INTRO> It was one of the famous lines from “Gone With the Wind”: Scarlett O’Hara was the speaker. The line: “Oh, I don’t want to think about that today. I’ll think about that tomorrow, because after all...tomorrow is another day!”
-->Another person expressed the same idea at the end of last year, declaring his New Year’s resolution was to stop procrastinating, but he decided to postpone implementing until after the first of the year instead of at the beginning.
<>Well, it’s that time again...another year is closing up, and it’s natural to turn our attention to the immediate future of the new year...and beyond.
<>I’ve learned NOT to engage in making predictions, because even the so-called “experts” can get it really wrong.
-->In 1926, Lee DeForest, the inventor of the cathode ray tube was quoted as saying, “Theoretically television may be feasible, but I consider it an impossibility...a development which we should waste little time dreaming about.”
-->In 1943, Thomas Watson, Chairman of the Board at IBM, said, “I think there is a world market for about five computers.”
-->In 1962, a recording company executive, said, “We don’t think the Beatles will do anything in their market. Guitar groups are on their way out.”
<>No, we don’t want to engage in predictions, but we do need to know how rightly face the future.
-->So today I want to look at some examples from Scripture, and recognize two wrong ways to face the future, and the one right way...as we ponder the future.
--I invite you to open a Bible and turn to Luke 12:19-20.
-->Tomorrow night we’ll spend some time looking back and reflecting on what God taught us in 2007, and we’ll spend some time looking around at where God has led us to this point, and we’ll look ahead to the challenges of 2008.
-->But today I want us to focus our attention on how we should enter into 2008.
<>THERE ARE THREE OPTIONS PEOPLE CHOOSE.
-->The first two are bad options, the third is how God would have us face the year ahead.
1) WE CAN FACE THE FUTURE IN FOOLISHNESS OR FOLLY.
-->The word “fool” is a very strong word in Scripture.
-->In the Old Testament, in Psalm 14:1 were told that “the fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”
-->The idea, the definition of foolishness according to Scripture is acting in such a way that we LEAVE GOD OUT...as if everything depends upon ourselves alone.
-->This is where and why the well-meant New Year’s resolutions of previous years lie in ruins all around us.
-->In the Christmas story this foolish attitude is seen in King Herod.
---Matthew 2:16 tells us “...Herod...became very enraged, and sent and slew all the male children who were in Bethlehem and in all its environs, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had ascertained from the magi.”
---It was foolish of him to think he could, by his own plans, somehow stymie or stop the work of God.
<>REMEMBER THESE TRUTHS ABOUT FOOLISHNESS...
--a) Foolish thinking starts and leads to the false notion of self-reliance.
---Let’s read Luke 12:19-20.
---The man was a fool because he felt “safe” in relying on his own efforts, his own wealth.
---ILL>In April of 1988, the evening news reported on a skydiving photographer. He had jumped from a plane along with numerous other skydivers and filmed the group as they fell and opened their parachutes. The film was amazing for as long as it lasted. But once the film showed the final skydiver opening his chute, the picture went berserk. The reporter announced that the cameraman had fallen to his death, having jumped out of plane without his parachute. It wasn’t until he reached for the absent ripcord that he realized he was freefalling without a parachute. Until that point, the jump really seemed exciting and fun. But tragically he had acted with thoughtless haste and deadly foolishness. Nothing could save him, for his faith was in a parachute never buckled on.
---APP> Faith in anything but our all-sufficient God is equally foolish on our part, and can lead to tragic results.
----However, with faith in Jesus, we can step in the dangerous but glorious excitement of life.
--b) Foolish, self-reliant thinking can sound logical.
---The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8 -- “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
---QUOTE: Ben Franklin expressed it this way: “The learned fool writes his nonsense in better language than the unlearned, but still ‘tis nonsense.”
-->Man’s thinking: The greatest among us is the most prominent.
----No, God says, the greatest among you will be a servant.
-->Man’s thinking: The goal should be to acquire things, he who has the most toys wins.
----No, God says, The goal should be to do justly, to love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
-->Man’s thinking: It’s impossible for a virgin to give birth.
----No, God says, All things are possible with God.
--c) Foolish, self-reliant thinking can be a popular idea.
---In the Old Testament the “popular” thought was on the side of the ten spies who believed the giants in the Promised Land were too big for the children of Israel to conquer.
---But they were thinking only on their own strength, their self-reliance, while Joshua and Caleb believed God for the victory.
---QUOTE: My favorite theologian, Anonymous, said it this way: “If a man wants to make a fool of himself he will always find plenty of help.”
---In the New Testament, even Jesus’ disciples wrestled with the “common knowledge” of the days, that prosperity was a sign of God’s approval and reward...a sure sign of godliness.
