Sermons from Good News: a time of strengthening

[Blogger's note: at the beginning of August 2021, we resumed meeting at church on Wednesdays. As such, I've been taking notes for those sermons as well. I intend to post these as well; however, these postings may not be sequential or occur at regular intervals, but they will be here as well.]

[Blogger's note, part 2: I chose to begin with last Wednesday's sermon first because this was really powerful. Psalm 46. Ahhh. So many verses stick in my head and heart, and God has used different ones from just this Psalm alone to speak to me, to challenge me, to encourage me, to minister to me. So it's only appropriate I begin here, although this was not the first Wednesday that we resumed meeting.]

Church 8/18/2021

Take the time for strengthening—connect with God via His word. Sometimes we just simply need it.

Sermon message: a time of strengthening

Psalm 46: a favorite of many pastors, leaders, even Martin Luther.

Point #1: God is a personal God ready to help you right now.

God is a Father to all His children but He’s a Daddy to you right now.

God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
Psalm 46:1 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:1&version=NLT

Point #2: God doesn’t want you to fear.

Fear is not good for us, for many reasons. And God knows this.

So we will not fear when earthquakes come and the mountains crumble into the sea.
Psalm 46:2 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:2&version=NLT

Don’t fear even if some of the worst things happen.

Let the oceans roar and foam. Let the mountains tremble as the waters surge! (Interlude)
Psalm 46:3 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:3&version=NLT

Interlude (selah): stop. Pause. Reflect. Reflect on the scripture we just read. God wants you to know that He is here with you. Let that sink in.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Romans 8:28 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Romans%208:28&version=NLT

Clarification: God doesn’t cause all things to happen, but He causes all things to work together for our good.

Point #3: God will refresh you and provide for you.

A river brings joy to the city of our God, the sacred home of the Most High. God dwells in that city; it cannot be destroyed. From the very break of day, God will protect it.
Psalm 46:4-5 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:4-5&version=NLT

Even if you are surrounded by evil or craziness, but God can always supply your needs. He is always able to reach you. His supplies will always be able to reach you. And He will protect you.

Point #4: God’s angels are here for us.

The nations are in chaos, and their kingdoms crumble! God’s voice thunders, and the earth melts! The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
Psalm 46:6-7 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:6-7&version=NLT

Point #5: God handled things in the past and still can.

In biblical history God helped His people. He can do it again.

Come, see the glorious works of the Lord: See how he brings destruction upon the world. He causes wars to end throughout the earth. He breaks the bow and snaps the spear; he burns the shields with fire.
Psalm 46:8-9 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:8-9&version=NLT

If God stopped the attack before, He can do it again.

Point #6: stop and remember God.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
Psalm 46:10 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:10&version=NLT

Stop. Reflect. God is here with you right now.

The Lord of Heaven’s Armies is here among us; the God of Israel is our fortress. Interlude
Psalm 46:11 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage?search=Psalm%2046:11&version=NLT

The Lord has His heavenly host with Him, here with you, right now.