Back This Sunday,

Please forgive the empty spots the past two weeks. I am at funeral with family in Florida today.

August 22, 2010

Due to technical difficulties with Blogger this morning the Sunday Morning Message will be posted later. Thanks for your understanding. Have a blessed LORD's Day.

August 15, 2010

God , My Shepherd

Genesis 48.10-16

God Who has been my Shepherd all my life to this day. (v.15)

Jacob is giving personal testimony to Joseph and his sons about his relationship with the LORD.

From this point in Genesis and throughout the whole Bible (all the way into Revelation), the LORD reveals Himself as a Shepherd. The Shepherd of Israel, The Great Shepherd of the Sheep, His Church.

David declared, "The LORD is my Shepherd." God' men and women have found great comfort and strength in these words. They speak of that personal one on one relationship we have with the LORD.

The work of a shepherd is vastly different from a rancher. Cattle and sheep are different animals. Cattle are driven. Sheep are led.

When God is the Shepherd of your life you discover things about Him along the journey to heaven. These things are in His Word.

1. He Carries Us. Psalm 28.9

He lifts us up. My parents used to love to tell me about a time when I was 2 years old. We lived in Queens and walked every where. I'd get tired and say to my Dad, "Carry me up, Daddy." He's put me on his shoulders. The LORD does that for us. There are times when He lifts us up... think about things you've gone through. Your thoughts: "I don't think I am going to make it." Yet somehow the strength was there.

He bears our burdens.

He takes our cares- we must cast them upon Him.

Forever- we'll see our Shepherd in Revelation.

As our Shepherd...

2. He Is Our Security. Micah 5.4

The presence of the Shepherd give the sheep peace. He is their peace. A sense of security comes from the shepherd. He watches over the flock. He watches out for danger. He stands. The sheep know they are safe.

God has been my shepherd, all my life, to this day.

Another shepherd quality...

3. He Is Full Of Compassion. Matthew 9.36

I need to become more like Jesus. The lost annoy us. We need to see them as Jesus did. He had compassion on them. He loved them and longed to see them come to Him. As we shared a few weeks ago He Never Changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He desires to see the lost come to Him today!

Psalm 103.13-14 As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him, for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust. He understands our weaknesses, our frailties.

4. He Is The Good Shepherd. John 10.11,16

v.11 the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep

Jesus is the Shepherd and the Lamb of God. He died. He sacrificed Himself for us. Our response ought to be our all- All for Jesus!

He gave His all- can we respond with less?

v.16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them in also. They too will listen to My Voice and there will be one flock with one Shepherd.

Again He is seeking to save the lost wandering sheep.

5. He Is The Great Shepherd Of The Sheep. Hebrews 13.20

He died on the cross in Jerusalem. He established the Eternal Covenant. The Father brought Jesus back from the dead. He stands and Shepherds His Flock today!

6. Jesus The Great Shepherd Of The Sheep Will Separate The Sheep From The Goats In The Day Of Judgement. Matthew 25.32

The wicked will go to eternal punishment, the righteous to eternal life.

7. The Lamb Of God Is The Shepherd Forever. Revelation 7.17

He will lead us to springs of living water.

God will wipe away every tear from their eyes. He knows our inmost thoughts, heartaches and pain. What a Friend We Have in Jesus! Keep going to Him with the deep things of your heart. Full of compassion, He will hold you close and one day tears and the things that cause them will be a thing of the past! Hallelujah!

Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us!

Ignoring Secondary Causes

Genesis 45.1-11

Through God's grace and strength, Joseph became fruitful in a time of great adversity. He even named a son about this time Genesis 41.52 Ephraim-because God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering. His first son Manasseh 41.51 because God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household.

By God's power Joseph was able to ignore this secondary cause and see the greater purpose and plan of God. This is a mark of great character, a sign of maturity- something that is worthy for all of us to seek after.

Daniel, Esther, Mary and Paul all had this quality. It comes through in difficulties. It is a richness of soul that is not easily produced.

To forget and forgive you must abide in Christ.

How can we ignore secondary causes?

1. See the purpose of God in your suffering. v.5

it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.

We have pain. God has purposes- greater purposes. He is working in us and working out His Sovereign will.

