Daniel Moore: 0:01
God's higher purposes are often beyond our comprehension. He knows what is ultimately best for us, even when we cannot see it ourselves. It is through this greater wisdom that God can work, even in the midst of pain, suffering and seemingly senseless situations, weaving them into a greater narrative of redemption, growth and transformation. This week, on Connecting the Gap, we're going to wrap up our study that we've been in for the last nine weeks. Who is Jesus this week? Jesus is sovereign. We'll get back into that and complete this study right after this.
Daniel Moore: 1:05
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Daniel Moore: 2:38
I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast. Thank you guys for joining me this week and welcome to 2024. I can't even hardly believe that I'm actually saying that already Seems like 2023 just started. I know a lot of you probably are in agreement with me on that, but we have actually reached a brand new year. This is our first episode for 2024. And also another milestone for us. This month actually here in January will be three years for connecting the gap. It's hard to believe that I've actually been doing it that long as well. We've breached the 150 episode mark. We're on our way to 200 at this point and I just want to thank each one of you personally who have subscribed and who have shared, liked the episodes over the last three years and have helped us to grow and continue to do that. If people that you know need to hear the stuff that we discussed and that we study here on Connecting the Gap, continue to share that with other people that could benefit from this, and you guys can be a part of this podcast as well by doing that and helping us go on into the future and beyond. It'll be 2025 before we know it and we're just going to keep plugging along here as God wants us to, and to continue going here at Connecting the Gap.
Daniel Moore: 3:51
You can visit my website at ConnectingTheGapnet for anything you need to know about this podcast. You can listen to this podcast anywhere. You download your podcast at. It's also on YouTube, rumble and the podcasting app, edify and, of course, on our website. You can get a transcript for any of these episodes that we did and since we are finishing up this one this week, I want to throw this out there. If you guys enjoyed this study and you would like a copy of it all to yourself. I can do that. Just reach out to me at Daniel at ConnectingTheGapnet, or you can fill out the form on our website. Just send me a message and I'll send you the details on what we need to do to get you a copy of that. You can get all nine episodes on a flash drive and if you'd like to have a copy of that to maybe do a little bit deeper study on your own time, then please reach out and I'll be more than happy to send that to you.
Daniel Moore: 4:38
Next week, as I've been kind of teasing about it on Facebook and social media, we are going to be starting a brand new series. It's going to be a powerful series. I think a lot of people are really struggling with depression, anxiety. There's a lot of people that are addicted to pornography, just have a lot of life controlling issues in their life. This next study is for you, if that is you that you're struggling with that kind of thing.
Daniel Moore: 5:02
We're going to be studying on the battle within overcoming the spiritual, invisible war, and we're going to be starting that next week. It's going to be about a three month long study. It's going to be very extensive, but we're going to hit this thing from two sides. We're going to hit it from the scientific side and we're also going to hit it from the biblical application side. So we're going to look at why we have these problems and how we train our bodies and our minds to do some of the things that we do the things that Satan likes to attack us at, because he knows our weak points. And then we're also going to study it from the side of how do we get into that biblically, how do we bring God into the equation and the word of God in his armor to defeat all of these things that Satan tries to throw up against us. So please be with us next week as we kick off that brand new series and hope that you guys will invite anyone that you know of that has issues with this kind of thing. Please share these two, then get them to subscribe and they can listen to these each week as they drop.
Daniel Moore: 6:02
We put out a new episode every Thursday here at Connecting the Gap. Well, this week, as I said, we're going to be wrapping up our series on who Is Jesus. Jesus Is Sovereign. It's been a nine week discussion. Hope you guys have really enjoyed this and we're going to be going to go ahead, and we'll get started here this week on. Jesus Is Sovereign. Sixty-seven years ago, the world seemed spinning towards chaos, but God's work in the lives of two men, two enemies to be more exact, is a testament of his sovereignty and the fact that, no matter how bad matters might seem, he is in control. There's two stories of some men that crossed each other in history, and we're going to start now, today, with these two stories. We're going to start here with story number one.
Daniel Moore: 6:56
The time was 749 am, december 7, 1941, commander Mitsuo Fuchida of the Japanese Imperial Navy was admiring the billowing white clouds and brilliant sunrise as he led a squadron of 360 Japanese fighters, bombers and torpedo planes over the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Just four days after his 39th birthday, fuchida was in charge of a bold gamble by Imperial Japan knock out the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor in one crushing blow that would give Japan free reign to continue its conquest of Asia and the Pacific. Seeing the fleet peacefully at anchor 3,000 meters below his plane, fuchida smiled as he ordered all squadrons plunge into attack. He then radioed back to the Japanese fleet 230 miles away Torah, torah, torah. The attack had begun. The followed was in the words of President Franklin Roosevelt, a day that shall live in infamy. Of eight battleships in the harbor, five were destroyed. Fourteen other ships were sunk or damaged. More than 2,300 Americans lay dead or dying, many trapped within the hulls of their sinking ships. Fuchida later described the day as the most thrilling exploit of my career.
