SAYING WHAT GOD SAYS

1 Kings 22:14 (NLT) 14 But Micaiah replied, "As surely as the LORD lives, I will say only what the LORD tells me to say."

Words mean something.  They are not just noise in the air but they convey a message - both good and bad. Words have been a great blessing to me and they have also have brought great distraught and discouragement.  Words are important - especially words of truth.

Today we want to learn from one man in the Bible, an OT prophet Micaiah. If you want an example your children can follow, here it is - in 1 Kings 22.

He lived in the days of wicked King Ahab of Israel. The King wanted to pick a war with his neighbouring country Aram (Syria), claiming that one of the cities in their land belong to Israel - Ramoth Gilead. King Ahab asked his friend King Jehoshaphat (Judah) for help and he was given this advice: "First seek the counsel of the Lord." (v.5)

So King Ahab brought together his prophets - 400 of them... "Shall I go to war against Aram or should I not?" The false prophets did not really consult God... They just wanted their own ways and to please the king. "Go," the answered, "for the Lord will give it into the king’s hand." (v.6)

Ahab’s friend Jehoshaphat must have been a little skeptical about 400 prophets all agreeing so completely on something. So he asked Ahab, "Is there not a prophet of the Lord here whom we can inquire of?" (v.7)

Ahab said there was - Micaiah, the no. 401 prophet - but said, "I hate him because he never said anything good about me, but always bad." (v.8)

You see, truth is not always nice, but it’s the truth. Eph 4:15 "Instead, speaking the truth in love..." 

The Lord loves those who are truthful - Psalm 15:1-3 1 LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? 2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart 3 and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellow man...

So they decided to send for Micaiah. A messenger was asked to fetch Micaiah. And he said to him (v.13), "Look, as one man the other prophets are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably."

Micaiah said, "As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him ONLY what the Lord tells me." (v.14)

He was not afraid of anybody. He was not afraid of the consequences. In fact, he was only afraid of God - he HONORS God - He would only say what God wants him to say.

Micaiah proceeded to tell the 2 kings that God had decreed disaster upon them. (v.23)  As a result King Ahab died in the war.  He tried to disguise himself but he was killed by a random arrow.

We cannot run away from the truth.

Num 32:23 says when you sin against God, "... you may be sure that your sin will find you out."

It’s better to tell the truth that hurts - but bring good, bring healing and blessing, than to tell a lie that feel good but then kills you.

An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭5-6‬ NLT)

Micaiah was hated for telling the truth, because it wasn’t good news to Ahab.

It’s better to be unpopular for telling the truth, than to be loved for telling a lie. We must not tell a lie to gain acceptance. You may gain man’s favor but incurs God’s wrath.

It pays to know the truth and live by it. Truth brings blessings...

Telling the truth is not easy for us, but God demands that we do that. The 9th Commandment tells us not to lie. Exo 20:16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour. 

A minister told his congregation, "Next week I plan to preach about the sin of lying. To help you understand my sermon, I want you all to read Mark 17." 

The following Sunday, as he prepared to deliver his sermon, the minister asked for a show of hands. He wanted to know how many had read Mark 17. Every hand went up.

The minister smiled and said, "Mark has only 16 chapters. I will now proceed with my sermon on the sin of lying."

Your words do mean something - especially the truth spoken in love. We live in perilous times where truth is being compromised and people are wanting us to agree with them about their sin.

No, I can't do that.  I must say what God has to say. I must speak truth.  Yes, it is hard at times but as John 8:32 says, "The truth will set you free."  If you say what God says - it is truth.  Nothing else matters.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” Then Elijah shouted, “Hurry to Ahab and tell him, ‘Climb into your chariot and go back home. If you don’t hurry, the rain will stop you!’” (‭1 Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭44‬ NLT)

One of my most favorite places in Israel is that of Mount Carmel - the place where Elijah prayed fire down from heaven.  The view over the Jezreel Valley is breathtaking.

But more than that - it's the experience I sense as I stand in the place where Elijah had a showdown with the prophets of Baal. It was overwhelming.

Last year I was leading a tour through Israel.  When we got to Mount Carmel - something happened in me - something big.  The presence of God was so strong and real as I gathered my group to read the passage of scripture of Elijah calling fire down on the Altars of Baal.

Right next to our group was a large African contingency from Kenya who were singing (with their African beat) Ron Kanoly''s song "More Power." 

Between the reading of the word and listening to these people cry out to God for more power - tears started to flow down my face wanting that same power in my life.

It was a surreal, unforgettable experience.

Elijah, after calling fire down from heaven, turned to his servant and said...

Then Elijah said to Ahab, “Go get something to eat and drink, for I hear a mighty rainstorm coming!” (‭1 Kings‬ ‭18‬:‭41‬ NLT)

While the servant is gone Elijah climbs to the top of Mount Carmel and begins to pray with his face between his knees.

