Trust God

 

Trust God

Steve W. Reeves

steve@wschurch.net

stevesermons.blogspopt.com 

INTRODUCTION:

A. A man was standing on the edge of a cliff looking over a deep valley below. Suddenly
     he lost his balance and fell over the cliff. As he fell he reached out and grabbed a tree
    branch jutting out over the precipice below. As he hung there he cried out, “Can
    anyone help me?” Suddenly he heard a voice saying, “I am God. I can help you but
    you must put your complete trust in Me.” The man quickly replied, “O Lord, I trust you.
    I really trust you. Help me.” God said, “Do you really trust me?” "I sure do,” said the
    man. God replied, “If you really trust me, let go.” The man thought for a moment and
    cried, “Is there anyone else who can help me?”
B. In your pocket or purse there is an inscription engraved on every piece of currency or
    coin you possess. The inscription, “In God We Trust” first appeared on our currency
    in 1956. I wonder, “Do we really trust in God?”
    1. Do we trust God when we are sick?  In recent weeks I have heard many
        government and medical leaders speak about the virus that is sweeping the world.
        I’ve listeneed to commentators and journalists, politicians and pundits. Not once
        have I heard any of our officials say, “We need to pray about this.”
    2. Do we trust God when we are out of work? Separated from family or friends? Do
        we trust God in times of loss or sorrow? 
C. Here is what Solomon with his God-given wisdom said. “Trust in the Lord with all
    your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. ⁶ In all your ways
    acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
    1. Why is it so difficult to trust God?
        a. We are too self-sufficient. We think we have everything figured out on our own.
            We rely on human wisdom and strength (See 1 Corinthtians 1 for Paul’s
            comparison of human wisdom with the foolishness of God).             .
        b. We rely on others. It is great to have family and friends to depend on but there
            are times in life when the best efforts of others cannot save us.  
    3. Trust is thwarted by worry, insecurity and fear.  There are certain
        things that cannot exist together. Trust and worry are two of them. This was the
       message of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:25-33).
    C. In 1 Samuel 30, Solomon’s father, David, had an experience that personifies
        the trust referred to in Proverbs 3:5-6.
        a. David had been forced to flee Israel because of the jealous rage of King Saul.
        b. For a period of time he lived among the Philistines, enemies of Israel
            and the people of Goliath whom David had killed. When the Philistine leaders
            learned that David and his men were among them they insisted that he leave.
        c. David and his 600 men returned to Ziklag where they had left their families. They
            had been away from home a long time. They were tired, dirty and hungry. What
            happened to them was a real test of trust.
    D. Notice four comparisons between Proverbs 3:5-6 and David’s personal
        experience.
 
I. TRUST IN THE LORD
    A. There are many venues that compete for our trust.
        1. Proverbs 3:7 –  “Do not be wise in your own eyes. Fear the Lord and depart    
            from evil.”
        2. Psalm 118:8 – “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”
        3. Psalm 146:3 – “Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no
            salvation.”
    B. Every person’s life has a defining moment. By this I mean a time of decision, crisis
        or conflict in which a person’s true allegiance is demonstrated.
        1. Notice verse 1of 1 Samuel 30. “Then it happened.” This was a pivotal moment.     
            All of us sooner or later can point to a “Then it happened” moment.
        2. A couple in Texas worked hard for years to build a successful ranch. During a
            fire storm they lost everything except their cattle. The man explained, “We knew
            that our faith would kick into action or we would deny everything we had ever
            believed.” They began to rebuild with trust in the Lord.
        3. Tim and Evelyn were a young couple in their thirties in a congregation where I
            preached. In the prime of life, she was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. As the
            months passed and her condition weakened there was no bitterness. We asked
            God to heal her but He had other plans. With grace and courage this couple
            trusted Him.
    C. Upon returning to Ziklag David and his men discovered that the city had been
        raided by the Amalekites who had burned it and taken the women and children into
        bondage. What a defining moment in their lives.
 
