Pursue Your Dream
Genesis 37:5
Today marks a special moment in the life of the many young graduates of our community. Permit me to be one of the first persons to congratulate you and bid you Godspeed. The entire Tabernacle family salutes you and prays for you God’s richest and choicest blessings. Your accomplishments are nothing short of a milestone. Thank you and we are all extremely proud of you. In a few days you will all walk across a stage and receive a diploma. That special moment will mark the end of your high school/college chapter. The next chapter is up to you. You have the wonderful privilege of being the one to title the next chapters of your life. Each of you have God-given talents, abilities and visions that will cause you to be major contributors to the success of our community, state and nation. That’s why I have entitled my message on today “Pursue Your Dreams”.
No doubt the major and monumental question is when do I start? Many people live their lives from day to day, allowing others to dictate what they do and how they do it. They never try to discover their true reason for living. Others know their purpose, yet never act on it. They’re waiting for inspiration, or permission or an invitation to get started. But if they wait much longer, they’ll never get going. So the answer to the question “when do I start?” is NOW. I look into faces of young people today who are blessed with the intelligence of Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver and Albert Einstein.
The business knowledge of John Johnson, Bill Gates and Michael Jordan .
The grace and poise of Coretta King and Jackie Kennedy.
The imagination of Maya Angelou and Walt Disney.
The heart of Mother Teresa and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
The patience of Tiger Woods and Job.
Pursue your dreams. Joseph, the man of our text helps to provide meaningful instructions to help with our dream pursuits. Joseph, like many of you, was only a teenager when he dreamed his dreams. At the tender age of thirty, some thirteen years after he dreamed his dream, it came to pass. During the thirteen year intermission, God was taking Joseph through a learning process (college) in order to prepare him for his destiny. Young people, never be afraid to dream and be labeled a dreamer. Dreams do not always take place during the times we are asleep. Dreams often come when we are awake, in classrooms, at the office, riding and talking to friends, at work and during a moment like today in church.
The poorest man in the world is the man without a dream, and the most frustrated man in the world is the man with a dream that never becomes a reality. Every one of us has a dream of some sort. Dreams are visual manifestations of our purpose, seeds planted in the soil of our imagination to provide us a glimpse of our purpose in life and to activate the hidden ability within each of us.
Joseph had a dream. I see young men and women today who have dreams. Believe me when I tell you that dreams DO come true. But you cannot hesitate and wait for your dreams to become reality. You must pursue your dreams with passion. One of the first things that we learn from Joseph is knowing what he/she is willing to give up in order to go up. Many of you have already given up on hanging out with those who refuse to do something positive with their lives. Many of you have decided that your dream requires you to give up an additional 4 to 8 years of your life to devote yourself to additional studies, learning and training. It is only when you see your dreams that you will be disciplined enough to give up in order to go up. It may mean moving away from some friends that cannot imagine, nor support you as you pursue your dream. Refuse to allow anything or anyone but God to dictate your future success. Dreams will cost you….how much are you willing to pay to become the person God created you to be? Joseph gave up a lot in order to pursue his dreams.
Secondly, in the pursuit of your dreams, set goals for yourself. Only those who are too lazy or not dreaming at all do not set goals in life. Every one of us, young and old alike, should have a dream and be trusting in the Lord for something bigger and better. It is a sin not to want to live the life God has destined us for. If someone asks you today, “where are you headed in the next 10 years?” or “what are you working toward over the next 5 years?”….what would be your answer? I would be ashamed to say “nothing” and I hope you would too.
Every person alive should have goals, short-term goals, mid-range goals and long-term goals. After all, we have to be working toward something. If not, our lives have very little meaning. Jesus said in Revelation 3:8, “See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” Joseph recognized the open door before him and he pursued it. Graduates, God has intentionally placed before you a door of unlimited possibilities and opportunities that no one, no government, no politician, no black or white person or anything or anyone has the ability to close. The sky is the limit and your best days are ahead of you.
Thirdly, don’t spend too much time trying to get those who have no dream to understand yours. Joseph’s brothers hated him and did not want to see his dreams become a reality. They did everything possible to prevent his dream and to discourage him. Visionaries are never intimidated by others who have great visions and dreamers are perfectly comfortable around other dreamers. The only people who have a problem with dreamers are those who are bankrupt of dreams themselves. Remember Joseph was not afraid to stand alone. Graduates, you don’t need to be in the club, the clique or group….you can stand by yourself. As we dream, our dreams should give us hope for the future, and it should also bring us power in the present. Your dream will provide you with a reason to go, a path to follow, and a target to hit. Graduates, going to the top takes a dream and a strong commitment. The greater the journey, the more committed you have to be to take it. As you prepare to continue on your success journey, make a commitment to yourself to find your dream and follow it. The road that lies before you is one that requires commitment. You won’t make it without commitment.
As I close today, allow me to share a humorous story. A Canadian bird decided that it was too much trouble to fly south for the winter. He said to himself, “I can brave a winter; a lot of other animals do it. It just can’t be that hard.” So all the other birds flocked away toward South America, and he stayed behind and waited for winter. By the end of November, he was having serious thoughts. He had never been so cold and he couldn’t find any food. Finally he broke down and realized that if he didn’t get out of there soon, he wasn’t going to make it. So he started flying south all by himself. After a while it began to rain and before he knew it, the water was turning to ice on his wings. He knew he was about to die, so he glided down and made his last landing, crashing to the ground in a barnyard. As he lay there stunned, a cow came by, stepped over him, and dropped a plop right on him. He was totally disgusted. Here I am, he thought, freezing to death. I am about to die. I’m on my last breath and then this. What an awful way to go. So then the bird held his breath and prepared himself to die. But after about two minutes, he discovered that a miracle was happening. He was warming up. The ice on his wings was melting. His muscles were thawing out. His blood was flowing again. He realized that he was going to make it after all. He got so excited and happy that he began to sing a glorious song. At that moment, the farm’s old tomcat was laying the hayloft in the barn and he heard the bird singing. He couldn’t believe it. He hadn’t heard anything like this in months and said to himself, “Is that a bird? I thought they had all gone south for the winter.” He came out of the barn and, lo and behold, there was the bird. The cat crossed over to where he was, pulled him gently out of the cow plop, cleaned him off and ate him.
There are 3 morals to this story.
1. Not everyone that drops a plop on you is your enemy.
2. Not everyone who takes a plop off is your friend.
3. If someone does drop a plop on you, keep your mouth shut.
The same can be true for you as you realize your dream. Some people you consider your friends will fight your success. Others will support you in way you didn’t expect. But no matter which people criticize you or how they do it, don’t let them take your focus off your dream.
Pursue your dream with passion, God bless you.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Friday, July 13, 2007
A Loving Church
A LOVING CHURCH
1 Corinthians 13
Love is long-suffering, helpful, generous, humble, tactful and selfless.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
A. Love is not easily provoked. (1 Corinthians 13:5) Genuine love does not allow irritability or bitterness to creep in and mar its motivation or expression. Love looks beyond a person’s sin and reaches out to meet his/her needs. (James 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8)
B. Love does not take into account a wrong suffered (1 Corinthians 13:5c). Love does not record or store up wrongs committed against it, unexpressed resentments over offenses suffered will lend to a devious relationship filled with bitterness and devoid of love. (Matthew 18:21-35). In such an atmosphere fellowship cannot thrive, much less exist. Forgiveness must occur before fellowship can be experienced.
C. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. (1 Corinthians 13:6a). Christian love neither finds pleasure in nor sympathizes with the wickedness done by other. Love is wounded and grieved when sin performs it s work of destruction (Ephesians 4:29 –31)
D. Love rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6b) Love and truth are close companions. One cannot exist without the other. When people sincerely love each other they are honest and open about their thoughts and feelings. Truth spoken in love can sometimes be difficult to handle. (Proverbs 27:6). It’s better to be bruised by the trustworthy words of a caring friend than to be flattered by deceitful compliments of a self-serving friend.
E. Love bears all things – (1 Corinthians 13:7A) Bears means to cover, so as to protect, shield or support something. Real love withstands the blows and attacks of others. A relationship glued by love does not suffer irreparable damage when one does not return the love given.
F. Love believes all things (1 Corinthians 13:7b). Love is trusting not suspicious or narrow. Love gives people the benefit of the doubt; makes every allowance for their failure.
G. Love hopes all things (1 Corinthians 13:7b). True love anticipates and seeks the best in others. It never gives up. Has confidence in God’s ability to change people.
H. Love endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7c) Love has the determination and courage to press on when facing humanly insurmountable obstacles. Love refuses to quit or retreat.
