Remembering God's Faithfulness in Every Season
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound themes of remembering and reflecting on God's goodness and faithfulness in our lives. Despite the challenges and struggles we face, it's crucial to pause and reflect on how God has consistently shown up for us. This reflection isn't just a mental exercise but a heartfelt practice that anchors us in gratitude and perseverance. We are reminded that God’s faithfulness is not contingent on our circumstances or the fulfillment of our desires. Even when prayers seem unanswered, His character remains steadfast, and His love for us is unwavering.
Reflecting on God's goodness helps us to remain steadfast in a world full of distractions and temptations. It is easy to praise God when life is smooth, but the real test of faith comes during life's storms. Like Asaph in Psalm 77, we must remember and declare God's works even in our darkest moments. This practice of reflection and remembrance strengthens our faith and keeps us grounded in His truth.
We also discussed the importance of creating memorials of God's work in our lives. These can be physical reminders or stories that testify to His faithfulness. Such memorials not only strengthen our faith but also serve as testimonies to others, sparking curiosity and conversations about God's goodness.
Furthermore, we were reminded of the dangers of forgetting God in times of prosperity. As seen in Deuteronomy, when life is good, we must guard our hearts against complacency and remember that it is God who provides and sustains us. Our hearts, being deceitful, can lead us astray if not anchored in God's truth.
Finally, we reflected on the story of a woman who, despite losing her husband for his faith, found strength in her relationship with God. Her story challenges us to maintain our zeal and passion for God, even in the face of adversity. As we partake in communion, we remember and reflect on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who died so that we might live. Let us continue to remember and reflect on His goodness, allowing it to transform our lives and draw us closer to Him.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of Reflection: Reflecting on God's goodness is not just a mental exercise but a heartfelt practice that anchors us in gratitude and perseverance. It helps us remain steadfast in a world full of distractions and temptations, reminding us of His unwavering love and faithfulness. [39:46]
2. Creating Memorials: Establishing memorials of God's work in our lives serves as a powerful testimony to others and strengthens our faith. These reminders, whether physical or stories, spark curiosity and conversations about God's goodness, encouraging us to share His works with others. [58:39]
3. Guarding Against Complacency: In times of prosperity, we must guard our hearts against complacency and remember that it is God who provides and sustains us. Forgetting God in our success can lead to spiritual amnesia, where our hearts drift away from Him. [01:02:49]
4. Faith in Adversity: The story of a woman who lost her husband for his faith challenges us to maintain our zeal and passion for God, even in the face of adversity. Her strength in God serves as a reminder that our faith should not waver, regardless of our circumstances. [01:11:31]
5. The Importance of Community: Engaging in a community of believers helps us walk in faith and apply spiritual disciplines. Being part of a fellowship provides support, guidance, and accountability, helping us to grow and remain steadfast in our walk with God. [54:58]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [39:46] - Opening Prayer and Heart Reflection
- [41:47] - God's Faithfulness Amidst Struggles
- [43:37] - The Importance of Heart Posture
- [53:01] - Guarding Your Heart
- [54:58] - Trusting in Godly Counsel
- [58:39] - Creating Memorials of God's Work
- [01:02:49] - Warning Against Forgetting God
- [01:11:31] - Faith in Adversity
- [01:14:32] - Communion and Reflection
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 77:11-14
2. Joshua 4:6-7
3. Deuteronomy 8:10-17
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Psalm 77:11-14, what actions does Asaph commit to doing in response to his struggles? How does this reflect his faith? [43:37]
2. According to Joshua 4:6-7, what purpose did the stones serve for the Israelites, and how were they meant to impact future generations? [54:58]
3. In Deuteronomy 8:10-17, what warnings are given to the Israelites about prosperity, and what are the potential consequences of forgetting God? [01:02:49]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the importance of creating memorials of God's work in our lives? Can you recall any specific examples shared? [58:39]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Asaph's commitment to remembering and meditating on God's works in Psalm 77 serve as a model for maintaining faith during difficult times? [43:37]
2. What might be the significance of creating physical or symbolic memorials of God's faithfulness, as seen in Joshua 4, for a believer's spiritual journey? [54:58]
3. In what ways can prosperity lead to spiritual complacency, as warned in Deuteronomy 8, and how can believers guard against this? [01:02:49]
4. Reflecting on the story of the woman who lost her husband for his faith, how does her response challenge common perceptions of faith and adversity? [01:11:31]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's goodness in your life. How can you create a memorial or reminder of that experience to strengthen your faith during challenging times? [58:39]
2. In what ways can you incorporate regular reflection on God's faithfulness into your daily routine to help anchor you in gratitude and perseverance? [41:47]
3. Consider the distractions and temptations in your life. What practical steps can you take to remain steadfast in your faith amidst these challenges? [43:37]
4. How can you ensure that prosperity and success do not lead you to forget God's role in your life? What specific actions can you take to maintain a heart of gratitude and dependence on Him? [01:02:49]
5. Think about a person or group in your life who might benefit from hearing about God's work in your life. How can you share your testimony with them in a way that sparks curiosity and conversation? [54:58]
6. Reflect on the story of the woman who lost her husband for his faith. How does her story inspire you to maintain your zeal and passion for God, even in the face of adversity? What specific actions can you take to strengthen your faith in difficult times? [01:11:31]
7. As you participate in communion, how can you use this time to remember and reflect on Jesus' sacrifice and its impact on your life? What changes might you make in your life as a result of this reflection? [01:14:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Anchoring in Gratitude and Perseverance
Reflecting on God's goodness is a transformative practice that goes beyond mere thought. It is a heartfelt exercise that roots us in gratitude and perseverance, especially amidst life's distractions and temptations. This reflection reminds us of God's unwavering love and faithfulness, which are not dependent on our circumstances or desires. By intentionally pausing to remember how God has shown up in our lives, we cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that strengthens our resolve to remain steadfast in our faith. [39:46]
"Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered" (1 Chronicles 16:12, ESV).
