Not Fear, Praise!

March 28 2k10
Not Fear, Praise!

Mark 4:35-41
James 1:2-5

How many of u are in a situation that you don't want to be in & your wondering how your going to make it? Not just a one day storm, but perhaps a 6 day storm. Chapters in ur life that if it were up to u, u would not have those chapters written in ur book of life. James 1 Look at ur situtuation as if the door is open & your prayer has been answers. How would u act? You would praise! Praise is an act of will. You don't have to feel good to praise him. Some of the best praise u do is the praising when you shout during the bad times. Decide to praise the Lord through your storm & dont allow fear to grip you. Thank him for the challenges not just the good things. A gunuine joy. You can really see what type of foundation you have when the storm comes. Can u make it to the end of something that's needed even when it doesn't make u happy. God is not only concerned about u being happy but about u being complete & mature. Therefore when your time comes you will have the tools that you need for your next level that God has for u.

A joy that circumstances can't change.

You know your immature when you only want good stuff. When someone has to TELL you to eat your vegitables.

Some people just want the pleasure but are not concerned about the price. After the meal do you ask, "how much did that cost?"

It's funny how you can go without when it's your money that has to be spent. Everything will not always be easy. Some things have a price.

James1:5
"Wisdom", will change the way u see your trial.
You should laugh when ur car is stolen!! Laugh when everyone at your job is getting laid off. Cuz ur faith is being tested. Come out the other side stronger. If u dint understand ask the Lord to show you why u should be laughing. When fear grabs you it can make u forget that the Lord has gotten u thru a similar situation before. Maybe u didn't handle the situation appropriately before but he brought u out in spite of.

Reasons to praise:
1) Understand where the trial came from. Mark 4:35 vs the story of Jonah.

There's a difference between a storm that comes at the will of God & a storm that comes due to disobedience.

Some time the storm is here to let u know that your on the path of something serious. The greater your storm the greater the blessing that's in store on the other side. Some times storms come b/c u are obedient. Then u know your on the right path.

2) Understand he cares. Mark 4:38

3) Understand he is here with me. Rejoice b/c u are not by yourself.

If the Lord is alright with ur trial, u be alright with ur trial.

If u let fear rule u. It will rule the bad time & the good times. Ex. Not wanting to tell people the good news b/c ur afraid that you will jinx your situation. Knocking on wood.

We need to see things in our life the way God sees them.