When God Acts

When God Acts Exodus 7.1-7 Moses was listening to the LORD. He was going to go before Pharaoh with his staff in his hand. God brought him back to the staff, his humble beginnings as a shepherd, to Israel’s beginnings, to his 40 years taking care of his father-in-law’s sheep. That was quite a descent for Moses, 40 years old in the palace. Now he is 80, a shepherd, ready to do God’s will. Jesus descended from Heaven to Earth, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world. The Good Shepherd, Who lays down His life for the sheep. God is a Shepherd. God works through shepherds, from the Old Testament to the Birth of Jesus… announced His birth to shepherds. Came to worship before the wisemen. The church is led by shepherds. They are to follow the Great Shepherd of the sheep. The Bible is about the Great Shepherd and shepherds from Abel on… Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Jesus and His church, the sheep of His pasture, his pastors. Nothing more beautiful than a shepherd with the sheep. To the so called “wise” in the church (some of them listen to our Livestream), you were shepherds before you became so wise. Return to your first love! Take care of the sheep. Feed the flock, the sheep. They are not giraffes. Live among the sheep not above them. You left the fields for the business world, fleecing the flock! You who have enriched yourselves off the sacrifices of others over the years! Some of you “wise” have enriched your own pockets off the church. Repent! Return the money. Perhaps God will have mercy on you. God was bringing Moses back, back to the time He called to him from the burning bush. Let Him bring you back today! Now to what God was doing in Moses’ day/ and in our day. The Egyptians will realize that I am God when I step in and take the Israelites out of their country. The LORD is ready to act. * He Lets His Servants In On His Plan Usually this is through His Written Word When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way. Then the LORD said, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. Genesis 18.17-19 Sometimes God speaks to our hearts. Go there. He puts things in front of us, three times. He speaks through others. My friend, Helen Wilke Dr. McKoy pages 48-49 Friend of my grandparents and Mom Pastored here on Long Island Spoke at the Bay Shore Assembly of God years ago. I was at his Memorial Service in Oyster Bay. 71 became a missionary for Jesus. This is a spiritual battle. Satan tries to bring confusion. God is working. He let Charles McKoy in on it. God gave Moses His Word. God has given us His Word. His Word for this hour: Acts 3. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the LORD, 20 and that He may send the Messiah, Who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive Him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets. 22 For Moses said, ‘The LORD your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything He tells you. * When God Acts, He Acts Decisively. vs.3-5 Psalm 119:126 It is time for the LORD to act, for they have broken Your law. I love this verse. Because the Psalmist has come to a place in his life where he believed in in his heart that God has had enough. God has placed this verse in the heart of the Psalmist for us and for him. I believe that He was going to act very soon after the Psalmist pray this prayer. Don’t you feel that? It shows that God understands the difference in his timetable and ours. We are in this space time continuum. He is not bound by it nor is He in it completely He is in eternity. One day we will enter that realm. The Eternal Day. Time will be swallowed up by eternity. So what may appear delay on God’s part from our perspective is Him acting decisively when the time on earth is right. Lazarus is an example of this. In John 11 He let Lazarus die! He didn’t rush to Bethany. He never rushed anywhere. He still doesn’t. In His Time He Makes All Things Beautiful. Ecclesiastes 3.11 This part of Him working all things together for our good. The Birth of Jesus was in His Time. Galatians 4.1 What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. 2 The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. 3 So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world. 4 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. God has set times. It was His set time for sending Jesus. In Heaven and on Earth. The conditions were ripe for the Messiah and the spread of the Gospel The nation of Israel was occupied territory. Rome had unified the world so there were no "boundaries" set up to stop the Gospel. A century earlier this would not have been the case. Roman Roads, 50,000 miles of them had been built. Many had street light lanterns. The Roman engineering was aimed at bringing Caesar's legions to every corner of his dominion but on those imperial lines of communications the missionaries marched with the message of the Gospel. Paul letters were carried on them! Evangelists traveled them to bring the Good News to the whole world. The Romans had cleared the Mediterranean of pirates, making travel by ship much safer. Greek had become the universal language. The Gospel could be spoken and God's Word written in a language that all could understand. This hastened the spread of the gospel. There was no language barrier to contend with. God is working. He gave man the wisdom to build the internet. People are hearing the Word in great numbers around the world… from this little church! He is working through the greatest debtor nation in the world. We are hearing that we may be on the precipice of nationwide pain. And yet Jesus is our Hope. He was working through the pandemic. Setting things up for this time of prayer and calling out to Him. God is All Powerful. He is with us today. And when He is ready… It will be His set time when Jesus returns. Acts 1. 