Author: Don McGarvey

Birds on a Wire

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Text: Acts 2:42, 46-47; Hebrews 10:24-25; Matthew 28:19-20

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:1-5a “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things.” (NLT)

Birds on a Wire—Acts 2:42, 46-47

God’s Pattern for the Church—

Key words: doctrine; fellowship; communion, prayer and DAILY

In our current season, we must be intentional; creative; observant and willing to do things differently than we’ve done before. Those who say, “we’ve never it this way before” will quickly fall by the wayside

Judges 21:25—”In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”

Why do birds sit on a wire?

1—they have a purpose—migration

2—they are helping one another

3—they know which wires to sit on and which ones to avoid

4—they are all facing the same direction

Unity—doesn’t mean they are all the same; they are still unique; but they are in it for the benefit of others

5—they do not hinder one another

6—they are of the same variety

God IS!

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God is Lord Almighty, Omnipotent King, Lion of Judah, Rock of Ages, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Provider, Protector, Paternal Leader, Ruling Lord and Reigning King of all the universe.

He is Father, Helper, Guardian, and God. He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End. He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all He keeps. The architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.

He always was, is, and will be: Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone. He was bruised and brought healing. He was pierced and eased pain. He was persecuted and brought freedom. He was dead and brought life. He is risen and brings power. He reigns and brings Peace.

The world can’t understand him, the armies can’t defeat Him, the schools can’t explain Him, and the leaders can’t ignore Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him, the Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, the people couldn’t hold Him! Nero couldn’t crush Him. Hitler couldn’t silence Him, the New Age can’t replace Him and Donahue can’t explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord. He is goodness, kindness, gentleness, and God. He is Holy, righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure. His ways are right, His word is eternal, His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me! He is my redeemer, He is my Savior, He is my guide, He is my peace, He is my Joy, He is my comfort, He is my Lord and He rules my life.

I serve Him because His bond is live, His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life. I follow Him because He is the wisdom of he wise, the power of the powerful, the ancient of days, the ruler of rulers, the leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and the sovereign Lord of all that was, is and is to  come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size. His goal is a relationship with ME! He will never leave me, forsake me, mislead me, overlook me, and never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up. When I fail, He forgives me. When I am weak, He is strong. When I am lost, He is The Way. When I am afraid, He is my courage. When I stumble, He steadies me. When I am hurt, He heals me. When I am broken, He mends me. When I am blind, He leads me. When I am hungry, He feeds me. When I face trials, He is with me. When I face persecution, He stills me. When I face problems, He comforts me. When I face loss, He provides for me. When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere, every time, and in every way, He is god, He is faithful, I am His, and He is mine. My Father in heaven can whip the father of this world, and so, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this: He said it, I believe it, and that settles it.

God is in control, I am o n His side, and that means all is well with my soul!

(This was copied from a 2009 web site called, Bible.org)

Sometimes a Raven

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Text: 1 Kings 17:1-4

Bible Reading: Psalm 23 “The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and your unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

There are times when God works in our lives through the gentle workings of a dove. These times are gentle, peaceful, and bring us much comfort. The Holy Spirit comes as a dove in these times, hovering over us as a brooding dove to lovingly bring order to our world. (Genesis 1:2; Matthew 3:16)

There are other times when God works in our lives through circumstances that He did not cause, through events that others chose for us, and through the sinful ways of our world. These are the “ravens” of our times.

Text: 1 Kings 17:1-4

The drought—

The wicked king—

The false, demonic god—

The prophet—

The raven—

          Leviticus 11:13-18

Philippians 4:19 “And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (New Living Translation)

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. (New International Version)

How has God provided for you in times that were less than enjoyable?

Sometimes a Dove, Part II

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, September 20, 2020

Text: John 20:22

Bible Reading: Psalm 100 (NLT)

Last week:

Genesis 1:2—a dove is symbolic of purity and harmlessness

Acts 10:38—Jesus lived His life under the direction of the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:11—The Holy Spirit was the energy that brought Jesus to life; this same Spirit lives in us

1 Corinthians 6:19—We are the “temple” or “place of residence” for the Holy Spirit

Today:

  1. John 20:22—Jesus breathed upon the disciples
  1. Ephesians 2:1—Dead in our sin; alive through the Holy Spirit
  1. Genesis 2:7—Adam was a lump of clay until………..
  1. Ezekiel 37—God brought life into an entire nation with His breathe
  • John 10:10—a rich and satisfying life
  1. “a still small voice” and our “knower”

Sometimes a Dove

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, September 13, 2020

Sermon Notes

Text: John 20:22

Bible Reading: Isaiah 50:7, 9

Text: John 20:22

  1. Genesis 1:2–The first time we are introduced to the Holy Spirit
  1. The Holy Spirit—a brooding dove, hovering over the nest
  • The Holy Spirit is the energy or power behind creation
  • Creation—Order out of chaos

2 Timothy 3:16-17—the same empowerment of creation was the source of energy for God’s Word when He breathed “all Scripture”

John 20:22—The disciples were energized or empowered when Christ breathed upon them

  1. Matthew 3:16—Jesus’ baptism and the Holy Spirit
  1. Life at this time was chaotic for the Jews
  • John 10:10–Jesus came to bring a “rich and satisfying life” in abundance–
  1. 1 Corinthians 6:19—The Holy Spirit and us
  1. Acts 10:38—The Holy Spirit empowered Jesus to do miracles and to live a sinless life
  • Romans 8:11—The Holy Spirit in us today!