Ancient Greeks expressed the three levels of love by three different words: 1. Eros 2. Philia 3. Agape
Eros is a getting or gimme kind of love. Normally only a baby does all the taking, but he must take before he can give. This kind of love demands the spotlight. Decisions must go your way. His/her emotional needs must be satisfied no matter who gets hurt. Don’t overlook this group. Isaiah 49:15. He/She will destroy your church.
Philia love is the level of give and take. Friendship usually, not always functions on this level. Each person ministers to the needs of another person and is ministered to in return. Husband and wives recognize mutual obligations in their physical relationships. 1 Corinthians 7:3 - 6. Much church membership functions on this level. Members appear at church; their appearance has status value to the church. They deposit an envelope in the plate, the amount may bear no relationship to their income, but it fulfills an obligation. When they leave church, the minister greets them by name. His pleasant greeting strokes their egos. They meet a friend, more ego strokes. They leave and their church life ends for another week. (Job 19:9; Micah 7:5)
Agape love finds satisfaction in loving without limit. It does not measure giving. Agape love stands ready to serve without thought of return. Those who need receive, those who have give. Romans 15:1; John 15:12-13; Romans 5:8
1 Corinthians 13
Love is long-suffering, helpful, generous, humble, tactful and selfless.
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
A. Love is not easily provoked. (1 Corinthians 13:5) Genuine love does not allow irritability or bitterness to creep in and mar its motivation or expression. Love looks beyond a person’s sin and reaches out to meet his/her needs. (James 5:20; 1 Peter 4:8)
B. Love does not take into account a wrong suffered (1 Corinthians 13:5c). Love does not record or store up wrongs committed against it, unexpressed resentments over offenses suffered will lend to a devious relationship filled with bitterness and devoid of love. (Matthew 18:21-35). In such an atmosphere fellowship cannot thrive, much less exist. Forgiveness must occur before fellowship can be experienced.
C. Love does not rejoice in unrighteousness. (1 Corinthians 13:6a). Christian love neither finds pleasure in nor sympathizes with the wickedness done by other. Love is wounded and grieved when sin performs it s work of destruction (Ephesians 4:29 –31)
D. Love rejoices with the truth (1 Corinthians 13:6b) Love and truth are close companions. One cannot exist without the other. When people sincerely love each other they are honest and open about their thoughts and feelings. Truth spoken in love can sometimes be difficult to handle. (Proverbs 27:6). It’s better to be bruised by the trustworthy words of a caring friend than to be flattered by deceitful compliments of a self-serving friend.
E. Love bears all things – (1 Corinthians 13:7A) Bears means to cover, so as to protect, shield or support something. Real love withstands the blows and attacks of others. A relationship glued by love does not suffer irreparable damage when one does not return the love given.
F. Love believes all things (1 Corinthians 13:7b). Love is trusting not suspicious or narrow. Love gives people the benefit of the doubt; makes every allowance for their failure.
G. Love hopes all things (1 Corinthians 13:7b). True love anticipates and seeks the best in others. It never gives up. Has confidence in God’s ability to change people.
H. Love endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7c) Love has the determination and courage to press on when facing humanly insurmountable obstacles. Love refuses to quit or retreat.
Ancient Greeks expressed the three levels of love by three different words: 1. Eros 2. Philia 3. Agape
Eros is a getting or gimme kind of love. Normally only a baby does all the taking, but he must take before he can give. This kind of love demands the spotlight. Decisions must go your way. His/her emotional needs must be satisfied no matter who gets hurt. Don’t overlook this group. Isaiah 49:15. He/She will destroy your church.
Philia love is the level of give and take. Friendship usually, not always functions on this level. Each person ministers to the needs of another person and is ministered to in return. Husband and wives recognize mutual obligations in their physical relationships. 1 Corinthians 7:3 - 6. Much church membership functions on this level. Members appear at church; their appearance has status value to the church. They deposit an envelope in the plate, the amount may bear no relationship to their income, but it fulfills an obligation. When they leave church, the minister greets them by name. His pleasant greeting strokes their egos. They meet a friend, more ego strokes. They leave and their church life ends for another week. (Job 19:9; Micah 7:5)
Agape love finds satisfaction in loving without limit. It does not measure giving. Agape love stands ready to serve without thought of return. Those who need receive, those who have give. Romans 15:1; John 15:12-13; Romans 5:8
Saturday, May 26, 2007
Coming Down to Go Up
Coming Down to Go Up
Luke 18:9-14
Have you ever been in the company of someone who was all wrapped up in self? (What a small package) If so you know first hand how disappointing it is to share the same space. I believe that there are times when we as creatures place more trust in the creature than we do in the creator. We become more concerned with our ability to make it than the one who made us. (God) As believers in Jesus Christ, we should not have room in our life for arrogance and pride. When one becomes self-righteous he depends more on himself than God. In our biblical narrative today we see two men praying. One is arrogant; the other one is humble. One is inflated with pride; the other is deflated with humility. One was proud of himself; the other one was disappointed in himself. Charles Spurgeon trained many young preachers. On one occasion a student stepped up to preach with great confidence but failed miserably. He came down, humbled and meek. Spurgeon told him, “If you had gone up as you came down, you would have come down as you went up.” If humility precedes an event, then confidence may follow. Jesus shares this parable to help us to understand that in life we must humble ourselves if we expect to go up. He shows us in this parable two men praying. He demonstrates for us the proper way to achieve obtainable positions and goals in life. We can’t help but to notice the posture and pageantry of the two men praying. Let’s examine the prayer of the first man mentioned. He had positioned himself as a high-ranking religious leader. He was called a Pharisee. He was among the brightest of the brightest when it came to religious matters, he understood religious protocol. He had learned the law and was familiar with customary (traditional) prayer and times of worship. His posture was visible and extremely arrogant. He had developed an independent and self-righteous disposition. His pomp was seen and heard by all in attendance. Man cannot save himself and therefore it makes no sense to trust in ourselves. Whenever we find ourselves thinking more highly of ourselves than we should, God reminds us that we were made out of dirt and rescued from sin. This religious man, the Pharisee, the man who was both respected and honored by men could not get pass himself. The Pharisee was praying with himself about himself. What he considered to be prayer was nothing but bragging, self-congratulations. His prayer rose no higher than the beautiful roof of the building in which it was prayed. The Pharisee had established his own righteousness and could only plead what he was not, what he did, and how much better he was than others. His prayer starts out informing God that he was not as other men were. Listen as I give you a remix of his prayer. God, I thank you that the world has people like me. The man on the corner needs welfare and food stamps, I don’t. The prostitute on the street has AIDS, I don’t. The drunk at the club needs alcohol , I don’t. The gay caucus needs morality, I don’t. In the Pharisee’s prayer, we find no reason for us to believe that he believe that he needed God. No feeling that he owed God, no thanksgiving for what God had done for him or given him. No word of praise. It is a sad day when our prayers consist of no gratitude to or adoration for God. No praise, no confession, no request for anything. It is disappointing to see and hear people who speak of their accomplishment without making reference to the one who made it possible (God). The Pharisee asked for nothing, confessed nothing, received nothing and in my personal opinion said nothing. He was religious, he was a tither and he fasted more than the law required, but he was lost. He was lost not because of what he did not do. He did not place his trust in God, he was self-reliant and not God reliant. Man cannot save or keep himself. The other man in prayer understood how to go up. The publican, tax collector understood that if he was going to go up he had to come down.
1. The first thing that had to come down was his attitude. So many people could do more in life if they had the proper attitude. Folk with bad attitudes give those around them bad attitudes. Be aware of those around you, their attitudes are contagious. The publican had the right attitude. His attitude is reflected in his stand. He stood afar off. He saw himself as not being worthy to stand up close. Always be suspicious of those who always want to be seen and heard up close. When your attitude is right, God hears your prayer and not your words. The Pharisee had a 34 word prayer compared to a 2 word prayer of the publican. It’s not how much you say, it what you say that matters. Touch somebody and say work on your attitude.
2. Secondly, in order to go up you must be humble. When we become sin conscious we will develop a humble disposition. None of us today have anything to brag on apart from our savior. We are guilty and shame faced when we truly see ourselves. The publican was too sinful to be lifted up in pride. He was in need of serious help. When you need help, it humbles you. Whenever you have to depend on someone else for something you need, you are humble in their presence. The publican prayed because he was humble. He was grateful and he was not too proud to admit his shortcoming. Humility teaches us how to say, I’m sorry, I was wrong or I am wrong. Forgive me, I’m not always right, I make mistakes and I need help from God to make it. The publican was too broken to look up to heaven, the publican bowed and prayed. God have mercy on me. (Withhold from me what I deserve as punishment). Like my brother on welfare, I’m dependent on your grace. Like my brother with AIDS, I’m infected with sin and mistakes. Like my friends who drink, I need something to ease my pain. And as you give direction to those who are lost, include some directions for me also. Have mercy on me.
