18
May '20
There’s Hope in Jesus
18
May '20
Text: Titus 1, 2, 3
Introduction: Are you feeling lonely? Empty? Stressed? Depressed? Unhappy? Is there really HOPE in the Lord? Paul instructs Titus. There are (3) reasons to have “HOPE in JESUS!”
1. Because God gave the Greatest Gift of all, JESUS, there’s HOPE for You! (Titus 3:3)
“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish; disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts, and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another…” Who me? Yes, me!
• Bad news – bad decisions, sin addicts
• Bad news – bad decisions, sin addicts
” But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared.” (Titus 3:4)
• Good news – Jesus
• Good news – Jesus
2. Because God does not lie, but keeps His PROMISES – There’s HOPE! (Titus 1:2)
“In hope of eternal life, which God; that cannot lie, promised before the world began.”
• Eternal Life – no lie
• Abundant Life – no lie
• Eternal Life – no lie
• Abundant Life – no lie
3. Because of God’s PROMISE to send His SON AGAIN, there’s HOPE! (Titus 2:11-14)
” Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of our great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” ( v. 13)
• Look up
• Look out
” Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of our great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” ( v. 13)
• Look up
• Look out
Conclusion: Billy Graham shared this verse with Steve McQueen before he died…. “In the hope of eternal life, which God that can not lie, promised…” (Titus 1:2). Although he was worn out with guilt, this Scripture seemed to bring HOPE to his heart when nothing else would.
Aren’t you glad “There’s Hope in Jesus”!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
15
May '20
Turning Bad Into Glad
15
May '20
Text: 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.”
Introduction: Have you ever had some bad things to happen in your life? Bad things happen…do you agree? So how can a LOVING, yet HOLY God take the BAD things that happen in our life and TURN them into GLAD things? The same way He took the terrible suffering of Jesus Christ, His Son, and TURNED it into the most PRECIOUS blessing of life – because of His resurrection and the promise of His Second Coming! Paul who suffered numerous hardships instructs believers to take (3) steps to TURN BAD into GLAD:
1. Take the BAD! (2 Cor 1:4)
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation.”
The word “tribulation” is thlipsis, which means pressure, trials. Do you feel any pressure? Why?
• Bad predicaments
• Bad people
• Bad problems
The word “tribulation” is thlipsis, which means pressure, trials. Do you feel any pressure? Why?
• Bad predicaments
• Bad people
• Bad problems
2. Don’t be MAD! (2 Cor 1:3)
“Blessed be the God, even the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.”
•”Blessed” is the word eulogetos, which means to speak well of, or in this case, speak of God
•”Comfort” is the word parakaleo, which means to come to one’s side
•”Blessed” is the word eulogetos, which means to speak well of, or in this case, speak of God
•”Comfort” is the word parakaleo, which means to come to one’s side
3. Be GLAD! (2 Cor 1:4)
“…That we might be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
• Bad turned into Glad
• Bad turned into Glad if we don’t get MAD
“…That we might be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”
• Bad turned into Glad
• Bad turned into Glad if we don’t get MAD
Conclusion: Do you see how God can take the BAD and make us GLAD? Even though BAD things happen to us (God’s children) in life, with the Holy Spirit “in us,” “beside us,” and working “thru us,” we become a BLESSING to others because of God’s peace, presence, and power.