We may not know the specific reasons. We usually do not know. We may not understand what the LORD is doing.

Joseph submitted to slavery, being lied about and then being imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.

The less we struggle the more apt we are to hear God's voice, grow into maturity and learn valuable life long lessons. These are the purposes of God. Let Him do His work. Let Him do it in His time.

2. Seeing Our Part in the Great Plan Of God v.7

to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.

There are times when we can only be still and wait. Joseph learned that. He left his family and past in God's Hands.

Seeing our part means walking by faith, trusting in all the promises of God. leaving the unfulfilled dreams in His hands as well.

Believing, working, waiting... How to ignore secondary causes...

3. Embrace God's Sovereignty -v.8

it was not you who sent me here but God.

Joseph saw things clearly, but before he did he embraced God's choices - slavery, prison.

He used his gifts given by God in some difficult situations.

Embracing God's Sovereignty is the way to peace and blessing.

William Cowper's Light Shining Out of Darkness

* God knows exactly what He is doing.

He knows the beginning from the end.

He is able to override injustice and even ride His purposes out on it.

He knows the hearts of everyone.

* God is good. He does not let us suffer needlessly.

He calls us close- the closer we get to Him the more the peace.

* God has our best interests at heart.

We think it is to be comfortable.

He desires us to share in His Holiness!

We desire to receive. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

This is not easy. Becoming a person who is able to ignore secondary causes takes a lot. It is surrender to God- His purposes, His Plans, His Sovereignty. It is the best. It is the way of the cross. It is a wonderful way to live. It brings us good and also to others.

May His will be done on earth as it is in heaven!

The Unchangeable Christ

The Unchangeable Christ

Hebrews 13.1-8

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8

In a sea of changes Jesus is the Rock that changes not. Change is something we have had to come to learn to live with. We have had to accept it. Technology, societal restructuring, the world itself is in the throws of change. More changes are coming every day! As we read this morning there is one Person Who does not change and never will. Jesus Christ. He is our Rock in this tumultuous sea of change.

We need to cling to Him in these turbulent times. Peter looked at the wind and the waves . He began to sink because he took his eyes off the Master. We need to fix our eyes on the Changeless Christ today so that our feet remain on the Rock. Every wind of doctrine is blowing around today. Some very strange stuff indeed.

The economic crisis the nation is in can be unnerving. George Washington's wise farewell admonition: "cherish public credit ... use it as sparingly as possible ... avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt ... bear in mind, that towards the payment of debts there must be Revenue, that to have Revenue there must be taxes; that no taxes can be devised, which are not ... inconvenient and unpleasant ... ."

The things the children have to face today can upset us. The uncertainty of the future can weigh us down. We need to look steadfastly to Jesus Stand upon Him today. He is the one Constant in a world that has spun out of control!

Another change we face is the loss of a loved one. Human loss does things to us. When a loved one dies we grieve. Through our tears we need to see Jesus. He is standing close by to comfort us in our sorrows. We need to remember what Jesus said about Himself, "I am the Resurrection and the Life."

Loss due to a break up of a marriage reaches far into extended families. We need the comfort only Christ can give. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

People moving and relocating means change for us and them. We cling to long term relationships. We need to cling to Christ. He will not be moved.

Change is bound to come to all of us. We need to stand firm upon the Rock, Christ Jesus. He does not change.

Throughout the Word of God we are given instruction about our LORD and how He is the same forever. This is the Word we need to hear today.

Psalm 102.25-27
25 In the beginning You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your Hands.
26 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. Like clothing you will change them and they will be discarded.
27 But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.

Psalm 90.1-2
1 Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.
2 Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. John 8 Before Abraham was I am.


1. Jesus Christ is the same in His Great Love for sinners.
I Timothy 1.15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
Paul wrote these words to Timothy nearly 2000 years ago. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Jesus cares about the lost. He is out to seek them today. Luke 19.10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.

Pray that we will be used of God to reach the lost around us. Pray the LORD of the Harvest to send forth workers into His harvest field. The love of Christ compels us. May the LORD lead us into the harvest fields all around us.