3. We must also stop pretending to possess what we do not profess or posses. The Pharisee professed a righteousness that he did not possess. The publican did not proclaim to have something that he did not have. It’s wrong and misleading to go through life pretending to have something or be someone that you are not. Be who you are. Be the best you can be. You don’t have to pretend to be up when you are down. The longer you pretend the longer you miss out on God’s blessing for your life. You don’t have to pretend to be well when you are sick. You don’t have to pretend to high when you are low. You don’t have to pretend to be my friend. I know you are an enemy. You don’t have to pretend to care; I know you don’t give a (blank) about me. You don’t have to pretend to be sinless. I know that you are really sinning less. Stop pretending. Be for real. Pray the prayer. LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME.
Have you ever been in the company of someone who was all wrapped up in self? (What a small package) If so you know first hand how disappointing it is to share the same space. I believe that there are times when we as creatures place more trust in the creature than we do in the creator. We become more concerned with our ability to make it than the one who made us. (God) As believers in Jesus Christ, we should not have room in our life for arrogance and pride. When one becomes self-righteous he depends more on himself than God. In our biblical narrative today we see two men praying. One is arrogant; the other one is humble. One is inflated with pride; the other is deflated with humility. One was proud of himself; the other one was disappointed in himself. Charles Spurgeon trained many young preachers. On one occasion a student stepped up to preach with great confidence but failed miserably. He came down, humbled and meek. Spurgeon told him, “If you had gone up as you came down, you would have come down as you went up.” If humility precedes an event, then confidence may follow. Jesus shares this parable to help us to understand that in life we must humble ourselves if we expect to go up. He shows us in this parable two men praying. He demonstrates for us the proper way to achieve obtainable positions and goals in life. We can’t help but to notice the posture and pageantry of the two men praying. Let’s examine the prayer of the first man mentioned. He had positioned himself as a high-ranking religious leader. He was called a Pharisee. He was among the brightest of the brightest when it came to religious matters, he understood religious protocol. He had learned the law and was familiar with customary (traditional) prayer and times of worship. His posture was visible and extremely arrogant. He had developed an independent and self-righteous disposition. His pomp was seen and heard by all in attendance. Man cannot save himself and therefore it makes no sense to trust in ourselves. Whenever we find ourselves thinking more highly of ourselves than we should, God reminds us that we were made out of dirt and rescued from sin. This religious man, the Pharisee, the man who was both respected and honored by men could not get pass himself. The Pharisee was praying with himself about himself. What he considered to be prayer was nothing but bragging, self-congratulations. His prayer rose no higher than the beautiful roof of the building in which it was prayed. The Pharisee had established his own righteousness and could only plead what he was not, what he did, and how much better he was than others. His prayer starts out informing God that he was not as other men were. Listen as I give you a remix of his prayer. God, I thank you that the world has people like me. The man on the corner needs welfare and food stamps, I don’t. The prostitute on the street has AIDS, I don’t. The drunk at the club needs alcohol , I don’t. The gay caucus needs morality, I don’t. In the Pharisee’s prayer, we find no reason for us to believe that he believe that he needed God. No feeling that he owed God, no thanksgiving for what God had done for him or given him. No word of praise. It is a sad day when our prayers consist of no gratitude to or adoration for God. No praise, no confession, no request for anything. It is disappointing to see and hear people who speak of their accomplishment without making reference to the one who made it possible (God). The Pharisee asked for nothing, confessed nothing, received nothing and in my personal opinion said nothing. He was religious, he was a tither and he fasted more than the law required, but he was lost. He was lost not because of what he did not do. He did not place his trust in God, he was self-reliant and not God reliant. Man cannot save or keep himself. The other man in prayer understood how to go up. The publican, tax collector understood that if he was going to go up he had to come down.
1. The first thing that had to come down was his attitude. So many people could do more in life if they had the proper attitude. Folk with bad attitudes give those around them bad attitudes. Be aware of those around you, their attitudes are contagious. The publican had the right attitude. His attitude is reflected in his stand. He stood afar off. He saw himself as not being worthy to stand up close. Always be suspicious of those who always want to be seen and heard up close. When your attitude is right, God hears your prayer and not your words. The Pharisee had a 34 word prayer compared to a 2 word prayer of the publican. It’s not how much you say, it what you say that matters. Touch somebody and say work on your attitude.
2. Secondly, in order to go up you must be humble. When we become sin conscious we will develop a humble disposition. None of us today have anything to brag on apart from our savior. We are guilty and shame faced when we truly see ourselves. The publican was too sinful to be lifted up in pride. He was in need of serious help. When you need help, it humbles you. Whenever you have to depend on someone else for something you need, you are humble in their presence. The publican prayed because he was humble. He was grateful and he was not too proud to admit his shortcoming. Humility teaches us how to say, I’m sorry, I was wrong or I am wrong. Forgive me, I’m not always right, I make mistakes and I need help from God to make it. The publican was too broken to look up to heaven, the publican bowed and prayed. God have mercy on me. (Withhold from me what I deserve as punishment). Like my brother on welfare, I’m dependent on your grace. Like my brother with AIDS, I’m infected with sin and mistakes. Like my friends who drink, I need something to ease my pain. And as you give direction to those who are lost, include some directions for me also. Have mercy on me.
3. We must also stop pretending to possess what we do not profess or posses. The Pharisee professed a righteousness that he did not possess. The publican did not proclaim to have something that he did not have. It’s wrong and misleading to go through life pretending to have something or be someone that you are not. Be who you are. Be the best you can be. You don’t have to pretend to be up when you are down. The longer you pretend the longer you miss out on God’s blessing for your life. You don’t have to pretend to be well when you are sick. You don’t have to pretend to high when you are low. You don’t have to pretend to be my friend. I know you are an enemy. You don’t have to pretend to care; I know you don’t give a (blank) about me. You don’t have to pretend to be sinless. I know that you are really sinning less. Stop pretending. Be for real. Pray the prayer. LORD HAVE MERCY ON ME.
From Jordan to Jericho
From Jordan to Jericho
Joshua 6:1-14
What a tragedy it is when God’s people fail to claim their inheritance and wander aimlessly through life as the nation of Israel did in the wilderness. For 40 years, Israel refused to claim the inheritance that God had promised to give them. Israel, under the capable leadership of Moses, was able to crossover the Red Sea on dry ground and witnessed the drowning of Pharaoh’s army. Crossing the Red Sea was a defining moment, for it symbolizes coming out of slavery and separation from the old life. The crossing of the Jordan is about claiming the inheritance. We should all be encouraged to leave behind all of the things that creates slavery and holds us in captivity. From day to day, week to week, we encounter those who have no self confidence, no affection, no self affirmation or no self belief. How can we ever become the person God wants us to be if we have a problem believing in ourselves. I can and we can are powerful words that can change our lives forever. We will not go anywhere or be anybody until we have a faith in God that will not waiver and sure footed confidence in ourselves. Today, as we look at the book of Joshua, we discover the nation of Israel now being lead by a military genius named Joshua. Joshua had faith in God and he also had confidence in himself. From Jordan River to walls of Jericho is an intriguing story. For many years Israel had been stuck in a wilderness wandering from one side to the other. It is a sad day when where you are is where you will be. So many young men and women today have no desire to go anywhere or to do anything. The church today must wake-up and challenge those who are satisfied with being in the wilderness. Far too many people are wandering in the wilderness. It is past time for us to develop a strategy that teaches us how to move from Jordan to Jericho. A plan that helps us to see that there is more to life than eating, sleeping, working and playing. Life is too short to settle for just crossing the Red Sea and living in a wilderness. Life is more than living week to week, pay check to pay check, from one high to another high, from disappointment to another one. Life is about laying claim to what’s on the other side of Jordan. God promised Joshua that if he would lead and obey him he would grant the Israelites safe passage across the Jordan River and give them the inheritance he had promised their forefathers. Today, as I stand before you I want to remind us that you can achieve your goals, you can truly enjoy the fullness of life if you only learn how to go across Jordan and through Jericho. In layman’s terms, we must learn to crossover what seems impossible go through what seems invincible. Then and only then can we say we are truly living. Some things that we are facing today seem impossible for us to change or to deal with. However, the word of God declares that all things are possible to him that believes. The Jordan River was impossible to cross, but God provide a means for them to cross without any trouble. Permit me to point out some obvious things in the text that can help us to go over our Jordans and through our Jericho. God helps Joshua to see that when we depend on him we can be victorious. If we are to crossover and go through we must follow the example of Joshua and the Israelites.
