Instilling Faith and Finding Stillness in God
Summary
### Summary
Today, we reflected on the importance of instilling God's Word in the hearts of children, emphasizing that they are a heritage from the Lord. We shared a personal story from our mission work in India, highlighting the joy of seeing children grow into adults who continue to pass on their faith. This underscores the church's role in nurturing young hearts with the knowledge of God's love and purpose for them.
We then turned our focus to Psalm 46, which declares that God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. This Psalm teaches us that God’s character is most profoundly discovered in times of trouble and suffering. The Psalmist encourages us to be still and know that God is sovereign, unchanging, and ever-present, even amidst life's most challenging circumstances. We explored three key truths from this Psalm: God's immutability, His orchestration of life's events, and the necessity of cultivating a practice of stillness to hear His voice.
We discussed the concept of God's immutability, emphasizing that while our lives are ever-changing, God remains the same. This unchanging nature of God provides a stable foundation for our faith. We also noted that God orchestrates the events in our lives, including the challenges, to reveal His character and deepen our trust in Him.
The Psalmist's command to "be still and know that I am God" was highlighted as a crucial practice for believers. In our fast-paced lives, it is essential to pause, quiet our hearts, and listen to God. This stillness allows us to experience His presence and gain the strength to face life's difficulties.
Finally, we were reminded of the importance of repentance, familiarizing ourselves with God's nature, and scheduling regular time with Him. As we partook in the Lord's Supper, we reflected on Jesus' sacrifice, which enables us to have a personal relationship with God. This relationship is nurtured through intentional, quiet time spent in His presence.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Instilling God's Word in Children: Children are a heritage from the Lord, and there is no greater gift than instilling in them the knowledge of God's love and purpose. This foundation helps them grow into adults who continue to pass on their faith, ensuring the perpetuation of God's Word across generations. [31:27]
2. God's Immutability: While our lives are constantly changing, God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. This unchanging nature of God provides a stable foundation for our faith, allowing us to trust Him completely, regardless of our circumstances. [40:26]
3. Discovering God in Trouble: God's character is most profoundly discovered in times of trouble and suffering. The Psalmist teaches us that it is in these moments of difficulty that we can truly experience God's refuge, strength, and ever-present help. [37:13]
4. The Practice of Stillness: In our fast-paced lives, it is essential to pause, quiet our hearts, and listen to God. The command to "be still and know that I am God" is a call to cultivate a practice of stillness, allowing us to experience His presence and gain the strength to face life's difficulties. [59:08]
5. Repentance and Relationship with God: Repentance is the first step towards experiencing God's peace and presence. Familiarizing ourselves with God's nature and scheduling regular time with Him are crucial for nurturing our relationship with Him. This intentional time allows us to be still, listen, and discover God's love and guidance in our lives. [01:06:06]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[31:27] - Instilling God's Word in Children
[32:26] - Joy of Seeing Faith Passed On
[33:23] - Prayer for Youth Ministry
[34:48] - Reading of Psalm 46
[35:54] - God as Our Refuge and Strength
[37:13] - Discovering God in Trouble
[38:20] - The Sovereignty of God
[40:26] - God's Immutability
[45:20] - The Role of Faith
[48:05] - God Works All Things for Good
[49:29] - Trusting God in Difficulties
[55:20] - The Lord of Hosts is With Us
[59:08] - The Practice of Stillness
[01:06:06] - Repentance and Relationship with God
[01:08:41] - The Lord's Supper
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 46:1-11
- James 1:17
- Romans 8:28-29
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 46, what are some of the natural and human-made disasters mentioned that can cause fear? ([35:54])
2. What does the Psalmist declare about God’s presence and help in times of trouble? ([37:13])
3. How does the sermon describe the immutability of God, and what does this mean for our faith? ([40:26])
4. What is the significance of the command to "be still and know that I am God" in Psalm 46? ([59:08])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of God’s immutability provide a stable foundation for our faith, especially during changing circumstances? ([40:26])
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that God orchestrates the events in our lives to reveal His character? ([38:20])
3. Why is the practice of stillness emphasized as crucial for believers, and how does it help us experience God’s presence? ([59:08])
4. How does the sermon connect the practice of repentance with nurturing a relationship with God? ([01:06:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God’s help during a difficult situation. How did this experience shape your understanding of God’s character? ([37:13])
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of instilling God’s Word in children. How can you actively contribute to the spiritual growth of the children in your life or community? ([31:27])
3. In what ways can you cultivate a practice of stillness in your daily routine to better hear God’s voice? What specific steps will you take this week to implement this practice? ([59:08])
4. How can you remind yourself of God’s unchanging nature when faced with life’s uncertainties? Share a scripture or a personal practice that helps you stay grounded in this truth. ([40:26])
5. The sermon discusses the importance of repentance. Is there an area in your life where you need to seek God’s forgiveness and turn back to Him? How will you take action on this today? ([01:06:06])
6. Think about a recent challenge you faced. How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in the future by trusting in God’s orchestration of events? ([38:20])
7. The sermon encourages scheduling regular time with God. What time of day works best for you to spend intentional, quiet time with God, and how will you ensure this becomes a consistent practice? ([01:07:36])
Devotional
Day 1: Building a Foundation of Faith in Children
Children are a heritage from the Lord, and there is no greater gift than instilling in them the knowledge of God's love and purpose. This foundation helps them grow into adults who continue to pass on their faith, ensuring the perpetuation of God's Word across generations. The joy of seeing children grow into adults who continue to pass on their faith underscores the church's role in nurturing young hearts with the knowledge of God's love and purpose for them. This is not just a task for parents but for the entire church community. By investing in the spiritual growth of children, we are investing in the future of the church and the kingdom of God. [31:27]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a child in your life—whether your own, a relative, or a child in your church. How can you intentionally share God's love and purpose with them this week?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Unchanging Nature
While our lives are constantly changing, God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. This unchanging nature of God provides a stable foundation for our faith, allowing us to trust Him completely, regardless of our circumstances. In a world where everything seems to be in flux, God's immutability is a source of great comfort and assurance. Knowing that God does not change means that His promises are reliable, and His character is consistent. This truth encourages us to anchor our faith in Him, especially when we face uncertainties and challenges. [40:26]
James 1:17 (ESV): "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent change or challenge in your life. How does knowing that God is unchanging help you navigate this situation?