Jesus came to save sinners. We are eternal souls. We will spend eternity in heaven or hell. Jesus came to rescue souls from the dominion of darkness. The LORD Who spoke to Nicodemus and the Woman at the well is the the same today. He is seeking the lost. II Peter 3.9 He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

God the Father sent His son because of His love for the lost world. He gave Jesus to die so that whoever calls on the name of the LORD will be saved. In this day of grace the invitation goes out to everyone.

We need to remember this. We need to keep it before us as His people.


2. Jesus Christ is the same in His Great Love for the church.

He loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Ephesians 5.25 He is called the bridegroom and we are His bride.

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15.13

The actions of the past are still the passions of Christ today. He is the same- He loves us and gave us the LORD's Supper to remember Him and His great love by. We do this in remembrance of what He did for us. He died in our place. It reminds us- brings to our remembrance the full extent of his love. His death on the cross was the single greatest act of love mankind has ever or will ever know.

He has given us gifts- wonderful gifts- the gifts of the Holy Spirit. As we use them we and others are built up in the faith. I think of the gift of the the word of wisdom. I have a friend with that. When he shares that it is such a blessing. He has put some wonderful idea in my heart and when I have acted according to them blessings abound. The LORD Jesus is at work among His people today.

Romans 8.35-39

His love is higher than the heavens reaching to the sky. He loves us more than we can imagine.

Now that He has gone back into the heavens, and is seated at the right hand of God, He intercedes for us. He prays for us. He is with us!

3. His Resources are the same.
Glorious riches (Philippians 4.19) Abundance of things belonging to God- brightness and splendor.

Many of these resources are intangible. He gives us grace. He shows us mercy. His peace keeps us in the midst of the storm. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. His power sustains us.

He is with us.

He works in us and through us.

He teaches us. He is the Master Teacher.

He never fails.

Jesus Christ is the same= Jesus Christ is Himself
Today= what has happened today. What has happened today has no bearing on the Person of Jesus Christ. He stands firm. We may stress out while the waves are pouring in over the boat but Jesus does not. He is in the Master of the Storms! Whatever we are facing today, whatever today may bring (and we do not know what a day may bring forth!) we know that He is the same!


4. He is faithful to all His Promises
He will take care of you. He has told us not to worry about life. He is the Great Shepherd of the Sheep (Hebrews 13)

He wants to take your cares upon Himself. (I Peter 5.7)

He will be with you. He is here now and will be with us right up to the very end of the age!

He will come again and take you to home to heaven. He is coming soon.


Jesus Christ is unchangeable. This helps me. In a world that is defined by change, in a time when things are daily changing, He is Changeless.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Take the experiences of the yesterdays with Him and apply them to today and the rest of your days here on earth and to your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Spiritual Misconceptions

Genesis 42.1-38

v.36 Everything is against me!

Back in the 1980's James Dobson wrote a book entitled, Emotions: Can You Trust Them? His conclusion was, "No." A recent book written by another author, chronicles the way people think in the 21st Century. He tells us how court cases are won, not on the basis of factual evidence, but rather on which attorney can present the most emotional appeal to the jury. This is probably the reason Judge Judy is so popular today- she represents the old way of thinking.

Sometimes the appraisal of a situation we find ourselves in can lead to some incorrect conclusions. Jacob was in the midst of a huge misconception when he uttered those words, "Everything is against me!" He was very down. He didn't realize that wonderful things were about to happen in his life.

Several examples of this are in God's Word. One stands out:

II Kings 6.8-17 v.15 "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" The servant of Elisha misconceived the predicament. As we Jacob it was quite opposite of what his mind and heart were telling him.

1. Things looked bleak for Joseph's brothers. vs.1-25

vs.21-23

They were conscious of their guilt. They may have sat down and ate lunch afterwards (when they threw him into the pit v37.25) but they never forgot now over 20 years later how their brother pleaded with them.

They thought they were going to get rid of him, instead the memory of him and that day haunted them. They couldn't get away from it. No doubt probably every time their father Jacob would say something about Joseph's "death", their eyes would meet and the guilt would piled up.

v.22 Reuben wasn't helping their guilt.

v.23 There were many things they didn't realize:

*That this was Joseph standing there before them

*That he understood their words and their thinking

*That he wasn't going to harm them, rather he was going to help them

*That he forgave them.

