Trusting God's Promises: Lifting Up Jesus Daily

Devotional

Day 1: God's Promises Are Unbreakable

God's promises are a cornerstone of faith, providing assurance and hope. From the beginning of time, God has made promises to His people, and He has never failed to fulfill them. The promise of a Savior, foretold in Genesis, was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers eternal life to all who believe. This truth is a reminder that God's word is reliable and His love for us is unwavering. As we navigate life's uncertainties, we can find peace in knowing that God's promises are steadfast and true. [21:19]

"For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord." (Psalm 33:4-5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you find difficult to trust fully? How can you remind yourself of His faithfulness in this area today?

Day 2: Prioritizing Jesus in a Distracted World

In a world filled with distractions, it is crucial to prioritize Jesus in our lives. By lifting Him up, we draw others to Him and fulfill our purpose as His followers. This requires intentional focus and dedication, especially during times when worldly matters vie for our attention. The call to lift up Jesus is a call to live a life that reflects His love and truth, drawing others to the hope and salvation found in Him. [25:06]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." (Colossians 3:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What is one distraction in your life that often takes precedence over your relationship with Jesus? How can you intentionally refocus your attention on Him today?

Day 3: Guided by the Holy Spirit in Our Choices

God has given us the freedom to choose, but with that freedom comes the responsibility to make righteous decisions. The Holy Spirit guides us in this journey, helping us align our choices with God's will and avoid the pitfalls of sin. By seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and discernment, making choices that honor God and reflect His love to the world. [28:00]

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." (James 1:5, ESV)

Reflection: What is one decision you are currently facing where you need the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you seek His wisdom and direction in this situation today?

Day 4: Trusting God's Sovereignty Through Prayer

We are called to pray for those in authority and trust in God's control over all situations. Despite political and social challenges, our faith in God's promises should remain unshaken, knowing that He works all things for our good. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to God's heart and aligns our desires with His will, enabling us to trust in His sovereignty and find peace in His plans. [41:39]

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one leader or authority figure you can pray for today? How can you trust God's sovereignty in their leadership and decisions?

Day 5: Gratitude for Salvation and Daily Provision

As we approach Thanksgiving, let us express gratitude for the salvation and daily care we receive through Jesus Christ. God's provision is evident in our lives, and by putting Him first, we experience His blessings and protection. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, reminding us of God's faithfulness and the abundant life He offers through Jesus. [54:05]

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy." (Psalm 103:2-4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific blessing you can thank God for today? How can expressing gratitude for this blessing deepen your relationship with Him?

Sermon Summary

In today's gathering, we focused on the profound love and promises of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the importance of lifting Him up in our lives. We began by expressing our love and gratitude for Jesus, acknowledging His goodness and the promises He has made to us. This week, as we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded to thank God for Jesus and His unwavering promises. The central theme is that God cannot lie, and His promises are steadfast and true. We explored the biblical narrative from Genesis, where God promised a Savior, and how this promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Jesus, who was with God from the beginning, came to save us from our sins, offering us eternal life.

We discussed the importance of lifting up Jesus in our daily lives, especially in a world where other distractions often take precedence. The sermon highlighted the need for the church to focus on Jesus rather than worldly matters. We were reminded of the dangers of liberty and choice, emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance to make righteous decisions. The sermon also touched on the importance of prayer, especially for those in authority, and the need to trust in God's promises despite the political and social challenges we face.

The message concluded with a call to action, urging us to live out our faith by trusting in God's promises, praying for our enemies, and lifting up Jesus in all aspects of our lives. We were encouraged to remember that God is in control, and His promises of eternal life, daily care, and Jesus' return are assured. As we approach Thanksgiving, let us be grateful for the salvation and blessings we have received through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. God's Unchanging Promises: God's promises are steadfast and true, as He cannot lie. From the beginning, He promised a Savior, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers us eternal life. This assurance should be the foundation of our faith, reminding us that God's word is reliable and His love for us is unwavering. [21:19]
2. The Importance of Lifting Up Jesus: In a world filled with distractions, it is crucial to prioritize Jesus in our lives. By lifting Him up, we draw others to Him and fulfill our purpose as His followers. This requires intentional focus and dedication, especially during times when worldly matters vie for our attention. [25:06]
3. The Power of Choice and the Holy Spirit: God has given us the freedom to choose, but with that freedom comes the responsibility to make righteous decisions. The Holy Spirit guides us in this journey, helping us align our choices with God's will and avoid the pitfalls of sin. [28:00]
4. Prayer and Trust in God's Sovereignty: We are called to pray for those in authority and trust in God's control over all situations. Despite political and social challenges, our faith in God's promises should remain unshaken, knowing that He works all things for our good. [41:39]
5. Gratitude for Salvation and Daily Care: As we approach Thanksgiving, let us express gratitude for the salvation and daily care we receive through Jesus Christ. God's provision is evident in our lives, and by putting Him first, we experience His blessings and protection. [54:05]
** [54:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[17:01] - Responsive Reading
[21:19] - God's Unchanging Promises
[25:06] - Lifting Up Jesus
[28:00] - The Power of Choice
[31:15] - The Role of Women and Men
[41:39] - Prayer and Authority
[48:27] - Recognizing Church Leaders
[54:05] - Gratitude for Daily Care
[58:38] - Assurance of Salvation
[62:57] - Prayer for the Congregation
[66:45] - Invitation to Salvation
[69:07] - Baptism and Membership

Sermon Clips

Let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am, that ye may be also. [00:22:32]

The Bible says, Paul says, in his letter to Titus, says God who cannot lie promised us eternal life before the world began. God cannot lie. Jesus said, if I be lifted up, he said, I'll draw on men unto me. The problems that we have today are twofold. [00:23:52]

One, as a church, as a people, we're not lifting up Jesus as we should. Everything is taking top billing now. It's what we talk about, especially in this season of the time, more talk is about football than it is about Jesus. And some more talk about Friday, Black Friday, than it is about Jesus. [00:24:16]

God gave us a choice. And God knew that with the choice, man would make the wrong decision. This is the reason why you have to be careful about giving your children choice. But you have to be careful about allowing children to have too much liberty. [00:27:45]

The Bible, the Bible, the Bible, the Bible says, the Bible makes it clear that God is in control. And Jesus said, love, Jesus said, pray for them that despitefully use you. He said, turn the other cheek. You know what he said? Go. He's not talking. He's talking about, listen, when people misuse you, you take the right road and watch what God will do. [00:46:21]

The Bible says that God so loved the world, God so loved this sinful world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. God, who cannot lie, said that when we put our faith in Jesus Christ, we are eternally saved and we cannot be lost. [00:41:07]

The Bible has already made it clear. Jesus said in the end, he said in the end time, he said the kingdom of heaven, and I preached to you about that a number of weeks ago, is like an attend virgin talking about his church. Five wise and five foolish. Half the church is foolish. Oh, help me quick, somebody. [00:41:39]

But not only do we have the promise of eternal salvation, we have the promise of daily care. The Lord takes care of those that belong to him. I've been young and not old. I've never seen the righteous forsaken, nor seed begging bread. Even though we haven't treated God right, he keeps on taking care of us. [00:51:29]

Jesus said, take no thought what you're going to wear, what you're going to put on. He said, your Heavenly Father already know what you have need of, even before you ask him. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. [00:51:49]

The Bible, the Bible makes it clear that when you belong to the Lord, the Lord said, I'm going to take care of you. You ain't got to worry about do right by the Lord. The Lord's going to take care of you anyway. He let his son shine on the just and the unjust. What do you think he would do for you when you do what he tells you to do? [00:54:05]

I want you to know that not only do we have the promise of daily care, but we have the promise of Jesus' return. The Bible says, let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in God. Jesus said, belong so in me. In my Father's house are many mansions, and I go to prepare a place for you. [00:55:45]

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself, that where I am there, ye will be also. Don't worry about it. You can't control what's going on in this world. But God has it all in His hands. And I want you to know that some glad morning, when it's over down here, God gonna work it all out in all of our lives. [00:56:05]

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?