Sunday Words of Encouragement May 22, 2016

We enjoyed the service this morning and the youth pastor provided the sermon as the pastor had surgery this week. The message was titled “A Rock and a Hard Place”. The initial observation was that sin always has consequences. Every decision has consequences, some good some bad.

Current day Christians fight our inner man, just as Paul the apostle describes (the good I would do I do not and that which I shouldn’t do I do Romans 7:19). We are faced with evil in our world, in our politics and society. How do we make our choices?

The main points were based on the scripture from Numbers 20:1-12. The Israelites in the wilderness were once again grumbling about their lack of water and comfort. God told Moses to “speak” to the rock so God could show His provision. Moses, in apparent frustration with the demands and pressures of the people, took his staff and struck the rock two times. Yes, the water flowed, but Moses was still disobedient.

1. Moses allowed the people to influence him. 1 Cor 15:33-34 notes how the wicked will try to corrupt you.
2. Moses allowed the people to drive him to anger. We have to be careful how we express frustration and anger.
3. Moses disobeyed.

The punishment was that all the grown men, including Moses, were precluded from entering into the land that God promised. This may seem harsh but it was a consequence of the disobedience of the people... and their leader. Each man/woman must be careful not to minimize or justify sin. We must stand firm and not compromise. We keep our focus on God and not allow the circumstances we find ourselves in to influence our position with God. We must remember to have a Fear of the Lord. Not the fear we might have for evil or material loss, but the righteous reverence, respires and honor for our God. We must keep God present in all of our thoughts and decisions no matter what is going on around us. We must seek His Will.

W sang this song this morning. It was new to me but the words fit how we need to face any trouble!

Bring the Rain by Mercy Me

Verses for Today:
Psalm 33:8-9 New American Standard
8Let all the earth fear the LORD;
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him.
9For He spoke, and it was done;
He commanded, and it stood fast.

Lord, I pray for me and anyone who faces hardship or trouble: help us to remember this song; draw closer and seek God’s rain/reign.