Pressed But Not Crushed (2)
Notes
Transcript
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
Think Truth
Think Truth
We need to align thinking with Christ’s
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
Many times our ability to get through hard times, starts with our thinking. We can fail before we start if we think we will. It is easy to believe the lies the world tells us. We can be like Jesus and combat those lies with the truth of Scripture.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Truth - We are empowered by the Holy Spirit!
We do not have to “pull ourselves up by our boot straps”. We have the Helper himself living within us!
You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
The power of the Holy spirit within us is greater than we realize.
And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
possibly eliminate this verse?
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Truth - Jesus, Emmanuel is with us!
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Power and presence paired together make a formidable force!
Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Think Truth
Think Truth
We need to align our thinking with Christ’s. We can take control of our thinking by meditating on God’s truth!
Use scripture to remind yourself of God’s truth! (psalm 28:7)
Practice Thankfulness
Practice Thankfulness
Thankfulness is a practice encouraged and commanded all through scripture.
It is the key to contentment, the antidote to consumerism, the opposite of complaining and the antonym to entitlement.
It is such a simple practice that we can overlook its power.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Praise the Lord.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.
Practice Thankfulness
Practice Thankfulness
When we regularly practice thankfulness they become like stones of remembrance. Story of the Israelites crossing the Jordan River (Joshua 4:8)
We can collect small stones of remembrance by having a daily practice of thanksgiving and they add up! Together, over the days, months and years, they remind us of God’s faithfulness and give us confidence to walk forward in hard times.
Shine Through
Shine Through
We need to remember our purpose. We are made to bring glory to God! We are equipped to expand his kingdom! We are to share the good news of Jesus! We have a purpose here on earth and it isn’t going to wait until we are through our hard time!
Sometimes we get to thinking that we ought not experience hardship and we want to hunker down and wait out the storm. We think that we have a right to happiness and ease.
But that isn’t the case. Take if from Jesus:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Trouble is a part of life that is here to stay. Hard times are part of life. 2020 has a challenging year. But we have to stop putting our hope in 2021. It will be hard too. 2021 will bring its own version of hard times.
But we were meant to shine during hard times!
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
We have work to do. The world is out there is living in darkness. We have the light of Christ. They cannot wait until we are through our hard time for us to share it with them.
The goal is not just to get through, it is to shine through.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Do not lose heart, my friends!
Think Truth - we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, accompanied by Jesus Emmanuel and the Joy of the Lord is our Strength
Practice Thanksgiving - in all circumstances as it leads us to the throne of God and reminds us of God’s faithfulness.
Shine Through - today is the day to live for Jesus and to share is love! Let us be faithful today and not wait!