Daniel Moore: 8:15
At that same time, sergeant Jacob de Chazer of the US Army Air Corps was on KP duty peeling potatoes at his base in Oregon. Upon hearing the news over the radio, the Shazer hurled a potato against the wall, screaming the Japs are going to have to pay for this. The down payment for the Shazer was to volunteer to join a special squadron being formed by Colonel Jimmy Doolittle, whose mission was to take the war directly to the Japanese in a daring bombing raid over Tokyo using B-25 bombers taking off from the USS Hornet. In military terms, the Doolittle raid on April 18, 1942 was only a pinprick, but as a morale booster for Americans it was a stunning success. But the Shazer's B-25 ran out of fuel before it could reach a safe area in China and he and his crew were forced to bail out over Japanese-held territory.
Daniel Moore: 9:09
The Shazer would spend the next 40 months as a prisoner of Japan, 34 of them in solitary confinement, during which he was routinely tortured and his already burning hatred of the Japanese was fanned into an inferno. As fellow American prisoners were executed or died of starvation, disease or torture, the Shazer remained alive. If barely the Shazer's solitary confinement gave him time to ponder the human condition, he wondered what could cause such hatred among fellow humans. Early, remembering Sunday school lessons from childhood, he asked his Japanese guards for a Bible. Two years after his capture, he finally received one and eagerly read through its pages, virtually gulping down lessons on mercy, forgiveness and redemption. He later wrote I discovered that God had given me new spiritual eyes and that when I looked at the enemy officers and guards who had starved and beaten my companions and me so cruelly, I found my bitter hatred for them changed to loving pity. I prayed for God to forgive my torturers and I determined, by the aid of Christ, to do my best to acquaint these people with a message of salvation. On August 20, 1945, a smiling Japanese guard swung open the Shazer's cell door and said War over, you go home now. The Shazer wrote a book called. I was a prisoner of Japan and, after studying at Seattle Pacific College, returned to Japan, this time as a missionary to his former enemies. Here's story number two.
Daniel Moore: 10:44
Fuchida for the Japanese the hero of Pearl Harbor was part of the Japanese task force that was going to attack Midway Island six months after Pearl Harbor, but he came down with the case of appendicitis and was evacuated to the rear. During the massive air battle on June 4, 1942, japan lost hundreds of planes and pilots in five ships, including all its aircraft carriers, and that was a crippling blow. Later in the war, fuchida was in Hiroshima the day before the first atomic bomb was dropped on that city, but he was called to an emergency meeting at Navy headquarters in Tokyo on that day and survived the war unscathed, the only Japanese pilot to survive the war from beginning to end. After the war he returned to a life of farming, but deeply shamed by Japan's loss and still with the heart of a warrior. It was an unsatisfying life. Even though married, he had a mistress in Tokyo and made many excuses to his wife, haruko, for why he had to travel there frequently.
Daniel Moore: 11:48
One day in October 1948, while getting off the train in Tokyo, fuchida saw an American handing out leaflets in Japanese. The title caught his eye, but a kushi wa nippon nohoryo dashita. That means I was a prisoner of Japan. It grabbed his attention immediately, especially since it started out talking about Pearl Harbor. Fuchida was determined to learn more about this man, not out of any interest in Christianity, but because he wanted to know more about the Shazer, even though they had been enemies. He admired the courage of the do-little raiders.
Daniel Moore: 12:24
He was taken with the Shazer's Christian testimony too. A friend told him to get a Bible, but Fuchida could not find one in Japanese. But a few days later, on the same train platform, a Japanese man stood with boxes of books Get your Bible, food for your soul. The man cried in Japanese. Struck by the coincidence, and despite his Shinto heritage, he bought one for forty yen, a pittance at that time. He was struck by Jesus' words in Luke 23-34, father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. Fuchida later wrote I was impressed that I was certainly one of those for whom Jesus had prayed. The many men I had killed had been slaughtered in the name of patriotism, for I did not understand the love of Christ. He changed from a bitter ex-war hero to a man on a new mission. Fuchida went on to become an evangelist throughout Japan and Asia, and he and the Shazer eventually became close friends.
