Our God is an awesome God
By Rev. Hansen Dec29, 2004
When we think of God and his powers what do we think of? The fact that he created all this around us? The fact that he sent his son to die on the cross? Or that Jesus raised a man from the dead, healed a blind man or some other biblical story we may have heard as a child?
God’s power is great, there’s no denying that! Look outside. I mean really look outside. See those trees, who could have made them if it were not of God. Ok now look at your neighbor, notice what they look like the hair color, the eye color, each of us are different but each of us has one thing in common. We are all children of God. Now that’s an Awesome God!
Many think of God as just another 3-letter word with out substance or meaning. Today I want you to look deep inside yourself and ask yourself what does God really mean to me? Who is this person they call God and what part does he play in my life today? As Christians and believers we should be able to answer this question with out any struggles. But I bet if a non believer were to ask you right now these same questions you’d more than likely freeze and break out in a cold sweat thinking of how to answer it.
In Job, we read how he tried to isolate himself from those around him, after falling into a deep depression. He tried to rationize God in his mind, but yet he still held onto his faith in that which he didn’t understand.
14. Yes, I will take my life in my hand and say what I really think.
15. God may kill me for saying this--in fact, I expect him to. Nevertheless I am going to argue my case with him.
16. This at least will be in my favor, that I am not godless, to be rejected instantly from his presence.
17. Listen closely to what I am about to say. Hear me out.
18. ``This is my case: I know that I am righteous.
19. Who can argue with me over this? If you could prove me wrong I would stop defending myself and die.
Many of us have taken our lives into our own hands, and we’re always making it a mess. When it’s gotten to the point of no return, we will turn our eyes towards the sky and then make a bargain with God. Through out the book of Job, we see how he often pleaded and bargained with God to save him, and make him healthy. Through all that was brought on him, he never lost sight of God’s love, his aweness and wondrous love for him.
In Job 13 verse 20 we read an example of the bargaining that took place.
20. ``O God, there are two things I beg you not to do to me; only then will I be able to face you.
21. Don't abandon me. And don't terrify me with your awesome presence.
22. Call to me to come--how quickly I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply.
This type of prayer is commonly called a fox hole prayer.. any soldier can tell you about this type of praying as the shells are going off around them, the bodies of friends lying dead next to them. O God, get me out of here! Some times some of the simplest prayers are the most miningful prayers we’ll ever say because they come from the heart, in the heat of the battle. We plead our case, hoping to hear from God, and when we don’t we get discouraged.
23. Tell me, what have I done wrong? Help me! Point out my sin to me.
24. Why do you turn away from me? Why hand me over to my enemy?
25. Would you blame a leaf that is blown about by the wind? Will you chase dry, useless straws?
26. ``You write bitter things against me and bring up all the follies of my youth.
We become full of self-pity. But God is an awesome god. No matter what is going on in our personal situation, God has the answer, and is the answer. He is good to everyone, and his compassion is intertwined with everything he does. Turn to psalms 145 now with me
1. I will praise you, my God and King, and bless your name each day and forever.
3. Great is Jehovah! Greatly praise him! His greatness is beyond discovery!
4. Let each generation tell its children what glorious things he does.
5. I will meditate about your glory, splendor, majesty and miracles.
6. Your awe-inspiring deeds shall be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness.
7. Everyone will tell about how good you are, and sing about your righteousness.
8. Jehovah is kind and merciful, slow to get angry, full of love.
9. He is good to everyone, and his compassion is intertwined with everything he does.
10. All living things shall thank you, Lord, and your people will bless you.
11. They will talk together about the glory of your kingdom and mention examples of your power.
12. They will tell about your miracles and about the majesty and glory of your reign.
13. For your kingdom never ends. You rule generation after generation.
14. The Lord lifts the fallen and those bent beneath their loads.
15. The eyes of all mankind look up to you for help; you give them their food as they need it.
16. You constantly satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
17. The Lord is fair in everything he does, and full of kindness.
18. He is close to all who call on him sincerely.
19. He fulfills the desires of those who reverence and trust him; he hears their cries for help and rescues them.
Alter Call
Yes how sweet it is to call on an Awesome God to help us. Today you can call him and he’ll hear your plea. Call on him, now, and ask him to forgive you for your sins, he’s waiting to hear you’re confessions, your inner thoughts of transgressions. God is Alive today, he’s the answer, and he’s here before you now.
If you have been wanting God to come into your life and have control now’s your chance, come down to the alter here. Let our brothers and sisters pray with you as you ask God to come into your heart today.
Lord let this message touch the hearts and souls of your children, that they shall hear your voice today.
Come children , come to Jesus kneel before the king and ask for forgiveness today. He’s waiting.
Let us sing in praise.
ALTER SONG OF CHOICE
(OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD)
BENIDITION
Heavenly Father, thank you for joining us here today to worship you and love you. Lord we know you are real in our lives because of the awesomeness of your word and your love. You’ve given us hope today when there was none. You’ve brought us out of the miry clay to make us in your image an image of hope and love that others may see you through us. Father put me on the potters wheel today, and make me a vessel of your faith. Let my light shine and let me be hold your candle so all can see it from afar. In the name of Jesus we pray Amen.