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Monday, October 23, 2017

sermon, "T Is For ... Trust", by Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, Patten, ME




 October 22, 2017

Stetson Memorial UMC
Sermon Series “P.A.T.T.E.N.”
(T is for “Trust His Victory”)
Psalm 99 (MSG)
John 3:16-17(NLT)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
Revelation 21:1-7 (CEB)
Romans 15:13; Psalm 9:10; Psalm 13:5 (NIV)
Psalm 20:7; Psalm 31:14; Psalm 56:3; Psalm 84:12 (NIV)

“T Is For…Trust"

The Lord be with you…let us pray… (prayer for the Spirit’s indwelling as bring God’s words of hope this morning…)

Please stand for the reading of the Gospel according to John, chapter 14, verses 1 through 3. Listen to the Word of God …His Love Letter…to His people…
John 14:1-3Common English Bible (CEB)
The way, the truth, and the life
14 “Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me. My Father’s house has room to spare. If that weren’t the case, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you?When I go to prepare a place for you, I will return and take you to be with me so that where I am you will be too.

 “Um…I think I will go on what I know, not what you think you know. This has been interesting but I think I am going to stand on the Word of God and not that of man.” Hope exclaimed as she left the classroom of new believers. “Now what am I going to do” she thought to their self, who can I trust to help me learn more about e=what and who I believe. Everyone seems to be good but when I hear more of what they say it all goes wrong. Who in the world can I believe” she exclaimed?

Hope had always wanted someone or something she could believe in. She had a rough life where almost around every corner someone was letting her down. She felt that she couldn’t trust anyone but herself. When she found Jesus, she felt that she would be able to believe in and trust all the people who say they are Christian. But she soon found out that they were just as flawed as she was and that they too would let her down from time to time. After this episode, she vowed never to believe in anyone or anything again. Why should she? She was always let down…

Trust:
assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
one in which confidence is placed

Who or what do you trust in? Give time to answer.  Why? Give time to answer.  We tend to trust in things and people that sort of “prove themselves or itself” to us. And sometimes that takes a long time while other times it is relatively a short amount of time. Why do you think we need to have all this proof? Give time to answer. Some say the proof is in the pudding… “5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

We have been talking about the banners we have on the walls on either side of the chancel. Each letter in Patten it tells about how we live out that letter in community and in the world. But do you and I truly live what we say? It is easy to put statements on a banner but a whole different thing to live it out.

I have sent us out into the word with the gospel of grace, peace, and love.  To be who we say we are. But we have to act upon the statements we make…those statements on our wall. They look good and all but actions speak volumes about who and whose we are.

So…the first letter in the P.A.T.T.E.N. Banner is “P”. P is for “Pray Every Day”. And I asked how are you and I doing with that? Do you think that there needs to be a renewed indwelling of the Spirit in our lives and the life of our church? Are we gathering to pray together as well as in our own prayer closets? Questions we need to pray about each day as we become that engine of the church.

A is for “Acknowledge the life changing Words of the Bible.” If we don’t believe that the word of God can change people why would we go into the world…into our community…with the love and peace of Christ? Do you and I “acknowledge”, admit to be real or true; recognize the existence, truth, or fact of the truth in God’s Word in our lives as well as the lives of others. If we believe it for our lives…why wouldn’t they be true for others.

The next letter can be hard in the world we live in…the letter “T” … the word is TRUST. It is hard to trust in this world because we are human and we hurt each other. Because of that fact, it can be hard to trust in anyone and anything for some people.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) Do you and I trust in God for the victory or are we trying to make our own ending to the story? Do we trust in the Word of God as we acknowledge the truth as we pray?  12 Lord Almighty, blessed is the one who trusts in you”. (Psalm 84:12)

The scripture I read from John this morning has an awesome promise for us. We are given a beautiful home with God and Jesus in His Father’s house…in our Father’s house. This is one of those scriptures that we hear at funerals a lot. It is one of promise and hope that we will see our loved one’s again. But what did Jesus begin the statement with? Don’t be troubled. Trust in God. Trust also in me.”  Trust God and trust Jesus. It all begins with trust.

