the promises that cannot fail. |
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| Event: | Pastor's Notes Part 4 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | Coping with the tough times - Hab. 1:12-17
In Psalm 103 David reminds of the many benefits that belong to God's people. The more we recall these benefits, the more grateful and trusting we will be. But if we forget them, we become proud,ungrateful and uncommitted. In times of sufferings and difficultits is when we need to remember these blessings and not allow the negative to blind us from the positive. ( Romans 8:16 ) Just as Joseph was a good steward of God's abundant blessings, during the seven years of prosperity, so must we treasure God's benefits and recall them in times of famines and pandemics. Remembering what God has done and given us strengthens our faith in the One who is immutable. Our security rests in the One who can never be shaken and who is always reliable. Faith in God and His word will carry God's people, no matter the problems and circumstances. (Heb. 11)
In our "rainy days" we draw from the well of benefits. Satan wants us to focus on what God hasn't done, but we must focus on what He has done for us. His deeds and blessings testify of His love and care for us. We don't understand God's ways, but we should know His heart, that He loves us and is for us. We are His people, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, 1Peter1:18,19. We are blessed in every way possible (John 1:16;Ephesians 1:3). The list of benefits is endless. Because we are Covenant people, we can be certain that God will never break His Covenant (Num. 23:19;Deut. 7:9; 2 Tim. 2:13). No matter what happens in the world, God will take great care of His people (Psalm 34:8,9; 91:14-16). His people need to honor God by living according to His Word. The more effort we make in becoming more like Him and in doing His will, the more victorious we will be over our enemies and problems. We honor Him and He honors us (1Pet. 1:14-16; 1Thess. 4:3,7; Heb. 12:14. In keeping His commands, there is great reward (Psalm 19:11). |
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| Event: | Pastor's Notes Part 5 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | Coping with the Tough Times: Habakkuk 2:1
When believers are beset with a multitude of problems, they should make prayer their top priority. God must be the first One we turn to for help. Our problems are spiritual in nature and require spiritual solutions. God is the expert and source we need to solve our problems. Prayer is a clear sign that we are wholly leaning on the Lord and not on ourselves or others. There is no need for us to worry when we can pray and trust the Lord to provide for all of our needs. A key conponent of prayer is to leave all of our problems with God. Once we have voiced our needs and issues to God, we wait for Him to respond. Trust means that He knows what is best for us and that He will work His plan according to His will, way and timing. If He is in charge then we have no worries. If we worry then we are in charge of trying to solve our problems. Biblical praying is turning our backs on the problem and fixing our focus on the One who specializes in doing the impossible. An example is Hannah. She couldn't have children, yet she poured her heart to God and trusted Him for His help. God came through for her and she conceived and gave birth to Samuel. The rest is history. Once too often we give our problems over to God and then take them back. We got to release them and leave them in God's hands.When we are alone with God and become submerged with Him, problems become smaller and He becomes greater. We become more aware of His love and care for us and lean on Him for everything. No wonder Peter said,"Cast all of your cares open the Lord because He CARES for YOU." (1Pe. 5:7) When we give our cares to God, He gives us a peace that protects the mind and heart from worries and assurance that we are going to be taken care of by Him. So let's rest on Him and in His wonderful care. |
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| Event: | Pastor's Notes Part 6 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | Coping with the tough times: Hab.2:1
Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." If it was up to us, we choose only the seasons we like. Yet, life on earth exposes all of us to every season, good and bad, highs and lows, feast or famine. You can't have one with out the other. The only way to experience only one side, is in heaven. In heaven there is no mourning, no pain, no death, but only life, peace, rest. The very things that cause us grief and pain will one day cease to exist. ( Rev. 21:4 ) We have hope and it's in Christ, who conquered the grave. There is something better, Someone greater that awaits us in heaven. That is why we persevere and endure trials and testings. (James 1:12) The Scriptures provide for us everything we need to face and to conquer this evil world. ( Psalm 119:105; 2 Timothy 3:16) For every season we go through, the Bible has the answers, solutions, encouragement we need to weather the storms of life. We can relate to the prophet and the times he was living in and learn from him. We have learned 1. God's ways are not our ways 2. God has everything under control 3. We must think spiritually and not act emotionally 4.We must focus our attention on God's absolute truth and stand on it 5. Make prayer our top priority. Lastly 6. Be confident in your expectation of God. Having applied the previous principles, now we wait for the Lord's answer and response. That's what a dialogue is all about. We unburden our hearts to God and trust Him to resolve them for us, but then we must give Him the time of day to speak to us. We must resist the temptation to take matters into our own hands on account that our issues are not being solved instantly. God doesn't operate His Kingdom like fast food chains. If you