Pastor Lawrence (2nd service live)
Sermon proper
"Friend of sinners" was meant to be a derogatory term but turned into the most beautiful term of our Saviour ever
God will never turn His back on you, no matter who u are
How to deal with trials & tribulations of our life even after we're saved / What to do when we don't end up living the perfect life after being saved?
1 Sam 30:1-19
Context = David came back from battle & realised he lost everything dear to him. Family, possessions, friends, friends' family etc. & his men wanted to kill him too. To the extent no more tears to weep.
Strength doesn't come from within - you can't make yourself become strong by will / desire
Strength also doesn't come from without - spouse & friends are great help but you can't draw from them forever bcos they will also wear out
1 Sam 15:29
Strength is a person = Jesus
But we need to know & acknowledge first that we're weak
God gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength (Isaiah 40:29)
God can give power and strength can be increased BUT the prerequisite is ...
(1) to realise that you're weak, AND
(2) to turn to Him for His strength. Depend on Him. (David turned to God)
How did David turn to God? By crying out to God. Immerse yourself in worship towards God.
How do we cry out to God? Just cry! "Jesus help me!"
You may not even have to use ur voice.
He hears our every cry, even those in our heart. (Ps 18:6, Ps 34:15 & 17, Ps 116:1)
When u don't know the way - Jesus says "I am the way" (John 14:6)
When u're confused - Jesus says "I am the truth" (John 14:6)
When things seems hopeless - Jesus says "I am the resurrection & the life" (John 11:25)
There's a difference. Resurrection = brought back to life; The life = the zoe life
Sometimes we believe doctors or the reports of men (e.g. school report, exam results, performance review, what others thing of you etc)
Switch to the channel of God's word & find out what God's report / will for you is!
How? The way Jesus responded in each situation is the way the Father would respond / the Father's will.
Anyone who has seen Jesus has seen the Father (John 14:9)
Jesus healed all who came to Him = it's God's will for us to be healthy & not sick
Jesus came that we may have life abundantly (John 10:10) = it's God's will for us to be blessed, to reign in life & be free from all troubles
1 Sam 30
V6 strengthened by crying out to God
V7,8 after you've received strength, now you're ready for action
but don't assume on the strength now given to you. Always ask God to guide you what to do next
V15,16 your enemies maybe rejoicing over u now, but hey! know that this will only be for a short while. the tables are going to be turned!
V18,19 David recovered all. Nothing was missing.
Prov 6:30-31
The law of restoration = if a thief is caught, he must pay 7 times even if it costs him everything
I.e. it's much better for the enemy if he didn't steal from you in the first place
God is your restoration
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Me: V31 "when he is found" Not "whenever he steals"
So, you have to know that you've been stolen from first!
How to know? When our life isn't according to God's will for us. (What's God's will for us? See above)
E.g. when you're not walking in total health, or total victory over life = you've been stolen from. & now that you've recognised it, you've caught the thief and he has to pay back 7 times!
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Ps 23
V4 though I walk though the valley …, You are with me. Jesus is with me!
Start = "He" = the Lord in 3rd person
End = "You" = the Lord in 2nd person
In your darkest moments, you will experience God in the most intimate way
Jesus is a rose of sharon, lily of the valleys (Song of Sol 2)
Jesus is the beauty in the midst of the chaos / lowest area
Heb 13:5 I will never leave u nor forsake u
I am the Bright & morning star (Rev 22:16) bcos it's only seen in the darkest time
His Grace is always sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor 12:9)
Tell your mountain how big your God is (don't tell God how big your mountain is)
Line up your speech with God's word!
We are more than conquerors through Christ who loved us (Romans 8:37)
Call unto Me and I will answer you and I will show u great and mighty things which you do not know (Jer 33:3)
What if you're in a mess bcos of your own sins & failures / your own making?
God is a God of second chances, grace & mercy. Look at Samson!
There's no sin God cannot forgive. But open your heart to His grace & love for you.
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