Healing Touch Podcast

A Ministry of Gilead Baptist Church – Taylor, Michigan

 

 Episode #57 Finishing Well [44:37m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wisdom’s Call
Finishing Well
I Kings 11
Pastor Tom
1-27-10

Introduction – How does someone so wise end up being deceived?

I. Solomon’s defection – vv.1-8

• A mother’s warning – Proverbs 31:3
• Scripture recounts – Nehemiah 13:26
• 700 wives, 300 concubines, none good- Ecclesiastes 7:28
• Horses first – wives second – Deuteronomy 17:16-17

II. God’s Anger – vv.9-13

• From appearance to displeasure
• Base ingratitude
• Split kingdom

III. God sent enemies – vv.14, 23

• Adversaries in David’s time
• Gave away posterity to Jeroboam – v.31

IV. Too late to change? – vv. 41- 43

• Solomon’s memoir – Ecclesiastes 7:25-26

Conclusion – God’s mercy – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

 

 Episode #56 Give Forgiveness [59:17m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Live Like You Were Dying
Give Forgiveness
Pastor Tom
1-24-10

Introduction – Life is short so we should be wise in how we spend our days. Psalm 90:12 (NIV)

• With only 30 days to live, is there some bitterness that needs resolving, some restoration of relationships, some unfinished business needing to be taken care of? THE ROCK!
• God’s mandate – Romans 12:18 (NLT)
• Forgive – How much? Matthew 18:21-22

I. You’ve been released from God’s judgment…Celebrate.

• We are really messed up – Romans 3:10 (NLT), Colossians 1:21(TEV)
• We deserve to be condemned – Ephesians 2:3 (NIV)
• Instead God forgave – Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

II. Release others from your judgment…LIBERATE

• When forgiving we are like God – Proverbs 19:11 (NIV) – But pay backs are tasty!
• Is forgiving forgetting? NO! It is relinquishing my right to hurt you for hurting me – releasing from obligation. Colossians 3:13 (NLT)
• Let it go and bless them – Luke 6:27-28, 35-36 (NLT)
• God will bless you – Job 42:10 (NLT)

WHAT IF I REFUSE?

III. Release yourself to torture…. DEVASTATE

• Unforgiveness hurts us more than the person you are bitter towards – Matthew 18:32-35 (NLT)
• Bitterness is contagious – Hebrews 12:15 (NIV)
• Break the cycle – II Samuel 2:26-27 (NLT)

Conclusion – Have the courage to say: ENOUGH – TODAY!

 

 Episode #55 Watch Our Mouth [45:07m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wisdom’s Call
Watch Our Mouth
Proverbs 18:2, 6-8, 13, 21
James Jackson, Guest Speaker
1-20-10

Introduction: Our mouth can be our greatest weapon or worst enemy… (James 3:3, NLT)

I. Our Mouth Tells On Us (v. 2)

• Fools have trouble keeping their mouth shut
  • Wisdom uses the Word of God to filter our words
  • Fools say whatever comes to their mind
• A wise person knows when to be silent (Proverbs 17:27, NLT)
  • Listening to a person will reveal what they are.
  • Watch out for people who seem to always express their opinions, especially when their opinions are baseless and contradictory.
  • We are known by the company we keep. (Prov. 13:3, NLT)

II. Our Mouth Will Get Us into Trouble

• Our mouth can write a check the rest of our body can’t cash (V. 6)
  • This is physical trouble
  • It is wiser to run then to run your mouth (V 7)
• Our mouth may create a trap we cannot escape
  • This is spiritual trouble, and harder to get away from
  • Don’t make promises you can’t keep (James 5:12, ESV)
• James is quoting Christ’s words from Matthew 5:37
• Christ debunks the idea that swearing on something other than the Lord was an oath that could be broken (Numbers 30:2, NLT) (Ecclesiastes 5:4, ESV)
• People thought an oath would not count if it were sworn upon:
  • • The temple
    • The altar
    • The Gold on the Altar Or Today
    • Cross my heart and hope to die, stick a needle in my eye
    • I swear on my grandmother’s grave
    • I swear on my kid’s life
    • I swear on my mother’s eyes
    • The “Pinky” promise
• When we make a promise as Christians, the Lord will hold us to it

