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The events of this past year have filled the hearts of many people around the world with fear. Some Christians feel ashamed that their faith has wavered during these difficult times. But in the Bible we see another group of people who were wrestling with doubts and fear, and we see the extraordinary grace that Jesus extended to them. If you’re struggling today, you need to come and receive the grace that Jesus longs to give to you.
David started out as a great king. He led the people with kindness and discernment, and he put all of his trust in the Lord. But none of that lasted. Like all of us, David was unable to live up the perfect Law of God, and his kingship was eventually tarnished by sin. Thankfully his sin did not mark the end of his legacy, because David threw himself on the mercy of God and he was forgiven. Where do you turn when you fall?
We live in a world where leaders fail us on a regular basis. Pastors fall, elected officials betray us, and our heroes let us down. Even the greatest leaders at their very best are flawed. There is only One in whom we can totally place our trust. His kingdom will never fall and He will reign in truth and justice forever. If you put your faith in any earthly leader, you will be disappointed. Put your hope in Jesus. He will never fail you!
All of us will leave a legacy behind that will continue to live on after we are gone, and that legacy will either glorify God or it will glorify Satan. The choices we’re making today — our plans, our pursuits and our passions — are already shaping that legacy. Are we living each day with the big picture in mind to ensure that God will be honored through our life, and that He will continue to be honored even after we die?
On our list of priorities, plans and life’s goals, how high have we placed “bringing honor and glory to God?” Is that even on our list? Is it something we ever think about? At critical times throughout history there have been moments when God searched for just one person who would stand up for Him. Sometimes He found that person. Sometimes He did not. Are you committed to standing alone for God, if necessary, and using your life to bring Him glory?
Have you ever met someone for the first time and then discovered later that you had unfairly misjudged them based solely on what you saw? We tend to judge people by what we see on the outside, but God warns us that this is wrong. What matters most to God is on the inside, because who we really are flows out of the condition of our heart. So, are we more concerned with how we look on the outside than how we look on the inside?
King Saul had it all. He was tall, handsome, popular and powerful. But while he may have looked like the perfect king on the outside, everyone soon discovered that he had no substance on the inside. His pride and lack of self-discipline caused him to ignore God’s commands and follow his own desires. Sadly, this became his downfall and led him to a life of rebellion and destruction. He should serve as a warning to all of us about the danger of disregarding God’s Word and going our own way.
Did you ever demand to get your own way, even against the advice of others, only to end up suffering the consequences of that poor decision later on? Sometimes we do the same thing with God. Instead of following His Word, we demand to go our own way, which always ultimately leads to trouble and heartache. Today’s message reveals what’s really driving us to act like that, and helps us learn how to avoid the mistake of exchanging God’s ways for our own.
A spare tire. An insurance policy. A fire extinguisher. These are things we keep around somewhere in case of an emergency. Usually they’re out of sight gathering dust because we never think about them until something goes wrong. Sadly, some people treat God this way. They have no time for Him, but the minute trouble comes, they run and grab God like He’s some kind of good luck charm, begging Him to fix their problems. If this has been your view of God, there is a much better relationship he desires to have with you!
One of the most disturbing verses in the Bible is: “The word of the Lord was rare in those days.” This was a period of history when God’s people had turned their back on Him, and God’s word was no longer heard. Because the people didn’t want to hear from God, they drifted in darkness for many years. Are you in a season of silence right now, wondering where God is? Has it felt like forever since the word of God has gripped your heart? Perhaps this message will be a timely encouragement to you today!
There are times in life when God allows us to go through seasons of barrenness. We feel emptied of the joy and hope we once knew. God uses these trials to test us and grow our faith, and if we will allow the hardships to make us better instead of bitter, God will bring us through to a place of blessedness once again, where we are much stronger than we were before.
For many people, Christmas is just another holiday. It has no more significance to them than New Year’s Day or Valentine’s Day. But the fact is, Christ’s coming into the world has eternal consequences for every one of us. Our sin had forever cut us off from God and put us under His wrath, and we had no way of rescuing ourselves. Christ came to save us from our sin and free us from the judgment of God, and that’s why we celebrate Christmas.
