Opening Remarks:
1. Anyone here today feel like things need to be repeated?
2. Psalm 136, - "For His loving kindness (goodness and mercy) is everlasting."
3. We need a constant reminder of God's love and presence.
I. When faced with a monumental task β Josh. 1
A. God's promise to Joshua, when he faced a epic task of leading
God's children - 1-4.
B. God reminder to Joshua (5).
1. Not the first-time young Joshua has heard this β Deut. 31:1-8.
2. He would need to be reminded of this! Be strong and
courageous.
3. He would be challenged to live right (7, 8).
4. God did not promise Joshua easy times, but did remind
Joshua of His presence (9)
II. When feeling trapped and alone β Ezra 9
A. Being in captivity, while the work of God is hindered.
1. Approached by the priests & Levites with this message (1, 2).
2. Ezra's reaction is both epic and applicable (3, 4).
3. Ezra's response is challenging to us all (5-8).
B. Being reminded of God's commitment (9).
III. When feeling this way is all too common β II Cor. 4:7-14
A. Knowing the purpose first (1-6).
B. Knowing we go through some painstaking times (7-14).
1. Afflicted in every way, but not crushed (8).
2. Perplexed, but not despairing (8).
3. Persecuted, but not forsaken (9).
4. Struck down, but not destroyed (9).
Closing Comments:
1. We are reminded in Heb. 13:5, "I will never desert you, nor will I
ever forsake you."
2. Now, this is in light of the fact that sometimes we feel this way! But,
God has not forgotten us! |
