Celebrating God's Goodness, Love, and Community Support
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the profound joy and gratitude that fills our hearts as we reflect on God's unwavering goodness, steadfast love, and enduring faithfulness. We began by immersing ourselves in the words of Psalm 100, a powerful reminder to make a joyful noise to the Lord and to serve Him with gladness. This Psalm calls us to enter His presence with thanksgiving, acknowledging that we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. It is a call to bless His name, not for our own sake, but because the Lord is inherently good, His love is immovable, and His faithfulness spans all generations.
We took time to reflect on how we have experienced God's goodness, love, and faithfulness in our lives, especially during challenging times. These reflections are not just for today but are questions to ponder throughout the week. How has God shown His goodness in your life? How has His steadfast love been evident, even in the midst of trials? These reflections are meant to deepen our understanding and appreciation of God's presence in our lives.
The service also included the beautiful testimonies of Cody Keyes, Shelly Reeve, and Vonna Harris, who shared their journeys of faith and were baptized. Their stories are powerful reminders of how God pursues us, redeems us, and transforms our lives. Each testimony highlighted the peace, hope, and joy found in Jesus Christ, and how His love changes not only individuals but also families and communities.
As we concluded, we were reminded of the importance of community and service. The testimonies we heard are the fruits of the collective efforts of those who serve and give within our church. It's a reminder that our contributions, whether through service or giving, play a vital role in God's work.
As we go into the week, let us continue to praise God for His goodness, faithfulness, and steadfast love. Let us also be mindful of those burdens we carry and seek support from our community, knowing that we are not alone.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Unchanging Love: God's love is steadfast and immovable. It is not dependent on our actions or circumstances. This love is a constant source of comfort and strength, reminding us that nothing can separate us from His love. Reflect on how this truth has been evident in your life, especially during difficult times. [10:35]
- Reflecting on God's Goodness: We are encouraged to reflect on how we have experienced God's goodness throughout our lives. This reflection helps us to see His hand in both the joyful and challenging moments, reinforcing our trust in His plans and purposes. [11:51]
- The Power of Testimony: The testimonies of Cody, Shelly, and Vonna illustrate the transformative power of God's love and grace. Their stories remind us that God is actively pursuing us, and through faith in Jesus, we can experience profound peace and hope. [26:37]
- Community and Service: The testimonies shared are a testament to the impact of community and service. Our collective efforts in serving and giving are instrumental in God's work, and they bear fruit in the lives of those around us. [59:33]
- Carrying Burdens Together: We are reminded not to carry our burdens alone. The church community is here to support and pray for one another, offering a space where we can share our struggles and find encouragement and strength. [01:21:47]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [09:21] - Reading Psalm 100
- [10:35] - God's Steadfast Love
- [11:51] - Reflecting on God's Goodness
- [26:37] - Cody's Testimony and Baptism
- [32:02] - Shelly's Testimony and Baptism
- [39:15] - Vonna's Testimony and Baptism
- [59:33] - Sharing God's Goodness
- [01:21:47] - Closing and Community Support
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 100
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key actions that Psalm 100 encourages us to take in our relationship with God?
2. How does the sermon describe God's steadfast love and faithfulness? [10:35]
3. What were the main themes shared in the testimonies of Cody, Shelly, and Vonna? [26:37]
4. How does the sermon highlight the role of community and service in the church? [59:33]
Interpretation Questions:
1. Why is it important to make a joyful noise and serve the Lord with gladness, as mentioned in Psalm 100?
2. How can understanding God's unchanging love impact a person's faith during challenging times? [11:51]
3. In what ways do the testimonies of Cody, Shelly, and Vonna illustrate the transformative power of God's love? [39:15]
4. How does the sermon suggest that community and service contribute to the spiritual growth of individuals and the church as a whole? [59:33]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's goodness in a difficult situation. How did it change your perspective or actions? [11:51]
2. How can you actively remind yourself of God's steadfast love and faithfulness in your daily life?
3. What steps can you take to share your own testimony of faith with others, as Cody, Shelly, and Vonna did? [39:15]
4. In what ways can you contribute to your church community through service or giving, and how might this impact others? [59:33]
5. Identify a burden you are currently carrying. How can you seek support from your church community to help lighten this load? [01:21:47]
6. How can you incorporate more gratitude and thanksgiving into your daily routine, as encouraged by Psalm 100?
7. Think of a specific person or group in your church community who might need encouragement. What is one action you can take this week to support them?