When his servant returns he sends him toward the sea (which was a difficult hike in itself) to look for the coming promise of rain.

Each time the servant returned - he said he saw nothing.  Finally, after the 7th time he states -  “I saw a little cloud about the size of a man’s hand rising from the sea.” 

That little cloud about the size of a man's hand became the beginning of a huge rainfall and blessing to the people of Israel.

My question to you right now is this - "What do you see?"  Do you only see what the servant saw - more drought, more heat, and more misery?  Or, do you see that God is up to something - even if only looks small like the size of a man's hand.

When you first look at this passage you may think, ‘There’s not much here.’ But look closer. Elijah was a man just like us. Yet he became man of prayer. 

Elijah was fearful, sinful, weak, busy, distracted, just like you and I. But his prayers were heard. Elijah became convinced that God had heard and would answer his prayers. His prayers were means by which God would unleash supernatural power and accomplish things. Does that sound attractive?

There are two passages that are often misused about prayer. Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart." Another is Matthew 18:19 "If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven." 

The sense of these verses is not that we are telling God what He should do. Nor is it that we agree with someone else about what we want God to do. Rather, it is that He has communicated to us through prayer what His will is. 

As Elijah prayed for rain and continued seven times until it came, it wasn’t that God had to send rain because Elijah wouldn’t shut up about it. As Elijah prayed he became more and more sure that God was telling him He was going to keep his promise at that time. 

Get it? Prayer isn’t lining up all people/ prayers to twist God’s arm to conform to your will. Prayer is the means by which we seek and ascertain His will. 

It is the means of releasing what God already planned to do and has in store for you. And it is rejoicing in his promise to be faithful, a time when He lays things on your heart that are near to His heart. 

This weekend our church is on a 3 day fast.  We are seeking God's power and His presence.  We are hungry for more of God.  Perhaps you don't see anything right now but keep praying and keep looking for even the smallest evidence that God's power and blessing is coming your way.

For me, I see a cloud only the size of God's hand right now but that is enough.  It is a sign that more is to come as we keep praying.

May God richly pour out His blessings and power over you in this season of life you find yourself right now.

PERMISSION TO CRY

Psalm 30:5 (NLT) Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

I come from the emotional side of my family where tears easily flow.  My grandfather would cry for everyone and everything.  He really cared about people. In jest, we always said that he could cry just by reading the label on a Peanut Butter jar.

Tears have always been part of my life.  God wired my heart to be sensitive to those around me and their needs.  My heart breaks over the hurting and broken and the injustices of life. Tears flow easily.  I could be doing a funeral for someone I don't really know and could up crying with the family.

It's not something I'm ashamed of and I don't feel any less of man because I cry.

Tears are the waters that cleanse, clear and refresh your soul’s path. It’s important in life. It’s part of the healing process in life. Old hurts, resentments, pain, and anger must be flushed out if we are to move toward health.

Our internal world affects us physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. As a result, tears can flow as a release for the pain we feel....

Tears are the lubricant of the eye. With every blink the eyelids sweep across the surface of the eyeball carrying away dust and harmful particles while evenly spreading the tears.

Tears contain lysozime, one of the most effective antibacterial/antiviral agents ever known. Those who have ever had eye infections know how important this is to comfort as well as eyesight.

Onions cause our eyes to tear up to neutralize the sulphuric acid in them which could cause severe damage.

Scientists have also discovered many benefits of crying.  Studies prove that tears shed by emotion remove harmful toxins from the body which are not affected by tears from an onion, for example.

Crying lowers the level of manganese in the body, a mineral which affects mood.  Crying also releases endorphins which lower stress levels and improve mood.

Crying is also effective communication, provoking sympathy from others in times of stress and sorrow.

All air-breathing animals produce tears but only humans can cry.

Crying is a good and positive thing and a healthy person’s response to emotional pain as well as a necessary part of the grieving process of life.

Your body detoxifies itself when you cry.  When you experience deep emotions - it can produce endorphins to actually relieve the pain we’re suffering.

I still, upon remembering a certain event or situation in my past, can have tears that come to the surface.

We think that something is wrong with us when we cry – we want to stop it  – cut it off – get over it – move on with life – etc.  When we do that, we are asking ourselves to not be human.  Crying as a response to sadness is actually a gift that we have because it is almost exclusively a human trait.

Crying helps us express the pain and what we don’t express, we will repress.  That repression may delay healing and interfere with adaptation of the loss, meaning making and continuing the bond with our loved ones who have died.

Crying also signals empathetic responses in others which can enable us to receive connection and comfort.  It is a way of asking for love and support without words.

Granted, whether alone or in the presence of a safe and trusted person, it is no picnic.  It hurts.  It’s messy.  It reveals our vulnerability.  For many of us, being that raw and vulnerable can be very difficult and can feel out of control, intimidating, uncomfortable and/or foreign.

