G. T. Ministries

Gregory Tucker
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Christianity

My podcast will be called "Faith beyond Fear" encouraging people to trust God in the midst of what they are going through.  

  1. 5d ago

    Murder She Wrote

    Send us Fan Mail SERMON: “MURDER, SHE WROTE!” When Deception, Jealousy, and the Abuse of Power Become Instruments of Destruction Main Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1–16 Key Verse: 1 Kings 21:8 (KJV) "So she wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth."   Central Theme: The destructive power of jealousy, dishonesty, manipulation, and false accusations—and the certainty that God sees what people attempt to conceal.   Jezebel used her influence to destroy Naboth, but God has not called us to destroy one another. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are members of one body. When one member suffers, the whole body is affected. We ought to be praying for one another, encouraging one another, and helping one another survive. Introduction — The Mystery Behind the Murder I want to begin this message  by taking some of us back to a popular television series that many of us remember. It was called Murder, She Wrote. The series premiered on September 30, 1984, and ran for twelve seasons, ending in 1996. The star of the program was a remarkable actress named Angela Lansbury, who    played the character Jessica Fletcher. Now, Jessica Fletcher was not a police officer. She was not a detective by profession. She was a retired English teacher who became a successful mystery novelist. She lived in a small, seemingly peaceful town called Cabot Cove, Maine. But something unusual always seemed to happen wherever Jessica Fletcher went. Somebody would turn up dead! Sometimes it happened in Cabot Cove. Sometimes it happened when Jessica was visiting friends. Sometimes it happened while she was traveling. But wherever she went, it seemed that a mystery was waiting to be solved. And the interesting thing about the program was that the person who committed     the murder was not always the person you suspected. Sometimes the guilty person was a friend. Sometimes it was a family member. Sometimes it was someone wealthy and influential. Sometimes it was someone everybody respected. And sometimes it was the person who appeared to be the most innocent! But Jessica Fletcher had an unusual ability. She could listen to people's stories. She could examine their statements. She could recognize inconsistencies. She could uncover hidden motives. And she could put together pieces of evidence that others had overlooked. And before the program ended, Jessica would usually reveal the person responsible for the murder. Now, church, here is what I want you to understand. The person who appeared innocent was not always innocent! The person who spoke the loudest was not always telling the truth! The person who appeared concerned was sometimes the person responsible for the crime! And sometimes the very person pretending to help solve the mystery was the person hiding the truth! Somebody ought to say, "Lord, have mercy!" The spiritual connection Now, I want to take you from the television screen to the pages of the Bible. Because long before Jessica Fletcher began solving murder mysteries on television, the Bible recorded a murder mystery involving a king, a queen, an innocent man, a vineyard, and some letters. The king's name was Ahab. The queen's name was Jezebel. The innocent man's name was Naboth. And the property everybody was fighting over was a vineyard. But unlike Jessica Fletcher, who wrote mystery novels about murder, Jezebel wrote letters that actually arranged a murder! Oh, somebody missed that! Jessica Fletcher wrote about murder. But Jezebel wrote instructions that resulted in murder! Jessica Fletcher investigated murder. But Jezebel orchestrated murder! Jessica Fletcher exposed the guilty. But Jezebel tried to conceal the guilty! And that is why I want to preach from the subject: “MURDER, SHE WROTE!” Tell your neighbor: "Be careful what you write, be careful what you say, and be careful what you          believe!" Because sometimes the greatest damage is not done with a gun or a knife. Sometimes it is done with a pen! Sometimes it is done with a telephone! Sometimes it is done with a text message! Sometimes it is done with an email! Sometimes it is done with a false accusation! And sometimes it is done by somebody who smiles in your face while secretly plotting your downfall! Point 1 — Every Murder Mystery Has a Motive Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1–4 One of the first things Jessica Fletcher would try to determine when investigating a murder was the motive. Why would somebody want this person dead? What did the guilty person have to gain? Was it money? Was it jealousy? Was it revenge? Was it power? Was it greed? Well, when we examine the story of Naboth, we discover the motive behind the crime. King Ahab wanted Naboth's vineyard. The vineyard was located near Ahab's palace. Ahab offered Naboth money or another vineyard in exchange. But Naboth refused. He said in 1 Kings 21:3: "The LORD forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto thee." Naboth understood that his vineyard was more than a piece of property. It was his inheritance! It was something passed down through his family! And under Israel's covenant law, ancestral land had special significance. But Ahab became angry because he could not have what belonged to somebody     else. The Bible says he went home, lay upon his bed, turned away his face, and refused  to eat. Imagine that! A king with a palace! A king with authority! A king with wealth! A king with servants! But he was miserable because one man refused to give him his vineyard! Spiritual application Church, one of the most dangerous attitudes a person can develop is the inability to be satisfied with what God has already given them. Some people have been blessed, but they are jealous of somebody else's blessing. They have a position, but they want somebody else's position. They have a ministry, but they want somebody else's ministry. They have a house, but they want somebody else's house. They have an assignment, but they want somebody else's assignment. And if they cannot have it, they become angry! Preaching statement: "Be careful when your desire for something becomes stronger than your commitment to doing what is right!" James 3:16 declares: "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work." Tell somebody: "Don't let jealousy turn you into somebody you were never meant  to become!" Point 2 — Every Murder Mystery Has a Plot Scripture: 1 Kings 21:5–10 Now, in the television series, Jessica Fletcher often discovered that a murder was not simply an accident. Somebody had planned it. Somebody had arranged the circumstances. Somebody had developed a scheme. And when we return to our biblical story, we find Jezebel developing a plot. Jezebel noticed that Ahab was upset. She asked him what was wrong. Ahab explained that Naboth had refused to give him his vineyard. And Jezebel essentially told Ahab to stop worrying because she would get the vineyard for him. But look at what she did. She wrote letters in Ahab's name. She sealed them with the king's seal. She sent them to the elders and nobles of Naboth's city. She instructed them to proclaim a fast and place Naboth in a prominent position before the people. Then she ordered two worthless men to falsely accuse Naboth of blaspheming God and the king. And after the false accusations, Naboth was to be taken outside the city and stoned to death.  do you see what is happening? Jezebel used the appearance of religious seriousness to conceal an evil conspiracy. She called for a fast! But she was not seeking God! She was planning murder! She used the name of the king! She used the authority of the government! She used the cooperation of community leaders! And she used false witnesses! All to destroy an innocent man. Spiritual application — Religious appearances do not guarantee righteous     motives Some people know how to appear spiritual while practicing deception. They know how to speak religious language. They know how to quote Scripture. They know how to pray publicly. They know how to look concerned. But God is not impressed with religious appearances when the heart is filled with wickedness. Jesus warned about this in Matthew 23:27–28 when He described religious hypocrisy. Preaching statement: "Everybody who calls a fast is not necessarily seeking God's face. Everybody who quotes Scripture is not necessarily obeying God's Word!" Church, we must learn to examine the fruit and not merely admire the appearance. Point 3 — Every Murder Mystery Has Witnesses, but Not Every Witness Tells the Truth Scripture: 1 Kings 21:10–13 In Murder, She Wrote, Jessica Fletcher would question witnesses. But she knew that witnesses could be mistaken. Some could be confused. Others could deliberately lie. An Support the show

