Participants: Mike Lemon (Host)
Series Code: HDL
Program Code: HDL000002
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00:38 Hello, and welcome to Help in Daily Living.
00:40 Today, we're gonna be talking about 00:41 The Discipline of Trial. 00:44 You know, trials and obstacles are the Lord's 00:47 chosen methods of discipline 00:49 and His appointed conditions of success. 00:54 That sounds completely opposite 00:55 of what we really want. 00:57 We want to have success and we want to have it 01:00 smoothly and peacefully and we don't want 01:02 trials and obstacles, but that's the way 01:05 the Lord has appointed it for us. 01:07 We grow through going through these trials and obstacles. 01:11 And so as we go into this very important 01:14 and sacred topic, I'm gonna ask Katie 01:16 to lead us in a word of prayer. 01:18 All right, Father in heaven, 01:22 thank you so much for taking so much interest in us 01:25 that you would make us like you 01:29 and that you would purify us. 01:32 Father, I just pray now that You'll guide us to see 01:37 how You lead and how Your ways 01:39 are so much different than ours. 01:42 Please help us to trust You even as 01:44 we go through trials and obstacles. 01:46 Thank you so much for being our guide, 01:48 in Jesus name, amen. Amen. 01:54 When I was a little kid, I remember feeling 01:56 really scared about the future. 01:58 One time I was riding in my family Suburban with my mom 02:00 telling her how I didn't think I could stay 02:03 close to God, if certain trials came in my life. 02:06 What if I was persecuted from my faith? 02:09 At that point in time, I didn't feel that I had 02:11 the strength to stand up for 02:12 what I believed and be a marker. 02:15 However after talking with my mom, 02:17 I learned something really encouraging. 02:20 I don't have to worry about future trails, 02:22 because when those hardships come, 02:25 God will give me the strength I need to bear them. 02:28 He doesn't give me that strength today, 02:29 because I don't need it today. 02:32 The Bible says in Deuteronomy 33:25 02:36 "As your days, so shall your strength be." 02:38 God knows what each day in my life will bring, 02:41 whether its heartache or joy. 02:43 And He has the exact amount of grace I need to make it 02:46 through each of one of those days. 02:48 I don't have to be anxious wondering how I'll cope 02:50 if I lose everything financially or if 02:53 a member of my family dies, 02:55 God has the strength set aside if that happens. 02:58 Each day bring something new and eventually 03:01 we're all going to experience the feeling 03:03 of our world crumbling at our feet, 03:05 but God Has promised that if we trust Him, 03:08 He will hold us together day by day. 03:36 Day by day, and with each passing moment 03:42 Strength I find, to meet my trials here 03:50 Trusting in my Father's wise bestowment 03:58 I've no cause for worry or for fear 04:05 He Whose heart is kind beyond all measure 04:12 Gives unto each day what He deems best 04:20 Lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure 04:28 Mingling toil with peace and rest 05:08 The protection of His child and treasure 05:16 Is a charge that on Himself He laid 05:22 "As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure" 05:30 This is the pledge to me He made 05:40 Help me then in every tribulation 05:47 So to trust Thy promises, O Lord 05:54 That I lose not faith's sweet consolation 06:01 Offered me within Thy holy Word. 06:10 Help me, Lord, when toil and trouble meeting, 06:17 E'er to take, as from a father's hand 06:24 One by one, the days, the moments fleeting 06:32 Till I reach the Promised Land 06:56 Till I reach the Promised Land 07:19 You know, while we were recording that song, 07:22 I actually had a sort of trial experience. 07:26 You know, I sit right in the front of the mic 07:28 because I'm the concertmistress. 07:30 And I guess sitting there kind of brings 07:33 a little bit of responsibility and like 07:35 in concert if you start playing the wrong song and-- 07:38 Everyone hears it. 07:39 Half of the people will start playing the wrong song 07:40 and it's just the big mess 07:42 and it's kind of embarrassing. 