I. We must recognize the hand of God (God’s power). Joshua had to submit to God before God would grant him the peace and guidance needed to cross the Jordan. Remember, Joshua was leading a group who was not present when Moses crossed the Red Sea. It’s extremely difficult to lead those who are not familiar with how they arrived at the present location. Many today are under the misunderstanding that they are where they are because of their own ability. Let me remind each of us today to remember that whatever it is that we have God gave it to us. That we know God taught us. Joshua’s confidence and faith in God was unmovable. We must always have enough sense to place our faith and future in the hands of God. The bible declares that Jericho was shut up, nothing went in and nothing came out. When we trust God, he opens doors and escorts us into places where others did not intend for us to go or see. Even in times like these when in America, same sex marriage seems to be the only agenda on the docket of the church. But a few years ago, God escorted some God fearing people to Washington and they were able to discover that same sex marriage was not the only morality issue that America has. When you look at our nation’s budget, that does not include monies for Africa, the rebuilding of New Orleans, yet we see more dollars going into bombs and military artillery. At the same time, Mr. President, you are cutting welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Head start, Pell Grants and funding for many other programs designed to assist the least of those in our communities. If you are not standing on Holy Ground, you will miss those line items.
II. Also, we must learn to glance at our problems and gaze at our God. We cannot spend a lot of our time focusing on our problems we must remain focused on our God. So many things, we see and hear daily are designed to cause us to loose our focus. When we lose our focus we will not only not hit the target, but will not even be aiming at a target. To many of us are becoming less God conscious and more time meditating on our problems than we are spending meditating on the Word of God provides us with the balance and stability we need to cope with daily problems. With all of the things taking place around me today, I certainly don’t want to become more concern with making my problems bigger than my God. That’s why I focused more on his word and less on the words of others. The words of the Lord are refreshing and life sustaining. The words of men are often critical and destructive in nature. To depend on a military to protect us is futile. We must understand if one man with the assistance of a few others can create fear in the hearts of America and create what is now called Homeland Security. Don’t you know we need the help of God?
III. Not only do we need to glance at our problems and gaze at our God, but we must surround our Jericho’s. Surrounding the walls of Jericho is a symbol of prayer. When Israel marched for six days, once a day the citizen’s of Jericho did not seem troubled by what was happening outside the walls. The world does not seem to be affected by our unconventional methods in ministry today. It wasn’t until the seventh day things changed. God was building faith and patience in the Israelites. No community, church or person can expect to accomplish much in life without patience and faith. Many of churches today do not have members who are willing to stay the course even when things don’t appear to be changing. Somebody today maybe facing a Jericho moment and things don’t seem to be changing. God starts with the internal and external. Men focus externally ad then move internally. God works on the picture before he picks the frame. Too many of us are more impressed with the frame than we are the picture. The walls of Jericho came down without the force of an army. Once that which has impeded progress for so long comes down, we should not waste time and energy trying to rebuild the broken areas.
As I close today, God wants to give us a faith that Moves the unmovable.
Endures the unendurable.
Loves the unlovable.
Forgives the unforgivable.
Bears the unbearable.
Faces the unfaceable.
And conquers the unconquerable.
This faith has delivered us in times of disasters.
Strengthened us in times of temptations.
Sustained us in suffering.
Kept us in persecution.
Revived us in sorrow.
Assured us in fear.
Led us in times of darkness.
Held us in times of loneliness.
Comforted us in grief.
Healed us in sickness.
Talked to us in silence.
Bless us in brokenness.
Replaced our heartaches with hallelujahs.
Replaced our discord with harmony
Brought light to darkness.
Purity to poison.
Riches to rags.
Joy to sorrow.
Joshua 6:1-14
What a tragedy it is when God’s people fail to claim their inheritance and wander aimlessly through life as the nation of Israel did in the wilderness. For 40 years, Israel refused to claim the inheritance that God had promised to give them. Israel, under the capable leadership of Moses, was able to crossover the Red Sea on dry ground and witnessed the drowning of Pharaoh’s army. Crossing the Red Sea was a defining moment, for it symbolizes coming out of slavery and separation from the old life. The crossing of the Jordan is about claiming the inheritance. We should all be encouraged to leave behind all of the things that creates slavery and holds us in captivity. From day to day, week to week, we encounter those who have no self confidence, no affection, no self affirmation or no self belief. How can we ever become the person God wants us to be if we have a problem believing in ourselves. I can and we can are powerful words that can change our lives forever. We will not go anywhere or be anybody until we have a faith in God that will not waiver and sure footed confidence in ourselves. Today, as we look at the book of Joshua, we discover the nation of Israel now being lead by a military genius named Joshua. Joshua had faith in God and he also had confidence in himself. From Jordan River to walls of Jericho is an intriguing story. For many years Israel had been stuck in a wilderness wandering from one side to the other. It is a sad day when where you are is where you will be. So many young men and women today have no desire to go anywhere or to do anything. The church today must wake-up and challenge those who are satisfied with being in the wilderness. Far too many people are wandering in the wilderness. It is past time for us to develop a strategy that teaches us how to move from Jordan to Jericho. A plan that helps us to see that there is more to life than eating, sleeping, working and playing. Life is too short to settle for just crossing the Red Sea and living in a wilderness. Life is more than living week to week, pay check to pay check, from one high to another high, from disappointment to another one. Life is about laying claim to what’s on the other side of Jordan. God promised Joshua that if he would lead and obey him he would grant the Israelites safe passage across the Jordan River and give them the inheritance he had promised their forefathers. Today, as I stand before you I want to remind us that you can achieve your goals, you can truly enjoy the fullness of life if you only learn how to go across Jordan and through Jericho. In layman’s terms, we must learn to crossover what seems impossible go through what seems invincible. Then and only then can we say we are truly living. Some things that we are facing today seem impossible for us to change or to deal with. However, the word of God declares that all things are possible to him that believes. The Jordan River was impossible to cross, but God provide a means for them to cross without any trouble. Permit me to point out some obvious things in the text that can help us to go over our Jordans and through our Jericho. God helps Joshua to see that when we depend on him we can be victorious. If we are to crossover and go through we must follow the example of Joshua and the Israelites.
I. We must recognize the hand of God (God’s power). Joshua had to submit to God before God would grant him the peace and guidance needed to cross the Jordan. Remember, Joshua was leading a group who was not present when Moses crossed the Red Sea. It’s extremely difficult to lead those who are not familiar with how they arrived at the present location. Many today are under the misunderstanding that they are where they are because of their own ability. Let me remind each of us today to remember that whatever it is that we have God gave it to us. That we know God taught us. Joshua’s confidence and faith in God was unmovable. We must always have enough sense to place our faith and future in the hands of God. The bible declares that Jericho was shut up, nothing went in and nothing came out. When we trust God, he opens doors and escorts us into places where others did not intend for us to go or see. Even in times like these when in America, same sex marriage seems to be the only agenda on the docket of the church. But a few years ago, God escorted some God fearing people to Washington and they were able to discover that same sex marriage was not the only morality issue that America has. When you look at our nation’s budget, that does not include monies for Africa, the rebuilding of New Orleans, yet we see more dollars going into bombs and military artillery. At the same time, Mr. President, you are cutting welfare, Medicaid, Medicare, Head start, Pell Grants and funding for many other programs designed to assist the least of those in our communities. If you are not standing on Holy Ground, you will miss those line items.
II. Also, we must learn to glance at our problems and gaze at our God. We cannot spend a lot of our time focusing on our problems we must remain focused on our God. So many things, we see and hear daily are designed to cause us to loose our focus. When we lose our focus we will not only not hit the target, but will not even be aiming at a target. To many of us are becoming less God conscious and more time meditating on our problems than we are spending meditating on the Word of God provides us with the balance and stability we need to cope with daily problems. With all of the things taking place around me today, I certainly don’t want to become more concern with making my problems bigger than my God. That’s why I focused more on his word and less on the words of others. The words of the Lord are refreshing and life sustaining. The words of men are often critical and destructive in nature. To depend on a military to protect us is futile. We must understand if one man with the assistance of a few others can create fear in the hearts of America and create what is now called Homeland Security. Don’t you know we need the help of God?
III. Not only do we need to glance at our problems and gaze at our God, but we must surround our Jericho’s. Surrounding the walls of Jericho is a symbol of prayer. When Israel marched for six days, once a day the citizen’s of Jericho did not seem troubled by what was happening outside the walls. The world does not seem to be affected by our unconventional methods in ministry today. It wasn’t until the seventh day things changed. God was building faith and patience in the Israelites. No community, church or person can expect to accomplish much in life without patience and faith. Many of churches today do not have members who are willing to stay the course even when things don’t appear to be changing. Somebody today maybe facing a Jericho moment and things don’t seem to be changing. God starts with the internal and external. Men focus externally ad then move internally. God works on the picture before he picks the frame. Too many of us are more impressed with the frame than we are the picture. The walls of Jericho came down without the force of an army. Once that which has impeded progress for so long comes down, we should not waste time and energy trying to rebuild the broken areas.