  2. 6d ago

    From Midnight to Morning

    Send us Fan Mail FROM MIDNIGHT TO MORNING Trusting God Through Your Darkest Season Main Scriptures: Psalm 30:5 and Acts 16:25–26 “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” — Psalm 30:5, KJV “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.” — Acts 16:25–26, KJV Sermon Theme: God is with us in our midnight seasons. As we pray, trust, and wait on Him, He gives us strength and hope for the morning. Introduction Church, all of us know what it is to experience nighttime. The sun goes down, darkness covers the earth, and we wait for the morning light. But there are also seasons of darkness that have nothing to do with the time on the clock. You can experience midnight at twelve o’clock in the afternoon. You can be surrounded by people and still feel alone. You can be smiling on the outside while struggling on the inside. A midnight season is a time when life becomes difficult, the way ahead seems unclear, and you wonder when things will change. Midnight can be: A troubling medical report.The loss of a loved one.A child who has gone astray.Financial pressure.Trouble in your marriage or family.Disappointment after you have done your best.A prayer you have prayed over and over without seeing an answer.Somebody may be asking, “Bishop, how do I get from midnight to morning?” The first thing I want you to know is this: You do not have to make the journey alone. God is with you in the night. David said: “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” He did not say there would be no weeping. He did not say the night would never come. But he reminds us that sorrow does not have the final word. And in Acts 16, Paul and Silas show us what it looks like to trust God in the middle of a midnight situation. Turn to your neighbor and say: “God is with you at midnight!” Now tell somebody else: “Hold on—morning is coming!” THE BACKGROUND: PAUL AND SILAS IN PRISON In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in Philippi doing the work of the Lord. Paul had delivered a young woman who was being exploited by men who profited from her ability to predict the future. When those men realized that their hope of financial gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and brought them before the authorities. The crowd rose against them. Their clothes were torn off, they were beaten, and they were thrown into prison. The jailer placed them in the inner prison and fastened their feet in stocks. Paul and Silas were wounded. They were confined. They were in an uncomfortable and uncertain place. And then came midnight. But listen to what they did at midnight: “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” — Acts 16:25, KJV They teach us that a dark situation does not have to silence our faith. Let us look at seven things we can do as God brings us from midnight to morning. 1. REMEMBER THAT GOD IS WITH YOU AT MIDNIGHT “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” — Psalm 46:1, KJV One of the hardest things about a midnight season is the feeling of being alone. You may look around and see the problem, but you cannot see the solution. You may wonder whether anyone understands what you are carrying. But the psalmist declares that God is a very present help in trouble. He is not merely a help before trouble. He is not merely a help after trouble. He is present in trouble. Joseph’s midnight Joseph experienced betrayal, slavery, and imprisonment. Yet the Bible says: “But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy…” — Genesis 39:21a, KJV Joseph was in prison, but the Lord was with him. Church, being in a difficult place does not mean that God has abandoned you. You may be in a hospital room, but God is with you. You may be in a season of grief, but God is with you. You may be facing a decision you do not know how to make, but God is with you. Preaching point “The darkness around me does not mean that God has departed from me.” Tell your neighbor: “You are not alone at midnight!” 2. PRAY IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR MIDNIGHT The Bible says: “And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed…” Before the earthquake, they prayed. Before the doors opened, they prayed. Before their circumstances changed, they prayed. They could not free themselves, but they could call on the God who was with them. Prayer may not immediately change everything around you, but it brings you before the One who hears you and cares for you. Hannah prayed through her pain Hannah carried a deep burden. She was grieved because she had no child, and she poured out her heart before the Lord. “And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.” — 1 Samuel 1:10, KJV Hannah did not hide her pain from God. She brought it to Him. Sometimes we think we have to find perfect words before we pray. But you can come to God just as you are. You can say: “Lord, I’m tired.” “Lord, I’m hurting.” “Lord, I don’t understand.” “Lord, I need Your help.” And when you do not know what else to say, you can simply call on the name of Jesus. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7, KJV Preaching point “If it is heavy enough to burden you, it is important enough to bring to God.” Tell your neighbor: “Don’t stop praying at midnight!” 3. PRAISE GOD EVEN WHILE YOU ARE WAITING Acts 16:25 says that Paul and Silas not only prayed; they also sang praises unto God. Think about their condition. Their backs had been beaten. Their feet were in stocks. They were inside a prison. Yet their circumstances could not take away their ability to worship. They were in a dark place, but they still knew a worthy God. “I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” — Psalm 34:1, KJV Notice that David said, “at all times.” That includes the times when the bills are paid and the times when you are wondering how you will make it. That includes the times when your body feels strong and the times when you need the Lord to strengthen you. That includes the times when you understand what God is doing and the times when you are still waiting. Praise does not mean pretending that everything is all right. It means remembering that God is still worthy, even when everything is not all right. You can say: “Lord, I may not like what I am going through, but I thank You for staying with me.” “Lord, I may not have the answer yet, but I thank You for giving me strength today.” “Lord, my heart may be heavy, but You are still my God.” Preaching point “Don’t wait until the battle is over to acknowledge the God who is with you in the battle.” Tell somebody: “I can praise Him at midnight!” 4. HOLD ON TO GOD’S WORD WHEN YOU CANNOT SEE YOUR WAY One difficulty about midnight is that you cannot see as clearly as you can in the daytime. In a spiritual midnight, you may not know what is coming next. You may not see how the problem will be resolved. You may not understand why the answer is taking so long. But when you cannot see the whole road, God’s Word can give you light for the next step. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105, KJV A lamp does not always show you every mile ahead. Sometimes it gives you enough light to take the next step. And that is what some of us need today—not an explanation of everything that will happen over the next ten years, but enough strength and direction to take the next faithful step. Paul’s confidence in a storm When Paul was on a ship facing a terrible storm, an angel told him that God would preserve the lives of those on board. Paul then encouraged the people: “Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.” — Acts 27:25, KJV The storm had not stopped when Paul spoke those words. The wind was still blowing, and the danger was real. But Paul held on to what God had said. Church, do not let what you see make you forget what God has spoken. When fear says, “You are alone,” remember that God is your refuge. When discouragement says, “Your labor has been wasted,” remember that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. When the night seems long, remember that God’s mercies are new every morning. Preaching point “When you cannot trace God’s hand, hold on to God’s Word.” 5. RECEIVE STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY Sometimes the midnight season lasts longer than we expected. We Support the show

