The Open Word (Audio)

As we work our way through Zechariah with Pastor David, you will be reminded of your true purpose in this life. Your life is meant to be lived for God’s glory. So often, you only give God a small portion of your life. Sunday mornings, maybe Wednesday nights, and of course a few seconds of prayer before a meal. And even those things are often more focused on fulfilling your needs. As you will be challenged in today’s message, everything you do, big or small, should be done for God’s glory.

God honors leaders who honor Him, and in turn, the people they lead will experience the blessing of God’s presence and guidance. In the same way, when the leaders of a nation reject God, the nation generally follows suit. While faith can’t be forced on people, when it’s demonstrated in leadership, the people are much more likely to choose it. As Pastor David continues to study the books of Haggai and Zechariah in today’s message, you will encounter a real world example of this truth.

Discouragement never comes from God. He loves you dearly, and He only allows struggles and hardship as an opportunity for you to grow closer to Him. As you stumble and fall in your effort to follow Christ through a dark, broken world, know that God is cheering you on and always ready for you to lean in and trust Him for provision and strength. As Pastor David expresses in today’s message, our temptations and trials are common, and they are no match for a heart that is fully trusting in God.

If God were to call you into a difficult situation, would you be willing to go? The task may be more than you are mentally, physically or spiritually anticipating. In Pastor David's message today, he will encourage you that 'with God all things are possible'. Even if you think you don't have anything to offer, if you humble yourself before the Lord He can use you. Perhaps even today you find yourself worn out from ministry. Come to the creator of love and ask that He fill you with His perfect love.

Pastor David continues his overview of the Bible in one year with today's message in the book of Esther. It's interesting to point out that God's name is never mentioned once in the book of Esther. Even through the Lord's name is never mentioned, you can see His providence though the story. This is a story that has been retold over and over in film and book. So if you've never read the book of Esther, listen in as Pastor David gives an overview of an important story in the lives of the Jews.

Perhaps you are discouraged that the Lord hasn't called you to a specific ministry. In his message today, Pastor David speaks a word of encouragement to you. The truth is that every ministry needs a prayer warrior. We don't fight our enemy with the weapons of this world. Instead, you are called to fight with the weapons the Lord has provided. One way to fight against the ruler of this world is with prayer. So even if the Lord has not called you to your ideal area of ministry, you can still serve as a mighty prayer warrior.

In his message today, Pastor David warns that when you completely surrender to the Lord, the devil often makes his entrance. The last thing the enemy of your soul wants is for you to trust in the Lord completely. He wants your attention and will go to great lengths to try and deceive you. Be on guard for any temptation that might pull your attention away from the Lord. Pray that Jesus may pour out his protection and keep the evil one far away.

Your life CAN be strengthened through any event, be it good or bad. If you believe that the Lord is sovereign over all creation, you can find peace in the understanding that He has a plan for every event in your life. In his message today, Pastor David encourages you to surrender to the Lord in times of trouble. You won't be able to control the situation any more than you'll understand the potential outcomes. It is in your surrendering that the Holy Spirit will work to strengthen your faith.

You can know for sure that God will complete a good work in you because Jesus has already made a down payment on your life. There is nothing that you can do to redeem yourself. Let pastor David's message be an encouragement for when you stumble or fail. You don't have to do it all on your own because Jesus has already paid the penalty for your sin. You only need to come to him asking for forgiveness. Your salvation lies in what Jesus did on the cross and not on your actions.

Have you ever had a moment in your life when you've asked God “why”? In his message today, Pastor David will reassure you that most people will ask God this question. It's easy to doubt God when things don't go according to your plan. The truth is, you are not in control, He is. Instead of questioning the Lord, try thanking Him that He has your life in His hands. There are usually circumstances you are not aware of. Lean not on your own understanding but on the sovereign Lord of all creation.