Zion Hill Baptist

The first sermon preached at Zion Hill Baptist Church after being unanimously elected pastor that morning. The message reflects the Psalmist David in Psalm 8 and leads the listener to consider our place before God and his love and care for us.

During this time of year we are thankful for the harvest season. But the harvest usually spoken of in the scripture is a spiritual harvest. We are reminded that God is the Lord of the Harvest, that he gives the increase (yield), that the field is white and ready to be harvested, and that we are to pray for harvesters. Jesus knew the workers are few, so let us share with our family, church, work, school, and community who the Lord is and see the awakening that is building across the country with no regard to the increase, just the sowing (planting) and reaping (collecting)--for that is all we are called to do.

What did we do 100 years ago when it was night. Much of the time we looked up at the stars and moon, and were silent allowing God to revel himself to us. Today we stare at our phones and drowned out the Lords voice with lights and electricity. But someone who could not do that was Jacob before he met his brother. There at Peniel Jacob wrestled (stove) with God. He was alone, anxious, and not wanting to give in. But the Lord pursued him until Jacob admitted who he was to God, a supplanter (sinner, liar). Upon Jacobs submission, contriteness, and confession the Lord changed his name. It is the same for us today.

We are instructed in the wisdom literature to buy truth and not to sell it. And we are told that truth contains: wisdom (practical knowledge), instruction (discipline and morals), and understanding (discernment). These are we to get at all costs and never to give up. Yet, we find ourselves at all stages of life trading for something. None of us is truly neutral, we are always trading our time, as limited as it could be, for something. Are we trading for truth or selling it dear for the worthless things in life?

There are many points in our lives when we just have no idea. This was my feeling as I became your pastor and had many 'firsts' and continues to be my experience. Many persons in the bible had no idea what to do or how to accomplish God's will. So, we are not alone in that feeling. In fact, we should admit more often we have no idea what we are doing or need to do, rather than depend on our own logic. We can admit we have no idea what we are to do because we know the One who does know. And He has told us what we are to do, Just Love Jesus! All the what ifs in life come into sharp contrast when we just love Him. To my first church, Taylor's Chapel Baptist, I love you, it has been the honor of my life to serve you, and you will be in my prayers and thoughts, always. Remember, you know the basics (Just Love Jesus), figure it out quickly--you set the tone. And I'm here if you need me.

We are called to a life of sacrifice. In our society today we don't need to sacrifice much and have remained like small children. It is one of the reasons for the collapse of our culture. But we are called into a grand adventure with Christ, we are called to sacrifice our own nature for Him. Sacrifice to a higher purpose is when we find fulfillment.

Waiting is difficult, especially in our culture today. We are in a hurry for everything. To make it even worse, we have the wrong idea of what we do when we wait. We have the idea it is a time of nothingness. But the Hebrew word for wait reveals the opposite. It means that we have a hope in an anticipated outcome. But, it also means to gather, twist, or bind together. Waiting is being active. We are to be active in prayer, fellowship, scripture and service until the Lord moves and tells us what to do next.

The Holy Spirit was among us today as we were reminded that in the good times, the hard times, and all the times in between--God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. No matter what we may face, God is greater and He is in the midst of His people and shall not be moved! Finally, we are to be still and know that I am God!

Hear me O Lord, is the cry of David. It should be ours as well. As we look unto the Lord, our rock, our light, our salvation, our strength. Whom shall we fear? Let us join with David in saying, one thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after...

We must always be ready to stand for the Lord in an evil world. We do that through the putting on (daily) the armor of God and remaining in a state of constant prayer.