  3. Oct 27

    Finish

    Send us Fan Mail SERMON: “FINISH!”   Theme: God Did Not Bring You This Far to Leave You Unfinished! Main Scriptures: Philippians 1:6 and Galatians 6:9 (KJV) Supporting Scriptures: Hebrews 12:1–2; 2 Timothy 4:7–8; Ecclesiastes 7:8; John 19:30; Nehemiah 6:3; 1 Corinthians 15:58. Central Thought: It is not enough to start the race, plant the seed, or begin the assignment. We must remain faithful until we finish what God has called us to do. Scripture Reading Philippians 1:6 (KJV) “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Galatians 6:9 (KJV) “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Introduction: Everybody Starts, but Not Everybody Finishes! Church, there is something powerful about that one word: FINISH! Anybody can start something, but it takes determination, discipline, dedication, and divine strength to finish it. Many people start a race, but not everybody crosses the finish line.Many people start a marriage, but not everybody stays committed.Many people start a ministry, but not everybody remains faithful.Many people start praying, but stop when the answer doesn't come quickly.Many people plant seeds, but become discouraged before the harvest arrives.But I came with a word from the Lord today: DON'T STOP NOW! FINISH! Somebody may be saying, "I've been praying, but nothing has changed. I've been serving, but nobody appreciates me. I've been giving, but I'm still struggling. I've been believing God, but I'm getting tired." I want to remind you that being tired doesn't mean you're defeated, and being delayed doesn't mean you're denied! Paul gives us two powerful promises in our foundational scriptures. In Philippians 1:6, Paul reminds us that God finishes what He starts. In Galatians 6:9, Paul reminds us that we must not quit before the harvest. Put those two scriptures together, and you discover this truth: God is faithful to complete His work, and we must be faithful to continue ours! Tell somebody, "I didn't come this far to quit!" I. F — FAITH: Believe God Will Finish What He Started Philippians 1:6 Paul declares, "Being confident of this very thing..." Notice Paul doesn't say, "I'm hoping." He says, "I'm confident!" Confidence means having a settled assurance that God is able to do what He has promised. Paul wrote these words while imprisoned. His circumstances were difficult, but his confidence in God remained strong. He understood that his circumstances did not determine God's ability to fulfill His purpose. Three things we learn from Philippians 1:6: 1.  God is the Author of the work. He begins the transforming work of salvation in our lives. 2.  God is the Sustainer of the work. He continues to strengthen, correct, and develop us. 3.  God is the Finisher of the work. He will bring His work to completion in Christ. Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Church, Jesus is not only the Author; He is also the Finisher! When God starts working on your character, He doesn't abandon you because you make a mistake. When God starts developing your faith, He doesn't stop because you encounter a storm. When God starts preparing you for ministry, He doesn't throw you away because you experience difficulty.             Your present condition is not your final conclusion! Somebody shout, "God is still working on me!" II. I — INSIST ON CONTINUING: Don't Let Weariness Stop You Galatians 6:9 Paul says, "Let us not be weary in well doing..." Notice he doesn't say that we will never become tired. He warns us not to surrender to weariness. There is a difference between being physically tired and spiritually giving up. You can be tired and still faithful. You can be wounded and still worship. You can be disappointed and still determined. You can be under pressure and still praise God. Consider Elijah in 1 Kings 19. After a great victory on Mount Carmel, he became discouraged, fearful, and exhausted. God did not discard Elijah. He provided food, rest, and renewed direction. Sometimes, when you're weary, you don't need to abandon your assignment. You need to be refreshed so you can continue. Isaiah 40:31 (KJV) “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” You may have to rest, but you don't have to resign! Tell your neighbor, "I'm tired, but I'm not through!" III. N — NEVER ALLOW DISTRACTIONS TO STOP YOUR ASSIGNMENT Nehemiah 6:3 (KJV) “And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?” Nehemiah had been called to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. The enemies of God's people tried to intimidate him, discourage him, and distract him. But Nehemiah understood something: every invitation does not deserve your attention. He said, "I am doing a great work." In other words, "I cannot come down because God has given me something to finish." Some people will distract you with criticism. Others will distract you with unnecessary arguments. Some circumstances will distract you with fear. But you must learn to say, "I cannot come down!" Nehemiah 6:15 (KJV) “So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.” They finished despite opposition! Church, don't allow distractions to delay what God has assigned you to accomplish. Preaching Point: Don't come down from your assignment to entertain people who aren't helping you complete it. Somebody shout, "I'm staying on the wall!" IV. I — INVEST IN THE PROCESS: You Cannot Reap What You Refuse to Sow Galatians 6:9 "...for in due season we shall reap..." Harvest doesn't begin at harvest time. Harvest begins at planting time. Before a farmer enjoys the harvest, he must prepare the ground, plant the seed, and faithfully care for the crop. There is a process between planting and reaping. Galatians 6:7 (KJV) “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” You cannot expect spiritual maturity without investing in prayer, the Word, and obedience. You cannot expect a strong family without investing in love, forgiveness, communication, and commitment. You cannot expect a healthy church without investing in discipleship, evangelism, service, and spiritual growth. Some people want the harvest but don't want the labor. They want the victory but don't want the battle. They want the crown but don't want the cross. But God is teaching us that there is a process before the promise is fully realized. James 5:7 (KJV) “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.” Don't dig up your seed because you haven't seen your harvest! Tell somebody, "My seed is still working!" V. S — STAY STEADFAST: Your Labor Is Not in Vain 1 Corinthians 15:58 (KJV) “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Paul gives us three instructions. First: Be steadfast. Remain firmly committed to Christ and His Word. Second: Be unmovable. Don't allow trials, criticism, or opposition to move you away from God's truth. Third: Keep abounding. Don't merely maintain your service. Continue growing in faithfulness and obedience. Look at Joseph. He had a dream, but before that dream was fulfilled, he experienced betrayal, slavery, false accusations, and imprisonment. Yet Joseph continued to trust God. The pit was not his finish line. Potiphar's house was not his finish line. The prison was not his finish line. God had a greater purpose. Genesis 50:20 (KJV) “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Joseph's journey teaches us that difficult chapters do not necessarily mean the story is over. Preaching Point: Don't mistake a difficult chapter for the end of your story! Somebody shout, "I'm still standing!" VI. H — HOLD ON UNTIL YOU FINISH! 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (KJV) “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” Paul did not say, "I had an easy fight." He said, "I have fought a good fight." He didn't say, "I never experienced opposition." He said, "I have finished my course." He didn't say, "Everybody stayed with me." He said, "I have k Support the show