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, “LORD, are You at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. So we don’t know the times or the dates the Father has set. Yet He lets us in on His plan. We see similar things in 2025. No peace in the Middle East. The internet Livestreaming to souls here and around the world. No boundaries with this. The ability to work through Faith Missions like never before. People open to God out of fear of survival, mental and emotional needs. Keep praying and do not give up. Your Kingdom Come * God hardened Pharaoh’s Heart As Pharaoh was hardening His Own Heart. In his heart of hearts, Pharaoh did not want his “free” labor force leaving. His heart was hard. God firmed it up. I am going to put Pharaoh’s back up and follow it up by filling Egypt with signs and wonders. Pharaoh is not going to listen to you, but I will have my way against Egypt and bring out my soldiers, my people the Israelites, from Egypt by mighty acts of judgment. When God acts, hearts open to Him and many others harden their hearts. Romans 1. 18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. 24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. (Car, House, Wealth) 26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. This goes back to the Genesis account of God letting Abraham know about the destruction of Sodom. Through the prophesy of Scripture… II Peter 1. 19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Some will have Hard hearts. How to avoid that: Walk in the light as He is in the Light. Keep a tender heart… break up the fallow ground. Steve describing the rain in Palm Springs. It runs of the top of the soil. Pray * When God Acts Nations Will Know Israel Exodus 7. 6 “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. Egypt Exodus 7. 5 And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it. Haiti Ukraine Russia China The United States of America Let’s continue to be a House of Prayer for all nations To obey the LORD To see His Kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. To be found faithful until that Day!

Our Complaints and God’s Promises Exodus 5.22-6.12

Our Complaints and God’s Promises Exodus 5.22-6.12 Moses has the Word of God, he obeys it, then he has to face the enemy. Today, you will receive the Word, all week you will read the Word, prayerfully each day. Today, you will face the enemy, and all week. Right now he is trying to draw your attention away from hearing the Word. Helmet of Salvation to protect the mind Breastplate of righteousness to protect the heart… out of it comes the issues of life. You have the full armor of God to stand firm. The apostles preached the Word and faced great opposition. Acts 13 The two go hand in hand. Persecution for sharing and obeying the Word of God. Now persecution and false teaching runs rampant. Persecution refines us. No one dared join the persecuted church unless they believed. They knew they were in danger. Acts 5. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. That sifts out those who are not serious. Persecution purifies God’s people. God had told Moses what He was going to do. Then things got worse. Moses complained. Exodus 5.22-23 We can be in that frame of mind from time to time. We obey God and things get worse. What are you doing, LORD? I obeyed You and now this? Why are things going against me when I have obeyed you. I have tried to do what is right. There are people a lot worse than me. Why is this happening to me? We are told by Paul, the apostle, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing.” Philippians 2.14 Yet some of God’s choicest people let their complaint known to God. David in Psalm 13 which we just read. There is a difference from complaining as a habit and bringing a complaint to the LORD. I pour out before Him my complaint; before Him I tell my trouble. Psalm 142.2 God hears us and answers many times. Other times He remains silent. Habakkuk complained. God answered. Jonah did as well. God corrected him. Asaph Psalm 73.2  But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;
    I had nearly lost my foothold. 3 For I envied the arrogant
    when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 They have no struggles;
    their bodies are healthy and strong. 5 They are free from common human burdens;
    they are not plagued by human ills. Many believe that if they obey the LORD, then He owes them to give them smooth sailing. I am not sure what Bible they are reading… or what minister they are listening to. I am not sure how well they know the Man of Sorrows, Jesus. Life is not a fairy tale where everyone lives happily forevermore. However in God’s time He brings to pass His Promises. Because of His Mighty Hand… I believe we are going to see it in our families, in the church, in the nation and in the world! He is going to bring about His promises to those who obey Him. * As we wait for God’s Timing we find out He is going to do more than we can imagine. Look at Exodus 6.1 Not only is Pharaoh going to agree to let them go, he is going to drive them out… because of God’s mighty hand. This seemed so unlikely to Moses at the time. Things that seem unlikely have been happening here. In our lives. We all have had situations that seemed unresolvable, only to have God step in and do something more than we could imagine. Upstate NY got a lot of snow. In Parrish, lake effect snow was 8’! I pastored in a place for 5 years where we saw several feet one Christmas. It was frigid too. Cars were frozen. Jim Baker in the snowstorm, coming to get Billy and I in his Gran Marquis. Perkins Pancake House for dinner, home in a warm and comfortable vehicle. Home after a long long day. Here is some spiritual food. Wait for the LORD. Don’t complain about God’s inactivity. He is working more than you can imagine. Rest in Him. Trust in Him. Wait. Ephesians 3. 