07:44 But another thing is that, that Craig, our conductor, 07:48 He like, he trust my opinion I guess 07:51 and he likes to ask for it sometimes. 07:52 Sometimes he doesn't ask for it 07:54 and I end up giving it at the wrong time. 07:57 And in this particular situation there is a chord 08:01 in the song and it wasn't quite working, 08:04 we're trying to fix it, I think it's right 08:05 at the key change and all of us music kids 08:09 were talking over each other and we're trying 08:11 to fix chord and its taking quite a bit of time 08:14 and we're getting nowhere. 08:16 And, you know, every precious second counts 08:19 when we're recording, so Craig turns to us and says, 08:22 so how much time do you want to spend on this. 08:25 What you want to do about it? 08:26 And in my state of mind I was just focused on trying 08:29 to fix the chord and so I guess in my partake 08:33 kind of thought, well, if he wants us to fix it, 08:36 why is he telling us it's a waste of time. 08:38 And then I didn't think before I spoke 08:42 and I started to say, well no body is going 08:45 to want to act sir and then I paused because 08:49 warning bells are going up in my mind and Craig said, 08:53 no, say what, finish what you're gonna say. 08:55 And so I just had to finish and I said nobody is gonna 08:59 want to answer, if we're addressed that way. 09:02 And Katie was there, she remembers the tension 09:06 was palpable and I felt really bad and embarrassed 09:10 about what I'd said and I just wanted to, 09:13 I just wanted to leave and get out of there. 09:16 But I couldn't and Craig said, well, 09:18 how would you like to be addressed and situation 09:21 was just very uncomfortable and afterwards 09:26 we've had figured out the chord and it was 09:28 all good, the song went well. 09:31 But afterwards I apologized to Craig, 09:33 and we talked in and it was all good. 09:36 But it seem that this type of thing happened to me 09:39 too often and that I find myself in situations 09:42 where I let my tongue get the better of me or my pride 09:45 and it reminds me of a section 09:48 in Help in Daily Living, where it says 09:51 "Many who sincerely consecrate their lives 09:54 to God's service are surprised and disappointed 09:56 to find themselves, as never before, 09:59 confronted by obstacles and beset 10:01 by trials and perplexities. 10:03 They pray for Christ-likeness of character, 10:06 for a fitness for the Lord's work, and they are placed 10:08 in circumstances that seem to call forth 10:11 all the evil of their nature." 10:13 Now in my devotions I've been praying and asking God 10:16 to make me more like Him and it seems that especially 10:20 those times that I would pray that, 10:21 I'd find myself in these situations that call forth 10:24 all the evil of my nature. 10:25 And it's kind of discouraging, 10:27 but as I was reading this, God was teaching me that, 10:31 that He-- that I needed to go through those trials, 10:34 so that He could show me the defects in my character 10:37 and it's the only way that I'll be able to give them 10:40 to Him and ask Him to help me with them. 10:43 Yes, so you go through, we pray to the Lord that 10:46 You'll make us like Christ and then all of sudden 10:48 we realize all these evil things are inside of us, 10:51 and we're like what's going on, 10:53 why is this happening and it's because the Lord 10:56 loves us so much, He knows that's in there, 10:58 and He reveals it to us. 11:02 On another note Zach, kind of from different angle how, 11:06 how God led you through a trail, through an obstacle 11:09 that was in your life, but to a deeper 11:12 relationship with Him to trusting Him. 11:15 Yeah, I'd always wondered how I would react and, 11:18 you know, in trails situation how, how my faith 11:21 would be tested and if I'll succeed. 11:23 And I had the opportunity to put my faith into action. 11:26 I'd gotten very sick, and I had some lumps 11:30 underneath my neck and there were producing 11:33 some weird symptoms and the doctor said 11:35 there is a chance it was cancer gallstones lymphoma. 11:38 I-- there is one night in particular, 11:41 I was very fatigued, I was so tired, 11:44 it was like 8 o'clock I skipped on vespers 11:46 and I was going to bed as I was just ways beyond belief. 