  4. Oct 21

    Wounded but Still Serving

    Send us Fan Mail SERMON: “WOUNDED BUT STILL SERVING!” Subtitle: Hurt, But Not Defeated — Weary, But Not Giving Up! Main Text: Galatians 6:9 (KJV) “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Supporting Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 4:8–9; 1 Samuel 30:1–8; Psalm 34:19; 2 Timothy 4:16–17; Isaiah 40:29–31; Luke 10:30–35; John 20:24–29. Central Thought: Being wounded does not mean you are worthless, and being hurt does not mean your assignment is over. God can heal your wounds, renew your strength, and continue to use you for His glory. Sermon Objective: To encourage Christians who have been hurt, disappointed, betrayed, overlooked, or discouraged while serving God to remain faithful, seek healing, and trust God for their due season.   INTRODUCTION: EVERYBODY SERVING IS NOT SMILING ON THE INSIDE! Church, I want to talk to some people today who know what it means to keep serving God while carrying wounds that nobody else can see. Because everybody who comes to church smiling is not necessarily happy! Everybody who lifts their hands in worship is not free from pain! Everybody who sings in the choir is not singing without sorrow! Everybody who preaches the Word is not preaching without personal struggles! Everybody who encourages somebody else does not always have somebody encouraging them! And everybody who says, "Praise the Lord!" may be fighting a battle that nobody knows anything about! Sometimes the people who are helping everybody else are the very people who need somebody to help them! There are ushers standing at the door welcoming people while dealing with problems at home. There are deacons serving faithfully while carrying family burdens. There are mothers praying for everybody else's children while crying over their own. There are ministers preaching hope while privately fighting discouragement. And there are pastors who have to encourage the congregation even when they themselves need encouragement! Some people are serving God with tears in their eyes, pain in their hearts, and questions in their minds. But they have made up their minds: "I may be wounded, but I'm still serving!" Tell somebody: "Don't mistake my wounds for weakness!" And church, here is something we must understand: Being wounded is not the same as being defeated! You can be wounded and still have faith. You can be disappointed and still have hope. You can be tired and still love God. You can be hurting and still have a purpose. But we must also remember that God never intended for us to ignore our wounds. Sometimes faithful service means allowing ourselves time to rest, receive help, and heal. I. UNDERSTANDING THE WOUNDS OF A SERVANT Before we examine our biblical examples, let me identify seven kinds of wounds Christians experience while serving God. Type of wound | What causes it 1. Wounds of betrayal | Being hurt by somebody you trusted 2. Wounds of rejection | Being excluded, abandoned, or unwanted 3. Wounds of disappointment | When things don't turn out as expected 4. Wounds of criticism | Being attacked while trying to do what is right 5. Wounds of loneliness | Feeling that nobody understands your struggle 6. Wounds of exhaustion | Giving so much that you become emotionally and physically drained 7. Wounds of ingratitude | Helping others who never acknowledge your sacrifice And here is what makes these wounds especially painful: Sometimes the deepest wounds come from the very people you were trying to help! David experienced it. Moses experienced it. Paul experienced it. And even Jesus experienced rejection and betrayal. But the good news is that the same God who called you into service is able to sustain you through your suffering. SEVEN REASONS TO KEEP SERVING WHEN YOU ARE WOUNDED 1. YOUR WOUNDS DO NOT CANCEL YOUR CALLING Biblical Example: Joseph — Genesis 37–50 Joseph was wounded by the very people who should have loved and protected him. His own brothers hated him, stripped him of his coat, threw him into a pit, and sold him into slavery. He was separated from his father, falsely accused by Potiphar's wife, and forgotten in prison. But through every painful experience, God was still working. Genesis 50:20 (KJV) “But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.” Notice what Joseph said! He didn't deny that his brothers had done evil. He didn't pretend the betrayal never happened. He acknowledged the wrong, but he also recognized God's greater purpose.  What people did to you does not have the final authority over what God can do through you! Joseph was wounded, but he eventually became an instrument of deliverance for the very family that had betrayed him. Church, don't allow somebody else's treatment of you to convince you that God has abandoned your purpose. Tell somebody: "I'm wounded, but I'm still called!" 2. YOUR PAIN DOES NOT MEAN GOD HAS ABANDONED YOU Biblical Example: Paul — 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 2 Corinthians 4:8–9 (KJV) “We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.” Paul knew what it meant to serve God while suffering. He was beaten. He was imprisoned. He was rejected. He was misunderstood. He experienced danger, hunger, and hardship. Yet Paul refused to interpret every hardship as evidence that God had forsaken him. Notice the contrasts in his testimony: Troubled — but not crushed beyond recovery.Perplexed — but not without hope.Persecuted — but not abandoned.Cast down — but not destroyed.Paul was not pretending he had no problems. He was declaring that his problems did not have the final word!  "My trouble is real, but so is my God!" Somebody needs to hear this today: Just because you're going through something doesn't mean God has stopped walking with you. Psalm 34:19 (KJV) “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” The Bible doesn't say the righteous will never experience affliction. It says God is our Deliverer! 3. SOMETIMES YOU MUST ENCOURAGE YOURSELF WHILE YOU ARE WOUNDED Biblical Example: David — 1 Samuel 30:1–8 David returned to Ziklag and discovered that the Amalekites had attacked the city, burned it, and taken the women and children captive. David and his men were devastated. 1 Samuel 30:4 (KJV) “Then David and the people that were with him lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.” These were warriors! These were strong men! These were men accustomed to fighting battles! But the Bible says they wept until they had no more power to weep. Church, sometimes strong people cry! Sometimes faithful people become overwhelmed! Sometimes people who encourage others need encouragement themselves! But David's situation became even more difficult. His own men talked about stoning him. The very people he had led into battle were now turning against him. 1 Samuel 30:6 (KJV) “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God.” David didn't have anybody standing beside him saying, "David, everything is going to be all right." But he remembered the Lord! He strengthened himself in God! And after seeking the Lord, David received direction to pursue the enemy. Preaching point: When encouragement is absent around you, you can still find strength in the God who is with you. Sometimes you have to remind yourself: "God brought me through before!" "God has never failed me!" "God is still my refuge!" "God is still my strength!" Tell somebody: "I'm wounded, but I still know where my help comes from!" 4. YOUR WOUNDS CAN MAKE YOU MORE COMPASSIONATE TOWARD OTHERS Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan — Luke 10:30–35 Jesus told the story of a man traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho. He fell among thieves who stripped him, wounded him, and left him half dead. A priest passed by. A Levite passed by. But a Samaritan stopped to help. Luke 10:33–34 (KJV) “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” Notice that the Samaritan did not walk past the wounded man. He recognized his suffering and responded with compassion. Now, the Bible does not tell us that the Samaritan had personally experienced the same kind of wounds. But his example teaches us how wounded people should be treated. They need compassion, not condemnation. They need help, not humiliation. They need restoration, not rejection. 2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (KJV) “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies Support the show

