BETHEL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
A SMALL COUNTRY CHURCH WITH A
BIG HEART
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Isaiah 25:1-5 “Our Refuge In the Storm” June 14s
Remember the last storm in your life? Event that seemed to
completely overwhelmed you? ASK!
The Bible is filled with
inspirational stories of individuals who appeared to be overwhelmed
with problems in their lives, but more importantly how they found the strength
to overcome those storms. Sometimes their lives seemed unbearable,
but as they turned to God - helped them. Isaiah teaches: when you
feel like your drowning, remember to praise God. “The Lord reached down from
above and took hold of me; He pulled me out of the deep waters” [Ps.
18:16]. No matter what your storm -
The Good News: those who truly love the Lord and are
committed to living holy lives, the waves of the storm will keep on
pounding our souls but we have a shelter/refuge in the storm -
Jesus! In the midst of the howling of the wind, the pounding of the
waves, He is there to be our sanctuary, calm retreat, a place of
solitude and strength to withstand any storm. “I will hide beneath
the shadow of your wings until this violent storm is past” [Ps.
57:1].
Pastor, that's nice but you don't understand! I may not but
God does. His Word reminds us that when we are caught in the storms
of life, it's easy to think that God has lost control and that we're
at the mercy of the raging winds of the storms, but God is in control. Just as Jesus calmed the waves, He longs
to calm the storms in your life. The sad truth: He
provides a lifeline but there are those who refuse to accept it.
Their salvation - rely on the Golden Rule but that won't save them -
only the blood of Jesus Christ. He is the only
way to God for salvation. “God is our refuge and
strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not
fear...” Ps. 46:1].
How can I find this strength? How can I get rid of this inner
turmoil within my life? Personal Relationship
with Jesus? Have you asked Him into your heart – He
is the only One who is able to show us how to live in the midst of
the storm. His Spirit is seen through the mature believers in our
church who point us to Him. Don't leave this morning without asking
Jesus to come into your heart. Spiritual
practice – are you fully committed to God by giving
your life completely, choosing to grow spiritually in your walk with
the Lord. Finally, spiritual
community.
Have you committed to become actively involved in your church
or just when it's convenient? Using your gifts and talents? Sharing
the Good News with another? We can calm the storm! We can find
refuge and shelter in Jesus. We need each other to uplift us in
prayer, fellowship. “Stand By Me # 512. |
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