STEPPING FORWARD OR SLIDING BACKWARDS(picture of sandy sinkhole going forward and backwards a crumbling cliff)
How many of you have come to church today cross with someone or have had words with someone already, ok who of you have come to church with that person you have had words with, well is it safe to say then that you have already stepped into a sinkhole.
How many of you are tired of slipping into the same hole again and again or not learning from the mistakes that you have made. You have the scars, why do you need more.
There is trouble going forward but looking back a lot more, so we walk in circles trying to avoid the sinkhole, no open doors, and no open windows but yet we keep on walking convinced that we are right, on the right path.
Turn with me to PSALMS 119:105 -109
Your word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. I took an oath, and I will keep it. I took an oath to follow your regulations, which are based on your righteousness. I have suffered so much. Give me a new life, O LORD, as you promised. Please accept the praise I gladly give you, O LORD, and teach me your regulations. I always take my life into my own hands, but I never forget your teachings.
Now light those days were not the electrical lights we have on the streets and in our homes today (if Eskom is working) but actual lamps (show sample). So why are we not watching were we are going.(picture of lamp those days and a street light now)
I want to show you something (show move now up to 2:11)
So how on earth do we continue to move forward?
Matthew 4:4
Jesus answered, "Scripture says, 'A person cannot live on bread alone but on every word that God speaks.'"
1) Firstly God’s word helps us find our way
Matthew 7:24
"Therefore, everyone who hears what I say and obeys it will be like a wise person who built a house on rock.
Through His word, God helps you to see your life a different way. It is God’s word that lights up the road ahead of us; it becomes our source of truth for every situation.
You study the word. You seek advice of mature Christians. You hopefully share with others but yet we do not agree with it and doubt, object. You start to wonder is it all worth it and there you go again into another sinkhole.
Yet God is still speaking and you are not listening, He confirms that word you received by someone or circumstance unexpected. Now it seems like a huge leap of faith to some of you, to make a radical life change based on scripture.
One of the best ways to turn on the light in you is to pray God’s word into your life. Scripture is God’s word to us, His personal love letter to us, and His authority for our lives. If we come to it with open and searching hearts we will find God speaking to us. It is more then just opening it up and reading a random verse, it is our light.
Turn with me to John 1:1-4
In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was already with God in the beginning. Everything came into existence through him. Not one thing that exists was made without him. He was the source of life, and that life was the light for humanity.
In Revelation 9:13
He wears clothes dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
Can we start to get excited yet?
2) God’s word brings renewal
John 5:24
I can guarantee this truth: Those who listen to what I say and believe in the one who sent me will have eternal life. They won't be judged because they have already passed from death to life.
John 6:63
Life is spiritual. Your physical existence doesn't contribute to that life. The words that I have spoken to you are spiritual. They are life.
Some people are afraid to hope that there is better to life, they have been so disappointed or hurt in life that they cannot handle another upset. At this stage they are very negative.
1 Peter 5:7
Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you.
We need to start learning and studying the word of God so that He can restore and renewal, now it does not mean that we get anything that we want but by trusting in God’s plan for you although we are not aware of it we can become positive for we know that He loves us. Think positive, be positive.
For example: you need to go get something from the shop however your car won’t start, you can either walk into a sinkhole and get upset or change your mind and say it is not urgent, can get it later. On the news that evening that shop was involved in a robbery, two shot dead. Who knows?
The idea is that we need to learn to become the kind of people who plan but yet we do not fall apart if that plan does not work out. There are days when you are weary, bruised, tired right down to the bone and maybe like me very tearful that is when the word of God promises to renew you.
Hebrews 6:18
God did this so that we would be encouraged. God cannot lie when he takes an oath or makes a promise. These two things can never be changed. Those of us who have taken refuge in him hold on to the confidence we have been given.
3) Thirdly God’s word will teach us
John 15:11
I have told you this so that you will be as joyful as I am, and your joy will be complete.
In order to live God’s word in our lives we need to be teachable. How do we apply God’s word to every situation, how do we set an example?
Have you ever had a bible verse pop into your head, or someone gives you a verse that seems just right at that time, that is God speaking to you through His word.
God’s word teaches us that it will be encouragement when we are on the right path. God’s word will help us find hope and joy. The more time you spend in God’s word the most important thing you will discover is how much He loves you, maybe you need to hear that most of all. God wants you to get it right, He wants you to finish your race, God can renew you even in the midst of suffering.
One wise man said this:
You take vitamins daily and you rest daily, you exercise so that your muscles do not start to deteriorate. Spiritual health follows the same law, if you do not stay close to the bible, the word which is God who is the light unto our path, how will you avoid the sinkholes or the crumbling rock face, you have no spiritual power to deal with it.
Do you read your bible daily?
When you fail (which you will) it does not mean that you are a failure it simply means that you do not do everything right. We all have to accept the fact that along with our strengths we also have our weaknesses. Let Jesus be string in your weakness, Let Jesus be your strength on weak days. Your total victory will come little by little. The devil will always try to discourage. Without hope we give up and that is what the devil wants us to do. The bible, the word of God repeatedly tells us not to be discouraged or dismayed.
If you read 2 Corinthians 1:3-11, it speaks about the God of comfort.
1 Peter 5:3 says be an example so that others may follow.
What kind of thoughts have you been thinking?
‘I am not going to make it, this is too hard, I always fail, it is always the same, and nothing ever changes. I am sure others don’t have it so hard; I might as well give up. I am tired of trying, I pray but God is not answering.
Remember you become what you think.
Rather say:
Well things are not going to plan, and are going slow but thank you Lord for bringing me so far, I am on the right path, I am making progress. I had a rough day and I need forgiveness, help me Lord to keep on keeping on. I refuse to be discouraged. Your word tells me that Jesus died for me. I will be fine; all is good with my soul.
Philippians 1:6
I'm convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:13
It is God who produces in you the desires and actions that please him.
Colossians 2:6
You received Christ Jesus the Lord, so continue to live as Christ's people.
So we are to live like Jesus, fight the battles of darkness with light. Bring truth to the blind and ignorant. Bring hope and acceptance to those forgotten and unloved.
I am no idealist; I recognize that where I presently am is not in full alignment with the biblical standard or model of Jesus. Where I might be in a need of a revival myself, where I find sometimes, things are just not going right. I do not think that there is any shame or guilt in this, only a divine sense of adventure and a relentless hunger to walk in every grace that Jesus’ blood purchased and the spirit’s power made available. I, myself just want to serve God more, in any way I can, to do what is needed.
When God speaks, through His word or in our inner man, we are not to reason, debate or doubt – we are to mobilize – move!!!
CONFUSED ABOUT LIFE: READ GOD’S WORD
GET REFUELED AND HEAD BACK ON YOUR PATH
WITH JOHN8:12
Jesus spoke to the Pharisees again. He said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have a life filled with light and will never live in the dark."