11:50 And I was crawling into bed and the reality situation 11:55 that thoughts hit me, you know, 11:57 what if I don't wake tomorrow, you know, 11:59 I mean cancer is a dangerous thing, you know, 12:01 what if I'm so tired I just don't wake up. 12:04 This thoughts that I have plaguing my mind, 12:06 I did my best to try to give to the God where 12:07 I didn't try not to like encourage these thoughts 12:09 before I knew I'd fallen to sleep and woke up 12:12 the next morning, praise God. 12:14 Another time I was having a needle biopsy done 12:16 and it was excruciatingly painful, I was in a lot pain 12:20 and really the only thing that could bring me thought 12:21 right then was that could bring me comfort was that, 12:25 you know, Jesus suffered more than I have, 12:27 He and He is right there suffering with me, 12:29 He is right there, you know, like holding me 12:31 and that brought me like a lot comfort, you know, 12:35 numerous school days missed, lots of dodge provision 12:39 test done and later, you know, a small surgery 12:41 taking them out reveal that it wasn't lymphoma but just 12:44 reacting influence for the staph infection. 12:46 Praise the Lord, and I was, you know, 12:48 my family was so thankful and so excited to hear that. 12:50 And I can now look back and see that these trails, 12:53 they really, they taught me to rely on God to refine 12:56 my character in a way that I hadn't expected 12:58 and showed me that, you know, 12:59 He is the God, that you can trust, 13:01 you know, you can cling to. 13:02 Absolutely, praise the Lord. 13:06 When I was growing up, my family frequently 13:09 went on Sabbath afternoon hikes but I hated them. 13:12 After a short time, I would slowdown and complaint 13:15 that I was tired and I wanted to go home. 13:17 But my dad would encourage me, 13:19 take my hand and help me up to steep through. 13:22 And when I became too exhausted, he would 13:25 pick me up put me on his shoulders and carry me. 13:29 God is the same way, He calls us to walk 13:32 the straight and narrow path, 13:33 but He doesn't want us to walk it alone. 13:36 He promises in Hebrews 13:5 that 13:39 "He will never leave us, nor forsake us." 13:41 We may became tired and exhausted, 13:44 but God will never fail to take our hands 13:46 and lead us among His narrow path. 14:14 He leadeth me! O blessed thought 14:21 O words with heavenly comfort fraught 14:29 Whatever I do, wherever I be 14:35 Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me 14:44 He leadeth me, He leadeth me 14:50 By His own hand He leadeth me 14:58 His faithful follower I would be 15:03 For by His hand He leadeth me 15:23 Sometimes mid scenes of deepest gloom 15:30 Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom 15:39 By waters still, over troubled sea 15:45 Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me 16:19 Lord, I would place my hand in Thine 16:25 Nor ever murmur nor repine 16:33 Content, whatever lot I see 16:40 Since 'tis my God that leadeth me 16:49 He leadeth help me He leadeth help me 16:55 For by His hand He leadeth me 17:02 His faithful follower I would be 17:09 For by His hand He leadeth with me 17:46 And when my task on earth is done 17:52 When by Thy grace the victory's won 17:59 E'en death's cold wave I will not flee 18:07 Since God through Jordan leadeth with me 18:18 He leadeth me, He leadeth me 18:25 By His own hand He leadeth me 18:35 His faithful follower I would be 18:45 For by His hand He leadeth me 19:24 You know, the Lord has a divine appointment for us, 19:27 a something that we don't, we wouldn't 19:31 choose for ourselves, a divine appointment. 19:33 We think of a divine appointment, 19:34 ah there is light shining down on me 19:36 and it's a glorious day. 19:37 But that divine appointment is going 19:39 to be a trail or an obstacle. 19:42 And He has appointed that, so that 19:43 you can be successful, and I think of our bird. 19:47 We had a bird and his name was Prince. 19:48 And he was a Cockatiel and we put him in a cage 19:52 and we wanted him to sing. 19:54 We wanted to sing-- wanted to teach him 19:56 how to sing the Canadian national anthem. 