Rest

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, September 6, 2020

Text: Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 95:8-11

Sermon Notes

Bible Reading: Psalm 90:1-2, 17

Matthew 11:28-30

Yoke—aligning ourselves with Jesus

Rest—cease from work; focus on God; focus on God’s deliverance; cease from working for our salvation

Salvation is a gift of grace when we put our faith in God

Our works are the result of our love for God and our love for our neighbor. Works will not save us. (Acts 4:12) There are works that were established for us to do prior to the creation of the world—Ephesians 2:10

Both Jesus and the writer of Hebrews 3 & 4 are drawing upon Psalm 95:8-11

Paul points to Israel as an example for how we should live—1 Corinthians 10:6-11

The warning is for us to put faith in God, for our salvation; guidance; and all our needs while we are on our journey.

There is still opportunity for us to enter the rest that God offers—Hebrews 4:1

Have you been trying to earn your way into heaven? Have been trying to do life on your own?

Are you angry with God for the way things are going?

Are you tired? Worn out? Ready to give up?

Put your trust in Jesus. He will never fail you. He will give you rest!

Truth, Nothing but the Truth, Part V

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, August 30, 2020

Texts: Hebrews 4:12; Psalm 95:8-11; Hebrews 4:1

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-3 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.”

The Word of God is God-breathed; The Word of God is infallible; The Word of God is always truth; and the Word of God is alive and energizing.

God & Israel—Psalm 95:8-11

Israel’s rebellion—Meribah and Massah

          14 recorded rebellions

God’s rest—God’s rest is His care of us; God’s rest is not sitting in a lounge chair watching the ocean waves. (Although it could be)

God’s rest is the fulfillment of God’s promises to us

God’s promises often come with the contingency of our obedience and willingness to follow His direction for our lives. God’s ways are not always like ours; His timing is not always our timing.

A hardened heart—Psalm 95:11; Ezekiel 11:19; Ezekiel 36:26

The Good News—Hebrews 4:1

Truth and Nothing but the Truth, Part IV

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Sunday, August 23, 2020

Text: Hebrews 4:12; Hebrews 3:7-4:10

Troy Mills Christian Church

Bible Reading: Isaiah 43:1b-3a

Infallible—unfailing in effectiveness or operation; immune from failing or leading us into error

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Text: Hebrews 4:12—

          Living—

          Powerful—

          Sharper than a two-edged sword—

          Piercing—

          Division of soul and spirit—

Hebrews 3:7-4:10—

          The Promised Land was God’s promise of “rest” for Israel—

          The Word of God is God’s promise of “rest” for us—

We don’t have to be controlled by the “ups and downs” of circumstances. God and His Word will become our rock that we can build our life on. His Word was breathed out for us; for today; and for tomorrow.

Scriptures to Read in Hard Times!

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There will always be times when we don’t quite feel as if we can continue to move forward. God knew we would have these times. He is prepared for these times in our lives. As we continue to turn to Him in these times, He will provide the antidote. For example:

When you don’t feel strong enough to go on, read Psalms 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

When you don’t feel brave enough to go on, read Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When you feel as if you’ve messed up too much to have any hope of going on, read 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here!”

When you can’t figure things out, read Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; {6} In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When you feel as if you are too tired to go on, read Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When you think it’s impossible, read Luke 18:27: “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

When you think nobody loves you, read John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

When you can’t forgive yourself, read Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

When you feel as if it’s not worth it, read Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

When you don’t feel as if you are smart enough, read 1 Corinthians 1:30: “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

When you don’t feel able, read 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

When you just can’t go on, read 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

When you feel as if you can’t go on, read Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

When you just can’t manage any longer, read Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

When you are afraid, read 2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

 When feel all alone, read Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

The Truth, Nothing but the Truth, Part III

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Troy Mills Christian Church

My Sermon Notes

Sunday, August 16, 2020

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:1-8

Texts: Hebrews 4:12

          God breathed—2 Timothy 3:16-17

          Why is “God breathed” important to us?

Infallible—Absolutely trustworthy or sure. Unfailing in effectiveness or operation. Immune from failing or leading to error.

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of thoughts and intents of the heart.” (NKJV)

Living—

Powerful-–

Shaper than a two-edged sword—

          Revelation 1:16—

          Ephesians 6:17—

Piercing—

          Proverbs 4:23—