  5. Oct 20

    The Battle is not yours, but God's

    Send us Fan Mail SERMON: “THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS, BUT GOD’S!”Seven Things Jehoshaphat Did That We Must Do to Be Victorious Over Our Enemies Main Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1–30 (KJV) Key Verse — 2 Chronicles 20:15 “...Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.”Supporting Scripture: Romans 8:37 — “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Sermon Theme: Victory does not come simply because we are stronger than our enemies. Victory comes when we recognize our dependence upon God, obey His Word, and trust Him with the outcome. Introduction: What Do You Do When the Enemy Comes Against You? Church, have you ever been in a situation where it seemed like everything was coming against you at the same time? You got one problem on Monday, another problem on Tuesday, and before you could solve either one, here comes another problem on Wednesday! Sometimes life feels like the enemies have called a meeting and decided to attack you all at once! You say, "Lord, I can handle one problem, but why does everything have to happen at the same time?" That's exactly the kind of situation King Jehoshaphat found himself in. In 2 Chronicles chapter 20, three enemy forces were coming against Judah. The Moabites, the Ammonites, and others joined together to attack God's people. Jehoshaphat was the king of Judah. He had an army, soldiers, and weapons, but the enemy coming against him was a great multitude. He was outnumbered, overwhelmed, and afraid. But what makes this story so powerful is not the size of the enemy. It's how Jehoshaphat responded to the enemy! And I want the church to understand something today: You cannot always control who comes against you.You cannot always control what happens around you.You cannot always prevent the enemy from attacking.But you can control how you respond when the enemy attacks!Tell somebody: "My response can make a difference in my victory!" Let's examine seven things Jehoshaphat did and contrast them with what we must do today. 1. Jehoshaphat Faced His Fear by Seeking God 2 Chronicles 20:3 (KJV) “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.”Notice something important: The Bible does not say Jehoshaphat was never afraid. It says Jehoshaphat feared! He was a king. He was a leader. He had responsibilities. Yet he experienced fear. But instead of allowing fear to control him, he turned his attention toward God. What Jehoshaphat did: He acknowledged his fear but chose to seek the Lord. What we must do: We must learn to take our fears to God instead of allowing our fears to take control of us. Some people respond to trouble by panicking. Others respond by complaining, blaming, or running away. But Jehoshaphat responded by seeking God! Psalm 56:3 (KJV) “What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.”David didn't say he would never be afraid. He said that when fear came, he would trust God. Preaching application: When sickness attacks your body, seek God while obtaining the care you need.When trouble enters your home, seek God.When your finances become difficult, seek God.When people turn against you, seek God.Tell somebody: "Don't let your fear drive you away from God. Let your fear drive you toward God!" 2. Jehoshaphat Called the People Together to Pray and Fast 2 Chronicles 20:4 (KJV) “And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.”Jehoshaphat understood that this battle was too great for him to handle by himself. So he called the people together. He didn't simply call a military meeting. He called the nation to seek the Lord. What Jehoshaphat did: He united the people in fasting and prayer. What we must do: We must recognize the power of united prayer. Some battles require more than individual prayer. There are times when families, churches, and communities need to come together before God. Matthew 18:19 (KJV) “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.”The enemy often tries to divide the very people who should be praying together. He wants husbands against wives, parents against children, members against members, and leaders against leaders. But Jehoshaphat teaches us that when trouble comes, God's people should come together rather than fall apart. Preaching application: The church that prays together should also learn to stand together. We cannot expect victory over the enemy while we are busy fighting one another. Tell somebody: "We are stronger when we seek God together!" 3. Jehoshaphat Remembered Who God Was and What God Had Done 2 Chronicles 20:6–7 (KJV) “And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?”Before Jehoshaphat started talking about how great his enemies were, he started talking about how great his God was! He remembered God's power, God's authority, and God's faithfulness. What Jehoshaphat did: He reminded himself and the people of God's past faithfulness. What we must do: We must remember what God has already brought us through. Sometimes the enemy wants us to forget our testimonies. But when trouble comes, we ought to remember: The doors God opened when everything seemed closed.The prayers God answered when we had no answers.The strength God gave us when we thought we couldn't continue.The ways God provided when we didn't know how we would make it.Psalm 77:11 (KJV) “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old.”Church, don't allow your present problem to erase your memory of God's past goodness! Preaching declaration: "The same God who brought me through yesterday is still God today!" 4. Jehoshaphat Admitted His Weakness and Kept His Eyes on God 2 Chronicles 20:12 (KJV) “O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.”This is one of the most powerful verses in the chapter. Jehoshaphat made three important confessions: "We have no might" — He acknowledged his limitations."Neither know we what to do" — He acknowledged his need for divine wisdom."But our eyes are upon thee" — He declared his confidence in God.What Jehoshaphat did: He stopped pretending that he had everything under control. What we must do: We must learn that admitting our weakness is not the same as admitting defeat. Some people are too proud to say, "Lord, I need help." But there is strength in depending on God. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (KJV) “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”Sometimes God allows us to reach the end of our own strength so that we can learn to depend more fully on His. Preaching application: When you don't know what to do about your children, keep your eyes on God. When you don't know what to do about your marriage, keep your eyes on God. When you don't know what to do about tomorrow, keep your eyes on God. And while you're trusting God, remain willing to receive His wisdom and take the responsible steps He puts before you. Tell somebody: "I may not know what to do, but I know who to look to!" 5. Jehoshaphat Listened to God's Word Instead of the Enemy's Threats 2 Chronicles 20:15 (KJV) “And he said, Hearken ye, all Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem, and thou king Jehoshaphat, Thus saith the LORD unto you, Be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.”While the people were praying, the Spirit of the Lord came upon Jahaziel, who delivered God's message. God told them not to be afraid because the battle belonged to Him. What Jehoshaphat did: He received the Word of the Lord and prepared to obey it. What we must do: We must give God's Word greater authority in our lives than the voices of fear, discouragement, and opposition. The enemy says, "You're finished." But God's Word says there is hope in Him. The enemy says, "You can't make it." But God's Word declares: Philippians 4:13 (KJV) “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”The enemy says, "You're defeated." But God's Word declares: Romans 8:37 (KJV) “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”N Support the show

  6. Oct 16

    Trust God in Spite of!