III. Our Mouth Can Create Evil (v8)

• Rumors are stories with unverified or doubtful truth
• Rumors sink deep down and are almost impossible to undo
  • Rumors can create a whirlwind of gossip
  • Rumors constantly change and are usually not based on facts
• Rumors and Gossip are twins
  • Rumors spread like wild fire
  • Rumors and gossip are irresistible to fools, like sweet deserts – “a moment on the lips forever on the hips”
  • Gossip is sinful
  • Gossip is hurtful (Proverbs 16:28, NLT)

IV. Our Mouth Moves Too Quick (v 13)

• It is foolish to give an answer before we have all the facts
• We should be active listeners and give others the same attention we expect

V. Our Mouth Has More Power Than We Think (v. 21)

• The mouth can kill far more people than a sword or gun
  • Hitler killed between 11-17 million people
  • Stalin killed 23 million plus people
  • Mao Ze-Dong killed an astonishing 49-78 million people
• The mouth can bring life when it is energized by the Spirit of God
  • Martin Luther King- (We celebrated his 81st birthday this week)
    • Born January 15th 1929
    • 3rd generation minister
    • His mouth was energized by the Word of God
    • His mouth brought life to countless millions of people

Conclusion: Wisdoms call is to watch our mouth as we live like we are dying. Bless those around us and think before we speak. Don’t let the enemy use our mouth to take advantage of those around us, rather be filled with the Spirit and become a blessing to others.

 

 Episode #54 Love Deeper [57:42m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Live Like You Were Dying
Love Deeper
Pastor Tom
1-17-10

Introduction – The love in our heart is useless until activated – John 13:35 (NLT)

• Is our heart expanding or shriveling?
• A challenge to our “play it safe”, “everything in moderation”, “what will people think” approach to love- John 12:1-8 (NLT)

I. Do the unexpected – v. 3

• Expensive, fragrant, rare perfume came sealed in an alabaster container
• This was a spontaneous, awkward, unrestrained, uninhibited, lavish, excessive expression of love – abandon and desperation
• College student in church

II. Do the unaffordable – vv. 4-6

• Connection between price and love
• TV show extreme makeover
• The early church – Acts 4:32(NIV); II Corinthians 8:3-4 (NLT)
• The most costly love – Romans 5:6-8 (NLT)

III. Do it NOW

• Jesus rushes to defend her – Mark 14:6-8 (NLT)
• It was good and what she could do
• Express love now… Speak it…Break open the jar… Our Heart

Conclusion – Why? It will be remembered! Mark 14:9 (NKJV) My hope is that Gilead’s legacy will be one of extravagant love.

 

 Episode #53 Thought I Saw a Puddy Cat [46:29m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wisdom’s Call
I Thought I Saw a Puddy Cat
Proverbs 27:12 (NLT)
Pastor Tom
1-13-10

Introduction – Life would be easier the second time around but we only get one chance.

I. The wise traveler – v 12a

• He understands that life is connected
• The cause and effect relationship between today’s choice and tomorrows experience
• Appropriate action when danger is ahead

II. The naïve traveler – v.12b

• Lives as though life is disconnected
• They know it’s connected but do not act as if it is – Keep going

III. The difference

• One changes, one does not
• Suffer for being oblivious to the obvious – Proverbs 22:7(NLT)
• Michael Vick

IV. What should I do?

• Take refuge – Action – Be extreme
• What to expect: embarrassment and relief
• Pay now/play later

Conclusion – Change direction, for it determines destination

 

 Episode #52 Speak Sweeter [58:18m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Live Like You Were Dying
Speak Sweeter
Pastor Tom
1-10-10

