[Script Info]
Title: 
[Events]
Format: Layer, Start, End, Style, Name, MarginL, MarginR, MarginV, Effect, Text
Dialogue: 0,0:00:00.48,0:00:04.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Grace and peace to you all, in Jesus’ name.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:04.80,0:00:06.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My name is Christina.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:06.60,0:00:13.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And today, I have the incredible privilege of sharing the Word of God with you.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:13.92,0:00:19.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,My prayer is that the Word of God that you will receive today will not return void
Dialogue: 0,0:00:19.52,0:00:26.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but it would accomplish the purposes of God in your life today, in Jesus’ name.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:26.16,0:00:35.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, I don't know about you but I love food and I especially love freshly baked bread.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:35.28,0:00:38.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I'm always excited if I go to the bakery
Dialogue: 0,0:00:38.60,0:00:42.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and discover that they're just bringing out those warm loaves.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:42.92,0:00:47.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The finished product is magnificent.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:47.44,0:00:51.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I love it when friends and family come to visit me,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:51.52,0:00:53.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and when they enter through my front door,
Dialogue: 0,0:00:53.84,0:00:59.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they're greeted with that smell of freshly baked bread.
Dialogue: 0,0:00:59.16,0:01:02.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It's so inviting.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:02.08,0:01:07.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But can you imagine for a moment being invited for breakfast,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:07.44,0:01:11.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but instead of being served up that delicious loaf,
Dialogue: 0,0:01:11.52,0:01:15.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you are instead given the\Nindividual ingredients.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:15.36,0:01:21.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Can you imagine how horrible it would be to eat a cup of plain flour
Dialogue: 0,0:01:21.12,0:01:26.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or drink a glug of oil or have to eat a packet of yeast?
Dialogue: 0,0:01:26.52,0:01:34.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No one would enjoy that because the individual ingredients are bitter and bland.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:34.20,0:01:41.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But a skilled baker can work them together for our good.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:41.56,0:01:45.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And before that bread can be enjoyed, \Nit goes through quite a process -
Dialogue: 0,0:01:45.84,0:01:50.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,a process of kneading and then being left alone to rise.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:50.08,0:01:51.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Then it goes into the oven.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:51.88,0:01:56.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But then out comes an amazing loaf of bread.
Dialogue: 0,0:01:56.76,0:02:03.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,To me, this is a picture of life - \Nboth good and hard times.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:03.84,0:02:08.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Times of kneading and \Ntimes of rising again.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:08.40,0:02:13.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Times of growth in lonely places before facing the furnace
Dialogue: 0,0:02:13.80,0:02:18.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but without which, the artisan loaf cannot be enjoyed.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:18.84,0:02:22.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, we know in Romans 8:28,\Nit tells us that
Dialogue: 0,0:02:22.68,0:02:28.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:28.56,0:02:32.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But if we are not careful when we go through hard times,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:32.52,0:02:39.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we can be like those who see the individual bitter and bland experiences of life,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:39.16,0:02:44.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,thinking that's all there is without understanding there is a bigger picture,
Dialogue: 0,0:02:44.44,0:02:48.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,without thinking about what God is preparing us for.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:48.80,0:02:58.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, God sometimes allows hard times not to impair us but to improve us.
Dialogue: 0,0:02:58.52,0:03:05.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But if we fail to seek God's heart to see life clearly,
Dialogue: 0,0:03:05.48,0:03:11.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,we will never understand what God says about our situation.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:11.72,0:03:19.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And this will take us to the title of the message today - See Life Clearly.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:19.08,0:03:23.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, I don’t know what kind of week you have had this week
Dialogue: 0,0:03:23.00,0:03:27.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and what encounters or situations you may have faced.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:27.24,0:03:29.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Perhaps you're feeling lonely.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:29.48,0:03:31.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Maybe you're tired or anxious.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:31.80,0:03:34.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Perhaps you're feeling insecure.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:34.80,0:03:39.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Maybe you are weary from looking after your dependants.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:39.08,0:03:43.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Perhaps you're facing a relationship issue or a health challenge.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:43.24,0:03:46.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Maybe it's a financial battle that you're having right now.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:46.96,0:03:49.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Perhaps you're simply feeling overwhelmed
Dialogue: 0,0:03:49.56,0:03:53.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by some of the news headlines that you've come across this week.