II. DO NOT LEAN ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.
    A. What did David and his men do?
        1. They wept bitterly until there was no more strength in them. Their initial
            impression was that their families had been killed. Remember, they did not have
            copies of the Bible to read.
        2. After the weeping the response of David and his men went in two opposite            
            directions.             
            a. David’s men became angry and began to question David’s leadership. Have
                you ever noticed how, in times of grief and discouragement, we often call
                our leaders into question? Some wanted to know why David had left the town
                without a guard. Some were so angry they were ready to stone David.
            b. What about David? Verse 6 says, “David sought strength in The Lord.” David
                trusted God. The others were leaning on their own understanding. David
                sought refuge, comfort and strength in God.
    B. In times of crisis our own understanding can lead us to do very harmful things.
        1. Like David’s men we might blame others.
        2. Some people become embittered against God. When I was a college student I
            went on a summer mission trip to London. One older woman scoffed at the
            gospel by saying God would not allow the pain she had witnessed during the
            Germain air assault on the city forty years earlier. 
        3. Many people begin grasping at the straws of their own understanding. This
            always comes up short.
 
III. ACKNOWLEDGE HIM IN ALL YOUR WAYS
    A. David sought strength in the Lord (verse 6).
        1. This was the crucial moment when everything David believed was on the line.
        2. The shepherd psalm, the experience with Goliath, the anointing by Samuel:
            David’s entire life had come to this moment. He sought strength in the Lord.
        2. There will come a time in your life when all of the landmarks that provide you
            with a sense of direction and stability will be ripped away. The only guidance you
            will have will not be from the landmarks of the world but from your inner
            compass – your spiritual compass. In which direction will it guide you?
    B. In David’s defining hour he acknowledged the Lord.
 
IV. HE WILL DIRECT YOUR PATHS
    A. I occasionally reflect on the experiences I have had in life and ministry. It is so
        evident to me that the times of my greatest productivity and peace of mind have
        been when I trusted God to direct my path. The times of greatest disappointment
        and anxiety are those in which I trusted my own judgment and merely invited God
        to come along for the  ride. This is what Jeremiah acknowledged in Jeremiah
        10:29, “It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.”  
    B. Some people have the erroneous idea that trusting God is burdensome and
        confining. To the contrary, it is the most liberating and freeing thing you will ever
        do. When you trust Him and acknowledge Him in all of your ways He will guide and
        lead you all of the days of your life.
 
 CONCLUSION:
A. Most of us have seen slalom skiing competitions as skiers hurtle down the slope of a
    mountain weaving in and out between the flags. Can you imagine a slalom skier who
    is blind? There actually are blind slalom skiers. They are paired with a sighted skier
    who skies alongside them yelling “right, left, right, left” all the way down the slope.
    The skier has to react with instant, precise, unhesitating obedience. Otherwise there
    is complete catastrophe. This is the type of unreserved, wholehearted trust God
    invites us to place in Him.  Such trust will never ddisappoint you.  
B. “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word. Just to rest upon His
    promise. Just to know, ‘thus saith the Lord.’ Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him. How I’ve
    proved him o’re and o’re. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus. Oh, for grace to trust him
    more.”
C. In whom do you trust?

When Life Slows Down

 

What Do You Do When Life Slows Down?

 

Steve W. Reeves

West Side Church of Chrrist, Searcy, Arkansas

 

For people who are used to running at break-neck speed, an unexpected event that forces us to slow down can be unnerving. The current outbreak of COVID 19 has forced schools to close, restaurants to offer “carry out” only, churches and civic gatherings to be suspended, concerts postponed and athletics to be canceled. Travel plans have been changed and shopping has become a challenge. To say tthat the normal schedule of life has been interrupted would be an understatement.

 
The way I see it, the current slowdown can be addressed in one of two ways. Some might choose to wring their hands in worry and lament lost productivity. They closely monitor the news to keep up with the latest numbers of virus cases and the fluctuations in the stock market. With each report they feel their grip on life slipping away.  Such constant worry is prime breeding ground for fear, anxiety and panic.
 
On the other hand we can use this time of slowing down in constructive ways. If you have school-aged children at home spend time with them. Discuss their on-line assignments and provide activities that will engage them physically, socially and spiritually. Mothers might use the occasion to teach their daughters a favorite recipe. Fathers might help their sons build a model car or airplane. Families can play “Uno,” or Bible trivia. Jigsaw puzzles can be spread across dining room tables. Above all there can be times spent reading and discussing God’s Word and praying for His protection and comfort.
 
