"Can I Get More of That?"
Notes
Transcript
Announcements:
1. After service this morning we will be putting together goodie bags to hand out on Tuesday. All who are able to stay afterwards to help are welcomed to do so and it would be much appreciated!
2. Friendsgiving dinner on Wednesday, November 15th at 6:30PM. We will be providing the meat and dessert. Everyone who is wanting to come is encouraged to bring a side or two to share with everyone.
Charity has some updates.
Introduction:
Think of your favorite dessert or food as a child. I remember the carrot jello salad my grandma would make and she would only make it when we came over for a visit. Or the preachers delight/Ambrosia (marshmallows, little oranges, celery, coconut, nuts, etc.) that my mom would make for family get-togethers.
What about now? What’s your favorite food? that big juicy steak? Your favorite pizza? a pint of your favorite ice cream all to yourself?
Whatever you fill in the blank, what would you say when you realized it disappeared faster than you wanted it to? And when you wanted more?
You would ask, “Can I Get More of That?”
In the midst of our world right now, it is clear that we are a people who need peace. Some examples of this are the:
Israel, Hamas war
House GOP in-fighting for a speaker while the Senate watches on (which ended after 3 weeks on Wednesday)
Investigations on anyone and everyone wherever you turn no matter what industry you are in
Threat of government shutdown
Waiting for the next pandemic to raise its head
Terrorist bombings
Mass shootings
School shootings
Kidnappings
The Union of Auto Workers (UAW) on strike which is causing the price of vehicles to go up (used and new) - after 6 weeks of striking they may have a deal to talk about as of yesterday
Not being able to pay bills
The list goes on and on
So, it is probably safe to say that we are a people who need peace no matter where we are in the world.
So, what kind of peace do people wish for?
World peace
Political peace
Financial peace
Relational peace
(With the holidays coming up) Even Black Friday peace from the crowds and chaos (lol)
But what is peace?
The mere absence of war is not peace.
John F. Kennedy
Dr. Warren Wiersbe says:
The Hebrew word for “peace” (shalom) means much more than a cessation of war. It includes blessings such as wholeness, health, quietness of the soul, preservation, and completion.”
Blessings for:
Health = so we can be productive
Quietness of the soul = inner peace; no worry/anxiety
Preservation = security; financial peace
Completeness = not starving or searching for but being at peace
This is what we could be in spite of our circumstances.
But often-times we allow the enemy to steal our peace by distracting us with our feelings, circumstances, other people, and even our own mindset. It shouldn’t be a surprise because God’s Word tells us that too!
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
So, how can I , and you, keep the devil from stealing our peace?
As we turn in our Bibles to Isaiah 26, it is important to know Isaiah is writing to the nation of Judah just before they go into captivity for 70 years in Babylon. The nation of Judah knew about: 1) the promise God made to Abraham, 2) the nation of Israel being a blessing to the whole world and 3) that the throne of David would lead the world to salvation. But, they grew weary of waiting for the promises of God to come about and, instead, started to align themselves with this world which included the fears this world had to offer as well. In other words, they were disobedient to the Lord and He was about to allow them to be taken into captivity.
But, the Lord spoke through the prophet Isaiah a comforting word to help them prepare for and endure the inevitable inescapable coming captivity.
What Isaiah had to remind the nation of Judah back then is still relevant to us today. No matter where you are or what may be holding you captive this morning from experiencing peace, this is for you and me.
Let’s read our passage for today in Isaiah 26:3-4:
3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
Transition: Our passage talks about “peace” which is why I titled my message this morning “Can I Get More of That?” Because who doesn’t want peace and more of it?! And as we can see, God wants to give us that peace that we so easily crave. We also see God has a part and we have a part in this “peace” process as well. Let’s dive in:
Body:
I. God’s Part
Isaiah 26:3a (ESV)
3 You keep him in perfect peace...
A. It is God’s job to daily provide you with a double portion of peace.
1. The word “keep” is written as not being done but being done continually (it is an on-going giving of peace so you never run out!)
2. The words “perfect peace” is actually translated as “shalom shalom” which literally reads “peace peace”
a. it’s a double portion of peace which means all you would need and then some!
b. The same can be true to what God did for us by sending Jesus to die for our sins because the price was paid and then some!
1 John 2:2 (ESV)
2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Propitiation means the debt has been satisfied and the person(s) involved has/have been appeased.
B. We can look everywhere we want to and to anyone we want to but we will not have the permanent, consistent, overflowing peace that only God can provide.
God is perfect at giving us what we need, when we need it and the right amount we need every single time! So, why look to anyone or anything else when God can give you the peace that you need?!
Transition: So, that’s it! We just ask God for His peace and viola! We have peace! Right? In the words of Lee Corso (former coach; on College Gameday), not so fast! We have a part as well and it is conditional if we do our part or not:
II. Our Part = to think (mind) on Him and to trust in Him
Isaiah 26:3b (ESV)
3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Let’s break this down…
A. To think on Him (“…whose mind is stayed on you…”)
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
1. Think on Him two ways:
a. desire the purposes of God in spite of the presence of trials (peace is not the absence of trials)
John 16:32–33 (ESV)
32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me.
33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
God’s purpose is greater than the trials and can be accomplished as a result of persevering through the trials.
How did Jesus do it (since He is our example)?
-He dwelt on the love of God (God loves me and sent His Son to die for me!)
9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
-He sought the will of God (not my will but yours be done) (It’s not about how I want things to be done or turn out.)
Mark 14:36 (ESV)
36 And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
-He lived for the glory of God (my soul is troubled) (My purpose is to bring glory and honor to God through everything I go through)
John 12:27–28 (ESV)
27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour.
