|
|
|
March 27-28, 2002 FAITH QUEST! 1 Samuel 17 and Selected FAITH EXPECTS THE BEST! *** Hebrews 11:6 "And without faith it is impossible to please God…." [NIV] THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO MAKE GOD SMILE ON YOUR LIFE AND THAT IS WITH FAITH! *** Romans 10:17 "So faith comes from hearing the Good News…." [New Century Version]THE MESSAGE OF THE BIBLE IS FAITH-FOOD! *** Matthew 9:29 "According to your faith will it be done to you…." [NIV] FAITH UNLOCKS HEAVEN’S DOOR! *** Hebrews 11:1 "Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see." [God’s Word to the Nations]
EXPECTING THE BEST IS THE CONFIDENT ASSURANCE THAT GOD IS: · IN CONTROL OF THE FUTURE AND THAT· HE PLANS WHAT IS BEST FOR MY LIFE BECAUSE HE LOVES ME!*** Psalm 32:8 "The Lord says, "I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." [New Living Translation] FAITH UNLEASHES THE POWER OF OUR POTENTIAL! THREE THINGS THAT FAITH-EXPECTATION DOES: A. FAITH-EXPECTATION EDIFIES GOD! *** 1 Samuel 17:45-46 "David said to him, "You come to me using a sword and two spears. But I come to you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful…. Today the Lord will hand you over to me…. Then all the world will know there is a God…!" [NCV] "EXPECT GREAT THINGS FROM GOD, ATTEMPT GREAT THINGS FOR GOD!" - William Carey
B. FAITH-EXPECTATION EMPOWERS ME! *** 1 Samuel 17:37 "The Lord who saved me from the claws of the lion and the bear will save me from this Philistine!" [NLT]
C. FAITH-EXPECTATION ENCOURAGES OTHERS! *** 1 Samuel 17:51-52 "When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran. Then the Israelites gave a great shout of triumph and rushed after the Philistines…." [NLT] HOW TO BUILD A FAITH THAT EXPECTS THE BEST! 1. BY TUNING IN TO GOD EVERY DAY! *** Psalm 5:3 "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." [New International Version] *** Psalm 143:8 "Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer." [NLT] 2. BY FOCUSING ON GOD’S PROMISES ALL DAY! *** Psalm 119:95 "Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind upon your promises." [Living Bible] *** Psalm 119:11 "I've banked your promises in the vault of my heart…." [MSG] *** Hebrews 10:23 "Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word." [The Message] *** Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." [NIV] 3. BY REMEMBERING GOD’S PROVISION IN THE PAST! *** 1 Samuel 17:37 "The Lord who saved me…." [NLT] *** Psalm 46:1-2 "God is our protection and our strength. He always helps in times of trouble. So we will not be afraid…." [NCV] *** Hebrews 13:6 "That is why we can say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid?" [NLT] 4. TRUST IN GOD’S LOVE IN GLOOMY TIMES! *** Psalm 42:11 "O my soul, don't be discouraged. Don't be upset. Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise him for all that he will do. He is my help! He is my God!" [LB] *** Ps 91:14 "If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God, "I'll get you out of any trouble. I'll give you the best of care if you'll only get to know and trust me." [MSG]5. HANG OUT WITH "FAITH-WALKERS!" *** Proverbs 13:20 "Spend time with the wise and you will become wise, but the friends of fools will suffer." [NCV] "IF YOU WANT TO SOAR WITH THE EAGLES YOU CAN’T RUN WITH THE TURKEYS!" *** Hebrews 10:25 "Let us not neglect our meeting together…, but encourage and warn each other, especially now…." [NLT] |