Praise the Lord! He’s the God of all comfort!!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
14
May '20
Reasons to Believe
14
May '20
Text: Luke 24:27
“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”
Introduction: Can you trust the Bible? Is there proof? Where’s the evidence? While many today claim it’s outdated and irrelevant, and just a book written by men, how would you defend (give an ANSWER – apologia – logical defense -1 Pet 3:15) your FAITH in God’s WORD? (5) REASONS to BELIEVE:
1. Because the Bible is PROPHETICALLY ACCURATE! (Luke 24:27)
” And beginning at Moses and the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” {Just a few out of hundreds}
• Predicted ride on a donkey (Zech 9:9)- fulfilled (Luke 19:35-37)
• Predicted betrayed by 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12)- fulfilled (Matt 26:15)
• Predicted 70 years of captivity for Jews (Jer 25:11)- fulfilled (Dan 9:3; 2 Chron 36:21; Ezra 1)
• Predicted Jesus (Messiah’s) death (Dan 9:26; Is 53:1-12)- fulfilled (Luke 23:32-47)
” And beginning at Moses and the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.” {Just a few out of hundreds}
• Predicted ride on a donkey (Zech 9:9)- fulfilled (Luke 19:35-37)
• Predicted betrayed by 30 pieces of silver (Zech 11:12)- fulfilled (Matt 26:15)
• Predicted 70 years of captivity for Jews (Jer 25:11)- fulfilled (Dan 9:3; 2 Chron 36:21; Ezra 1)
• Predicted Jesus (Messiah’s) death (Dan 9:26; Is 53:1-12)- fulfilled (Luke 23:32-47)
2. Because of the RELIABILITY of the Bible! (2 Tim 3:16).
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…”
• “Inspiration” is theopnuemotos – God breathed.
• “All” means every single part of the whole – from Genesis to Revelation
• “Scripture” is graphe – writings
• “Inspiration” is theopnuemotos – God breathed.
• “All” means every single part of the whole – from Genesis to Revelation
• “Scripture” is graphe – writings
3. Because the Bible is ARCHAEOLOGICALLY supported! (Heb 4:12)
” The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
• “Quick” is zoean which means zoo – alive
• Dead Sea scrolls – verify
• Artifacts – coins, etc.
” The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
• “Quick” is zoean which means zoo – alive
• Dead Sea scrolls – verify
• Artifacts – coins, etc.
4. Because of the CREDIBILITY of Jesus! (John 5:39)
“Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”
• Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:9, etc.) and demonstrated
• Jesus affirmed the Scriptures (Luke 24:27)
• Others said He was God (Peter, John, Paul, etc.)
• Jesus claimed to be God (John 10:30; 14:9, etc.) and demonstrated
• Jesus affirmed the Scriptures (Luke 24:27)
• Others said He was God (Peter, John, Paul, etc.)
5. Because of the TESTIMONY of the martyrs! (2 Pet 1:16-21)
Even though Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus – His miracles – he testifies & emphasizes how much MORE important are the Scriptures! “For we have not followed cunning devised fables….we have a more sure word of prophecy…no private interpretation…for prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
• “Moved” by the Holy Ghost( 2 Pet 1:21). The word “moved” is pherosen – picked up and carried. The thought is a sail boat being blown by the wind.
• “Private interpretation” is the word epiluseo – a right way and a wrong way, unpack it correctly, proper meaning.
Even though Peter was an eyewitness of Jesus – His miracles – he testifies & emphasizes how much MORE important are the Scriptures! “For we have not followed cunning devised fables….we have a more sure word of prophecy…no private interpretation…for prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God were moved by the Holy Ghost.”
• “Moved” by the Holy Ghost( 2 Pet 1:21). The word “moved” is pherosen – picked up and carried. The thought is a sail boat being blown by the wind.
• “Private interpretation” is the word epiluseo – a right way and a wrong way, unpack it correctly, proper meaning.
Conclusion: The case is made! The Word of God stands… and you can stand on it! God’s purpose for giving us His Word is that we might believe in Him in a personal way because “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom 10:17).
Our challenge is to…
LEARN it,
LOVE it, and most importantly
LIVE it!
