-
God Wants To Pull The Stickers Out PRO
Contributed by Tim White on Jun 6, 2011 (message contributor)
GOD WANTS TO PULL THE STICKERS OUT
The little girl hopped away screaming. Obviously, the fear of living forever with a sticker in her foot was not as terrifying as the thought of me pulling it out. But a five-year-old could not out-run the preacher. Not hopping on one foot, anyway.
After I wrestled her into position and swiftly pulled the sticker from her foot, her eyes filled with joy. She danced away, laughing, free, thankful. She dance, and danced, and danced.
It wasn’t long ago that I realized that any real encounter with God was somewhat confrontational. There was always something that needed to be removed from my life so that His joy could be added.
So many times, I hopped away from God, fearing the removal, settling for the pain and damage that God longed to eliminate. Just like Adam, trying to hide where shadows lie about privacy from our Father.
But unlike Adam, I have been here before. I know the routine. Kick, scream, fight, and protest until God maneuvers me into position to remove the sin and free me from further damage. But I never learn. It is the same with my rebellious heart again and again.
Every time, I try to negotiate with God. "God, I can live with this one. Watch me! I have even developed this special hobble that you will find endearing. Father, can’t we pretend this once that I am already OK? Can’t I hop a little longer? Why do we have to worry about this now?"
His Spirit reminds me, "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ" Philippians 1:6 ESV.
Why do I forget the joy of dancing, laughing, freedom and thankfulness that comes after God pulls my stickers? But I...
Continue reading this sermon illustration (Free with PRO)Related Sermon Illustrations
-
The Christmas Tree PRO
Contributed by Jennifer Mathews on Dec 28, 2004
The Christmas tree: It was on a Tree that God hung His greatest gift to humankind. The Christmas tree is symbolic of a broken curse, its evergreen branches representing everlasting life. Our exchange of gifts isn’t a surrender to commercialism, but ...read more
-
The Meanest Mother PRO
Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Sep 27, 2004
The Meanest Mother We had the meanest mother in the whole world! While other kids ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs, and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch, we had to eat sandwiches. And you can guess our mother fixed us a dinner that was different from ...read more
-
I Once Talked With General Charles M. Duke, A ... PRO
Contributed by Lou Nicholes on May 27, 2005
I once talked with General Charles M. Duke, a former astronaut who went on the Apollo 16 mission to the moon. I asked, “Once you were there, weren’t you free to make your own decisions and carry out your own experiments. He smiled and said “Sure, if I didn’t want to return to earth!” He went on to ...read more
-
On A Particularly Rough Airplane Flight, A Lady ... PRO
Contributed by Evie Megginson on Apr 26, 2004
On a particularly rough airplane flight, a lady became very airsick. Her shoulders drooped, and her head slumped forward - she was totally wiped out. The stewardess came by to help her. "Come, come now," she said, "buck up and get control of yourself. Sit up and take courage." She put her arm under ...read more
-
In His Book, Balancing The Tightrope, Barry ...
Contributed by Timothy Smith on Aug 22, 2004
In his book, Balancing the Tightrope, Barry Powell relates that in a survey of over 200,000 college freshman, 76% listed financial prosperity as the most important of their life goals. Is it any wonder that one of the top issues in almost every Presidential election is the economy? What has it come ...read more
Related Sermons
-
You Have Not Passed This Way Before
Contributed by Richard Tow on Jul 18, 2017
Are you ready for the new season God has for you? In Joshua 3 an event was about to happen that would change their lives forever. How would they walk through that transition successfully?
-
Romans: A Life-Changing Letter Series
Contributed by Tony Thomas on Sep 10, 2017
This message is an overview of the book of Romans and part of a 2-year study of the Bible.
-
God Knows You
Contributed by Troy Campbell on Mar 23, 2016
Before you were born God knew you and formed you. He is concerned with every part of our lives.
-
Keep The Fire Burning
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Feb 20, 2020
A sermon addressing the need to stir up the gift that God has bestowed upon us.
-
Grace... Series
Contributed by Chuck Sligh on Jan 22, 2012
Grace is THE distinctive of Christianity, but it is used in different ways in the New Testament: SAVING grace; SUSTAINING grace; and SANCTIFYING grace. All three are important to understand.