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Footprints In the Sand Sermon and PowerPoint

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Footprints in the Sand

(Slide One)

Good evening/morning I’m Pastor Jessica linhart from Hissom Tabernacle.

 (Slide 2)

(Slide 3)

I would like to thank your Pastor _____________ and your NMI president for agreeing to let me speak about Kairos tonight!

(slide 4)

 (Show trifold) (Slide 5) l

 I created the trifold, using our group pictures, and the Canva app. It’s Called: Bringing the Light of Christ to the Darkness of Prison. It is very informative, and you all are welcome to take one.

Now, I would like to give these to your NMI president so that he/she can distribute them.

I just want to mention a couple of things you’ll find in the flyer.

First, you’ll see the question that is asked the most! “Who can volunteer and how can they volunteer.

  1. Everyone can Be a prayer partner, because we all have a direct connection to Jesus. Each weekend we have a prayer Vivial online. (Hold Up the card)

(Slide 6)

Most of you received a card upon entering the church. If not, I’ll have my mother and Kairos partner bring one to you! So, there is a website that to go to, once you are there, click on Lakin CC, choose a time and date. When it gets closer to time the site will email you a reminder.

I’ve been involved with Kairos since 2019, and I have seen God changed hearts and lives of people.

     God never ceases to amaze me as to how He works on the Kairos Weekends. I have witnessed to his moving among the Lakin women, the correctional officers, the staff and even amongst ourselves.

No words can explain it, He just works, and He just moves as only He can do.

 He shows up and shows off! 

 He has a strong movement going on inside of Lakin Prison that I can attest to. Twice a year Kairos does 4-day inside retreat. Those events cost around 5,000.00. Then, Lakin’s Warden allows us to come twice a month for what we call Reunions and Prayer and Share.

 This is an exciting time to be a part of the Kairos ministry and yet, very humbling.1

Now that you know more about Kairos, let’s begin the lesson.

This is a Kairos lesson that I have been asked to deliver at several of their trainings and it will be great for this morning.

(Slide 7)

You can see from the slide the title of our lesson is “Footprints in the Sand.”

(Slide 8)

 Everyone should have received a card with the poem on it! If not, I’ll ask my assistant Becky to bring one to you. And/Or you can share one with a neighbor. Let’s read the poem as aloud as a group!

(SIDE 9)

One night I dreamed a dream.
As I was walking along the beach with my Lord.
Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
One belonging to me and one to my Lord.

After the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that at many times along the path of my life,
especially at the very lowest and saddest times,
there was only one set of footprints.

This really troubled me, so I asked the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I noticed that during the saddest and most troublesome times of my life,
there was only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed You the most, You would leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you
Never, ever, during your trials and testings.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”

Explanation:  There is a story about a person who was walking on a sandy beach with God. At one point, they stopped, and looked back at their life, represented by their footprints left in the sand. There were two sets of footprints, side by side. One was the person’s and one was God’s. But then, the person began to notice that at those places in their life where they faced great adversity, pain, and disappointment, there were only one set of footprints instead of two. This person felt that God had stopped walking with them when they needed Him most. They turned to God and angrily ask why it was that when they needed God the most in the troubled times of life, that God abandoned them. God asked what they meant? They showed God that there were only one set of footprints in the sand, rather than two. God smiled, and said “My child, I didn’t abandon you in your most desperate times, it was then that I picked you up and carried you on.”

There have been times in my life where I felt much like the person in this story?

  I know that is a very familiar poem but what these verses are talking about is really vulnerability.  We use that word a lot in KAIROS.

(Slide 10)

On the screen you have a picture a butterfly, because in nature it is vulnerable. Its delicate wings and slow movement makes it susceptible to harm, yet it embodies a unique beauty and strength that comes from embracing its vulnerability. 

      In the Bible, many characters are presented as vulnerable in different ways. Examples include individuals experiencing psychological distress, physical weakness, or social vulnerability. Jesus, while divine, also demonstrated vulnerability in his earthly life, and figures like David, Rahab, and Hagar are portrayed as vulnerable in their circumstances. 

(SIDE 11)

There are examples of Vulnerable Characters in the Bible:

For the sake of time, we can’t go into every bible scripture, but I can give you the link to my blog and you can research the scriptures when you have your study time.

Matthew 26:36 Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus openly expressed his fear and anguish as he faced his impending arrest and crucifixion. He cried out to his Father, expressing his desire for the cup of suffering to be taken from him. 