Paradoxically, I see crying as a signal of strength.  I don’t like it either, but I get through it with the knowledge that on the other side is healing and growth.  For me, it is a small price to pay for love.

There are some cultures that look down on person who is crying.  Their response is that we need to stuff it down and move on.  That only delays the healing for further down the road.

I'm giving you permission to cry, to let it all out.  God loves you so much and he will make sure that you will get to the other side of that deep pain in your life.

Someday God will...

Revelation 21:4 (NLT) 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever."

WHEN YOU WANT TO CALL IT QUITS

Have you ever wanted to call it quits? We all have- every single one of us has gone through a time when giving up seemed like the best, more promising option.

It happens when the press of people's opinions suffocates our lives or when the crushing demand of other's expectations squelches our spirits.

Couple those with our own sense of inadequacy and it all comes spiraling down... and the words "I quit" seem to be the natural next step.

But that's not true!

Jesus shows up

When you're ready to call it quits, Jesus shows up.  Mark my words; He shows up!

Your eyes may not recognize Him at first, but He's there.  If you'll listen, His voice will cut through the fog, but you'll have to incline your ear to His voice.

Now... you could easily ignore His voice; you can even deny His voice.  But when you're lost, He'll show you the way out... if you'll follow.

When you're ready to call it quits, Jesus will speak to you.  Or more accurately, He'll speak to the spirit of defeat you've allowed to take residence within you.

"Simon Peter said to them, "I'm going back fishing...that night they caught nothing.  But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the shore, yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus." (John 20:3ff para)

When Peter realized that indeed it was Jesus - he jumped out of the boat, swam to the Lord, and finding the Lord sitting at a fire with some fish, sat and stared.

The Lord asked him again, "Peter, what have I called you to do?"

Jesus asked Peter the same question He had asked the first time He came across Peter and his empty nets. And there they sat, on the same sandy shore, after three dynamic years of world-changing ministry.

Yet, Jesus had to ask the same hard question.

And in doing so, Jesus restored Peter to his original call. This will be the very first step to take when you want to call it quits:

Return to Your Original Call

Go back to your original call.  When Peter was ready to call it quits, Jesus called to him a second time from the lakeside. He reminded Peter of the first call.

"'Do not fear, from now on, you will be catching men.' And when they brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him." (Luke 5:10)

As soon as Peter met Jesus, he was given his call: to become a fisher of men.  No, it wasn't going to be easy, but was clear.

Sometimes, God has to bring us back to our original call by cutting everything else out.  Sometimes, you don't realize that Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.

And if we refuse to realize that, He lovingly cuts everything out in order to correct us back to that assurance.

God will always provide all the grace you will need for the assignment He has called you to do.  When we move outside of God's grace, we choose to move toward discouragement, bitterness, and depression.  When you're ready to call it quits, that's a warning light that you've been adrift.

Run to the Lord

Run toward God, not away from Him.  It's a natural tendency for us to run away when we've sold out and find ourselves at the end of a bad decision and its terrible consequences.

When you're ready to call it quits, you will not know what to do, so don't try to figure it out.  You may not be in the position to hear, but you are in a position to heal.  But first, you must do one thing: cry out to God; let it all go, give it over to God.

The first step in overcoming an impossible situation when you want to call it quits is to return to your original call.  The second step is to run to the Lord.  And finally, Jesus said, "Now, move forward in faith."

Move Forward In Faith

"Master, we worked hard all night, but at your bidding we will let down the nets." (Luke 5:5)

"At your bidding" -  these words prove that Peter didn't want to do it.  He didn't feel like doing it because he didn't have the energy left to do it.

There are going to be times when you don't feel like doing something but because God asks you to, you do.

Sometimes, we need to revisit things that came up empty the first time.  The Lord will turn you back and say, "Yes, it came up empty but, if you'll do this at My bidding and not because you're expecting results, then you'll find the catch."  And when you revisit it with this pure motivation, you'll indeed find the catch.

There are times in our lives when, like Peter, we want to call it quits.  That's okay if you're quitting those things God wants to deliver you from.  But to call it quits for the others reasons - to look good or to be in control - may not be God's best for your life.

My encouragement to you is to relinquish your life with reckless abandonment and entrust your future to Jesus.  Don't call it quits and don't try to do it on your own.  Simply surrender to Him; when you want to call it quits, discover the life saving power of Jesus.

Original Sermon by Wayne Cadeiro

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

In public, my dad was one of the great pastors of his generation. He served as a pastor and speaker for over 60 years with my mom in four locations. They traveled to many countries to preach the gospel and he mentored many young leaders who continue to be in ministry today.

In private, he was the same man who lived his Christianity at home as well.  He had 3 kids (all who are in ministry today) and had 10 grandkids.  There are currently 16 great grand kids.

Some things about my dad:

1. He loved camping and fishing.  

Don't tell mom but he was known to come and pick me up at school and take me fishing because the fish were biting right then.  He loved the outdoors, whether it be camping or hiking or hunting.

