Finding Daily Peace in God's Renewed Mercies
Summary
In the midst of life's trials and tribulations, we are reminded of the ever-present mercies of God, renewed each day. Regardless of our circumstances, God knows precisely what we need, and He is always ready to meet us where we are. Our journey with God is not about getting just a taste to get us through; it's about a continual, daily pursuit of His presence. Just as we wouldn't leave home without our phones, we should not go a moment without acknowledging, trusting, and leaning on God.
Our church's mission is to be the hands and feet of Jesus, as demonstrated through our recent outreach efforts with Hope for Kids and COPE. These initiatives remind us of the importance of sharing the love and message of Jesus with those in need, whether through gifts or acts of service.
In a world filled with chaos and conflict, we can find peace through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. This peace is not the absence of conflict but a profound sense of calm amidst the storm. Isaiah 9:6-7 reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and His peace is a gift given to us at salvation. This peace surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds.
The enemy often attacks our thoughts to rob us of this peace, but we are encouraged to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. By doing so, we align our minds with God's truth and experience His perfect peace. Jesus has overcome the world, and in Him, we find our peace and strength.
As we approach Christmas, let us remember that this peace is available to all who receive the gift of salvation. If you haven't yet made Jesus the Lord of your life, now is the time to accept His gift of peace and eternal life.
Key Takeaways:
- God's mercies are renewed every day, and He knows exactly what we need. Our relationship with Him should be a continual pursuit, not just a momentary experience. We must acknowledge, trust, and lean on Him daily. [54:33]
- True peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, in our lives. This peace surpasses all understanding and is a gift given to us at salvation. [01:05:11]
- The enemy attacks our thoughts to rob us of peace, but by focusing on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, we can guard our hearts and minds with God's peace. [01:18:32]
- Jesus has overcome the world, and in Him, we find our peace and strength. His peace is not like the world's peace, which depends on circumstances, but a deep assurance that we are secure in Him. [01:25:18]
- The peace of God is available to all who receive the gift of salvation. If you haven't yet accepted Jesus as your Savior, now is the time to receive His peace and eternal life. [01:34:14]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:54] - God's Renewed Mercies
[01:02:14] - Outreach and Service
[01:03:39] - Living in Tumultuous Times
[01:05:11] - The Prince of Peace
[01:06:33] - Gideon's Encounter with Peace
[01:07:41] - Jesus' Gift of Peace
[01:08:42] - Peace vs. World's Peace
[01:10:22] - Jesus' Peace in the Storm
[01:11:44] - Guarding Our Hearts and Minds
[01:12:32] - Trials and God's Presence
[01:13:52] - The Barber's Chair Analogy
[01:17:39] - The Battle for Our Minds
[01:18:32] - Peace Beyond Understanding
[01:23:10] - Perfect Peace in God
[01:25:18] - Jesus Overcomes the World
[01:34:14] - Invitation to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Lamentations 3:22-23
2. Isaiah 9:6-7
3. John 14:27
---
Observation Questions:
1. According to the sermon, how does the pastor describe our daily need for God compared to our reliance on our phones? [54:33]
2. What are some of the outreach efforts mentioned in the sermon that demonstrate the church's mission to be the hands and feet of Jesus? [01:02:14]
3. How does the pastor define true peace in the context of the sermon, and how does it differ from the world's definition of peace? [01:08:42]
4. What does the pastor say about the enemy's strategy to attack our thoughts and rob us of peace? [01:17:39]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the pastor suggest that God's mercies are renewed every day, and how does this impact our daily walk with Him? [54:33]
2. How does the pastor use the analogy of a phone to illustrate our need for a continual connection with God? What does this suggest about our spiritual priorities? [54:33]
3. The sermon mentions that Jesus' peace is a gift given at salvation. How does this peace surpass all understanding, according to the pastor? [01:08:42]
4. How does focusing on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy help us guard our hearts and minds with God's peace, as discussed in the sermon? [01:18:32]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you ensure that you are acknowledging, trusting, and leaning on God throughout your day, similar to how you rely on your phone? [54:33]