20 Now to Him Who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. * Moses had a Revelation of God that even Abraham, Isaac and Jacob did not have. God revealed His Name. vs.2-3 2 God also said to Moses, “I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I did not make myself fully known to them. El Shaddai YAHWEH I AM Remember the I am’s * I am the Bread of Life. John 6.35 manna * I am the Light of the World John 8.12 pillar of fire by night * I am the Good Shepherd John 10.11-18 pillar of cloud by day * I am the Door John 10.7-10 He was bringing them out by Pharaoh’s fear and disgust * I am the Resurrection and the Life. John 11.21-27 water from the Rock * I am the Way, the Truth and the Life John 14.1-7 Ten Commandments * I am the True Vine John 15.1-11 Israel spies This is what Jesus is right now! Moses, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob Hebrews 11. 39 These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, 40 since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. Hebrews 11. 13 All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. 14 People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. * You have Revelations of God Moses did not have. The Revelation of His Word in all 66 books Jesus Christ. In these last days. The Holy Spirit upon all who call upon the Name of the LORD. I Peter 1. 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when He predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit on them!” Numbers 11.29 Moses’ wish came true 1,000 of years after he uttered these words. The Gospel is going out all over the world right now. Live in the moment. Live for Christ. If He does not return you will die. But many seeds are planted. Even though you are gone the seeds you planted will grow! * In the lives of those you are feeding and giving so they may have an education. My Bible College Professors are gone to Heaven and we are now, in this time, speaking the Word of the LORD. That dear generation is gone to be with the LORD. * Children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, seeing them embrace the faith. * People we are not even aware of! Romans 3.3 What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God’s faithfulness? 4 Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak
    and prevail when you judge.”” The New Covenant. Think about it. When we take the LORD’s Supper next week we will experience what Moses only experienced in a foreshadowing in the Passover. We take in what God was revealing. And there is more! He saves the best for last. * The Glory That Will Be Revealed in Us. Romans 8:18: "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. This is not Heaven here. These bodies will be exchanged for a new glorious body. We will be with LORD forever. Our present sufferings Our light and momentary trials In this world… tribulation. We long for peace on earth. We long to see suffering end. The poor you will always have with you. You can help them anything you wish. These longings are because Heaven is in our hearts. I am seeing God work. I cannot figure out what God is doing. I will follow Jesus step by step. I will trust in the LORD.

What Is That In Your Hand? Part Two

What is That In Your Hand? Part Two Exodus 4.1-31 So here is Moses in conversation with the LORD. Remember at this point Moses had been taking care of his father-in-law’s sheep for 40 years! When God interrupted him. The Work of a Shepherd: A Watchman A Guard A Guide A Physician A Savior/ Rescuer A Feeder for the sheep. We need to feed ourselves “Daily Bread”. A Shepherd loved the sheep Moses learned how to lead the nation of Israel by being a shepherd. He was doing the work of a shepherd to prepare him to lead, not drive, the children of Israel into the Promised Land. It took 40 years, a significant number. It rained 40 days and 40 nights when the flood came and Noah and his family were in the Ark. It took the children of Israel 40 years to get into the Promised Land, all of them except Caleb and Joshua died out there. Jesus went to the desert to pray and fast for 40 days. It was a period of 40 days that Jesus spoke to the Disciples about the Kingdom of Heaven after He had resurrected before He was taken into Heaven. Last spring and summer we talked about what He talked about. “Desert Experiences” are importantly in shaping God’s Shepherds Joseph in Egypt 13 years David on the run from Saul for 10 years Paul, in the Arabian Desert for 3 years And Moses in the backside of the desert for 40 years Now God reveals Himself to him and calls him to his life’s work. Five chapters to this point. The Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy to come before Joshua takes them into the land. God has spoken about wonder filled promises and mighty acts promised. This seems to be more than Moses can take in. * He is overwhelmed. God is giving him more than he can handle. * He overwhelms us with our circumstances… so we will lean upon Him. * He overwhelms us with His goodness so we be blessed and look to Him * He overwhelms us with a calling so we realize we cannot do it without Him. Is that your story? God is promising to be with him and help him and provide for him. He is giving him His Word. Moses is conversing with Before Abraham was, I am. Now, where we pick up this morning, God is giving him signs, miracles and wonders. Notice God first used what was in his hand. His shepherd’s tool. Moses had been using it for 40 years. The LORD refers to this staff three times in this passage. 2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.” 