March 11, 2013
Opening Hymns:
When You Believe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gur8ccqrQ9c
When You Believe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gur8ccqrQ9c
Scripture Reading:
Isaiah 43:16-21
16 This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.
Message:
“When You Believe” is such a wonderfully uplifting song from the movie “The Prince of Egypt.” The scripture for today reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His people. He rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians, and showed us all the amazing things that He can do. When you read the story, you will see that Moses is a doubter at times (quite a lot actually). He doesn’t think that he has what it takes to carry out God’s mission. He is afraid, and he argues and debates with God. “The Prince of Egypt” doesn’t get the story completely right (for the unabridged version see the book of Exodus). Moses didn’t change the staff into a snake, and he didn’t turn the water into blood. God listened to his doubts and concerns, and let his brother Aaron help him by having Aaron talk to pharaoh, and perform some of God’s wonders with the staff.
16 This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
17 who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honor me,
the jackals and the owls,
because I provide water in the wilderness
and streams in the wasteland,
to give drink to my people, my chosen,
21 the people I formed for myself
that they may proclaim my praise.
Message:
“When You Believe” is such a wonderfully uplifting song from the movie “The Prince of Egypt.” The scripture for today reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His people. He rescued the Israelites from the Egyptians, and showed us all the amazing things that He can do. When you read the story, you will see that Moses is a doubter at times (quite a lot actually). He doesn’t think that he has what it takes to carry out God’s mission. He is afraid, and he argues and debates with God. “The Prince of Egypt” doesn’t get the story completely right (for the unabridged version see the book of Exodus). Moses didn’t change the staff into a snake, and he didn’t turn the water into blood. God listened to his doubts and concerns, and let his brother Aaron help him by having Aaron talk to pharaoh, and perform some of God’s wonders with the staff.
What would have happened if Moses hadn’t been so afraid and had trusted
in God right from the start? How would the story have been different? What about
if the Israelites had trusted in God? They may not have had 40 years in the
desert! Look at your own life. What could be different if you put your entire
faith in God, and in His plan for you? In what ways might doubt be hindering
God’s plan in your own life? Take heart, and believe! Trust that God will provide
for you in the wilderness and wastelands. Believe that God will lead you to safety
across a dry riverbed. When we believe, miracles can happen!
Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for seeing us through each and every wasteland, and for guiding us through the wilderness. Help us to have the courage and the faith to carry out the mission that You have given us. Let us be brave, and when we begin to doubt let us remember all the wonders that You have done. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer
Closing Hymn
138 The King of Love My Shepherd Is http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh138.sht
May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.
Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God
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