Introduction – Words have power, they can inspire, motivate, challenge and affirm. Conversely, they can de-motivate, wound and destroy. – Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

• The ‘split-personality’ of our tongues – James 3:9-10 (NLT)

I. Appreciate people

• Colossians 2:7 (NLT) – Gratitude is a defining marker of a Christ follower but it’s easy to grumble.
• Life is difficult – I Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT)
• Are we thankful to Jesus – Luke 17:12-18 (NLT)
• Practical – Thank people who serve you and shaped you

II. Encourage people…Build them up

• The challenge – I Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
• The importance – Luke 24:51 (NIV)
• The need – Proverbs 16:24 (NLT); Hebrews 3:13 (NIV)
• Practice – Write a note of encouragement this week

III. Pray for people

• Carry others before God – Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)
• God’s heart for people – Exodus 28:29-30 (NIV)
• Stay alert and persistent – Ephesians 6:18 (NLT); Matthew 7:7-11 (NLT)

Conclusion – Give ‘Life’ with your words this week…Speak sweeter.

 

 Episode #51 Aligning Intention and Direction [45:57m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Wisdom’s Call
Aligning Intention and Direction
Proverbs 7
Pastor Tom
1-6-10

Introduction – Good intentions do not determine direction: the road I have chosen does.

I. Connecting the Dots

• We do not lose our way purposefully
• We do not know when ‘lost’ happens
• The road we are on determines the destination
• Falsehood – If I have a good heart and intentions, no matter the path I choose, I will end up in a good place.

II. Solomon’s window – vv. 6-7

• Frontal lobe undeveloped until mid-twenties
• Where is he headed: Trouble – vv. 8-9
• How could he not see? – vv.10-12
• Quick to confess, slow to repent – vv.13-15
• The clincher – vv. 16-20

III. True destination – v. 21t

• Ox to the slaughter – v. 22a
• Throwing his future away – vv. 22b-23
• Do not go on that path – vv.24-25
• Many on the highway – vv.26-27

IV. Nothing new

• So and so needs to hear this:
• Are there disconnects between desire and choices?

Conclusion – Take a new road – Proverbs 7:4

 

 Episode #50 Live Like You Were Dying [61:34m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Live Like You Were Dying
Romans 13:11-12
Pastor Tom
1-3-10

Introduction: If you found out that you only had 30 days to live, how would your life change? Spending time, relationships, eternity, things never done, how would God want you to live those 30 days?

• We are all terminal – Ecclesiastes 8:8a
• We will live somewhere forever – Psalm 90:5-6
• Jesus wants us to have abundant life – John 10:10b

Where Do We Start?
Romans 13:11-12

I. Live with a sense of urgency

• A dangerous word – “someday”
• Urgent is not faster or frantic – Matthew 6:27-30
• Embrace today – Psalm 118:24
• Commit to a “No Regret” week

II. Live with a sense of eternity Romans 13:11-12a

• Warning: eternity is rushing toward you – Hebrews 9:27
• Focus on the eternal – II Corinthians 4:18

III. Live with a sense of priority – Romans 13:12

• Adjust
• Take off – Frantic pace of life – Psalm 46:10
• Take off – Frantic pursuit of the ‘Good Life’
• Put on – time for relationships

Conclusion: Commit to living a “No Regrets” Week

 

 Episode #49 The Hunt for the High Places [46:21m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

The Hunt for the High Places
Wisdom’s Call
Pastor Cook
December 27, 2009

Introduction: Oops, I missed Minneapolis – II Corinthians 10:4-5

I. Making it personal

• The history
• The condition
• The declaration

II. The high places tolerated

• I and II Kings, II Chronicles
• What is a high place/stronghold?
• The grace side – The mercy side

III. The Results

• A broken heart Psalm 51:17
• The New Covenant – Nehemiah 9:16-17
• The fresh oil – Psalm 92:10b, 12-14
• Life results

Conclusion: Time with God – He is The Path – The Abundance of Rain.