God With Us: Embracing His Presence and Strength
Summary
In the sermon "A Present Help // God With Us Pt. 1," Pastor Matt Maldonado delivers a message of hope and encouragement, focusing on the theme that God is not only for us but with us. He begins by reminding the congregation that God is our refuge and strength, especially during times when life doesn't go as planned, such as in the midst of relationship issues, addictions, or sin. Pastor Maldonado reassures us that God is not angry because of our sins; instead, He is the very place we need to go for solace, having sent His Son to pay for our sins.
Pastor Maldonado welcomes the congregation and online viewers, expressing gratitude for their presence during the Christmas season. He highlights the church's community service efforts and the upcoming 21 days of prayer and fasting in January, emphasizing the importance of serving others and the power of prayer.
The pastor shares a personal story about his special daddy-daughter days, using it to illustrate the comfort and security we can find in God's presence. He discusses the psalmist's declaration of God as a refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble, and challenges listeners to consider where they turn when feeling attacked.
Pastor Maldonado emphasizes the importance of having the right perspective of who God is, stating that understanding God's helpfulness and presence changes us and allows us to face challenges without fear. He also speaks about the active involvement of God in our lives, encouraging the audience to believe in the profound truth that God is with us in every situation.
The sermon touches on the difference between relying on one's own strength versus God's strength, with Pastor Maldonado sharing personal anecdotes to illustrate the importance of accepting God's help. He discusses God's timing and the story of Jesus calming the storm, reminding us to trust in God rather than our own understanding.
The theme of "God With Us" is introduced through the story of Mary and Joseph, with the pastor explaining the significance of the name Emmanuel and the fulfillment of prophecy. He expresses gratitude for his parents' support and emphasizes that being aware of God's presence reduces loneliness and encourages faith in a God who desires greatness for us.
Lastly, Pastor Maldonado highlights that Christmas is about recognizing God's desire to be with His creation, and he shares a personal anecdote about his daughter's behavior at a museum to illustrate the importance of staying close to God.
Key Takeaways:
- God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of trouble. This truth should empower us to face life's challenges without fear, knowing that God is not a distant observer but an active participant in our lives. The more we are aware of His presence, the less fear we will have, no matter how tumultuous our circumstances may seem. [33:55]
- The Christmas season is a reminder that God's presence is a gift to us. Just as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we should also celebrate the fact that God is with us in every aspect of our lives. This understanding should transform our approach to daily routines and struggles, allowing us to live boldly and confidently. [12:44]
- Trusting in God's timing is crucial. We often feel impatient or think that God is withholding from us, but like a parent who knows when a child is ready for a responsibility, God knows the perfect timing for every aspect of our lives. We should lean on His understanding and trust His process. [28:49]
- The concept of Emmanuel, "God with us," is central to the Christian faith. It is not just a comforting thought but a reality that should shape how we live. When we truly grasp that God is with us, it changes how we face our daily challenges and how we interact with the world around us. [04:50]
- Awareness of God's presence is the antidote to loneliness and fear. During the Christmas season and beyond, we should cultivate a sense of God's nearness, which can bring peace and confidence even when we feel alone or overwhelmed by life's pressures. [30:32]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
> "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
2. Psalm 46:1-3 (NIV)
> "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
3. Matthew 1:23 (NIV)
> "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us").
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the name "Immanuel" mean, and why is it significant in the context of Isaiah 7:14 and Matthew 1:23?
2. According to Psalm 46:1, what roles does God play in our lives during times of trouble?
3. In the sermon, Pastor Maldonado shared a personal story about his daughter at the museum. How did this story illustrate the concept of God being a "present help"? ([10:51])
4. What does Pastor Maldonado emphasize about God's presence during the Christmas season? ([12:44])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding the meaning of "Immanuel" change our perspective on God's involvement in our daily lives?
2. Psalm 46:1 describes God as a "refuge and strength." How can this understanding impact the way we face personal challenges and fears?
