Is life a puzzle? Problems, questions, fears? We all struggle with issues in our lives; they come and go in a constant barrage. Sometimes you look at the pieces of your life, and they don’t seem to fit together. Somewhere, there must be peace. Where is that “Piece” of the puzzle?
And so, the Signboard Message said:
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IS LIFE A PUZZLE? WE HAVE THE MISSING PEACE! |
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The good news is that God offers us True Peace. Eternal Peace. The Peace that we need, not necessarily the happiness that we think we want. God’s in charge and He’s got a plan. And we (or any “church”) don’t have a corner on that Peace. God offers it to everyone.
Check out these verses from the Bible:
Change? New Job? Overwhelming Responsibilities?
Ya think you’ve got it rough? What about Joshua having to step into Moses’ shoes?
Presence
Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their forefathers to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance.
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” NIV
The promise about the land was made to Joshua’s forefathers hundreds of years before Joshua’s time… But God keeps His promises!
I’m a Failure! Why am I Here???
God offers purpose to life and promises to give us everything we need to to His will. And the cool thing about all of this, is that He loves us and knows what’s best for us…. so why should we worry about doing our own thing? Jesus promises us peace…
Purpose
Faith overcomes worry. If your goal is God He’ll supply what you really need.
For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. NIV
Jesus’ “Yoke” links His power to us and frees us from being burdened with our own yokes of worry and self-doubt. Jesus’ yoke is “easy” because it was designed for us by our Creator…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
NIV
Sickness, Life and Death…
Our Creator knows us and loves us (in spite of our failures). The shortest verse in the Bible is John 11:35, “Jesus Wept.”
Healing
News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them.
Large crowds from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. NIV
Yeah, yeah… but that was Jesus! What about us? James was talking to “normal people” like us when he said…
Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.
And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
NIV
Prayers are answered all the time. There’s a cool signboard message that says: “A coincidence is where God chooses to remain anonymous.” Sometimes, we’re overwhelmed by circumstances, but God is still beside us.
But People Still Suffer and Die!!!
Yes, people do die (in fact- everyone dies eventually). But isn’t it true that when the Lord takes you that this is the ultimate form of healing? Faith and prayer bring the miracle of God’s presence. Check out these passages…
Fear Not
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
NIV
Jesus promises something on the other side of death…
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.
In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
NIV
But what about now?
“All this I have spoken while still with you.
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. NIV
Yes, there will be trouble, but God will bring us through it…
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” NIV
Lord, I need a Miracle!
And God provides them! When we turn to Him and place our faith in God, we can overcome life’s difficulties.
One of the blessings we have at our church is the music of Lee Whitaker. Lee writes and performs his own songs and has released many CDs. His music has (literally) been a blessing to people all over the world. He recently released his latest video where he performs his song “Lord I Need a Miracle.”
In the face of all of our trials, the Savior who wept over the death of Lazarus and then rose from the dead Himself, walks by our side and comforts us when we reach out to Him in faith.
God still works miracles in our lives today!
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For other Signboard Messages, click this button: Signboard Messages
Have you felt the miraculous touch of God? Leave a comment and share your story…
Lee thank yo for allowing Chuck to publish your song here. As I started at the top I was thnking this is not the usual format for the sermon, but was so glad I kept on going, reading the Bible verses and all.
Thank you Lee for the wonderful work you do, and for me, thank yo for sharing on this wonderful Snowy day with very cold tempts which mean I can not go out side.
Thanks Lee and love to your family.
Jane, thank you so much for your kind words. It warms my heart to know that someone is out there listening. I do appreciate your continuing support. May God bless you and yours also!