He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.

Transcription

1 Thoughts and Actions Psalm 103:7 One Verse Wonders Psalm 103:7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 1

2 There is a principle in relationship disagreements that states that we judge others by their actions and judge ourselves by our intentions. The result is poor communication and a break down in relationships. Have you ever experienced a relationship challenge? Today we will look at the importance of communication. 2

3 Context is Important. Context is everything. A verse can easily be taken out of context. Psalm 103:1-8 Bless thelord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.bless thelord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgivethall thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;. 3

4 Psalm 103:1-8 Who redeemeththy life from destruction; who crowneththee with lovingkindnessand tender mercies;who satisfieththy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Psalm 103:1-8 TheLORDexecutethrighteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.he made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.TheLORDis merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 4

5 In these verses, the Lord is having a focus on who He is and what He does. This is important, as we do not always understand God s ways. This can help us understand what motivates God to do what He does and (to a limited extent) why He does what He does. These verses reveals God s heart to us. Why? So there is no misunderstanding. 5

6 I. Back to Text Lessons from Israel s History. The Bible is a treasure full of the stories of God s dealings with His people. His Word reveals His character and nature, His will, standard and His ways. I. Back to Text, continued Hebrews 3:9-11 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alwayerr in their heart; and they have not known my ways.so I swarein my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) 6

7 I. Back to Text, continued But God s people keep missing it time and time again! Forty years God provided (manna and quail); His presence (Red Sea, Pillar of fire, miracles, etc.) II. We Can Misunderstand God s Ways. This is not fair! God is incredibly consistent. The issue is us and our perspective. Ezekiel 18:29 Yet saiththe house of Israel, The way of thelordis not equal. O house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal? 7

8 III. How to Know and Learn God s Heart Psalm 103:7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. Ways(definition): road, path, course of life, conversation, and thoughts. In Exodus 20, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai. The people responded this way: III. How to Know and Learn God s Heart, cont. Exodus 20:18-21 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.and they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.and Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.and the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was. 8

9 III. How to Know and Learn God s Heart, cont. If Moses knew God s ways and Israel only God s actions, what about us? Are we stratified with secondhand communication from God? We can have daily bread but often choose leftovers. III. How to Know and Learn God s Heart, cont. How can we discover God s ways? By a relationship with Him! Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith thelord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people. 9

10 III. How to Know and Learn God s Heart, cont. How can we discover God s ways? His Word! Psalm 18:30 As for God, hiswayis perfect: thewordof thelord is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him. III. How to Know and Learn God s Heart, cont. Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in thelordwith all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil. 10

11 III. How to Know and Learn Other People s Hearts Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. This is also a good standard in giving others the benefit of the doubt, as we do not always understand why folks do what they do (intentions and actions). Speak to Me-The Importance of Verbal Communication The importance of communication cannot be over emphasized. If Managers cannot delegate duties, if generals cannot order their troops, and if families cannot share feelings, then a serious break down occurs. 11

12 Right Words The motivation and source of our words originate from our hearts. The importance to communicate with honesty and character is a necessity. The danger of lies, deception, and inconsistent double-talk needs to be guarded against. Words have weight. Do not use empty, flattering talk to just say something that you think the other party just wants to hear. Sincerity is the guide. Do not make excuses for not communicating. Remember, people cannot read minds and you have a tongue for a reason. Use it! Home Work I encourage you today to tell someone around you how well of a job they are doing, that you appreciate them, that the waitress did a good job bringing your meal, that you spouse did a great job with the children or laundry, that your child did a good job cleaning their room. Maybe you feel underappreciated? I challenge you to put this principle in faithful practice for a week and see the results! 12

13 In Closing Isaiah 55:7-9 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto thelord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.for my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saiththelord.for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Invitation For Salvation- to follow God s way. John 14:6 Jesus saithunto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 13

14 Invitation To Walk in God s Ways. May God s Ways Define our Lives and Our Relationships. Psalm 27:11 Teach me thy way, OLord, and lead me in a plain (clear) path, because of mine enemies (obstacles & challenges). Let us Pray 14