Can An Hour Make A Difference?

Title: Can an Hour Make a Difference? 03/16/14

Text: Psalm 40:1-3

Purpose: To encourage our people that an hour spent with God can make the difference.

Introduction: Video from SermonSpice: One Hour (Daylight Savings)

Question: In the spring we have (Spring Forward- lose hour) and the fall we have (Fall Back- Gain hour).

Since its spring, and we lose an hour, if I could give you that extra hour back what would you do with it?

a. Reorganize some things

b. Reschedule some things

c. Reprioritize some things

d. Sleep….zzzzzz

Interesting isn’t it, that all those are looking for things to do over. What if we went the other direction, and instead of wishing we could do some things over, what if we planned to just do some things differently?

Observation: It’s been a brutal winter. The snow has been relentless, the cold has been extreme, there has been confusion about healthcare, taxes, world events, and local layoffs, can’t find help, etc…

And no doubt, we can enter in to a survival mentality, where we just try to survive hoping that the next big thing doesn’t push us over the edge. And we shift into a mental state of numbness.

But what if an hour could change all that? What if an hour could change the way we think, the way we approach things and outlook? What if an hour could make us feel better, change our state of mind, put us on a better foundation, gives us purpose and direction, would you invest in that hour?

Today, if you’re like me, it can become overwhelming at times. The other night, I have this reoccurring dream that I’m supposed to be somewhere or do something. In fact, twice in one night I thought security had called and I needed to call them back. So in the middle of the night, after checking my phone, and not seeing any calls or anything, I still called campus security just to be sure. Now I have a sign by my phone, “This is a dream, don’t call”

WOW, now my subconscious is being effected. So what can we do?

TEXT: Psalm 40:1-4

On Sunday nights, there is a news program called 60 Minutes. I’m not endorsing them, just using them as an example. When they begin that program, they start their stop watch. So today, I want you to start your mental stop watch. (Not to see how long I preach, or how much longer the service will be)

What could you do for an hour that would change your life?

When Jesus was busy, he told his disciples that it was necessary for them to get away for some quiet time.

So each of these points today are small things for you to focus on for 10 minutes each. (Together or separate)

I. :10 Minutes Present your praises and requests before God

A. It’s important to begin by acknowledging that God can and will answer prayer. You can even begin to thank him BEFORE the answer arrives. What you are doing is preparing the mind to talk with God. (Make a mental list)

B. Verse 1 “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”

I am reminded that God takes a personal interest in our needs.

Scripture:

1. 1 Peter 5:7 “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.”

2. Matthew 11:28 “Then Jesus said, Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

3. Philippians 4:6-7 “Don’t worry (be anxious) about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

God knows your needs, he wants to know, do YOU know what you need. Do you? If someone were to take a personal interest in what you’re going through, would you tell them?

When you go to the doctors, get your taxes done, take your car to get fixed, talk to your child’s teacher, you want someone to take a personal interest in your needs.

Well here is the good news. The God of the universe is interested in you. He wants to talk with you. Will you listen?

Sometimes it’s hard to articulate what you’re feeling. Hard to put it into words. It just seems like it’s a jumbled mess. Good news. The Holy Spirit knows how to pray for you.

Romans 8:26-27 “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groaning’s that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.”