20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. This staff was going to come over and over again in Exodus. It would go before Pharaoh I parted the Red Sea. It provided water from the Rock. It reminded Moses where he came from. DVD Haiti 2015. Wow! All of us have talents, God given abilities. Whether it is writing, playing an instrument, cooking, painting or collecting bottles for missions, we use our hands. What is in your hand this morning? Moses offered excuses until God got him down to the staff in his hand. “I can’t pray like other people. I don’t know the Bible like others. I don’t have any talents.” * Commit Your Hands to Him with Me. These are holy hands, He’s given us holy hands, He works through these hands and so these hands are holy. Our whole body, soul and spirit A living sacrifice. Romans 12. 1-3 Clean hands and a pure heart Psalm 24.4 Wanting to build up the Body of Christ The work of shepherding a literal flock is demanding. The work of watching over the flock of God even more so. As a shepherd Moses knew a lot was done with his hands. Anointing, preparing a table, even the still waters! Prayer, intercession, he was about to find out, was done by his hands. Exodus 17.12 When Moses' arms grew tired, Aaron and Hur brought a stone for him to sit on, while they stood beside him and held up his arms, holding them steady until the sun went down. 13 In this way Joshua totally defeated the Amalekites. 14 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write an account of this victory, so that it will be remembered.” * Offer what is in your hands to Him. Nancy, bulletin John, plowing Edie, writing encouragement Mary, driving, Robert Siggy and Margot, cleaning bathrooms Margot and Anca providing amazing treats. Albert is a craftsman. He can do things with wood that dazzle the eyes, marble too. Anthony handing out bulletins David, on his harp… I mean guitar What gift do you have, no one else knows about, a work of your hands All of us praying… praying hands Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I Timothy 2.8 A call for men to come and pray. * Musical Instruments Many of us have them… how about an orchestra? Making a joyful sound Pull out those instruments from the attic or wherever they are! Start doing the songs we sing on Sunday… Expand to new heights! Talk to Marcos/ talk to David * What we offer to God He blesses and does wonders. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD. Writing texts, notes… encouraging one another Listening to the LORD… Loren Cunningham and The Mercy Ships “Is That Really You, God? Theresa to the AIDS Orphanage in Nairobi, Kenya Speaking next week at the Nazarene Church in Patchogue * Grab that social media by the tail! Livestream/ online congregation 100’s each week Kenya Pastors Fellowship, people in our community Pastor Johnson last Sunday. Personally Post positive things Post the love of Jesus I would that all of God’s people were prophets! But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit on them!” Numbers 11.29 The Apostle Paul had that same heart. Use the various outlets to share the Word of God. Edie Raevis posts a verse on her Facebook Page each day. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139.16 For we are God’s workmanship (masterpiece) created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2.10 Remember Your word to Your servant, for You have given me hope. Psalm 119.49 All we need to do is walk in them! This is walking in the unforced rhythms of grace. What is that in your hand?

What’s In Your Hand?

What Is That In Your Hand? Exodus 4.1-5 Remember Your word to Your servant, for You have given me hope. Psalm 119.49 God knows your life from the beginning to the end. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139.16 What is that in your hand? The Question of God Moses had settled in as a shepherd. Having done this for 40 years, at 80 years of age he was probably thinking, “I have lived a good life. I blew it in Egypt by killing the Egyptian. But here I am working. I have a family I provided for. I miss my brother, Aaron and sister, Miriam, but like Joseph I have new family.” His children are now adults. His lot in life is he went from being the next Pharaoh to a fugitive shepherd, an occupation detestable to the Egyptians. One action can change the course of your life. But all is not lost. God does not abandon us. We learn Plan B, His permissive will which interestingly can bring us back to God’s plan and purpose. He is a God of Grace. He can take us where we are today. He forgives sins! Out of nowhere seemingly God can appear to us and offer another opportunity, only this time not out of emotions but with His direction. I can relate to Moses. I was 2/3 the way through Bible College, 2,000 away from home. I had heard some family members were messing around with sin. I said, “I am ready. I need to go back East and lead them back to Jesus!” I am so glad I didn’t. I was thinking with my emotions not wise! When Moses had watched the sheep, been a shepherd for 40 years God interrupted his life. He had much bigger plans. He used those forty years of watching the sheep to prepare Moses as an instrument in His Hands. God had brought him back to his roots, what his forefathers did. God was getting ready to bring this nation of shepherds back into the Land He promised them. God’s Hand was upon Moses even though he didn’t know it. God was with him in the desert! Acts 7.17-36 Shepherds from Genesis to Revelation Both the Old and New Testaments have shepherds as their main characters. Abraham, Issac, Jacob Jacob named change Israel. David Psalm 78. 70  He chose David His servant
    and took him from the sheep pens; 71 from tending the sheep He brought him
    to be the shepherd of His people Jacob,
    of Israel His inheritance. 72 And David shepherded them with integrity of heart;
    with skillful hands he led them. David, The LORD is my Shepherd psalm 23.1 * Jeremiah 31:10
' Hear the word of the LORD, O nations, 
And declare it in the isles afar off, and say, 
' He who scattered Israel will gather him, 