John 13:1–5 Washing Disciples feet

Jesus, despite his authority, washed his disciples’ feet, a gesture of service that was traditionally done by servants. This act of humility and vulnerability demonstrated his willingness to serve others. 

Luke 2:34-35 Jesus was crying with Mary

When Jesus saw Mary weeping at the tomb of Lazarus, he was deeply moved and wept himself. This demonstrates his ability to connect with the emotions and pain of others. 

Here’s how these aspects demonstrate his vulnerability: (Continued) (Skip Reading aloud)

(SIDE 12)

David:

David’s psalms, particularly Psalm 143, reveal his psychological distress and vulnerability as he seeks God’s help and guidance. 

Remember to check the blog for further study!

Evidence of Psychological Distress in Psalm 143

A psalm of David.

1 Lord, hear my prayer,
    listen to my cry for mercy;
in your faithfulness and righteousness
    come to my relief.
2 Do not bring your servant into judgment,
    for no one living is righteousbefore you.
3 The enemy pursues me,
    he crushes me to the ground;
he makes me dwell in the darkness
    like those long dead.
4 So my spirit grows faint within me;
    my heart within me is dismayed.
5 I remember the days of long ago;
    I meditate on all your works
    and consider what your hands have done.
6 I spread out my hands to you;
    I thirst for you like a parched land.[a]

7 Answer me quickly, Lord;
    my spirit fails.
Do not hide your face from me
    or I will be like those who go down to the pit.
8 Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.
9 Rescue me from my enemies,Lord,
    for I hide myself in you.
10 Teach me to do your will,
    for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
    lead me on level ground.

11 For your name’s sake, Lord, preserve my life;
    in your righteousness, bring me out of trouble.
12 In your unfailing love, silence my enemies;
    destroy all my foes,
    for I am your servant.

(Slide 13)

The Bible presents vulnerability not as a flaw to be overcome, but as an essential aspect of our humanity. It is in our vulnerability that we are invited to experience God’s strength, love, and grace most profoundly. As we embrace our vulnerability before God and one another, we open ourselves to the transformative power of divine love.

Even though we are describe as church goers and we would most probably are…

Even though we freely confess that we have been saved through our faith in Jesus alone.

Even though we are Totally unable to save ourselves.

Even though we would tell anyone who asked that we need the Lord everyday of our lives….

(SIDE 14)

If someone asks us, how are you today?

We actually sin by saying:

“Oh, I am blessed! I am fine, how are you?”

It’s almost a reflex reaction!

No matter how we really are, or what we are walking through in life- our response are to put on a mask and say. “I am blessed, I am fine.”

Why do we do that?

I think it is because being VULNERABLE is hard! People in life take advantage of us! It’s not always wise to express what’s really go on in lives.

In Kairos: Vulnerability is a willingness to show emotion

or to allow one’s weaknesses to be seen or known;

Sometimes it is a willingness to risk being emotionally hurt!

 Instead of defending ourselves by putting up a fake strength by pretending to be super saints with lives that are filled with beauty &good things who have never known heartache.

We choose to become VULNERABLE!

To each other in our Kairos community, but also to the participants of our Kairos weekend.

We chose to take down our walls and let others see that we are all imperfect. That we are a flawed people who must cling to Jesus to make it in life.

Do you remember what Jesus told the apostle Paul

when he prayed about his thorn in the flesh?

(SIDE 15)

2 Cor 12:9-10 God said “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made you perfect in weakness.

Paul responded: “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me Therefore I will take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, all for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

I find that in our weaknesses, our brokenness, in our heartaches – that GOD covers us over! It is the state of  Vulnerability that Jesus steps closest to us and reveals Himself the clearest.

 I find that in areas of heartache & brokenness is where the Lord shows Himself strong!

He is strong when we cannot be.

He is stronger than the storms we face.

He is strong enough to keep us and guard us.

He is strong enough to CARRY US.

(SIDE 16)

The prophet Isaiah tells us that  the idols of the nations must be carried but our God carries us! God carries us in our weaknesses and our strengths

Isiah 46:3-4 “you who have been borne by Me from your birth, carried from the womb: Even to your old age I am He, and even to hair white with age will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry and will save you.”

Let me share a testimony with you, because if you are being asked to be valuable, I should set an example.

       There was a time in my life that I felt like I had lost everything. One day, when I was teaching fifth grade, I passed out, and Fireman had to claim 2 flight so stairs to take me out. I was in the CAMC General Hospital 30 days. They wanted to send me home, but nothing was settled. I had to many blood clots to count. I was transferred to Cleveland Clinic and one traveled to my brain. They went in to fix it, but it bleed out and caused to many mini strokes to count. Only God could understand me. My left side drew up and twisted backwards. The doctors side I had major cognitive deficiencies, I would never recover, and would not walk again. Then, I felt the power of prayers. Lord walked in, sat down at my table of my heart and He has never left! He still hasn’t he never stopped carrying me.