---But in Luke 18:24 we read, “Then Jesus looked at him (the rich young ruler) and said, ‘How hard it is for those who are wealthy to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.’ And they who heard it (the disciples) said (in amazement and incredulity), ‘Then who CAN be saved?’ But He said, ‘The things impossible with men are possible with God.’”
--d) Foolish thinking is focused only on the short term.
---Let’s read Matthew 25:1-12.
---The prudent young women were those who thought down the road to the future and weren’t caught off-guard and unprepared for the arrival of the bridegroom.
---QUOTE: James Packer has explained, “The opposite of wisdom is folly, meaning the short-term self-indulgence which marks out the person who doesn’t think about long-term priorities and goals but lives on a day-by-day basis, asking, ‘What is the most fun thing to do now?’”
---ILL>I’ve been practicing and have acquired my commercial drivers’ license. One of the fundamental principles of successfully driving large vehicles safely is the concept of “seeing the big picture.” In specifics it means being aware of what’s going on in the next two blocks ahead of you in the city, and within 1/4 mile ahead of you on the highway. The reason is to be prepared and not caught off-guard by an accident ahead or developments that will cause you to caught in the wrong lane or in a position where you might have to back up...not something you want to do if you can ever help it.
2) WE CAN CHOOSE TO FACE THE FUTURE IN FEAR.
---Luke 12:29-31 -- “and do not seek what you shall eat and what you shall drink, and DO NOT KEEP WORRYING. For all these things the nations of the world eagerly seek, but your Father knows that you need these things. But seek for His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.”
<>REMEMBER THESE TRUTHS ABOUT FEAR...
--a) Fear operates out of “the natural.”
---Some fears are God-given for our self preservation and protection.
-----Scientists tell us we’re born with only two innate fears: falling, and loud noises.
-----Then other fears we develop from experience: being leary of traveling down dark alleyways in risky parts of town, etc.
---But other fears are self-developed, and blown way out of proportion.
----For example: Peladophobia -- the fear of baldness or bald people.
----Aerophobia -- the fear of drafts.
----Chaeotophobia -- the fear of hairy people.
----Porphyrophobia -- the fear of the color purple.
----Levophobia -- the fear of objects on the left side of the body.
----Dextrophobia -- the fear of objects on the right side of the body.
----Auroraphobia -- the fear of the northern lights.
----Calyprophobia -- the fear of obscure meanings.
----Thalassophobia -- the fear of being seated.
----Stabisbasiphobia -- the fear of standing and walking.
----Odontophobia -- the fear of teeth.
----Graphophobia -- the fear of writing in public.
----And my favorite, Phobophobia -- the fear of being afraid.
-----I believe Franklin Roosevelt spoke of that one: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
---ILL>An interesting map is on display in the British Museum of London. It is an old mariner’s chart, drawn in 1525, outlining the North American coastline and adjacent waters. The cartographer made some intriguing notations on the areas of the map that represented regions not yet explored. He wrote, “Here be giants, here be fiery scorpions, here be dragons.” Eventually the map came into the possession of Sir John Franklin, a British explorer in the early 1800’s. He scratched off the fearful inscriptions, and then wrote across the map, “Here is God.”
--b) Fear is the opposite of faith.
---1 John 4:18 -- “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear.”
---Philippians 4:6-7 -- “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
---APP>You cannot say you’re a person of faith and be a worry wart at the same time.
---ILL>A traveler in the early days of the west came to the Mississippi River and discovered there was no bridge. Fortunately it was winter and the river was sheeted over with ice. Still, he was afraid to try crossing, because he didn’t know how thick it was. Finally, with infinite caution, he crept on his hands and knees and managed to get halfway across. Then he heard singing coming from behind him. He turned and saw another traveler, driving a four-horse load of coal over the ice, coming at full speed, and singing as he came!
---We’ll look in upcoming messages at the keys to overcoming the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, and the fear of death, but we have no need to be afraid of what’s ahead in the coming year.
---APP>Fear envisions danger ahead, but faith knows God has already gone ahead and has taken care of it.
---LYR>One of my favorite songs from years ago said it well...”There is no problem so big God cannot solve it; there is no mountain so tall He cannot move it. There is no storm so dark God cannot calm it; there is no sorrow so deep He cannot soothe it. If He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders, I know, my brother, that He will carry you.”
BUT THE RIGHT WAY TO FACE THE FUTURE...
3) WE CAN FACE THE FUTURE IN FAITH.
---Hebrews 11:1 -- “Now faith is the assurance (substance) of things hoped for, the conviction (evidence) of things not seen.
-->Mary demonstrated true faith in pondering the future.