Love y’all,
LEARN it,
LOVE it, and most importantly
LIVE it!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
13
May '20
Breakthroughs Over Strongholds
13
May '20
Text: Mark 9:14-29
“And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them. And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him. And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them? And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit; And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not. He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming. And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child. And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us. Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him. And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead. But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose. And when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”
Introduction: Do you need a BREAKTHROUGH over strongholds? A “stronghold” (Greek-ochyroma) is a “castle, a fortress.” All of us deal with unwanted generational “baggages” such as anger, bitterness, lust, self-righteousness, fantasies, greed, temporary escapism-inability to cope with stress and life, etc. These can manifest thru unfulfilled needs, a lack of a healthy God-given self image, and an absence of God’s truth. How can we as believers OVERCOME these strongholds? Mark, the secretary of Peter, gives us (4) steps to experiencing a BREAKTHROUGH:
1. We, like the disciples, have to deal with being DEFEATED & DISCOURAGED! (Mark 9:17, 18)
After a heavenly, mountaintop {transfiguration} experience with Jesus, the disciples are confronted with a demon-possessed boy whose dad was trying to get him help. “Master, I have brought unto thee my son which hath a dumb spirit… I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.”
• Disciples defeated
• Prayerless Christians
= Powerless
“The disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?… And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28, 29)
• Disciples defeated
• Prayerless Christians
= Powerless
“The disciples asked him privately, Why could not we cast him out?… And he said unto them, This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.” (Mark 9:28, 29)
2. We, like the daddy, have to deal with being DOWN in the DUMPS! (Mark 9:21-24)
Jesus asked the father, “How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.” And the DOUBTING DADDY said, “If thou canst do anything, have compassion on us, and help us.”
• Doubt and do without
• Doubt turned into Desperation (Mark 9:24)
“The father cried out… with tears, Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” The word “HELP” in verse 22 means instant but “HELP” in verse 24 means continuous.
• Doubt and do without
• Doubt turned into Desperation (Mark 9:24)
“The father cried out… with tears, Lord I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” The word “HELP” in verse 22 means instant but “HELP” in verse 24 means continuous.
3. We, like the DEFEATED disciples & the DOUBTING daddy, have to deal with DEADLY DEMONS! (Mark 9:18, 20)
Speaking of the demon, the dad said, “….he taketh him, he teareth: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away.”
• The Strongman’s Stronghold
• Deadly demon’s destroying – convulses, shrieks, wasting away
Speaking of the demon, the dad said, “….he taketh him, he teareth: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away.”
• The Strongman’s Stronghold
• Deadly demon’s destroying – convulses, shrieks, wasting away
4. We need to let the DIVINE DELIVERER DELIVER! (Mark 9:19, 23, 25)
” Bring him to me…. if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth…. I charge thee, come out of him.”
• Get people to JESUS
• Demons must obey
” Bring him to me…. if thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth…. I charge thee, come out of him.”
• Get people to JESUS
• Demons must obey
Conclusion: Strongholds are real…. but they must SUBMIT to the STRONGER One – JESUS! Whether you believe it or not, I experienced a demon-possessed lady on the mission field in the interior of Guyana (way in the backwoods only accessible by boat). Her mother brought her to me, asking for help; this was after preaching one night… everybody (about 100 village people) had left…. the demon-possessed lady growled like a wild animal and shrieked and shrilled at the top of her lungs! Her eyes were sunk in the back of her head. At first, I was looking for a BACK DOOR! Then, our Lord reminded me about HIS wonder-working power thru His BLOOD, His WORD, & HIS NAME! After praying and trusting in HIM for deliverance, she was set FREE! Her countenance changed!! Her voice returned normal and we REJOICED in what a Mighty GOD we SERVE! She had a “BREAKTHROUGH over a STRONGHOLD”!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
12
May '20
Fulfilling God’s Call On Your Life
12
May '20
Text: 2 Samuel 5:1-25
6″And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land: which spake unto David, saying, Except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither: thinking, David cannot come in hither. Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David. And David said on that day, Whosoever getteth up to the gutter, and smiteth the Jebusites, and the lame and the blind that are hated of David’s soul, he shall be chief and captain. Wherefore they said, The blind and the lame shall not come into the house. So David dwelt in the fort, and called it the city of David. And David built round about from Millo and inward. And David went on, and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons: and they built David an house. 12 And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.”
