1. I’m grateful for the recent ice storm so I would have a good sermon illustration.
a. Negatives
• Cold
• Darkness
• “Stuck”
• Isolation
• Rescheduling appointments and changing plans
b. Positives
• Slowing Down
• Appreciation for things we take for granted -- electricity; heat; light;
• Realizing blessings of the moment
2. Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations.
I. God Has Plans for Us
A. God’s Plans Are Eternal in Scope
1. God’s Plans for Jesus – 1 Peter 1:18-21 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you 21 who through him are believers in God,
2. God’s Plans for Us – Ephesians 1:4 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love
B. God’s Plans Are Not Always Clearly Seen
1. To the Lost – 2 Corinthians 4:3 And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing.
2. In our understandings – 1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.
C. God’s Plans Are Always for Our Good (in the Long Run) – Jeremiah 29:10-14 10 “For thus says the LORD: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare[b] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, declares the LORD, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the LORD, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.
D. God’s Plans Are Always in His Control
1. So we put our faith into action and trust God even when we don’t understand
2. So we put our faith into action and trust God even when it isn’t pleasant or easy
[Franklin Pierce was the only POTUS not to use a bible in his inaugural oath. His son was killed in a train wreck on the way to the inauguration and Pierce was angry at God for not preventing it.
II. God’s Plans Have Purpose
A. To Bring Us to Maturity
1. Salvation is a Gift (Ephesians 2:8-9)
2. Salvation is Growth – Heaven and NOW
B. To Increase Our Effectiveness – Philippians 2:15 15 that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world,
1. In our obedience – Joseph’s trials/Jesus’ trials (Hebrews 5:8)
2. In our pleasant spirit – Philippians 2:14 14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing,
A Most neglected scripture
[I lived in SE KY for a few years. I heard a story about a salesman visiting a country store in the hills. An old hound dog on the porch would let out a blood curdling howl every few minutes. The problem was that the dog’s tail was under an old man’s rocker. Every time he rocked the dog howled. “Why doesn’t he just move?” “He could but he’d rather just lay there and howl.” Some Christians just like to howl for attention – truth is, people are not attracted to negative, whining, howling Christians. If, however, we endure issues with a pleasant spirit it is attractive.
• Leave a legacy as the stars – seen for 1000’s of miles and years
• Joseph saved his family and nation
C. To Increase Our Joy – Philippians 2:17-18 17 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 Likewise you also should be glad and rejoice with me.
1. Laughter is healthy for us – Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
2. Tears cleanse; laughter relieves
3. Joseph’s joy reuniting with his family
1. Romans 8:28; Romans 8:31
2. Paul and Silas sang and prayed in jail – impacted others for Jesus – church in Philippi
3. Us?
