An Online Devotional from Pastor Chad Carter

W e ' r e m o r e t h a n j u s t a C h u r c h . . . W e ' r e a F A M I L Y !

"Your Two Best Friends"

Pastor Chad Carter

Preached February 4, 2007

@ Family Harvest Church

Turn with me this morning to the Book of Psalms. We’re going to a very familiar passage of Scripture that we are probably all familiar with…. Psalm 23.

This morning, as we look at the 23rd Psalm for a few minutes, I want to talk to you about “Your Two Best Friends.” Oh, we know that at the start of this Psalm, David is sharing with us about the Lord when he says, “the Lord is my Shepherd, and I shall not be in want or lack.”

We understand he is talking about the Lord Most High, Jehovah God… and we know from Proverbs 18:24 that the Lord is the friend that sticketh closer than any brother. We know the Lord is first and foremost today! He is the friend above all friends. He is the friend closer than the closest. He’s your lily in the valley, your bright and morning star! He’s the fairest of ten-thousand to your soul!

...In times of fear and distress when it looks like there’s no way

out, the Lord becomes your Way Maker! ...In times when you need

a shoulder to cry on and a friend in whom you can depend, the

Lord is there to hold you, comfort you and deliver you from every

threat. ...In times when friends forsake you and it seems you have

to stand alone, the Lord is there to remind you that you’re only able

to stand because He is there holding you!

Oh, thank the Lord for Jesus – the friend that sticketh closer than

any brother! ...What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear – what a privilege to carry, everything to God in prayer!

How many of you understand that Jesus is the friend you never earned, and regardless of what you do that offends Him – He’s the friend that will never leave you, never forsake you, never turn his back, never turn his head, never stay his hand of blessing, never withdraw his presence, never lift his love from you! …WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS!!!

Come on and take 10 seconds right now, and thank God for loving you enough to come in the flesh and pay the price that forever sealed the deal for you! …Oh, what a friend is He! We love You Lord! We bless Your holy Name!

As much as we love the Lord and understand His place in our lives as the lover of our souls, He is not the friends that I am speaking of this morning.

Let us take a moment to read the 23rd Psalm:

Psalm 23

1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still

waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his

name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou

anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will

dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Somebody say, Praise the Lord! Look at verse six with me and shout the first word! “Surely!” I’ve always loved that word for it is a word of great significance and substance.

The word “surely” does not leave one wondering what is meant by its reference. Surely does not mean maybe... Surely does not mean, possibly... No, no, no… there is no ambiguity in the definition of this word or the connotation of its application. Surely means one thing and one thing only – Surely!

The word “surely” in its original Hebrew connotation is used as an article of affirmation. In its usage in Hebrew, this article of affirmation is found to be given in conjunction with other words such as “nevertheless,” “notwithstanding,” “only,” and “of a surety.”

Now these may seem like words that would not go together or compliment one another – the word surely with the word nevertheless, or the word surely with the word notwithstanding. But when we take this deeper look for the true power behind the word surely, we are able to gain a greater understanding of its power and application to our lives.

The word nevertheless means regardless of. It means however. It means on the other hand. The word nevertheless means all the same, or even so. The word nevertheless implies an apparent opposition to the subject, but also gives us a hope – because regardless of the opposition to the subject, the subject remains nevertheless. It’s like saying, “I acknowledge that, but that does not change the fact that this is the truth!”

Seeing the word surely used in conjunction with the word nevertheless helps us to understand the use of the word “surely” as a very strong word, because it implies complete and total affirmation in the face of opposition!

In other words, when the enemy attempts to hinder a word from the Lord or prevent it from coming to pass… he can’t get past God’s “surely!” In other words, what God is about to say or do is not going to go unchallenged by the adversary. But the enemy’s challenge can’t stand a chance when God stands up and says, “SURELY!”

Aren’t you glad there are just some things that are absolutely sure! When opposition comes and the enemy begins to threaten and challenge, God says, “Yah, I see your threat, and I call you on it! I see your challenge! I see the fight you’re putting up against My Word! I see what you are trying to do to my child, but NEVERTHELESS!”

Somebody shout, “surely!” God says, “I see the challenge the enemy makes, but it does not negate my Word! It does not belittle or render powerless the Word I’m about to say!” God looks the challenge of the enemy in the face, and says, “nevertheless, notwithstanding… SURELY!” Whoo! Praise the Lord for a statement of undefeatable worth! Praise the Lord for a statement of absolute fact! Praise the Lord for a complete and unalterable announcement of affirmation! SURELY! Shout it again somebody! “Surely!”

God certainly means what He is about to say here. Verse six continues with God's complete and unalterable affirmation that… “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:”

I want to look for a moment at those two aspects of the character of God – goodness and mercy.

Goodness, as defined in its original Hebrew usage, means a number of things and is used in many ways. God places such life, value and meaning in the definition of a single word that sometimes when you begin to get down to the nitty-gritty of it, such depth and meaning springs forth that your mind has difficulty grasping it.