Daniel Moore: 13:24
Fuchida died in 1976 at the age of 74. Desazer died at the age of 95. Sixty-seven years ago the two men were bitter enemies. Today they were eternal brothers, a testimony to the power of God's grace and His sovereignty. That is what we consider to be the good side of God's sovereignty, or the side we can understand as humans. Then there is the other side of God being sovereign he is sovereign. Those three words are like an iceberg in that most of their mass lies beneath the surface. This is the side where Christians will say they believe this truth that God is sovereign, but few understand that we will spend the majority of our lives wrestling with this idea, whether if we realize it or not.
Daniel Moore: 14:12
You know, when my dad came down with cancer, as I shared with you in part one of this series, I thought I knew what it was like to believe that God is sovereign. Until that time came, I thought I had a grasp of what that meant. But, as most of you listening will probably know, there is nothing like suffering and trial to show us how little we truly know or understand. For my family, it was us having to watch my dad suffer through the pain of cancer until his death and still know that God had all of this in control. To know that God is sovereign means he is supreme and rules over all. There isn't even the smallest little thing, such as a raindrop or a speck of sand, that operates outside of his authority. Everything is under his power. If God is not sovereign, he is not God. We must remember that His thoughts are above our thoughts. His ways are above our ways. He is King and we are His surrendered people. Believing that God is still in control, even when things seem to be out of control, can come off as a crazy notion to many people in the world today. But if you say you're a Christian, you're called to think differently. A new life with Jesus means a new way of living and thinking. The old is gone and replaced with the new, and this includes your perspective.
Daniel Moore: 15:31
The story of Job serves as a captivating illustration of God's sovereignty and his overarching control over every aspect of creation. It begins with a remarkable encounter between God and Satan. This encounter sets the stage for an exploration of divine sovereignty amidst human suffering and questions. One day, the devil approached God in a heavenly assembly, seeking his audience. This bold act highlights the limited power that Satan possesses and the supreme authority vested in God alone. Satan, known as the adversary, roams the earth perpetually, seeking to accuse and tempt those who belong to God. In Job 1, verse 7-8, the Lord said to Satan when have you come from? Satan answered the Lord from, roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it. Then the Lord said to Satan have you considered my servant, job? There is no one on earth like him. He is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.
Daniel Moore: 16:32
In this exchange, god directs Satan's attention to Job, a righteous man who holds an unshakable reverence for God. Job's character, his genuine devotion and commitment to righteousness draw God's attention. It is a testament to God's awareness and oversight of those who faithfully serve him. God's sovereignty is evidenced by the fact that he invites Satan's scrutiny of Job. Despite knowing the depths of Job's faithfulness, god allows Satan to test Job's allegiance. In doing so, god demonstrates that his sovereignty encompasses even the actions of the adversary. Nothing occurs outside of the purview of God's divine providence. In Job 1, verse 12, says the Lord said to Satan Very well then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger, so Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.
Daniel Moore: 17:27
Within the confines established by God, satan proceeds to unleash calamity after calamity upon Job's life. While it may seem contradictory that God would allow such suffering, it is crucial to recognize that God's overarching sovereignty is never overshadowed by temporary hardship. In fact, it is through suffering that God's sovereignty becomes even more apparent. Job's story unfolds as he endures loss, grief, physical affliction and emotional turmoil. Throughout this journey, he wrestles with questions, doubts and the conflicting counsel of his friends. However, even in this turmoil, job eventually recognizes the truth that God's sovereignty extends beyond human understanding and temporal circumstances. In Job 42, verse 2, he says I know that you can do all things. No purpose of yours can be thwarted. In his final confession, job acknowledges God's sovereignty with humility and reverence. He recognizes that God's ways are beyond human comprehension and that his plans cannot be thwarted. Job's faith undergoes transformation as he encounters the immensity of God's sovereignty and accepts his place in the grand design.
Daniel Moore: 18:43
The story of Job demonstrates that even in the face of overwhelming suffering and uncertainty, god remains in control. His sovereignty assures us that nothing happens outside of his will and he uses even the most distressing circumstances to accomplish his divine purposes. Job's faithfulness leads to restoration and blessings beyond what he could ever have imagined or expected. Everything he lost was doubled back to him. In contemplating the story of Job, we are reminded of the unchanging truth that God's sovereignty endures through all seasons of life. We are invited to trust in his perfect plan, even when it surpasses our understanding. We can find peace and strength in knowing that God's sovereignty encompasses our lives, assuring us that all things work together for our ultimate good and his eternal glory. God doesn't promise to remove all the pain and make your life easy, but the Bible makes it clear he will take you through your pain and make something beautiful out of it in the end. The first thing we have to recognize is the truth of God's sovereignty. We have to remember that God is in control when things are out of control.
