The Open Word (Audio)

Christians can sometimes be as bad as anyone when it comes to gossip, or responding rashly to bad news. Social media has opened the doors of communication, and it puts the witness of Christians to the test by how they will react to various stories and information. Today Pastor David encourages believers to be oh so careful in their response to others. While God is often pleased with our passion for Him, He is even more pleased when we treat others with grace and humility.

Today Pastor David will look at the Israelites in Joshua chapter 22, and the mis-communication that took place regarding the altar that was built. The Israelites responded strikingly similar to that of people today, acting upon the witness of a third party source. How often do you act unjustly because of a rumor that may have been spread? As Christians, our witness for Christ is always on the line, so even our response to information is important. Challenge yourself to live at peace with one another!

You are not alone if you have ever asked yourself, “Where is God in the midst of this thing I am going through?” Today Pastor David acknowledges that common cry amongst both believers and non-believers. He turns to Scripture to show examples of times it seemed God was non-existent, but every time he proved to be faithful to His promise. If you believe the promises of Scripture are for you today, then you can believe that whatever trial you are facing, He will be faithful to the promise of His Word.

One of the most beautiful attributes of God is His Hand of Comfort and Mercy which stretches out to so many in times of need. Today Pastor David teaches on our Refuge, which is the Cross of Christ. As he studies the book of Joshua, and the cities that were designated as places of refuge, he points out the similarities of God as our Refuge when needed most. Be encouraged that whatever life has thrown your way lately, God is more than able to comfort you in the presence of His Refuge.

Is there a greater challenge in life than to have faith in the midst of trials and adversity? Scripture promises an eternal inheritance waiting for us after our life on earth, but do you ever find yourself looking for the joy that is promised to us even during our life on earth? Today Pastor David challenges listeners to ignore the devil’s schemes, and keep an eternal mindset. He speaks on the faith that is necessary to experience God’s inheritance for us not only in Heaven, but also here on earth.

Have you ever looked at the inheritance of someone around you and become jealous? Scripture states to rejoice with those who rejoice. More importantly, did you know that in Christ you have already been given an inheritance that cannot be matched? Today Pastor David encourages listeners of this inheritance that has been provided freely. This free gift can only be attained by faith, and that is the challenge. When life seems to show no fruit of this inheritance, will you still trust the promise of it?

When you look at the men and women of the Bible…you see that obedience is a vital component of God’s blessings. As Pastor David takes us through the children of Israel’s possession of the land…you’ll hear how the people followed God, persevering through difficulty in order to experience the fullness of God’s inheritance for them. Faithfulness is equally important for us. He has a plan for each of us, and the only way to get there is by walking in obedience to Him as a believer, no matter what battles come.

Sometimes the truth isn’t pretty, and it’s how you respond to it that really matters. When Caleb goes out to survey the promised land, he doesn’t come back with good news…and he doesn’t sugar coat it. As Pastor David teaches today, that’s something to consider as we relate to others about how we’re doing. It’s not a powerful testimony if you’re saying “I’m fine” when you’re really not. Things may be hard, but if you’re holding onto God…that’s important. Trusting in God during strife is a powerful message.

An inheritance is truly a blessing…a gift. But, an inheritance from another person may have strings attached, requiring that you do something in order to attain it. That’s not so with God. As we’ll hear today from Pastor David, God gave His people not just a promised land…but a spiritual promise as well. They weren’t a perfect people, but their mistakes didn’t mean God would break His promise. If you are a believer in Jesus, you will also receive an inheritance...given through a covenant with the Father.

We are at war. But the battle is an internal one often times. We have the law of sin and death at work “in our members” as Paul says. However, if we are Christians, we also have been born again spiritually and have the Holy Spirit living within us. In today’s message, Pastor David reminds us that our condition is like two dogs that are fighting. The flesh pulls us one way and the Spirit pulls us another way. Which one will win? Pastor David gives the answer – it’s the one we feed! Which one are you feeding?