Praise Tabernacle Podcast Praise Tabernacle

YET, STILL, I DARE TO HOPE

Love Returned Series

Lamentations 3

 


As we delve into Lamentations 3 and confront the harsh reality of our existence, we realize that despite being children of God and bearing the kingdom of heaven within us, we remain entrenched in a world marred by sin and suffering. 

 

Our anguish may stem from our transgressions or the wrongdoing of others. Jeremiah, the prophet, bore witness to the suffering of his people, a consequence of their refusal to heed divine warnings. While he could have harbored resentment and turned away, Jeremiah's response mirrored the compassion of the Lord.

 

The Lord's correction, born out of love, seeks not rejection but restoration. Jeremiah, in solidarity with his people, endured the siege of Jerusalem, grappling with profound despair. He recognized that even amidst this tribulation, the Lord permitted their suffering.


 


In the depths of his desolation, Jeremiah's proclamation in verses 21-23 resonates: "Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning." 

 

Though despair threatened to consume him, Jeremiah clung to the Lord's covenant promises. Through trials, God's mercy prevailed, transforming adversity into a blessing for those who trust Him. Jeremiah admonishes himself to await salvation patiently, relinquishing complaint and embracing discipline. He urges submission, advocating for endurance in the face of adversity and forgiveness in response to injury.

 


"For no one is abandoned by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he also shows compassion. Because of the greatness of his unfailing love. For he does not enjoy hurting people or causing them sorrow." (vs. 31-33)

 


Jeremiah implores us to refrain from bitterness, to accept divine correction with grace, and to become instruments of restoration. Our hearts should ache for those trapped in sin's grip, prompting us to extend mercy and guidance toward their redemption. Rather than harboring resentment, we trust in the Lord's justice, knowing He will repay wrongdoing.

 


In a world steeped in suffering and sin, may we echo Jeremiah's resolve to endure with hope, extend mercy, and embrace the call to restoration.

4/14/24 It's Never Too Late! Pastor Steve Rahter Lamentations 2
Anger, Justice, Judgment, Mercy

In the tumultuous voyage of life, we inevitably encounter storms that shake the very foundations of our being. Amidst the struggles, our souls are tested, and our faith is challenged. How do we maintain our love and devotion to the Lord in the throes of despair? The Book of Lamentations serves as a beacon of light in the darkness, offering profound insights into the human experience of suffering and the enduring power of faith.
As we journey through the verses of Lamentations 1, we are confronted with the raw agony of a city laid waste by affliction. Tears flow freely, and trusted companions turn into adversaries, echoing the profound sense of isolation and betrayal that often accompanies suffering. Through these lamentations, we confront the harsh reality of rejection, loneliness, and the devastating consequences of sin.
Yet, amidst the wreckage, there is a glimmer of hope—a recognition of wrongdoing and a plea for divine mercy. We find an opportunity for transformation and redemption in the depths of despair. We can begin the journey toward healing and renewal by embracing humility, seeking forgiveness, and trusting in divine providence.
The devastation described in Lamentations serves not only as a testament to human frailty but also as a poignant reminder of the enduring nature of faith. Even in the darkest of times, there is solace to be found in the unwavering love and compassion of the Divine. As we navigate the storms of life, may we draw strength from the timeless wisdom of Lamentations, steadfast in our belief that the promise of redemption emerges from desolation.
 
 

NO GREATER LOVE  pt. 2 (Resurrection Sunday)
The Resurrection - Triumph over Death
Continuing our exploration in "Love Returned," we turn our attention to the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, as echoed in John 15:13: "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
Defying Death: In the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we witness the ultimate triumph over death. Despite the darkness of the tomb, Jesus emerged victorious, breaking the chains of sin and death once and for all. His resurrection is a testament to the depth of his love and the power of his sacrifice.
Conquering Fear: The resurrection dispels fear and instills hope in the hearts of believers. Just as Jesus laid down his life for his friends, so does he assure us of new life in him. Through his resurrection, we find courage, strength, and the promise of eternal life.
A New Beginning: The resurrection marks the beginning of a new era characterized by redemption, grace, and restoration. In Christ, we are offered the opportunity for spiritual rebirth and transformation. His resurrection power enables us to live lives of purpose and significance, free from the bondage of sin and death.
Commission to Spread Good News: As recipients of Christ's sacrificial love, we are called to share the Good News of the resurrection with the world. Just as Jesus laid down his life for his friends, so too are we called to lay down our lives for others, sharing Christ's love with all we encounter. Our lives are a testament to the reality of Christ's victory over death, and our words and actions serve as a beacon of hope to those who are lost and searching.
As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, may we be reminded of the incomparable love that led him to lay down his life for us. May we live our lives in light of this incredible truth, knowing that there is truly no greater love in Christ.

3/24/24 Youth Sunday
Love and the Heart Loving God & Others
1 John 4 & 5
Minister Joel Eugene

LOVING OTHERS

LOVE RETURNED SERIES

1 Peter 4, 1 John 3

 


Loving God inherently involves loving others. It's not enough to claim devotion to God while harboring hatred for our fellow humans. As 1 John 4:20 asserts, if we fail to love those we can see, how can we claim to love God, whom we cannot see?

 


1 Peter 4 offers guidance for navigating adversity, with verse 8 as a poignant reminder:

"Above all, maintain fervent love for one another because love covers a multitude of sins."


This fervent love requires deep compassion, even towards those who may mistreat us. While it's effortless to love those who treat us kindly, true love is demonstrated in our ability to extend it to those who do not reciprocate.

 


Understanding that "love covers a multitude of sins" doesn't mean overlooking wrongdoing, but rather, it signifies love's capacity to forgive and persevere despite flaws. Through Christ, we find the strength to forgive and continue loving unconditionally while safeguarding ourselves from harm.

 


John's insight in 1 John 3 delves deeper into the transformative power of divine love:

 


"Those born of God do not habitually engage in sin, for God's nature abides in them; they cannot continue in sin because they are born of God. Thus, we discern the children of God from the children of the devil: those who practice righteousness and extend love to others belong to God."


The love of God empowers us to resist the allure of sin and exemplify righteousness. Our love for others becomes the litmus test of our allegiance to God as we move from harboring hate or ill intentions towards others to selflessly sacrificing for their well-being—the ultimate demonstration of God’s love.

 


In a world rife with discord and adversity, we are called to embody the transformative power of love. We stand charged to love fervently, not just those who reciprocate, but especially those who may oppose or mistreat us. Let our love be a shield covering many sins, forgiving even when difficult, and persevering through trials.

 


Our actions must echo the truth of our faith: to love is to abide in God, to reject hate, and to extend compassion without bounds. As we navigate life's challenges, let us be known not by our words alone but by our unwavering commitment to love.

 


Thus, the Holy Spirit gives us this charge: let love be our guiding light, our strength in adversity, and our testimony to the transformative grace of God. For in love, we find our most authentic expression of humanity, and in love, we reflect the very image of our Creator."