Sunday Words of Encouragement June 25, 2017

We enjoyed a good Sunday School with a ‘reminder’ lesson on the good things that come from adversity, most specifically trusting in God. Sometimes when things are too good we become complacent. Then God may allow adversity to get us moving; to show our victorious life to others. We were reminded that we have no testimony if we have no test. We are called “God’s Children.” Like a mother bird, sometimes, God has to push us out of the nest (comfort zone) so we can learn to fly… always with His guiding hand.

The SS message fit with the Sermon message concluding the series of being Dependent. Today’s sermon scripture was James 5: 7-20.

When pastor was newly out of college he had an older Honda that was beginning to need many repairs. They decided to sell that car and buy a brand-new car that would be reliable. Sadly, they bought a new Plymouth Neon that turned out to be a lemon requiring repairs every month and replacement of the whole engine. His ‘man-made’ plan did not work out.

This is an example of what happens too often to man-made plans. Some people just keep going hoping things will get better. Some people play ostrich and ignore the problem. Some try to fix it themselves and some bring in someone with experience to help. Others become destructive.
What should happen is we should turn to God and pray.

Prayer should be first, not last. But we make excuses about prayer often accepting lies fed by Satan, who wants to keep us away from God. Maybe Satan whispers: “God doesn’t care about your little problem.” Or: “Remember the last time you prayed and nothing really happened did it?”

But when we agree together in prayer, things do happen. Prayer draws us to God, then He responds.
There are lies Satan wants us to believe when we pray:
1. God doesn't hear.
2. God doesn't care.
3. God isn't there.

But God wants us to understand that He is always present with us; just sometimes waiting for us to call on Him. God is the shepherd who will go look for one lost lamb. Isaiah 53:6 says that we have strayed away like sheep.

Whether He's carrying the lost lamb or the sins of the world on the cross, God does hear, He does care and He is always there. What does prayer show? It shows we are trusting in Him. It shows His power. Prayer brings redemption, healing, direction. Prayer brings ministry between people. Prayer brings powerful results. Not power from us, but from God.

I came across this video song that fits today: You Were There.

A Verse for Today:
Isaiah 53:6 (NLT)
6 All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.
We have left God’s paths to follow our own.
Yet the Lord laid on him
the sins of us all.

[There is another video that fits but I won’t include it here due to bad language. But if any of you like rap and don’t mind some language you might check: Phora -God's plan (Lyrics)]

Lord, I pray that I don’t become complacent but that I remember to give You praise each day and pray for guidance each day. Help me keep moving to show others Your Glory.