And keep him as a shepherd does his flock.' In the New Testament, Jesus reveals the name “I AM” to Moses in the desert to those who follow Him as “I am the Good Shepherd” John 10.10 He tells Peter at the end of His time on earth, John 21. Jesus Reinstates Peter 15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. The feeding and care of the lambs and sheep are the work of shepherds in the church. We have seen the church turn into a theatre, a show, a circus, “The Greatest Show On Earth” Attraction Churches And we are watching the show shut down in many places. I love R.T. Kendall’s words about those who want to be pastors today, not encouraging seminary, but for them to study the Word and pray. Jesus said, “I will build My Church…” He does it as He did it here on earth. Through the Word and Prayer. I have lived through some interesting times in American Church History. Trends that have had tragic results. The image of the New Testament Ministry is the shepherd. I Peter 5.1 To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: 2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; 3 not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away. Jesus that Great Shepherd of the sheep The photo that hangs in my study The olive wood given to me 42 years ago by the Reeds. Okay, back to Moses in the backside of the desert. Let me say at this point that if you are in a desert, wait for the LORD. None of us here are in a literal desert like Moses, well maybe some listening to our livestream, but it could be a spiritual one like Moses. What is a Desert spiritually? * It is dry. Not a word from the LORD. Just going about daily tasks. The need of refreshment is great. Life is routine. * Food is scarce. Not a lot of abundance. Just getting by. Financial stress increases. You are depending on the LORD for daily bread, literally. * It is lonely. Lots of alone time. (This can prove to be a blessing in the end) Lots of time to think and reflect. Not a lot of friends who understand. Each heart knows its own bitterness and no one else can share its joy. Proverbs 14.10 Lots of wandering and wondering. * There is no end in sight. Sinai, 8 hours, whew! Long days in the sun. Long nights in the quiet. One day goes into another, to the point of losing track of time. Individuals as well as churches can go through the desert. Only God can deliver us. Mission work often is bringing water to the thirsty. Delicious food to the hungry. Or rice. So here is Moses in conversation with the LORD. God has spoken about wonder filled promises and mighty acts promised. This seems to be more than Moses can take in. * He is overwhelmed. God is giving him more than he can handle. * He overwhelms us with our circumstances… so we will lean upon Him. * He overwhelms us with His goodness so we be blessed and look to Him * He overwhelms us with a calling so we realize we cannot do it without Him. God is promising to be with him and help him and provide for him. He is giving him His Word. Now, where we pick up this morning, God is giving him signs, miracles and wonders. Notice God first used what was in his hand. His shepherd’s tool. Moses had been using it for 40 years. The LORD refers to this staff three times in this passage. 2 Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied. 17 But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.” 20 So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey and started back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand. All of us have talents, God given abilities. Whether it is writing, playing an instrument, cooking, painting or collecting bottles for missions, we use our hands. What is in your hand this morning? Moses offered excuses until God got him down to the staff in his hand. “I can’t pray like other people. I don’t know the Bible like others. I don’t have any talents.” Pastor David Trauffer and I in Freeport. * Commit Your Hands to Him with Me. These are holy hands, He’s given us holy hands, He works through these hands and so these hands are holy. Our whole body, soul and spirit A living sacrifice. Romans 12. 1-3 Clean hands and a pure heart Psalm 24.4 Wanting to build up the Body of Christ The thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy, Jesus said. John 10.10 Paul said to the Ephesian Elders, “. Acts 20.28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own blood. 29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. 31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears. The work of shepherding a literal flock is demanding. The work of watching over the flock of God even more so. * Offer what is in your hands to Him. Nancy, bulletin John, plowing Edie, writing encouragement Mary, driving, Robert Siggy and Margot, cleaning bathrooms Anthony handing out bulletins All of us praying… praying hands Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing. I Timothy 2.8 * Musical Instruments Many of us have them… how about an orchestra? Making a joyful sound Pull out those instruments from the attic or wherever they are! Start doing the songs we sing on Sunday… Expand to new heights! Talk to Marcos/ talk to David * What we offer to God He blesses and does wonders. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD. Writing texts, notes… encouraging one another * Grab that social media by the tail! Livestream/ online congregation 100’s each week Kenya Pastors Fellowship, people in our community Personally Post positive things Post the love of Jesus I would that all of God’s people were prophets! But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put His Spirit on them!” Numbers 11.29 The Apostle Paul had that same heart. Use the various outlets to share the Word of God. Edie Raevis posts a verse on her Facebook Page each day. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139.16 For we are God’s workmanship (masterpiece) created in Christ Jesus to do good works which He has prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians 2.10 All we need to do is walk in them! This is walking in the unforced rhythms of grace. What is that in your hand?

