The Apple of God’s Eye
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Text: Psalm 147:10-11
Life changing moments - decided to become the apple of God’s eye. You? Have you had that life changing moment? You can be the apple of God’s eye! How?
1) Decide to live in fear
V11 - “those who fear Him” - having awe, reverence, utmost respect
Definition of fear – “Fear is the attitude of heart that seeks the right relationship with the fear source.”
We strive to overcome fears! Heights, water, dark, rejection, ridicule.
In this pattern we can find we have also overcome our fear of God! Thinking God is lenient! Speeding ticket as example – I’ll talk my way out! First commandment! Our world elevates other things over God. We must be diligent in not overcoming the fear of God! HOW?
Move in! - John 15:5 - Odd couple! Felix and Oscar, me and Sandy, you and Jesus! Put down roots in Him! Move in! Life changing opportunity.
Boast in! - Jer 9:23-24 - How people are boasting in children, jobs, money - how about God? Desire to boast in Him and you will be compelled to fear Him. Getting to know God! Psalm 25:14!
”True religion is a union of the soul with God." - Henry Scougal
Pray! Worship!
Life changing moment? Tornado in 2003 - The fear of the Lord!! But also hope! Knowing God was with us! He loves us! Delights in this - I have this Hope!
2) Decide to live in hope
V11 - “who put their hope is in His unfailing love.” Placed hope in God’s love.
The world will gamble with hope. Everything is riding on this - stock market – Chiefs – Government – self. But we experience failure, disappointment, fast food hope - that has a hair in it! Live in hope! God’s love is unfailing!
”The word ‘hope’ I take for faith; and indeed hope is nothing else but the constancy of faith.” - John Calvin
A constant faith in God’s love - grace which is free - mercy which is forever - plan which is great! Live in hope! Jer. 29:11, Psalm 37:23 - God’s hand is with me, for me - live in hope!
”I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” - Psalm 121:1-1
This is the hope that delights God!
Conclusion
Tornado damage in Hardy Ark. Uprooted trees - a storm became a life changing moment. How many of us get uprooted by the winds of the world? Overcoming the fear of God? Letting all ride on the world? Have a life changing moment today! Decide to be the apple of God’s eye! Knowing that God delights in you!