    Send us Fan Mail TRUST GOD IN SPITE OF! October Sermon Series — HARVEST TIME Main Scripture: Habakkuk 3:17–19 (KJV) Theme Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (KJV) Main Bible Character: Habakkuk Supporting Characters: Job, Abraham, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, David, and Paul MAIN TEXT — HABAKKUK 3:17–19 (KJV) Verse 17: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:” Verse 18: “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Verse 19: “The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.” ·  Although my bank account is almost empty, and I don't know how I'm going to pay my bills. ·  Although I lost my job, and nobody seems to be hiring. ·  Although the doctor gave me a troubling report, and my health is not improving. ·  Although my children are giving me problems, and my family is struggling. ·  Although my marriage is under pressure, and my relationships are falling apart. ·  Although the price of groceries keeps rising, and my money doesn't stretch far enough. ·  Although I've been praying for a breakthrough, and nothing seems to be changing.   THEME SCRIPTURE — GALATIANS 6:9 (KJV) “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” INTRODUCTION — CAN YOU TRUST GOD WHEN THINGS DON'T GO YOUR WAY? Church, it's easy to say, “I trust God,” when everything is going well. It's easy to trust God when the bills are paid. It's easy to trust God when the family is getting along. It's easy to trust God when the doctor gives you a good report. It's easy to trust God when your prayers are answered the way you wanted. But what happens when things don't go your way? What happens when you pray, but the situation doesn't change? What happens when you do everything you know to do, but the results are disappointing? What happens when you are faithful to God, but trouble still comes? CAN YOU TRUST GOD IN SPITE OF? A LITTLE HUMOR A man said, “Pastor, I have strong faith in God!” The pastor asked, “How do you know?” The man said, “Because I trust God with everything!” The pastor said, “Wonderful! Do you trust Him when your money gets funny?” The man answered, “Pastor, now you're getting personal!” Church, everybody wants to have great faith until that faith gets tested! We want mountain-moving faith, but we don't want to face any mountains. We want overcoming faith, but we don't want to face anything we must overcome. We want victorious faith, but we don't want to fight any battles. But faith is not proven only when things are going right. FAITH IS ALSO REVEALED WHEN EVERYTHING AROUND YOU SEEMS TO BE GOING WRONG! Today I want to introduce you to a prophet named Habakkuk. Habakkuk was troubled by what he saw happening around him. He questioned why wickedness seemed to prevail. He struggled to understand what God was doing. But by the end of his prophecy, something remarkable happened. His circumstances were still serious. His questions had not all been answered in the way he might have expected. But his attitude had changed. He moved from questioning God to declaring his trust in God. And he said: “ALTHOUGH THE FIG TREE SHALL NOT BLOSSOM…” “YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD!” That's what I want to preach about today: TRUST GOD IN SPITE OF! BACKGROUND — HABAKKUK LEARNED TO TRUST GOD THROUGH TROUBLE Habakkuk was a prophet who lived during a troubled period in Judah's history. Violence, injustice, and wickedness troubled him. He cried out to God, asking why these things were happening. HABAKKUK 1:2 (KJV) “O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!” Habakkuk was not pretending that everything was wonderful. He was deeply troubled. But notice that he took his questions to God. He did not stop believing that God was worthy of his prayers. Then God revealed that the Chaldeans would be used in judgment, which raised even more questions for Habakkuk. How could God use a nation more wicked than Judah to bring judgment? Habakkuk struggled to understand. But he continued seeking the Lord. HABAKKUK 2:1 (KJV) “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” Habakkuk decided to wait for God's answer. And the Lord told him: HABAKKUK 2:4 (KJV) “Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH! By chapter 3, Habakkuk was no longer merely asking why. He was declaring that he would trust God regardless of the circumstances. Let's examine seven lessons that teach us how to trust God in spite of what we are going through. POINT 1 — TRUST GOD IN SPITE OF WHAT YOU SEE 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7 (KJV) “(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)” Habakkuk looked around and saw wickedness, violence, and uncertainty. But he learned that what he saw could not be the final authority over his faith. Church, sometimes what we see discourages us. We see trouble in the world. We see problems in our families. We see sickness. We see division. We see financial struggles. And we begin to wonder what God is doing. But faith reminds us that God is greater than what we can see. HEBREWS 11:1 (KJV) “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Bible illustration — Abraham Abraham received a promise from God concerning a son. But the years passed, and the circumstances seemed impossible. ROMANS 4:19–21 (KJV) “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” Abraham believed God despite circumstances that seemed impossible.   Don't allow what you see to cancel what God has said. Your circumstances may be difficult. But God is still worthy of your trust. DON'T LET YOUR SIGHT OVERTHROW YOUR FAITH! POINT 2 — TRUST GOD IN SPITE OF WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND PROVERBS 3:5–6 (KJV) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Habakkuk had questions. He did not understand why God was allowing certain things to happen. But he learned to trust God's wisdom. Church, there are things in life that we may never fully understand. Why did this happen? Why did that door close? Why did the answer take so long? Why did that relationship end? Why did that faithful person experience such suffering? Sometimes we do not have the answers. But we can still trust the Lord. Bible illustration — Job Job lost his possessions. He lost his children. He suffered physically. And he struggled to understand his suffering. But Job continued bringing his questions before God. JOB 13:15 (KJV) “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” Job's trust did not mean he never struggled. It meant he continued engaging with God in the midst of suffering.   You don't have to understand everything to trust God. You don't have to know why everything happened. You don't have to know how everything will turn out. WHEN YOU CANNOT TRACE GOD'S HAND, YOU CAN STILL TRUST HIS CHARACTER! POINT 3 — TRUST GOD IN SPITE OF UNANSWERED PRAYERS 2 CORINTHIANS 12:8–9 (KJV) “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Paul prayed three times concerning his thorn in the flesh. But God did not remove the difficulty as Paul requested. Instead, God assured Paul that His grace was sufficient. Church, sometimes God answers by changing our circumstances. Sometimes He gives us strength to endure them. And sometimes we must continue waiting without knowing the outcome. But our trust in God must not depend entirely on receiving the answer we prefer. 1 JOHN 5:14 (KJV) “And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to Support the show