Daniel Moore: 19:54
The truth of God's sovereignty is beautifully portrayed in Isaiah 46-10, which states I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times. What is still to come, I say my purpose will stand and I will do all that I please. This verse emphasizes several key aspects of God's sovereignty. Firstly, it highlights God's omniscience, declaring that he knows the end from the beginning and has complete knowledge of all things. God's sovereignty is not limited by time or space. He sees the entirety of human history, past, present and future. Secondly, the verse affirms God's authority to execute his plans and purposes. It states that his purpose will stand, meaning his intentions and designs will come to fruition. God's sovereignty ensures that nothing can thwart or hinder his plans. This speaks to his absolute control over all things, both in the physical world and in the lives of individuals.
Daniel Moore: 20:52
The book of Ezekiel also showcases God's sovereignty, particularly through the prophet's visions and prophecies. Despite Israel's rebate and disobedience, god revealed his unwavering authority and ability to carry out his will. In Ezekiel, we see God's sovereignty displayed through the visions of the divine chariot where God's glory rests above the cherubim in Ezekiel 1. These visions portray an immense and majestic God who is in control of all creation. They testify to his sovereignty over the natural and spiritual realms. Additionally, ezekiel's prophecies of judgment and restoration demonstrate that God's authority to bring about his plans regardless of human circumstances.
Daniel Moore: 21:34
Even when Israel was in exile due to their disobedience, god used Ezekiel as a mouthpiece to reveal his sovereign purposes. He foretold the exiles duration and eventual restoration, emphasizing that God remains in control even in times of discipline and hardship. You can find that in Ezekiel 36 and 37. The statement I am Lord is emphasized in Ezekiel alone over 56 times. Overall, isaiah 46-10 in the book of Ezekiel provide glimpses into the truth of God's sovereignty. They assure us that God knows all things, has complete authority over all creation and will accomplish his divine purposes irrespective of human actions. Understanding God's sovereignty brings comfort and trust, knowing that we serve a God who is in full control and always works for the good of his people. God being sovereign means he is in control and he gets the final word. We're going to take a break here for a moment, as we are into episode nine of our series on who is Jesus. This week we're talking about Jesus and his sovereignty. We'll be back with the second half of this week's podcast episode right after this.
Chat About Jesus dot com: 22:56
Worldly wisdom says you should do what feels right. We have all heard things like you do you and do what you like, as long as you don't hurt anyone else. The problem with that is that it ignores what God says is best for us. We do not answer to ourselves. In the end, we will all answer before him, and the only answer that is right involves a personal relationship with Jesus. We want to share all Jesus has done for you and all he has to offer. Call or text us at 888-NEED-HIM.
Daniel Moore: 23:48
Welcome back to Connecting the Gap. I'm Daniel Moore. This week we are wrapping up our series on who Is Jesus? Jesus Is Sovereign. As we start off this half of the episode, god also permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves In. God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves.
Daniel Moore: 24:08
Johnny Erickson Tata beautifully encapsulates the paradoxal nature of divine providence and purpose through her own personal story. Well known for advocacy work on disability rights and her strong faith in God, johnny Erickson Tata experienced a tragic diving accident that left her permanently paralyzed from the neck down. This life-altering event challenged her faith and forced her to confront the question of why a loving God would allow such suffering and hardship. In her reflections, tata draws inspiration from the story of Joseph in the book of Genesis, who endured numerous trials and injustices before rising to a position of power and saving his people from famine. Despite being hated by his brothers, sold into slavery and wrongly imprisoned, joseph remained faithful to God, recognizing that what others intended for evil, god intended for good. Tata's story echoes this same sentiment, as she grappled with anger, sorrow and despair in the face of her disability. However, over time she discovered that God was using her suffering as a means to accomplish something greater, both in her own life and in the lives of others. Through her ministry, johnny and friends, she has been able to advocate for individuals with disabilities, providing them with support and encouragement and a message of God's unfailing love.
Daniel Moore: 25:28
The phrase God permits what he hates to accomplish what he loves encapsulates the paradox of divine providence and allows us to grapple with the difficult question of suffering in the world. It acknowledges that God, while hating evil and suffering, often allows them to exist for a greater purpose. This purpose may include strengthening faith, developing character, teaching valuable lessons or even bringing about positive change in the world. Tata's story exemplifies how God can transform unimaginable pain into purpose. She confesses that had she not experienced her accident, she may never have discovered the depth of God's love and grace. It is through adversity that our faith is refined and our understanding of God's character is deepened. However, it is important to note that this concept does not diminish the reality of suffering or negate the pain experienced by individuals like Johnny. Recognizing that God allows suffering for a greater purpose should never be used as a means to trivialize or dismiss the genuine anguish that people endure, whether it points to the hope that can be found amidst suffering and encourages individuals to trust in God's wisdom even in the face of hardship. Johnny Erickson Tata's personal journey showcases the transformative power of faith and the intricate workings of divine providence. It speaks to the larger truth that at times, the most difficult and seemingly unbearable circumstances can be the very catalyst for God's love and purpose to shine through.