The Ever Present LORD

“The Ever-Present Lord”, aka "When I Wake, I Am Still With Thee" Sermon by Rev. Peter Hoffman, Oct 16, 1960 Transcribed by [great-grandson] Justin Larue, 12-23-2007 Editor’s note: In August and September 1960, Rev. and Mrs. P.C. Hoffman visited their daughter and son-in-law in Denver, Rev. and Mrs. Donald and Phyllis Wolfram, on the occasion of the arrival of their fourth grandchild, Donna Wolfram. In early October they returned by automobile to their station at the Zarephath, New Jersey, headquarters. Rev. Hoffman preached at the Sunday afternoon service on October 16. After delivering the sermon below, he left the auditorium without waiting for the closing song and prayer. He was found outside the door, collapsed and unconscious, and died shortly thereafter. His last words on this earth were St. Paul’s victorious statement about Heaven: “Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for them that love Him” It was through the miraculous providence of God that the sermon was recorded. It was played for the shocked and grieving family who gathered at Zarephath for the funeral. Now, nearly fifty years later, the old reel-to-reel tape, which had been mislaid and had undergone all sorts of extremes of heat and cold, has nevertheless been miraculously preserved and has been converted to CD format by Barry Blue, to whom we are deeply grateful for giving us back this treasured heirloom. –Suzanne Wolfram, Christmas Day 2007 Rev. Peter C. Hoffman speaking: Now we're ready for the execution. [cough] I don't know why they wish to record this sermon, because I think it's already recorded, and now I think they're using it out west. I know I preached it out there before I left there, couple weeks ago. I want to speak about the ever-present Lord, and my text is found in the one hundred and thirty-ninth psalm, and the eighteenth verse. One hundred and thirty-nine, and the eighteenth verse. "If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee." I like to read two verses of context before my text. "How precious also are they, are thy thoughts unto me, O God; how great is the sum of them. If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Page 1 of 5 Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men. For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain." I read the seventeenth, eighteenth, nineteenth, and the twentieth verses of the one hundredth and thirty ninth psalm: "The Ever-Present Lord." When I awake, I am still with thee. [male voice: amen] Now the religion of many of us is only an occasional affair. It seems rather shallow at times, because the recognition of God is all too seldom. What one feels about the psalmist is this: that he always sets the Lord before him, and it is this continual recognition - this unvarying practice of God's presence - which under all circumstances seems to kindle his faith, and his hope, and his assurance! It was because he lived with God and went to sleep under the wing of God that he took his pen and he wrote in deep sincerity: "When I awake, I am still with thee." Now this is a wonderful little text found here in the one-hundred and thirty-ninth psalm. You know, you can find these jewels scattered throughout the Bible. [laughing] If we *read* the Bible! If we take time to read it. I know that I find a lot of these little gems [cough] as I go along. Let us widen the thought a little bit and think of various awakenings which it is our privilege to find while still with God under His providences. Human life has many awakenings. In the first place, we might apply the thought to the waking of the child to maturity. It has been my great pleasure recently to spend some time with my little grand-children. Now I hope you'll pardon the personal reference. And I have [ahem] been interested again in child psychology, and child innocence, and the great pleasure that grown-up people can receive in association with little children. Is no wonder that the Bible says that a little child shall lead them! And Jesus said unless you become converted and be like little children, you can't enter the kingdom of Heaven. Now, one of my little four-year-old girls [i.e., one of my grandchildren, a little four-year-old girl: this was Charlene Wolfram] has asked me to make her a sign to post up on the grounds out there telling the birds - to tell the little birds that if they have a broken leg or a broken wing they should come in there to - to Sharon [missionary home in Denver, home of the Wolframs] , and get fixed up. Now, isn't Page 2 of 5 that wonderful? Isn't it wonderful what great imaginations little children have? And I'm going to do it! I'm going to set that sign for the sign for the birds, so the little birds can read it. And when they read it, they'll know that there's a, there's a place out there. There's a, there's a hospital for birds. The world of a child is not the actual world in which we live; they live in a dream world, and what an awful awakening when these little children awaken to the grim realities of life, and to maturity. And when with the passing of years there comes experience, and the unveiling of what is grim and stern, is like an awakening out of a sleep. And when we awake, what then? What then? What we gonna do with these children, when they awake from their dream life. Are we prepared to receive them? And direct them? And to teach them? Much of our youthful dreams is gone for us. We have put away childish things, as the apostle Paul puts it. When I was a child, I thought as a child; I spake as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things. Put 'em away! Put 'em away forever! [ahem] But the comfort of it all is that, that we can look to God - in the crushing out of happy, childish things, and say with the psalmist, when his sleep was over, "When I awake, I am still with thee." God is with us in our heaviest duties and sorrows of life, and burdens of life. God is with us in our humblest tasks if the task is a faithful task and well-done. Again our text has a deep application - when we think of the awakening to new knowledge. Has it not always seemed when knowledge broadened as if God were to be driven from a field? What is it that