2. The sermon highlights the church's outreach efforts. How can you personally contribute to being the hands and feet of Jesus in your community? [01:02:14]
3. Think about a current situation in your life that feels chaotic. How can you apply the concept of Jesus' peace, which surpasses all understanding, to find calm amidst the storm? [01:08:42]
4. Identify a thought pattern or mindset that the enemy might be using to rob you of peace. What steps can you take to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy instead? [01:17:39]
5. As Christmas approaches, how can you share the gift of Jesus' peace with someone who has not yet accepted Him as their Savior? [01:34:14]
6. Consider a time when you felt disconnected from God. What practical steps can you take to maintain a continual pursuit of His presence in your life? [54:33]
7. Reflect on a past experience where you felt God's peace despite difficult circumstances. How can this memory encourage you in your current challenges? [01:11:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Daily Renewal of God's Mercies
In the midst of life's trials and tribulations, we are reminded of the ever-present mercies of God, renewed each day. Regardless of our circumstances, God knows precisely what we need, and He is always ready to meet us where we are. Our journey with God is not about getting just a taste to get us through; it's about a continual, daily pursuit of His presence. Just as we wouldn't leave home without our phones, we should not go a moment without acknowledging, trusting, and leaning on God. This daily renewal is a reminder that our relationship with God should be a continual pursuit, not just a momentary experience. We must acknowledge, trust, and lean on Him daily. [54:33]
"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally acknowledge God's presence in your life today, just as you would check your phone regularly?
Day 2: The Gift of True Peace
True peace is not the absence of conflict but the presence of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, in our lives. This peace surpasses all understanding and is a gift given to us at salvation. In a world filled with chaos and conflict, we can find peace through Jesus. This peace is not the absence of conflict but a profound sense of calm amidst the storm. Isaiah 9:6-7 reminds us that Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and His peace is a gift given to us at salvation. This peace surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds. [01:05:11]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27 ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite Jesus' peace today, and how can you actively seek His presence in that situation?
Day 3: Guarding Our Minds with God's Truth
The enemy often attacks our thoughts to rob us of this peace, but we are encouraged to focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. By doing so, we align our minds with God's truth and experience His perfect peace. The battle for our minds is real, and the enemy seeks to sow seeds of doubt and fear. However, by focusing on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy, we can guard our hearts and minds with God's peace. This intentional focus helps us align our thoughts with God's truth, allowing His peace to reign in our lives. [01:18:32]
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." (Philippians 4:8 ESV)
Reflection: Identify one negative thought pattern you struggle with. How can you replace it with a truth from God's Word today?
Day 4: Overcoming the World with Jesus' Peace
Jesus has overcome the world, and in Him, we find our peace and strength. His peace is not like the world's peace, which depends on circumstances, but a deep assurance that we are secure in Him. In a world that often feels overwhelming, Jesus offers a peace that is not dependent on external circumstances. His peace is a deep assurance that we are secure in Him, regardless of what is happening around us. This peace is a reminder that Jesus has overcome the world, and in Him, we find our strength and refuge. [01:25:18]
"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel overwhelmed? How can you lean on Jesus' overcoming peace in that situation today?
Day 5: Embracing the Gift of Salvation and Peace
The peace of God is available to all who receive the gift of salvation. If you haven't yet accepted Jesus as your Savior, now is the time to receive His peace and eternal life. As we approach Christmas, let us remember that this peace is available to all who receive the gift of salvation. If you haven't yet made Jesus the Lord of your life, now is the time to accept His gift of peace and eternal life. This invitation is a reminder that God's peace is a gift, freely given to those who choose to receive it. [01:34:14]
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age." (Titus 2:11-12 ESV)
Reflection: Have you accepted the gift of salvation and peace that Jesus offers? If not, what is holding you back from making that decision today?