As I close today, God wants to give us a faith that Moves the unmovable.
Endures the unendurable.
Loves the unlovable.
Forgives the unforgivable.
Bears the unbearable.
Faces the unfaceable.
And conquers the unconquerable.
This faith has delivered us in times of disasters.
Strengthened us in times of temptations.
Sustained us in suffering.
Kept us in persecution.
Revived us in sorrow.
Assured us in fear.
Led us in times of darkness.
Held us in times of loneliness.
Comforted us in grief.
Healed us in sickness.
Talked to us in silence.
Bless us in brokenness.
Replaced our heartaches with hallelujahs.
Replaced our discord with harmony
Brought light to darkness.
Purity to poison.
Riches to rags.
Joy to sorrow.
Facing the Fire
Facing the Fire
Daniel 3
From day to day, week to week, year after year, we will all face some unpleasant moments in life. Life events are often compared to a roller coaster. You are up one moment and down the next moment. You can be on top of your circumstances at 10:00 a.m. and your circumstances can be on top of you at 10:00 p.m. or before. Life can be hard! It does not matter who you are, nor what you have or think you have. The truth of the matter most of us are not as important as we think we are, nor do we have what we think we have. Life can be difficult no matter how saved you are. Life can be difficult for both saints and sinners; holy and hellish, life can be hard. All of us, whether we like it or not are going to have to face difficult times, we all are going to have faced heated situations and fiery predicaments. Even Jesus, the only begotten Son of God had to go through trials. Jesus declared to his disciples that if they would do it to a green tree he knew that an old dried withered tree would not be exempt. Therefore, he states that we shall have tribulations. And since I know the base of the immutable words of Jesus that I am going to have trials, fiery situations and moments of difficulties, the question is not will I face these moments but the most appropriate question is not will I face these moments, but rather how do I face these moments? I know it’s coming and I know that the moments of the difficulty are I must make up in my own mind, how I’m going to face the fiery and heated moments of life.
In the passage of scripture that I read to you in Daniel 3, we see a fiery, heated situation taking place. The setting of Daniel 3 is during Babylonian captivity. God had permitted King Nebuchadnezzar to invade Jerusalem and destroy the city and the temple and carry some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem to Babylon. The king was selective in those that he chose to carry to Babylon. He chose only the best and brightest, the intellectuals, those who had potential to help make him more powerful. Those that the king chose were the best and the brightest, those with the most potential and possibility from his perspective. Therefore, he chose 3 young men by names of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Even though the king chose more than these three, they are no doubt the most distinguished ones taken from Jerusalem to Babylon. Scholars and Theologians suggest that these young men where in their late teens. Most of us are probably not familiar with them by the names of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. We are more familiar with the names they received in Babylon – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Even though they change their names they could not change their character on the inside. Even though they change the label that had been given t them in Jerusalem, it did not change what had been given to them by God on the inside. The lesson we learn from this is that it does not matter what you call me, I know who I am. Call me what you want to, I know what I am underneath the skin and what you call me does not change me. Stop tripping over what other people call you because as long as you know you are a child of God. It does not change your Christian character. This was evident that it did not change these 3 boys because they refuse to worship the pagan Gods set before them. What is really interesting about this whole situation is that King Nebuchadnezzar used music as his major instrument in trying to get the boys to bow. He put together a live band to play in order to try to get these boys to bow to things outside the will of God. Music has always and continues to have a tremendous influence on our culture. Let’s take a look for a moment at the influence of music. Music has a tendency to mess with our minds. The enemy still uses music today to try to influence our thought process. Some music today promotes the use of drugs and alcohol, calls our beautiful mothers and daughters the “B” word and calls everybody else the “N” word. Music is influential. When I look around in here today many of you owe a lot to Luther Vandross. You have who you have today because Luther helped you make your move. Some of us may not have been born if it had not been for Luther Vandross, Usher, Smokey Robinson and some others. Music is influential. I could come in here every Sunday and just get up and go to preaching, but we try to use music to get us to hear and see the love of God and what God will do in your life. Therefore, when the preacher stands to preach your heart is open and more receptive to the message that God wants to send. Music must be a priority even in worship because the right music gives birth to spiritual mobility and vitality. God used music in the Old Testament with Joshua at Jericho when the trumpet music played something happened. The walls came down.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down and worship when the music was played. The King is informed of their unwillingness to bow down and worship his image and calls them in and offers them another chance. The three young men refused to bow and submit to the King’s plan. When you bow to the King of Kings you can stand to all other Kings. When you are submitted to God, you will not submit to the devil’s will.
I. This passage teaches us that since we are going to have to face the fire, we must face it with faith. Whatever difficult situation you are going through, realize that you are going to have to face it with faith. You are going to have trouble in your marriage, you are going to have difficulties on your jobs, something is going to go down with the company, something will go bad in your relationship, you are going to go through a financial situation, and sickness is going to come in your home. So when it comes, not if it comes, but when. It’s coming, it’s inevitable. Therefore, I have got to make up my mind that I have got to face the fire with faith. King our God is able, but even if not, he is able, we will not bow (that’s faith!). Our God is able. These 3 boys show us the ableness of God versus the willingness of God. Look at how they say it, our God is able, even if he is not willing. Many people believe that since God has not brought me out, that he’s not able. Just because God has not delivered you out of a bad situation, a bad marriage, a dead end job, sickness still in my home, still unemployed and things are not happening the way I think they should does not mean he is not able. This issue is not that he is able; the 3 boys declare that at this moment God is not willing. God oftentimes wants to produce in us a faith that will trust in his will, more so than his ability. God knows when to bring me out. I would rather be in the will of God than to be anywhere. My faith is in the will of God and that he knows when to bring me out. I know he’s able. God is able – no matter how broke your bank account. God is able – no matter how bleak your future looks. God is able – no matter how bankrupt your business. God is able – no matter how mean your hates are. God is able – no matter how dark your situation is. God is able – no matter how confuse your children maybe. God is able – no matter how high your mountains are or how low your valleys or deep your rivers. God is able. How many today know God is able. Even if God does not do it, even if he does not deliver me, I’m going trust. Even if I don’t get the promotion, even if I don’t get well, even if my situation don’t change, I’m not turning my back on God. I’m not walking out on him.
II. Not only do we need to face the fire with faith, we must learn that we can endure whatever we go through. God will never put more on us than we are able to bear. If I preserve God will preserve. If I keep on keeping on, God will keep me. Nebuchadnezzar turns up the fire seven times hotter when these boys refuse to bow, but they endured it. Rest assured that after you take a stand for God things have a tendency to get hotter. When you make up your mind to do it right, things get hotter. Issues occur on the job, in the home, money issues, folk start acting crazy. The boys were thrown in the furnace but the fire did not burn them. Some preachers say these boys were not burn because they were already on fire. The truth of the matter is that kept them. Somebody here today knows that God is a keep. He that keeps Israel shall not sleep nor slumber. I know in whom I believe and I am persuade that he is able to keep that which I committed to him against that day. All day and all night angels keep watch over me. Trust him in your predicament.
III. Somebody here may be wandering why God would allow us to go through stuff even when we are trusting him. It is because God is always up to something. God is up to something. He has a purpose for your pain. God allows us to go through heated situations for a reason. These 3 boys went through the fire in order to prove to the King and community that God is in control. The text shows us that even when it seems like the person that is over me is in control, he/she is really not. Somebody here maybe going through some fire that’s being inflicted upon you by someone, realize one thing and that is that God is in control. When God is in control, the very ones that are trying to burn you when end up getting burned. The men that went in the fire survive, but the ones who threw them got burned by the fire. That proves that God is in control. You reap what you sow. God often sends his children through the fire to set us free from stuff that has us bound. The ropes burn and set the boys free. God knows hoe hot to allow the fire to get in order to set you free from some stuff. Some folk cannot handle the fire you are going through. God often times takes us through the fire in order to improve our walk with him. Jesus was in the furnace with the boys. God often creates fiery moments to establish the fellowship he needs with us. Jesus always shows up in fiery situations. He will walk with you in the fire.
God often takes us through the fire in order to straighten out the mess we are in.
Straightening Comb Illustration (The comb won’t burn you if you be still.)
God will bring you out of the fire and promote you. The 3 Hebrew boys were promoted by the King. But it wasn’t until after they went through the fire. Somebody here is about to get a promotion but it will not be until you go through the fire. Tribulation is often a set-up for a promotion. You must learn to handle the fire on the level you are on, or you won’t be able to handle on the next level.
