Trust In the Lord

Here we are again, thanking God for His goodness and the freedom to worship in the church of our choice. Do we really realize how blessed we are? Have you ever considered the bondage other countries live under? Wow. That is not part of the sermon; it just came out of a thought that I woke with this morning. Just want to make sure that we don’t take for granted the blessings we have received from a loving God. We should praise him daily for this gift of freedom He has provided for his children.

The service began with worship in song and prayer. It is such a peaceful feeling to know that our prayers are on a direct line to Jesus and then passed on to the Father. There are so many needs in our world today. With direction given by God, we will be able to face what comes our way. Sometimes we catch ourselves thinking otherwise. Be encouraged; God makes a way where there seems to be no way.

We were so glad to have our dear Brother Tommie and Sister Nancy Abercrombie with us this morning. They make several of us smile a big smile when they come to visit. We pray they will come as often as possible.

When Pastor Bob Cartwright took the pulpit, he began with a very interesting statement. He asked if you like to be around older people who are living for the Lord. Many have been walking this path for years and set a wonderful example for those whom are younger to follow.

Romans 1:8 was the first scripture given and tells us that Paul was thanking God that faith is spoken throughout the world. Why were they speaking in faith? Read Proverbs 3:5-6 to find that we are to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not to our own understanding. Verse 6 goes on to say, “In all thy ways, acknowledge him and he shall direct thy path.”

If we would just listen and obey, things would sure be a lot easier. The Word states that we are made overcomers by the word of our testimony. Do we share the goodness that comes from God? Too often we explain away the miracles that we receive. How many times have you heard someone say, “I thought this was what was wrong with me, but now I’m alright; I guess it was never that bad?” Did you stop to think that prayer changes things in your life and health? If you ask for prayer, then give the praise to God for your answer.

Trust in the Lord and you will experience many unexplained results. This is confirmed in Philippians 1:6. Paul said that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day that Jesus comes. Read in 2 Corinthians of the pain Paul suffered but still came through praising God. His dedication was surely above anything we can imagine. We cannot be so caught up in the past that we are not moving forward for the Lord.

Philippians 3:13-15 tells us to forget the past, not looking back, but reaching forth unto those things which are before us. Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Jesus Christ.” You cannot get very far if you are always looking over your shoulder to things that are already out of your control. Second Timothy 2:3 tells us that we should endure hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. What does this mean to you? I would say to me it says that we are in the army of the Lord and war daily against the affairs of this life that try to derail us. Satan will put every stumbling block possible in our way to keep us from fully trusting in the Lord.

You will read the assurance of his promise in 2 Timothy 1:11-12. Paul spoke of the fact that he is not ashamed to look to the one he believes in and knows that he is able to keep that which he has committed unto him. Of course, he was speaking of Jesus Christ, and we are comforted with the knowledge that He will also keep us and all that we lay before Him. You have heard the words of an old song that tells us to bring our cares to Jesus and leave them there. It is so simple if we would just obey. We just want to fix things on our own and often a mess of the situation.

In closing, Pastor again reminded us that if we only trust in the Lord, He will give us a new life full of joy and peace.

We pray you were blessed by this message and will come to the Cove Mission of Hope to hear more about this wonderful path we are traveling.