---Luke 1:34-35,37-38 -- “And Mary said to the angel, ‘How can this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered and said to her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God...for nothing will be impossible with God.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word.’”
---Mary knew it was physically impossible for a virgin to be pregnant, but she trusted God.
---She also knew her life would be forever changed, and forever difficult, ridiculed by others, etc....but she accepted God’s plan.
<>REMEMBER THESE TRUTHS ABOUT FAITH...
--a) Faith believes in and operates in the realm of the supernatural.
---Luke 1:37 -- “for nothing will be impossible with God.”
---QUOTE: George Muller explained it this way: “Faith does not operate in the realm of the possible. There is no glory for God in that which is humanly possible. Faith begins where man’s power ends.”
---QUOTE: Augustine said, “Faith is to believe what we do not see, and the reward of faith is to see what we believe.”
--b) Faith requires trust.
---Proverbs 3:5-6 -- “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
---ILL>Five year old Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get a can of tomato soup. But he didn’t want to go in alone. “It’s dark in there, and I’m scared,” he said. She asked him again, and he persisted. Finally, she told him, “It’s okay, Jesus will be in there with you.” Johnny walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave, but then all at once an idea came to him, and he said, “Jesus, if You’re in there, would You hand me that can of soup?”
---QUOTE: Clement of Alexandria described faith in one of my favorite quotes, saying, “Faith is a voluntary anticipation.”
----That’s it! Faith voluntarily believes and acts on that which is yet unseen, but anticipates a result.
---ILL>One night a house caught fire and a young boy was forced to flee to the roof. His father stood on the ground below with outstretched arms and called to his son, “Jump! I’ll catch you!” He knew the boy had to jump to save his life. All the boy could see, however, was flame, smoke, and blackness. As can be imagined, he was afraid to leave the roof. His father kept yelling, “Jump! I’ll catch you!” But the boy protested, saying, “Daddy, I can’t see you!” The father replied, “But I can see you, and that’s all that matters.” The boy jumped, trusting his father to catch him, and the father did indeed safely catch him.
---QUOTE> Corrie Tin Boom profoundly instructed, “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
--c) Faith is demonstrated in bold action.
---James 2:17 -- “...faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.”
---APP>If God is leading you to do it, faith boldly goes where others might not dare to go...trusting God all the way.
---QUOTE: A.W. Tozer explained, “The Bible recognizes no faith that does not lead to obedience, nor does it recognize any obedience that does not spring from faith. The two are opposite sides of the same coin.”
---ILL>A great tightrope walker in the 50’s spread a tightrope across one of the gorges of the Grand Canyon. Newspaper reporters assembled, along with a large crowd. He asked the folks in the crowd, “Do you believe I can walk across this rope?” “Yes!,” they responded. And sure enough he went across and back again, to the applause of the crowd. Next he asked, “Do you believe I can push a wheelbarrow across this rope?” Again the crowd shouted their positive response, and again he did it, to their applause. Next question he asked, “Do you think I could put 200 pounds of sand in this wheelbarrow and wheel it safely across and back?” The crowd said yes, and he did it to their great applause. Then he asked them, “Do you think I could put a 200 pound man inside the wheelbarrow and wheel him across and back?” “Yes!,” the crowd roared. Then he turned to one of the men in the crowd, and said, “You look like you weigh about 200 pounds. Will you get in the wheelbarrow?”
----You see, now the discussion had moved from the realm of mere belief to the realm of faith...because faith ACTS.
--APP>Belief might say it, but faith gets in the wheelbarrow.
--d) Faith accepts God’s will and God’s working as being the best result.
---Matthew 26:39 -- “...My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as Thou wilt.”
-->One of the greatest demonstrations of faith ever recorded was that expressed by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo in the fiery furnace.
---Daniel 3:17-18 -- “...our God whom we serve is able to deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O King, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
---Did you catch it? The knew God COULD release them, but they were willing to accept God’s will even if He DIDN’T.
---QUOTE: Oswald Chambers said it this way: “Faith for my deliverance is not faith in God. Faith means, whether I am visibly delivered or not, I will stick to my belief that God is love. There are some things only learned in a fiery furnace.”
---QUOTE: Once again, Anonymous profoundly has declared, “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes He lets the storm rage and calms His child.”
---QUOTE: And, Anonymous finished up, saying, “A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but great faith will bring heaven to your soul.”
BRINGING IT HOME...
<>There’s really only one question you need answer today: How will you choose to face 2008?
-->Will you dream big dreams that God has placed in your heart?
--Will you not place any limits on what God can do through you?
-->Will you boldly go where you’ve never gone before, if that’s where God is leading you?
<>It’s a future to ponder...a choice to make.
<>It’s a future God already has prepared for you, and I invite you to come with me to a wonderful future.