  7. Oct 15

    How to get through what you are going through

    Send us Fan Mail HOW TO GET THROUGH WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH! Main Text: Psalm 142:1–7 Supporting Text: 2 Chronicles 20:1–22 Theme Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (KJV) MAIN SCRIPTURES Psalm 142:1–3 (KJV) “I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.” Galatians 6:9 (KJV) “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” INTRODUCTION — EVERYBODY IS GOING THROUGH SOMETHING! Church, there is something that everybody in this building has in common. We may not have the same education. We may not have the same income. We may not live in the same neighborhood. We may not drive the same kind of automobile. But there is one thing we all have in common: EVERYBODY IS GOING THROUGH SOMETHING! Some are going through financial problems. Some are going through family difficulties. Some are going through sickness. Some are going through disappointment. Some are going through grief. And some are going through situations they cannot even explain. You can look at somebody and think everything is all right, but you don't know what they're carrying. Some people are smiling on the outside while crying on the inside. Some people are shouting in church while struggling at home. Some people are encouraging everybody else while needing encouragement themselves. And the question is not whether trouble will ever come. The question is: HOW DO YOU GET THROUGH WHAT YOU'RE GOING THROUGH? A LITTLE HUMOR A man went to his pastor and said, “Pastor, I'm having so many problems that I don't know what to do!” The pastor said, “Have you tried praying?” The man answered, “Pastor, has it gotten that bad?” Church, prayer should not be the last thing we try! PRAYER OUGHT TO BE THE FIRST PLACE WE TURN! Some people talk to everybody about their problems except the One who can give them the strength to face them. They call their friends. They call their relatives. They call their neighbors. They tell everybody what they're going through. But they haven't spent five minutes talking to God! Today I want to show you how to take your trouble to the Lord. David gives us a pattern in Psalm 142. Jehoshaphat gives us another pattern in 2 Chronicles 20. And together they teach us how to get through what we're going through. BACKGROUND — DAVID IN THE CAVE Psalm 142 is identified as a prayer of David when he was in the cave. David had been anointed to become king, but he was living like a fugitive. Saul was seeking his life. David had to leave familiar surroundings. He experienced fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. The man who had defeated Goliath now found himself hiding in a cave. Think about that! He had been anointed, but he was still afflicted. He had received a promise, but he was still experiencing problems. He had experienced victory, but he was still facing opposition. BEING ANOINTED DOES NOT MEAN YOU WILL NEVER BE AFFLICTED! But David teaches us something important. He did not allow the cave to silence his prayer. He turned his trouble into a conversation with God. And that brings us to our first point. POINT 1 — COMPLAIN TO GOD, NOT ABOUT GOD! Psalm 142:1–2 (KJV) “I cried unto the LORD with my voice; with my voice unto the LORD did I make my supplication. I poured out my complaint before him; I shewed before him my trouble.” Notice what David said: “I POURED OUT MY COMPLAINT BEFORE HIM!” David didn't pretend everything was wonderful. He didn't deny that he was hurting. He didn't hide his disappointment. He took his complaint directly to God. Church, there is a difference between complaining TO God and complaining ABOUT God. Complaining TO God means bringing your pain, questions, and disappointments before Him in prayer. Complaining ABOUT God, in the destructive sense, means allowing your frustration to turn into bitterness, contempt, or an accusation that God is unfaithful. The difference is not simply whether we ask hard questions. David and other faithful people in Scripture asked God difficult questions. The difference is whether our pain drives us toward God or hardens our hearts against Him. Psalm 62:8 (KJV) “Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” Bible illustration — Hannah Hannah was deeply distressed because she had no child. She was provoked and troubled. But she took her sorrow before the Lord. 1 Samuel 1:15 (KJV) “And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.” Hannah poured out her soul before God. She didn't have to pretend she wasn't hurting. She prayed honestly.   When you're hurting, talk to God! When you're disappointed, talk to God! When you're confused, talk to God! When you don't understand, talk to God! DON'T LET YOUR TROUBLE TURN YOU AGAINST GOD. LET YOUR TROUBLE DRIVE YOU INTO HIS PRESENCE! POINT 2 — APPEAL TO GOD FOR HELP! Psalm 142:5 (KJV) “I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.” David did more than describe his problem. He appealed to God for help. He declared that the Lord was his refuge. A refuge is a place of protection and shelter. David was saying, in effect: “Lord, I cannot handle this situation by myself. I need You!” Psalm 46:1 (KJV) “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Notice that God is not merely a help after trouble. He is a present help IN TROUBLE! Bible illustration — Jehoshaphat In 2 Chronicles 20, Jehoshaphat learned that a great army was coming against Judah. He was afraid. But he knew where to turn. 2 Chronicles 20:3–4 (KJV) “And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. And Judah gathered themselves together, to ask help of the LORD: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the LORD.” Jehoshaphat didn't allow fear to have the final word. He sought the Lord. He called the people to prayer and fasting.   When trouble comes, don't just panic. Pray! When you receive a bad report, pray! When you don't know which direction to take, pray! When the burden becomes too heavy, appeal to God! There is nothing wrong with seeking wise counsel, medical help, or practical assistance. But don't neglect prayer while seeking those things. BEFORE YOU GIVE UP, LOOK UP! POINT 3 — REMIND GOD OF WHAT HE HAS ALREADY SAID! 2 Chronicles 20:6–7 (KJV) “And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee? Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?” Jehoshaphat began reminding himself and the people of God's power and past faithfulness. Then he appealed to what God had promised concerning His people. 2 Chronicles 20:9 (KJV) “If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house, and in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house,) and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.” Church, when you're going through something, learn to pray God's Word. Not because God has forgotten what He said, but because you are standing in faith upon what He said! Numbers 23:19 (KJV) “God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?” Bible illustration — Jacob Jacob was afraid of meeting his brother Esau. He remembered what God had told him and brought that word into his prayer. Genesis 32:9 (KJV) “And Jacob said, O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the LORD which saidst unto me, Return unto thy country, and to thy kindred, and I will deal well with thee:” Jacob was essentially saying: “Lord, I am here because You told me to return. I'm depending on Your Word!”   When you feel weak, remember Isaiah 40:29: “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.” When you need wisdom, remember James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” When you Support the show