2. He was a Bible man.

My dad was wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus. He dedicated his life to reading God's Word.  His Bible was tattered and used.  He knew the Word backwards and forwards.  In the waning part of his life I would often go into his office at his home and see the Bible open as his head bent forward taking a little nap.

3. He was a man of prayer.

It was not often that we didn't see him on his knees when we woke up in the morning in prayer.

Before he died he kept reading Philip Yancey's book on prayers.  I asked him how many times he had read it and he told me 13x's.  I asked him why so many and his answer was classic, "Because soon I will be going to heaven and I want to know my Savior better."

4. He was a man of faith.

He didn't have much growing up in the way of material things but he had a faith that could move mountains when there was a need.  People naturally followed behind him as presented vision for them to follow.

5. He loved my mom.

It was obvious.  Always.  I don't ever remember them screaming at one another or throwing each other out of the house.  They married for life and gave us a good example to follow.

6. He cheered me on.

He was always my biggest cheerleaders in life - cheering me on even when I couldn't see what was ahead of me. During his retiring years he sat on the front row at every service praying for me and encouraging me to push on. 

7. I had to learn to share him with others.

This wasn't a negative thing then nor is it now.  Many people called him dad because he was in the truest sense their dad also.  I have many brothers and sisters in life.

8.  He was funny.

Some of my gut wrenching fun times were with my dad.  He loved to tell a joke (even if he got it all messed up).  He loved practical jokes and he loved life.

9. He taught me the love of ministry.

When I was around 5 years old he bought me a little suit that I wore on Sundays because I wanted to be just like him.  As hard as ministry is at times - it has been the most rewarding of all the things I do.  My dad taught me to love people because God loves people.

10. He loved us when it wasn’t easy.

My brother and myself weren't always perfect.  We made life a little hard at times.  Yet, my dad and mom continued to love us even when we were being less than our best.  As preachers kids we lived our life in a fish bowl (which wasn't always easy).  My dad always made sure we knew that we were always loved.

11. He told me ministry isn’t everything.

Pastors often consume their lives with ministry and often forget their children.  My dad often told us to have a life outside of ministry.  One of his last words to us was "I wish I had gone to Disneyland more often."

A few years ago it became obvious that my dad's health was waning.  As family gathered around and said their goodbyes - it was one of the most powerful moving experiences of my life.  He was going in and out and telling us visions of heaven.  He made sure he had meaningful conversation with each of us.  We laughed.  We cried.  We shared.  

Eventually he breathed his last breath on earth and peacefully entered into heavens gates.

I know that I'm the man I am right now because of this man who loved me, my sister Carol and my brother Robert unconditionally.  I know for myself (and I speak for them) that we were the most blessed of all because we had him as our dad.  I look back with very fond memories and hope that I can attain to be that type of dad and grandpa to my own family.

Happy Father's Day!

BEING CONTENT WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

Ecclesiastes 6:9 (NLT) 9 Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don't have.

It seems that more and more people are frustrated and upset about life than ever before. People are craving for things they don't need and they are not happy about what God has already given them.  

This is especially true about relationships. Husbands and wives are not happy or satisfied with one another and make each other's lives absolutely miserable.  They don't like the lives they currently have and they for sure won't be happy if anything changes because they are miserable and angry inside.

Jeremiah Burroughs defines Christian contentment in this manner. Christian contentment is that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God's wise and fatherly disposal (loving control) in every condition. 

Contentment is the most powerful proof of living the Christian life.  It is recognizing the sovereignty of God over all people and situations.  The people and circumstances that I live with are by God's perfect design.  Either I am to be a blessing to them or they will be to me.

You might be wondering about that cantankerous person or that terrible situation that you are dealing with.  Could it be that God placed you there to be a testimony of God's grace.  Could it be that God wants to use you to minister to the ugliness of their life and to pray for them or for that situation?

The proof that your Christian confession is genuine will be found in a life of contentment. A Life of contentment, as you live it before your children and before the world and before your friends, is the strongest witness you could ever give of your confession. 

Your reaction to how much you are paid; your reaction to your house and the things in it; your reaction to your looks; how you react to setbacks and disappointments - this is the confession that you make before the world. Contentment seals our confession. 

Contentment is seen in our life when, at all times, it becomes obvious to others that we believe we are in the hands of God. In a life of contentment we are showing that we believe the power and the grace of God. 

Contentment, therefore, is to say with the apostle Paul in Philippians 4: "I have all and am full." It is expressed in the words of Asaph in Psalm 73:25, "Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee." I have no more desires on earth if I have Thee. "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want"( Ps. 23). I do not lack. The Lord is my portion, saith my spirit ( Ps. 119). It is to be truly happy, to be truly content in belonging to the God who is God. 
        