For example, in this verse alone, goodness can be used as an adjective, a noun and an adverb. Here is some of what God says is surely going to follow you… Bounty. Cheer. Ease. Kindness. That which is pleasant. That which is pleasurable. That which is pleasing. That which is precious. Prosperity! Wealth!

That is all wrapped up in the goodness of God that He has declared will SURELY, without a doubt, without threat of the possibility of defeat from that which would challenge… SURELY, this goodness will follow you!

There are three other very important aspects of the goodness of God that is wrapped up in this Scripture, and I saved them for the last because they spoke so greatly to me… The first is love. We will get more to that in a moment. The other two definitions are favor and grace.

Now isn’t it interesting that two of the definitions of God’s goodness toward you is “favor” and “grace.” Why is that significant? Because Romans 2:4 declares for us that it is the “goodness of God which leadeth us to repentance.” The purpose for repentance, we know, is to acknowledge our sinful nature and the fact that we need to be forgiven! When we repent of our sins, it is the grace of God that is extended to us, forgives us of that which we are guilty of and sets us free. At repentance, we receive the goodness of God in the form of unmerited favor – grace!

How many of you are thankful for the grace of God that has been applied to your heart! Oh, Grace! The unmerited and free favor of God! Praise the Lord for grace! Grace, grace – God’s grace – Grace that will pardon and cleanse within! Grace, grace – God’s Grace – Grace that is greater than all our sin!

Grace is that part of God that looks at your filthy, sinful flesh and sees the blood of His Son instead. Grace is that part of God that sees your mistakes and failures and loves you anyway. Grace is that part of God that looks at you and smiles when you really deserve a good whoopin’! Grace is that part of God that gives you blessing when what you really deserve is the curse! Grace is that part of God that gives you a pass and pronounces you innocent of that which would have otherwise condemned you and pronounced your guilt! Grace is that part of God that sets you free and gives you victory over what would have bound you up and brought your defeat!

...GRACE – the free, unmerited favor of God, the work of Jesus Himself, the pardon of sin and the point of your soul’s liberation! Is there anyone in the house thankful for the unmerited grace of God! We have grace, because of the goodness of God!

Jesus said in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness!” The goodness of God also gives me grace when I am weak and facing situations that seem to be taking their toll on my life! And when I cry out in agony to the Lord for deliverance, I can hear Him saying, “don’t worry, son! I’ll give you grace to get through! I know you’re weak, but through my grace, you have perfect strength!”

Oh praise the Lord! How many of you know what I’m talking about! You know what it’s like going through your day and saying, “God I need some help here!” And He gives you a little more grace.

You know what it’s like facing that devil at work or that devil at home and saying, “God, I don’t know how much more of this I am going to be able to take!” …And God says, “here, take a little more grace.”

You know what it’s like facing that backslidden family of yours, and you’ve prayed and prayed for them, and it seems they just get worse and worse… God says, “here, take some more grace!”

You know there are days when you’re going along just minding your own business and you catch yourself stopping and saying, “ok God, I’m about to lose my temper and go off on this guy. How about a little grace!”

...Oh come on – don’t look at me with your halo sittin’ so crooked on your horns! I’m not the only one here that is still human! You’re not perfect either… If you were, you wouldn’t be here! God would have already raptured you!

...Come on now… You’ve been faced with those days when it seems nobody is making sense but you and the Lord anyway, and you catch yourself saying, “God before I do something I’ll regret tomorrow, give me a little grace!” ...Oh how many of you know what I’m talkin’ about! Thank God for grace that comes just at the time when you need it most! Thank God for the goodness of His grace!

Now, in verse 6 of Psalm 23, we find the other characteristic of God mentioned is that of mercy.

How many of you have heard the term, “Lord, have mercy!” In the south it was a common way of expressing surprise or dissatisfaction with the issue at hand. I remember many times hearing my little Mema saying, “Lord, have mercy!” As a matter of fact I think I may have said it a time or two this morning myself!

Mercy. What is mercy? Mercy is a divine quality in which unworthy people receive grace.

The biblical meaning of mercy is very rich and complex, in which several Hebrew and Greek words express the concept. Many synonyms are used in translation to express the various dimensions of the meaning. Mercy means to have sympathy, and as a result of that sympathy, show kindness and relief. Mercy is something that gives compassion. It gives understanding. Mercy alleviates whatever it is that is causing the need for mercy in the first place! ...Mercy also gives goodness, grace, favor and steadfast love.

Remember that I mentioned that love was an aspect of the goodness of God that we would get back to in a moment… here is why…

Most other translations of the Bible do not say that “goodness and mercy” will follow you all the days of your life. Most other translations declare that “goodness and love” will follow you all the days of your life.

...The NIV says, “Surely goodness and love.” The NASB, American Standard, Darby and even Young’s Literal translation use terminology about God’s “…goodness and lovingkindness.” The Message says, “Your beauty and love chase after me…” But I think the Amplified Bible says it best… “Surely or only goodness, mercy, and unfailing love shall follow me all the days of my life…”

The most basic fundamental aspect of the mercy of God is founded on the subject of His love toward us. At the heart of the concept of mercy is the love of God. He freely and graciously acts on behalf of those to whom He has pledged Himself in relationship.