want His answer, patience is a must. Patience is the capacity to endure trials calmly, confidently,and without complaining. What is of great value to God in our lives, requires time. Character and conduct that is reflective of Him does not happen overnight. We are interested in comfort, but He is interested in character. We can be saved quickly, but not sanctified. That takes a lifetime. Because we are always in a hurry, we fail to learn our lessons and thus repeat the same testings. Hebrews 6:12 shows us how we get rewarded, "....imitate those who through faith and patience inheri what has been promised." David's life and experiences illustrate this truth ( Ps. 5:3;401;130:6 ). If we wait on the Lord for everything, we will never be disappointed. God will answer us a number of ways: through His Word, by the Holy Spirit, by ordering our circumstances. This is not an exhaustive list. There are other ways that God speaks to us. The bottom line is are we willing to wait for His reply? If we do, His word will sustain and carry you through the tough times. |
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| Event: | Pastor's Notes Part 8 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | Jesus Never fails: Mk. 5:21-43
The Gospel writers recorded incidents that took place in the life and ministry of Jesus that prove beyond doubt that He is the Son of God and Supreme over all. Regardless of the problem - spiritual,physical,natural - Jesus can solve them all. He has all authority and can do the impossible ( Mt. 28:18). He is our only hope and can be trusted with our lives, past, present and future. Three truths stand out in this story: 1. The Reason for his coming. Jairus came to Jesus because he was desperate for help. His daughter was sick and dying. Trouble, unlike anything else, has a way of making many people realize that they need God. Many of us have come to know the Lord because of trouble and tragedy. That gets our attention and causes us to look for God. Jairus came to Jesus because no one else could help his daughter. 2. The Response to his coming. The are no recorded incidents in the Gospels where Jesus refused to help someone in need. The opposite is true. Everyone who came to Jesus for help, received it. That was the very purpose and mission for why He came - to help mankind, spiritually, physically and socially. (Mt. 8:16;12:15; Acts 10:38) Jesus, responded and went at once to see his daughter. But on the way, He allowed Jairus faith to be tested and tried. The delay - healing a woman who had a physical problem for twelve years and speaking with her - resulted in the girl dying. Yet Jairus got to witness the power of Christ. Before faith is rewarded, it goes through the fire. 3. The Result of His coming. After hearing that his daughter had died, Jesus reassures Jairus with these words "Don't be afraid, just believe." Once inside the girls room, Jesus gave the command "Talitha koum!" ( which means, "Little girl, I say unto you, get up!"). Death released its grip on the girl. Mourning gave way to rejoicing, death gave way to life. What a display of supernatural power and glory. He who spoke the universe into existence, can do what is impossible. The impossible is easy for the Lord. He can save any sinner, He can heal any sickness or disease, he can conquer any foe. He is the difference maker. ( Jeremiah 32:17) If we believe, all thing are possible with God. The Lord is always ready and willing to help us. We need to trust Him and persevere. In the end, faith in Christ, will always be rewarded. |
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| Event: | Pastors Notes Part 9 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | Pressing In: Mark 5:24-34
There is a beautiful theme followed by Mark and Luke, in the same accounts - Christ is Supreme over Death, Diseases, Demons and Nature. Jesus Christ is Lord of Lords and King of kings. We can trust Him with our past, present and future. We can trust Him with our body, our soul and our spirit. We can trust Him with all of our problems and difficulties, for ourselves and for others. He is the only One who can "fix" all of our problems. The way He solves our problems may not be what we want. But it will be His best for us. A good example is Paul and the thorn in the flesh - 2 Chorintians 12:1-10. The bottom line is that He will always help us and see us through and deliver us from all evil. Our story illustrates this truth.
1. The Problem
This woman has had an incurable illness, which has left her broke after twelve years and made her condition worse. She sought human help and cure but never found it, except in Christ. Often times we exhaust human remedies before we seek divine solution and help. ( Ps. 121:1-2 ) We need to be on our back to cause us to look up at God. When this woman came to her wits end, then she sought His help.
2. The Obstacle
God is interested in solving people's problems.
In God's providence, this woman learned the there was Someone who did what no one else could do. Now she had hope. But before she could experience a healing, there was an obstacle in the way - a large crowd - that stood in her way. Many had come to see Jesus, for different reasons. Could she get close enough to to Him, to get help? She refused to go home empty-handed, without a cure.
3. The Determination
This woman saw the opportunity of a lifetime, to get well and was determined to get her healing. She needed only to believe. " If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." She didn't think it could happen, she was sure that it would happened.( Mt. 21:21-22; Heb. 11:6 ) Genuine faith always touches God and causes Him to touch us. The moment faith is released, something happens. God's power, provisions, peace, protection are ours because we believe. Faith in Christ and His Word always works. ( Hebrews 11 ) God rewards faith. " Daughter, your faith has healed you." Like. 8:48
Faith in God brings about the impossible!