When God brings you out, he brings you up. God promoted them in the same place they went through the fire.
Basketball Illustration (Never Flat Basketball)
Daniel 3
From day to day, week to week, year after year, we will all face some unpleasant moments in life. Life events are often compared to a roller coaster. You are up one moment and down the next moment. You can be on top of your circumstances at 10:00 a.m. and your circumstances can be on top of you at 10:00 p.m. or before. Life can be hard! It does not matter who you are, nor what you have or think you have. The truth of the matter most of us are not as important as we think we are, nor do we have what we think we have. Life can be difficult no matter how saved you are. Life can be difficult for both saints and sinners; holy and hellish, life can be hard. All of us, whether we like it or not are going to have to face difficult times, we all are going to have faced heated situations and fiery predicaments. Even Jesus, the only begotten Son of God had to go through trials. Jesus declared to his disciples that if they would do it to a green tree he knew that an old dried withered tree would not be exempt. Therefore, he states that we shall have tribulations. And since I know the base of the immutable words of Jesus that I am going to have trials, fiery situations and moments of difficulties, the question is not will I face these moments but the most appropriate question is not will I face these moments, but rather how do I face these moments? I know it’s coming and I know that the moments of the difficulty are I must make up in my own mind, how I’m going to face the fiery and heated moments of life.
In the passage of scripture that I read to you in Daniel 3, we see a fiery, heated situation taking place. The setting of Daniel 3 is during Babylonian captivity. God had permitted King Nebuchadnezzar to invade Jerusalem and destroy the city and the temple and carry some of the inhabitants of Jerusalem to Babylon. The king was selective in those that he chose to carry to Babylon. He chose only the best and brightest, the intellectuals, those who had potential to help make him more powerful. Those that the king chose were the best and the brightest, those with the most potential and possibility from his perspective. Therefore, he chose 3 young men by names of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. Even though the king chose more than these three, they are no doubt the most distinguished ones taken from Jerusalem to Babylon. Scholars and Theologians suggest that these young men where in their late teens. Most of us are probably not familiar with them by the names of Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. We are more familiar with the names they received in Babylon – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Even though they change their names they could not change their character on the inside. Even though they change the label that had been given t them in Jerusalem, it did not change what had been given to them by God on the inside. The lesson we learn from this is that it does not matter what you call me, I know who I am. Call me what you want to, I know what I am underneath the skin and what you call me does not change me. Stop tripping over what other people call you because as long as you know you are a child of God. It does not change your Christian character. This was evident that it did not change these 3 boys because they refuse to worship the pagan Gods set before them. What is really interesting about this whole situation is that King Nebuchadnezzar used music as his major instrument in trying to get the boys to bow. He put together a live band to play in order to try to get these boys to bow to things outside the will of God. Music has always and continues to have a tremendous influence on our culture. Let’s take a look for a moment at the influence of music. Music has a tendency to mess with our minds. The enemy still uses music today to try to influence our thought process. Some music today promotes the use of drugs and alcohol, calls our beautiful mothers and daughters the “B” word and calls everybody else the “N” word. Music is influential. When I look around in here today many of you owe a lot to Luther Vandross. You have who you have today because Luther helped you make your move. Some of us may not have been born if it had not been for Luther Vandross, Usher, Smokey Robinson and some others. Music is influential. I could come in here every Sunday and just get up and go to preaching, but we try to use music to get us to hear and see the love of God and what God will do in your life. Therefore, when the preacher stands to preach your heart is open and more receptive to the message that God wants to send. Music must be a priority even in worship because the right music gives birth to spiritual mobility and vitality. God used music in the Old Testament with Joshua at Jericho when the trumpet music played something happened. The walls came down.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down and worship when the music was played. The King is informed of their unwillingness to bow down and worship his image and calls them in and offers them another chance. The three young men refused to bow and submit to the King’s plan. When you bow to the King of Kings you can stand to all other Kings. When you are submitted to God, you will not submit to the devil’s will.
I. This passage teaches us that since we are going to have to face the fire, we must face it with faith. Whatever difficult situation you are going through, realize that you are going to have to face it with faith. You are going to have trouble in your marriage, you are going to have difficulties on your jobs, something is going to go down with the company, something will go bad in your relationship, you are going to go through a financial situation, and sickness is going to come in your home. So when it comes, not if it comes, but when. It’s coming, it’s inevitable. Therefore, I have got to make up my mind that I have got to face the fire with faith. King our God is able, but even if not, he is able, we will not bow (that’s faith!). Our God is able. These 3 boys show us the ableness of God versus the willingness of God. Look at how they say it, our God is able, even if he is not willing. Many people believe that since God has not brought me out, that he’s not able. Just because God has not delivered you out of a bad situation, a bad marriage, a dead end job, sickness still in my home, still unemployed and things are not happening the way I think they should does not mean he is not able. This issue is not that he is able; the 3 boys declare that at this moment God is not willing. God oftentimes wants to produce in us a faith that will trust in his will, more so than his ability. God knows when to bring me out. I would rather be in the will of God than to be anywhere. My faith is in the will of God and that he knows when to bring me out. I know he’s able. God is able – no matter how broke your bank account. God is able – no matter how bleak your future looks. God is able – no matter how bankrupt your business. God is able – no matter how mean your hates are. God is able – no matter how dark your situation is. God is able – no matter how confuse your children maybe. God is able – no matter how high your mountains are or how low your valleys or deep your rivers. God is able. How many today know God is able. Even if God does not do it, even if he does not deliver me, I’m going trust. Even if I don’t get the promotion, even if I don’t get well, even if my situation don’t change, I’m not turning my back on God. I’m not walking out on him.
II. Not only do we need to face the fire with faith, we must learn that we can endure whatever we go through. God will never put more on us than we are able to bear. If I preserve God will preserve. If I keep on keeping on, God will keep me. Nebuchadnezzar turns up the fire seven times hotter when these boys refuse to bow, but they endured it. Rest assured that after you take a stand for God things have a tendency to get hotter. When you make up your mind to do it right, things get hotter. Issues occur on the job, in the home, money issues, folk start acting crazy. The boys were thrown in the furnace but the fire did not burn them. Some preachers say these boys were not burn because they were already on fire. The truth of the matter is that kept them. Somebody here today knows that God is a keep. He that keeps Israel shall not sleep nor slumber. I know in whom I believe and I am persuade that he is able to keep that which I committed to him against that day. All day and all night angels keep watch over me. Trust him in your predicament.
III. Somebody here may be wandering why God would allow us to go through stuff even when we are trusting him. It is because God is always up to something. God is up to something. He has a purpose for your pain. God allows us to go through heated situations for a reason. These 3 boys went through the fire in order to prove to the King and community that God is in control. The text shows us that even when it seems like the person that is over me is in control, he/she is really not. Somebody here maybe going through some fire that’s being inflicted upon you by someone, realize one thing and that is that God is in control. When God is in control, the very ones that are trying to burn you when end up getting burned. The men that went in the fire survive, but the ones who threw them got burned by the fire. That proves that God is in control. You reap what you sow. God often sends his children through the fire to set us free from stuff that has us bound. The ropes burn and set the boys free. God knows hoe hot to allow the fire to get in order to set you free from some stuff. Some folk cannot handle the fire you are going through. God often times takes us through the fire in order to improve our walk with him. Jesus was in the furnace with the boys. God often creates fiery moments to establish the fellowship he needs with us. Jesus always shows up in fiery situations. He will walk with you in the fire.
God often takes us through the fire in order to straighten out the mess we are in.
Straightening Comb Illustration (The comb won’t burn you if you be still.)
God will bring you out of the fire and promote you. The 3 Hebrew boys were promoted by the King. But it wasn’t until after they went through the fire. Somebody here is about to get a promotion but it will not be until you go through the fire. Tribulation is often a set-up for a promotion. You must learn to handle the fire on the level you are on, or you won’t be able to handle on the next level.
When God brings you out, he brings you up. God promoted them in the same place they went through the fire.
Basketball Illustration (Never Flat Basketball)
Monday, April 9, 2007
Lessons from Resurrection Sunday
Lessons from Resurrection Sunday
Matthew 28:1-8
From the day of His crucifixion on Good Friday to that first Easter morning. The day we know as Resurrection Sunday only three days have elapsed. Three days for the itinerary preacher of Nazareth to rise from the dead and check out of His borrowed tomb. Today, His tomb stands empty. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ has become the solid foundation upon which our Christian faith is built. The empty tomb is a sign for us that God’s plan of salvation is complete. The empty tomb is a testimony that Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth, is who He claimed to be, the Son of God. The empty tomb is a symbol of hope for those who believe in the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, we must be concerned with the message that is going forth in our world that attempts to dilute the power of the resurrection. The angels at the tomb of Christ declared He Is Alive. The songwriter said it best “Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow, Because He Lives, All Hope Is Gone.” With all the lessons that we can learn from the Resurrection of Christ, I will only look at a few. Max Lucado writes in his book “He chose the nails.” Jesus was a backwater peasant. He never wrote a book, never held an office. He never journeyed more than 200 miles from His hometown. Friends left Him, one betrayed Him. Those He helped forgot Him. Prior to His death they abandoned Him. But after His death they couldn’t resist Him. What made the difference? The tomb was empty.
