Week 1 – Jeff Maness – September 24th, 2017
Faith provides so much more than forgiveness, being filled with power or the hope of our future in Heaven. Faith does provide those things for us but it should produce some things in us as well. In this message, Pastor Jeff teaches us what true faith should produce in our lives.
Walk This Way: Desperate
Big Question: What should true faith produce?
Main Scripture: Psalm 42:1-11
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Psalm 42:1-6a 1 As the deer (ibex) longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. 2 I thirst for God, the living God. (say few words) When can I go and stand before him? 3 Day and night I have only tears for food, while my enemies continually taunt me, saying, “Where is this God of yours?”
4 My heart is breaking as I remember how it used to be: I walked among the crowds of worshipers, leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks amid the sound of a great celebration!
5 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and 6 my God!
1. A desperation for God
Neither the idea of panting nor braying seems to be in the original word. It is the idea of looking for, longing for, desiring, that is expressed here. — – Albert Barnes
Ease he did not seek and honor he did not covet, but the enjoyment of communion with God was an urgent need for his soul. He didn’t view it as just a luxury, but an absolute necessity, like water to a stag. — Treasuries of David
Psalm 63:1-3 O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory. 3 Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!
Psalm 42:6b-8 6b Now I am deeply discouraged, but I will remember you— even from distant Mount Hermon, the source of the Jordan, from the land of Mount Mizar. 7 I hear the tumult of the raging seas as your waves and surging tides sweep over me. 8 But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.
2. A devotion to God
3. A dependence upon God
Psalm 42:9-11 9 “O God my rock,” I cry, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I wander around in grief, oppressed by my enemies?” 10 Their taunts break my bones. They scoff, “Where is this God of yours?” 11 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again— my Savior and my God!
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