Introduction: When you are riding in a boat, do you like to sit in the BACK and see where you’ve been, or do you like to sit in the FRONT and see where you’re going? Both are important. It’s been said, “Older men look backward…. younger men look forward… and middle age men look terrible!” Anyway, while observing David’s life, God gives us (3) ways to use our influence with our family and friends… and FULFILL our calling:
1. In order to FULFILL our calling, we need more FORESIGHT! (2Sam 5:6-10)
“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land… and took the strong hold of Zion… the Lord God of hosts was with him.”
By following God’s will and way, David saw the need for Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel.
• Do you look AHEAD?
• Do you have God-given goals?
“And the king and his men went to Jerusalem unto the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land… and took the strong hold of Zion… the Lord God of hosts was with him.”
By following God’s will and way, David saw the need for Jerusalem to be the capital of Israel.
• Do you look AHEAD?
• Do you have God-given goals?
2. In order to FULFILL our calling, we need more INSIGHT! (2Sam 5:8)
” And David said on that day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites…. he shall be chief captain.”
” And David said on that day, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites…. he shall be chief captain.”
Because of prior preparation, David knew a secret entrance to get on to the Temple Mount and overthrow the enemy.
• Do you look around?
• Do you count the costs?
• Do you look around?
• Do you count the costs?
3. In order to FULFILL our calling, we need more HINDSIGHT! (2Sam 5:9-12)
“So David dwelt in the fort and called it the city of David… the Lord had established him king over Israel.”
• Do you look behind?
• Do you see the Lord’s blessing?
• Do you look behind?
• Do you see the Lord’s blessing?
Conclusion: When God is up to a work in our life (like David’s), He gives FORESIGHT, INSIGHT, and HINDSIGHT. What is He up to in your life? There’s ground to be taken, enemies to be defeated, and glory to God to be given, if we are going to FULFILL our calling!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
11
May '20
Mighty Moms Who Move Mountains
11
May '20
Text: Judges 4-5
Introduction: Can you move mountains? Deborah was a mighty woman of God who served Israel as a judge. Her name means BEE…. her sting really hurts! Ouch!! God imparted to her (4) gifts that made her an outstanding leader, that are worth noting and incorporating into each of our lives.
1. Mighty Mothers who move Mountains need to be able to READ People! (Judges 4:5)
” And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah… and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.”
• Notice her counseling skills
• Observe her wisdom
” And she dwelt under the palm tree of Deborah… and the children of Israel came up to her for judgment.”
• Notice her counseling skills
• Observe her wisdom
2. Mighty Mothers who move Mountains need to be able to SEE down the road! (Judges 4:9)
“And she said, I will surely go with thee… for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.”
• Hear her decisiveness
• Feel her courage
“And she said, I will surely go with thee… for the Lord shall sell Sisera into the hand of a woman.”
• Hear her decisiveness
• Feel her courage
3. Mighty Mothers who move Mountains need to BELIEVE that our God is able! (Judges 4:14)
” And Deborah said unto Barak… up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand.”
• Faith drives her instead of her fearful emotions
• She dares to believe God
” And Deborah said unto Barak… up; for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisera into thine hand.”
• Faith drives her instead of her fearful emotions
• She dares to believe God
4. Mighty Mothers need to be able to LIFT up their hands in PRAISE to the LORD! (Judges 5:1, 2)
” Then sang Deborah… Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel.”
• Worship driven
• God focused
” Then sang Deborah… Praise ye the Lord for the avenging of Israel.”
• Worship driven
• God focused
Conclusion: “Deborah arose a mother in Israel” (Judges 5:7). CHARACTER COUNTS! Thru a series of events, her leadership -character -traits can be observed as she was able to read people, see down the road, believe God, and give Him PRAISE & GLORY.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
09
May '20
Triumphant Trust Thru Troubles and Trials
09
May '20
Text: Nahum 1:7
” The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
Introduction: What do you do when you’re going thru TROUBLES & TRIALS? Remember the song? “We will understand it better by and by.” Nahum understands. Over 100 years has passed since Jonah preached in Nineveh, which resulted in a mighty, national revival (Do it again, Lord!); However, Judah (the southern kingdom) still paid tribute to the cruel & merciless Assyrians -Nineveh was its capital. Where is God? Why would He allow this? Heard that before? Nahum reminds us that there are at least (3) ways to TRIUMPH when you’re going thru TROUBLES & TRIALS:
1. Remember when life isn’t always good, GOD is always good! (Nahum 1:7)
“The Lord is good.”