Devotional
Day 1: The Unyielding Comfort of God's Love
God's love is a steadfast and immovable force that provides comfort and strength, regardless of our actions or circumstances. This love is a constant presence in our lives, offering reassurance that nothing can separate us from it. Reflecting on this truth, especially during difficult times, can bring peace and hope. God's love is not something we earn; it is a gift that is always available to us. As we navigate life's challenges, we are invited to rest in the knowledge that His love is unwavering and ever-present. [10:35]
Psalm 136:26 (ESV): "Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you experience God's love during that time, and how can you rest in His love today?
Day 2: Recognizing God's Hand in Our Lives
Reflecting on God's goodness throughout our lives helps us to see His hand in both joyful and challenging moments. This reflection reinforces our trust in His plans and purposes, reminding us that He is always at work for our good. By taking time to consider how God has shown His goodness, we can deepen our understanding of His presence and activity in our lives. This practice encourages us to remain hopeful and faithful, knowing that God is with us in every circumstance. [11:51]
Psalm 145:9 (ESV): "The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made."
Reflection: Identify a moment in your life where you clearly saw God's goodness. How can you cultivate a habit of recognizing His goodness in your daily life?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Testimony
The testimonies of Cody, Shelly, and Vonna illustrate the transformative power of God's love and grace. Their stories remind us that God is actively pursuing us, and through faith in Jesus, we can experience profound peace and hope. These testimonies serve as powerful examples of how God's love changes not only individuals but also families and communities. By sharing our own stories of faith, we can encourage others and bear witness to the life-changing power of God's love. [26:37]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: Consider your own journey of faith. How has God's love transformed your life, and how can you share your story with someone who needs encouragement?
Day 4: The Impact of Community and Service
The testimonies shared are a testament to the impact of community and service. Our collective efforts in serving and giving are instrumental in God's work, and they bear fruit in the lives of those around us. By participating in community and service, we become part of something greater than ourselves, contributing to the growth and flourishing of others. This involvement not only blesses those we serve but also enriches our own spiritual journey, drawing us closer to God and to one another. [59:33]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you served or were served by your community. How did this experience impact your faith, and how can you continue to engage in community service?
Day 5: Sharing Burdens and Finding Strength in Community
We are reminded not to carry our burdens alone. The church community is here to support and pray for one another, offering a space where we can share our struggles and find encouragement and strength. By leaning on our community, we can experience the love and support of others, which helps us to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience. This mutual support is a vital aspect of our faith journey, reminding us that we are not alone and that we are stronger together. [01:21:47]
Galatians 6:2 (ESV): "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection: Identify a burden you are currently carrying. How can you reach out to your community for support, and how can you offer support to someone else in need?
Quotes
"Why do we give thanks this morning, regardless of the situation and circumstances in our lives? It's because, for the Lord is good. God is good. His steadfast love endures forever. Think about His steadfast love." [00:10:00] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Steadfast is something that's immovable, something that we can count on. God's love is pure. God is love. Do you know that there's nothing that you can do that will make God love you more? And do you know that there's nothing that you can do that would make God love you less?" [00:10:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"How have I experienced God's goodness? How have I experienced God's steadfast love? How have I experienced God's faithfulness? Think about those questions over your whole life. How have you experienced God's goodness, His faithfulness, His love?" [00:11:02] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And here's what I'd really want to encourage you to think about. Think about the most difficult aspect of this past year. And as you think about the biggest challenge you faced, I want you to think about even in that situation, in that scenario, and maybe it's still going on, how has God still been good?" [00:12:04] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Lord, that you have redeemed her, that you've rescued her, that you've saved her from yourself and your judgment. I thank you, Lord, for the peace and the hope and the joy that you have given her through your son, Jesus." [00:32:10] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Thank you, Lord, that you've placed in her a desire to know you and your word, to be with her sisters in Christ. Thank you, Lord, that you're enabling her as a mom, that you've placed a deeper love in her for Eddie." [00:40:25] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"And I want to make sure you make a connection because many of you serve and many of you give. And if you're serving in the nursery, you're serving in the children's ministry, you serve on the worship team, you serve as a greeter, God is using you." [01:16:49] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"God is good All the time And He's faithful And His love is steadfast We can praise Him no matter what we go through Because of who He is So look for and reflect on How have you seen God's goodness, faithfulness, and love Over this past year Especially in the hard times" [01:21:47] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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