Dialogue: 0,0:03:53.84,0:04:01.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Maybe you've received some worrying news and you just can't seem to see beyond it.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:01.04,0:04:06.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Well, can we stop for a moment and remember that we do not serve a God
Dialogue: 0,0:04:06.24,0:04:11.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who is unable to sympathise \Nwith our situation.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:11.60,0:04:19.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Jesus Christ is the Word that became flesh and dwelt among us.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:19.56,0:04:23.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The God who knit you together in your mother's womb -
Dialogue: 0,0:04:23.36,0:04:27.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who knows the number of hairs on your head,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:27.12,0:04:29.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who knows the length of your days -
Dialogue: 0,0:04:29.08,0:04:34.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,certainly knows what you are facing right now.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:34.20,0:04:41.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the Bible says in Hebrews 4:14.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:41.20,0:04:47.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into Heaven,
Dialogue: 0,0:04:47.48,0:04:55.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
Dialogue: 0,0:04:55.32,0:05:01.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathise with our weaknesses,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:01.48,0:05:09.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but we have one who has been tempted in all ways, just as we are - yet he did not sin.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:09.72,0:05:15.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:15.48,0:05:23.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Dialogue: 0,0:05:23.44,0:05:29.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Since Jesus Christ feels what we feel and understands our situation,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:29.32,0:05:35.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,today, let us accept that invitation to come boldly before the throne of grace
Dialogue: 0,0:05:35.72,0:05:40.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and let us find mercy and grace in our time of need,
Dialogue: 0,0:05:40.00,0:05:47.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as we spend a moment looking at how Jesus Christ handled His own real situations.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:47.36,0:05:58.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And I want to take us today to the book of John 11. Let’s read from verse one.
Dialogue: 0,0:05:58.84,0:06:02.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Now, a man named Lazarus was sick.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:02.48,0:06:07.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister, Martha.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:07.96,0:06:12.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,This Mary, whose brother Lazarus now lay sick, was the same one
Dialogue: 0,0:06:12.56,0:06:17.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,who poured perfume on the Lord and wiped his feet with her hair.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:17.84,0:06:25.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So the sister sent word to Jesus, ‘Lord, the one you love is sick.’
Dialogue: 0,0:06:25.48,0:06:31.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, when he heard this, Jesus said, ‘This sickness will not end in death.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:31.72,0:06:39.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No, it is for God's glory so that God’s son may be glorified through it’.”
Dialogue: 0,0:06:39.32,0:06:43.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Wow. You see, something special and significant happened
Dialogue: 0,0:06:43.84,0:06:46.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,between verses three and four.
Dialogue: 0,0:06:46.96,0:06:52.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Although it doesn't explicitly say this, when Jesus heard the news with His physical ears,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:52.48,0:06:56.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that ‘the one you love is sick’,
Dialogue: 0,0:06:56.00,0:07:02.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He stopped and He listened with the ears of His heart.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:02.52,0:07:06.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He looked with the eyes of His faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:06.72,0:07:10.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He sought the Father's heart to see life clearly,
Dialogue: 0,0:07:10.80,0:07:16.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to understand what Father God had to say about the situation.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:16.52,0:07:23.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, we know this because Jesus’ response was not one that sprung out of emotion.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:23.68,0:07:26.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Jesus was not suddenly overwhelmed
Dialogue: 0,0:07:26.08,0:07:29.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,by the news that His dear friend Lazarus was sick.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:29.64,0:07:33.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He did not begin to panic and rush off to be with the family
Dialogue: 0,0:07:33.56,0:07:40.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,without first finding out what Father God had to say about the situation.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:40.60,0:07:49.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And we could see here that Jesus Christ had a great relationship with this man, Lazarus.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:49.40,0:07:54.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Lazarus was the kind of friend that was more like family.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:54.16,0:07:58.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But Jesus had an even greater relationship with the Father.