Daniel Moore: 26:59
Another truth we have to understand is that God's ways, thoughts, plans and purposes are higher than ours. It has been said. No matter what trials you face in life, remember that nothing enters your life that is not first passed through God's hands. In Isaiah 55, 8 it states For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither your ways my ways, declares the Lord. This verse emphasizes the vast difference between God's purposes, thoughts, plans and ways compared to our human understanding. It highlights the immense wisdom and knowledge that God possesses, far surpassing our limited perspective.
Daniel Moore: 27:35
Human beings are prone to limited understanding and flawed thinking. Our thoughts are often shaped by our own desires, biases and limitations. Our plans are often driven by self-interest and short-sightedness. Our ways are often influenced by the fallen nature of the world and our own sinful tendencies. In contrast, god's purposes, thoughts, plans and ways are rooted in perfection and divine wisdom. His vision extends beyond our temporal existence and takes into account the eternal framework of His plan. God sees the entire tapestry of human history, comprehends the complexities of every situation and understands the full implications of His actions. His perspective is not limited by time or circumstance. God's higher purposes are often beyond our comprehension. He knows what is ultimately best for us, even when we cannot see it ourselves. It is through this greater wisdom that God can work even in the midst of pain, suffering and seemingly senseless situations, weaving them into a greater narrative of redemption, growth and transformation. Furthermore, god's higher thoughts and plans are founded on love, justice and mercy. His ways may not always align with our own desires and expectations, but they consistently reflect His character and seek the ultimate good for His creation. God's ways are guided by His perfect love and extend His grace and salvation to those who seek Him.
Daniel Moore: 29:02
In recognizing the vast difference between God's thoughts, plans and ways compared to our own, we are prompted to humbly submit ourselves to His authority and trust in His higher understanding. We are called to seek His guidance, knowing that His wisdom far surpasses our own. This recognition also leads us to rely on His strength, knowing that our limited understanding is insufficient to navigate the complexities of this life. Isaiah 55-8 reminds us of the awe-inspiring nature of God and His omniscience. It encourages us to surrender our own limited understanding and submit to His higher purposes, knowing that His ways are perfect and His plans lead to abundant life.
Daniel Moore: 29:44
The next thing God also puts His power on display through our weakness. This is beautifully illustrated in the biblical book of Ruth and also emphasized in 1 Corinthians 10-31. In Ruth 1, we witness the story of Naomi, a woman who experienced extreme loss and hardship. She lost her husband and both of her sons, leaving her alone in destitute. Naomi's weakness and vulnerability are evident in her lament as she changes her name to Mara to reflect the bitterness that she feels. However, throughout the book of Ruth, we see God's redemptive power at work. Ruth, naomi's daughter-in-law, chooses to stay by Naomi's side, despite being a Moabite, a foreigner among God's chosen people, and despite the hardships they faced. Ruth's faithfulness and loyalty to Naomi ultimately led her to encounter with Boaz, a righteous man who becomes her husband. In Ruth 4-1-10, we witness God's providence through Boaz, who acts as a kinsman redeemer for Ruth and Naomi. Boaz's actions demonstrate the power of God at work in the lives of the weak and vulnerable. Through the faithfulness of Ruth and the kindness of generosity of Boaz, the family line of Naomi is preserved and, more importantly, this family becomes part of the lineage of King David and, ultimately, jesus Christ.
Daniel Moore: 31:07
The Apostle Paul also reinforces the concept of God's power and weakness in 1 Corinthians 1 Corinthians 31, where he encourages believers to do all things to the glory of God. The context of this verse is dealing with issues of conscience, particularly relating to the eating of meat sacrificed to idols, but the underlying principle holds true for all aspects of life. Paul is reminding the Corinthians that every action, no matter how mundane or insignificant it may seem, can be an opportunity to display God's power and bring glory to His name. When we embrace our weaknesses, relying on God's strength, we open ourselves to be vessels through which His power can be made evident. Our weaknesses highlight our need for God, and when we surrender to Him, he can work in and through us to accomplish His purposes. It is not about our own abilities or strengths, but about allowing God to work in us and display His power for His glory.
