GOD, WHO CANNOT LIE, HAS PROMISED

Sermon Notes, May 17, 2015

Rev. Gary O’Shell

            Rev. O’Shell filled our pulpit Sunday as the Guizars were in Renovo PA, taking care of the earthly details of the heavenly homegoing of Mary’s mother, Kate Green.  Rev. O’Shell’s message was based on the first four verses of Titus 1, emphasizing “…God who cannot lie promised…”
            What would it be like if God was really everything to us?  Is He everything?  Or is He just an add-on, to our relationships, our stewardship, our work, our words?  We are in a culture of Provision, Protection, and Position.  Do we see life from God’s perspective, or from our own perspective?  When the unexpected happens, do we react in our own perspective: why me, Lord?  Or can we see the bigger picture, God’s perspective: what are you trying to teach me, Lord?
            Remember Elijah’s prayer for his servant when they were surrounded by the king’s soldiers?  He asked God to open the servant's eyes so he could see God’s army protecting them.  Do we see things in the natural, like the servant, or in the supernatural, like Elijah?  We need to settle the question of who God is: everything or add-on.
            We need to settle that He cannot lie.  He’s promised to give us an abundant life. (John 10:10)  We sometimes have an orphan mentality.  But we can have victory over that. “Faith is the victory.”  His grace is abundant.  He is trustworthy.  We can live in a spirit of trust.
            Do you know what He’s promised you?  Let God lead you with His promise; there’s a need in your life He wants to lead you through.  Live in His promises: they will be fulfilled in God’s time.  In order to know what He’s promised you, you need to spend time in His presence.  Develop a listening spirit.  Be ready to give a reason for the hope you have (1 Peter 3:15).  The Pharisees were experts in God’s Word, but it had no home in their hearts.  A promise from God has a home in your heart. 

God’s promise to you will be tested.  How long did it take before God’s promise to bless the world through Abraham’s seed was fulfilled?  Moses spent 40 years in the desert before God’s promise that he’d lead the people out of Egypt was fulfilled.  How long have you prayed for someone before God’s promise to save them has been fulfilled? 

Settle in your heart that God is everything; that He cannot lie; that He has promised; and that no test can nullify His promise.