In 2 Corinthians 1:3, God is the “Father of mercies” that are bestowed on those who believe in His Son. In Ephesians 2:4-6, it is because He is “so rich in mercy” that He saves those who are spiritually dead and doomed by their sins. 1 Timothy 1:13-16 teaches us that it is out of God’s mercy that one is forgiven and granted eternal life.

In all these things, we see that the mercy of God toward you is given for one, simple reason… He LOVES YOU! Surely, without a doubt, because of God’s love for you today, you have the assurance that God desires to show you kindness… He desires to show mercy in the situations of your life!

Looking again at verse 6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me…” That word follow is a poor translation. It isn't strong enough to support its intended meaning, for in Hebrew, it is used as "a word of hostile intent"… It literally means that whatever is following you is actually running after you; and it's running after you with the intent of catching up with you and coming in for a dead hit!

It also literally means “on the hunt,” “to pursue,” or “to chase after.” In fact, The Message Bible uses that very terminology in verse six when it declares that the goodnesses and mercies of God “chase after me every day of my life.”

Get that in your spirit today! This is a message of hope and joy for you today! God is trying to get you to understand that no matter what you are faced with today and no matter how hopeless the situation looks, there is ALWAYS the promise of God’s hand of provision ready to move in your life!

God is saying to you this morning, “I see the challenge, I see the opportunities! I see your opposition! I see the warfare of the enemy! I see your long, lonely walk through the valley of the shadow of death – but take heart my child! Though you’re in the valley, NEVERTHELESS..."

"Though you’re in the fight… NEVERTHELESS! Though the obstacle is enormous and the outcome looks bleak... NEVERTHELESS! Though the challenge of the enemy seems more than you can bare… NEVERTHELESS! SURELY, my goodness… SURELY my mercy… SURELY my grace, my guidance, my favor, my provision, my deliverance… SURELY my favor and grace are chasing after you!"

God’s saying, you’ve been fighting in the flesh what He comes to deliver you from in the spirit! You can run fast! You can fight hard! But the promise of God is this – no matter how fast or how far you find yourself running, GOODNESS and MERCY are hot on your heels!

Woooo – praise the Lord ! God is saying to you this morning – there is rest! There is retreat! There is deliverance… He’s given you a good place to graze – good place to eat and be nourished! He’s given you a restful place to rest and regain your strength! He’s given you the confidence of knowing His rod will beat away the enemy and his staff will keep you on the right path! He’s giving you confidence that no matter how low the valley or how dark the despair, you’re never alone! He has not left you helpless, hopeless or alone! He is right there with you, every step of the way!

You look at your situation and know that regardless of how fierce the fight… regardless of how dark the valley… regardless of how bleak the prospect of continuing is, you can have hope today, because wherever you go, your two best friends aren’t far behind!

...You look at your family situation and say, “my Lord, will these children of mine ever get their lives right with God? Will these children of mine make it to the glory side?” And no sooner do you head down that path, that GOODNESS and MERCY steps in and says, "we've got everything under control!"

You look at your finances, and just when it looks like bankruptcy is the only option, the GOODNESS and MERCY of God step up and say, "hang on just one minute, God’s got something to say about this!"

You look at the sickness in your body, and you hear the report of the doctors, and you have every reason to be afraid, discouraged and defeated… But just then, GOODNESS and MERCY step in and say, "wait just one minute here, God’s grace, mercy, and favor hasn’t had their say in the matter yet!"

Somebody shout, “SURELY!” “SURELY!” “SURELY!” "GOODNESS AND MERCY SHALL CHASE AFTER ME!"

When you get to the place of discouragement and defeat, and you feel uncertain about the road ahead… just look over your shoulder at your two best friends hot on your heels, and say, “Come on fellas, let’s get going!” ...Somebody shout, “GOODNESS!” “GRACE!” “FAVOR!” “MERCY!”

Maybe you need some of that mercy today! Look up right now at the Lord and say this with me… “Lord have mercy!” Now throw your hands straight up in the air and feel the Spirit of God wash over you with a new confidence and assurance that you are not alone!

You have the Son of God! You have the Spirit of God! You have the power of God! You have the anointing of God! You have the deliverance of God! ...Right now, right now, you have the grace and mercy of God flowing into your situation! ...Deliverance is coming! Help is coming! Healing is coming!

...Tell Him you’ll take it all right now! Now receive the goodness and mercy of God in your life! Receive the healing that you need! Receive the wisdom and knowledge that you need! Receive the blessing that you need! Receive the provision and prosperity that you need!

Every head bowed, and every eye closed… (Salvation invitation was given for those who needed to experience the first step in receiving the goodness and mercy of the Lord through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If YOU are not saved and are ready to receive Christ, click here and we'll walk you through it.)

Aren’t you thankful for the goodness and mercy of God that comes into your life when you least expect it and don’t deserve it! Praise the Lord! That’s the favor and grace of God provided from your two best friends you can’t get away from!

...If you’re thankful for Goodness and Mercy, give the Lord a handclap and a shout of praise!