Once we surrender ourselves into God’s hands, we accept His authority, discipline, training and nurturing. We begin a lifelong process of being transformed into the glorious image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Proverbs 3:5, 6; “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (KJV, “direct thy paths…”) The Hebrew word for direct means to do good, do right, be straight, make smooth, and to be evenly hammered, from the base meaning of straightening out a crooked object. Most certainly we come to Jesus crooked, twisted, and rough on the edges. We come lost in darkness and without hope of eternal life. (See Psalm 51:5) However, God being rich in mercy receives us through the sacrifice of Jesus and patiently and skillfully “hammers” out the corruption and flesh so prevalent in our hearts. Paul was certainly saved but he said "I die daily." (1 Corinthians 15:31) Remember, God “...disciplines us for our good, that we may share His holiness." (Hebrews 12:10) Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.) ![]()
1 Comment
Patsy Parker (formerly Pat Carlino)
10/9/2011 04:10:01 am
So blessed by the message here today! A fresh NOW Word for me from Papa God! In my prayer time the other day the Lord showed me a hammer and chisel and the process of removing pieces of a a rock. The consistent hammer blows to the chisel and the chipping away at the rock, pieces of the rock falling to the ground. Then I saw a power sander smoothing and rounding those sharp edges. Even tho I have continued to Worship HIM the great pain of circumstances seems overwhelming at times, but I stay the course. I was the rock and God was using His hammer, chisel and power sander in the refining process of my life. Your message here Pastor Mark was such a comforting confirmation to me of what God showed me a few days ago. Very timely message for me! So good to hear your voice as well, it's like being back in Tampa in the fellowship of the saints there. Love, love, love this Internet link!! Be blessed all of you, joy & peace in Christ Jesus! :-)
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