1) One of the lessons we learn from Resurrection Sunday is God alone has the power to move some of the stones in our situations. The women on their way to the gravesite expressed concern about their inability to move the stone at the entrance of the tomb of Christ. How many times in life do we face situations that we do not have the authority, ability or assistance needed to change the situation? We only complain. How many times are we faced with problems that are as solid as a rock? Too large to move. Not enough manpower to move it. And oftentimes those who could help us really don’t care about what’s happening to us. However there are times and stones that are only moveable through and by the hand of almighty God. God alone has the power to move the things in our lives that keeps us in tombs. Faith in God can move the stone of fear. Faith in God moves the stones of doubt and indifference. God’s love can and will move the stones of hatred. Whatever it is that has become a stone in your life, remember God has the power to move it. Oftentimes God does not move the stone to allow you to exit, but more often that not it is for others to enter. God did not roll away the stone for Jesus to leave, but for the troubled women to believe. To believe that He has the power to move, that which seems impossible with men is possible with God. God knows when to move that which impede His blessings for our life.
2) Also, we learn from Resurrection Sunday that God always keeps His word. The angels declared He had risen as He said. In a day when our word is no longer our bond. In a world of untrustworthy individuals, it’s good to know that we have a God who honors and keeps His word. All throughout the Bible, we read the words, “and it came to pass.” Jesus had spent more than 3 years teaching His disciples and others that He would be handed over to sinful men and be killed but would rise from the dead victorious. Since Christ keeps His word we should trust His word. In His word, He assures us as believers that we too will live forever with Him. He sits presently at the right hand of the Father interceding for us, yes for all of us, saved and unsaved. We have His word that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have His word that what men intend for evil; God often works it for our good. Nothing can bring us closer together than difficult times. We have His word, He is no longer in the grave, but He is alive. He will one day return for all believers. You can be rest assured in the Word of god that God will take care of His own. “Be calm; don’t be afraid” was the message given to the first sonrise visitors. This message is still a resounding message for us today. Regardless of how bad things appear, no matter how lifeless it maybe now, God keeps His word to those who are submitted to Him through Jesus Christ.
3) Another lesson we learn is that you cannot keep a Godly man down, but the Bible declares there is only one that’s good, “God!” The text declares that He is risen which indicates He was down but he is no longer. God will always raise those who follow Him. The Bible declares that a righteous man may fall seven times but he will not remain down. We may sin but as Christians we don’t remain in the same sinful state, day in and day out. We correct our errors by repenting. Jesus shows us in the Resurrection narrative that regardless of who or what it was that knocks you down, we should rise again. If you are down today, you owe it to yourself to find a way to get up. You don’t have to remain down. Things don’t have to remain the same. You cannot keep a Godly man/woman down. You don’t have to remain in a life of sin. You don’t have to go through life feeling bad about your mistakes, correct them and move. All of us present today are recipients of Resurrection Sunday liquid paper (correction liquid) called the blood of Christ. We have all sinned and come short of God’s approval. However the Resurrection provides for us hope of a new life to come. Jesus is our correct type, error fixer, Savior and friend.
As I viewed “Passion of The Christ” movie, I was extremely disappointed in not what I saw, but what I did not see. I did not see a scene that portrayed Christ as a risen Lord. The end of the real story of the passion of Christ says He bleed, He suffered, He died, but that He also rose again. He is alive, He is alive and alive forever more. To God Be The Glory!
Matthew 28:1-8
From the day of His crucifixion on Good Friday to that first Easter morning. The day we know as Resurrection Sunday only three days have elapsed. Three days for the itinerary preacher of Nazareth to rise from the dead and check out of His borrowed tomb. Today, His tomb stands empty. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ has become the solid foundation upon which our Christian faith is built. The empty tomb is a sign for us that God’s plan of salvation is complete. The empty tomb is a testimony that Jesus, the carpenter of Nazareth, is who He claimed to be, the Son of God. The empty tomb is a symbol of hope for those who believe in the power of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Today, we must be concerned with the message that is going forth in our world that attempts to dilute the power of the resurrection. The angels at the tomb of Christ declared He Is Alive. The songwriter said it best “Because He Lives, I Can Face Tomorrow, Because He Lives, All Hope Is Gone.” With all the lessons that we can learn from the Resurrection of Christ, I will only look at a few. Max Lucado writes in his book “He chose the nails.” Jesus was a backwater peasant. He never wrote a book, never held an office. He never journeyed more than 200 miles from His hometown. Friends left Him, one betrayed Him. Those He helped forgot Him. Prior to His death they abandoned Him. But after His death they couldn’t resist Him. What made the difference? The tomb was empty.
1) One of the lessons we learn from Resurrection Sunday is God alone has the power to move some of the stones in our situations. The women on their way to the gravesite expressed concern about their inability to move the stone at the entrance of the tomb of Christ. How many times in life do we face situations that we do not have the authority, ability or assistance needed to change the situation? We only complain. How many times are we faced with problems that are as solid as a rock? Too large to move. Not enough manpower to move it. And oftentimes those who could help us really don’t care about what’s happening to us. However there are times and stones that are only moveable through and by the hand of almighty God. God alone has the power to move the things in our lives that keeps us in tombs. Faith in God can move the stone of fear. Faith in God moves the stones of doubt and indifference. God’s love can and will move the stones of hatred. Whatever it is that has become a stone in your life, remember God has the power to move it. Oftentimes God does not move the stone to allow you to exit, but more often that not it is for others to enter. God did not roll away the stone for Jesus to leave, but for the troubled women to believe. To believe that He has the power to move, that which seems impossible with men is possible with God. God knows when to move that which impede His blessings for our life.
2) Also, we learn from Resurrection Sunday that God always keeps His word. The angels declared He had risen as He said. In a day when our word is no longer our bond. In a world of untrustworthy individuals, it’s good to know that we have a God who honors and keeps His word. All throughout the Bible, we read the words, “and it came to pass.” Jesus had spent more than 3 years teaching His disciples and others that He would be handed over to sinful men and be killed but would rise from the dead victorious. Since Christ keeps His word we should trust His word. In His word, He assures us as believers that we too will live forever with Him. He sits presently at the right hand of the Father interceding for us, yes for all of us, saved and unsaved. We have His word that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We have His word that what men intend for evil; God often works it for our good. Nothing can bring us closer together than difficult times. We have His word, He is no longer in the grave, but He is alive. He will one day return for all believers. You can be rest assured in the Word of god that God will take care of His own. “Be calm; don’t be afraid” was the message given to the first sonrise visitors. This message is still a resounding message for us today. Regardless of how bad things appear, no matter how lifeless it maybe now, God keeps His word to those who are submitted to Him through Jesus Christ.
3) Another lesson we learn is that you cannot keep a Godly man down, but the Bible declares there is only one that’s good, “God!” The text declares that He is risen which indicates He was down but he is no longer. God will always raise those who follow Him. The Bible declares that a righteous man may fall seven times but he will not remain down. We may sin but as Christians we don’t remain in the same sinful state, day in and day out. We correct our errors by repenting. Jesus shows us in the Resurrection narrative that regardless of who or what it was that knocks you down, we should rise again. If you are down today, you owe it to yourself to find a way to get up. You don’t have to remain down. Things don’t have to remain the same. You cannot keep a Godly man/woman down. You don’t have to remain in a life of sin. You don’t have to go through life feeling bad about your mistakes, correct them and move. All of us present today are recipients of Resurrection Sunday liquid paper (correction liquid) called the blood of Christ. We have all sinned and come short of God’s approval. However the Resurrection provides for us hope of a new life to come. Jesus is our correct type, error fixer, Savior and friend.
As I viewed “Passion of The Christ” movie, I was extremely disappointed in not what I saw, but what I did not see. I did not see a scene that portrayed Christ as a risen Lord. The end of the real story of the passion of Christ says He bleed, He suffered, He died, but that He also rose again. He is alive, He is alive and alive forever more. To God Be The Glory!
