Harbor Rock Tabernacle

While most of our insecurity is a result of internal uncertainty or external obstacles, there is a dangerous form that comes from entitled self-focus. It is subtle, so we often don't realize we're doing it, but the parable of the Prodigal Son draws attention to it by taking just as many verses to detail the angry hostility of the older brother. His frustration with the mercy shown to his sinning brother paralleled the assumptive self-righteousness of the Pharisees Jesus was talking to. By looking at his reactions, we see the fallacy of the narrative that God just wants us to "be happy", as well as the self-pity, judgmentalism and fear that can make us self-focused rather than content in the Lord. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4gWHiFvQcU

Jeremiah was called "the weeping prophet" because he was so grieved by the coming discipline of Judah for their sin, and because he faced tremendous opposition for serving the Lord. Alone in his ministry, he was scorned, rejected, beaten, thrown in a cistern and eventually stoned. But he remained faithful to his calling, because he knew the Lord empowers and defends us when we do. So he was willing to speak truth in love, calling the people to repent from their rebellious sin. He staying faithful by trusting in God's provision, even as everyone turned on him. The Lord ultimately rewarded his faithfulness, showing Jeremiah the mercy He would eventually pour out on Judah, revealing unimaginable plans that remind us that He is ready to bless us when we love and live for Him with our whole heart. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEsQGLZE4Dw

Hidden beneath Samson's muscles and arrogant persona was an insecure need to be liked and approved. Marked by unique points of distinction from the Lord, Samson nevertheless was driven by what looked good to him and pleased him. This caused him to pursue what was impure and dangerous, as well as contradictory to his direct calling. When he became careless with his character and his assignment, rather than seeking the Lord for help, it led him into compromise that had damaging effects Samson's life is a warning to value and complete the amazing opportunities the Lord has given us, instead of squandering them. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90ljdZpg3vs

Just as sports teams are notorious for creating subtle strategic advantages, the devil works to keep us unstable & emotionally discouraged by trying to undermine our faith. The account of Gideon in Judges shows how thoroughly insecurity and fear can infiltrate our thinking, but also how the Lord convincingly shows His sufficiency. Gideon seemed an unlikely leader, full of feelings of inadequacy, but the Lord doesn’t value prominence–He evaluates the heart. Once Gideon believed the Lord at His Word, and received verification to give him confidence, he learned that nothing is impossible with the Lord. This reminds us to only listen to the voice we can trust–the Lord’s. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9NlSgWWAWk

Just as sports teams are notorious for creating subtle strategic advantages, the devil works to keep us unstable & emotionally discouraged by trying to undermine our faith. The account of Gideon in Judges shows how thoroughly insecurity and fear can infiltrate our thinking, but also how the Lord convincingly shows His sufficiency. Gideon seemed an unlikely leader, full of feelings of inadequacy, but the Lord doesn't value prominence--He evaluates the heart. Once Gideon believed the Lord at His Word, and received verification to give him confidence, he learned that nothing is impossible with the Lord. This reminds us to only listen to the voice we can trust--the Lord's. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9NlSgWWAWk

Feelings of inadequacy, sadness and hopelessness are pervasive in every culture and society, even among believers. But the Lord equips us with a different mindset--one of victory and purpose. When Moses was called by the Lord to lead God's people out of Egypt, he responded with 5 objections, all self-focused...even though the Lord had given His promises that He would be with him and provide in every way. Moses shows how we can be paralyzed by the shame of our past, and insecure and fearful about our present and future. But when we walk by faith in the sufficiency of the Lord, denying the enemy's lies that we are a failure, the Lord frees us from that emotional bondage and transforms our path forward. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0abL5AqsGE

Joseph is an interesting case study because we can relate to what he went through. He didn't do miracles, but he did experience alot of resentment and rejection. His brothers hated him, his overseer's wife falsely accused him, and he was forgotten in jail. But Joseph's life shows us that experiencing rejection provides opportunities to get insight into what Christ went through and love God's grace. It's a time to trust without wavering that the Lord will lead us out of the pit we're in at the moment and experience His victory. But we have to fight the temptations that insecurity brings, and implement the actions Joseph took to offset decline and discouragement. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLMKDTOxCtM

Every person struggles with insecurity, whether it's physical, emotional, vocational, relational or spiritual. This can lead a chronic attitude of defeat, or humble us about our need for the Lord. In Genesis, Jacob was someone who "wrestled" with this in every aspect of his life. In his discontentment and jealousy, he worked the angles to try to gain advantage. How we respond to disappointment--whether it's being calloused, captive to our pain, or consecrated to the Lord--reveals alot about our heart, mind and soul. When we live in awe of God's power, and trust His work even in tough circumstances, He opens up fresh opportunities and gives us contentment. Vide of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oHPV5tDdnpo

The Lord gives every believer talents, gifts and opportunities to influence, and whether it seems minor or profound, we are just called to be faithful to what He's given us. In the church in the ancient city of Colosse, there was a man named Archippus, who was called out by the apostle Paul and told to finish his work of ministry. Apparently, in a year he had gone from a committed, battle-tested warrior for Christ to a person who fell back in his dedication, diligence and responsibility. Like a runner who doesn't race all the way to the tape, Archippus needed to take heed to the work of ministry. When we don't do this, we are at great risk of 4 dangerous consequences which can limit our progress and passion. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFi5MOLMbeY

The church in Corinth was full of pride, worldliness and lack of love for the Lord and others. But at the end of his first letter of correction and admonition to them, the apostle Paul draws attention to a family who exemplified living for Christ. “The house of Stephanas” was the first family Paul had led to faith in Greece, and as they matured as disciples, they embodied 4 simple characteristics which show us the power of lives dedicated to Christ. Their obvious faith, devotion to ministry and sacrificial service “refreshed” Paul and those around them, and stands as a powerful example we must follow. Video of this service is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDqVeKDtS6E