Guilt has a way of casting a shadow on everything but Jesus came to deliver us from it.

2. Things "looked" worse for Jacob. -v.36

He certainly wasn't using the language of faith, but grief and pain can sometimes make us feel like this.

The outlook was very dark. Many times we are not able to detect God's Sovereign Hand. We search for it. Remember Spurgeon's words: "When we cannot trace His Hand we can trust His Heart." Jacob wasn't doing that. He was very down.

This can and does happen to God's people:

Elijah I Kings 19.4 I have had enough, LORD. Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.

Paul, the apostle II Corinthians 1.9 "... in our hearts we felt the sentence of death..."

By the way Neither one of these men died at that point! Their feelings were one thing but God has the final word.

Jacob, Paul, you and I...

3. All Things were not against him; rather all things work together for good for those who love the LORD. Romans 8.28

"In all things God works for the good of those who love Him."

Therefore:

*It is not wise to measure the facts of any hour by the limit of our own vision.

*Even what seems to be a nightmare, God can bring good out for us.

*A whole family can be in dire straits and in distress and the LORD can do things- amazing things for them 45.25-28 Joseph is still alive!

*God's workings in this family were astounding. They thought the worst, God had the best waiting for them.

*God was in the process of using Joseph to save the world from starvation. Jacob thought his son was dead. He was being used by the LORD to give life to the world.

God is working in you today! He is working through your influence, through your prayers, through seeds you planted years ago. You may not be able to see it but His Word supersedes our perceptions. Trust in Him with all your heart!

Doing Right and Suffering For It

Genesis 39.1-23

The issue of human pain and suffering is such a difficult one to face in life. As we see with Job, would be comforters and counselors and advice givers and philosophers abound when a soul suffers.

Suffering in the life of the believer is addressed throughout the scriptures. Abel was murdered his brother Cain because of jealousy. Adam and Eve certainly suffered over this tragedy for years.

Suffering for doing what is right, making the right choice or decision as Joseph did, then being persecuted doesn't seem right. This is why we often edit it out of our thinking the possibility (until it happens to us).

Jesus told us we would suffer for righteousness sake. Matthew 5.10 He even pronounced a blessing on it! We are on to something here... just think of what suffering has done for your prayer life, your ability to have compassion, your inner being.

We know of Jeremiah, Daniel, Jesus and the apostles, who all went through this. The Bible and Church History would confirm that sometimes God's people suffer for doing right. Even in some situations as Joseph, he suffered as a direct result of doing what was right.

We are following our LORD and Master, in His Steps, He who suffered the greatest for doing what was right, the Righteous One, Jesus Christ.

1. Joseph was a Stellar Employee vs.2-6a
He prospered. - v.2
Joseph worked hard. He had integrity and honesty.

The LORD gave him success in everything he did. -v.3
God was working through Joseph and was the blessing the work of his hands.

His master, Potiphar, benefited because Joseph's real Master was God.

Employers should benefit from our employ. Neighbors should benefit by having us next door or across the street. Waitresses should be glad to get our table. Follow in Joseph's example.

2. Joseph refused a momentary pleasure and saw it as a great wickedness.
vs. 6b-20
See things as Joseph saw them.

When faced with temptation- How can I a child of God do such a great wickedness and sin against God?! He has taken care of me. He has blessed me.

Think of the people depending on you- those who trust you, those who believe in you and your faith.

If you are in a situation where the temptation is so strong- do what Joseph did- flee! Don't however look for the world to applaud your efforts- rather remember:

3. Joseph was lied about and put into prison for doing what was right. vs.13-23

Today around the world there are people in prison because of Christ and the Gospel.

Mai, a Chinese Christian, in the Flushing Nazarene Church, was imprisoned in mainland China for the Gospel.

In all these things Joseph saw to it that he was faithful to God and himself. Although concerned about his plight he didn't let that effect his performance as a worked or a person.

I Peter 3.14 If you should suffer for what is right you are blessed.
Philippians 3.10 The fellowship of sharing in His sufferings.
I Peter 4.9 Those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.