{"id":975,"date":"2018-02-04T15:09:20","date_gmt":"2018-02-04T23:09:20","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/?p=975"},"modified":"2018-02-04T15:31:04","modified_gmt":"2018-02-04T23:31:04","slug":"remember-o-lord-that-my-life-is-but-a-breath","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/2018\/02\/04\/remember-o-lord-that-my-life-is-but-a-breath\/","title":{"rendered":"Remember, O LORD, that My Life is But a Breath!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><font color='black' size='2' face='arial'><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>  <w:WordDocument>   <w:View>Normal<\/w:View>   <w:Zoom>0<\/w:Zoom>   <w:TrackMoves\/>   <w:TrackFormatting\/>   <w:PunctuationKerning\/>   <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas\/>   <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false<\/w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>   <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false<\/w:IgnoreMixedContent>   <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false<\/w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>   <w:DoNotPromoteQF\/>   <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US<\/w:LidThemeOther>   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\tmso-fareast-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; \tmso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; \tmso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; \tmso-bidi-font-family:\"Times New Roman\"; \tmso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} <\/style>\n\n <![endif]--><\/p>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;color:#212121\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-975-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Epiphany-5-02-04-18.mp3?_=1\" \/><source type=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/FILELINK?_=1\" \/><a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Epiphany-5-02-04-18.mp3\">http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Epiphany-5-02-04-18.mp3<\/a><\/audio>&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">February 4, 2018<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Job 7:1-7<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Remember, O God, that My Life is But a Breath!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"text-align:justify;tab-stops:13.5pt .5in 2.5in 238.5pt 337.5pt\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt\">Does not man have hard service on earth?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Are not his days like those of a hired man?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages, so I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When I lie down I think, \u201cHow long before I get up?\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The night drags on, and I toss till dawn.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>My days are swifter than a weaver\u2019s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Remember, O God that my life is but a breath; my eyes will never see happiness again.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(NIV1984)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I have.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It\u2019s horrible.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When I was in grade school we lived in a brand new subdivision in White Bear Lake, Minnesota.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There were very few houses\u2014 but lots of places to play. <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>One day we were riding our bikes around on top of a hill near \u201cThe Cliff.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It was actually more of a steep hill, but that didn\u2019t sound nearly as cool as \u201cThe Cliff.\u201d<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Some of the older boys thought it would be fun to ride their bikes off of \u201cThe Cliff.\u201d <span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp;<\/span>As they went over the edge their bikes would go flying and they would go rolling down in the sand.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It actually did look like fun!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then it was my turn.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I got my bike going as fast as I could, I went off the edge of \u201cThe cliff,\u201d my bike went flying\u2014 and I fell flat on my back about half way down the hill.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I thought I was going to die.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I couldn\u2019t breathe!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>All the other guys thought it was hilarious as I lay there gasping for air.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Our sermon text for today reminded me that there are times in our life when we might feel like we have had the wind knocked out of us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We might feel like we can\u2019t breathe.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We might feel like we are going to die or perhaps even wish the good Lord would just take us Home.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">I have a feeling that if we were able to go back in time and talk to Job when he wrote these words, that he would agree that he had gotten to a point in his life where he felt as though he had had the wind knocked out of him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Since many of us may be able to relate to how Job was feeling when he spoke these words we\u2019re going to study this portion of Scripture by borrowing our sermon theme for today directly from Job himself.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Our theme is found in the closing verse of our text:<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span><b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">Remember, O God, that My Life is But a Breath.<\/i><\/b><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We have four questions to consider this morning.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>First, what caused Job to speak these words?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Second, what can cause us to speak these words?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Third, what kind of response can we expect to receive from God when we speak these words?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Fourth, why can we expect to receive this response from God?<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What caused Job to speak the words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath\u201d<\/i>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>To answer that question we need to go back to the beginning of this book.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Job chapter one Job is described as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cthe greatest man among all the people of the East\u201d<\/i> (Job 1:3).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We\u2019re told that Job was <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cblameless and upright\u201d<\/i> in the eyes of God.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>God had blessed Job with seven sons and three daughters.