I Say – God Says We often contradict God July 25 - PM

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “It’s impossible”“It’s impossible” How does God expect me to do things that are impossible? The rules of God are too strict. I can’t possibly obey them. “It’s impossible”“It’s impossible” How does God expect me to do things that are impossible? The rules of God are too strict. I can’t possibly obey them. Luke 18:27Luke 18:27 – With God, all things are possible. Philippians 4:13Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I’m too tired.”“I’m too tired.” It seems like I am the only one working for this church. Why can’t the preacher do it? Why aren’t the elders doing this? “I’m too tired.”“I’m too tired.” It seems like I am the only one working for this church. Why can’t the preacher do it? Why aren’t the elders doing this? Matthew 11:28-30 –Matthew 11:28-30 – 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “Nobody loves me.”“Nobody loves me.” I feel neglected, alone, unloved. I am feeling the effects of this depression “Nobody loves me.”“Nobody loves me.” I feel neglected, alone, unloved. I am feeling the effects of this depression John 3:16 -John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “Nobody loves me.”“Nobody loves me.” We feel neglected, alone, unloved. This leads to depression “Nobody loves me.”“Nobody loves me.” We feel neglected, alone, unloved. This leads to depression John 3:34 -John 3:34 - For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure. alwaysNo matter how men may treat you – God will always love you.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I can’t go on.”“I can’t go on.” I don’t have what it takes to keep facing the problems and situations in my life. “I can’t go on.”“I can’t go on.” I don’t have what it takes to keep facing the problems and situations in my life. 2 Corinthians 12:9 -2 Corinthians 12:9 - And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I can’t decide which way to go.”“I can’t decide which way to go.” I am often at the fork in the road of my life and have no sense of which direction to head. “I can’t decide which way to go.”“I can’t decide which way to go.” I am often at the fork in the road of my life and have no sense of which direction to head. Proverbs 3:5-6 –Proverbs 3:5-6 – 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I can’t do it”“I can’t do it” Why does God make demands of me that I can’t obey? Others can do it better I am not the one for this job “I can’t do it”“I can’t do it” Why does God make demands of me that I can’t obey? Others can do it better I am not the one for this job Philippians 4:13 -Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. If Christ is in me – There is nothing worthwhile which I can’t accomplish

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I’m not able”“I’m not able” I lack the: –Talent –Ability –Time –Energy –Knowledge “I’m not able”“I’m not able” I lack the: –Talent –Ability –Time –Energy –Knowledge 2 Corinthians 9:8 -2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “It’s not worth it”“It’s not worth it” Christianity makes too many demands on me My faith is not that important to me “It’s not worth it”“It’s not worth it” Christianity makes too many demands on me My faith is not that important to me Romans 8:28 -Romans 8:28 - And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. WILLIt WILL be worth it for all eternity.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I can’t forgive myself”“I can’t forgive myself” You just don’t know the horrible things I have done in my life How can I get over these terrible things? “I can’t forgive myself”“I can’t forgive myself” You just don’t know the horrible things I have done in my life How can I get over these terrible things? Romans 8:1 -Romans 8:1 - There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. 1 John 1:91 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I can’t manage my life by myself”“I can’t manage my life by myself” I seem to make a mess of everything I try to do “I can’t manage my life by myself”“I can’t manage my life by myself” I seem to make a mess of everything I try to do Philippians 4:19 -Philippians 4:19 - And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I’m afraid”“I’m afraid” I live in a frightening world. My fears hinder me from doing many things I want to do “I’m afraid”“I’m afraid” I live in a frightening world. My fears hinder me from doing many things I want to do 2 Timothy 1:7 -2 Timothy 1:7 - For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I’m always worried and frustrated”“I’m always worried and frustrated” I worry about everything Worry seems to eat me up inside “I’m always worried and frustrated”“I’m always worried and frustrated” I worry about everything Worry seems to eat me up inside 1 Peter 5:7 -1 Peter 5:7 - casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. CastCast = to toss, throw AllAll = ALL, everything, nothing left CaresCares = burdens, worries, frustrations

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I don’t have enough faith”“I don’t have enough faith” I know my faith should grow but mine is shrinking How do I get more faith? “I don’t have enough faith”“I don’t have enough faith” I know my faith should grow but mine is shrinking How do I get more faith? Romans 12:3 - a measure of faithRomans 12:3 - For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I’m not smart enough”“I’m not smart enough” I don’t know Greek or Hebrew I need wisdom to make the right choices in life “I’m not smart enough”“I’m not smart enough” I don’t know Greek or Hebrew I need wisdom to make the right choices in life 1 Corinthians 1:30 -1 Corinthians 1:30 - But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption James 1:5James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

I SAY:GOD SAYS: “I feel all alone”“I feel all alone” Sometimes, even my friends let me down I can’t depend on anyone “I feel all alone”“I feel all alone” Sometimes, even my friends let me down I can’t depend on anyone Hebrews 13:5 -Hebrews 13:5 - Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Matthew 28:20bMatthew 28:20b - and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Who do you believe? Who are you listening to? Are you living and acting on God’s Word or on your self-talk? Do you believe God – OR Do you believe your own self-defeating lies? Decide today to trust the Word of God