Dialogue: 0,0:07:58.52,0:08:01.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He cherished that relationship with the Father.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:01.20,0:08:08.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Therefore, He went to pray in secret before He did anything in public.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:08.20,0:08:11.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, knowing what God says about your situation
Dialogue: 0,0:08:11.64,0:08:18.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,is a greater blessing than healing itself, than breakthrough itself, than restoration itself.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:18.40,0:08:24.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because what God says about the situation settles the matter.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:24.32,0:08:25.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, let's stop for a moment
Dialogue: 0,0:08:25.76,0:08:31.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and think about how we are likely to respond to unfavourable news.
Dialogue: 0,0:08:31.08,0:08:33.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For example, when your child comes to you
Dialogue: 0,0:08:33.92,0:08:38.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and tells you that they have a strange pain in their body, what's your first response?
Dialogue: 0,0:08:38.92,0:08:45.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Do you start to consult ‘Dr. Google’ and ask the Internet what it says about the symptoms?
Dialogue: 0,0:08:45.84,0:08:52.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Do you find yourself scrolling through pages of parents recounting worst case situations
Dialogue: 0,0:08:52.20,0:08:56.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,before asking God what He says about the matter?
Dialogue: 0,0:08:56.20,0:08:58.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What about in the workplace?
Dialogue: 0,0:08:58.60,0:09:04.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Maybe you overhear your senior leaders discussing staff budget restraints,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:04.48,0:09:07.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,voluntary exit schemes and redundancies.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:07.96,0:09:11.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Do you immediately jump onto your LinkedIn profile
Dialogue: 0,0:09:11.00,0:09:14.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and start updating your CV, \Nturning on job alerts
Dialogue: 0,0:09:14.80,0:09:19.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,before asking God where He wants you to work?
Dialogue: 0,0:09:19.08,0:09:21.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,What about if you received a text message from a neighbour,
Dialogue: 0,0:09:21.92,0:09:25.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,telling you that they saw your spouse in what looked to them
Dialogue: 0,0:09:25.40,0:09:29.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,as a very compromising situation?
Dialogue: 0,0:09:29.08,0:09:31.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Do you immediately start to doubt them?
Dialogue: 0,0:09:31.84,0:09:35.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Do you start to consult those who allow your imagination
Dialogue: 0,0:09:35.44,0:09:38.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to run wild in support of your doubts
Dialogue: 0,0:09:38.64,0:09:43.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,before asking God what He says about your marriage?
Dialogue: 0,0:09:43.48,0:09:47.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know, if we are not careful, \Neven our circumstances
Dialogue: 0,0:09:47.52,0:09:51.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,can dictate the direction of our prayer.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:51.12,0:09:53.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When we are sick, we pray for healing.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:53.28,0:09:56.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When we lose our job, \Nwe pray for breakthrough.
Dialogue: 0,0:09:56.80,0:10:03.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But Jesus Christ understood that Spirit prayer does not spring from emotion.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:03.88,0:10:08.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But when we ask the Father God what He has to say about the situation
Dialogue: 0,0:10:08.44,0:10:13.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and we pray according to His will, He answers us.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:13.72,0:10:17.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, Jesus understood that He was not going to rush
Dialogue: 0,0:10:17.84,0:10:21.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and pray the prayer of healing because God's plan was bigger.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:21.92,0:10:23.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,God's plan was better.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:23.48,0:10:27.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No, He was about to pray the prayer of resurrection.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:27.00,0:10:30.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Death was about to be swallowed up in victory.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:30.64,0:10:33.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He wasn't rushed by the emergency of others.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:33.52,0:10:37.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In fact, He stayed where He was for two more days.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:37.64,0:10:41.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, this seeming inactivity of staying two more days
Dialogue: 0,0:10:41.56,0:10:45.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,was actually evidence of a very active faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:45.76,0:10:52.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because within these two days, Lazarus goes from a sick man to a dead man.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:52.44,0:10:56.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And there were those who had differing opinions about what Jesus was doing.
Dialogue: 0,0:10:56.44,0:10:59.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some of them looked at Him and said, ‘Oh, how He loved.’