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>God had also blessed Job with tremendous wealth.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He had oxen and sheep and many servants.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Humanly speaking, Job had it all!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Then God allowed Satan to take it all away\u2014 Job\u2019s oxen, Job\u2019s sheep, even Job\u2019s children\u2014 all gone!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We\u2019re told that when three of Job\u2019s friends heard about the tragedies Job had experienced, they came to see him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Their assessment of Job\u2019s \u201cproblem\u201d was that he had committed some great sin against God and that was why he was enduring so much suffering.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What was their solution?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They told Job that if he confessed his sin instead of trying to deny his sin then perhaps God would take all of his suffering away.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>That\u2019s when Job spoke these words.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">It is clear from these words of our text that Job was indeed at a point where he felt as though the wind had been knocked out of him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Phrases such as <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201chard service,\u201d \u201cmonths of futility,\u201d \u201cnights of misery,\u201d \u201clonging for the evening shadows,\u201d \u201cI toss till dawn\u201d<\/i> can almost make us feel Job\u2019s pain and hear Job\u2019s helplessness.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>It\u2019s no wonder that Job laments, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">What can cause us to say along with Job, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath\u201d<\/i>?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The answers to that question are often far more abundant that we could care to admit, aren\u2019t they.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Some of the answers center on things that are all but out of our control.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>A terminal illness, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, the loss of a friendship, loneliness, rejection, disappointment\u2014 these are just a few of the things that can leave us feeling as though we have had the wind knocked out of us.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Now add to these wounds, the spiritual wounds that we all too often bring upon ourselves\u2014 the guilt of our own sin, the physical consequences and emotional scars of the sinful choices we have consciously made in life.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When you stop to think about it, my friends, it really doesn\u2019t take very long at all to think of situations which can leave our soul gasping for air. Like Job we can easily find ourselves lamenting, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">When we find those words pouring out of our heart what kind of response can we expect to receive from God?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Our text for today does not answer that question directly.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At the same time, our text for today triggered a thought process in my mind.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>I began to wonder how many times Scripture mentions other people who have voiced the same sentiment that Job expressed here in our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>What I discovered was both interesting and enlightening!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Let me share just a few of the examples I found.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">When Samson foolishly misused and then lost the gift of tremendous strength God had given to him, he quickly found himself in a situation that may indeed have left him feeling as though he had had the wind knocked out of him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He was captured by the Philistines.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He had his eyes gouged out.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He was tied like an ox to a grinding wheel in a prison.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>As the Philistines gathered in the temple of their god, Dagon, to celebrate their victory over Samson\u2014 and they thought, their victory over Samson\u2019s God\u2014 they brought Samson out to \u201centertain\u201d them.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Samson prayed, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cO Sovereign L<\/i><\/span><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"><span style=\"layout-grid-mode:line\">ORD<\/span><\/i><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">, remember me.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>O God, please strengthen me just once more\u201d<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\"> (Judges 16:28).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How did God respond to Samson\u2019s prayer?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>God <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremembered\u201d<\/i> Samson and granted his request!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">When King Hezekiah was told to get his house in order because he was going to die, he too undoubtedly felt as though the wind had been knocked out of him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In deep humility he asked the Lord to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremember\u201d<\/i> him.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How did God respond?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremembered\u201d<\/i> Hezekiah and added fifteen more years to his life!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>(See 2 Kings 20:1-6)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">When the prophet Jeremiah was being persecuted for faithfully proclaiming the Word of God he cried out to the Lord, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember me and care for me\u201d<\/i> (Jeremiah 15:15).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>How did God respond to Jeremiah\u2019s request?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremembered\u201d<\/i> Jeremiah and said, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI will save you from the hands of the wicked and redeem you from the grasp of the cruel\u201d<\/i> (Jeremiah 15:21).<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">When the thief on the cross turned to our Savior and in humble repentance said, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cJesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom\u201d<\/i> (Luke 23:42), how did the Son of God respond?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>He lovingly and graciously said to him, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cI tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise.\u201d<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">And, of course, we certainly do not want to overlook God\u2019s response to Job\u2019s request, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>At the end of the book of Job we\u2019re told that the good Lord answered Job\u2019s prayer by making him prosperous once again, by giving him twice as many herds and flocks as he had before, and by blessing him with seven more sons and three more daughters.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">These examples answer our third question for today.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Whenever a child of God humbly cries out to the Lord, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath\u201d<\/i> what kind of response can they expect to receive from God?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>They can expect that He will <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremember\u201d<\/i> them by hearing and answering their prayer!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Why?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Why can we expect that our God will indeed hear and answer us when we cry out to Him?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The answer is actually quite simple!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>God <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">promises<\/i><\/b> that He will <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremember\u201d<\/i> us!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">As I was researching how the word <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremember\u201d<\/i> is used on the pages of Scripture, I was reminded of God\u2019s two-fold promise to us, His children.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>The first part of that promise is found in passages such as Exodus 2:24.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When God\u2019s people were being oppressed as slaves in the land of Egypt we\u2019re told, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cGod heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>We can indeed expect that when we cry out to the Lord our God He will hear and He will answer us because He promises to always <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">remember the covenant <\/i><\/b>that He has made with us!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>And what covenant has the God of heaven made with you?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are actually two!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">For most of us, God first entered into a covenant relationship with us when we were baptized with water into His holy Name.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism God gave to us His solemn promise that He will always remember that we <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">are<\/i><\/b> His dearly beloved adopted children!<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Can we expect God to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremember\u201d<\/i> the covenant that He made with us when we were baptized in His Name?<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Absolutely!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">The second part of the promise that God has made with us can be clearly seen and personally experienced in the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cnew covenant\u201d<\/i> (Luke 22:20) the Lord has established with us\u2014 the Sacrament of Holy Communion.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>While there are many passages which proclaim this promise I\u2019d like to point you to the book of Hebrews.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In Hebrews chapter eight the Lord says, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cThis is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord\u2026I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more\u201d<\/i> (8:10 &amp; 12).<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>When we come to the altar of the living God to receive His true body and blood in the <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cnew covenant\u201d<\/i> He has established with us, we know beyond a shadow of a doubt what answer we can expect to hear from our God when we say to Him, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Through this holy Sacrament God not only promises to <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cremember\u201d<\/i> us, but He also promises that all of our sins <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">are<\/i><\/b> forgiven!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Those of us who have indeed had the wind knocked out of us can relate to how Job was feeling when he spoke these words of our text.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>There are times in our life that can leave us gasping for air.<span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>In a similar light, those of us who have experienced the guilt and the burden of our own sin can relate even more to Job\u2019s words, <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath.\u201d<\/i><span style=\"mso-spacerun:yes\">&nbsp; <\/span>Yes, there are times in our life when sin\u2014 whether it\u2019s our own sin or the sins of others\u2014 sin has left our soul gasping for air.<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">My prayer this morning, my friends, is that no matter whether it is on a physical level or a spiritual level, whenever you feel as though you have had the wind knocked out of you I pray that you will kneel at the foot of the cross, humbly say with Job <i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">\u201cRemember, O God, that my life is but a breath\u201d<\/i> and then lift up your eyes (Pointing to the cross) trusting in the promise that God has made with you\u2014 the promise to <b style=\"mso-bidi-font-weight:normal\"><i style=\"mso-bidi-font-style:normal\">always<\/i><\/b> remember you!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">To God be the glory!<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">Amen<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"MsoNormal\" style=\"mso-pagination:none\"><span style=\"font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;layout-grid-mode:line\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/div>\n<p> <\/font><\/p>\n<div class=\"postie-attachments\">Download sermon audio ::  <a href=\"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/02\/Epiphany-5-02-04-18.mp3\">Epiphany-5-02-04-18.MP3<\/a><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; The Fifth Sunday after Epiphany February 4, 2018 Job 7:1-7 Remember, O God, that My Life is But a Breath! &nbsp; Does not man have hard service on earth?&nbsp; Are not his days like those of a hired man?&nbsp; Like a slave longing for the evening shadows, or a hired man waiting eagerly for his wages, so [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-975","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-sermon"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=975"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/975\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=975"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=975"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.livingwordpetaluma.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=975"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}