• The devil’s bad
• God’s good
“The Lord is good.”
• The devil’s bad
• God’s good
2. Remember when your going thru a STORM you can SEEK a SHELTER! (Nahum 1:7)
“A strong hold in the day of trouble.”
• Face your fears
• Seek a Shelter
“A strong hold in the day of trouble.”
• Face your fears
• Seek a Shelter
3. Remember when you are in need of HOPE & HELP, you can find FAITH in the FATHER! (Nahum 1:7)
” …. and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
• He knows our name
• He made our frame
” …. and he knoweth them that trust in him.”
• He knows our name
• He made our frame
Conclusion: God reminds Nahum who’s name means comfort that the so-called impenetrable fortress of Nineveh (the walls of the city measured 7-1/2 miles in circumference; they were 100 ft high and wide enough for 3 chariots to drive on) would come to a screeching halt. Their doom was deserved! In our day, when in seems like the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, one look at this book assures believers that there’s coming a PAY DAY SOMEDAY!
But until then, keep fighting the good fight of faith.
Love y’all,
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
08
May '20
Finishing Strong
08
May '20
Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
“Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
Introduction: Fill in the blank….”It’s not how you start in the race; it’s how you ____!” We, like Paul, are all racing toward eternity. There are (4) DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE our DESTINY:
1. The 1st DAILY DECISION that DETERMINES DESTINY – We’ve got to get in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:24) “Know you not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run that you may obtain.”
- “Race” (stad ee on) – where we get our word stadium – Paul saw the games
- Hindrances to running (people, problems, pride)
2. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to see the PRIZE for RUNNING in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:25 – 26) “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things… they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
- “Striveth” (agoni-zom-ah) – enter contest
- “Temperate” – self control
- “Crown” (stephanos) – at the Judgment Seat of Christ – Runners crown
3. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to keep RUNNING in the RACE! (1 Cor 9:26) “I therefore so run, not as one that beateth the air.”
- CHRISTian Life = DISCIPLINE (train – i.e. shadow boxing for the real fight)
- Causes of quitting – feelings hurt, burnout, etc.
4. DAILY DECISIONS that DETERMINE DESTINY – We’ve got to give it ALL we’ve got! (1Cor 9:27) “But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.”
- “Keep under my body… bring it into subjection” – buffet, whip, beat black & blue – discipline the FLESH for the life of holiness
- “Castaway” (adok i mos) – reject, not standing the test, disapproved, put on the shelf
Conclusion: How many of us want to finish STRONG…… FAITHFUL? No pain, No gain!
Report card time:
Paul = A+
Moses = A
Solomon = B
Pharisees = F
Me =
You =
Paul = A+
Moses = A
Solomon = B
Pharisees = F
Me =
You =
Love y’all – praying for you,
Dr. Randy Reese
07
May '20
Fearless Faith in a Weird World
07
May '20
Text: Psalm 37:1-8
“Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.”
Introduction: Do you need your FAITH to be strengthened? Someone has stated, “A FAITH that cannot be TESTED is a FAITH that cannot be TRUSTED.” Like David, our faith in the God of the Bible is going to be tested. Take this TEST – (5) ways to see what kind of FAITH you have:
1. Are we going to BELIEVE when we can’t see? (Psa 37:3)
“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shall be fed.”
