Sunday Words of Encouragement November 18, 2018

I am always refreshed by Sunday mornings! Our Sunday School teacher continued the lessons in 1 Corinthians 4:1-21. Paul continued to address the division among those ‘following’ Apollos and those ‘following’ Paul. His point is that all leaders are “servants of Christ” (v1.) who should not be evaluated and judged by others or even self, but whose work will be judged by God. (1 Corinthians 4:2-5.) Paul describes the role of the apostles particularly and notes that the proof of their leadership will be in shown by the power of their words, not just their charismatic speaking. 1 Corinthians 4:20-21.

Our Worship was moving, led by our youth. Our youth pastor noted that we have to step forward and put action to our faith so that if we believe in healing, we need to speak it over others. The last song in the set was a heartfelt hymn, “It Is Well”.

Pastor’s Sermon was titled “Risky Conversations”. He noted how often we avoid the hard discussions that might hurt others. Sometimes we pray that God will deal with the situation … or the other person. But that doesn’t usually resolve the issue. Then Pastor asked, “What if that ‘risky conversation’ we need to have is with God?”

Sometimes God has to rip off a bandage because sometimes we need a breakthrough. The scripture lesson came from 1 Samuel 1:1-19. Hannah was hurt by being barren and being taunted by her husband’s other wife. (Pastor noted that there is a lot of strife revealed in the Bible due to multiple wives.) Hannah prayed in desperation. 1 Samuel 1:10-19.

Point: If we want to be made whole by God, we must be willing to be broken.

We cannot rely own actions when we need more – we need to rely on God. Why do we struggle? Sometimes it is sin in our lives and other times it is circumstances. We may experience pain, physical or emotional, but there is a purpose in it that we don’t always recognize. Scripture tells us that God has a reason: The more we suffer, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. Once we have been brought through a difficult situation with the comfort of the Spirit, we have a comforter to share with others. A daring prayer, sometimes of deep anguish, can allow God to move us to a place he wants to use us.

Why are you avoiding the risky conversation? When you face that situation will you draw closer to God or run away? We can hope that we draw closer and then emulate Hannah's song of praise. 1 Samuel 2: 1-10.

This wasn’t the song I was looking for but it came up and it speaks to me:

Who Can Compare to You?

Verses for Today:
1 Samuel 2:1-3 (NIV)
1 Then Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2 “There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.

Lord, I give thanks that I can place my assurance in You as You have all things in control.