Do you possess the grace of Christian contentment, of peace and a satisfaction in your soul? Do you believe that God will meet all your needs and has met your great need in Christ, and that the heavenly Father works all things for your good? Do you believe that? 

Or do you live a life of discontentment? Is that simply your confession of mouth, but it is different with respect to your feelings about your house, your car, your job, your pay, your weight, your looks, your children, your clothes, that you have no children, that you are dissatisfied with your wife or husband, that you are dissatisfied with a single life or married life, or with the church or with the elders, or with fellow believers or with yourself? Are you content in the grace of God? 

The word contentment is a very beautiful word in the Scriptures. If depression may be said to be the life in darkness, contentment is the life in the sunshine of God's countenance. Contentment beautifies the Christian life. The word means "to be sufficient, to be enough, to be full." God Himself is the complete and sufficient One. He is full. Contentment, therefore, involves God. Contentment can be found only when the God of the Bible is our God by His grace. 
        
So we read in the Scriptures, Philippians 4:11, where the apostle says to his beloved Philippians, "Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." 

Again we read, in I Timothy 6:6-8, "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." 
                
Contentment gives us peace and strength and an eagerness and readiness to serve. It is an inner calm with the grace of God so that we become a devoted worker. We become energetic unto every good work. The contented person is the person who has a stick-to-itiveness. He sticks to it. He believes that God is with him. And he is content to persevere in obedience. 
        
I love what Isaiah 26:3 says, "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee." 

I pray for you to become a very contented person in Christ today.  I know it might be rough and perhaps circumstances are not to your liking but find yourself in Him - in His presence!  Rest in His arms that He's got this and you can trust Him to bring better days ahead.

WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR BURDENS

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭2-5‬ NLT)

We all have burdens. Some have a physical handicap, chronic sickness, or some abnormality you cannot change. Some have spiritual burdens. It may be that the enemy has struck your life and the surge of sin has soaked your soul, and now you are suffering spiritual consequences.  Some have emotional burdens like depression or anxiety, a heartache over some loss, or a financial reversal. We all have problems and cares, and they weigh down upon us like a burden on the back.

Pastor Jerry Shirley answers the question “What do I do with my burdens?”  He basically says, 
Some burdens are meant to be SHARED, some burdens are meant to be SHOULDERED, and some burdens are meant to be SHED.

1. Some Burdens Are Meant To Be Shared [by others]

V. 2 tells us to share each other's burdens.

What are we to share?

•Faults and failures of others - v.1.

Rather than pointing our fingers at  those who stumble we should be encouraging and strengthening one another when it comes to faults and failures.

V. 2 tells us that we need to share one another's burdens.  The only thing which will keep us from doing that is to think that you yourself are above ever needing this help. 

There are people like that…they feel they are God’s gift to the church and to humanity, and actually feel good about themselves when others fall…which is self-righteousness, or “value by comparison.” This is self-deception. We all need each other at times.

•Sorrow and grief

At any given time at NLC we have someone under a heavy load of grief. We have many great services but always there’s someone present going thru an awful time.

Be kind to everyone for everyone has sorrow of some kind. Tragedy, sorrow, disappointment, depression, and grief will eventually visit the house of every person. 

Some are to be shared by others, but…

2. Some Burdens Are Meant To Be Shouldered [alone]

For we are each responsible for our own conduct. (‭Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭5‬ NLT)

There are some burdens which no one else can help you with.

Examples of burdens to be shouldered:

•Consequences of personal sin

We live in a day and time in which people want to sin and ignore the consequences. [avoid them]  We’re in a mess today as we don’t take personal responsibility for the choices that we make! We like to play the blame game…and we’re world-famous for passing the buck. 

When will we grow up and rise up and fess up and say, I’m responsible?!

We can choose to sin, but we cannot choose the consequences!

v. 7-8    We have a free will, and so does God when He reads our meter!

•Judgment

This is serious. 

And just as each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment, (‭Hebrews‬ ‭9‬:‭27‬ NLT)

Everyone here will someday stand before God…alone! I cannot stand with you and no one with me. Your parents won’t be beside you or your attorney. We will all have to give an account of your life.

3. Some Burdens Are Meant To Be Shed

Give your burdens to the LORD, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall. (‭Psalms‬ ‭55‬:‭22‬ NLT)

Jesus is our great burden bearer. Sometimes we cling to a burden and try to carry it ourselves. We can be deceived into thinking God wants us to carry something by ourselves as if we are somehow serving God by doing so…but some burdens He wants to carry for us, if we’ll let Him.

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28-30‬ NLT)

When it’s more than you can bear and you don’t think you can take another step, you can lay it on Jesus. 

For some reason sometimes, we feel like we can make it ourselves. But there are times when we need to let go and let God!

One of these two things will happen when we cast our burden on the Lord:

•The Lord will lift the burden

I’ve seen people have a health need, and they pray, and it goes away.Financial need…and God provides the money. It’s always great when that’s how it happens. But that’s not always how 
God works…

Sometimes the Lord doesn’t lift the burden…sometimes...