  8. Oct 14

    Don't Abandon Your Assignment

    Send us Fan Mail DON'T ABANDON YOUR ASSIGNMENT! October Sermon Series — HARVEST TIME Theme Scripture: Galatians 6:9 (KJV) Main Text: Genesis 6:9–22 Main Bible Character: Noah Supporting Characters: Daniel, Abraham, Joseph, Nehemiah, Job, Peter, and Paul GALATIANS 6:9 (KJV) “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” GENESIS 6:22 (KJV) “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Central Thought: God has not called us merely to begin an assignment. He calls us to remain faithful in carrying it out. We must not allow weariness, discouragement, opposition, or delayed results to make us abandon what God has entrusted to us. INTRODUCTION — STARTING IS EASY, BUT FINISHING REQUIRES FAITHFULNESS! Church, have you ever noticed how excited people become when they start something new? When somebody starts a new job, they're excited! When somebody buys a new house, they're excited! When somebody gets married, they're excited! When somebody begins a new ministry, they're excited! But after a while, something happens. The excitement begins to wear off. The responsibilities become greater. The challenges become more difficult. And the very thing they were excited about becomes something they struggle to continue. Because starting something is one thing, but finishing what you started is another! A LITTLE HUMOR A man decided he was going to get in shape. He bought a brand-new treadmill, exercise clothes, sneakers, and a fitness watch. His wife asked him a month later, “How's your exercise program going?” He said, “Wonderful! I've got everything I need!” She asked, “How many times have you used the treadmill?” He said, “Well, right now I'm using it to hang my clothes!” Church, he had the equipment, but he had abandoned the assignment! And sometimes believers do the same thing spiritually. We start praying, but stop when the answer doesn't come quickly. We start serving, but stop when nobody appreciates us. We start witnessing, but stop when people reject the message. We start doing good, but become discouraged when the results are not visible. And that's why Paul tells us in Galatians 6:9: “LET US NOT BE WEARY IN WELL DOING!” Paul understands that doing good can become tiring. He understands that serving God requires endurance. And he understands that sometimes the temptation to quit becomes stronger just when we need to remain faithful. But he gives us a promise: “FOR IN DUE SEASON WE SHALL REAP, IF WE FAINT NOT.” Notice something. Paul doesn't say that we will never become tired. He tells us not to become so discouraged that we give up doing good. There is a difference between needing rest and abandoning your responsibility. There is a difference between being weary and surrendering your faith. And there is a difference between waiting for the harvest and walking away from the field! Today, I want to introduce you to a man who understood the importance of remaining faithful to an assignment. His name was NOAH! God gave Noah an assignment that required faith, patience, obedience, and perseverance. He had to build an ark before the flood came. He had to prepare for something he had not yet seen. And he had to continue until the work was completed. Noah could not afford to abandon his assignment halfway through! And neither should we abandon what God has called us to do. My message today is: DON'T ABANDON YOUR ASSIGNMENT! BACKGROUND — GOD GAVE NOAH AN ASSIGNMENT GENESIS 6:5 (KJV) “And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” The world had become corrupt. Violence and wickedness filled the earth. But there was one man who stood out. GENESIS 6:8–9 (KJV) “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” God gave Noah specific instructions to build an ark. GENESIS 6:14 (KJV) “Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch.” The ark was not Noah's idea. It was God's instruction. And the responsibility of Noah was to obey. The Bible does not tell us precisely how many years Noah spent constructing the ark. But it makes clear that he faithfully carried out God's command. GENESIS 6:22 (KJV) “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” What a testimony! God commanded. Noah obeyed. God instructed. Noah followed. God gave the assignment. And Noah carried it out. Let's examine seven lessons from Noah's life that will help us remain faithful to our God-given assignments. POINT 1 — DON'T ABANDON YOUR ASSIGNMENT BECAUSE OTHERS ARE DOING WRONG GENESIS 6:9 (KJV) “These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.” Noah lived in a corrupt generation, but he continued walking with God. He did not allow the conduct of others to determine his own obedience. Church, one of the greatest temptations today is to follow the crowd. When others compromise, we are tempted to compromise. When others stop praying, we are tempted to stop praying. When others lose interest in serving God, we may begin to lose interest ourselves. But God has not called us to follow the crowd. He has called us to follow Him! ROMANS 12:21 (KJV) “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Old Testament example — Daniel Daniel was living in Babylon, where he faced pressure to compromise his devotion to God. But Daniel continued praying. DANIEL 6:10 (KJV) “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.” Daniel did not allow the king's decree to stop his prayer life. Don't abandon your assignment because others have abandoned theirs. If others stop praying, you keep praying! If others stop serving, you keep serving! If others stop believing, you keep believing! DON'T LET SOMEBODY ELSE'S UNFAITHFULNESS BECOME AN EXCUSE FOR YOURS! POINT 2 — DON'T ABANDON YOUR ASSIGNMENT BECAUSE YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING HEBREWS 11:7 (KJV) “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Notice these words: “THINGS NOT SEEN AS YET.” Noah had not seen the coming flood. But he believed what God had spoken. He did not demand that God show him the entire future before he began obeying. Church, sometimes God gives us an assignment without explaining every detail. He may tell us to go, but not show us everything we will encounter. He may tell us to serve, but not reveal every challenge we will face. He may tell us to trust Him, even when the outcome is uncertain. Old Testament example — Abraham HEBREWS 11:8 (KJV) “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.” Abraham obeyed without knowing every detail of his destination. New Testament example — Peter LUKE 5:5 (KJV) “And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.” Peter had already worked all night. He had caught nothing. But when Jesus gave the instruction, Peter obeyed.   You don't have to understand everything to obey what God has clearly revealed. FAITH IS NOT KNOWING EVERYTHING THAT WILL HAPPEN. FAITH IS TRUSTING THE ONE WHO HAS CALLED YOU! POINT 3 — DON'T ABANDON YOUR ASSIGNMENT BECAUSE YOU CANNOT SEE RESULTS GENESIS 6:22 (KJV) “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Imagine Noah working on the ark. He is cutting wood. He is preparing materials. He is following the measurements. He is doing the work. But the flood has not arrived. The assignment is still in progress. Church, sometimes you can work faithfully for a long time without seeing the results you hoped for. You have been praying for your family, but they have not changed. You have been teaching the Word, but some people still seem spiritually immature. You have been reaching out to souls, but many have not responded. You have been doing good, but nobody seems to notice. And the enemy wants to convince you that your labor is wasted. But hear what the Word says! 1 Support the show

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About

My podcast will be called "Faith beyond Fear" encouraging people to trust God in the midst of what they are going through.  

Information

  • Creator
    Gregory Tucker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    220
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 G. T. Ministries
  • Show Website
    G. T. Ministries