The Open Word (Audio)

Children who are raised in a Christian home, generally believe what their parents believe. However, it isn’t until they see God work in their own lives that their parents’ God becomes their God. Today, Pastor David discusses this. Being raised in a Christian home will begin to shape children’s beliefs and introduce them to who God is. But they don’t fully enter into a relationship with God until they come to an impasse where only God is the answer. Have you chosen God for yourself?

We can look at Esau and judge him for giving up his birth rite for some measly stew. However, in today’s message, Pastor David reminds us that we do the same thing all the time. We think we will be happy and content “if we can just get that one thing.” Whether it be a car, a nice vacation, even just a delicious meal, there is always something we think we need. We seek to gratify our immediate desires, often at the expense of our long-term comfort and God’s plan for our future. Don’t be like Esau.

Christians are not immune to making ungodly mistakes and taking wrong turns in their walk with the Lord. Today, Pastor David discusses this truth in the life of David. David made some terrible decisions including adultery and murder. We are tempted to judge his life and write-off any relationship he had with the Lord. However, David’s poor decision-making is a warning to us that all Christians can have lapses in judgment and fall into temptations. Stand guard. You are not immune.

We face battles every day. In today’s message, Pastor David encourages us to think about all the battles we face, including battles with our emotions, with our own flesh, with our families. David also faced these battles, but in addition, he faced actual physical battles during war and invasions. Still, he turned to the Lord and was strengthened, encouraged, and his relationship with the Lord deepened. Do you turn to the Lord during difficult battles? He is the only One who can help you through.

Rejection of Godly advice can be disastrous. God places individuals in our lives to be his hands and feet, and often His messengers. Today, Pastor David encourages us to listen to Godly counsel. The consequences of ignoring such advice will not always present themselves right away, but eventually, they will catch up with us. Have you surrounded yourself with Bible-believing, Jesus-following friends? If so, their advice should be of great value to you.

Saul was a man of God. Unfortunately, there came a time in his life when he became jealous of David’s accomplishments, impatient with the Lord’s timing, and relied less and less on Samuel’s advice and the Word of God. In today’s message, Pastor David discusses how Saul will be remembered for his impatience and taking matters into his own hands. Often this is the case with us also, because when we go against God’s plans, things don’t work out well. Trust in the Lord and wait upon Him.

Obedience to the Lord is hard work. That’s why Paul encouraged believers to not grow weary in doing good for the Lord. We will certainly meet opposition and attack from the enemy. Today, Pastor David encourages us to keep going. He uses the example of Salmon swimming upstream. It is tremendously hard work and they meet many obstacles. Still, they persevere. Only a few make it to the end, but none of them give up. Be strengthened in the Lord and never cease doing good work in His name.

Paul was an example of working hard for the church. He spoke on the importance of work and not just letting the church take care of you. Today, Pastor David commends Paul’s efforts to live a life of example rather than just of preaching. He was not a man that said, “Do what I say and not what I do.” His followers could look to his example of how to live a Christian life and follow Jesus whole-heartedly. Are you that kind of an example? Can people look to you and see a hard worker and a lover of Jesus?

Our call from God is to spread the Word of God and be His light in this world of darkness. Never cease sharing the Gospel. In today’s message, Pastor David reminds us that it is not up to us who receives our message. The Holy Spirit works in people’s lives through us, but we cannot make anyone accept Jesus as the truth. Our role is to never give up. We need to be bold for Christ and steer people toward Him. You never know when someone’s heart is ready for the truth. Be that speaker of truth!

God is in control. He is always working and planning. He is already in tomorrow. Today, Pastor David encourages us to lean into this truth. We can find great comfort in the midst of turmoil when we remember that God is always working. His plans are greater than ours and He is all powerful and in control of all of creation. Do you believe this about your God? He knows the plans He has for you. He knows the plans He has for the entire universe. Rest in Him and know that He is in control.