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Palm Sunday Lessons
PALM SUNDAY LESSONS
Matthew 21:1-11
The Sunday before Easter, the Sunday Jesus made His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem is known as Palm Sunday. This Sunday bears the name Palm Sunday primarily due to the fact that when Jesus entered the city everyone waved palm branches to honor Him. Palm branches were viewed as a symbol of victory. (Olympics) The winners of the Olympic races carried a palm branch as a flag. Jesus descends off the mount to Jerusalem as the victorious King in Israel. The crowd shouted “Hosanna to the King” on Palm Sunday. Hosanna means save. They were crying, “Save us, save us” and that is still our present day request. Palm Sunday crowds are still popular crowds today. Many believers love the Palm Sunday festivities and the Easter Sunday miracles, in spite of our Good Friday attitudes. We are accustomed to and love celebratory moments like the one's Palm Sunday depicts. We are also proud of Easter Sunday miracles. It is because of the resurrection of Christ that we find so much hope in a world full of uncertainty, perplexity and profanity. However, Good Friday is the day we love to skip over. Many Christians ignore Good Friday for various reasons. Some chose to ignore Good Friday because of the wicked and unrighteous acts inflicted upon Christ. Others ignore Good Friday because they understand the good news of Easter Sunday. Regardless of the reason, many Christians and non-believers continue to participate in Palm Sunday festivities and Good Friday crucifixions. In layman’s terms, our Palm Sunday worship does not match our Good Friday words. Our words and hearts do not match! Let’s look briefly at the words of our narrative. In our narrative today, we are blessed to be able to examine what I have called Palm Sunday lessons. Even though it’s Palm Sunday, the lessons found here are applicable not just for Palm Sunday but every Sunday and everyday. The Palm Sunday lessons are too numerous to cover all of them in one sermonic moment. However, I will examine and lift several from the text. One lesson we learn from Palm Sunday has to do with the dialogue that Jesus has with His disciples concerning His need of animals for transportation and teachable moments.
1) In this conversation we learn the importance of making provision before the need arises. Jesus no doubt had spoken to the owner of the animals before sending His disciples for them. Anyone or anything worth having will require necessary preparation. Too many believers are being denied many valuable possessions due to a lack of pre-planning. Things do not “just” happen to work out to our good. We must plan. Not only plan, we must work the plan. You can’t borrow money from a bank for a business without a good business plan. You cannot expect to do much in life without having a plan for the future. We cannot wait until it starts to rain to decide that we need a place to keep dry. Jesus made provision for His final days on earth. Therefore, as Christians, we should follow His example and make provision for ourselves as well. We make provision for job interviews, we make provision for vacations, we make provision for college, marriage, retirement, children, grandchildren and the list goes on. How many today make provision to spend eternity with Christ? In all our planning, let us not fail to plan to meet Jesus.
2) Another Palm Sunday lesson we learn is never place more trust in casual faith Christians than you do in committed faith Christians. Casual faith Christians will always celebrate Palm Sunday moments. They are the ones who love moments of attention and recognition. However, they are the ones who show up on Palm Sunday but will not be committed on Good Friday. They are the ones who will allow the presence of the Pharisee’s to silence their praise. Casual faith Christians are those who are Christians when it’s convenient, when the tempo is upbeat. Casual faith believers are those who are mislead because of mistaken identity. They celebrate you as long as you look like you are the one that they thought you were. They celebrate you as long as they have the ability to control you and receive something from you. Jesus was truly their hero until He turned over the money tables in the temple and announced the restoration of prayer meeting to the church. Many believers love cheering and accumulating things, but many have serious issues with prayer, communing and communications with God. Committed faith Christians will not allow the Pharisees to stop their praise anywhere or at anytime. They believed and live the words of the Psalmist, “I will bless the Lord at all times, and His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me”.
3) Last thing I want to point out is in Verse 10 and that is the question asked by the multitude, “Who is this?” Christians ought to have such a disposition about themselves until the world develops inquiring minds about our relationship with Christ. Our presence should make a difference in the lives of those we encounter. The world should be inquiring about our Palm Sunday activities, our marvelous Mondays, our terrific Tuesdays, our wonderful Wednesdays, our thankful Thursdays, our fiery Fridays, our satisfying Saturdays and our sanctified Sundays. The multitude rejected Jesus on Good Friday because He no longer looked like a King who would overthrow the Romans. They no longer saw him as their King who overthrew the government and established His own kingdom on earth. They saw Him, arrested and condemned Him.
Matthew 21:1-11
The Sunday before Easter, the Sunday Jesus made His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem is known as Palm Sunday. This Sunday bears the name Palm Sunday primarily due to the fact that when Jesus entered the city everyone waved palm branches to honor Him. Palm branches were viewed as a symbol of victory. (Olympics) The winners of the Olympic races carried a palm branch as a flag. Jesus descends off the mount to Jerusalem as the victorious King in Israel. The crowd shouted “Hosanna to the King” on Palm Sunday. Hosanna means save. They were crying, “Save us, save us” and that is still our present day request. Palm Sunday crowds are still popular crowds today. Many believers love the Palm Sunday festivities and the Easter Sunday miracles, in spite of our Good Friday attitudes. We are accustomed to and love celebratory moments like the one's Palm Sunday depicts. We are also proud of Easter Sunday miracles. It is because of the resurrection of Christ that we find so much hope in a world full of uncertainty, perplexity and profanity. However, Good Friday is the day we love to skip over. Many Christians ignore Good Friday for various reasons. Some chose to ignore Good Friday because of the wicked and unrighteous acts inflicted upon Christ. Others ignore Good Friday because they understand the good news of Easter Sunday. Regardless of the reason, many Christians and non-believers continue to participate in Palm Sunday festivities and Good Friday crucifixions. In layman’s terms, our Palm Sunday worship does not match our Good Friday words. Our words and hearts do not match! Let’s look briefly at the words of our narrative. In our narrative today, we are blessed to be able to examine what I have called Palm Sunday lessons. Even though it’s Palm Sunday, the lessons found here are applicable not just for Palm Sunday but every Sunday and everyday. The Palm Sunday lessons are too numerous to cover all of them in one sermonic moment. However, I will examine and lift several from the text. One lesson we learn from Palm Sunday has to do with the dialogue that Jesus has with His disciples concerning His need of animals for transportation and teachable moments.
1) In this conversation we learn the importance of making provision before the need arises. Jesus no doubt had spoken to the owner of the animals before sending His disciples for them. Anyone or anything worth having will require necessary preparation. Too many believers are being denied many valuable possessions due to a lack of pre-planning. Things do not “just” happen to work out to our good. We must plan. Not only plan, we must work the plan. You can’t borrow money from a bank for a business without a good business plan. You cannot expect to do much in life without having a plan for the future. We cannot wait until it starts to rain to decide that we need a place to keep dry. Jesus made provision for His final days on earth. Therefore, as Christians, we should follow His example and make provision for ourselves as well. We make provision for job interviews, we make provision for vacations, we make provision for college, marriage, retirement, children, grandchildren and the list goes on. How many today make provision to spend eternity with Christ? In all our planning, let us not fail to plan to meet Jesus.
2) Another Palm Sunday lesson we learn is never place more trust in casual faith Christians than you do in committed faith Christians. Casual faith Christians will always celebrate Palm Sunday moments. They are the ones who love moments of attention and recognition. However, they are the ones who show up on Palm Sunday but will not be committed on Good Friday. They are the ones who will allow the presence of the Pharisee’s to silence their praise. Casual faith Christians are those who are Christians when it’s convenient, when the tempo is upbeat. Casual faith believers are those who are mislead because of mistaken identity. They celebrate you as long as you look like you are the one that they thought you were. They celebrate you as long as they have the ability to control you and receive something from you. Jesus was truly their hero until He turned over the money tables in the temple and announced the restoration of prayer meeting to the church. Many believers love cheering and accumulating things, but many have serious issues with prayer, communing and communications with God. Committed faith Christians will not allow the Pharisees to stop their praise anywhere or at anytime. They believed and live the words of the Psalmist, “I will bless the Lord at all times, and His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord, the humble shall hear thereof and be glad. Oh magnify the Lord with me”.
3) Last thing I want to point out is in Verse 10 and that is the question asked by the multitude, “Who is this?” Christians ought to have such a disposition about themselves until the world develops inquiring minds about our relationship with Christ. Our presence should make a difference in the lives of those we encounter. The world should be inquiring about our Palm Sunday activities, our marvelous Mondays, our terrific Tuesdays, our wonderful Wednesdays, our thankful Thursdays, our fiery Fridays, our satisfying Saturdays and our sanctified Sundays. The multitude rejected Jesus on Good Friday because He no longer looked like a King who would overthrow the Romans. They no longer saw him as their King who overthrew the government and established His own kingdom on earth. They saw Him, arrested and condemned Him.
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