•The Lord will lift you 

The Apostle Paul is an example of this. 3 times He asked God to lift a burden he was carrying. 

We preach about it and say that God’s answer was “no”, but I’ll give you grace. But really, 3 times God said yes…I’ll lift that burden, and you too!

Some of you are getting bitter toward God because you’ve asked Him to lift your burden and it doesn’t seem that He has…but please realize it may be His will to lift you up, and carry you and that burden through it all. But when we throw a perpetual pity party we don’t allow Him to carry us or the burden either!

“He will take care of you!”

Some of you today are carrying a burden the Lord never intended you to carry…but you seem to insist!

Remember the song... “I must tell Jesus, all of my trials."

Come to Him today and cast your burden on His shoulders and allow Him to take charge of your burdens.

GOD WILL RESTORE WHAT WAS TAKEN FROM YOU

Isaiah 6O:1-7 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the LORD rises to shine on you. Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the LORD rises and appears over you. All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance. “Look and see, for everyone is coming home! Your sons are coming from distant lands; your little daughters will be carried home. Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, for merchants from around the world will come to you. They will bring you the wealth of many lands. Vast caravans of camels will converge on you, the camels of Midian and Ephah. The people of Sheba will bring gold and frankincense and will come worshiping the LORD. The flocks of Kedar will be given to you, and the rams of Nebaioth will be brought for my altars. I will accept their offerings, and I will make my Temple glorious. (‭Isaiah 60:1-7 NLT)

It seems that I've been doing a lot of counseling lately with people who have experienced great losses in their lives - health, financial, relationships, etc.  Often, upon sustaining these losses - there is no possibility in this lifetime that we will ever be able to see a restoration of those things.

But that's not how the scriptures deal with loss.  Over and over God promises to bring restoration back into our lives - even it because of our own doing that brought the loss.

Look at how Websters Dictionary defines restore – 1) To bring back to a former state; return to a former position; 2) To heal, cure; 3) renew or reestablish after an interruption; 4) To return something lost or taken to the original owner.

Five Hebrew Words On Restore

1- Hebrew - “SHUWB” – “To turn back”

Not necessarily to the starting point.  It has the idea of repentance.  It is the 12th most used verb in the Old Testament.

Notice what David says in Psalm 51:12... Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. (NLT)

Psa 23:3  He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake. (NKJ)

David uses the illustration of a sheep that has turned over on his back and can't get back up.  the shepherd comes and lifts him up and puts him on his feet.

There are many others in the Bible who blew it - yet God brought restoration to them... 1- Peter who denied Christ 3x's. 2- Israel's sin at Ai - Joshua 7 3- Ninevah 4- and many others.

2- Hebrew - “ALLAH” – “bring you up” (as in the restoration of health and hurts)

Jer 30:17  For I will restore health to you And heal you of your wounds,' says the LORD, 'Because they called you an outcast (NKJ)

Mat 12:13  Then He said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." And he stretched it out, and it was restored as whole as the other. (NKJ)

3- Hebrew - “SHALAM” – “to restore as in a covenant/ complete/ sound/ be whole”

  Joel 2:25  "So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, The crawling locust, The consuming locust, And the chewing locust, My great army which I sent among you.

What has been ripped off in your life?  God says that I will restore it back to you.

Look at Job 42:10-17 – Notice how God brought restoration back to Job.  Look also at the story of the widow oil in 2 Kings 4:1-7.

4-  Hebrew “Chayah” – “to revive, keep alive; quicken”

2 Kings 8:5-6 And Gehazi was telling the king about the time Elisha had brought a boy back to life. At that very moment, the mother of the boy walked in to make her appeal to the king about her house and land. “Look, my lord the king!” Gehazi exclaimed. “Here is the woman now, and this is her son—the very one Elisha brought back to life!” “Is this true?” the king asked her. And she told him the story. So he directed one of his officials to see that everything she had lost was restored to her, including the value of any crops that had been harvested during her absence. 

5- God Wants You To Learn To Restore

Hebrew - “Shuwb” - Isa 58:12  Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings. (NKJ)

Greek “Katartizo” – “repair/ mend/ join together”

Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (NKJ)

If you are in a season of loss right now - believe God that He is the God of restoration.  His words are sure and proved.  Stay in God's Word, continue to pray and don't forget to give God your tithe.

May God fully restore everything and more to your life as you believe in Him to bring it about for a great victory.

THE LESSON OF THE BUTTERFLY

John 16:33 (NLT) 33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

Have you ever wondered why we have so many struggles.  It seems that they come one after another, layer after layer.

But here’s the truth – God has allowed those struggles to come your way for a purpose.  It’s not that He’s trying to punish us but its more like he’s trying to shape us and move us forward into greater growth with Him.  He wants our spiritual walk to go much deeper in the things of the Lord.

