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Harvester Church of the Nazarene

July 5, 2009

TODAY’S MESSAGE:

The Prayer of Connection

 

INTRODUCTION:

The Key to Living a Rich Life is a connection with God

Take Note:  God is a person not a power

We can connect with God because …

1.        Our God is a caring Father

 

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who honor Him …” (Psalm 103:13, NIV)

 

“Cast your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you!” (1 Peter 5:7, NIV)

 

“So don’t worry saying, ‘What shall we eat? … or what shall we wear?’ … your heavenly Father knows you need these things.” (Matthew 6:31-32, NIV)

 

2.        Our God is a consistent Father

 

“Every good and perfect gift … is from the Father – who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17, NIV)

 

“Even if we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown Himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13, NIV)

 

“God will never go back on His promises.” (Romans 11:29, LB)

 

“My God is changeless in His love for me.” (Psalm 59:10, LB)

3.        Our God is a close Father

 

“God did this so people would … reach out for Him and find Him, since He is not far from each of us.”  (Acts 17:27, NIV)

 

Three Truths about God’s Closeness:

1)      He is never too busy for me

 

“The Lord is near to all who call on Him.” (Psalm 145:18, NIV)

 

2)      He loves to meet my needs

 

“If you … know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:11, NIV)

 

3)      He is sympathetic to my hurts

 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18, NIV)

 

 

4.        Our God is a competent Father

 

“For nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37, NIV)

 

“[God] is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of – infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, or hopes!” (Ephesians 3:20, LB)

 

Please Note:  God sent Jesus to make the connection!

 

[Jesus said,] “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well.” (John 14:6-7, NIV)

 

“We are children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 3:26, LB)