Daniel Moore: 32:03
The story of Ruth in the message of 1 Corinthians, 10.31, teaches us that God delights in revealing His power through the weak, broken and seemingly insignificant. He takes our weaknesses and transforms them into opportunities for His power to shine forth. By humbly relying on God, recognizing our dependence on Him and seeking to honor Him in all things, we become a reflection of His strength and grace. In doing so, we become part of God's grand narrative of redemption, and His power is put on full display through our lives. So, now that we have walked through some of the facts that support God's sovereignty, how should we respond to it? As we wind down this episode and complete this series, let's talk about that. It can be difficult to know what to pray or how to respond to the sovereignty of God. None of what has been discussed in this series is saying God is sovereign, so you have no options. Do nothing, try nothing, pray nothing or expect nothing. If anything, we must hold the truths about God's sovereignty and tension with our responsibility to pray, hope, trust and act.
Daniel Moore: 33:10
The Bible provides clear guidance on seeking wisdom from God, being devoted in prayer and trusting in the Lord. In James 1-5, we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom. The verse states if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all, without reproach, and it will be given him. This verse assures us that God is the ultimate source of wisdom when we find ourselves lacking understanding or direction. We are encouraged to approach God in prayer, seeking his wisdom. The promise is that God will generously provide wisdom to those who ask, without judgment or criticism. This reminds us of the importance of humility, recognizing our need for God's guidance and being willing to ask him for it. In Colossians 4-2, we see the importance of devotion in prayer. The verse states continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it, with thanksgiving. This verse emphasizes the ongoing and persistent nature of prayer. It calls believers to remain dedicated and consistent in their prayer life. By being watchful, we are encouraged to be attentive, aware and alert in our prayers, recognizing that prayer is a powerful way to connect with God and seek his guidance. Moreover, the verse reminds us to approach prayer with thanksgiving, acknowledging and expressing gratitude for God's faithfulness and the blessings he has bestowed upon us.
Daniel Moore: 34:33
In Proverbs 3-5-6,. It provides valuable guidance on trusting in the Lord. The verses say 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 straight your paths. These verses call us to place our complete confidence and reliance on God. Believing in the Lord means placing our faith in his wisdom and sovereignty, rather than relying solely on our limited understanding. It encourages us to surrender our own desires, plans and self-reliance. Instead, we are to acknowledge God in all areas of our lives, seeking his guidance and following his leading. The promise is that, as we trust in the Lord and acknowledge him, he will direct our paths, leading us on the right path and granting us his wisdom.
Daniel Moore: 35:22
Together, all of these verses emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom from God, being devoted in prayer and trusting in the Lord. We are reminded of the vital role that God plays in providing wisdom and guidance for our lives. Through prayer, we can seek his wisdom, knowing that he generously gives it to those who ask. By remaining devoted in prayer, we can cultivate a deeper relationship with God and receive his guidance, and by trusting in the Lord and acknowledge him in all aspects of our lives, we can experience his divine leading and the assurance that he will make our paths straight. These principles are foundational for a life rooted in faith, reliant on God and the pursuit of his wisdom. There is no need to feel he is too sovereign to approach.
Daniel Moore: 36:08
One of the first things we must do is respond with a heartfelt adoration. In 1 Chronicles 29, verses 10 through 13, we find a beautiful example of heartfelt adoration and praise towards God. This verse acts as a model for how we should respond to God, acknowledging his greatness, power and sovereignty. The passage begins with David, the author of this prayer, exclaiming Blessed are you, lord, the God of our Father, israel, forever and ever. That's 1 Chronicles 29-10.
Daniel Moore: 36:38
David starts by recognizing and declaring the eternal blessings that come from God. This sets the tone for his adoration, acknowledging that God is the source of all blessings and goodness in our lives. It reminds us that true adoration begins with acknowledging God's character and the countless ways he has blessed us. David continues by offering praise to God, saying Yours, lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory, and the majesty and the splendor for everything in heaven and earth is yours. 1 Chronicles 29-11.
Daniel Moore: 37:11
Here, david attributes all greatness, power and glory to God alone. It is an expression of awe and reverence for the attributes and characteristics that make God the ultimate source for all splendor and majesty. This proclamation serves as a reminder to us that our adoration should be focused on God's magnificence and should place him above all else in our lives. Furthermore, david acknowledges that all things belong to God, stating your Lord is the Kingdom. You are exalted as head overall. That's the second half of 1 Chronicles 29-11. This declaration reflects an understanding of God's sovereignty over all things. It is a statement of submission and recognition that God is the ruler and authority over everything. Our response of adoration should always include an acknowledgement of God's rightful place as the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Daniel Moore: 38:05
David's prayer moves from acknowledgement to humility as he recognizes his own insignificance in comparison to God's greatness. He unbly acknowledges but who am I and who are my people that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you and we have given you only what comes from your hand. That's 1 Chronicles 29-14. David understands that everything he and the people of Israel have is ultimately a gift from God. He emphasizes the importance of offering our adoration with the umbil and grateful heart, acknowledging that we have nothing that has not been graciously given to us by God. In 1 Chronicles 29-10-13, it is clear that heartfelt adoration involves recognizing God's eternal blessings, praising His greatness, power and glory, affirming His sovereignty and approaching Him with humility and gratitude. It serves as a reminder that adoration is not merely praise, but a response of the heart. It is an expression of our love, awe and reverence for who God is and what he has done. May we be inspired by David's example and respond to God with heartfelt adoration, uplifting his name and giving him the honor and the praise that he deserves.
