A Life "Centered In Christ" | Learning To Wait On The Lord | Exodus 17:1-7

Intro

Our mission statement states that our purpose of being is "Centered In Christ." our goal is for everyone to be a CIC.

We recognize the Center from which all can experience the priceless value of God's peace. And so, this month(October), I want to use this opportunity to take us on a ride to examine ourselves by looking at the first church in the wilderness and to see if there are some lessons we can learn about ourselves, our relationship with God, and each other. What do we need to do to keep our focus on Christ?

“The Lord is in His Holy Temple; let all the earth be silent before Him” - Habakkuk 2:20

What does it mean to be Centered In Christ? A CIC?

Everyone’s life has a center. The center is the hub around which all decisions revolve. For some people, survival is the hub from morning until night. For others, wealth or material goods drives their daily choices and some being like and follow on social media (influencer) in the hub.

What’s driving your life? Do you have a balance life? by this I mean a life that’s heavily leaning on God? In many Western cultures, the center of life is pleasure-seeking, gained through entertainment.

WATER FROM THE ROCK

Let me give you a quick background of the church attitude and God’s grace on display:

-Chapter 15 the church complained, God healed bitter water to sweet. Chapter 16 the church complained about bread, God supply daily bread.

This morning, we can read this and say what a people, so quick to forget. How can they not remember the God of the previous two chapters? But let me asked you. Have you complained about the same things? two days ago? how about last week?

The people questioned God’s presence. “Is the Lord here with us or not?”- Exodus 17:7

We as a people also ask this same question. it may be with different wording or phrases: Eg: I don’t feel God’s presence. if God is with me why… I don’t know if God hears my prayer(s) etc etc.

A Life Centered In Christ

Let me share with you 4 things of a life of CIC:

# 1. A Christ-centered life is one that revolves around the character of God. Decisions are made from within that center, based upon that which pleases or displeases God. Luke 22:42

Character of God

God is unchanging - Malachi 3:6 Because I, the LORD, have not changed, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed

God is strong and mighty. Ps. 24:8 ( Who is the King of glory? Jehovah strong and mighty, Jehovah mighty in battle.)

God is omnipresent - always everywhere.-Ps.139:7-10 ( I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!)

Jeremiah 23:23–24

23 Am I a God who is only close at hand?” says the Lord. “No, I am far away at the same time. 24 Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord.

If we believe He is everywhere, than we know God sees everything. He knows what we need and if we know God is aware of our needs, our thirst our hunger, our sickness, our fears, then we MUST believe by faith we have EVERYTHING.

Nothing is too hard for God - Eph. 3:20 ( Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.)

Someone may say, I hear all of that. But pastor, what should I do when I am running out of strength (power). If you’re thirsty because things are not working as you thought.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”

Jesus Christ is the living water. Don't complain, but Comply through prayer and wait on the Lord..

LET US LEARNED TO WAIT ON GOD AND CENTERED IN CHRIST.