June 29 2014 Confidence In The Storm

Confidence In The Storm

Three kinds of crises or storms:

1. Storms we bring on ourselves.

2. Storms that God allows to come our way.

3. Storms that other people cause.

Three responses to remember:

1. Trouble comes when we listen to the wrong people.

Verse 11 – But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot of the owner of the ship.

Proverbs 21:16 – A man who strays from the path of understanding comes to rest in the company of the dead.

2. Trouble comes listening to the popular crowd.

Verse 12 – The majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there.

Proverbs 18:24 – A man of many companions may come to ruin.

3. Trouble comes by relying on wrong circumstances.

Verse 13 – When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted.

Responses that are wrong in the storm:

1. We are tempted to drift.

Verse 17 – The sailors let the ship be driven along.

2. We start discarding important things.

Verse 18-19 – We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard. On the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands.

Verse 43-44:

3. We’re tempted to give up hope.

Verse 20 – When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

Responses that bring confidence in the storm:

Verse 29 – Fearing that we should be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.

Psalm 125:1 – He who puts his trust in God is immovable like mount Zion.

1. You need to stand in the presence of God.

Verse 23 – Last night an angel of the God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood beside me.

Hebrews 13:5 – Never will I forsake you.

Matthew 28:28 – Surely I will be with you.

2. You can depend on God’s purpose.

Verse 24 – Do not be afraid Paul, you must stand trial before Caesar, and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.

3. God’s promise can become an anchor of confidence.

Verse 25 – Keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as He told me.

4. Learn to pray for daylight.

Verse 29 – Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.

Abraham: DAYLIGHT WILL COME!

June 24 2012 Hope When Tragedy Strikes The Home

Hope When Tragedy Strikes The Home

Romans 15:13 - May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your faith in Him. Then you’ll overflow with hope.
 

Psalm 52:9 - In Your name I will hope, for Your name is good.
 

Jehovah Shammah=God is always there!

Three anchors of the soul

1. His presence is watching over me.
 

Isaiah 41:10 - Don’t worry, because I am with you. Don’t be afraid, because I am your God. I will make you strong and will help you. I will support you.
 

Psalm 32:8 - I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.
 

Lamentations 3:21-23 - I have hope when I think of this: The Lord’s love never ends, His mercies never stop. They are new every morning.

2. His purpose is working in me.
 

Romans 8:28 - We know that God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose.
 

Jeremiah 29:11 - (God) I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.
 

Philippians 1:6 - God began doing a good work in you and I am sure He will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again.

3. His place is waiting for me.
 

John 14:1-2 - Don’t be troubled. You trust God, now trust in Me, I am going to prepare a place for you.
 

Rev. 21:4 - He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. All of that has gone forever.
 

Isaiah 46:3-5 - Listen! I have upheld you since you were conceived and I have taken c are of your from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I made you and will take care of you. I will carry you and save you. Can you compare Me to anyone? No one is equal to Me or like Me!
 

1 Peter:3 - In God’s great mercy He has caused us to be born again into a living hope, because Jesus Christ rose from the dead.
 

Isaiah 40:31 - Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.