 God untwisted my left side and made it straight. God, gave me a wheelchair to glide. A walker that held me steady, and Cain to help walk beside me. After years of physical therapy, prayers, and trusting God I am able to stand before you.

My road has not been easy. I asked God to heal me fast But instead He carried me night after night as I prayed the Lord would pour out His presence on me like sweet oils.

I lost all I ever worked for and I was sorely depressed. I was able to hide my depression well. I was able to control most of my worthless thoughts and desire to end my life. One day, God sent a nurse to my house. She found out how depressed I was and wanted to have me admitted. I remember her asking how many times today have you thought about harming myself and it was before 1:00 and I told her 8 times. I proceeded to ask her didn’t she and I thought that was normal. Well, I went to a partial hospitalization program. I realized that I was a Christian and their classes were not helping. God sent me a Christian Counselor, and we read a book called Coming Unglued. We prayed that the Spirit of Depression would leave me and that I would accept God’s help! It was gone when I realized my value, my worth, and my purpose came from God. I am only truly happy when I am obedient to God’s instructions.

The Lord has wrapped Himself around me

And He has never stopped carrying me.

The place of my great loss became a place where I found Jesus.

He revealed Himself as my Healer

I could continue to tell you time after time that God has proven Himself faithful to take care of me, but instead of worshipping in my times with Christ; the Holy Spirit would like for us to do something else.

He wants to ask you, do you remember when you were broken?

Do you remember when hen God carried you through heartache?

Do you remember a time when the Lord stepped closed to you with a gentle sigh?

Do you remember a time when God wiped the tears from your face?

 Do you remember a time when He gently drew you up into His embrace and carried YOU when you were weak?

Ladies and gentlemen, let me give you this poem one more time. I want you to close your eyes

(listen to the sounds of the waves)

and use your sanctified imagination

for just a few moments.

(Slide 17)

The person in this poem is YOU!

YOU are standing on the seashore your bare feet feel the soft warm sand shifting beneath your toes. As the waves gently roll in and over your ankles. As the sun is setting but the breeze is warm. It lifts your hair & plays around your shoulders. The sky is fading from brilliant sun kissed blue

to the velvet darkness of night. As you walk, you hear the sound of someone approaching behind you.  You glance back over your shoulder and see that it is a man wearing a white tunic with a purple satin robe. You wrapped around Him! Jesus has joined you by water’s edge. You can’t help but smile as you gaze in wonder  that He would come…just to walk with YOU!

His eyes are shining and warm.

He gently takes your hand in His and smiles reassuringly.

You have never been surer of anything in your life than you are sure at this moment. -that you are LOVED with a holy intensity!  This love is stronger than anything you have ever know.

Slowly, you begin walking by the water together. You are listening to the waves. You are just enjoying each others company.

The sky before you glows softly like a movie screen filled with muted colors. You see a young girl running and playing

Pigtails flying as she twirls and dances and you are surprised as you recognize the girl!

It is you. You and Jesus are watching a scene from your childhood. As you see the pair of footprints, side by side in the sand:

you realize that even before you knew Him Jesus had called you His own & walked with you. You slowly lift your eyes to look at Jesus and He is standing there beside you. You are trying to hold back your tears, but your voice wavers as you ask Lord, WHY? Why would you leave me THEN?  In my heartache, in my brokenness, in my weakness You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But LOOK…in the most troublesome times

of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I need You most, You leave me. For a long moment, Jesus looks at the beach with the tandem footprints and the single sets that marked a lifetime of highs and lows.  Slowly, He turns His head to look at you again

His deep brown eyes shine like pools of living love and a smile plays around the corners of His mouth. Slowly, He raises His hand to your cheek. He whispers gently, Oh “My precious child, “I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, especially not during your trials and tastings.” When you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you!

(Slide 18)

Now, we are going to do something instead of dismissing! The Holy Spirit wants us to do another assignment. We are going to number off in groups. If you are a pastor or teacher, would you come to the front. These are going to be your group leaders. Your assignment is to tell your personal testimony of a time when Jesus had to carry you because you couldn’t walk by yourself? A word of your testimony. A time you overcame by the blood of the Lamb.

(Slide 19)

Then, I will call us back to order before we dismiss!

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