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Monday, November 04, 2024

A God of Second Chances and Solid Ground

Scripture Text: Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV)

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Introduction:

Brothers and sisters, I stand before you today to tell you that God is not like people! People will judge you, they’ll label you, they’ll count you out, and some will turn their backs on you the moment you stumble. But God, the Creator of heaven and earth, is not like man! Every morning you wake up, every breath you take, is evidence that God is giving you another chance. And He does not owe us that chance—He gives it out of His love, His mercy, His grace! While people write you off, God writes you into His purpose!

Now, some of you are in confusion right now. You’re wrestling, you’re trying to make sense of things, you’re unsure where to turn. Maybe you don’t trust what’s around you. You look to the left and you see chaos, you look to the right and see division, and you don’t know which way to go. But I came to tell you that in the midst of your confusion, God is still there!

Point 1: The God Who Stands When Others Fall

People may abandon you when you’re down. They may count you out because of mistakes, shortcomings, or your past. But let me tell you something—God has not left you! When others step back, God steps closer. The Bible says that “He will never leave you nor forsake you.” He is not intimidated by your failures, not deterred by your doubts, and not disgusted by your confusion. God is the only one who stands by you when others fall away.

Some of you have been waiting for people’s approval, waiting for someone else to give you a chance, and I’m here to tell you that every morning, God has given you that chance. Every morning, He’s placed His stamp of mercy on your life. Every morning! The Lord’s mercies are new, and that means every day, you get a clean slate.

Point 2: God Is Faithful, Even in Confusion

Now, I know some of you are confused, and you don’t know who to trust in this season. You’re looking at the choices before you, and maybe you’re saying, “Pastor, I don’t trust any of these options!” Let me tell you something: you may not trust people, but you can always trust God! There’s a verse in the Bible that says, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” When confusion surrounds you, that is when you must lean on God with all your heart. He will never lead you astray.

Yes, even in this world where we’re often forced to choose the lesser of two evils, we can still lean on God. When you don’t know which way to go, go to God! When you don’t know who to vote for, seek the Lord’s wisdom. You may not find perfection in a candidate or a political party, but remember that our trust is not in earthly powers; it’s in the power of a righteous God!

Point 3: The Opportunity to Change

I’m talking to someone today who needs to know that God’s mercy is not just a nice thought; it’s an opportunity for transformation. Every morning that you open your eyes, it’s as if God is saying, “Here’s another chance for you to get it right.” Another chance to forgive that person you’re holding a grudge against. Another chance to speak life where you once spoke bitterness. Another chance to choose God’s way over the world’s way.

Let me tell you something—God doesn’t extend His mercy just for us to stay the same! He doesn’t give you a new day so you can keep running the same path of confusion and chaos. His mercy is an invitation to change, to grow, to walk in His ways. And I came to tell you, the more you lean on God, the clearer your path becomes. He may not change all your circumstances, but He will change you.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chance God Has Given You

So, I say to you today, let go of waiting for other people’s approval. Let go of waiting for someone else to change your situation. And if you’re standing between two choices, pray on it, lean on God, and walk forward in faith. Because people may fail you, but God’s mercies are new every morning! His faithfulness never runs out!

In the midst of confusion, in a world where the options may seem limited, in a time where the lesser of two evils is the choice we face, remember—God is your steady rock. When others falter, when circumstances shift, when the world is unreliable, God is still there, and He’s giving you another chance. Don’t waste it! Step forward, seize this moment, and lean on the One who has never left you and never will! Amen.

Eιɖεર Dરε

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About Me

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I'm just a nobody, trying to tell everybody about Somebody who can save anybody. I give all honor to the Father for the privilege of being His instrument, through whom He lives and works for His glory alone. I served in the U.S. Navy for 21 years, retiring in September 2003. In my final three years, I was co-pastor at Greater New Refuge COGIC in Fallon, Nevada, under Pastor Gregory L. Brown. I supported my pastor and church by helping with a new sanctuary's construction and caring for all ministry needs while staying true to my mandate to preach the Word of God without compromise. In November 2002, I was licensed to preach and ordained in June 2003. While stationed in Virginia Beach, I served at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church for 17 years under Bishop-Elect W.D. Scott, Sr., and now I serve at Calvary Revival Church in Norfolk, VA, under Bishop B. Courtney McBath. I also earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Religion from Saint Leo University, deepening my foundation and commitment to this path of faith.

MY THEOLOGICAL TRAINING:

It brings to my face a unadulterated smile each and every occasion I am asked, “Elder Dre, What Theological Training do you have?”

My heart beams with joy at the opportunity to humbly give full glory to God as I reflect on on how the prophets, patriarchs and apostles of old would have respond: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Gideon, King David, Elijah, Elisha, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Matthew, Mark, Peter, James, John and the other disciples, not forgetting the Saviour Himself.

How would they have answered the question: “What theological training do you have?”

The words of the prophet Amos also came to mind: “Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet’s son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit:” Amos 7:14

I surely am not impliedly decrying theological preparation, education or training: I consider it essential, but not as much as some think. For the fact is, the Almighty raises up believers according to His own standards.

Educational qualifications, wealth, fame, talent, social standing, outward appearance etc. are useful; but they are secondary in His sight. Qualities like faith, obedience, holiness, humility, honesty, absolute loyalty to one’s spouse, the ability to raise one’s family to fear God and keep His commandments etc.; these are the things the Most High values.

“Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”

Only on the Day of Judgment will it be known how truly educated, weighty and effective I have been. That is why I have to smile when the question arise.

The vanity of the question is only matched by the foolishness of my answer.

As the wise man wrote: “Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity.” Ecclesiastes 1: 2 or as the apostle Paul commented in 2 Corinthians 11:16-30 when rattling off a long list of impressive qualifications “... I speak as a fool.”

Furthermore, we have seen with our own eyes and now testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. All who proclaim that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 1 John 4:14-15 (NLT)

I am a preacher, but most of all, I proclaim that Jesus is the Savior with various applications of that truth in my everyday life. My dear friend, if you are a Christian, you are a preacher also. Whether you have been ordained or not, hired by a church or not, or ever been recognized as a preacher or not is beside the point. All who have God living in them are called to proclaim the Savior to the world. It is a Holy calling, and a demanding one. It will pull you out of your comfort zone, challenge your commitment, and help to develop you into the person God has created you to be.

John spoke as an eyewitness to Jesus' saving power. We speak as heart-witnesses; ones who have not seen Jesus with our eyes, but have experienced Him through personal transformation. I speak, and you speak, as a representative of Christ on earth. The message that we bring is simple, yet profound; that God the Father sent God the Son into the world to save those who are lost to bring them into relationship with Him. As you tell the story, and I tell the story, some will listen and receive the grace that God has sent us into the world to proclaim.

PRAYER THOUGHT: Father, what a privilege to be a spokesperson for You.

Thank you for stopping by. Stay encouraged and please do come back.