Through It All

While God tells us about the godly life of Job, God knew there were areas of Job’s life that needed attention, so God sent him affliction.

What job endured was horrible, but what he learned was priceless.

 Often the best lessons in life are learned in the furnace of affliction. (The disciples in the storm, Mark 6; The Three Hebrews in the furnace, Dan. 3; Daniel in the lion’s den, Dan. 6, etc.) 

None of these would have learned what God could do until they were put in a place where they needed Him to do it.

Nothing happens to you or me without God’s permission. Remember, God’s goal in every situation in life is your good and His glory.

Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God is training saints for greater service, preparing us to be used by Him in a greater way. This always takes place in the valley.

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“I've had many tears and sorrows, — I've had questions for tomorrow, — There's been times I didn't know right from wrong. — But in every situation — God gave me blessed consolation — That my trials come to only make me strong.

“Through it all, — Through it all, — I've learned to trust in Jesus, — I've learned to trust in God. — Through it all, — Through it all, — I've learned to depend upon His Word.

“I've been to lots of places, — I've seen a lot of faces, — There's been times I felt so all alone. — But in my lonely hours — Yes, those precious lonely hours — Jesus lets me know that I was His own.

“Through it all, — Through it all, — I've learned to trust in Jesus, — I've learned to trust in God. — Through it all, — Through it all, — I've learned to depend upon His Word.”

         Andrae Crouch

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

In The Garden

John 4:23-24 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. . . . . .[24] God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Genuine worship from the spirit is worshiping God with the entire spiritual drive and ability of the soul, seeking the most intimate fellowship and communion with Him.

It means worshiping God with the spiritual core of one's being, trusting and resting on God's love, acceptance and care.

Salvation is the first step in developing a worshipful spirit. As we yield to the influence of the Spirit of God in our lives, worship will be the result. 

As our minds are filled with His glory, as revealed in His Word, this will naturally overflow in genuine worship of the Lord.

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“I come to the garden alone — While the dew is still on the roses — And the voice I hear falling on my ear — The Son of God discloses.

“And He walks with me and He talks with me, — And He tells me I am His own; — And the joy we share as we tarry there, — None other has ever known.

“He speaks and the sound of His voice, — Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, — And the melody that He gave to me — Within my heart is ringing.

“I'd stay in the garden with Him — Though the night around me be falling, — But He bids me go; through the voice of woe — His voice to me is calling.”

          C. Austin Miles

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit. 

No, Never Alone

Regardless of where life leads, the saints of God will never walk alone - Matt. 28:20.

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

His presence has the power to drive away fear – 2 Tim. 1:7.

Not an angel, but the Lord Himself has walked with me into some frightening medical situations, calming my fears as I entered the room, John 6:20.

Wherever life leads, we are never alone. I have never walked alone.

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“I’ve seen the lightning flashing, — And heard the thunder roll, — I’ve felt sin’s breakers dashing, — Trying to conquer my soul; — I’ve heard the voice of Jesus — Telling me still to fight on: — He promised never to leave me, — Never to leave me alone.

“No, never alone, — No, never alone - — He promised never to leave me, — Never to leave me alone; — No, never alone, — No, never alone - — He promised never to leave me, — Never to leave me alone.

“The world’s fierce winds are blowing - — Temptation’s sharp and keen; — I have a peace in knowing — My Savior stands between; — He stands to shield me from danger — When all my friends are gone: — He promised never to leave me, — Never to leave me alone.

“When in affliction’s valley — I tread the road of care, — My Savior helps me to carry — My cross so heavy to bear; — Though all around me is darkness — And earthly joys are flown, — My Savior whispers His promise: — Never to leave me alone.”
    Anonymous 1892

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Sheltered In The Arms Of God

Psalm 61:3 For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.

David looks back over his life and remembers the times when sorrows and troubles stalked him. 

He remembers God giving him victory as a boy over a lion and a bear. He remembers God giving him victory over a giant. 

He remembers God sheltering him from the murderous rage of king Saul and delivering him from the wrath of his own son. 

David remembers that in every trial he faced, God provided him a place of safety and protection. Based on God’s past performance, David is certain that God will not fail him now.

From how God saved us by His grace, to the way He has supplied our needs day by day, we learn that the Lord has the power, the ability, and the will to help us through the sorrows we will face every day we live.

God gave me a song twenty-three years ago. Facing Stage 4 breast cancer, I felt His arms around me in the quiet recovery room at the hospital. 

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“I feel the touch of hands so kind and tender. — They're leading me in paths that I must trod. — I have no fear when Jesus walks beside me, — For I'm sheltered in the arms of God.

“So let the storm rage high, — The dark clouds rise, — They don't worry me; — For I'm sheltered safe within the arms of God. — He walks with me, — And naught of earth can harm me, — Sheltered safe, within the arms of God.

“Soon I shall hear the call from heaven's portals. — "Come home my child, — It's the last mile you must trod." — I'll fall asleep and wake in God's new heaven — Sheltered safe within the arms of God.”      