The church, too,, has a tremendous opportunity. We often remind people that the church is “not a building.” Here is our chance to prove it! We can “be” the church by ministering to others. Call or text others in your spiritual family. Be sure to check on those who are elderly or alone. Deliver groceries or supplies to those who must stay at home. Send cards of encouragement.
 
In the mid 1800’s “Yellow fever” ravaged many parts of the south. In Nashville, Tennessee, the number of sick and dying multiplied each day to astonishing levels. A preacher named David Lipscomb used his team and wagon to deliver supplies and transport people, inclusing Catholic nuns, into the affected areas of the city. It’s no wonder that Lipscomb’s influence became so great that he is still listed as one of the greatest Tennesseans in history.
 

For most of us, Lord willing, this virus will pass without lasting consequences, School will resume and normal activities will slowly resume. Whenever that occurs may we look back on this time without regret, knowing that we used the occasion constructively to strengthen our relatitonships with our family, friends, church and God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Think On These Things 3-15

 

Think On These Things

Steve W. Reeves

steve@wschurch.net

stevesermons.blogspopt.com

 

INTRODUCTION:

A. Have you ever heard a song that you haven’t been able to get out of your mind?
    Perhaps it has played like a perpetual CD or audio file over and over in your mind for
    days or even weeks. You may have found yourself whistling it or singing it. Perhaps it
    was in your mind when you woke up or went to bed. Most of us have had such an
    experience.
    1. Our thoughts are much like that song. There are things we think about that become
        embedded in our consciousness. They are never far from our attention.
    2. They may be thoughts of worry, fear or dread. They may reflect the things we hear
        from the news media or things we have been told by our family or friends. They are
        like recordings that play over and over in our heads.
B. When Paul wrote to the Philippians he had such thoughts in mind. In Philippians 4:8
    he wrote, “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is
    right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any
    excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
   1. It is important to remember Paul’s circumstances when he wrote these words.
    2. He was in Rome under house arrest. A Roman guard was stationed with him at all
        times. He was not free to go about as he pleased. It was as if he was
        quarantined.
    3. In the midst of these difficult circumstances his heart was filled with joy. The
        words “joy” or “rejoice” occur 15 times in the letter. There are 104 verses in
           the four chapters of the letter. This is a ratio of one to seven. 
    4. Why was Paul’s heart filled with joy under such dire circumstances? It goes back to
        Philippians 4:8. These were the things with which he filled his mind.
C. Upon what thoughts does your mind dwell? Are they negative, worrisome, spiteful,
    envious or hateful? Are you consumed by thoughts that are immoral or hurtful?  In
    this verse we find eight qualities upon which our thoughts should be focused.     
 
I. TRUE
    A. This is a word that means genuine or authentic. It is not deceptive or phony.  
        1. Our adversary is a deceiver. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, Paul says that Satan
            disguised himself as an angel of light.”
        2. In John 8:44 Jesus said,  “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not
            stand in the truth because there is no truth in him.”
    B. Christians must be:
        1. Truth seekers – Jesus compared the truth of God’s kingdom to a man who found
            buried treasure in a field. He sold everything in order to buy the field (Matthew
            13:44). Jesus went on to say that the truth of God’s kingdom was like a man
             who found a beautiful pearl and sold everything in order to attain it (Matthew
            13:45). 
        2. Truth speakers – do you remember Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5? When
            asked by the apostles how much they had sold a piece of property for, by mutual
            agreement they lied. Both of them died. Can you imagine what would happen if
            such a thing occurred today?
       
II. HONORABLE
    A. This word means, “Having proper morals, manners and motives. It is the dignity of
        holiness. It is the opposite of being crude, course and cheap.
    B. If you do not focus on what is honorable. Your mind will be filled with that which is
        dishonorable. It’s like cultivating a garden. What do you have to do to have
        weeds in your garden? Nothing. If you do not fill your mind with honorable
        thoughts there are plenty of people and persuasions that will fill it for you.  
    C. Impure thoughts lead to impure acts. Honorable thoughts lead to honorable
        behavior. Paul instructed Timothy to be an example to others in love, conduct,
        speech, faith and purity (1 Timothy 5:12).
       
