Enabled and Empowered to Face 2023 Confidently
1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. --- Ps 121:1-2
Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. --- Ps 125:1
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear. --- Ps 46:1-2a
Scripture: Isa 9:6
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. --- Isa 9:6
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God will continue to be our ...
I. WONDERFUL COUNSELOR
- The Source of guidance, direction, wisdom, and purpose
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me... 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. --- Ps 23:1-4, 6
- Everything about Him is Wonderful.
He is OMNISCIENT - the all-knowing God.
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II. MIGHTY GOD
- The Source of power, strength, hope, protection.
Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. --- Ps 24:8
He is OMNIPOTENT - the all-powerful God.
Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you. --- 2 Chr 20:12
Good Counsel without Great Power to make it happen is useless, pointless, and futile.
Great Power without Good Counsel is abusive, offensive, and manipulative.
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III. EVERLASTING FATHER
- The Source of love, care, help, support, provision, joy, encouragement, affirmation, assurance
- Everlasting – forever, perpetual, with no beginning and ending
God Is Infinite – He is Self-Existing, Without Origin
God Is Immutable – He Never Changes
God Is Omnipresent – He Is Always Everywhere
God Is Merciful – He is Infinitely, Unchangeably Compassionate and Kind
As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. --- Ps 103:13
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IV. PRINCE OF PEACE
- The Source of peace, calmness, comfort, clarity, certainty, security, serenity
- Jesus gives us peace and reconcile us with God through the cross – Eph. 2:13-18
- He gives us peace within ourselves when we lean on Him and trust Him – Isaiah 26:3-4; Prov.3:5-6
3 You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. 4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal. --- Is 26:3-4
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. --- Php 4:6-7
I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.--- Ps 16:8
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Difficult and disturbing times will come but we can remain firm, solid, steady, steadfast and secure in our faith because we know Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace is with us.
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear. --- Ps 46:1-2a
Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. --- Ps 9:10
I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. --- Ps 130:5
Surrender your life to Him and allow Him to:
- Lead and guide you as the Wonderful Counsellor
- Empower and use you as the Mighty God
- Support and encourage you as the Everlasting Father
- Calm and comfort you as the Prince of Peace
Remember: With God on your side, you will be victorious.
You are ENABLED to BE what He wants you to be and EMPOWERED to DO what He wants you to do. Amen.