Day 3: Finding God in Times of Trouble
God's character is most profoundly discovered in times of trouble and suffering. The Psalmist teaches us that it is in these moments of difficulty that we can truly experience God's refuge, strength, and ever-present help. When we face trials, it is an opportunity to draw closer to God and to see His hand at work in our lives. These experiences can deepen our faith and trust in Him, as we witness His faithfulness and provision. By turning to God in our times of trouble, we can find the strength and peace that only He can provide. [37:13]
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God."
Reflection: Think of a recent difficulty you have faced. How did you see God's presence and help during that time? How can you share this experience to encourage someone else?
Day 4: The Power of Stillness
In our fast-paced lives, it is essential to pause, quiet our hearts, and listen to God. The command to "be still and know that I am God" is a call to cultivate a practice of stillness, allowing us to experience His presence and gain the strength to face life's difficulties. This practice of stillness is not just about physical rest but about spiritual attentiveness. It is in these moments of quiet that we can hear God's voice, receive His guidance, and be reminded of His sovereignty and love. By making time for stillness, we create space for God to work in our hearts and lives. [59:08]
Isaiah 30:15 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling."
Reflection: Set aside 10 minutes today to be still before God. What distractions do you need to set aside to truly focus on His presence?
Day 5: Repentance and Deepening Our Relationship with God
Repentance is the first step towards experiencing God's peace and presence. Familiarizing ourselves with God's nature and scheduling regular time with Him are crucial for nurturing our relationship with Him. This intentional time allows us to be still, listen, and discover God's love and guidance in our lives. As we reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, which enables us to have a personal relationship with God, we are reminded of the importance of repentance and the need to continually seek His presence. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we can experience the fullness of His love and guidance in our lives. [01:06:06]
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and seek God's guidance? How can you make time this week to deepen your relationship with Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "There's no greater thing that you can place in a child's heart than a knowledge that God loves them and that their purpose in this world is created by Him. We have a culture that's not teaching that in any way these days." [31:27] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we'll not fear, though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar, and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling." [34:48] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The first thing I want to bring attention to is in verse one, the Psalmist makes a bold declaration here. God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Now what makes this such a bold declaration? Is the Psalmist here is reminding us of who God is in the midst of tremendous trial and difficulty." [37:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith. Faith, Hebrews 11.1 tells us, is the substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen. It says in Hebrews that it's impossible without faith to please God. What does all this mean? It means that I need to understand two things about trusting God. First, without faith, I only see God. I only see things on the surface." [45:20] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If God is for us, who can be against us? Can we at least say no? Nothing? Nothing. How's that? Nothing. If God be for us, who can be against us? Alright. Boy, that was pretty lame. Wouldn't you say, Pastor Mike, that was pretty lame? Yeah, nothing, nothing. No wonder we're such a depressed group of people. If God is for us, who can be against us?" [56:55] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The first is this, while our lives and circumstances are constantly changing, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This is a doctrine in scripture theology. It's called the immutability of God. In other words, he doesn't change. We change, he doesn't." [40:26] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is trying to invite us that in the midst of our trouble to discover who he is, that he is able to provide. Only by faith we can see that. Otherwise, the problem becomes the center of our affection. When we walk by faith, it changes everything. Faith looks at the world and understands behind the ever-changing conditions of life, there's an unseen world beyond." [47:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Some people dismiss the Bible because of the tremendous amount of suffering in the world. But that's not what the Bible teaches. The Bible is a very real book. The Bible shows us a world the way it really is. When has there not been a time when war didn't exist? When has there been a time since the fall that there weren't natural disasters?" [52:56] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "One of the things that God wants us to do is to learn to rest in him, to trust him. He is able to bring us through whatever trouble we may be going through. He is an ever-present help in trouble. You know, our hearts long for that which can be depended on. At the deepest part of who we are, we want stability. We look for it. We desire it." [43:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If we spend time to be still and know God, to know that he's our refuge, and strength, our ever present help in trouble. If we learn the discipline of quieting ourselves in his presence, then we'll find the resources to face every difficulty. Whether it be a white whale in the sea or the many trials and tribulations we all face." [01:04:24] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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