What miracle are you believing God for....... salvation, healing, deliverance, resources? Press in with your faith, inspite of the obstacles; stay resolute, overcome the barriers and then the miracle will occur. |
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| Event: | Pastor's Notes Part 12 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | The Pain and the Profit of the Believers Trials: 1 Kings 17:17-24
In Paul's writings, whenever he wanted to make an important point to his readers, he would begin with this phrase "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance...."(1 Timothy 1:15;3:1;4:9; 2Timothy 1:15). He was stating facts, truths that were always reliable, no matter the circumtances. He knew that believers struggle with the physical senses; prone to be influence by them. So he reminds them to base their lives upon the One who never changes and His Word. Only God is totally and completely reliable and dependable. He never fails, period. (Zeph. 3:5;Ps. 89:28;Isa.51:6;Lam. 3:22) Thus we are encouraged to live by faith in the facts, because they are trustworthy and dependable. In our story, the prophet is in tune with heaven because his thoughts, affections and focus are on God. He doesn't panic in hearing that the widow's son has died. Instead he gives her hope that God can raise him from the dead. He believes that God still does the impossible. The same God who shut the heavens can also raise the dead. The widow is down but not out, because the prophet is on her side. She has doubts but he has faith for her and her need. Its wonderful to have someone who can carry you when you are down. We all need such a friend(s). We all have periods in our life where our faith is weak, but others is strong and they carry us. In Luke 5:17-26 we have a perfect illustration. The paralytic was healed by Jesus because he had friends who had faith for him. God is the One who places such people in our lives and at such times when we needed the most. When the burden is too heavy, its a blessing to have friends who can carry some of it and make the burden light enough to bear. The prophet persevered in his faith and the boy was raised to life. What a boost to the widow's faith. Doubts were removed and faith prevailed. She saw clearly that Yahweh was the true God and Elijah his spokesperson. God was honered and Elijah was encouraged. The ending glorified God and blessed all involved. When God is writing the book of your life, the end will be triumphant and glorious. (Job 42:10,12,16) |
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| Event: | Pastors Notes Part 13 |
| Date: | Mon, July 26, 2021 (Recurs Weekly)
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| Details: | The Trouble and The Troublemaker: 1 Kings 18:1-18
Ecclesiastes 1:9 "...there is nothing new under the sun." History repeats itself because mankind fails to learn from it. The cycle of unrighteousness maybe broken for a period, and then a new generation rises only to repeat it. An example of this is the Ninevites. At the preaching of Jonah they repented but futures generations reverted back to their evil ways and God judged them. The Israelites repeated this pattern, often. The Book of Judges illustrates this vicious cycle. No sooner was the godly leader gone that the people reverted back to their sinful ways. A generation experienced the chastisement of God before they returned to Him, wholeheartedly. The Bible makes it very clear that God will not be mocked. Everyone reaps what they sow(Gal.6:7-8). We need to learn from past experiences (Rom. 15:4). After all, that is why God left us such a record. We must avoid the same mistakes, while practicing the ways pleasing to God ( Deut. 28 ). No one can escape the consequences of their choices, good or bad. What compounds the problems is the lack of genuine repentance by those who do wrong. Without repentance and brokenness before God, sufferings increase. The drought lasted 3 1/2 years. There was no National repentance, no turning from idolatry and immoral living. God's prophets were being slaughtered and the righteous persecuted. Whenever a nation turns his back on God and follows evil, values get twisted, life is cheapen, lawlessness prevails and the result is chaoes,turmoil and sufferings. Proverbs 14:34 "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to its people." Under the leadership of Ahab and Jezabel, the Israelites were following Baal and destroying the worship of Yahweh. So when God's prophet meets up with the king, he is blamed for the trouble in Israel. Sin had blinded the king and causes him to blame Elijah. He and his household were responsible for the deplorable conditions in the nations, but he is in denial. It's always easier to blame others for the problems, but it doesn't solve them. Until we own up to our actions and decisions, there will not be any forgiveness,restoration and reconciliation ( Prov. 28:13). David and Peter sinned greatly,but they also repented greatly and that is why they were restored and employed by God in His service. Those who are in denial and continue to harden their hearts toward God, will be destroyed, like Pharaoh of old. Ahab was morally perverted. He called evil good and good evil. He saw himself as righteous but Elijah as unrighteous. It was the exact opposite. He was the trouble and Elijah was the troublemaker. Ahab was following the devil, but Elijah followed Yahweh and the two clashed. When God's light shines through you, don't expect those who are in darkness and who embrace it, to welcome you. Instead they will persecute you. If you represent God and speak His word, expect trouble ( Jer.26:8-9;38:4; Amos 7:10; Acts 17:6;24:5). But keep in mind that God supports and defends His people (2Tim. 4;16-18). The way Christ was treated is the same way that His followers will be treated ( Mt. 5:11-12). There is a price to pay for following Jesus, but the reward is eternal. If you are causing trouble to the devil and his kingdom, you are on the right path. God has your back and will defend and deliver you. You are on the winning team. |
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