THE RHYTHM OF LIFE
June 2, 2019
CONNECT Every summer we like to
do a series of talks about practical things. In 2015 we talked about ”Practical
Living in a Pagan Culture”; 2016 was a series about the family; 2017 was “Jesus
Pics”, different I ages of Jesus from the Book of John; 2018 was a series about
finding your purpose in life called “Getting into S.H.A.P.E” were We discussed
your spiritual gifts, your heart, your abilities, your passion, and your
experience.
TENSION We have all faced
circumstances where we didn’t know what to do or how to deal with a problem or
opportunity.
SOLUTION This
summer I want to talk about how we can make wise decisions in every situation
we encounter. I want us to learn together some skills that will point us in the
right direction.
TEXT Psalms
119:133
(NKJV) Direct
(order) my steps by Your word, and let not iniquity have dominion over me.
I have called this series “The Rhythm of Life”. As a
musician and a band director, “direct” means to lead a band or other musical
group. As the director, one of my jobs was the establish the rhythm of a piece.
This is more than just tempo; it also involves all musical expression. But I
knew something else; the rhythm section controlled the group! Where they went,
the band went! Same thing in life. Where our rhythms go, we go.
How is your rhythm? Some have good rhythm; some not so
much! Have you ever watched people clap to a song? It’s hilarious!
Some do it this way… Garage Band…
God wants to direct the rhythms of our life so that we
can stay in beat with Him! PRAYER
INSTRUCTION God is a God of order and direction.
Isaiah
9:7
(NKJV) Of the increase of His government
and peace There will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice
from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will
perform this.
He wants to order our lives and give us direction in
our affairs.
Psalms
37:23–24
(NKJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him
with His hand.
Psalms
50:23
(NKJV) Whoever offers praise glorifies Me;
and to him who orders his conduct aright I will
show the salvation of God.
Proverbs
16:9
(NKJV) A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs
16:25
(NKJV) There is a
way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.
“A man is able to reason logically to the wrong
conclusion!”
Jeremiah
10:23
(NKJV) O LORD, I know the way of man is not
in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his
own steps.
You may ask, “Is God really
concerned about every situation in my life?”
YES!
2
Peter 1:2–3 (NKJV) Grace and peace be multiplied to you
in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His
divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and
godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue…
How does God do this? The
Word of God! The Bible is not just a guide to life; it is a guide
in life!
Psalms
119:105
(NKJV) Your word is
a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
Go back to our text…
Psalms
119:133
(NKJV) Direct
(order) my steps (my walk; my way of life) by Your word, and let not iniquity
have dominion over me.
Now look again at Peter…
2
Peter 1:4 (NKJV) By which have been given to us
exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
This is two-sided process.
First,
the practical side. Paul gives us a
practical template for using the Bible as a guide in life.
2
Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV) All Scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for
reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man
of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
A
Four Step Process The Bible shows us:
1.
The
right track to walk.
2.
Where we got off track.
3.
How
to get back on track.
4.
How
to stay on track.
Second,
the personal side. The Bible helps
us sort out our desires from His desires!
Hebrews
4:12–13
(NKJV) For the word of God is living and
powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing
even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no
creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes
of Him to whom we must give account.
Three Areas of Examination
1.
The
Bible convicts our heart.
2.
The
Bible tests our sources: soul or spirit, self or God.
3.
The
Bible judges our motives.
APPLICATION
We will be looking at various areas of life in the weeks to come: family,
finances, decision making, work relationships. If you have an area you want us
to address, just let us know. Let’s take just a general look at one aspect of
the process.
What
is the problem or question?
What
practical issues does the Bible address about the problem or question?
1.
What does the Bible say about this track of
action?
2.
What does the Bible reveal about my decision
being on track?
3.
What steps does the Bible say I should take to
get back on track?
4.
What safeguards does the Bible say to employ
to stay on track.
What
personal issues does the Bible address about the problem or question?
1.
Is
my desire sinful?
2.
What is the source of my desire?
3.
What is the motive of my desire?
If
we follow this process regularly, we will make wise decisions.
Examples…
TOOLS
“Jesus
Person Pocket Promise Book” by David Wilkerson
“Shut
Up Devil” app by Kyle Winkler
“The
Promise Principle” by Phillip Hunter
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