Reflection: Identify a recent challenge where you felt God's presence. How can you express gratitude for His faithfulness in that situation today?
Day 2: Memorials as Testimonies
Creating memorials of God's work in our lives serves as a powerful testimony to others and reinforces our faith. These memorials can be physical objects or stories that remind us of His goodness and spark conversations about His works. By sharing these testimonies, we not only strengthen our own faith but also encourage others to seek and recognize God's presence in their lives. These reminders help us to remain connected to God's truth and inspire curiosity about His love and faithfulness. [58:39]
"And Joshua set up twelve stones in the midst of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests bearing the ark of the covenant had stood; and they are there to this day" (Joshua 4:9, ESV).
Reflection: What is one story or object that serves as a memorial of God's work in your life? How can you share this testimony with someone this week?
Day 3: Guarding Against Spiritual Complacency
In times of prosperity, it is easy to become complacent and forget that it is God who provides and sustains us. This spiritual amnesia can lead our hearts astray, causing us to drift away from His truth. By remaining vigilant and remembering God's role in our success, we guard our hearts against complacency and maintain a posture of humility and gratitude. This awareness helps us to stay grounded in our faith, even when life is going well. [01:02:49]
"Take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery" (Deuteronomy 6:12, ESV).
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you become complacent? How can you actively remember and acknowledge God's provision in those areas today?
Day 4: Zeal and Passion in Adversity
The story of a woman who lost her husband for his faith challenges us to maintain our zeal and passion for God, even in the face of adversity. Her strength in God serves as a powerful reminder that our faith should not waver, regardless of our circumstances. By drawing closer to God during difficult times, we find the strength to persevere and remain committed to our faith journey. This unwavering faith becomes a testament to God's sustaining power and love. [01:11:31]
"Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord; I will take joy in the God of my salvation" (Habakkuk 3:17-18, ESV).
Reflection: Think of a current adversity you are facing. How can you draw strength from God to maintain your zeal and passion for Him during this time?
Day 5: The Role of Community in Spiritual Growth
Engaging in a community of believers is essential for walking in faith and applying spiritual disciplines. Being part of a fellowship provides support, guidance, and accountability, helping us to grow and remain steadfast in our walk with God. This community encourages us to share our experiences, learn from one another, and collectively seek God's truth. By participating in a community, we find strength and encouragement to persevere in our faith journey. [54:58]
"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" (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV).
Reflection: How can you actively engage with your faith community this week to encourage and be encouraged in your spiritual journey?