Quotes
"In spite of the circumstances, the trials, the tribulations, the things that we may see, we can declare that And God, I thank you as the prophet writes in Lamentations that every day your mercies are made new. Every day. Perhaps we haven't thanked you yet for the mercies and He's here. He's got what you need this morning. I don't know what it is that you need. God does. And right there where you are within this sanctuary. Right there where you are watching online right now. God knows precisely what you need." [00:38:37]
"Peace. You know, many times we think of peace as the, the absence of conflict, the amps, the absence of war, right? There's 283 years of peace. And by the way, chances are that in those recorded 283 years, there was conflict somewhere because there's a conflict that is continuing to be waged. And there's things that are happening continually in and around us. And day by day, things seem to be getting crazier and even more tumultuous war after war, after war issue, after issue, after issue. But as believers, we can walk in peace." [01:04:27] (39 seconds)
"Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Church, if you're taking notes, write this down. Jesus has given us his peace. He's given us his peace. It is a gift. Peace is a gift. And what is it that peace does? Peace ushers away, as the verse says there, the verse says that let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. Jesus, his peace ushers away trouble, a troubled heart, and it usher ways. Fear. I wrote this thought down. Jesus's peace and the world's peace are not the same." [01:08:42] (53 seconds)
"Jesus's peace and the world's peace are not the same. See, because what is this peace, this gift that you and I receive at the point of salvation? See, when you and I encounter Jesus, when we recognize him as the son of God, and we ask him to be our savior, we are receiving salvation. We receive the gift of his peace. And this is what it is. No matter what's going on, on around us, I know where I'm going and I can be at peace. See, it's the peace that Jesus had that he was able to sleep in a boat in the middle of a storm." [01:10:22] (37 seconds)
"The peace of God is that we can be okay when everything around us is being tossed to and from. If you go to chapter 14, verse number one, actually Jesus says this, same chapter. verse number one. Jesus says, let not your heart be troubled. You believe in God, believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. Jesus gives us his peace and he says, don't let your heart be troubled. Don't be fearful. Don't be afraid of everything happening around you. Should something happen, you're going to be with me forever. That brings security. That brings peace." [01:11:44] (42 seconds)
"Why are so many of us believers living lives defeated and worried and full of all kinds of questions and all kinds of doubts and all kinds of circumstance and all kinds of situations? Well, it's very simple. The enemy attacks our thoughts to rob our peace. He attacks our thoughts to rob our peace. Church, there is a mind battle going on, a battlefield in our mind, what we think about, what we focus on." [01:17:39] (29 seconds)
"Philippians chapter four, if you turn with me there to Philippians chapter number four. Philippians chapter number four. Get to there in a second. Verse four says, rejoice in the Lord always. Again, I say rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Verse six says, be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which makes no sense. So the verse says, which surpasses all understanding. The new David translation, it makes no sense. Everything is moving around me and it looks like it's going to end, but I'm at peace. It makes no sense. It looks like chaotic." [01:18:32] (57 seconds)
"Church, there is a battle, a war that is being waged for our mind because what we think about, that's what we're going to do. What we think about, what we believe, that's where we're going to go. If you think you can't, you're right. You won't. If you think it's all going to end, you're right. It's going to happen. Why? Because what you think. That's why the next verse he writes, it says this, finally, brethren, verse number eight, Philippians chapter four, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of a good report. If there's any virtue, if there's anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things. Think about these things." [01:20:00] (51 seconds)
"Look at what Isaiah chapter 26, verse 3 says. He will keep in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you. I think one of the things I like the most about this verse is that it doesn't even seem grammatically. correct. His mind has stayed on you. It's got like present and past. All kinds of things happen in the same place. In my present, in my past, in my future, I'm going to keep God at the focus. I'm going to keep my mind on you. I'm going to think about what's pure and noble and true and praiseworthy, virtuous. I'm going to meditate on these things. I'm going to think about these things." [01:23:10] (48 seconds)
"These things I've spoken to you that in me, you may have peace. In who? In Jesus. Who's Jesus? The Prince of peace. Who's his father? The Lord of peace. What does the Holy Spirit do? Reminds you of the Lord of peace. He's the Lord of peace. He's the Lord of peace. Remind you all things. See, that moment where anxiety starts to hit, that moment where worry starts to hit, that moment where everything starts to be reminded, the Holy Spirit gives you a kick and says, no, no, no, no, that doesn't apply to you. You've got the peace." [01:25:18] (32 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Dec 23, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?