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Monday, July 27, 2015

Delivered By The Lord


The Lord simply has done so much for us, words cannot describe.

Psalms 116:1-9

1I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.2Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.3The sorrows of death compassed me, and the pains of hell gat hold upon me: I found trouble and sorrow.4Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul.5Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; yea, our God is merciful.6The LORD preserveth the simple: I was brought low, and he helped me.7Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.8For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.”

** We are to be thankful everyday, and to make sure that God gets all the praise and glory. He has done the impossible with all of His love for us. **

We were delivered by Jesus Christ through His precious blood.

Deliverance of:

1.   Death

2.   Tears and sorrow

And

3.   Instability

//////////////////////

A. Death

Romans 6:1-7

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin.”

 

Romans 6:22-23

22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. 23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

 

**God has given a free passage of the way out of darkness and death. He is the key to our salvation and freedom from sin and death. He is the only way to get to heaven. Many have tried over time and many still fight to try another way in but it is impossible, and it always goes back to Jesus. Jesus proved that sin has chained us and leads us to the road of death and tormentation. But He has given another way out, and that was with the price of His life. **

 

B. Tears and Sorrow

Psalms 34:15-18

“The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry.16The face of the LORD is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.17The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.18The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.”

** Jesus knows the sufferings of this world; He lived among us at one time. But He proved a solution that would gain us peace without conforming to this wicked world. Through the strength of His Father in Heaven. He gave a simple life manual for us all the live by. 1.) Confession of your sins 2.) Allowing the Lord to lead your life

3.) Abide in Him and Obey His commandments 4.) love and forgive your brethren.  We will truly receive the peace that we need by following these commandments.  And to start it off, he shows compassion unto those with the burdens that they have carried for so long (sins, struggles, life,etc). **

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

 

** Such wonderful and simple instructions that lead to a happier life, that gives us hope knowing what we will receive in the end. **

 

Luke 16:19-25

“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.”

 

C. Instability

**Without Christ , our ways are unstable and we don’t know where we are going. We don’t know whether we are coming or going. But Jesus is the light that we need to be brought out of darkness. He is the one that can give you hope where you need it the most. **

 

 

Ephesians 5:8

For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:”

John 8:12

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.”

 

**Before knowing Jesus Christ, our roads were dark and uneasy. We didn’t know if we were coming or going. Feeling unsafe, unstable and unsure where the road would lead us. At times, sure you felt you were in control of your life, thinking you are the boss of what would come ahead. But not knowing satan was directing your path, leading you to where you would soon be lead to your death in eternal tormentation. But Jesus stepped right in and offered you something that will completely change your life. Giving you an ultimatium, that brings stability, joy, peace, strength and something that no one can give you freely: Salvation- to be freed from sin and darkness. And given the chance to be in true eternal paradise in the end. But remember, He gives you a choice, seeing that we have freewill. Will you make the right decision? As you get up and take Jesus’ hand you will walk upright on solid ground, and the light will be given to you, where before you couldn’t see where you were going, now you have clear vision. Then there are some that think that without Jesus, if they will eventually find another way, a light to the tunnel. Not knowing that deception will take them away forever, where you cant turn back, and not receive a second chance. (The Lord’s return). **

 

Psalm 119:105

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

 

**Never step back in the darkness; never step back where you couldn’t see where you were going. Jesus was the Word of God made flesh, and the word is a lamp unto our feet, a light unto our path to lead us where we need to go. In that, we know we are on solid foundation, safe and grounded in the Lord. The Word of God gives us understanding in the ways we need to be grounded to live a successful life with Him. It gives us instructions of what is right and what is wrong. Breaking down all excuses and giving light to all criticisms of the many in this world.**

 

Matthew 7:24-27

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”
 
By Ministry Dinah Ramos 

Thursday, July 23, 2015

"DAVID STRENGTHENED HIMSELF IN THE LORD HIS GOD"


 
                             1 Samuel 30:6

"And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was greived, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God."