saves us in such a feeling? Well, it is the presence of God. "When I awake I am still with thee." I remember my childhood. My young manhood. My student days in college, and in the seminary. I remember when new thoughts were brought up. I remember when I was shocked at the theologians in their mumbling of theological thoughts. Uncertain as to whether Jesus is the son of God or whether He isn't. Whether He is divine, or just a human being. I remember these days. But, advanced knowledge does not change the hunger of a person's heart. [coughs] You may get new knowledge - ah, strange knowledge, we might say. Strange ideas. Strange philosophies and psychologies. Strange theologies that tend to unsettle the fundamental student. Page 3 of 5 But, my friends, through every increase and advance of knowledge, the heart still hungers for the living God. We never outgrow that; no matter what we learn, we never get beyond it or above it. The heart and God were made for each other. There is an affinity between God and the heart of man. That's why he says "My son, give me thine heart." Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with *all* thy heart. God wants the heart of a person, because God and man were made for each other, and that communion is their sweet rest of soul and peace of mind. Once more this text is full of meaning, when we think of the waking from spiritual lethargy. [coughs, "pardon me"] There are seasons for most of us in our spiritual life where we are little better than asleep. Sometimes, I think people like that are backslid. Our prayers, how cold and formal they become. They're just the semblance and mockery of prayer, and the Bible loses its freshness and its dew. It doesn't leap to meet us when we come to it, and there settles down a deadness on our spirits. Did you ever get in that position? Do you know anyone in that position? Who has not known such seasons of desertion of God? And how has, and who has not known the gladness of it all when the spirit is quickened into life again? We're able to lift our heads and say "When I awake I'm still with thee." My friends, when you are converted, you remember that great enlightening experience; you remember how the leaves of the trees clap their hands. You remember how the world seemed to be dancing with joy and happiness. That is the spiritual awakening of the soul. I think too that we should bear our text in mind in view of any time of crushing sorrow. We who are older have had these experiences, such as the passing away of church leaders [or] great political leaders, and the passing of loved ones; father or mother, sisters or brothers, neighbors and friends. In all great sorrow there is something numbing. Insensibility, like sleep. We go to sleep, as it were. Is, it is...it is when a man awakens from that sleep - slowly and heavily, through dreary days - it is then that he can lift his heart to God and say, "When I awake, I am still with thee." [male voice: praise Him, praise Him] Life in its bitterest and heaviest [coughs] woe can never outdistance God [coughs] through Jesus Christ our Lord. These things [coughs, "pardon me"] have been Page 4 of 5 experienced by many of us who are older in the world (worry?) And then in closing, does not our text apply to the last awakening? And I quote, "I shall be satisfied when I awake." Satisfied! Alma White wrote a song, ‘I'm Satisfied With Jesus”. Well, I'm satisfied with Jesus today. I shall be satisfied when I awake, and satisfied because I am with Thee. Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things that God hath prepared for them that love Him. [Editor’s note: 1 Corinthians 2:9] Page 5 of 5

A Profund Mystery

Genesis 2.19-24 Ephesians 5.21-33 One nature, of the same body. A great mystery= hidden thing, secret, mystical, not obvious to understanding But I am talking about Christ and the church. Ephesians 5.32 Jesus building His Church is in this Profound Mystery. I saw it at Verlene’s Funeral Service, in the words that were said but more than that in the little groups of people comforting one another. It was soul refreshing. I see it in the cistern being built, each kid in Haiti getting an education and a hot meal… in the lady from India who spoke at Verlene’s funeral, giving thanks for all those years ago when she sponsored her to become a citizen of the US. This Profound Mystery of being one flesh with Christ. We love the LORD. We care for each other. We are connected to Heaven. We are one with Christ and each other. I see it here each Sunday and throughout the week. It begins with Jesus… * Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her. We don’t think about that enough. The self emptying kenosis passage Philippians 2.5-8 We need to catch the direction here… let this mind be in you… Not taking any special privileges The position of a slave No luxurious inns Selfless life Our attitude of this profound mystery. Philippians 3.10-12 be a partner in His suffering Two kinds of sufferings: Forced Willing Even when it is forced we can submit to it. This is a Profound Mystery One of the evidences of One Flesh is in children produced. They are a combination of both parents. They share the genes. Interestingly when Jesus said, “I will build My Church.” the word build means to build a house or erect a building, to promote growth in Christian wisdom, affection, grace, virtue, holiness, blessedness. His sacrifice makes us holy, becoming like Him. Reflecting His image… He gave Himself up so we could become like Him through His blood and the washing of water through the Word. * The Church submits to Christ To His Word There is the flesh and there is the Spirit. We are to submit to His Word. Forgiveness In complete commitment to Him. To His Spirit Wherever He leads I will follow. To His character Becoming like Him “Christians” To His Will He submitted to the Father’s will, to the point of death. John 12. 27 “Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. 28 Father, glorify Your name!” Luke 22. 39 Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed Him. 40 On reaching the place, He said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. 44 And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.