III. JUST
    A. This may also be translated “right.” This is a quality near to God’s heart. Micah
        asked, “With what shall I come before the Lord?” The answer in Micah 6:8 is, “He
        has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
        But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God.”
    B. Do not be thinking of how you can cheat others or take advantage of others. Do
        not be thinking of how you can cut corners to take advantage of someone else. Do
        the right thing.
    C. In the mid 1800’s a slave was given the opportunity to buy his freedom. With the
        signing of the Emancipation Proclamation all slaves in the south were given
        freedom. This man, however, said, “I made an agreement and will stick with it.”
        He felt it was the just or right thing to do. He honored his commitment.
 
IV. PURE
    A. We are to think of things that are uncontaminated by lust, immorality and evil.
        1. The battle for control of your mind is real.       
            a. Paul urged Romans to live by the spirit rather than the flesh (Romans 8:5).
            b. Later, he said, “do not be conformed to the world but be transformed by the
                renewal of your mind” (Romans 12:2).   
    B. Listen to these words from Psalm 19:8-10, “The law of the Lord is perfect,
         restoring the soul;  The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
            ⁸ The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the
         Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. ⁹ The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring
         forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether.
        ¹⁰ They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than
         honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.”

.  LOVELY

    A. This is the only occurrence of this word in the Bible.
    B. You are what you think (Proverbs 23:7). If you go through life thinking ugly
        thoughts you will be an ugly person. If you go through life thinking selfish thoughts
        you will be a selfish person. If, however, you think lovely, gracious thoughts.
        Thoughts that are generous and kind you will become that type of person.
    C. The characteristic of loveliness is attractive to others. Remember that you only live
        this life once. How do you want to be remembered? I hope people might remember
        me as a lovely person.
 
   VI. OF GOOD REPORT
    A. We should think of things that are worthy of good speaking. That’s what this word
        mean, “good speaking.”
    B. This means we give people benefit. Howard Norton was a missionary in Brazil for
        many years. He tells the story of how, on one occasion, he received word from
        the church in Brazil that a man named Howard Norton had been accused of
        committing a crime. Some people thought it was him. The brethren said, “No, it
        couldn’t be. We know him. We do not believe this.” It’s easy to believe everything
        we hear but not everything is of good report. Be careful what you think.  
 
VII. WORTHY OF EXCELLENCE
    A. One of my favorite descriptions of Jesus is found in Mark 7:37. While Jesus was
        traveling on the east side of the Sea of Galilee he passed through a region known
        as the Decapolis or “ten cities.” A man who was deaf was brought to Him. Jesus
        took the man aside, placed his fingers in his ears and healed him. When the
        people saw this they said, “He has done all things well.”  Jesus had a reputation for
        excellence.
    B. Christians should be known for seeking excellence in everything we do. On our
        jobs, in our families, in our worship, in our living.
        1. A lot of people have the mind-set of mediocrity. Many want to do just enough to
            “get by.”
        2. I want to do my best. I want to focus on things that are excellent!
 
VIII. WORTHY OF PRAISE
    A. I have noticed that we tend to focus on praise or problems.
        1. If you want to focus on problems you will certainly find them. One fellow gave his
            first speech. He heard that a speech should have an introduction, two points and
            a poem. He stood and said, “Today I want to speak about problems. Point 1 –
            You got ‘em. Point 2 – “I got ‘em. Point 3 – a poem, “Adam had ‘em.”
        2. If you spend your life focusing on problems instead of praise you will end up
            miserable and the people around you will be miserable as well.
    B. It’s a matter of focus. An older woman decided it was time to leave her home and
        move into a retirement center. On the way to her new home she said,
       “It is going to be wonderful. I can’t wait to meet new people. I can’t wait to talk to
        and make friends.” Someone said, “How do you know if you will like it. She
        replied, “I’ve made up my mind I’m going to like it.”
 
CONCLUSION:
A. The Hubble Space Telescope has been an amazing piece of technology. For over
    twenty-five years it has orbited the earth peering into the outer reaches of our Galaxy.
    The pictures it has taken are incredible and reveal God’s awesome power. 
    1. When it was first placed in orbit there was a huge disappointment. The primary
        mirror was incorrect and the images were blurred. Astronauts had to capture the
        telescope and refit it with corrective lenses so it could focus properly.
    2. God wants to fit you with corrective spiritual lenses so you can take your eyes off
        of this world with its trouble and focus on the things that are really important.
B. Jesus extends His invitation to you. He, alone, can change your heart and focus your
    thoughts on the things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good report,
    worthy of excellence and worthy of praise. Why not come to Him today?
 

