preach – Brian Friedl

Preacher Within

Brian — Fri, 22 Sep 2017 09:32:28 +0000

There have been times in my life where I have felt all alone. Most of the time I wasn’t really alone but instead was deceived by the enemy, but the aloneness felt so real. In those moments, especially, my spirit hungered for truth while my flesh was in anguish.

Where was my comfort? Where was my strength when my bones ached with sorrow? The deception and darkness was so great that I couldn’t see the light and refused to seek counsel. Who would rescue my from my despair?

We know the Holy Spirit has many roles including being a helper, comforter and teacher reminding us of God’s instruction:

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.” ~ ‭‭John‬ ‭14:26‬ ‭NASB‬‬

But what do we do when even He seems far off?There are times where the only thing we have to cling to is God’s word and His promises so we must preach to, and comfort ourselves with His word.

Reflection

Brothers and sisters, we must be ready for these times! We know not when these times of drought will happen. His word must be implanted in our memory so as to be ready for preaching to ourselves in any occasion.

Get a reading plan today and begin storing up the treasures of His word. For it is this powerful truth that will comfort us in the time of trial.

Prayer

Gracious Father, You have given us everything we need to walk according to Your way. Fill us with Your word that we may be revived according to Your lovingkindness. In those times of deception, May we preach Your word to ourselves that our countenance and vision would be restored. We love You LORD, in Jesus, Amen

Acts Bible Study 17:16-34

Brian — Tue, 18 Oct 2016 10:39:57 +0000

Paul payed attention to his audience so he could preach and persuade them for Christ with the references they would understand. It’s important to be observant and to listen and look for opportunities as we share the good news of Jesus.

Read Acts 17:26-34

1) Observation – What stands out in this passage?

2) Challenges – What questions need to be answered to understand the meaning?

3) Theme – What’s the main idea?

4) Original Application – What were the original readers supposed to take away from this passage?

5) How does this apply to you personally?

I hope you enjoy this spiritual food today!

How To Overcome Despair

Brian — Thu, 05 May 2016 12:03:16 +0000

There is no doubt that our situation can overwhelm us. It can cause our emotions to spiral to a place of anger, frustration, hopelessness, and despair. We can feel ourselves sinking in the water instead of being on top with Jesus.

It is in these times that we don’t “feel” God is present or caring. This is when our minds must take charge and preach the truth to ourselves. Notice the Psalmist grounding himself back in truth:

1) I have trusted in your lovingkindness

2) My heart shall rejoice in your salvation

3) I will sing to the LORD because He has dealt bountiful with me.

Personal Reflection

Two things stand out for personal application and I may sound like a broken record.

1) Our eyes must be fixed on Christ if we are to enjoy the abundance of God. Looking at ourselves and our situation always ends up producing a feeling of lacking something. On the contrary, Looking to Christ brings us to a place of abundance and gratitude. Get connected with another believer who is serious about following Jesus and help eachother through practicing preaching truth to your hearts.

2) The best way to equip your mind to deal with these waves of despair is to fill it with truth. There is a reason we are to meditate on His Word day and night. In the same way a soldier sharpens his body for battle do we must also sharpen are minds to be on the ready.

It is truth that will carry us when our heart lies to us. There are times when that truth is the only thing we have to cling to.

Again having a brother or sister in Christ to study with helps hold you accountable and leads to success in this process.

Prayer Focus

LORD, we confess that our eyes wander and focus on the waves instead of your faithful hand holding us. You have warned us that out of the heart flows much deceit. Father we pray that truth would reign in every part of our lives and over our heart. Teach us to preach your truth to our hearts, that our faith would grow and our lips would be filled with your praises for all eternity. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

#preachtruthtoyourheart #truthtransforms #truthtalk4life

@brianfriedl