We stand on the promises of God because we trust His Word, if we trust His Word how can we not trust Him for the victory. WE may not ever see the victory…we may never see the healing…we may never see the wayward child come back home to God… But…but…we must trust God for the victory.  If we don’t…what’s the sense in it all? “10 Those who know your name trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. (Psalm 9:10)”

We live in a world that you just can’t trust at times. There are so many situations in the chaos of this world that leave us confused and scared. WE don’t know where to turn to for the hope that we need for each new day… But as we trust God for the outcome, as we allow God to work in and through us, we find hope in the One thing that is constant in our lives…the One thing we can trust always and forever. …God’s great love for humanity… In this I place my trust…But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation”. (Psalm 13:5) “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Psalm 56:3)

Within truth we find faith and belief. Within trust we are free. Within trust we find the answers. Within trust we are reborn. Within trust, we find hope. Within trust, we have victory…as we trust in God’s perfect plan. Even if we can’t see it. I love the book of Revelation. It is one that gives me hope as I trust in God’s promises. I have two favorite verses in book… One is about the horseman on the white horse… That’s a whole other sermon… but the other is found in chapter 21 verses 1-7…

New heaven and new earth
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give water from the life-giving spring.Those who emerge victorious will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my sons and daughters.


With all the evidence in our faith walks…yours and mine…do you and I believe in the power of the Word of God? Do we trust in His good and perfect plan or do we try to write our own stories end? Are we trying to be the playwright in our lives or are we willing to be the understudy of the One who knows all the lines? Are we trusting His victory in our lives and the lives of others or are we just saying we do because that is what we are supposed to do? There is victory in Jesus. Are you and I willing to lay down our agenda for the victorious life found in Jesus Christ, our Risen Lord …?

Let us pray…pray for the ability to trust God for the victory in our life and the lives of others…
“13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. (Romans 5:13)

Amen











=====================
October 24, 2017


October 23, 2017
Trust in His Victory
October 22, 2017
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series “P.A.T.T.E.N.”
(Part 3 of 6)
(T is for “Trust in His Victory”)
Psalm 99 (MSG)
John 3:16-17(NLT)
Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG)
Revelation 21:1-7 (CEB)
Romans 15:13; Psalm 9:10; Psalm 13:5 (NIV)
Psalm 20:7; Psalm 31:14; Psalm 56:3; Psalm 84:12 (NIV)
and sermon, “T is for … Trust”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
October 22, 2017
&
October 16, 2017
we proclaim the truth
edited October 16, 2017
we stand on the word – v2
October 16, 2017
we stand on the word
October 16, 2017
we rely on holy scripture
October 16, 2017
speaking out loud the power
October 15, 2017
if we don’t believe
October 15, 2017
the word can change lives
October 15, 2017
at the core of our faith
edited October 15, 2017
we count on the word – v3
edited October 15, 2017
we count on the word – v2
October 15, 2017
we count on the word
edited October 15, 2017
nothing of us – v2
October 15, 2017
nothing of us
October 15, 2017
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series “P.A.T.T.E.N.”
(Part 2 of 6)
 (A is for “Acknowledge the Life Changing Words of the Bible”)
Psalm 23 (The Voice)
John 3:16-17 (NLT)
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT)
Mark 12:30-31 New Living Translation (NLT)
Romans 8:28-30 The Voice (VOICE)
Galatians 2:20 Common English Bible (CEB)
Philippians 4:13 Common English Bible (CEB)
James 1:2-4 The Voice (VOICE)
and sermon, “A Is for Acknowledge the life changing Word of God”
text:
video:
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and closing song, testimony of Becky Phillips,
and departing blessing