Daniel Moore: 39:22
Secondly, we can respond with honest confession. Is there anything more daunting, while at the same time more freeing, than hope and confession? Our flesh will whisper. Don't admit the whole truth. You'll lose credibility, you'll lose your reputation, you'll lose your power, you'll lose your pride. But if we embrace the truth about the sovereignty of God, we will find ourselves unloading the weights that so easily drag us down and willingly place them at Jesus' feet. In Psalms 139-7, the Psalmist David says when shall I go from your spirit or where shall I flee from your presence? This verse highlights the omnipotence of God, emphasizing that there is nowhere we can hide from His presence.
Daniel Moore: 40:10
In light of this truth, responding to God with honest confession becomes essential. The recognition that God is always with us, seeing and knowing everything about us, should inspire within us a genuine desire for open and honest confession. This means acknowledging our sins, weaknesses and shortcomings before God, without holding back or trying to hide anything. Responding to God with honest confession involves an awareness of our sins, allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas that need confession. An acceptance of responsibility, owning up to our choices and taking personal responsibility for the consequences of our deeds and attitudes. Also, humility in approaching God with an humble heart, recognizing that he is holy and we fall short of His perfect standards. We confess our sins with the contrite spirit, acknowledging that we need His forgiveness and mercy. It requires vulnerability, or being open and transparent with God, not hiding or covering up our sins or pretending to be something that we are not.
Daniel Moore: 41:15
Honest confession involves laying bare our true thoughts, feelings and struggles before Him, knowing that he already knows all things, and a sincere repentance, or expressing genuine remorse for our sins and a sincere desire to turn away from them. It involves a commitment to change, seeking God's help and guidance to overcome our weaknesses and walk in righteousness. By responding to God with honest confession, we cultivate a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. Honest confession allows us to experience the healing power of God's forgiveness and grace. It also enables us to grow in holiness and enables God to transform us from the inside out. According to Psalm 139-7,. There is no hiding from God's presence. Rather, it encourages us to draw near to Him, knowing that he already sees and knows everything about us. As we respond to God with honest confession, we find comfort and reassurance in His unfailing love, grace and forgiveness.
Daniel Moore: 42:17
Another way that we can respond to sovereignty of God is through hopeful Thanksgiving. Responding to God with hopeful Thanksgiving, even in the midst of difficult circumstances, is a demonstration of faith and trust. Job 2.10 and 1 Thessalonians 5.16-18 offer guidance on how we can cultivate a spirit of hopeful Thanksgiving in our relationship with God. Job 2.10 showcases Job's response to the immense suffering and loss that he experienced After losing his children, possessions and enduring physical affliction. Job displays remarkable faith, saying Shall we receive good from God and shall we not receive evil. Here Job acknowledges that both blessings and trials come from God. Despite the tremendous pain he faces, he maintains a hopeful posture by recognizing that God's hand is sovereign over both the good and the difficult. This verse challenges us to respond to God with hopeful Thanksgiving, by acknowledging that he remains present and purposeful even amid hardship. It requires trusting that God is working out His plan in our lives, even when we cannot fully understand or perceive His ways.
Daniel Moore: 43:32
1 Thessalonians 5.16-18 further guides us in responding to God with hopeful Thanksgiving. The passage encourages us to rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you, in Christ Jesus. To respond with hopeful Thanksgiving. We are to, first of all, rejoice always. This does not imply that we ignore or deny our pain, but rather invites us to cultivate an underlying joy that stems from our relationship with God. We can find joy in the knowledge that he is with us, loves us and is working all things together for our good.
Daniel Moore: 44:08
2. We are to pray continually. By maintaining a constant, non-going conversation with God through prayer, we foster a deep connection with him. In prayers of Thanksgiving, we express gratitude for his faithfulness, provision and the numerous blessings in our lives, both big and small. And, thirdly, we are to give thanks in all circumstances. Gratitude should be our default attitude, regardless of our circumstances. This does not mean we deny or downplay the pain, but rather we strive to look beyond it and acknowledge the ways in which God is still at work. Thankfulness helps reframe our perspective and aligns our hearts with God's truth and goodness.
