Scripture –
Psalm 62:5-8 NLT –
Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me. O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Interlude
1 Samuel 13:16-23 NIV –
Saul and his son Jonathan and the men with them were staying in Gibeah in Benjamin, while the Philistines camped at Mikmash. Raiding parties went out from the Philistine camp in three detachments. One turned toward Ophrah in the vicinity of Shual, another toward Beth Horon, and the third toward the borderland overlooking the Valley of Zeboyim facing the wilderness.
Not a blacksmith could be found in the whole land of Israel, because the Philistines had said, “Otherwise the Hebrews will make swords or spears!” So all Israel went down to the Philistines to have their plow points, mattocks, axes and sickles sharpened. The price was two-thirds of a shekel for sharpening plow points and mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening forks and axes and for repointing goads.
So on the day of the battle not a soldier with Saul and Jonathan had a sword or spear in his hand; only Saul and his son Jonathan had them.
Now a detachment of Philistines had gone out to the pass at Mikmash.
Bob’s thoughts:
We were warmly welcomed and offered coffee and cake.
There was a boy in a wheelchair suffering from a broken leg. We found out after the service that he was the son of the man who invited us back to hear the new pastor. God is amazing.
I welcomed the sight of the great wooden cross on the chancel and appreciated the uplifting praise songs, Redemption Song, a favorite, was especially well done.
The sermon was part of a series called Breakthrough. Although the first part was called Action, the second was titled Prepare. Today’s preparations affect tomorrow’s breakthrough. The message dealt with the limitations the devil tries to put on us and how easily we fall for his schemes.
I notice more and more churches have replaced the pulpit and lectern with an iPad stand. Churches that are alive keep changing. It was nice to hear occasional amens to the message.
Jan’s thoughts:
We ran into a friend from this church soon after our last visit and he invited us back to hear their new pastor, so this church has been on our list since even though it’s only been a year.
Many people welcomed us warmly, offered coffee and snacks, and took the time for introductions and conversations.
The sanctuary windows are large blocks of frosted pink and white and cast a cheerful glow inside.
I was unfamiliar with all but one of the songs, but the musical leadership had strong voices and beautiful harmony, so I just let the words sink in.
The message was part two of a series called Breakthrough, and I really wish I could hear parts one and three. Today’s focus began with preparation and a Key Thought: Today’s preparation will determine tomorrow’s breakthrough. After that, he transitioned to an amazing teaching on spiritual warfare in which he outlined three of Satan’s strategies to discourage God’s people. They are:
1 – The Battle of Limitation. He stated that if you live with this lie that there is not enough, it will not be long before you start to believe an even bigger lie – I am not enough.
2 – The Battle of Intimidation. He said intimidation compromises determination and occurs when things are dark and we are scared.
3 – The Battle of Exaggeration. Often the Enemy tries to convince us “You are the only one” which leaves us feeling alone and without support.
He was vulnerable and open about his own battles with these lies and advised the best way to overcome them was to Climb Over The Lie (1 Samuel 14:13).
A superb reminder: The same God who did not fail us in the past will not fail us in the future. I needed to hear that.
He closed with two questions: To whose voice will you listen? and Who will you believe?
The pastor offered this powerful message with an intensity that made it clear he has fought these battles, the same ones most of us fight. I am deeply grateful to have heard this message, as it clarified and validated some personal recent experiences. Praise God, He always sends us to hear what we most need.
Our prayer for this church:
Lord, we pray You will encourage Your church to invite others to worship. Lead them and show them what a simple thing it is to do. Amen.
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