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
October 15, 2017
&
October 15, 2017
we must pray daily
October 15, 2017
our prayers must be real
October 14, 2017
we must be honest, authentic – v2
October 14, 2017
we need to be deliberate
edited October 14, 2017
are we honest, authentic – v3
(changing the order of the stanzas)
merged October 14, 2017
are we honest, authentic – v2
edited/ new title October 14, 2017
we must be honest, authentic
October 14, 2017
are we honest, authentic
edited October 14, 2017
do we pray without ceasing – v3
(editing original)
edited October 13, 2017
pray for each other – v2
October 13, 2017
pray for each other
edited October 13, 2017
advocating, petitioning God – v2
October 13, 2017
advocating, petitioning God
October 13, 2017
praying for them - 3
October 13, 2017
by faith and grace
Psalm 106:19-23
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Exodus 32:1-6
Exodus 32:1-14
The Golden Calf
The Upper Room Disciplines for 2017
“Supplicate, Sing, See”
October 9, 2017 to October 15, 2017
by Wen-Ling Lai
devotion for October 13, 2017
read October 13, 2017
&
edited October 12, 2017
yet I still receive grace – v2
October 12, 2017
yet I still receive grace
October 12, 2017
confessing our sins
Psalm 106:1-6
Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23
Philippians 4:7-9
Philippians 4:1-9
The Upper Room Disciplines for 2017
“Supplicate, Sing, See”
October 9, 2017 to October 15, 2017
by Wen-Ling Lai
devotion for October 12, 2017
read October 12, 2017
&
edited October 11, 2017
God remembered His promise – v2
edited October 11, 2017
Moses saved the Israeli people
edited October 11, 2017
he saved his people – v2
October 11, 2017
he saved his people
October 11, 2017
His prayer was effective – v2
edited/merged October 11, 2017
He prayed for his people – v2
October 11, 2017
His prayer was effective
October 11,2017
He prayed for his people
October 11, 2017
God remembered His promise
Exodus 32:11-14
Exodus 32:1-14
The Golden Calf
Philippians 4:6
Philippians 4:1-9
The Upper Room Disciplines for 2017
“Supplicate, Sing, See”
October 9, 2017 to October 15, 2017
by Wen-Ling Lai
devotion for October 11, 2017
read October 11, 2017
&
October 13, 2017
as we pray together
October 13, 2017
come together in prayer
October 13, 2017
we manifest prayer
October 13, 2017
as we gather together
October 13, 2017
Christ withdrew
October 12, 2017
All about prayer
October 12, 2017
Do we gather in prayer
edited October 12, 2017
make of me a house of prayer – v2
edited/ new name October 12, 2017
make of me a house of prayer
October 12, 2017
make me a house of prayer
edited October 12, 2017
we promise to pray – v2
October 12, 2017
I lift up my prayers
edited October 12, 2017
do we pray without ceasing – v2
October 11, 2017
do we pray without ceasing
October 10, 2017
we promise to pray
October 10, 2017
called to be a house
October 10, 2017
I’ll be there
October 9, 2017
praying every day
October 9, 2017
praying without ceasing
edited October 9, 2017
Christ sat down beside me
(my testimony 10/8/17)
October 9, 2017
He sat down beside me
(my testimony 10/8/17)
October 9, 2017
you answered my prayer
(my testimony 10/8/17)
October 9, 2017
you forgave me
(my testimony 10/8/17)
October 9, 2017
I was active in church
(my testimony 10/8/17)
edited October 8, 2017
our temple a house – v2
October 8, 2017
our temple a house
October 8, 2017
Giving God Our Hopes
October 8, 2017
standing on prayer
October 8, 2017
walking in prayer
October 8, 2017
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Sermon Series: “P.A.T.T.E.N.”
(“P is for “Pray Every Day”)
(P.A.T.T.E.N. banner in the church)
Psalm 25:1-9
Matthew 18:18-20
Isaiah 56:6-8
Hebrews 10:19-25
Revelations 5:8-10
Acts 1:12-14
Acts 2
and sermon, “P Is for Prayer”
text:
video:
(including testimony of Raymond A. Foss)
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Children’s Message
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
October 8, 2017

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 45,260 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, Spirit, God, Faith, love, grace, hope, prayer, Pastor Ruth Foss, Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church, poem, PATTEN, ME, scripture, promise, trust, victory,

#Christ #God #Spirit #Faith #love #grace #poem #Patten #prayer #scripture #promise #trust #victory

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