19:58 But he was singing all the other bird songs because, 20:01 you know, he was at home during the day 20:03 and he would pick up and so he would 20:05 sing these other bird songs. 20:07 And so during the day, we covered the cage 20:09 and I put on the Canadian national anthem, 20:12 so that he would sing it. 20:13 Eventually he learnt to sing that song and so 20:17 I could lift the top of it, you know, 20:20 the covering from the cage 20:21 and he would sing it ever after. 20:24 And the Lord has that way kind of sometimes 20:27 He puts us in a dark or in a place where we can 20:29 just hear His voice, where we can hear Him leading us 20:33 and guiding us the way He wants to. 20:38 Rachel, can you relate to that. 20:39 Yeah, well actually your story about the bird 20:41 reminded me of a similar experience. 20:45 I remember one day I was taking walk in PT class. 20:48 It was during the fall and the all the PT class 20:50 were out and everything. 20:52 And I've been super stressed out and I was up late 20:54 studying the night before, I was really tired. 20:56 So eventually I just fell behind all my other 20:58 classmates as I was walking really slow 21:00 just kind of enjoying the nature. 21:02 And I notice this little stream just like 21:04 flowing by there, and so I was trying to hear 21:06 the sound of a water, but I couldn't, 21:08 so I stopped and I listened 21:10 and I still couldn't hear it. 21:11 So I just stood still for like ten or fifteen minutes 21:14 just like holding my breath and finally 21:17 I can just barely hear just trickling along. 21:20 It was really cool and later I was thinking about it 21:23 and it made me realize that when I've been having 21:26 my devotions and like spending time in God's words 21:28 though, I wasn't really focusing on it. 21:30 Yeah. Like I needed to come to a more quite place 21:34 where I can just like tune out everything. 21:37 Yes. That was happening around me like the bird 21:39 that when you cover the cage everything. 21:40 Just need to come to that quite place and be still 21:43 and just let my mind settle down, so I can really 21:45 focus on what God had to tell me for the day. 21:48 Awesome, you know, that divine appointment Aaliyah, 21:51 you were telling me about how Sasha 21:53 had told you about you need a divine appointment. 21:56 Yeah. Well, these are some, I like canvassing 21:59 and it was definitely a really trying experience. 22:03 And the first week I was really discouraged 22:05 and I was talking to my leader Sasha and she-- 22:08 I was just lending to all my frustrations. 22:10 And she said, Aaliyah, I don't think you really 22:12 had one of those experiences, where you know, 22:15 God used you, one of those divine appointments. 22:17 And she told me, she said pray for that today. 22:21 So all that day we prayed, she prayed with me, 22:24 we've stopped in some of these yards and pray 22:26 together and really it was one of my hardest days, 22:29 I got four books by 8:30 and that's not very good. 22:33 And you prayed for a divine appointment, 22:35 now have you your hardest day. 22:36 Yeah, it was really not a very good day. 22:38 And so about 8:30 P.M. she finally dropped me off 22:41 the street and I knocked on the door and I started 22:45 showing the gentlemen one of the books and it was on 22:48 Bible Prophecy and End Times Events. 22:49 And it turned out he already read it, and so we started 22:52 talking and I showed him another DVD 22:54 on the same thing, and he started telling me 22:57 all these things that he had been learning 22:58 from his own studying the Bible. 23:00 And it was just crazy how much God had taught him 23:03 and he started asking me questions and I was like 23:05 look you just have to get that book, 23:07 it's gonna answer, sorry not the book, the DVD. 23:10 Yeah. I told almost, you have to get the DVD 23:11 it's gonna answer everything. 23:13 And so I went inside and he was writing on the check 23:16 and his wife asked me about if I had anything, 23:19 it's just like more devotional about Jesus 23:21 in his life and though we did have a book about that, 23:25 but it was one book I didn't have because 23:27 I come late to the program. 