 

INTRODUCTION

 

1. What's the first thing you do in time of trouble?

   a. Everybody has problems from time to time, but not everyone tries

      to solve their problems in the same way

   b. What IS the best way?

2. One person in the Bible who had more than his share of trouble was

   King David...

   a. For example:

      1) He was pursued by King Saul

      2) He barely escaped several assassination attempts

      3) He had to spend much time hiding in the wilderness

      4) His entire family was kidnapped on one occasion

      5) His friends turned against him and were ready to kill him

      6) He suffered the shame of having committed adultery and murder

      7) His son Amnon raped his daughter Tamar

      8) His other son Absalom murdered Amnon

      9) Absalom led a revolt against his father

     10)  Absalom himself was killed, much to David's grief

   b. Need I go on?  David was certainly a man with many problems!

3. Yet somehow, he survived them all and has come to be remembered as

   "a man after God's own heart."  How was he able to do this?

 

I. WHAT DAVID DID IN TIMES OF TROUBLE

 

   A. THE CONTEXT OF 1 SAMUEL 30:1-6...

      1. At this time in his life, David was living in Ziklag

         a. Having fled from King Saul

         b. And was now aligned with the Philistines

      2. The Philistines were preparing to battle King Saul, and David

         and his men had gone to join with the Philistines

      3. But the Philistines did not fully trust David, so they sent

         him and his men back to Ziklag

   B. READING 1 SAMUEL 30:1-6, WE FIND...

      1. That the town of Ziklag had been attacked and burned by the

         Amalekites - 1

      2. The women and children had been kidnapped, including those of

         his family - 2-5

      3. Naturally David is distressed; but on top of this, the people

         are ready to kill him for not having been there when he was

         needed - 6

   C. BUT NOTICE CAREFULLY THE LAST PART OF VERSE SIX...

      1. What does David do when he has lost his family, and his own

         life is threatened?

      2. The Scriptures say, "But David strengthened himself in the

         Lord his God."

      3. This is what David did first in times of trouble...

         a. He strengthened himself in the Lord his God!

         b. With the strength he received, he was then able to deal

            with whatever the problem was before him!

[But what does it mean to "strengthen himself in the Lord his God"?  In

an effort to answer this question, I found it helpful to consider some

of the Psalms written by David during troublesome times...]

II. HOW DAVID STRENGTHENED HIMSELF IN THE LORD HIS GOD

   A. IN TIMES OF TROUBLE, DAVID OFTEN COMPOSED PSALMS...

      1. While pursued by Saul, he wrote Psalm 59 - cf.

                          Psalms 59:1-4

"Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O Lord. They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold."

      2. When imprisoned in Gath, he wrote Psalm 56 - cf.


"Be merciful unto me, O God: for man would swallow me up; he fighting daily oppresseth me. Mine enemies would daily swallow me up: for they be many that fight against me, O thou most High."

      3. Fleeing from Absalom, he wrote Psalm 3 - cf.


"Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me. Many there be which say of my soul, There is no help for him in God. Selah."

      4. Hiding in the wilderness of Judah, he wrote Psalm 63**

 

   B. FROM THESE PSALMS, WE CAN GLEAN HOW "DAVID STRENGTHENED HIMSELF

      IN THE LORD HIS GOD"...

      1. From Psalm 56, we learn that David would place his trust in

         God to help him - Psalms 56**

      2. From Psalm 59, we learn that David was determined to continue

         praising God for His help -Psalms 59**

      3. From Psalm 63**, we see that David overcame his problem of

         loneliness by...

         a. Seeking the Lord - Psalms 63:1-2

"Truly my soul waiteth upon the God: from him cometh my salvation.He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; i shall not be greatly moved."

         b. Praising and praying - Psalms 63:3-5

"How long will ye imagine mishchief against a man? ye shall be slain all of you: as a bowing wall shall ye be, and as a tottering fence. They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies:they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."

         c. Meditating upon the Lord - Psalms 63:6-7

"He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; i shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God."