Dialogue: 0,0:10:59.16,0:11:02.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But others looked at Him and spoke with criticism
Dialogue: 0,0:11:02.24,0:11:04.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and said, ‘Well, if He had gone earlier,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:04.36,0:11:08.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He could have prayed for this man and healed him.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:08.08,0:11:11.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,After all, didn't He open the eyes of the blind man?’
Dialogue: 0,0:11:11.56,0:11:17.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But Jesus Christ was not swayed by the opinions of others or confused by all of this.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:17.80,0:11:22.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,He steadfastly held fast to \Nthe promise of God -
Dialogue: 0,0:11:22.80,0:11:28.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that this sickness would not end in death but it would be for the glory of God.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:28.28,0:11:33.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, let's see in verse 38 what happens when Jesus arrived on the scene.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:33.52,0:11:37.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:37.48,0:11:40.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:40.72,0:11:42.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,‘Take away the stone’, he said.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:42.88,0:11:46.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,‘But, Lord’, said Martha, the sister of the dead man,
Dialogue: 0,0:11:46.24,0:11:50.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,‘by this time there is a bad odour for he has been there four days.’
Dialogue: 0,0:11:50.72,0:11:57.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?’
Dialogue: 0,0:11:57.28,0:11:59.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So they took away the stone.
Dialogue: 0,0:11:59.36,0:12:07.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Then Jesus looked up and said, \N‘Father, I thank You’.”
Dialogue: 0,0:12:07.60,0:12:16.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yes, Jesus said, ‘I thank You’ in front of that dead, smelly corpse.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:16.40,0:12:18.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Now, understand very clearly.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:18.88,0:12:21.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Jesus Christ was not socially awkward.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:21.96,0:12:27.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It wasn't that He didn't understand the cultural cues of the day. No.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:27.40,0:12:30.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But Jesus Christ was a tomorrow thinker.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:30.72,0:12:34.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, when he was at the burial ground of Lazarus,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:34.64,0:12:37.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in His mind, He was at a revival ground -
Dialogue: 0,0:12:37.84,0:12:40.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,because He understood that this was not just an opportunity
Dialogue: 0,0:12:40.72,0:12:42.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for Him to show compassion to people
Dialogue: 0,0:12:42.72,0:12:44.64,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or to go and pray the prayer of healing.
Dialogue: 0,0:12:44.64,0:12:49.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No, this was an opportunity to demonstrate that He is the Resurrection and the Life,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:49.92,0:12:54.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that what was dead that no doctor could restore, no therapist could redeem,
Dialogue: 0,0:12:54.88,0:13:01.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,no amount of human power or might could revive - Jesus Christ could resurrect!
Dialogue: 0,0:13:01.24,0:13:07.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,That gave Him the boldness and confidence to stand before that corpse,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:07.00,0:13:12.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,in the midst of that decomposing situation that everyone was grieving about
Dialogue: 0,0:13:12.36,0:13:16.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and say, ‘Father, I thank You.’
Dialogue: 0,0:13:16.72,0:13:20.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“I thank You that you have heard me. \NI knew that You always hear me,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:20.88,0:13:24.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:24.16,0:13:28.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,that they may believe that You sent Me’.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:28.04,0:13:34.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And when He said this, Jesus called out in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’
Dialogue: 0,0:13:34.96,0:13:38.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And the dead man came out.”
Dialogue: 0,0:13:38.36,0:13:43.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Wow. What a victorious God we serve!
Dialogue: 0,0:13:43.76,0:13:48.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, when you seek God's heart and you see life clearly,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:48.52,0:13:55.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,you can be happy even when there's nothing to be happy about on the outside.
Dialogue: 0,0:13:55.92,0:13:58.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So viewers all over the world,
Dialogue: 0,0:13:58.24,0:14:03.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,have you said thank You to Jesus today despite your situation?