Quotes
A heart posture of continued practiced intentional sincere thoughts of reflection will help us to remember God's goodness his works and involvement in our lives and so that also will by default bear fruit to help us persevere endure remain steadfast and to not give up especially as we all live in a fallen world full of sin distractions and sinful temptation. [00:43:37] (38 seconds)
I believe this will help anchor us in gratitude appreciation and thanksgiving not just in mere lip service but in how we live our lives our entire trajectory of how we live our lives remembering and reflecting and reflecting and I'm talking about and you're gonna hear me say a word about 50 times in today's message talking about hearts hearts our hearts I'm talking about our hearts more than our minds remembering and reflecting with our minds in our hearts on who he is this will only aid in keeping our spiritual fighters going. [00:45:33] (38 seconds)
So matters of the heart psalm 77 if you could turn with me I believe it'll be up on the screen psalm 77 11 through 14 written by Asaph from a place of suffering personal pain a troubled heart man he was going through some things just like you and I do he was going through life life was slapping him around hardships struggling but we're gonna read what he said and I want you to be mindful and understand that we have to have that same heart posture and mindset that when the enemy comes when life happens when the storms come when doubt comes the what ifs the naysayers the unbelievers the social media know -it -alls because they did a five -minute google study and why Christianity ain't true and why God really don't exist all the trash the nonsense sense that we have to speak like Asaph did I will remember the works of the Lord surely I will remember your wonders of old I will also meditate on all your work and talk of your deeds your way oh God is in the sanctuary who is so great a God as our God you are the God who does wonders you have declared your strength among the people. [00:46:16] (91 seconds)
It's easy to say these things when you're just in the season of blessings when everything is just really going good blessings on blessings man any one of us can say that when God just blessing us bank account full pockets full new jewelry new jays everything just going good man it's easy to say this stuff but it's not so easy all the time when you're in the middle of that storm when you're feeling that pressure when that temptation is knocking at your door looking real good but we got to say it we got to believe it and when you say it say it with your chest I believe that's what Asaph did he said it with his chest I don't believe he's going through it again in a place of personal pain suffering in a troubled heart. [00:47:56] (52 seconds)
That's when the fight is on and I know it's not easy I know man it's it's what it's what he calls us to do that's when we really got to walk by faith when the going gets tough when the enemy turns up the heat in the kitchen I will remember the works of the Lord I will talk of your deeds I will still testify of the God that I serve. [00:49:16] (29 seconds)
There's an artist named Trip Lee young young folks may not know about him I don't know Christian hip -hop artist he had a song and he said in his song Lord it may get better but it may not so I pray God I pray I would trust you whether or not the pain stops so when the pain falls coming down like raindrops I just gotta cling to you it's gonna rain the storms are gonna come Jesus told us that he said don't be surprised people are gonna hate you you're gonna suffer for my namesake but like Trip Lee said I just gotta cling to you cling to him in those moments and I believe again remembering and reflecting on who he is will help us build that foundation where we can cling on him no matter how hard the winds are blowing. [00:50:22] (64 seconds)
Now I know there's not one person in here who could afford to forget about who God is nor what he's done and not only our lives but in the history of his story none of us I don't believe and I hope not would willingly deliberately or consciously forget who God is from a just a mental place especially for those who walk with God know God serve God we know we testify we definitely not just gonna have spiritual amnesia and just forget he is who he is but I'm referring again to what matters of the heart because it seems that our heart the best of us at times is what seems to kind of swift away from him at times whether it's sin whether it's temptation whether it's just like life's responsibilities and the responsibilities of being an adult and just being too busy and not applying spiritual disciplines and biblical principles. [00:52:25] (68 seconds)
It seems that our heart is like the first thing in us to go into that gray area where we begin to lose our passion, our drive, our intensity for him and for the things he called us to. So we talk about heart checks. Check your heart. I got to check my heart often. We cannot afford not to depend on him. We cannot afford not to trust in him. We cannot afford to not remember how good and faithful he's been. [00:52:25] (41 seconds)
There's many reasons why Proverbs chapter 4 verse 23 says we know the scripture. Scripture guards your heart above all else for it determines the course of your life. Our heart is a source of our thoughts, emotions, and actions. I know people always say, well, God knows my heart. And we know, and I'm not saying it to be funny, that's the problem. Because somebody said over here, the Bible tells us, yes, God knows our heart, and he even tells us, your heart is deceitfully wicked. [00:53:11] (37 seconds)
I've learned a long time ago, I can't trust my heart. Just as I can't trust my flesh, I can't trust my heart. The worst advice the world will ever give you, and it gives it all the time, is just follow your heart. Your heart will take you to hell. Your heart will screw your life up. And as a man of God, a people who loves people because of the spirit of God, because I didn't before I met Christ, but I don't want to see no one's life be messed up. And so I know, just following your heart, man, will mess you all up. [00:54:01] (37 seconds)
Because that's all my heart, all my heart ever did was disappoint me and let me down and screw me up. Trust in him. Trust in his word. Trust in his spirit. That's alive, that's active and engaged in every one of your lives. To what level, to what degree, I don't know. But he is. Trust in godly counsel from godly men and women. That can give you biblical guidance, structure, principles, truth. [00:54:01] (36 seconds)
As Christians, we should always have others in our thoughts and considerations. God surely always does the same. I thought this was amazing. Joshua 3 and 4. Now, for the sake of time, we're not going to read Joshua 3 and 4, that's for sure. But in Joshua 3 and 4, we see that God was leading the Israelites across the Jordan River. He had Joshua gather some men, and they laid some stones down. And you can hear a lot of sermons on the stones and what the stones represented and all that. And that's cool, but that's not where I'm going with this. Talking about remembering and reflecting. [00:54:01] (39 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?