Stepping Forward Or Sliding Backwards

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.