Sermon Notes

April 24, 2015

Four Parallels


Nothing drives us to the prayer room faster than when a direct family member is faced with crisis.

 

I recently experienced this myself when my youngest daughter, Connar, was involved in a car accident. When she got out of her car to exchange insurance information, the man involved threw horrible threats at her, demanding she get in his car so he could assault her. By the grace of God, she was able to make it back into her car and called the police.

 

Cops said this man had a history of causing accidents and then abusing the young girls involved. A history! But… why didn’t he come after my daughter? Why did he give up so easily? Assuredly I tell you this, stored-up-prayers. No question in mind, the Lord protected my daughter.

 

How often do we wait for crises’ to happen in our lives to offer up authentic pleas to the Lord. In this case, we would have been too late! Years and years I have prayed protection over Connar, over all my children. Praise God He is faithful to answer in the times we need Him to!

 

This situation really rattled me, as you can well imagine. We live in perilous, dark times. What would we have done if not for the supernatural protection of our God?

 

Just look at the nation of Israel. No larger than the state of New Jersey, they are surrounded by hostile enemies on every side.Yet they are protected but one who is unseen, just like Connar was! I read the bible these days, and it is as if I had just turned on the news channel. It gives me goosebumps seeing prophesies unfold right before my eyes.

 

And let me remind you, God is no respecter of persons. What He has done in protecting Israel, in shielding my daughter, He will do for you and your family. The key is to continue praying protection.

 

Israel is not only supernaturally protected, but supernaturally blessed. They are a prosperous nation! I find it so interesting that Israel does not import any goods! All of the countries surrounding Israel are impoverished and don’t have enough, but here is Israel, flourishing! Not only do they have what they need,they have more than enough. On top of all of that, they are a beautiful. The number one exporter of flowers in the world, she is a nation that stands out from the rest.

 

What a beautiful reflection of a believer’s life. When someone is captivated by the love of Jesus, they’re unmistakeable. Lives of beauty and abundance. I am reminded of the verse in Psalms 37:25

 

I have been young and now I am old, Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken Or his descendants begging bread.

 

God will always give us enough. More than enough! He will provide for us if we trust, pray and believe.

 

In addition to being prosperous, Israel is deeply passionate about the God who chose them. I have witnessed on an airplane, Orthodox Jews arise from their seats and head to the back of the plane to pray. Onlookers don’t bother them, they are serious about their faith! There is no mistaking them either, they dress different and they act different. They are proud of their God and unashamed to show it.

 

This charges my spirit! Outsiders should look at our lives and notice the difference. We should be known for holding high standard for ourselves in the way we present ourselves, after all… we are carriers of the Savior of the world!

 

Lastly, Israelites are prepared. When a young man or woman turns 18 in their culture, they don’t have an option, they are trained up for battle. They don’t have time to sit around and play video games, or wonder how they will achieve fame and fortune. No, they are soldiers. It’s no wonder Israel has one of the strongest armies in the world. The next generation is carrying them. They are strategic and ready.

 

How easy it is in this day-and-age, with information at our fingertips and endless entertainment at the click of a button, to forget that we are in a real-life battle. Ephesians 6:12 says:

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

 

May we be prepared. We must wake up! We must clean up our act and look up! We may very well see the return of Jesus in our generation, and at that point it will be too late.

 

He has given us a second chance. Let us not miss this. Speak prayers over you and your family. Store them up! Prayers for His protection, prosperity, passion and preparation.

 

Life will never be void of trials and tribulations… but pray on! Today I am especially grateful for Romans 8:28:

“When God is for us, who can be against us!

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