Engraved In God's Heart
Carter Conlon teaches that God's love for us is deeply personal and unchanging, as we are forever engraved on His hands and held securely in His heart.
Pastor Carter Conlin shares a heartwarming message of God's unfailing love and care, using the example of his aging, blind, deaf, and sick dog, Roo, to illustrate how deeply God loves and remembers His children. He reassures listeners that they are engraved on the palms of God's hands, safe and secure in His everlasting love, even in times of silence or difficulty. The sermon encourages finding peace in God's love, trusting in His protection for both this life and eternity, and embracing the profound depth of His love that surpasses understanding.
Full Transcript
This is Pastor Carter Conlin. It's great to be with you again today in the middle of the coronavirus scare that you and I are experiencing and just to share words of encouragement that are encouragement to my heart and I'm trusting they're going to be to yours as well. Now I'm sitting here with my dog, myself and Pastor Teresa.
His name is Roo and Roo is 14 and a half years old and he's blind, he's deaf and he has cancer. I guess it just doesn't get a whole lot worse than that but I want to tell you something. I love him as much today and so does Pastor Teresa than we ever have even since the day she brought him home when he was just a little puppy way, way back about 14 and a half years ago and it reminds me of a scripture today where the Lord says in Isaiah chapter 49, let me read it to you, verses 15 and 16.
He says, can a woman forget her nursing child and not have compassion on the son of her womb? So surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands. You know, sometimes you and I feel like Roo does.
Sometimes we think maybe that God doesn't love us as much because we haven't heard him in a long time or maybe we just don't see his hand in our everyday life anymore but I want to tell you something. You and I are engraved on the palms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. When he went to that cross, your name was on the tip of the nail that went through his hand and he loves you as he said to the Prophet Jeremiah.
I've loved you with an everlasting love. So Roo, I want you to know, you can't hear me but I want you to know I love you as much today as I ever have and you are safe in my arms and when it comes to the end of your journey on this earth, you will be held by us and we will love you just as much as we ever have. As a matter of fact, Roo, you are engraved on the palms of my hands.
You remember the time that you and I both went for the ball at the same time? Yes, and your teeth went right through a certain part of my hand. So you are engraved on the palm of my hands as well and you're engraved in my heart. So be at rest everybody out there.
God loves you. You are safe in his arms and no harm is going to come to you. You're safe, not just for time, but you're safe for eternity.
The love that he has for you is so deep, it's so profound, it's so powerful, you and I have no way of understanding it. But one day, one day, everything will be brought to fruition and we will know, the Bible says, as we are known. Until then, enjoy the little things in life.
Enjoy what God has given you and learn to see his hand everywhere all around you. I'll see you again tomorrow. Love you so much.
God bless you. Take care.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction amid current global fear
- Personal story of love for a suffering dog
- Connection to God's unwavering love
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II
- Scriptural foundation from Isaiah 49:15-16
- God’s promise to never forget His people
- The imagery of being engraved on God's hands
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III
- Relating personal love to God's love
- Encouragement for those feeling forgotten
- Assurance of eternal safety in God's arms
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IV
- Invitation to recognize God's hand in daily life
- Hope for future understanding and fulfillment
- Closing encouragement and blessing
Key Quotes
“You and I are engraved on the palms of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” — Carter Conlon
“The love that he has for you is so deep, it's so profound, it's so powerful, you and I have no way of understanding it.” — Carter Conlon
“God loves you. You are safe in his arms and no harm is going to come to you.” — Carter Conlon
Application Points
- Trust in God's unchanging love even when you feel forgotten or alone.
- Look for and appreciate God's presence in the small moments of daily life.
- Rest in the assurance that you are safe and held securely in God's hands for eternity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be engraved on God's hands?
It signifies that God remembers and cherishes each person intimately and permanently, reflecting His deep and personal love.
How can I feel assured of God's love during difficult times?
By trusting in Scripture like Isaiah 49:15-16 and Jeremiah 31:3, which affirm God's everlasting love and remembrance even when circumstances are hard.
Why does Carter share a story about his dog in this sermon?
He uses the story to illustrate unconditional love and care despite suffering, paralleling how God loves us unconditionally.
What practical advice does the sermon offer?
It encourages believers to look for God's presence in everyday life and to rest in the assurance of His eternal care.
Is this sermon meant to comfort or challenge listeners?
Primarily to comfort and encourage those feeling forgotten or afraid, reminding them of God's constant love.