God's Presence and Purpose in Our Lives

Devotional

Day 1: God's Intimate Knowledge and Presence

Theme: God's intimate knowledge and constant presence in our lives.

Description: Psalm 139 beautifully illustrates the depth of God's knowledge and presence in our lives. He knows our thoughts, actions, and even our words before we speak them. This divine omniscience assures us that we are never alone, no matter where we are or what we are going through. Whether we are soaring to the heavens or descending into the depths, God's hand is always there to guide and support us. This understanding provides immense comfort and assurance, reminding us that God's guidance and strength are always available to us. [25:47]

Bible Passage: "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!" (Psalm 139:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a time when you felt alone or overwhelmed. How can the knowledge of God's constant presence and intimate understanding of your life bring you comfort and assurance today?

###

Day 2: Trusting God as the Author of Our Lives

Theme: Trusting God as the author and finisher of our faith.

Description: Our lives are intricately written in God's book, and His thoughts about us are precious and innumerable. This calls us to trust Him as the author and finisher of our faith, allowing Him to guide our steps and shape our destiny. With faith in Jesus Christ, all things are possible, and we are called to live a life of abundant faith. This means not being swayed by what we see or hear but being moved by the Spirit of God. Trusting God with our life's story requires surrender and faith, knowing that He has a perfect plan for us. [28:01]

Bible Passage: "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them." (Psalm 139:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

###

Day 3: Raising Children in the Lord

Theme: The importance of raising children with biblical values and principles.

Description: The dedication of Sadie Kate highlighted the importance of raising children in the ways of the Lord. Parents, godparents, and the church community have a responsibility to nurture and guide children in their spiritual journey. This involves teaching them about God's love, wisdom, and the importance of faith. By instilling biblical values and principles, we help children understand their identity in Christ and their purpose in life. This dedication is a commitment to lead by example and to create an environment where children can grow in their relationship with God. [29:13]

Bible Passage: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in nurturing the spiritual growth of the children in your life, whether they are your own or part of your church community?

###

Day 4: The Power of Family Traditions

Theme: The significance of family traditions in instilling biblical values.

Description: Gathering around the dinner table is a powerful tradition for instilling biblical values in children. These moments teach gratitude, respect, and the importance of prayer and fellowship. They provide opportunities to discuss God's goodness and faithfulness, reinforcing the principles of love and service. Family traditions create a sense of belonging and continuity, helping children understand the importance of community and shared values. By prioritizing these moments, we can create lasting memories and a strong foundation of faith for our children. [01:03:42]

Bible Passage: "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What family traditions can you establish or strengthen to help instill biblical values and principles in your home?

###

Day 5: The Symbolism of the Swan

Theme: The swan as a symbol of purity, love, and lifelong commitment.

Description: The swan symbolizes purity, love, and lifelong commitment, reflecting the unconditional love of God for us. Just as swans mate for life, we are called to demonstrate unwavering love and commitment in our relationships, especially in our families. This love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs, mirroring the love of Christ. By embodying these qualities, we can create strong, loving relationships that honor God and reflect His love to others. The swan serves as a reminder of the beauty and strength of a love that is rooted in faith and commitment. [01:14:04]

Bible Passage: "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth." (1 Corinthians 13:4-6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you demonstrate unwavering love and commitment in your relationships today, reflecting the love of Christ to those around you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the profound truths of Psalm 139, reflecting on God's intimate knowledge and constant presence in our lives. The psalmist beautifully articulates how God knows us completely—our thoughts, actions, and even our words before we speak them. This divine omniscience and omnipresence assure us that we are never alone, whether we are soaring to the heavens or descending into the depths. God's hand is always there to guide and support us.

We also explored the concept of God as the author of our lives. He has written every day of our existence in His book, and His thoughts about us are precious and innumerable. This understanding calls us to let God be the author and finisher of our faith, trusting Him with our life's story. We are reminded that with faith in Jesus Christ, all things are possible, and we are called to live a life of abundant faith, not swayed by what we see or hear but moved by the Spirit of God.

The sermon transitioned into a child dedication ceremony, emphasizing the importance of raising children in the ways of the Lord. We discussed the significance of names in the Bible and how they reflect God's purpose and destiny for each individual. The dedication of Sadie Kate was a poignant moment, highlighting the responsibilities of parents, godparents, and the church community in nurturing and guiding her spiritual journey.

We also touched on the importance of family traditions, such as gathering around the dinner table, to instill biblical values and principles in our children. These moments are crucial for teaching gratitude, respect, and the importance of prayer and fellowship. The analogy of the swan was used to symbolize purity, love, and lifelong commitment, mirroring the unconditional love of God for us.

