10 June 2012 - ENCS

This morning Nancy Webb came from Hawaii to speak
"3 Keys to Victorious Living" was the sermon this week
"When the going gets tough", Nancy did loudly say
"Then the tough get praising, each and every day"
John 16:33 says that "in this world you will have trouble"
But Jesus has "overcome this world" and its awful rubble
So in Jesus, we can have peace
Even if our problems do not cease
Then, reading from 1 Thessalonians 5 :16-18
The three biblical keys to victory are clearly seen

The first key is to "always rejoice"
A sacrifice of joy should be our choice
Psalm 27:6 as well as Nehemiah 8:10
Mention the same theme once again
The joy of the Lord should be our strength
The enemy targets that joy at great length
A warning comes from Deuteronomy 28:47
We must remember to serve God in heaven
Or else we will serve the enemy sent
Leading to anger and discouragement
If joy is inside of us, then without question
It can overcome all, including depression

The second key is to praise and pray
A sacrifice of praise is more than okay
Hebrews 13:15 as well as Psalm 34:1-4
Talk about the "fruit of our lips" and more
Remember that God is always there
Praise Him for His constant care
Praise Him even when times are tough
For He will grant us safety enough
The enemy or God, we must obey one
If the former, our lives will be done
Keep our tongues from evil disbelief
That way, we can avoid serious grief
In heaven, there are never any complaints
Only positives come from mouths of saints
We should be a positive testimony at all times
Whether working, talking, or writing rhymes

The third key is a key to blessed living
It is to present a sacrifice of thanksgiving
We see this in Psalm 107:22 and Psalm 100:4
Psalm 50: 14 and 23 repeat it some more
A thankful heart keeps things in perspective
Omitting the complaints is the way to live
A positive spirit also comes from a thankful heart
With the love of God is how we should start
For we should give thanks like Silas and Paul
Thanking God for the good, the bad, the all
Persevere with praise says Hebrews 10:36
A harvest can be reaped, Galatians 6:9 predicts

In summary, remember that God's promises are true
Much bigger than any circumstances that may accrue
The three biblical keys to victory, Nancy did reiterate
Joy, praise, and thanksgiving will keep us straight