The overall theme that The Next Generation ("TNG") (which is what youth service of my church is called) has embarked on is based on Eph 2:10 whereby Paul tells us that each of us are masterpieces, God's workmanship or handiwork.
When we look at ourselves as we currently physically are, this may not be the case, but it does not change the spiritual reality of what God's Word declares.
Earlier this year, Ps Reuben gave the illustration of Gideon. When the angel of the Lord appeared to him in Judges 6:11 and called him "valiant warrior", Gideon was far from it. In fact, he was threshing wheat in a winepress in the middle of the night so as not to be detected by the Midianites. Yet, because God had declared it, Gideon became one eventually as recorded in Judges 7.
This week and last, Ps Reuben gave another illustration -- that of David. When Samuel anointed him as king of Israel in 1 Sam 16, he was only a shepherd boy. He eventually became king in 2 Sam 2. In between that time, he was on the run from Saul and at one stage, even his own men turned against him as recorded in 1 Sam 30.
But the key verse in that chapter is verse 6
6 Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters but David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.
The verse starts off by saying that his men wanted to stone him, but ends by telling us that David strengthened himself in the Lord.
Ps Reuben suggested that David did so in 2 ways
(i) worshipping the Lord -- he turned his focus from himself and onto the Lord as recorded in Ps 52 and Ps 54
(ii) remembering what God had promised and declared to him.
Ps Reuben shared a verse from Eze 17:24b where God tells us "I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will perform it." If His Word says it, He will surely cause it to come to pass. Another verse Isa 55:11 tells us that God's Word which goes forth from His mouth will not return to Him void (without producing any effect) but will accomplish what He pleases and purposes but will prosper in the thing which He sent it.
Yes, dear brothers and sisters in the Lord. Whenever we face difficulties that seem to prevent us from reaching our destiny as God's masterpieces, let us strengthen ourselves in the Lord the way David did by focusing on Jesus Christ and clinging fast to His promises which are yes and amen. Amen?
You can listen to Ps Reuben's sermons at the following links
Strengthening Yourself in the Lord (Part 1):
http://www.box.net/shared/669uhe6lz2
http://www.box.net/shared/tylhsyf1qu
1 comment:
Thanks for this post. Its a good reminder of what I need to do when discouraged.
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