"Jesus gives us faith to believe as He is the author of faith, but it is our job to work diligently to add these qualities through the help of the Holy Spirit God has placed inside us." Which qualities?
"In the secular arena, ambassadors represent the leader of their country in an official capacity in communities and foreign nations. They are charged with protecting and promoting national interests, maintaining diplomacy, organizing visits, welcoming visitors, and supporting resolutions. Now let’s liken that to the spiritual realm."
Everyone has things in their lives they don’t share with others. It’s especially true of people who have a public ministry. However, there are times that there is great benefit in sharing the lessons learned through these experience. This is the case with our host, Barbara Sandbek. On our program today, she will discuss how God transformed her life from one of dependence on herself to one of dependence on Him.
God has a good purpose for every change that occurs in our lives, but, too
many of us are pining away because things are not the way they used to be. We’ve depended on PLACES, PEOPLE, PROCEDURES or POSITION to draw us closer to the Lord. I say, “‘Where is your God?” Is He in a church sanctuary, in an idol you look up to, in a ritual, in your service for Him? Do you love the GIFTS more than the GIVER?
The Ten Commandments have been a source of controversy in recent times. It seems some people are offended by them. Institutions that posted them on their walls have been told to take them down – because they have no place in public affairs. Well, if they’re just a bunch of rules that make no difference, then why make an issue over them? Why?
On our program today, Barbara Sandbek will summarize what we’ve studied so far on the topic 'How to enjoy life', and show what it is that ties all the points together. You may be surprised at the finding, so listen in for a revelation.
Does God really care if we honor the Sabbath day? Today on Grace Notes Barbara Sandbek will address this subject as she continues her series on
'How to enjoy life'.
Faithfulness…what does it mean? Webster defines it as loyal. And ‘loyal’ is defined as faithful to a trust or confidence – true to duty or love. Is that the definition you had in mind? On this Grace Notes program, Barbara begins a new series which will take us on a journey with the prophet Elijah. We’ll see how God worked THROUGH Elijah to demonstrate His faithfulness to His people, Israel, despite their unfaithfulness.
We’ll also see how God worked IN Elijah to groom him to truly be a man for the times. So, buckle your seat belts, and get ready to roll with the prophet of old.
On our last program, Barbara Sandbek began a new series on Elijah, a man for
the times.
The ungodly King, Ahab, had led them into Baal worship.
In an effort to steer His people back to Him, God withdrew His hand of blessing so they would appreciate what He had done for them.
God chose the prophet, Elijah, to tell the king that there would be no dew or rain until he said so. Then he told Elijah to go and hide, and He’d supply his needs through a brook and a raven.
God kept His promise, and then began to groom Elijah’s faith for an even tougher task ahead.
Let’s continue now, and see how Elijah handled his isolation and humbling
conditions.
Barbara Sandbek has been taking us on a faith building journey with the prophet, Elijah. We’ve seen how God stationed Elijah in the royal palace, where he delivered a prophetic message of impending drought to King Ahab.
Then God sent him to the wilderness, where his only company was that of a raven. Last week we found Elijah settling in, but God soon dried up the brook -- his source of life. Now it was time for him to go to a territory ruled by Queen Jezebel’s father, and be cared for by the human hands of a poor, gentile widow, facing starvation.
Sounds like ‘Mission Impossible’ doesn’t it? Well, the Lord had said to Sarah, Abraham’s barren wife, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”, and He challenges US to believe that EVERYTHING is possible when we act in obedience. Elijah chose to accept this mission and found that NOTHING would ‘self-destruct’ without God’s say so.
JOY is the next gift our host, Barbara Sandbek, will describe for us. Enjoy all the gifts and don’t forget to make that Christmas ornament marked ‘JOY’ for your tree.
The book of Jonah is a book about God’s provision. It was evidenced when He sent a great wind on the sea to get the rebellious prophet back on the right track, and again when He prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah and safely deliver him onto dry land. God also provided salvation for the sailors who prayed to Him for help, and the heathen Ninevites who repented. On our program today, we’ll conclude our study of Jonah and once again see God’s provision as he teaches Jonah an object lesson about His mercy.