In other words, He loves you too much to leave you where you are.

When I was young I lived in a paradise for a boy.  We lived in Fillmore California which is a semi rural area which had mountains to hike in and creeks to swim in. During the summer we would leave the house and play all day long until we were required to be home by 5:00 PM so we could eat dinner together.

But it was also a butterfly haven.  During the spring time butterflies would come out in abundance and we would construct our little butterfly nets and catch butterflies by the dozens.

Often we would catch  catepillars and placed them into jars only to see them die.  We learned later on that we had to put holes in the lid so they would have air and leaves in the jar so they would eat and eventually turn into a cocoon.

One day, after noticing a hole in one of one of the cocoons I noticed that the butterfly was struggling to get its body through the little hole. After awhile it seemed to stop making any progress. It appeared as if it had gotten as far as it could and it could go no further.

So I did what any boy would do – I tried to help it.  I took some scissors and snipped off the remaining bit of the cocoon.The butterfly then emerged easily. But it had a swollen body and small, shriveled wings. 

I expected that after time, the wings would open up and expand to support the body and it would begin to fly. I was really proud of the fact that I helped this butterfly out.

Well, it didn’t fly, nor did it ever. In fact, the butterfly spent the rest of its life crawling around with a swollen body and shriveled wings. 

In my supposed kindness and haste – I did not understand was that the restricting cocoon and the struggle required for the butterfly to get through the tiny opening was God's way of forcing fluid from the body of the butterfly into its wings so that it would be ready for flight once it achieved its freedom

Sometimes struggles are exactly what we need in our life. If God allowed us to go through our life without any obstacles, it would cripple us. We would not be as strong as what we could have been. We could never fly.

Look at this prayer and see if it makes any sense...

I asked for Strength......... And God gave me Difficulties to make me strong.
I asked for Wisdom.............And God gave me Problems to solve.
I asked for Prosperity......... And God gave me Brain and Brawn to work.
I asked for Courage............And God gave me Danger to overcome.
I asked for Love.................. And God gave me Troubled people to help.
I asked for Favors................And God gave me Opportunities.
I received nothing I wanted... And I received everything I needed.

Perhaps your struggles are there for a reason.  Perhaps God has created a trial just for you that is in essence making you stronger and stronger.  Yes, it would be easier if someone just opened up your cocoon so you could escape but it wouldn’t be the best thing for.  Trust God in this season of life and allow the lesson of the butterfly to remind you that your are right where God wants you.

THE VALUE OF A GOOD NAME

Proverbs 22:1 (NLT) 1 Choose a good reputation over great riches; being held in high esteem is better than silver or gold.

I was brought up and taught that your reputation and your name means everything.  Your word is your bond and your promises are sacred.

When you have a good name, you have something of real value.

I like what that Japanese proverb teaches us – “Life is for one generation. A good name is forever.”

Shakespeare said, "Othello" - "Who steals my purse steals trash; ’tis something, nothing; ’Twas mine, ’tis his, and has been slave to thousands; But he that filches from me my good name robs me of that which not enriches him, and makes me poor indeed."

The reason that’s so true is because a good name has real value. We can be sure of that because that’s what God tells us about it.

Ecclesiastes 7:1 (NLT) 1 A good reputation is more valuable than costly perfume. And the day you die is better than the day you are born.

Having a good name is worth some effort, and worth preserving. 

It’s interesting that Proverbs tells us that a person of integrity will be guided in life.

Proverbs 11:3 (NKJV) 3 The integrity of the upright will guide them, But the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them.

How does a person’s integrity “guide” him? When you have a good name, when it matters to you, you have a backup warning system to help you stay away from bad choices. If losing your good name is part of the cost of doing something, you have a reason to rethink it. 

Add that to the list of questions you ask yourself: “How will this affect my good name?” “How will being seen in this place, being around this wrong crowd, wearing this, drinking this, smoking this, saying this – how will it affect my good name?” And suddenly it your good name can be a guide to help you make good choices.

I think there’s a similar meaning in Proverbs 13:6…

Proverbs 13:6 (NLT) 6 Godliness guards the path of the blameless, but the evil are misled by sin.

A good name also provides protection.

How many times have people reached a conclusion just based on someone’s reputation – either good or bad? Whether that’s fair or not, we all tend to do it. 

What if you heard a rumor that I had lost my temper at a ball game, cussed out the referee, and beat up a man in the crowd? What would you say? 

I hope you would say, “I don’t expect that’s true. He’s not that kind of person! I wouldn’t expect him to act that way!”

If you have a good name, it tends to protect you when you’re not there to protect yourself – because you create good expectations about yourself.

Proverbs 10:9 (NLT) 9 People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall.

Another thing about a good name is this – it gives you favor with other people.