      4. In each of these psalms, David is basically saying the same

         thing...

         a. In time of trouble, put your trust in the Lord

         b. Stay close to Him, through praising Him and praying to Him

         c. Do this, and you will be made strong as the Lord supports

            you! - cf. Psalms 63:8 "Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah."

 

[This was how "David strengthened himself in the Lord his God", and was

able to face and overcome his problems with the help the Lord gave him.

How about us today?  In times of trouble, do we follow David's example?

Consider a few thoughts along this line...]

 

III. DEALING WITH OUR PROBLEMS TODAY

 

   A. WE FACE MANY PROBLEMS, EVEN AS CHRISTIANS...

      1. Some are related to family, or other matters of personal

         concern

      2. Some are related to jobs, and the issue of financial security

   B. IN MANY CASES, PEOPLE TRY TO TACKLE THEIR PROBLEMS ALONE...

      1. They leave God completely out of the picture

      2. Sometimes they even forsake Him entirely...

         a. By no longer praising Him and praying to Him daily

         b. By neglecting the assembly in which we gather to edify one

            another and worship God

      3. The reasoning is often expressed this way:  "Let me get my

         life straight, then I will be able to serve God and live for

         Him."

   C. BUT GOD IS ANGERED IF WE SEEK TO SOLVE OUR PROBLEMS WITHOUT HIM!

      1. God considers such a person as cursed! - cf.


"Thus saith the Lord; cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord. For he shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good cometh; but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land and not inhabited. Blessed is the man that trusteh in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yeilding fruit."

      2. A good example of God's displeasure when His people fail to

         look to Him for strength is found in Isaiah...

         a. When attacked by Assyria, Israel placed her trust in Egypt

            - Isaiah 30:1-2

"Woe to the rebellious children, saith the Lord, that take counsel, but not of me; and that cover with a covering, but not of my spirit, that they may add sin to sin: That walk to go down into Egypt, and have not asked at my mouth; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to trust in the shadow of Egypt."

         b. Because of this, God promised to frustrate the efforts of

            Israel to solve her problems by herself! -


"Therefore shall the strength of Pharoah be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your confusion."

         c. Yes, God wanted Israel to trust in Him, not themselves

            - Isaiah 30:15-16

"For thus saith the Lord God, the Holy one of Israel; in returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not. But ye said, No; for we will flee upon horses; therefore shall ye flee: and, We will ride upon the swift; therefore shall they pursue you be swift."

      3. Even so today, God wants us to put our trust in Him - cf.

 (James 4:8)

"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."


"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: casting all your care upon him:for he careth for you."

         a. The truth of the matter is this...

            1) It is NOT "God helps those who help themselves"

            2) But rather "God helps those who trust in the Lord with

               all their heart, and lean not on their own

               understanding"! - cf.


"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

         b. When we leave God out of the picture in solving problems...

            1) One thing is certain:  God leaves us to deal with those

               problems on our own, and without His help!

            2) Another thing is possible:  In an act of loving

               discipline, God might frustrate our efforts to solve our

               problems independent of His help (He certainly

               disciplined Israel that way!)

CONCLUSION

1. So let us learn from one experienced in dealing with problems

   (David)...

   a. In times of trouble, look to the Lord for your strength!

   b. Trust in the Lord, and be steadfast in praising Him and praying

      to Him

   c. Don't forsake Him, nor forsake the assembly of the saints in

      which we draw near to Him

2. Let what David said of himself be true of us as well:   


   "My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me."

3. Remember that those who trust in God will find strength,

   deliverance, and true happiness!

Do you trust in the Lord?  Or in your own strength?  Let the Lord be

your deliverance!

Especially when it pertains to the problem of the guilt of sin...
 
By Missionary Dinah Ramos