Dialogue: 0,0:14:03.16,0:14:05.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,If not, do so right now.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:05.88,0:14:09.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For yes, you may have endured a night of weeping
Dialogue: 0,0:14:09.40,0:14:14.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but as a Christian, the Bible says that joy comes in the morning.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:14.12,0:14:18.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You may have been experiencing firsthand the troubles of this world.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:18.52,0:14:23.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But God's Word says, ‘Take heart, for I have overcome them’.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:23.20,0:14:27.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You may be familiar with the arrow that flies by day
Dialogue: 0,0:14:27.00,0:14:32.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or the pestilence that stalks by night or the plague that strikes at midday.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:32.08,0:14:35.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But as a child of God, it shall not come near you.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:35.08,0:14:39.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,In fact, right now you may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:39.72,0:14:44.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But if the Lord is your Shepherd, you shall fear no evil.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:44.28,0:14:49.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For Emmanuel, God is with you.
Dialogue: 0,0:14:49.20,0:14:55.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So right now, begin to cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving,
Dialogue: 0,0:14:55.68,0:15:01.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,an attitude of appreciation \Ndespite your situation.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:01.12,0:15:07.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You see, when you give thanks to God in an attitude of faith and devotion,
Dialogue: 0,0:15:07.88,0:15:13.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it plunges the kingdom of darkness into a confused commotion.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:13.44,0:15:22.44,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yes, this is exactly what happened in 2 Chronicles 20
Dialogue: 0,0:15:22.44,0:15:28.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when the people of Israel were faced with their own unfavourable news.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:28.32,0:15:32.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I want to read from 2 Chronicles 20:1.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:32.72,0:15:37.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“After this, the Moabites and Ammonites with some of the Meunites
Dialogue: 0,0:15:37.08,0:15:39.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,came to wage war against Jehoshaphat.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:39.88,0:15:42.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Some people came and told Jehoshaphat,
Dialogue: 0,0:15:42.52,0:15:47.56,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,‘A vast army is coming against you from Edom, from the other side of the Dead Sea.
Dialogue: 0,0:15:47.56,0:15:51.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,It is already in Hazezon Tamar’ \N(that is, En Gedi).
Dialogue: 0,0:15:51.72,0:15:55.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to...”
Dialogue: 0,0:15:55.88,0:15:59.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Did he resolve to fall into depression?
Dialogue: 0,0:15:59.40,0:16:04.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Did he start to consult alternative solutions? No.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:04.88,0:16:11.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:11.72,0:16:15.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The people of Judah came together to seek help from the Lord;
Dialogue: 0,0:16:15.72,0:16:20.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they came from every town in Judah to seek Him.”
Dialogue: 0,0:16:20.20,0:16:24.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And then verse 12 - they said, “Our God, will you not judge them?
Dialogue: 0,0:16:24.48,0:16:28.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:28.84,0:16:34.48,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,We don't know what to do, \Nbut our eyes are on You’.”
Dialogue: 0,0:16:34.48,0:16:37.80,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So when the people of Israel heard this unfavourable news -
Dialogue: 0,0:16:37.80,0:16:40.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they learned that they were under attack -
Dialogue: 0,0:16:40.24,0:16:42.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,they cried out to the Lord and said,
Dialogue: 0,0:16:42.52,0:16:47.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,‘We don't know what to do, \Nbut our eyes are on You.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:47.08,0:16:51.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For in the natural, our situation looks like death and destruction
Dialogue: 0,0:16:51.20,0:16:54.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,but Your Word will point us to life.
Dialogue: 0,0:16:54.04,0:16:58.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So we seek Your heart to see life clearly.’
Dialogue: 0,0:16:58.76,0:17:03.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And you know what? God is faithful! \NThat answer came in verse 15.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:03.68,0:17:08.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“He said, ‘Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:08.28,0:17:10.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,this is what the Lord says to you:
Dialogue: 0,0:17:10.04,0:17:13.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:13.52,0:17:16.76,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,For the battle is not yours, but God's’.”
Dialogue: 0,0:17:16.76,0:17:21.08,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And verse 17, “You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions;
Dialogue: 0,0:17:21.08,0:17:26.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem.”
Dialogue: 0,0:17:26.36,0:17:29.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And put your name there where it is personal.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:29.52,0:17:32.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,“Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:32.24,0:17:38.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Go out and face them tomorrow and the Lord will be with you.”
Dialogue: 0,0:17:38.40,0:17:40.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So, you know what happened?