The Glory of the One and Only, Who Came From the Father

The Glory of the One and Only Who Came From The Father John 1.14 The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us and we have beheld His glory the glory of the One and Only who has come from the Father full of grace and truth. the glory of the One and Only Who has come from the Father… This morning we are going to look closely at John 1.14 and John 3.16 on this matter of God the Father sending, giving His One and Only Son. We ought to think of the Father giving. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! II Corinthians 9:15 In our celebration we give thanks. But do we think what it cost Him?! Indescribable, Unspeakable, Unspeakably precious You can never tell the whole story of it. Beyond language… no words can do it justice. There is nothing you can relate it to. And yet in Genesis 22.1 Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” 3 Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. We look at Abraham,the father of the faithful, who went through an experience, on this Earth, that our Father in Heaven went through and so much more with His One and Only Son, Jesus. He did this through… The Word becoming flesh because God so loves the world * God gave His One and Only Son Being an only child like my Dad. Those who are the only child understand. It is unique. All the parental love on that one soul. Special times of one on one. Every child is special. An only child is very special. This was the Supreme Sacrifice. Jesus left Heaven to die on the cross. He died for sins he did not commit Nor crimes He had done. He gave His very Best for you and the whole world. With Him From Eternity Before time began, God was. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit, complete, oneness The giving This was out of love for the world, for lost sinners, that God gave. Jesus gave Himself up. Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her… Ephesians 5.25 Was ere a gift like the Savior given? No not one! Unique One of a kind Priceless How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! I John 3.1 Lavished = to give a gift, to give one to someone as his own The Father poured out His love on us by giving us His Indescribable Gift, the gift of His One and Only Son. * His Glory Brightness and Splendor Mild He lays His Glory by Veiled in Flesh, the Godhead see, Hail the Incarnate Diety He left the glory of Heaven. He left the Glory He had with the Father from the beginning. the glory of his self-sacrifice. We have looked upon Him giving up everything for us, renouncing His crown and sceptre, laying aside His royal robes and splendour, leaving His Father's ’s house, and palaces, and honour; becoming man; nay, a poor man, a despised afflicted man; nay, becoming obedient to death, even the death of the cross. We have read history through, but we never saw a self -sacrifice that could equal His. In Him selfishness never lived, and therefore, never needed to be kept in check. He was not his own. John 17. 4 I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave me to do. 5 And now, Father, glorify Me in Your Presence with the glory I had with You before the world began. Glory brought to the Father by finishing the work on earth. Glory in the cross, in His Death, Resurrection and in His Return at His Ascension. God exalted Him. We see here the completeness Christ had and has with His Father. Coming to this Earth, finishing the work, returning to Glory with even greater glory was Jesus with the Father. * His Coming Advent First time We see the nativity. We see the Creator among the creatures. God with man is now residing. We think of the Gift of the Father, His One and Only. Think how we prepare for guests. Think of what was prepared for Him. Prepare your hearts to celebrate His birth, His Holy Nativity and… Parousia Second Advent, Second Coming, Second Coming of Christ. Coming again Living in the light, ready to go in the twinkling of an eye. He came from the Father. He returned to the Father. He is coming again at the time set by the Father In this time, Advent, take time to Come and Adore Him, Christ, the LORD Move into and among your neighborhood. Thank God for His indescribable Gift!