My he's STILL got the whole world in his hands-Part 3

* So I have NO idea what the titles of the songs played this week were- so I am not going to do any music.*

Scripture:

• Psalms 33;22
  


• Romans 8;20

In Andy's conclusion to Hes STILL got the whole world in his hands-He opens with the question:

"How do you maintain hope, in a hopelessly broken world"?

Nothing is secure in this world. Hope is defined by Andy as

"A Person or thing by which your expectations are centered. He gives examples such as:

• Ability



• Looks



• a job/company

Webster defines hope as:

1hope
Pronunciation:
\ˈhōp\
Function:
verb
Inflected Form(s):
hoped; hop·ing
Etymology:
Middle English, from Old English hopian; akin to Middle High German hoffen to hope
Date:
before 12th century
intransitive verb1: to cherish a desire with anticipation 2archaic : trusttransitive verb1: to desire with expectation of obtainment2: to expect with confidence : trust

The only time we think about hope is when we feel hopeless. I've never really thought about it that way, but its an interesting point.

Hope is like a ladder. When we are born, we naturally prop our ladder on our parents. Later in life, it becomes something to support our dreams. The Bible instructs us to place our hope in God. in Romans 8, Paul explains where our hope should be, why it is important to put our trust in God. We need to do this because everything in the world decays, or dies. When sin was brought into the world, it infiltrated the entire universe. It is a disease that is toxic and fatal. to EVERYONE. No one can escape sin. Andy used Mother Teresa as an example. She was one of the most wholly people on earth, and she couldn't escape death. Andy says that when you re frustrated, it is a result of sin. We tend to lean our ladder on the wrong things(money, our Jobs, "stuff") because we feel we can beat the odds.

Andy then says that

as God becomes the center of hope-then that is where hope does not disappoint.  If we want to put our hope in something secure, then we need to put our hope in God, because if God is for us, then WHO can be against us!?

He then concludes the series by saying

"What we put our hope in(the love of God) determines how we maintain hope, in a hopelessly broken world

.

My He's STILL got the whole world in his hands-Part 2

Scripture: 

• Romans 8:28
• Philippians 4:4-7

Music Selections:

• Everlasting God-By Chris Tomlin*
• Glory to God-By Steve Fee*
• Lead me to the cross-Hilsong

*Performed by Todd Fields

God tends to get our attention in Uncertain times.  Andy opened by saying that

"during uncertain times people are more likely to pray.  when life spins out of control we tend to go straight to God"

 He used the example of a plane about to crash.  That people automatically turn to God and start praying even if they've never prayed a day in their life-they would start to pray.  

Then Andy raised the question-

"What do we do while we wait for the uncertain times to pass?

Well we could spend the time necessary to focus on Gods love for us, and that he will take care of us all.

He later said that

kindness is a result of our circumstances.

 Meaning when we HAVE money to give-we give.  When we don't we tend to not give, or give less.

What do we do in Uncertain times?  Pray, Pray, and when you think you've prayed enough-pray more!

" But in every situation-by prayer, petition, and thanksgiving, present(or reveal) your situation to God"  

You prey until peace comes.  Be it a day, a month, a year, 20 years!  Definitely easier said then done there eh?  

"Take your prayer a step further" Andy says "Prey at the level of insecurity and fear.  Reveal something to Go you've NEVER revealed before"

• Here's what I want God
  

1. I need you to ________

• Here's why I want it God

1. I'm afraid that if you don't________

Reveal your deepest feelings/thoughts/HOPES to God.  The main point this week was that prayer is the way to go.  Prayer is the gateway to God, and a relationship with him.  

My He's STILL got the whole world in his hands-Part 1

*This series actually began 2 weeks ago from the post date, sorry.    That being said, part one and part two will be posted in the same week.   Part two will likely go up tomorrow, after I have been able to re watch it, and take notes.  

Now all that being said, I was not in attendance for part one, so this blog is purely from watching it once online, and there are no music selections listed.  If anyone that was there would post the music in a comment I will edit.  Thanks-MD*

Scripture:

• Mark 14: 17-24, 27-29 
• Romans 8:28

Andy started a new series this week.  The Blog title is the title of the series.  Like I stated in the notes, I was not at this sermon, so that may be why I feel I did not get as much out of it, a past sermons.

The basic principal of this series is that-even in these hard times of life, with the economy the way it is.  God is still in charge.  He is still watching over us all.  He still has our best intentions, and lives planned out the way he intended.  God knows whats going on, but not to worry, because even in these rough times, "He STILL has the whole world in his hands.  

Andy explains that the bible was written at a time of uncertainty, and that even in those uncertainties God was still there.  He was there with  Moses, he was there with Jesus.  He was there with David, he was there with Daniel.

Andy posed the question:

Can you continue to trust God when there is no evidence of him working in your life?

 What a great question this is!  I wish my answer was yes, but like most of those who are honest with God, and themselves-Its not. Not to say that I don't always trust God when there's no sign of him listening.  I like to think I am doing it now, but the question is-how much longer will I.  

Something to think about.