Dottie Rambo and Jimmie Davis

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Sweet Hour Of Prayer

Under the Law the high priest could only come before God one day each year and only with the blood of an innocent sacrifice. 

When Jesus died on the cross, He satisfied the just demands of Almighty God. Now, the throne of God is not a throne of judgment; it’s a throne of grace. 

The saints of God can approach the Lord at anytime to seek His help.

Heb. 4:15-16. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. . . . . Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

The way to God has been opened and we can come to Him anytime for the mercy, grace and help we need, Matt. 11:28; 1 Pet. 5:7.

Do you ever need help? Do you ever face trials that threaten to overwhelm you?

We have a Great High Priest. He is Superior in every way. He is Sympathetic in every need. He is our Sanctuary in every trial. Come boldly to His throne.

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1. “Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! — That calls me from a world of care, — And bids me at my Father’s throne — Make all my wants and wishes known. — In seasons of distress and grief, — My soul has often found relief, — And oft escaped the tempter’s snare, — By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.
2. “Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! — The joys I feel, the bliss I share, — Of those whose anxious spirits burn — With strong desires for thy return! — With such I hasten to the place — Where God my Savior shows His face, — And gladly take my station there, — And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.
3. “Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer! — Thy wings shall my petition bear — To Him whose truth and faithfulness — Engage the waiting soul to bless. — And since He bids me seek His face, — Believe His Word and trust His grace, — I’ll cast on Him my every care, — And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.
4. “Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer. —- May I thy consolation share, — Till, from Mount Pisgah’s lofty height, — I view my home and take my flight. — This robe of flesh I’ll drop, and rise — To seize the everlasting prize, — And shout, while passing through the air,
   “Farewell, farewell, sweet hour of prayer.”
5.            William W. Walford

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Leave It There

When the worries of life press us down, we don’t have to bear them alone. Thank God, there is One Who is stronger than we are, willing to carry our load.

1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

How much of our burden are we supposed to give to the Lord? "All you care".

Everything! We are not to keep the smallest part of a burden to ourselves. We are told to give it all to Jesus.

How can we do this? With the absolute confidence that He cares for us, Heb. 4:15. 

Our burdens touch the heart of God, and He is moved on our behalf. 

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“If the world from you withhold of its silver and its gold, — And you have to get along with meager fare. — Just remember, in his Word, how he feeds the little bird, — Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

“Leave it there, leave it there, — Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there; — If you trust and never doubt, he will surely bring you out. — Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

“If your body suffers pain and your health you can’t regain, — And your soul is almost sinking in despair. — Jesus knows the pain you feel, he can save and he can heal — 

Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.

“When your enemies assail and your heart begins to fail, — Don’t forget that God in heaven answers prayer; — He will make a way for you and will lead you safely through — Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there. 

“When your youthful days are gone and old age is stealing on, — And your body bends beneath the weight of care, — He will never leave you then, he’ll go with you to the end —  Take your burden to the Lord and leave it there.”

              Charles A. Tindley 1916

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.  

Come Unto Me

There is a place of rest; a place of quietness; a place of peace, and His name is Jesus. 

People are looking, running, seeking, struggling, striving, fighting, loving, rushing, searching all in an effort to find what only Jesus Christ can give.

He invites them to come to Him and find the rest their soul seeks. 

Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 

[29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 

[30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Jesus is not calling us to walk alone. He is calling us to walk with Him. He knows that we can’t live this life on our own. 

He enables us to live for Him as we yield to His control of our lives, Gal. 2:20; John 14:16-18. 

When we trust Jesus by faith, we are given rest, v. 28. When we serve Him faithfully, we find rest. 

This rest gives us peace with God and peace of soul. There’s a rest that comes from serving Him. 

There is a joy, a fulfillment, a happiness that can be found no where else in life. 

There is something special about being in the center of His will for your life.

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“Hear the blessed Savior calling the oppressed, — “Oh, ye heavy-laden, come to Me and rest; — Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear,

Bring Me every burden, bring Me every care.”

“Come unto Me, — I will give you rest; — Take My yoke upon you, — hear Me and be blest; — I am meek and lowly, — come and trust My might; — Come, My yoke is easy, and My burden’s light.

“Are you disappointed, wand’ring here and there, — Dragging chains of doubt and loaded down with care? — Do unholy feelings struggle in your breast? — Bring your case to Jesus—He will give you rest.

“Stumbling on the mountains dark with sin and shame, — Stumbling toward the pit of hell’s consuming flame; — By the pow’rs of sin deluded and oppressed, — Hear the tender Shepherd, “Come to Me and rest.”

“Have you by temptation often conquered been, — Has a sense of weakness brought distress within? — Christ will sanctify you, if you’ll claim His best; — In the Holy Spirit, He will give you rest.”

      Charles P. Jones

Ideas for this unprofitable blog a taken from The Sermon Notebook—Biblical resources for preachers and teachers of the word of God. They allow these sermons to be used as the Lord leads but not for profit.