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Dearly beloved,
"God is our refuge and strength a very present help in
trouble." The Hebrew word for trouble is "tsarah"
and literally means tightness. Experienced any tight
spots recently? This same Hebrew word is translated - adversary,
adversity, affliction, anguish, distress and tribulation
in other Old Testament passages.
Our Lord Jesus prepared us for life when He said, "In His world you
have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."
Notice Jesus didn't say you will have or might have tribulation.
You have it! Like it or not and ready or not tribulation
is a reality.
But God is our refuge and strength a very present help
in trouble. Help isn't for yesterday or for tomorrow. It is
for today. We can't receive help today for tomorrow's
troubles. Our gracious God will give us help exactly
when we need it.
Last Sunday my message title was "A Very Present Help
– The Zeal of the Lord!" We were reminded afresh that God is passionate,
enthusiastic and zealous for His own. It's Wednesday
and perhaps you need your memory refreshed?
1. When you are in sin and shame -
He will search for you!
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“Then the Lord God called to the man, and He said to him, Where
are you? Gen. 3:9
2. When it seems God has forgotten you - He will reassure
you!
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“I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless and I will establish
my covenant between Me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.”
Gen.17:1-2
3. When fear has you paralyzed - He will strengthen
you!
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“Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel; for you
have striven with God and with men and have prevailed.” Gen. 32:29
4. When you feel inadequate - He will be be your sufficiency!
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“And God says to Moses, I AM WHO I AM; and He said, thus
you shall say to the sons of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.” Ex.
3:13
5. When the enemy seems to have you trapped - He will
be your escape!
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“The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name. Pharaoh's
chariots and his army He has cast into the sea.” Ex.
15:3
6. When you are facing insurmountable obstacles - He
will help you overcome!
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“No, rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the
Lord.” Joshua 5:14
7. When you are running for your life - He will find
you!
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“What are you doing here, Elijah.” 1 Kings 19:9
8. When you have turned your back on God - He will
confront and forgive!
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“The Lord has taken away your sin; you shall not die.”
2 Sam. 12:14
9. When forsaken and betrayed - He will comfort
and encourage!
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“But the Lord is with me like a dread champion.” Jeremiah
20:11
10. When you are in the desert - He will lead
you!
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“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside
quiet waters." Psalm 23:2
What a wonderful Savior! Our topic this Sunday is,
"The Adequacy of God." Remember that the, "Great Debate"
will start at 4:45 p.m. this Sunday night.
If you are interested in how God is meeting the needs of orphans in
Zimbabwe please join our "Hands of Hope" team in the Campus
Center at 7:15 p.m. We will be sharing what God is doing!
We will also share some possible summer ministry opportunities.
In His solid grip,
Glen
P.S. Please pray for the Norm Scott, Norm's mother
and the rest of family in the loss of Norm's father. The memorial
service will be the first part of next week.
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