###

Key Takeaways

1. God's Omniscience and Omnipresence: Psalm 139 reminds us that God knows us intimately and is always present with us. This divine knowledge and presence provide comfort and assurance that we are never alone, no matter where we are or what we are going through. God's guidance and strength are always available to us. [25:47]
2. God as the Author of Our Lives: Our lives are written in God's book, and His thoughts about us are precious and innumerable. This calls us to trust Him as the author and finisher of our faith, allowing Him to guide our steps and shape our destiny. With faith in Jesus Christ, all things are possible, and we are called to live a life of abundant faith. [28:01]
3. Raising Children in the Lord: The dedication of Sadie Kate highlighted the importance of raising children with biblical values and principles. Parents, godparents, and the church community have a responsibility to nurture and guide children in their spiritual journey, teaching them about God's love, wisdom, and the importance of faith. [29:13]
4. Family Traditions and Biblical Values: Gathering around the dinner table is a powerful tradition for instilling biblical values in children. These moments teach gratitude, respect, and the importance of prayer and fellowship. They are opportunities to discuss God's goodness and faithfulness, reinforcing the principles of love and service. [63:42]
5. Symbolism of the Swan: The swan symbolizes purity, love, and lifelong commitment, reflecting the unconditional love of God for us. Just as swans mate for life, we are called to demonstrate unwavering love and commitment in our relationships, especially in our families. This love is patient, kind, and keeps no record of wrongs, mirroring the love of Christ. [01:14:04]
### [74:04]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:11] - God's Intimate Knowledge
[25:47] - God's Omnipresence
[26:30] - Wonderfully Made
[27:19] - God as the Author
[28:01] - Precious Thoughts of God
[28:38] - Correcting Misunderstandings
[29:13] - Path of Everlasting Life
[29:48] - Life of Faith
[30:16] - Rejoice in the Lord
[30:47] - Walmart Story
[31:20] - Child Dedication
[32:20] - God is Everywhere
[33:36] - God's Love
[34:03] - Psalm 139 Recap
[34:47] - Transition to Child Dedication
[35:08] - Surrounded by Love
[37:01] - Honk if You Love Jesus
[38:15] - Journey of Praise
[39:06] - Pringles Analogy
[42:03] - Parenting Insights
[43:48] - God Hears Us
[46:29] - Significance of Names
[51:08] - Historical Events on February 8th
[55:12] - Unchanging Parental Love
[57:03] - Drive in Your Relationship
[58:52] - Discipling Your Children
[60:33] - Importance of Family Conversations
[63:42] - Lessons from the Dinner Table
[68:29] - Instructing and Equipping Children
[74:04] - Symbolism of the Swan
[80:34] - Parental Vows
[82:39] - Prayer for Sadie
[83:24] - Conclusion of Dedication
[84:38] - Closing Prayer
[86:37] - Offering and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 139:1-18 (NIV) — - "You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you."

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 139, what aspects of our lives does God know intimately? ([25:11])
How does the psalmist describe God's presence in Psalm 139? ([25:47])
What does the psalmist say about God's role in the creation of our being in Psalm 139? ([26:30])
How does the sermon describe the significance of names in the Bible, particularly in the context of child dedication? ([46:29])

Interpretation Questions

What comfort can we draw from knowing that God is omniscient and omnipresent as described in Psalm 139? ([25:47])
How does understanding God as the author of our lives influence our trust in Him, especially during difficult times? ([27:19])
In what ways can family traditions, such as gathering around the dinner table, help instill biblical values in children? ([01:03:42])
How does the symbolism of the swan reflect the nature of God's love for us and our relationships with others? ([01:14:04])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God's presence in a difficult situation. How did it change your perspective or actions? ([25:47])
How can you actively let God be the author of your life story? Are there areas where you struggle to trust Him? ([27:19])
What are some practical ways you can incorporate biblical values into your family traditions? ([01:03:42])
How can you support parents in your church community in raising their children with biblical principles? ([29:13])
Think of a relationship in your life where you can demonstrate the unwavering love and commitment symbolized by the swan. What steps can you take to show this love? ([01:14:04])
How can you create moments in your daily routine to teach and discuss God's goodness and faithfulness with your children or younger family members? ([01:03:42])
Reflect on the significance of your own name or the names of your children. How can understanding this significance deepen your spiritual journey or your role as a parent? ([46:29])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Because without faith it's impossible to please God. But with faith in Jesus Christ, all things are possible. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." [28:01] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The scripture also says Jesus said I've come so you may have a life, a life more abundantly. Message translation says I've come so you can have a life better than ever. And I don't know about you but an everlasting life is better than ever. That's a life and life more abundantly through Jesus Christ." [29:13] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "When parents think church is not a necessity, or when parents think church is optional, their children don't even think church is a necessity. The Bible says failure is not an option. When you're done all to do, you have to stand. That's why you stand in the full armor of God." [01:17:38] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Do you make that commitment to show Sadie what dwelling in the house of the Lord looks like?" [01:18:27] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Remember, the creature of the Swan of Grace is how it's elegant and it floats and it's that princess, how it's pure, how the swan represents the beauty and the strength. And we pray and we believe that Sadie's life will reflect God's love and grace." [01:24:38] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "God is not the author of confusion, but He is the author of peace. So who is writing your story? Your story has been written. It has been written. And then I know my name's been written in the Lamb's Book of Life. And so therefore let God write your story. Let Him be the author and the finisher of your faith." [27:19] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "When I read in the Scriptures and I'm referring to the things that the Lord laid on my heart to share, this is not just for the family here. This is for the family of God because you are a child of God and God loves you and He's no respecter of a person and He's taking care of you." [37:01] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The word of God provides guidance and wisdom for us raising our children. At the same time, God used that same guidance and wisdom how He raises us. We're going to reflect on the verses that embody the values and the teachings we desire for Sadie." [55:12] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You have to drive in that destiny. We have to drive in our relationship. You're going to have to cultivate that relationship of a father to a daughter, a mother to a daughter, an aunt and an uncle to a niece, the grandparents to the grandchild, the godparents to the godchild." [57:03] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You have to show them what consistency looks like. And so the dinner table is very, very important to help disciple, to help raise your children. And that's as a parent, Landon, Marina, you have to raise them. It's not just they'll figure it out. No, you still have to raise them, instill the biblical values and the principles." [01:06:45] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?