Lean with Care

The third of a four part series on “Stories for the Road” was brought to us last Sunday at my church. Senior Pastor: Rev. Steve Ramsdell gave the sermon message and below is an outline of the message. To catch up on the series or if you think it might be of some help for someone you know, click on this Link and check out the podcast.

1. OUR ROAD IS NOT PREDETERMINED.

We get to choose every day the path to go on. Ask God for wisdom and the courage to go the right way.

2. EVERY ROAD HAS A DESTINATION.

The road we choose today will decide where we go later in life.

3. ALL ROADS ARE NOT EQUAL.

“So God said to him, “You did not ask for a long life, or riches for yourself, or the death of your enemies. Since you asked for wisdom to make the right decisions, I will do what you asked, I will give you wisdom and understanding that is greater than anyone has had in the past or will have in the future.” I Kings 3:11-12 (NCV)

Solomon was 17 years old when his father David died and he became king.

4. GOD WILL HELP YOU CHOOSE A ROAD.

“Trust the Lord with all your heart, and don’t depend on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NCV)

Solomon was humble and wise because he leaned upon God’s unlimited knowledge.

5. DIRECTION BEGINS WITH SUBMISSION.

“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6 (NIV)

“Don’t depend on your own wisdom…” Proverbs 3:7a (NCV)

We need more of God. We know very little but God Knows it all. Salvation is through Christ and provides our clear path.

Each Sunday, I will usually write out something from the message that is most meaningful to me. This week, it is the importance of following the right path. Like Solomon who was humble and wise, we should lean upon God’s unlimited knowledge and choose His way; the one that Christ clearly laid out as the right path to take.

Here’s an uplifting video about leaning upon God’s unlimited knowledge to lead us down the right path: Lead Me – Sanctus Real. My hope is that it will provide inspiration for your day.

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Celebrate Progress With Praises To God

Before writing each post, I normally do some research and put some thought into how each passage can be applied in our life. Many times a video will be found that relates to one of the main points in a passage. After reading Ezra 6 and writing about it yesterday, one video came to mind. Simply click this link: Shout to the Lord – Michael W. Smith or on the video below. My hope is that it gives a lift to your day. God Bless 🙂

Each believer is a building block in construction of God’s house. When we sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion, there will be the opportunity to celebrate progress with praises to God.

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Momentum Leads to Celebration

Reading in Ezra 6, King Darius orders that research be done to find the decree concerning the rebuilding the temple of God. Once found, Darius added to the decree that no one can interfere with the work to be done. This gave momentum to completing the house of God.

In due season, God changed the attitude of those in power to allow the good work to be finished. After its completion, the people of Israel celebrated the dedication of the house of God. Then there was great joy as they generously gave their offerings to God and celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread.

The lesson for me this amazing day with God is that each believer like a stone in the construction of God’s house should sincerely believe that each obstacle will be overcome and enthusiastically act upon each task until completion; celebrating progress by praising God.

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Momentum

I’m constantly looking for illustrations or videos that build momentum for the day. Here’s one that I think helps inspire the desire to continue the work just like put forth in my previous post on Ezra 5. Simply click this link: My Desire – Jeremy Camp or on the video below.

Each day with God is amazing when we desire to invest our time and energies to help Christian friends keep the will of God foremost in their undertakings. Let us rely on God’s timing to fulfill commands He has given.

Delight yourself in the Lord and he’ll give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

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Encouragement

The rebuilding of the temple was put on hold as recorded in Ezra 4 but the prophets Haggai and Zechariah encouraged that the work continue in Ezra 5; with vision, confidence, and a desire to fulfill God’s command.

The lesson for me in this passage is that we should encourage brothers and sisters in Christ by creating a picture of endless possibilities and through prayer, build confidence that all obstacles will be removed. Together, we will accomplish more than we could’ve ever dreamed.

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