Monday, December 12, 2016

11 December 2016 - ENCS

Pastor Josh Harris spoke on Christmas Scene Investigation, part two
Per Luke one, with Zechariah and Elizabeth great things God did do

As a prelude, Josh reminded us of Herod’s seemingly difficult choice
Whether to retain his status as king of Judea or to listen to God’s voice
Even for us today, it is often very dangerous if we are too successful
To follow God, we must make sacrifices which can be very stressful

Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous members of the Levi clan
That they had no children was actually part of God’s master plan
They had given up hope since they had effectively run out of years
In those days, having no heirs was one of a couple's biggest fears

But Zechariah was chosen by lot to enter the temple, per verse nine
He was afraid when an angel appeared and said all would be fine
His prayer had been heard, the angel promised he would have a son
Our prayers are heard by God, even if in our time they are not done

Zechariah questioned the angel, as he did not believe the promise
But being in the temple, he should not have been a doubting Thomas
God wants to do better things with our lives than we ourselves believe
But God’s plan requires God’s involvement, which we must receive

The angel said Zechariah would be unable to speak until the birth
Ensuring that he did not destroy his manifold destiny here on earth
Faith empowers us to speak, per Second Corinthians chapter four
Paul honoured God despite going through pain that was hardcore

Josh said that faith and wisdom balance each other, just like wings
Too much of one without the other can lead us into spinning rings
That is why we need a relationship with God, not just mere religion
There is a right time for everything, not to be varied by a smidgen

The more time we spend with God, the more His voice we know
That helps us filter out deceptive voices that come from the foe
Remember that God’s picture is bigger than ours, Josh did say
So there can be a variety of reasons that we encounter a delay

No word from God will ever fail, according to verse thirty seven
Elizabeth was also given John to help Mary, as a gift from heaven
Her son John the Baptist fulfilled many an Old Testament prophecy
As his camel hair clothes and his lifestyle were evident for all to see

Josh then again highlighted four key steps to help us on our life's trip
To pray, to meditate, to preach to others, and to engage in fellowship

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