Daniel Moore: 44:52
Responding to God with hopeful Thanksgiving entails recognizing his sovereignty even in the midst of trials, rejoicing always praying continuously and giving In the final thing. As we wrap up this week's episode, we can respond with humble supplication. The word supplication means to ask for something, doing so with an attitude of humility. This humility thing is a real theme when it comes to our response in light of God's sovereignty. Still, he is not some distant deity. His sovereignty does not separate him from our humble request. We are to pray for what we desire, trusting his will, no matter the results.
Daniel Moore: 45:34
My wife went through a situation here a few years ago where she went through a medical procedure and they'd done it robotically. But what happened? While she was going through this procedure, they accidentally snipped her ureter which is attached to her kidney. After the surgery was done, she started to realize she was having lots of pain and was constantly feeling nauseated and sick. We went in to get her checked out to see what was going on and we found out that during that procedure they had snipped her ureter and it was leaking into her stomach, which was causing her to have severe nausea and sickness and her kidney was on the verge of shutting down. We immediately went to prayer to God and started asking him for his guidance, started asking him for him to take control to try to get this situation taken care of. First and foremost we were praying for her healing, but we also knew that if the healing wasn't God's plan in that situation, we just needed him to help set up the procedure to get this fixed with the right doctor and the right medical association. So she ended up at Kansas University with a specialist. After many days of prayer and many nights of prayer, god finally got that set up and it was just in the nick of time. We were at a point where we didn't know if she was going to actually be able to get her kidney fixed in time and they were going to have to do a temporary procedure to help drain off the kidney to keep it from failing. Well, as we continued to pray and asked God to intervene in the situation, god worked it all out. He allowed us to be accepted at KU University Medical Center and we had a specialist there that said he would go ahead and take on her surgical procedure. He decided to stay late the day before Thanksgiving, when he was supposed to be leaving and heading out for a week off with family, and he performed her surgery that evening and we spent Thanksgiving that year in the hospital.
Daniel Moore: 47:26
After time, the healing began. Her kidney came back from stage 4 kidney failure disease to stage 2, and you can imagine how thrilled we were as her kidney numbers improved and we knew that she was experiencing a supernatural healing. You know we've prayed many times since then, expressing our gratitude to God for the work that he had done in her body. Our attempt at umbilisciplication was asking that God would continue to sustain the healing that was happening in her body, while at the same time doing our best to remember that God's sovereign will transcends even our deepest desires for health and healing. Our journey will continue, but our hope is that, in all things, every trial we go through will draw us closer to Jesus. As we go through life, will we experience unanswered prayer? Of course we will Thank you, but the absolute sovereignty of Jesus will determine what those answers will be. The fact that he is sovereign should always remind us that, no matter what trial we go through, jesus has the answers. If he has the answers, his sovereignty reminds us that he will always do what is best for us. Our goal in growing closer to Jesus, the healer, is not to receive the healing. Our goal in drawing closer to Jesus is to understand who he really is and receive more of him. Never forget that Jesus is your healer and never forget that he is so much more.
Daniel Moore: 48:55
Well, that is going to wrap up this episode of Connecting the Gap and this series. Who is Jesus? I hope that you have enjoyed all 9 episodes of this series, as we have laid it out each week Again, don't forget, you can request a copy of the whole series if you would like. You can email me at daniel at connectingthegapnet, or go to my website, connectingthegapnet. There is a form there you can fill out and send me a message through that. I will connect with you. Get me your email address. I will connect with you and let you know how you can receive a copy of that on flash drive. Also, all the transcripts are on the website as well, so if you would like to print those off and have that for some study guide to help you study this deeper, I encourage you to do so, as even all this information that we have laid out over the last 9 weeks of this series, it barely scratches the surface of who Jesus really is. I just hope in my prayers that, as we went through this episode, week by week of this series of who is Jesus is that you have drawn closer to Him and came to a more understanding of who he is in your life and why your life operates the way that it does when you stay in the plan and the purpose that God has set before you. I am out of here for this week, don't forget. Next week we start our new series the battle within, overcoming the invisible war. Please invite people to join us next week here on Connecting the Gap as we start that new episode next week and that new series next week. Until then, don't forget that God's word never fails us. God's word has stood the test of time and, through Jesus' death on the cross, he has connected the gap.
Daniel Moore: 50:25
You've been listening to Connecting the Gap podcast. I'm Daniel Moore, the host for this podcast, and I personally thank you for listening. Each week In this world there are many disconnects that cause chaos in our lives. This podcast is birthed from the desire to share hope and restoration of the power of the gospel by being transparent and open in our biblical walk with God. Each week, we take a few moments as we navigate God's word and peer into other people's testimonies and encourage each other to connect the gap.
Daniel Moore: 50:51
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