The Open Word (Audio)

When you hear the voice of God do you listen and obey His leading? Not doing so leads to disobedience. In his message today, Pastor David shares how this kind of rebellion is the same as any other sin. You may not follow God's leading because you think you know a better way, or you doubt that God knows what is best for you. However, the Lord knows the plans He has for you, and they are good plans. So instead of thinking you know better than God, obey the voice of our sovereign Lord.

It might be hard to imagine that God can bring beneficial results out of tragedy. But that is precisely the true story the book of Ruth tells. In his message today, Pastor David will encourage you to understand that God does work through hardships to bring good to those who are obedient. It can be hard to believe when you are in the midst of a struggle, but looking back you can see how God kept His promises and brought about His will. Be encouraged today knowing that God keeps His word.

The story of Naomi shows incredible dedication to the Lord. She suffered through great tragedy, yet she was able to pass on to Ruth the greatness of God so actively that Ruth forsakes her people to accept the true God. In his message today, Pastor David shares with you the story of Naomi and Ruth, showing their exceptional dedication to each other and Jehovah. Remember this story when struggles are present in your life and cling to our great God.

When you run after the desires of this world, you rob yourself of receiving the full potential God has for your life. At first the potential loss may not seem to be too big, but eventually, the sins of the flesh will rule your life. In Pastor David's message today, he will encourage you to run to the things that God has for you. Turn away from the riches of this world, and invest in the promises of eternity. Patiently trust and obey the Lord, and He will help you accomplish all He has planned for your life.

Don't let the king of darkness fool you into conforming to the standards of this world. When you give up righteous living, you sacrifice having any impact for the kingdom of Christ. In today's message, Pastor David encourages you to be a light in a dark and dying world. It's not easy to live in obedience, but the result of doing so means that people might come to know Christ based on your attitude and actions. What is one change that you can make today, that will result in a more righteous life?

In the book of Judges, the Israelites follow a predictable pattern. The elders don't pass down the history of what the Lord has done for them, so they fall into sin. Because of that sin, God calls for servitude. Then the people ask for forgiveness, which by God's grace He provides. The cycle happens over and over again. The church today similarly risks failing the next generation, by not teaching them about Jesus. Don't follow the Israelites pattern, but be encouraged to share with the next generation.

We live in a fast-paced world where we can get almost anything delivered within two days. In his message today, Pastor David shares how living such a fast life can lead to impatience with God. God works on His timetable. You can't pay God extra shipping to get what you want tomorrow. Instead, adopt a spirit of obedience and reverence for the Lord. He knows the plans He has for you, and they are probably not following the same schedule you are. Use this as a lesson to slow down and enjoy the small things in life.

When you live your life for Jesus and not for yourself, there may be times when God asks you to do something that makes no logical sense. When God told Joshua how to defeat Jericho, Joshua was likely scratching his head. In Pastor David's message today, he teaches how God's ways are not always our ways. Resist the urge to make a choice that makes sense, and have trust in the Lord. Follow His leading, and you will no doubt have victory just like the Israelites did.

You may believe that asking God for forgiveness was a one time deal. However, in Pastor David's message today, he will encourage you to come to the Lord seeking forgiveness frequently. Over time your sin can build up, creating a barrier between you and the Lord. If you feel your pride overcoming you, then you likely need to go to Him. When you come to ask forgiveness, your slate is swept clean again. If it's been a while since you've asked for forgiveness, take the time to do so today.

We serve a BIG God, and He is more powerful than we can imagine. In today's message, Pastor David shows how the Israelites made God smaller and smaller with every negative declaration they made against Him. You do the same thing when you doubt what God is doing in your life. If you have a challenge in your life and you allow it to overwhelm everything, then you make God smaller. However, if you have faith that He will move in your life, He will do what He is big enough to do!