Heavenly Father, we come before you this morning, with contrite and fearful hearts, and to ask for our faith to be renewed in you, because many times we have tested you, we have tried your patience, even though we have seen the good things that you have done in our lives. Lord, we have been ungrateful, we have been following too much the desires of our own hearts, but dear Lord, help us, make us mindful, give us more reasons to believe, give us the strength to shake off every evil power that causes us to rebel against you. Lord, we can do nothing in our own strength, but we can do all things through you who strengthens us. Thank you, Lord!

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we too have been like the children of Israel, we have been disobedient, we have grieved the spirit of the Lord, our hearts have been disloyal to Him, and we have been unfaithful to His covenant. But, as Psalm 78 reminds us, He is mindful, God understand that we are but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return. Therefore, the Lord has been merciful to us; he has forgiven our iniquities and have not destroyed us. Time after time he restrained his anger and did not stir up his full wrath against us. But, my brothers and sisters in Christ, let us not put God to the test.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, we are called to follow Jesus, to trust him at every turn of our lives. Psalm 81:11-12 reminds us, that, the Lord allowed his people to follow their own stubborn desires, living according to their own ideas because they refused to listen to and obey him; and Psalm 106:43 tell us that, “Many times He rescued them, but they were bent on rebellion and sank down in their iniquity.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, I am pleading with you this morning to follow Jesus, to give up every idol that you serve and worship God; for there are consequences for not obeying the Lord.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, choose today whom you will serve. God may not answer you at the time you expect him too, but even if he does not, let it be known, that the God you serve is an awesome God, understand, that the God you serve, is able, believe, that, the God you serve is working your purpose out and choose to serve him. “Though each of the peoples may walk in the name of his god, yet we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.” Micah 4:5

But, “If you do not serve the Lord your God with joy and enthusiasm for the abundant benefits you have received, you will serve your enemies whom the Lord will send against you. You will be left hungry, thirsty, naked, and lacking in everything. The Lord will put an iron yoke on your neck, oppressing you harshly until he has destroyed you. These curses will be a sign and a wonder upon you and your descendants forever.” My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us never forget to be joyful in the Lord, and to give thanks, for all the blessings we have received.

“Sing praises to God and to his name! Sing loud praises to him who rides the clouds. His name is the Lord; rejoice in his presence! Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation. Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song. For the Lord is a great God, a great King above all gods.”

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. Therefore, my heart rejoices, and I will thank Him with my song. The Lord is the strength of His people, a stronghold of salvation for His anointed. Psalm 28:7-8

“Be still and know who God is! You, O Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head. My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes. Do not gloat over me, my enemy! Though I have fallen, I will arise; though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light. I look to the Lord for help. I wait confidently for God to save me, and my God will certainly hear me.” I know who God is, I know of his excellent greatness, therefore I will stand still and let him fight my battles for me. Thank you, Lord!

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.”

“The Lord is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.  For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even until death.”