In the Bible, Ruth had been a woman of good character. She went through horrible loss and chose the road less traveled. What happens when someone shows outstanding character in hard times? Word gets around. She gets a good name. She set her sights on a good man named Boaz, and when it came time to ask his help, she was in good hands:

Ruth 3:11 (NLT) 11 Now don't worry about a thing, my daughter. I will do what is necessary, for everyone in town knows you are a virtuous woman.

Ruth had a good name, and it helped change her sad situation into a secure life. 

The Apostle Paul needed a faithful traveling companion.

Acts 16:2 (NLT) 2 Timothy was well thought of by the believers in Lystra and Iconium,Timothy had a good name among the people of that area. 

The result was that Paul valued Timothy and made him his close companion.

People with good names are also blessed by God.  Look at the story of Job…

As the book of Job opens up, part of what we learn about Job is that he had a good name. He was a good man, and God had blessed him. In fact, God points it out to the devil, even after Satan had been allowed to attack him:
Job 2:3b

Job 2:3 (NLT) 3 Then the LORD asked Satan, "Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless--a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause."

The year was 1865. John Wilkes Booth shot President Lincoln in the head and jumped from the balcony. As he jumped, his boot caught in bunting around the booth, and he landed wrong, breaking his leg. Booth escaped, and he sought help with his leg from a doctor named Samuel Alexander Mudd. He set Booth’s leg. Later, when he was questioned, Mudd claimed he didn’t recognize Booth – that he didn’t really know him. A military court found otherwise. He was found guilty as an accessory after the fact in the assassination and was sentenced to life in a federal prison.

But that’s not the end of the story. While he was in prison, Mudd saved the lives of many prisoners and guards during a yellow fever epidemic. In 1869 he was even pardoned by President Andrew Johnson. But today, if you’re going to be in real trouble, if you’re future is looking bad, your name is ____ (mud.) A bad name can be a hard thing to shake.

May I encourage you to think twice about your actions and think about the value of your name to yourself, God and to other people around you.  You name has great value today!

OVERCOMING ANGER

Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling. (‭Proverbs‬ ‭20‬:‭3‬ NLT)

I used to have a temper and I used to be angry all the time. It got me in a lot of trouble and caused some very uneasy and uncomfortable conversations with people. I didn't even realize that it was so bad until a trusted friend once said to me, "You're a very angry person."

I didn't want to be that way.  I really didn't.  I wanted to be known as a loving person - filled with God's love.  I went to God and prayed and I cried out to Him because I desperately wanted to change.

I can't say that it happened overnight but I can say that over time, and through continued prayers, God took my anger completely away from me. Now, on the other side, I still get ruffled every once in a while but I can honestly say that the love of God has filled my heart and that the anger is gone.

Just open the newspaper or watch the news and notice how angry people are right now.  Cities are racially inflamed and people are doing heinous crimes because their anger is so high.

As I studied the Bible this week about the subject of anger, I discovered that there are Four Types Of Anger dealt with in the Bible.

Let's look at each of those different types of anger

I. Sudden Anger Is To Be Controlled

Proverbs 14:17 says, "A quick-tempered man does foolish things." 

If we have a short fuse, we’re going to do a lot of foolish things. When we lose our temper we’ll say things we know we shouldn’t have said, and do things that we’re going to be sorry for later on.

Proverbs 15:18 says, "A hot tempered man stirs up dissension." 

That simply means that if you have a short fuse, if you’re always losing your temper, if you’re walking around with a chip on your shoulder, if you’re just looking for somebody to say something that will irritate you, then you’re going to leave a trail of hurt feelings & unhappiness behind you.

Will Rogers said, "Whenever you fly into a rage, you seldom make a safe landing." And he is right.

2. Sinful Anger Is To Be Condemned 

Not all anger is sinful, but some anger is. So let me give you some tests this morning to help you determine whether your anger is sinful or not.

Romans 12:19 Paul says, "Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: `It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord."

1. Is it anger directed towards a person? 
2. Is it anger without a justifiable cause?
3. Is it anger that seeks vengeance? 
4. Is it anger that has an unforgiving spirit?

If any of the answers to those questions is "yes," then our anger is a sinful anger. And the Bible says that it is to be condemned.

3. Stubborn Anger Is To Be Conquered

Ephesians 4:26 - "Be ye angry, and sin not. Let not the sun go down on your wrath." And the next verse says, "And do not give the devil a foothold." 

Some of you carry your anger for days.  You must conquer that anger and it must be controlled.

4. Sanctified Anger Must Be Channeled In The Right Direction For God.

Remember, Ephesians 4:26 says, "Be ye angry. . ." It is okay to be angry, but do not sin. 

There are many injustices in the world - we need to be angry at that.  Channel your in the right direction for God. 

Notice these two verses in closing:

What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you? You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure. (‭James‬ ‭4‬:‭1-3‬ NLT)

“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. (‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭27‬ NLT)

May God give you much grace and heal your anger as you read this today.