- Faith – the eye that sees the INVISIBLE
- Faith – the heart that believes the INCREDIBLE
- Faith – the hand that receives the IMPOSSIBLE
2. Are we going to EMBRACE when we don’t understand? (Psa 37:4)
“Delight thy self also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”
- Delight (aw nag – means live and enjoy)
- Lord (Yahweh – self existing, eternal)
- Desires (request and petition)
3. Will we ROLL OVER when things get heavy? (Psa 37:5)
“Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass.”
- Commit (gaw lal – means roll the whole burder)
- Things we can’t control
- Things that weigh us down
4. Will we WAIT upon the Lord when we get impatient? (Psa 37:7)
“Rest in the Lord, and wait patient for him.”
- Rest (daw man – be still)
- Wait (means abide, rest)
5 Will we CALM down when we get upset? (Psa 37:8)
“Cease from anger, and forshake wrath.”
- Cease (refrain)
- Forshake (leave)
Conclusion: Are we too BLESSED to be STRESSED? The more our FAITH is TESTED… the more we (I) realize one thing… we need HIM more and more each day to pull us thru the TESTS of FAITH!
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese
06
May '20
Reasons to Rejoice
06
May '20
Text: Psalm 33:1-21
“Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Praise the Lord with harp: sing unto him with the psaltery and an instrument of ten strings. Sing unto him a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise. For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth. He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast. The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance. The Lord looketh from heaven; he beholdeth all the sons of men. From the place of his habitation he looketh upon all the inhabitants of the earth. He fashioneth their hearts alike; he considereth all their works. There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength. An horse is a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver any by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.”
Introduction: Are you a creature of habit? Do you like interruptions? We’ve had some lately…. What should our response be? During a national crisis, like ours today, the author David (or Asa, Jehoshaphat, or Josiah), inspired by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet 1:19-21), gives us (4) REASONS to REJOICE in the LORD:
1. Because of WHO HE is! (Psa 33:1-5)
” Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright…Sing unto him a new song; ….For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth….the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
• REJOICE in the word of the Lord (v 4)
• REJOICE in the work of the Lord (v 4)
” Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright…Sing unto him a new song; ….For the word of the Lord is right; and all his works are done in truth….the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.”
• REJOICE in the word of the Lord (v 4)
• REJOICE in the work of the Lord (v 4)
2. Because of WHAT HE has done! (Psa 33:6-9)
” By the word of the Lord the heavens were made… let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.”
• Creator God (v 6, 7)
• Sustainer God (v 8, 9)
” By the word of the Lord the heavens were made… let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.”
• Creator God (v 6, 7)
• Sustainer God (v 8, 9)
3. Because of HOW HE is in CONTROL! (Psa 33:10-19)
” The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought… The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
• “Counsel”- Heb, etsah-means advice (v 10)
• “Counsel of heathen nought”- God frustrates
• His “Counsel stands forever”- Heb-olam (v 11)
• His Heart to all “generations” (v 11)
• God BLESS AMERICA! – make her BLESSABLE! (v 12)
” The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought… The counsel of the Lord standeth forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.”
• “Counsel”- Heb, etsah-means advice (v 10)
• “Counsel of heathen nought”- God frustrates
• His “Counsel stands forever”- Heb-olam (v 11)
• His Heart to all “generations” (v 11)
• God BLESS AMERICA! – make her BLESSABLE! (v 12)
4. Because of WHY HE is our HELP! (Psa 33:20-22)
“Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and shield…our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.”
• Help us to wait (v 20)
• Help comes from the Lord (v 20)
“Our soul waiteth for the Lord: he is our help and shield…our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name.”
• Help us to wait (v 20)
• Help comes from the Lord (v 20)
Conclusion: Have you made a CHOICE to REJOICE? Or will you CHOOSE to LOSE? During this interruption, we are reminded that our GOD is still IN CONTROL even though it appears things are spinning OUT of CONTROL.
Yet, for the TRUE believer like David, in a time of trouble, we can find REASONS to REJOICE!
Yet, for the TRUE believer like David, in a time of trouble, we can find REASONS to REJOICE!
Will you?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese