I still love to hear stories of honorable acts of bravery against all odds. Yet, our lives often look different than these moments of valor in the lives of our heroes. Often, we find ourselves at the end of our resources searching for help. In Psalm 70, David is pinned down by his enemies and calls on the Lord. Today, we know we must battle the war against Satan, our flesh, and our fear of death.
Have you ever heard the saying, “Keep your head above water.” This saying is often used when someone is struggling to pay the bills or to accomplish all their work. In Psalm 69, we watch as the Davidic King can’t keep his head above water. He’s suffering and he’s sinking. You may be suffering now; we will all suffer at some point. See how to lament to God when you are suffering and need saving.
We love celebrations. But sometimes in life, it seems as if there's less and less to celebrate! It can be easy to get discouraged and lose our joy. Psalm 68 calls us to celebrate, and it reminds us why we celebrate. God is a victorious warrior. He wins. He defeats every enemy and reigns supreme over every kingdom.
You've probably asked God to bless you. That's exactly what the Psalmist does in Psalm 67 - "God, be merciful to us and bless us..." Is it ok to ask God for things? Maybe! Psalm 67 teaches us that the reason we ask is important. The goal of all our requests to God should be God's glory. Or, as it’s stated in Psalm 67, that all people would praise the Lord.
In Psalm 66, the Psalmist calls everyone to turn their eyes to the Lord and to worship Him. We worship God because He deserves it, but something amazing happens to us at the same time. As God gets "bigger" in our hearts or circumstances, the opinions of people, and our fears get smaller and smaller. Come, and worship God!
It's only when we exalt the name of Jesus that we begin to experience the power of His name. If we want to see God at work with power, then we must center our ministry on the message of salvation in the name of Jesus.
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands
Lesson Twelve Handout: Do 2 - Applying Change to Everyday Life
In salvation, God makes us His children. We are to show, by the way we live, that we are part of His family. As we walk in love, in the light, and in wisdom, we are able to show the world what our Father is like.
Lesson Eleven Handout: Philippians 4:2-9
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands
Lesson Eleven Handout: Do 1 - Applying Change to Everyday Life
God wants each of us to participate in the growth of the church. This is how ministry multiplies. We see this happen in the Apostle Paul's life as his ministry multiplies through the lives of others - Apollos, Aquila, and Priscilla. Church is not one feeding the many. Instead, we all grow as we all serve. Listen to consider how you can thrive in the body of Christ.
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands
Lesson Ten Handout: Speak 2: Speaking the Truth in Love
Fear can shape the little decisions we make in the day. Worst of all, fear can keep us from doing what God has called us to do. In Acts 18, the Lord Jesus reminds Paul of His presence and power so that Paul can overcome his fears and press on in ministry. We too can lean on Jesus' promises to conquer our fears.
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands
Lesson Nine Handout: Speak 1: Speaking the Truth in Love
The grace of God teaches us to live for God. The lessons of grace are often missed and misunderstood among Christians. As a result, we miss out on the joy, righteousness, and hope that God's grace empowers. Listen and rejoice in how God's grace saves and transforms sinners!
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands
Lesson Eight Handout: Know 2: Getting to Know People and Discovering Where Change Is Needed
In Acts 17:16-34, Paul is grieved by the way the city of Athens is gripped by idolatry. Immediately he begins to preach Jesus, the crucified and risen Savior. His message is crucial for us today! Only Jesus can save us from our idolatry. Turn from idols and trust in Jesus, the crucified and risen Savior.