Where is God when I'm suffering?

The personal story of Larry Craviness as he shares the gripping testimony about the losing his son Tad and what its like caring for a terminally ill child. He also shares his personal battle with faith and answers the question, where is God?

The greatness of Humility

Sunday May 22

The Greatness of Humility

Who doesn’t aspire to greatness? That is, who doesn’t want to be great or do great things? This desire doesn’t always have to arise from selfishness or from ego or arrogance. It could simply be doing the very best that you can at whatever you do, hoping perhaps that what you do could even bring blessings upon others. (See also Eccles. 9:10.)

The problem, however, comes in defining “greatness.” How easy for our fallen human minds to understand the concept in a way that vastly differs from God’s view.

Read Matthew 18:1-4. According to Jesus, what is true greatness, and how are we to understand it in a way that we can apply it to our own lives?

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To define true greatness, Jesus called a child to stand before Him and said, “‘Whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven’” (vs. 4, NKJV). Jesus didn’t talk about being a great preacher, or a great businessman, or even a great philanthropist. Greatness, in the sight of God, is what we are inside, not what we do externally, though no doubt what’s inside will impact what we do externally.

Notice, Jesus defines greatness in a way that most people in the world don’t. After all, who wakes up one day and decides that the greatness he or she wants in life is to be as humble as a little child? It seems strange to us, to aspire to something like that, but this is only because we are so tainted by the world’s principles, ideas, and concepts.

What does it mean to be humble like a little child? One of the indicators of humility is obedience, putting God’s Word ahead of our own will. If you are on the wrong path in your life, then that’s because you’re on your own path. The solution is simple: humble yourself and get back on God’s path through obedience to His Word. If Adam and Eve had stayed humble, they would not have sinned. It’s interesting to consider that the tree of life and the tree of knowledge were both located in the middle of the garden. Often life and destruction aren’t far apart. The difference is humility.

What are some other attitudes and ideas we hold only because of our contact with the world, attitudes and ideas that are in conflict with the Word of God? Bring your answer to class on Sabbath.

Friend of God - David Asherrick

Part 2 of this excellent series of sermons by David Asherrick recorded at Oakwood College. 

Popcorns

 Did you know that Popcorns are normally fried in the same pot, in the same oil, at the same time and under the same heat conditions, but they do not all pop at the same time. When flood comes, fish eat ants and when the flood recedes, ants eat fish. Only time matters. To make soap, oil is required. But to clean oil, soap is required. This is the irony of life. Everybody needs somebody at one point in time. Do not despise or treat anyone with scorn. There is a time for everything and for everyone. Keep trusting and waiting on God. Your time to POP will soon come.

The Beatitudes - David Assherrick

Part 1 from the fantastic series from David Assherrick

Oh what wondrous love David Assherick

An execellent sermon taken from the series Friend of God. This particularly sermon is about worth. How much your worth and what it is that makes you so special. An excellent sermon full of great examples, stories and love. This sermon will leave you breathless, blown away and yet captivated by God great love for you. You will feel blessed and truly special from this unique interpretation. 

Psalms 23

Psalms 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. (The Lord is my provider, I need nothing. I need not to worry about how am going to provide for myself because God has already promised that he will provide for all my needs). 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures. (Not only is He going to provide for you, He's also going to Bless you richly. As his chosen people He's going to shower you with blessings. He promises to give you the very best there is to offer. Sometimes He's going to really spoil you. He's going to give far more than you need or deserve, far greater than your expectations and more than is humanly possible and more than you could have possibly done for yourself). 

He restoreth my soul. God promises to heal you not only spiritually but mentally and physical. He will mend broken hearts, broken marriages, broken relationships. He can and will heal you from all manner of sickness and diseases. God is the greatest and most qualified doctor, therapist and physician in the universe. No condition is beyond His repair. When your weak he will give you strength. 

He leadeth me in the path of righteousness for his name's sake. 

God is your guide. He promises to lead and guide you through life. He will tell which way to go. Not only does he promises to guide you through spiritual things but also through moral and other aspects of your life. Whether it's choosing the right partner or what to study for an exam. God promises to give you honest good counsel and advice if your willing to listen or ask for it in the first. He's always working for your best interest so you don't have worry. You are in safe hands when you choose God to be your leader and counsellor. If your unsure which way to go, he will tell you the right path to path. If your unsure about something he will tell whats the right thing to do. Whatever it is God will always be there to help and guide you to do the right thing. 

Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

God is my protector and Comforter. Challenges will come and even some that will put you on verge on death. But God promises that He will always be with you, till the very end. Not only will he help you through this difficult time in your life but He will also protect you. Making sure that you are not harmed and that the situation does not exceed what you are capable of coping with, with His help. Things are not always going to be easy, hard times will come but God promises to be in the midst of the problem with you, helping you, comforting you and protecting from all manner of evil. Therefore as Christians we have no need to worry when troubles come because our God promises that He will be there in the unseen realm fighting the battle and the unseen enemy for us. Just remember, He (God) that is with you, is far greater and more powerful than they that are against you. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. I am special and chosen by God. Inspite of all the crazy, messed up things that takes place in your life; God promises that he will bless you in such a way, that will make even your enemies jealous. Why? Because God will put a special protection around you, so that no matter what happens you will always come out winning. You see, the problems that you face are not just problems. Sometimes they are tests used to refine our character. Other times as a tool to witness to other. Sometimes to draw us God. Helping us to realise and appreciate just how lucky we are as christians to have a God who loves and cares for us. As christians we are part of a chosen people whom God has chosen and given special privileges and gifts that we may exalt the name of God and share the good news of the gospel with others; so that others who are walking in darkness my come in the light and also experience God's mercy and care. We are a chosen people, a royal priesthood and a holy nation, that we might give light to the world. God has promised that He is going to bless you inspite of what your enemies may try to do. Why? Not because you have done anything special or deserving; but that your life, your testimonies, miracles, blessings and other evidence of God workings in life may be a witness to others of God's love and saving grace towards His people and anyone who is willing to accept him in their life today. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the lord for ever. Finally, if you have God, you have everything. You need nothing because God will provide for all your needs. What an awesome and loving God we serve. To God be the glory!

Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory!