Refuge in the Storm: Finding Peace in God’s Sovereignty

• Crisis and Sovereignty [00:45:06 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor contrasts national crises (9/11) with biblical crises (Judah) to introduce the concept of a sovereign God who controls all events, using Jehoshaphat's response as the primary example.
• Prayer and Seeking God [00:45:55 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor highlights Jehoshaphat's immediate reaction to crisis—proclaiming a fast and leading public prayer—as the correct response for believers facing trouble.
• Divine Peace [00:55:16 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor discusses the 'peace that passes all understanding' that God provides to believers in the midst of turmoil, contrasting it with the coping mechanisms of non-believers.
• Peace in Crisis [00:55:37 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor discusses the peace that passes understanding, using the sign language for 'calm' and contrasting it with turmoil, urging believers to seek this peace in the midst of storms.
• Mary and Martha [00:56:03 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor uses the biblical account of Mary and Martha to illustrate the importance of sitting at Jesus' feet for worship and learning rather than being cumbered by much serving.
• Divine Refuge [00:59:17 ▶️ 📄]
  > An illustration of a rabbit seeking refuge from a weasel by running between a hunter's feet is used to explain how believers should run to God for protection from spiritual predators.
• Access to God [01:02:01 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor cites Hebrews 4 and Romans 8 to explain that believers can come boldly to the throne of grace and cry 'Abba, Father' (Daddy) due to their adoption by God.
• Object of Faith [01:06:42 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor identifies Jesus as the object of faith, referencing Jehoshaphat's prayer and a story of a woman in a storm who remained calm because her hope was in heaven.
• Faith and Assurance [01:12:06 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor discusses personal trust in Christ, acknowledging human failure but emphasizing that God's faithfulness remains constant.
• Sovereignty and Care [01:13:02 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor reminds the congregation of a sovereign God who loves and cares for His children during times of crisis.
• Evangelism and Response [01:14:13 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor issues an altar call, inviting those who need salvation, prayer, or guidance to come forward.

• Sermon Illustration [00:43:06 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor recounts the events of 9/11, describing watching the planes crash on TV, his immediate fear for his family, and the national crisis that ensued.
• Sermon Illustration [00:50:07 ▶️ 📄]
  > A story about a shipwreck survivor who built a hut on an island, lost it to fire, cried out to God, and was then rescued because the smoke from the fire served as a signal to a passing ship.
• Sermon Illustration [00:51:51 ▶️ 📄]
  > A reference to a poem by John Oxenham about God's sovereign plan, which is often too grand for human understanding but is ultimately right.
• Sermon Illustration [00:56:25 ▶️ 📄]
  > The biblical story of Mary and Martha, where Martha is busy serving and complains to Jesus about Mary sitting at His feet, illustrating the need to prioritize being with Jesus over busy work.
• Sermon Illustration [00:59:17 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor tells a story about a hunter who encounters a rabbit trembling between his feet to escape a weasel, illustrating how believers should run to God for protection.
• Sermon Illustration [01:09:36 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor shares a story about a woman on a sinking ship who remained calm because she knew she would see one of her daughters (one in NYC, one in heaven) within hours.
• Sermon Illustration [01:11:36 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor quotes the hymn 'The Anchor Holds' to reinforce the theme of stability in Christ during life's storms.
• Sermon Illustration [01:11:56 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor references Hebrews 6:19 regarding the anchor of the soul and shares a personal anecdote about his own failures in trust compared to God's unshakeable nature.

• Pastoral Charge [01:13:38 ▶️ 📄]
  > The pastor invites the congregation to bow in prayer and come forward for individual prayer.
• Pastoral Charge [01:14:16 ▶️ 📄]
  > Come forward to receive Christ and pray the sinner's prayer
• Pastoral Charge [01:14:29 ▶️ 📄]
  > Come forward for personal prayer with the pastor
• Pastoral Charge [01:14:36 ▶️ 📄]
  > Invite a family deacon to the altar for prayer

[00:16:24] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]
[00:16:24] And peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be to you.
[00:20:50] I trust you've had a few moments and taken note of the slides on the screen this morning, all those announcements, so many, it's just hard to imagine that much going on.
[00:21:02] But one thing I would like to highlight for you, and that is this, after the service today There will be a baked potato fundraiser for that special yearly event that we do as Christians.
[00:21:18] We try to help support that offering.
[00:21:22] And I'm thinking of, for some reason it left me.
[00:21:24] Has that ever happened to you?
[00:21:27] Operation Christmas Child.
[00:21:29] See, there it came.
[00:21:31] And so it will be after the service.
[00:21:33] It's a freewill offering.
[00:21:35] So if you can, stick around and take a few minutes.
[00:21:39] And that's supporting, if I recall correctly, has to do with the transportation costs concerning the Christmas boxes.
[00:21:49] As you know, that's went up quite a bit.
[00:21:52] I want to continue to remember our Minister of Youth, Christian, his family, the services tomorrow, am I correct?
[00:22:00] Knob Baptist Church in Elkin.
[00:22:02] And I think from 1 to 2 is a visitation.
[00:22:05] and two o'clock there'll be a service for his grandfather so I know they would appreciate your prayers on their behalf are there any other announcements that need to be shared this morning with anyone yes sir please

[00:22:22] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_03]
[00:22:22] you're welcome

[00:22:49] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]
[00:22:49] and we'll also be doing a child dedication service that Sunday if you'd like to be a part of it please let me know that's Mother's Day anything I've overlooked this morning would you please bow with me for prayer
[00:23:09] Father we thank you for this day thank you that you are our gracious and loving Heavenly Father we come to you this morning in the name of our Savior and our Lord Christ Jesus we come
[00:23:24] not as strangers but as your children because we have been born again through faith in your Son we thank you for your mercy and your grace that you so abundantly poured out upon us. You were always there when we need you. You never turn away. You never fail us.
[00:23:43] We are all so busy with our jobs, our families, our responsibilities. We get involved at times and caught up in so many things, some important, some trivial. Lord, help us to keep first things first. Help us to keep our priorities straight as your children, as your people, your kingdom,
[00:24:05] the gospel and let us help us i should say keep things in their rightful place in our hearts and lives help us to make the right choices that count for eternity we pray for the needs of the flock
[00:24:23] today we've come this way with all kinds of hurts and needs no one knows the depth of our hurt and our pain but you alone only you know all the burdens and struggles we face physical financial
[00:24:37] spiritual emotional thank you for hearing and listening and answering our prayers thank you father for forgiving us our sins as we confess them and let us forgive others as you have forgiven us thank you lord for the visitors in our midst may they find a warm and inviting fellowship in
[00:24:59] this place bless i pray as i seek to share your word this morning i pray it touches our hearts it helps us live closer to you that we might grow in our faith and mature
[00:25:12] and I pray the Holy Spirit will be present in our midst and he may find listening and receptive hearts and if there is anyone here today who doesn't know Christ Jesus I pray that you'll stir that heart
[00:25:26] that you'll convict them of their sin make them aware of their need for Christ Jesus this I pray in the name of the risen Christ Amen.

[00:25:45] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]
[00:25:45] If you would please stand and let's sing again.
[00:25:48] If you want to open your hymnals, it will be 335, Standing on the Promises.

[00:25:53] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[00:25:53] Lord, we just thank you for the so many blessings that you give us daily.

[00:29:25] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_00]
[00:29:25] Lord, as we come this morning to take up our offering, Lord, we pray your blessings upon that.
[00:29:29] Lord, as we give back just a small portion of what you give us, Lord, we just got through singing, Lord, about the promises that you give us.
[00:29:37] And, Lord, we're so thankful for those.
[00:29:39] and, Lord, for the comfort and love that you show us daily.
[00:29:44] Lord, may your blessings be upon this offering.
[00:29:46] For it's in Christ's name I pray. Amen.

[00:29:49] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_07]
[00:29:49] I kind of wish I could go with those children.

[00:37:52] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]
[00:37:52] There was a thing or two I neglected to say earlier.
[00:37:56] Number one, Annie Armstrong Easter offering, the goal was $3,500.
[00:38:02] You gave $3,895.
[00:38:05] For $105 more, yes.
[00:38:09] You can still give for two to three weeks, and for $105 more, it can go to $4,000.
[00:38:18] I trust God will lay that amount on someone's heart.
[00:38:23] Wouldn't it be a blessing, supporting those missions?
[00:38:28] Another thing I wanted to share with the church this morning is this.
[00:38:31] I had dinner last night with a couple.
[00:38:36] He's about 82, 83. She's about 81, 82.
[00:38:40] When they learned that I was serving here as interim pastor, Now, this is a fellow who's been in this community, a surrounding community, all of his life.
[00:38:57] He said, Dale, those are good people over there.
[00:39:03] Those are good people.
[00:39:06] That's what the community thinks of this church.
[00:39:11] That's a good reputation, isn't it?
[00:39:14] From someone who's been in the community all their life.
[00:39:19] Thank you for allowing me to be the interim pastor here.
[00:39:24] I know I'm not worthy.
[00:39:26] That's a given.
[00:39:26] thank you for allowing me to serve here my limited amount of time that's my part of my calling as my latter years do this work I trust you have your Bibles with you this morning
[00:39:45] I trust you've taken note of my outline in the bulletin it's titled A Time of Crisis turn with me to 2nd Chronicles in chapter 20 I'll be reading to you verses 1 through 12 of this biblical text and my what a stirring text it is again second chronicles
[00:40:17] chapter 20 beginning in verse 1 the writer tells us it came to pass after this also that the children of moab and the children of ammon and with him other beside the ammonites came against
[00:40:33] Jehoshaphat to battle. Then there came some that told Jehoshaphat, saying, There cometh a great multitude against thee from beyond the sea on this side of Syria. And behold, they be in Hazarzona Tamar, which is in Gedi. And Jehoshaphat feared and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaim a fast
[00:40:59] throughout all Judea and Judah gathered themselves to ask help of the Lord even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek the Lord and Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem in the house of the Lord before the new court and he said O Lord God of our fathers
[00:41:23] art not thou God in heaven and rule us not that over all the kingdoms of the heathen and in thine hand is there not power and might so that none is able to withstand thee
[00:41:36] art not thou our God who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel and gavest it to the seed of Abraham and thy friend forever and they dwelt therein and I built thee a sanctuary therein
[00:41:56] for thy name saying If, when evil cometh upon us, as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we stand before this house and in thy presence, for thy name is in this house, and cry unto thee in our affliction, then thou wilt hear and help.
[00:42:19] And now, behold the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom thou wouldst not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and destroyed them not.
[00:42:32] Behold, I say, how they reward us to come to cast us out of thy possession which thou hast given us to inherit.
[00:42:43] O our God, wilt thou not judge them?
[00:42:49] For we have no might against this great company that cometh against us.
[00:42:54] Neither know we what to do but our eyes are on thee.
[00:43:01] What a powerful passage.
[00:43:06] Does anyone here remember 9-11-2001?
[00:43:16] How many of us watched in horror on our TV screens as planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City?
[00:43:28] Within minutes, another plane crashed into the Pentagon in D.C.
[00:43:35] And then there was a fourth flight, Flight 93, that fell short of its intended target, the White House.
[00:43:47] It was spared because the passengers of Flight 93 attacked the terrorists, causing the plane to crash.
[00:44:01] I still remember that September morning as clear as I'm standing before you this morning.
[00:44:06] I was sitting in my office at Antioch Baptist Church, got a phone call.
[00:44:11] Preacher, do you know what's happening?
[00:44:13] I said, no.
[00:44:15] That's when they told me about the planes crashing into the towers there in New York City.
[00:44:23] I went home, got on the TV, and watched again in horror.
[00:44:31] First thing I thought of was my family.
[00:44:36] Where are they?
[00:44:38] Are they safe?
[00:44:41] Are more attacks imminent?
[00:44:44] What's coming next?
[00:44:45] And looking back and thinking about this past week, I thought it was indeed a time of crisis for our nation.
[00:45:00] The deadliest attack of terrorism on American soil.
[00:45:06] In our text this morning, we find another crisis.
[00:45:12] It is the little kingdom of Judah and the king's name is Jehoshaphat.
[00:45:18] His kingdom, his nation was facing a crisis of monumental proportions.
[00:45:24] proportions, a life-threatening crisis. The king received word that a very large army was about to attack Jerusalem. Note verse three, what does Jehoshaphat do? He begins by seeking God and he proclaims a fast. We then find in verse four, people from all over the kingdom have come to
[00:45:55] Jerusalem to seek help from the Lord. It was then Jehoshaphat stands before the people in verse 5 and leads them in what I would call a public prayer. God forbid that they didn't outlaw prayer.
[00:46:18] It is a prayer I want us to look at this morning as I share a simple message with you entitled A Time of Crisis. In these verses that I've read to you this morning, i see three certainties we can claim as god's people in any time of crisis that might come
[00:46:37] our way number one there is a sovereign god did you notice verse six oh lord god of our fathers art not thou god in heaven and rules not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen
[00:46:57] and thine hand is there not the power and might so that none is able to withstand it in this time of national crisis jehoshaphat speaks of a sovereign god and what i mean by sovereign is this our god is an absolute and total control of his creation yes ultimately
[00:47:27] all everything every life is in his hands and under his control our god knows what is taking place in america today he knows our needs he knows our hurts matthew chapter 10 jesus tells us our
[00:47:51] heavenly father is so in tune he is so close to his creation that he knows even when a sparrow dies and hits the ground that is a sovereign all-powerful all-knowing god he even tells us
[00:48:14] he knows the very number of hairs on our heads do you think that is a god that is in tune with his creation i i think so i could not help but think of daniel as i was studying this text
[00:48:36] and daniel chapter 2 daniel's interpreting a dream that nebuchadnezzar had his astrologers others couldn't interpret the dream but daniel does by the help of god and daniel 2 beginning in verse 19 then was the secret revealed unto daniel in a night vision then daniel blessed
[00:49:00] the god of heaven daniel answered and said blessed be the name of god forever and ever for wisdom and might are his and he changes the times and the seasons he removeth kings and setteth up kings
[00:49:14] he giveth wisdom unto the wise and knowledge to them that know understanding he revealeth the deep things and the secret things he knoweth what is in the darkness and the light dwelleth with him daniel 2 acknowledges our god is in control of his creation and remember daniel is a captive
[00:49:36] in babylon taken there as a prisoner and yet daniel still acknowledges this sovereign almighty all-powerful god that he's in control have you ever felt like life's out of control i remember reading in this past week about a man who was the only survivor of a shipwreck and uh he managed to
[00:50:07] escape with his life and a few precious possessions after drifting for a day he ended up in a small small uninhabited island and there he cried out as he scanned the horizon he cried out again and
[00:50:21] again and again for god to save him but it seemed to him help was not coming weary and exhausted he managed to build a little shanty where he could sleep and store his few precious possessions
[00:50:39] then one day as he was out scourging scavenging for food he noticed smoke coming from the direction of his hut and as he made it to the seashore about 150 feet in front of him his little hut
[00:50:55] was burning his little hut and those few precious possessions were all destroyed by the fire and he falls down on his hands and knees there on the beach and he says why god why why this now
[00:51:13] as he watches the little hut collapse he slept on the beach that evening thing that all is lost The next morning, a ship drew near and rescued the man.
[00:51:32] And he asked the men aboard that ship, how did you know I was on the island?
[00:51:36] And one of them responded, we saw your smoke signal yesterday.
[00:51:40] How often does God work in ways we just don't understand?
[00:51:46] We can't grasp.
[00:51:51] Anyone remember John Oxenham, that English author, writer from years gone by?
[00:51:57] He wrote a poem about the sovereign God that I found this past week.
[00:52:02] And I said, that works.
[00:52:06] spoke to me first he writes this is the point speaking of god he writes with characters too grand for our short sight to understand we watch with broken strokes and try to fathom all the
[00:52:23] mystery oh withered hopes of death and life the endless war the useless strife but there with larger clearer sight we shall see this his way was right in the midst of the crisis we need to see this sovereign god who oversees his directive hand of his creation but secondly
[00:52:56] and i love this point for me at least there is a place to go in verse 9 we find jehoshaphat and the people went to the temple why that's where god's presence dwelt remember that they built
[00:53:19] the temple and there in the holy of holies that's where god's presence abided on they went to the temple to get in touch with god look at verse 9 this distracts the core of my heart if when evil
[00:53:54] cometh upon us as the sword judgment or pestilence or famine we will stand before this house and in thy presence for thy name is in this house and cry unto thee in our affliction then thou
[00:54:10] will hear and help. Jehoshaphat and the people of God knew where to go in the time of crisis.
[00:54:25] Do you? Where do you go? Where do you run when calamity strikes? The non-Christian, what do they have? Well, they often turn to drugs or alcohol or something that dulls the senses in the time
[00:54:44] of crisis because they can't cope. We have a sovereign, loving God who calls us his children.
[00:55:01] We can go to him in any situation, in any circumstance.
[00:55:07] We cry out.
[00:55:12] Have you ever went before him with tears in your eyes?
[00:55:16] Struggling, trying to cope, and he gives you that peace that passes all understanding.
[00:55:23] You know what I mean?
[00:55:28] The deaf have a sign.
[00:55:29] It goes like this.
[00:55:31] Turmoil, trouble, difficulty.
[00:55:34] And there's that other beautiful sign for calm.
[00:55:36] It goes like this.
[00:55:37] god can give us peace in the midst of any storm that can come our way paul says it passes all understanding that means it defies comprehension on the part of the human nature as i reflected
[00:56:03] upon the place of believers should seek in times of crisis i thought of luke chapter 10 you're familiar with them mary and martha lazarus family jesus is having lunch or dinner at their house one afternoon and there's martha the busy bee things to do places to go just running about
[00:56:25] doing all this getting the meal ready for jesus where's mary anybody remember mary is at the feet of jesus the place of learning and worship and fellowship let me read this to you it came to
[00:56:44] pass they went and they entered into a certain village and a certain woman named martha received him that is Jesus into her house and she had a sister called Mary which also sat at Jesus feet
[00:56:54] and heard his word and then there's Martha but Martha was cumbered about with much serving and came to him and said Lord does thou not care my sister's left me to do all the serving bid her
[00:57:05] therefore get up and help me make her get off her and help me that's a good translation Mary's upset Mary's sitting there at the feet of Jesus not doing a cotton picking thing and I'm up doing
[00:57:20] all the work and jesus answered and said unto her martha martha can you just imagine that here's martha frustrated martha martha thou art careful and troubled about many things but one thing is needful and mary had chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from her
[00:57:45] when the crisis comes and folks listen to me it's not if for most of us it's when where do you run where do you go who do you turn to in times of the crisis when we don't understand when our hearts
[00:58:08] are breaking when the emotional pain seems unbearable just as a child that run to their mom or dad when they get that splinter in their finger that scraped knee they run to mom and dad
[00:58:26] what should we do we should run to the feet of jesus just like mary she was at the feet of jesus worshiping him loving him it is there we find peace in the turbulent and often violent world
[00:58:43] in which we live you see there is this sovereign god we can turn to no matter what but secondly we have a place to go.
[00:59:00] That's God's people.
[00:59:04] Anybody familiar with Kay Arthur?
[00:59:07] Oh, I followed her for several years just outside of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
[00:59:13] Taught the Bible there.
[00:59:17] She tells the story of a friend who was walking through the woods hunting one afternoon.
[00:59:23] He was walking along an old logging road with his rifle cradled in his arms when suddenly he heard a stirring in the bushes nearby.
[00:59:31] before he had a chance to lower his rifle a little brown blur shot out of the woods and went right between his feet and sat down he looked there and there was a between his boots was a little rabbit
[00:59:48] labor breathing and trembling all over it just sat there not budging an inch now if you know anything about hunting you know that's unnatural don't you it's not natural for a rabbit to run out of the woods and between some human beings feet they have a natural fear of us and rightly
[01:00:12] so this man was a little perplexed about the rabbit and then suddenly another player enters the scene down the road about 20 feet a weasel bursts out of the woods it spotted its prey in
[01:00:33] the man and froze in its tracks its eyes glowing red showing his teeth as it was labored breathing It was then the hunter knew he had stepped into a life and death drama in the forest.
[01:00:45] The rabbit, exhausted by the chase, was only moments away from death.
[01:00:50] The hunter was the little rabbit's last hope of refuge.
[01:00:55] Forgetting its natural fear of man, the little animal drew close to him for protection from the sharp teeth and claws of the relentless hunter.
[01:01:03] The hunter then took his rifle and shot at the feet of the weasel.
[01:01:06] It shot straight up in the air, hit the ground, and dashed into the woods.
[01:01:12] The hunter then said to the little rabbit, Where did the weasel go, little one?
[01:01:18] I don't think he'll bother you for a while.
[01:01:20] Looks like you're off the hook for the moment.
[01:01:23] It was then the cottontail hopped off into the bush.
[01:01:27] Here's my point.
[01:01:29] Where do you run when times get really tough?
[01:01:34] When the challenge you feel in your heart is overwhelming?
[01:01:41] Where do you run when the predators of trouble and worry and fear pursue you?
[01:01:45] Where do you seek protection from the weasels of temptation and the evil threats to destroy you?
[01:01:50] Where do you turn when you're exhausted and you're spent?
[01:01:58] A couple of verses.
[01:02:01] First, one is Hebrews in chapter 4.
[01:02:06] Writers speaking of the superiority of Christ's ministry over that of the Old Testament, of the priesthood, etc.
[01:02:14] This is Hebrews 4, beginning in verse 14.
[01:02:20] I want you to see this.
[01:02:23] Seeing then, we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens.
[01:02:28] Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
[01:02:33] Now listen to this.
[01:02:35] For we have not a high priest which should not be touched with a feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
[01:02:42] And because of that, let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need.
[01:02:53] that's another way of saying I'm there for you that's what God is saying come boldly to the throne of grace we're God's children has your child ever hurt themselves when they get hurt do they walk in calm and say
[01:03:13] I fell off the bike and I about cut my leg off no no those of us as parents and grandparents we know they burst through the door mom dad mom and then there's all this commotion
[01:03:27] and you're trying to figure out how to help them how bad they're bleeding and let us come boldly unto the throne of grace.
[01:03:33] God is our Father.
[01:03:39] He has an ear for our voice.
[01:03:46] And there's one more.
[01:03:47] Now this one, this one really gets me.
[01:03:52] Romans 8.
[01:03:54] We can't read the entire passage.
[01:03:57] Romans 8.
[01:03:59] Paul in writing to the early church.
[01:04:05] This is soul stirring for me.
[01:04:10] Again, Romans 8, 15.
[01:04:13] For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear talking about salvation but ye have received the spirit of adoption you know you've been adopted by the Father by grace through faith and then he adds these words
[01:04:37] whereby we cry Abba Father no I'm not talking about that musical group the word Abba here is an Aramaic term it's a term of intimacy and closeness familiarity. Jesus uses this word in Mark 14 as he's praying in the garden of Gethsemane before
[01:05:02] he goes to the cross. He cries out, Abba, Father. It can be translated. Now bear with me.
[01:05:12] It can be translated, Daddy. Look at that. In the time of crisis, we can go to the God of glory, the creator of heaven and earth and we can cry out father or literally daddy that's the closeness
[01:05:33] we have with our redeemer as cleland mccafee wrote there is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of god a place where sin cannot molest near to the heart of god where do we run where do we go
[01:05:56] in that time of crisis when the room is empty everyone's gone and you and god are alone just the two of you do you turn to him i know where i go i just go to the feet of jesus and i bow
[01:06:17] and i pray have you ever just went to god and poured out your heart i'm talking tears crying And some of us have.
[01:06:34] First, in times of crisis, there's a sovereign God.
[01:06:37] Secondly, remember, in difficult times, we have a place to go.
[01:06:40] And that is into the presence of God.
[01:06:42] And lastly, there is the object of faith.
[01:06:45] I love verse 12.
[01:06:47] Did you notice verse 12 in the biblical text?
[01:06:49] Look at it.
[01:06:52] Oh, man.
[01:06:53] Neither know we what to do.
[01:06:58] You see that?
[01:07:01] Have you been there?
[01:07:05] Neither, no, we, I don't know what to do.
[01:07:16] That's where Jehoshaphat and the people were when news reached them of a vast army approaching to take Jerusalem.
[01:07:22] And they knew what that army meant.
[01:07:24] It meant destruction.
[01:07:25] It meant death.
[01:07:26] It probably meant captivity for many of them.
[01:07:31] And then he adds these words.
[01:07:35] But our eyes are upon you.
[01:07:39] You see that?
[01:07:44] Eyes.
[01:07:45] Does that strike a chord in your heart?
[01:07:51] What did mine?
[01:07:53] Folks, I've been there.
[01:07:55] I'm almost 75.
[01:07:57] You know that.
[01:07:58] I've been through times of crisis.
[01:08:02] It's just hard for me to describe adequately before you.
[01:08:08] Well, you're at the bottom of the barrel.
[01:08:11] You feel like I can't get any lower than this.
[01:08:19] And then you look up and then God speaks.
[01:08:29] Neither Jehoshaphat nor the people knew what was going to happen, but they knew in whom they would trust, didn't they?
[01:08:36] It is clear, at least to me, their faith was in God.
[01:08:42] And the faith I'm talking about is not saving faith, but a vital, active, living faith.
[01:08:51] The kind of faith that carries one through the trials and heartaches of life.
[01:08:54] The kind of faith that trusts God in spite of the odds.
[01:08:58] And even though others say it won't happen, it cannot be, that faith will still trust God.
[01:09:05] It is the kind of faith that believes God will do what he said he would do.
[01:09:08] the kind of faith that accepts even when they don't understand what god is doing i read about a woman this past week caught in a terrible storm in the middle of the atlantic ocean the ship was rocking the waves were extremely high many aboard this ship literally thought
[01:09:36] it was going to sink this woman taught the children bible stories during this horrendous storm Others were running around waving their hands and rubbing their hands together.
[01:09:50] They were sure the boat wasn't going to make it to land.
[01:09:55] But again, she taught the children Bible stories in the midst of this horrible storm.
[01:10:07] The captain asked her when they reached port, How were you able to maintain such a calm spirit when everyone aboard was freaking out and thinking the ship was going to sink?
[01:10:16] The woman said to the captain, and I quote, I have two daughters.
[01:10:20] One of them lives in New York City.
[01:10:22] The other lives in heaven with my Savior Christ Jesus.
[01:10:25] I knew I would see one or the other in a matter of hours, and it really didn't matter which one to me, end quote.
[01:10:34] In the midst of the storm, her eyes were fixed on Jesus.
[01:10:45] He was the object of her faith.
[01:10:50] You're all familiar with Hebrews 12 too.
[01:10:53] Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
[01:11:03] I guess I've been through so many issues and trials in my life.
[01:11:06] I'm what's called a frequent flyer.
[01:11:09] I've had to turn to Jesus so many times.
[01:11:13] He needs to put up one of those swinging doors like this for me.
[01:11:17] It's him again.
[01:11:23] And that's okay.
[01:11:25] He told me to come boldly to the throne of grace.
[01:11:29] That I might find help in time of need.
[01:11:34] As the old song goes.
[01:11:36] Not going to sing it.
[01:11:37] But I'll quote it.
[01:11:40] The anchor holds.
[01:11:42] Though the ship is battered.
[01:11:44] The anchor holds.