3. Pastor Maldonado mentioned that God is not just for us but with us. How does this distinction affect our relationship with God and our reliance on Him? ([06:03])
4. Reflecting on the story of Jesus calming the storm, how does trusting in God's timing and presence help us navigate life's uncertainties? ([29:19])
#### Application Questions
1. Pastor Maldonado shared that his daughter felt more secure when she was close to him in a crowded environment. How can you cultivate a closer relationship with God to feel more secure in your daily life? ([10:51])
2. During times of trouble, where do you typically turn for refuge and strength? How can you make a conscious effort to turn to God first? ([18:17])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives. What practical steps can you take to become more aware of God's presence daily? ([21:39])
4. Pastor Maldonado spoke about the difference between relying on our own strength versus God's strength. Can you identify a current situation where you need to rely more on God's strength? How will you do that? ([24:21])
5. The Christmas season is a reminder of God's desire to be with us. How can this understanding transform your approach to holiday stress and busyness? ([12:44])
6. Reflect on a time when you felt alone or overwhelmed. How did or could an awareness of God's presence change your experience in that situation? ([30:32])
7. Pastor Maldonado mentioned that trusting in God's timing is crucial. Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing? How can you surrender this to Him? ([28:49])
Devotional
Day 1: Refuge in the Midst of Chaos
In times of trouble, God is a steadfast sanctuary, offering strength and solace. When life's storms rage, one can find shelter in the divine, a refuge that stands unshaken by the turmoil of the world. This assurance allows for a fearless approach to life's unpredictability, anchored in the knowledge of God's unwavering presence. [33:55]
Psalm 46:1-2 - "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."
Reflection: When you face difficulties, where do you seek refuge? How can you more actively turn to God as your source of strength in these moments?
Day 2: Celebrating Divine Companionship
The Christmas season is a vivid reminder that God's companionship is a precious gift. It's a time to rejoice not only in the birth of Christ but also in the reality that God walks with us through every facet of life. This profound truth has the power to reshape our daily experiences, infusing them with courage and purpose. [12:44]
Isaiah 7:14 - "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
Reflection: How does the knowledge of God's constant presence influence your daily life? What changes can you make to be more conscious of His companionship?
Day 3: Trusting the Divine Clock
God's timing is impeccable, though often mysterious. It's essential to trust that, like a parent who understands when a child is ready for a new responsibility, God knows the perfect moment for every event in our lives. Patience and faith in His timing can lead to a more harmonious life, aligned with His will. [28:49]
Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
Reflection: Can you recall a time when God's timing differed from your own? How did the outcome reflect God's wisdom and understanding?
Day 4: Embracing Emmanuel in Everyday Life
The concept of Emmanuel, "God with us," is a cornerstone of faith that should inform every aspect of our existence. Recognizing God's intimate involvement in our lives transforms our approach to challenges, relationships, and our role in the world. It's a reality that calls for a shift in perspective and behavior. [04:50]
Matthew 1:22-23 - "All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel' (which means 'God with us')."
Reflection: What are some ways you can remind yourself of God's presence throughout your day? How might this awareness change your reactions to life's challenges?
Day 5: Antidote to Loneliness and Fear
Awareness of God's nearness is a powerful remedy for loneliness and fear. Cultivating a sense of divine presence brings peace and confidence, even in solitude or under the weight of life's pressures. This Christmas and beyond, let the closeness of God be a source of comfort and strength. [30:32]
Zephaniah 3:17 - "The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper sense of God's presence to combat feelings of loneliness or fear? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of His nearness?
Quotes
"God's not just for us, he's with us. A present help means he's presently helping. That's going to be the title of where we're going today." [06:42] (Download)
"The more I'll rely on his strength, the less I'll start to rely on my own." [28:49] (Download)
"We spend too much time in our lives trying to hide from the very thing that wants to bring us safety because the enemy will warp our thought and perspective of God's character." [19:35] (Download)
"The more aware I am of God's presence, the less lonely I become. Christmas is the reminder that God is with us." [31:19] (Download)
"I've got a God that's exceedingly helpful; He's not just the god of good enough or just enough, He's the god of exceedingly enough, exceedingly abundant, exceedingly helpful, exceedingly hopeful, exceedingly beyond what I think." [32:03] (Download)
"God is our refuge and strength, not just a help, a very present help. That means when we are in trouble, we have access to a God who is not only with us but we can talk to him, we can lean on him, we can have conversations with him and he actually shows up." [16:16] (Download)
"Refuge is a place of hiding and safety when you feel attacked. I just want to ask this question: where do you run when you feel attacked? Where do you go when somebody makes that comment, when somebody's after your..." [18:17] (Download)
"God is not watching from a distance... He's interacting up close. When you know and believe that you have a Father that holds you, you become more daring, more willing to take leaps of faith." [14:16] (Download)
"God is with us, He's not just for us. He's not on the sidelines cheering for you; He's like 'No, no, I'm going to be with you,' in every aspect of your life, affirming His constant presence and support." [23:42] (Download)
"God shows up right on time. In Isaiah 7, the promise to the nation of Israel was fulfilled 700 years later, teaching us that His timing is perfect, even when it seems late to us." [04:50] (Download)
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