Faith Tradition?

 

Faith Tradition?

 

Steve W. Reeves

West Side Church of Christ, Searcy, Arkansas

 

One of my favorite Broadway musicals is "Fiddler On The Roof." I love the story of Tevya, the Russian Jew who was forced to cope with the changing ttide of tradition that affected his livelihood, his community and his family. The play is a powerful reminder of how tradition shapes and influences all of us.

 

In recent years I have heard, with increasing frequency, the term, “faith tradition.” What does this mean? Does our relationship with God depend merely on tradition? Is one tradition as valid as another? Are we free to follow whatever tradition suits us or  switch to another tradition if we like it better? To base your eternal relationship with God on the shallowness of a “faith tradition” seems very dangerous to me.   

 

On one occasion Jesus was questioned by the religious leaders of his day. They wanted to know why his disciples broke the tradition of the elders by not washing their hands before eating bread (Matthew 15:1-2).  Jesus replied by asking them why they broke the commandment of God for the sake of their traditions. He explained, “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother is to be put to death.’ ⁵ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever I have that would help you has been given to God,” ⁶ he is not to honor his father or his mother.’ And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition” (Matthew 15:4-6). Jesus’ rebuke was clear.Their “faith tradition” was actuially responsible for violating a direct command of God.

Jesus confronted this error by saying, “You hypocrites, rightly did Isaiah prophesy of you: ⁸ ‘This people honors Me with their lips,
But their heart is far away from Me. ⁹ ‘But in vain do they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:7-9).

Paul’s admonition to Timothy should remind us that there is a foundation for faith that far surpasses the changing character of human tradition. “From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). 

I do not want my relationship with God to be based on a “faith tradition.” I want to study the sacred writings so that I might know with assurance how I should live, work, worship, love and serve my Lord.

 

- Steve W. Reeves

Appeasment With The World

Appeasement With The World

Steve W. Reeves

West Side Church of Chrrist, Searcy, Arkansas

steve@wschurch.net

In 1938 Europe stood on the brink of war. The resurgence of Germany under the leadership of Adolf Hitler had led to the annexation of Austria and the threat of war with Czechoslovakia. Such a move would have a dramatic effect on the entire continent.   In late November the British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlin traveeled to Germany for a face to face meeting with the German chancellor. During the summit Chamberlin made significant concessions to Hitler’s demands. On his return to Great Britain Chamberlin stated that his appeasement to Hitler was a “prelude for peace.” History, of course, reveals a very different story as the flames of war ingulfed the world.

 

I often wonder if Christians believe we can appease Satan by conforming with culture and accepting the changing moral standards of the world. When Jesus prayed for His disciples in John 17:14-16 He noted that they were “in the world but not of the world.” In verse 16 Jesus said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” Jesus understood that His followers were “in the world.” However, He expressly stated that they were not to be “of the world.” 

  
These words of Jesus made a strong imprssion on the apostle John. Later, in his first letter he would instruct his readers, “Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world” (1 John 1:15-17).  The aim of the Christian  (and of the church) should not be to see how much we can be like the world around us while still confessing faith in Christ but to recognize those qualities that are distinctive to our spiritual identity.
 

The story is told of a man crossing the Sahara desert with his camel. On a cold desert night the man was sleeping warmly in his tent when he felt something cold against his cheek. His camel had his nose in the tent. “It’s cold out here,” said the camel. “Please let me put my head in the tent to get warm.” The man agreed.. Later, he woke up with the camel’s front legs inside the tent. “I’m still cold,” the camel murmured., “Please let me keep my front quarters in the tent.” Again, the man agreed. Later, the man woke up shivering from the cold. He had been pushed out of the tent by the camel who was now bedded down inside it.  Such is usueally the case when Christians try to appease and adapt to the culture of the world.

  
Be wary of appeasing the world. The results may be far different than you expected,.

 

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