11.9.11 "Speak Out!"

"Speak Out!" 

Ezekiel 20:1-49
Hebrew 9:13-28
Psalm 107:1-43
Proverbs 27:11

The study of the word is such an incredible way to get to know God. As we look at the full expanse of scripture we learn so much about his character. Too often we grab a "verse-for-the-day" to ease our conscience instead of taking the time to get into the word and get to know him! The only way you can get to know anyone is to spend time with them. What can be greater than spending time with God? Psalm 107 is a great chapter of encouragement to praise the Lord. 

"Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies." vs 2

"He brought the exiles back from the farthest corners of the earth. They were wandering homeless in the desert, hungry and thirsty and faint. "Lord, help!" they cried, and he did! He led them straight to safety and a place to live. Oh, that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness, and for all of his wonderful deeds! For he satisfies the thirsty soul and fills the hungry soul with good." vs. 3-9

Have you been there? Thirsty of soul? Has God heard you?

"Who are these who sit in darkness, in the shadow of death, crushed by misery and slavery?... Then they cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he rescued them!... Oh, that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all his wonderful deeds! For he broke down their prison gates of brass and cut apart their iron bars." v.10,13-16

Have you been in the prison of bondage? Are you free?

"Others, the fools, were ill because of their sinful ways... then they cried to the Lord in their troubles, and he helped them and delivered them. He spoke, and they were healed - snatched from the door of death. Oh that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all of his wonderful deeds! Let them tell him "Thank you" as their sacrifice, and sing about his glorious deeds." vs. 17-22

Have you been in trouble because of your sin? 

"And there were the sailors sailing the seven seas, plying the trade routes of the world. They, too, observe the power of God in action. He calls to the storm winds; the waves rise high. Their ships are tossed to the heavens and sink again to the depths; the sailors cringe in terror. They reel and stagger like drunkards and are at their wit's end. then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and he saves them. He calms the storm and stills the waves. What a blessing is that stillness, as he brings them safely into harbor! Oh that these men would praise the Lord for his loving-kindness and for all of his wonderful deeds! Let them praise him publicly before the congregation, and before the leaders of the nation." vs. 23-32

What's your story? What has God done for you? Anything? If so, Speak out! Have you ever heard a testimony that just made you wanna shout? Have you ever thought the fact that there's someone in your world who needs to hear your testimony? Your words could build their faith.

I was thinking that too often we think the "normal" thing is an easy-going life. Things should be all ok. Therefore, we don't rejoice in times of blessing. Trouble comes and we cry out to God, but the fact that we subconsciously think we deserve the blessing, or the freedom, or whatever, we don't rejoice the way we should. The truth is that in a life without God, TRIALS are normal! Stormy seas and bondage are a way of life. 

If we would only open our mouth and declare how God has delivered us, others could turn to him! One of the Resources of our life is our testimony. What are we doing with that resource? Think of your blessings today. Your home. Your family. Your children. Your job. Which one of those things did not have a crisis at some point? Did God come through? What did you do with that testimony? Did you bury it in the ground? If you put it to work by praising the Lord and telling of his greatness, it WILL come back with a return. God will use your testimony for his Glory. "Good men everywhere will see it and be glad, while evil men are stricken silent." vs.42

Think of the heathen of this world. Our silence gives them ammunition. It gives them voice. It drives me crazy every time I hear one of those "billions of years ago..." type of statements on TV. Were anybody to speak up to refute it, they seem weird. Why? Because it's not normal to hear of the greatness of God.

"Say 'Thank you' to the Lord for being so good, for always being so loving and kind. Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has saved you from your enemies." 



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