Complete Sermon Notes
We must cry out to Him in full surrender: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He has broken the gates of bronze, and cut the bars of iron in two” (vs. 15-16).
Bronze & iron were the strongest materials then. God can break any addiction, any bondage, and any sin if we turn everything over to Him. You say “no” and let God handle the rest.
One Hour of Prayer Can Tear Down A Year Of The Devil’s Work –
– One Hour of Prayer Can Tear Down A Lifetime of Regret!
There may be withdrawals, consequences, and pain as we heal, but it’s much better to experience the pain of discipline instead of the pain of regret.
Regret can redirect a person back to God’s will.
Regret can lead to brokenness and humility – sacrifices of the heart that God will not turn away.
Psalm 51:17 NIV, “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.”
Regret can rebuild a marriage, a family…and a life: Don’t let it continue to drive you down – let it build you up.
Regret = salvation: 2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV, “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.”
CLOSING: You may be in your 5TH recovery home, on your 4TH marriage, or living in the twilight years with tons of regret, but God can rebuild and restore. He can bring peace in the midst of pain and joy in the midst of regret if we call on Him.
He will bring “them out of darkness and the shadow of death”…He will break their chains in pieces (vs. 14).
Don’t let discouragement and failure stand in your way. I could write an entire book on my failures, but instead I try to follow the Apostle Paul’s advice, and I encourage you to do the same:
“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13).
Forget your past mistakes – they are as far as the East is from the West – but remember the lessons learned.
Lean on Him – Love Him and allow Him to love you. This is how we overcome the pain of regret – we allow God to rebuild our life.
A FINAL QUESTION: Will sinners enter the kingdom of God before you? Jesus comes to you and shows you the way of righteousness. Don’t continue to reject Him…relent [stop fighting God] and believe Him.
