Recognizing God through the Clutter of Life

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Topic # 271 (God)

Introduction:

A.     Hosea 11:1-4

1.      God has always pursued a loving relationship with man.

2.      It can be experienced today in the Christian life.

3.      God desires a real, meaningful & deep relationship w/you – so much that He gave His Son to die on the cross.

B.     How do we view God?

1.      Some emphasize God only from the angle of His punishment for wrongdoing.

2.      We err when we view Him from only this angle.

3.      While God is a just God, He is also a loving God.

4.      We need to view God as our Father – someone who wants our success, only the best for us, and someone who loves us more than we can possibly imagine.

5.      2 Cor. 6:16, 18; Psalm 139:1-10

a)     Look at what this Psalm says about God’s knowledge & His actions toward us.

b)     He knows about the most insignificant of our actions.

c)      Intimately acquainted w/our ways.

d)     Wants to lead & direct our lives.

C.    Even with these verses, there are a number of times in our lives that God seems far away.

1.      So many feel detached from God.  Is He really there?

2.      Life is filled w/all sorts of activities – at times God seems so far away.

3.      But yet, the story of the Bible is God’s desire to be with people.

 

I.  God is our Father.

A.     Psalm 145:17-19

1.      Focus on 145:18.  He is near. No farther away than a prayer.

2.      He will protect us & deliver us from trials we confront.

a)     Sometimes the things that confront us are inexplicable.

b)     God…why is this happening to me? How could you let this happen?

c)      Remember…Satan & sin are to blame – not God.

d)     Whatever the trial, we must find a way to turn it into a way to glorify God & strengthen our faith.

B.     Psalm 46:1-3 – God is our refuge. He is our strength.  W/o Him – we would not make it.

C.    Psalm 32:7-8 – God is there. This is a promise of watchful care.

1.      God’s word is not impersonal.

2.      Rather…it is the loving words of a caring God.

D.    Psalm 103:8-14

1.      God forgives us of our sins.

2.      He understands who we are and what we’re made of.

3.      His loving-kindness is great toward those who fear Him.

E.     Js. 1:17 – God is there & every good thing given is from Him.

1.      Mt. 7:7-11 – God is our Father & will supply us w/our needs.

2.      He only wants the best from us.

 

II. God is With Us.

A.     Joshua 1:1-9

1.      Look at the monumental task Joshua faced.

a)     Called upon to be the leader of this people & lead tem to victory in Canaan.

b)     How would you have felt had you been in Joshua’s shoes?

2.      What was God’s promise?

a)     1:5, 9

3.      What was Joshua’s responsibility?

a)     1:6-8

b)     be strong & courageous

c)      obey God’s law

d)     meditate on God’s law

4.      God assured him that He was with him wherever he went.

5.      Overwhelming assignment – but God’s words here would have made a tremendous impact on any feelings of insecurity Joshua may have had.

B.     Acts 18:5-11

1.      Paul preaching in Corinth. Meting significant resistance from Jewish teachers.

a)     Would have physically hurt & killed Paul if they could have.

2.      18:9-10 – what does God tell Paul?

3.      When we face uncertainty – we can have reassurance from God to press on.

a)     Found through pages of His word.

b)     Found through the comfort of prayer.

 

III. What about the times we are convinced God is nowhere around?

A.     2 Kings 6:8-18

1.      King of Aram attempts to take Elisha by force.

2.      6:14 – sends an army to take Elisha.

a)     Elisha’s servant is overwhelmed.  What shall we do?

b)     6:16-18

c)      He learned that God was closer than he thought.

3.      What does this teach us?  Where are we looking?

4.      The servant could only see the attack, the problem.

a)     could not see the victory

b)     Failed to realize that a greater power was on his side.

c)      The one fighting for him was mightier than the one fighting against him.

5.      Romans 8:34-39; 2 Cor 4:18

6.      Spiritual eyes do not only see what is, but what can be done through the power of God.

B.     Deliverance here came through prayer.

1.      Prayer moves the mighty hand of God.

2.      God has always specialized in deliverance.

a)     Hebrews from Egyptian bondage

b)     Daniel from the lions den

c)      David from Goliath

d)     Peter/John from prison

e)     Paul from the angry mob.

C.    The next time your heart is filled w/fear, God seems so far away, look up & see the chariots of fire.

1.      Every time we are challenged/hindered – we are surrounded by His power/protection!

 

IV. A Look at Jesus.

A.     Jesus life gives us the best possible example of a life lived in the presence of God.

1.      God’s presence impacted His thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

2.      John 5:17, 19-20, 30

a)     Everything Jesus did was a result of God’s power.

b)     How receptive are we to let God work through us?

c)      Jesus was committed t doing God’s work on earth.

1)     How strong is our commitment to do God’s work on earth?

B.     How might your life be different if you truly believe God is closer than you think? Would it be seen in:

1.      How you view yourself?

2.      Your thoughts?

3.      Your relationships?

4.      Your actions?

5.      Your hopes?

6.      Your fears?

 

Conclusion:

A.     Numbers 6:24-25

B.     God’s face is turned toward us.

C.    He desires a real, meaningful relationship with you.

D.    Can you see Him through the clutter of life?

E.     Do you need to respond to Him?

F.     I N V I T A T I O N