23:28 So meanwhile my leader Sasha is on a totally 23:31 different street and she kept getting impression 23:33 go work with Aaliyah she's inside 23:34 the house and bring the book. 23:37 And so while I was in the house, I just decided 23:40 to tell lady about the book anyway even though 23:42 I didn't have it, I just started telling her 23:44 about it and just a couple minutes after that 23:46 my leader walks in with the book. 23:48 And I walked away from that house being able to leave 23:51 with them like four books, there was a couple 23:54 for her son and some for her and the gentleman 23:56 and then the DVD as well. 23:59 And it was just so amazing and even though 24:02 that was one of the hardest days and if my leader 24:03 and I hadn't persevere and praying 24:05 and striving to be faithful, yes. 24:08 Then we never would have received that blessing 24:10 and they wouldn't have either, maybe they are 24:12 gonna be in heaven because of that. 24:14 Oh, that be wonderful. Praise the Lord. 24:19 When I feel unimportant, it's often because 24:22 I'm trying to be someone I'm not. 24:24 God has created me to do a specific work and in that 24:27 line of work there are those whom 24:29 I maybe blessing to and be blessed by. 24:32 When I'm dissatisfied with my apparently low calling 24:35 and try to do something I think is best for me, 24:37 I end up dissatisfied and disillusioned. 24:40 It's in those times I realize that I need to go 24:43 to God and give Him my life, my heart and my will. 24:46 During the duty God has called me to gives me peace, 24:49 joy and makes me feel fulfilled. 24:51 No matter how insignificant the duty it seems. 24:55 When I surrender self, His spirit can fill the void 24:58 and change me into others can 25:00 clearly see Christ example in my life. 25:04 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way 25:11 Thou art the potter, I am the clay 25:19 Mold me and make me after Thy will 25:26 While I am waiting, yielded and still 25:34 Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way 25:41 Search me and try me, Master, today 25:48 Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now 25:55 As in Thy presence humbly I bow 26:04 Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way 26:11 Wounded and weary, help me, I pray 26:19 Power, all power, surely is Thine 26:27 Touch me and heal me, Savior divine 26:36 Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way 26:43 Hold o'er my being absolute sway 26:51 Fill with Thy Spirit 'till all shall see 26:58 Christ only, always, living in me 27:13 This last semester I got sick for two weeks. 27:15 And my parents and my deans they wanted me 27:18 to go home just to recover. 27:20 But I didn't really want to, because I wanted to attend 27:25 the class banquet that my class is going to have. 27:28 But I had to just give it to God and I decided to go home 27:33 and I'm really glad that I did, 27:35 because if I hadn't gone home and mostly likely 27:37 would not have been able to go 27:39 on the mission trip with my class. 27:42 You made a choice to let God have His way 27:44 and you're healthy and strong. 27:46 Zach, can you close with the word of prayer for us. 27:49 Dear Heavenly Father, Lord, 27:50 have Your own way in your lives. 27:52 Guide us with Your hand of mercy and help us to 27:56 realize that when trails be falls that it's your 27:59 method of to find character Lord and lead us to success. 28:02 You've been such a good God, 28:03 you've been so good in our lives and I just pray 28:05 you continue leading us thinking that we can all 28:07 be together, I'm healthy and happy and Lord 28:10 that we love you and you love us. 28:12 Come into our hearts today, in your name, amen, amen. 28:20 Help in Daily Living is a 13 part series from 28:23 Fountainview Productions designed to share the solid 28:26 principles of practical everyday Christianity. 28:29 It's a simple way to share the good news about 28:32 the power of the gospel with your friends, 28:34 family and coworkers. 28:36 Order your copies now by calling 1877-490-4141 28:42 or visit us online at www.fountainviewproductions.com. 28:49 Help in Daily Living is also available 28:52 at your local ABC Christian Book Stores. |
Revised 2014-12-17