[01:11:45] Though the sails are torn.
[01:11:47] I have fallen on my knees as I face the raging sea.
[01:11:51] The anchor holds in spite of the storm.
[01:11:56] You can go to Hebrews 6.19 to see that beautiful passage.
[01:12:03] The anchor holds, doesn't it?
[01:12:06] My trust in the living Christ has never failed me.
[01:12:12] Oh yes, I acknowledge to you I have failed him.
[01:12:17] There were times I didn't trust like I should have.
[01:12:20] as I told you a few months ago and then I'll close you may shake on the rock but the rock will never shake under you where is your faith today do you have the peace and assurance
[01:12:38] that no matter what comes your way that peace that passes all understanding do you have the promise of eternal life a home in heaven with the Savior do you know Jesus as your Savior and Lord
[01:12:50] that's grounded me that's anchored me in the various trials and issues I faced in my life.
[01:13:02] Remember, in times of crisis, there's a sovereign God who loves you and cares for His children.
[01:13:09] Remember, there's a place to go, the feet of Jesus.
[01:13:13] Remember, there's the object of your faith, a living, risen Lord.
[01:13:21] And there's nothing, should I put this in the Southern lingo?
[01:13:27] Yes, I'm going to.
[01:13:29] There ain't nary a thing that comes your way that you and God can't handle.
[01:13:38] Would you please bow with me?
[01:13:39] Father, thank you for allowing me to preach today.
[01:13:46] Thank you for granting me your touch.
[01:13:52] I know you're here.
[01:13:54] I know you're speaking.
[01:14:00] Help each and every one of us to respond in a way that brings honor and glory to you.
[01:14:09] We're going to sing a hymn in just a few seconds.
[01:14:13] Perhaps someone needs to come and pray.
[01:14:16] Perhaps someone needs to come and unburden their heart.
[01:14:19] Perhaps someone needs to come and say, Pastor Dell, will you please lead me?
[01:14:25] I want to receive Christ.
[01:14:26] Lead me in that sinner's prayer.
[01:14:29] Perhaps there's a Christian who needs to come forward and take my hand and say, Pastor, I just need to pray with you.
[01:14:35] Will you pray with me?
[01:14:36] Or maybe they need to go put their hand on their family deacon's shoulder and say, please go to the altar and pray with me.
[01:14:45] I know you're speaking, Father.
[01:14:46] Give us the courage, the grace to do what you're moving on our hearts to do.
[01:14:51] Forgive us now.
[01:14:52] Bless us.
[01:14:55] May you receive honor and glory and power, strength, for you are worthy.
[01:14:59] We pray in Jesus' name.
[01:15:01] Amen.
[01:15:02] Please.

[01:15:03] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_02]
[01:15:03] Just as I am.

[01:15:05] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_01]
[01:15:05] 307, would you please stand as we sing together?
[01:15:08] For our attentive congregation, we pray for some peace in your life.
[01:17:38] If anything, would you mind asking, would you throw up an addiction?
[01:17:45] And would you please ask the blessing of the good?
[01:17:47] don't forget, as we say in the South, our tater tatters.
[01:17:51] I heard you.
[01:17:55] And a salad.
[01:17:57] They've got lots of rabbit food down there right here.
[01:18:00] And that's okay. We need that too, though.
[01:18:03] So, don't forget an offering for the support of the commission.
[01:18:10] It's a worthy offering.
[01:18:13] It's a worthy effort to support the commission.

[01:18:18] [SPEAKER SPEAKER_04]
[01:18:18] Mr. Bray. Father, we thank you again for really just a beautiful day that you've given to us. We thank you for the opportunity for us to come together and have fellowship with you, God.
[01:18:28] And we thank you for that wonderful message, Father. And we're going to ask we go and get some taters as Dale said here in just a moment, Lord God.
[01:18:36] We ask that we discourage our body's father, and we ask that you would lift up that cause as well, Father, in operation for this child. In your name we pray.
[01:18:44] Amen.
[01:18:49] Well, thank you.
[01:18:50] I'm looking forward to it.