Dialogue: 0,0:17:40.72,0:17:46.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,King Jehoshaphat, led by the Holy Spirit, sent out people ahead of the army
Dialogue: 0,0:17:46.72,0:17:48.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to lift up a shout of praise,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:48.60,0:17:51.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to thank God for His faithfulness throughout generations,
Dialogue: 0,0:17:51.88,0:17:57.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,saying, ‘Give thanks to the Lord for His love endures forever’.
Dialogue: 0,0:17:57.68,0:18:01.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Wow! What great faith.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:01.36,0:18:05.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,You know, anyone can say, ‘Thank You, Jesus’, after the miracle,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:05.24,0:18:08.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when the pregnancy test is positive
Dialogue: 0,0:18:08.12,0:18:11.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or when that letter of employment lands in your inbox
Dialogue: 0,0:18:11.72,0:18:14.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,or when that physical sickness is no more.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:14.52,0:18:20.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But it takes faith to stand eye to eye with the enemy and give thanks to the Lord,
Dialogue: 0,0:18:20.32,0:18:23.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for His love endures for all generations.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:23.32,0:18:26.60,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,But this is what the people of God did in this situation.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:26.60,0:18:32.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They had the confidence to do that because they sought God's heart and saw life clearly.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:32.00,0:18:35.72,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,They understood what God had to say about their situation.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:35.72,0:18:39.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,And something incredible happened.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:39.04,0:18:46.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yes. The enemy was so confused that they started to attack one another
Dialogue: 0,0:18:46.00,0:18:49.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and the Word of God \Ncame to pass that day.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:49.04,0:18:57.00,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,The people of Israel only needed to stay still and see the battle was won.
Dialogue: 0,0:18:57.00,0:18:59.20,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So what's the lesson here?
Dialogue: 0,0:18:59.20,0:19:09.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When you give thanks to God, despite your situation, your situation will change.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:09.40,0:19:13.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,When you give thanks to God, \Nno matter your situation,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:13.32,0:19:16.16,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,it weakens the devil's determination
Dialogue: 0,0:19:16.16,0:19:20.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,to afflict you with sickness, with disease, with oppression.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:20.32,0:19:24.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Because when the devil realises the more he gives you that sickness,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:24.36,0:19:26.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the more you give thanks to God,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:26.24,0:19:28.12,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the more committed you are in prayer,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:28.12,0:19:30.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,the more devoted you are to Him,
Dialogue: 0,0:19:30.36,0:19:35.36,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,then his plan is thwarted and your situation will change.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:35.36,0:19:41.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So right now let us say, \N‘Thank You, Jesus Christ.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:41.28,0:19:44.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I will not sink into depression.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:44.68,0:19:48.40,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I will not be crushed by inflation rates.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:48.40,0:19:55.04,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,No, I shall not drown when my God is the God who walks on water.
Dialogue: 0,0:19:55.04,0:20:00.24,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Yes. I will not be fearing death and destruction
Dialogue: 0,0:20:00.24,0:20:05.68,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when my God is the Resurrection and the Life. Hallelujah!
Dialogue: 0,0:20:05.68,0:20:11.52,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I will not be overwhelmed by my weakness or thoughts of worthlessness
Dialogue: 0,0:20:11.52,0:20:16.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,when Jesus clothed me with strength and dignity.’
Dialogue: 0,0:20:16.88,0:20:20.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Right now, begin to laugh without fear of the future.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:20.88,0:20:24.28,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Begin to walk as a blessed child.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:24.28,0:20:27.32,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Stop talking about your circumstances.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:27.32,0:20:30.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,Stop lamenting about your barrenness
Dialogue: 0,0:20:30.88,0:20:35.88,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,for the Lord's faithful love endures forever.
Dialogue: 0,0:20:35.88,0:20:43.84,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,So today, as we have taken a moment to seek God's heart by looking at His Word,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:43.84,0:20:48.96,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,I pray that this Word of God would abide in you and you in it,
Dialogue: 0,0:20:48.96,0:20:53.92,Default,,0000,0000,0000,,and you shall see life clearly \Nin Jesus’ name. Amen!