28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
Think on God in two ways
a. desire the purposes of God in spite of the presence of trials (peace is not the absence of trials)
b. hunger for the Lord’s presence more than His provision (Ps. 131:2)
2 But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child is my soul within me.
There’s a difference between a newborn child who is constantly focused on what you can give them (food, diaper change, etc.) and an older child.
This Psalm is talking about being like a newborn child who isn’t in the stage of always focusing on what they can get but the older child who is more content with just being with their parent; in their presence. It brings security.
-Not only praying because you have a need
-Prayer should be a pattern rather than a panic button
-Enjoying the presence of the Lord
To think on Him is desiring the purposes of Jesus in spite of the trials and craving to be in the Lord’s presence above His provision. The second part we have to do is to:
B. To trust in Him (“…because he trusts in You.”)
1. we cannot trust in Him unless we humble ourself and not being wise in our own eyes
2. trusting in Him means we are placing all of our weight on Him
a.1 Peter 5:6-7 casting all cares on Him (after we humble ourselves bc we can’t handle it)
1 Peter 5:6–7 (ESV)
6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,
7 casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Two areas are affected when we trust in Him: relational and circumstantial
1. Relationships:
Pursue restoration/reconciliation more than personal revenge/manipulation/getting your way
16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.
17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
2. Circumstances:
Practice faith-based prayer in spite of what you’re seeing or feeling
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Everything = there is nothing too small that God is not aware of it, and nothing too large that he cannot handle it and He is concerned about it and can handle it!
Pray in the small things (green lights, close parking spot, etc.) as well as the big things!
Difficult circumstance?
The habit of prayer is good, but the spirit of prayer is better.
Charles Spurgeon
Prayer is talking to God which is good and can be a good habit and can be filled with a one way communication of personal requests etc.. But the spirit of prayer is to be immersed in the presence of God knowing you cannot make it without being in His presence and knowing Him more without the focus on trying to get what you want from Him.
Don’t press the panic button but pray in everything without anxiety, etc.
Story about Charles Finney:
There was drought in America many years ago, the churches agreed to pray that God may show mercy and send rain.
The meeting was set for 9.00am and the prayers will last for just 2 hours.
Charles Finney got there half past 8 with an umbrella, he started praying, when the other preachers and Christians saw him as they gathered to pray, they asked him, what will you be doing with this umbrella.
He replied, we have come here to pray for rain and it shall rain. They started laughing, mocking and looking at him as a fanatic.
They have not prayed for 10mins when the rain started, CHARLES FINNEY was the only one not beaten by the rain.
Praying while recognizing our need for Christ.
With Thanksgiving/ a grateful heart in the midst of the prayer and cannot be done if hitting prayer as a panic button.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The peace of God is greater than your need because it is a double portion!
Peace is not our responsibility but God’s.
So when we pray, we need to pray with faith:
James 1:5-8 – prayer with faith and not being tossed between anxiety and trust
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
And the last verse of todays passage tells us why we should trust the Lord:
Is 26:4 – trust in the Lord forever (He is an everlasting Rock!)
4 Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
He is a rock that will never waver but will keep you grounded, protected, and safe no matter what circumstances come and when we trust in our Everlasting Rock, it is easier to also keep our mind on Him as well!
Rock of Ages Hymn History
1 For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
Augustus Toplady was born in Farnham, England, in 1740. He was the son of Major Richard Toplady, who died in the service while his son was in infancy. Shortly after her husband’s death, his mother moved to Ireland with Augustus.
Lightning briefly illuminated the primitive, rock-hewn landscape of Burrington Combe in Somerset. It was followed by a deep growl of thunder. The rain lashed mercilessly down, pouring bubbling streamlets down the craggy sides of primeval cliffs, which rise up some 250 feet to the Mendip Heights on one side, and into Cheddar Gorge on the other.
Toplady was the pastor of Blagdon and had been traveling along the road near the cliffs when the storm struck. He dashed into a cave for shelter. He had been fortunate to find this hiding-place so quickly, and while waiting for the storm to pass he began to muse on the idea of the “rock of faith” being a shelter from the “storms of life”. The words for a hymn began to form in his mind but he had no paper in his pocket to write down the words. Looking down he saw some playing cards. He picked them up, and began to write on the back of them:
Rock of Ages
1. Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
Conclusion:
Questions to ponder:
Do you find yourself in a storm of circumstances this morning?
Financial storm? Bills not being able to be paid?
Relationship storm? You and your spouse aren’t getting along like you used to? Your family isn't talking anymore or not as close as you used to be? Personal issues are affecting the rest of the family?
Emotional storm? You feel like one minute you’re on top of the world and then next minute you're as low as low can be? You’re easily tossed by what life throws your way?
Spiritual storm? You think you aren’t a Christian because you keep fighting to do the right thing and you are tired? You are so worried about the Second Coming of Christ and either not making it or your loved ones not making it? You don’t think you are good enough for God?
Challenge:
It is time to keep our mind on Him: desire God’s purposes and not our own and to be in God’s presence and not on His provision
It’s time to put our trust in Him: in our relationships by not trying to get from others and in our circumstances that He is working in spite of what we see and feel
It’s time to anchor ourselves to the Everlasting Rock that will not move despite what life blows its way. It will not be shaken!
And it is important for us to remember our peace, true and everlasting peace, comes from God and God alone. He can give it to us.
Maybe it’s time to go to God and ask, “Can I Get More of That Peace, Please?” Let’s take some time to praise and worship the Lord. And if you need to refocus on getting your mind back on God and/or putting your trust in God alone, I invite you to use this time to do just that.
Worship:
Rest On Us
2. Here as in Heaven
3. Honey in the Rock
4. It Is Well
5. Let the Peace of God Reign
6. Peace Peace Wonderful Peace