Sermon Reflections based on from ​Rhythms-Refuge in the Almighty | Alex Hardt | February 4,2024  
 
Pastor Alex was in teaching mode this Sunday.  He wanted us to see God as viable hope and security in our ever-changing chaotic world.  He also wanted us to see that we too could draw nearer to God Himself by practicing some basic connecting activities.                                                                        

Psalm 46 is a wonderful psalm that gives us hope and courage in the face of adversity.  God promises to be our refuge (safe place, fortress) when we are in trouble.  The psalmist describes the world as a place where things fall, decay, roar, shake, in contrast to Holy God who is eternal, unfailing, and the ender of wars.  He will prevail and the nations and the whole earth will one day exalt Him.  Pastor Alex suggests that we should read His word, meditate upon it and pray.  The psalmist suggests a similar pathway in verse 10, “He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;”  We have to be still to read His Word. We have to be still to pray.  I’m not talking about being still as in not moving but still in our minds, focused upon God’s Word. This means not letting our minds wander to the grocery list, tasks for the day, worries, and life’s problems but to keep our minds still and present as we read the word and pray.  Focusing upon God Almighty as our refuge will allow us to absorb His strength and power into our daily life and keep ourselves from fretting, worrying or being consumed with fear.  He promises to be our refuge and God keeps His promises.

James 4:7-10 is a powerful reminder that focus upon God will send Satan away and be life changing.   “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.  God promises to come to us if we go towards Him.  Sometimes the most we can do is one step, but know that the one step is the beginning of change.  If we are sorry for the wrongs we do and grieve over them in our hearts, God will change our sorrow to joy and gladness. It is humbling to come to God as we are independent, pride-filled, stubborn people.  But that one step towards God in faith will lead to step after step.  With each step our faith grows stronger and our hope and trust in Him is confirmed.  Each step causes us to trust more fully in Him and the plans He has for our lives. 

Lastly, Pastor Alex led us to participate in 2 Rhythms that are essential for drawing closer to God the Reading of God’s Word and Prayer.  Hebrews 4:12 reminds us of the power of God’s Word in our lives. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”  James speaks of reasons to pray and the power of prayer.  James 5:13, 15-16  “ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.   And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”   Paul speaks of the need to be consistent with our prayers, Romans 12:12 “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” 

I so enjoyed the exercise Pastor Alex lead us through by reading Psalm 46 repeatedly and focusing on different messages God has for us in His Word. With prayer, Pastor Alex walked us through good steps to follow when praying. Praising God, Confession of sin, Thanksgiving, and lastly Petitions or Supplications.  The Anonym, ACTS, for this practice is easy to remember to guide us as we pray.  A-adoration of God for who He is, C-confession of our sins and shortcomings, T-thanksgiving for all the ways we see God working in our lives, His providential care, S-supplications or requests for ourselves and others.

I would suggest one activity that helps to draw me closer to God.  When I read a passage like Psalm 46 I will often read it in multiple versions to see what insights God has for me.  I often use the New International version, English Standard version, Amplified translation, the Message translation, the New King James and I love the New Living translation.  Some of these are more accurate translations and some paraphrased but all can help me see God’s message for my heart.

Whatever we do, taking that 1 step in faith- opening our Bibles, saying short or long prayers, will always bring us closer to God if we focus upon Him and let go of the cares of the world.  God is faithful and will meet us there! Guaranteed, as God keeps His promises.

Linda

MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. ​

Prayer Guide Based on Love Incarnate | Alex Hardt | December 24, 2023

This week because of Christmas and New Years we thought this would be a good way to prepare our hearts. 

INTRODUCTION
Begin by finding a quiet place to pray. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself and invite the presence of God.

OPENING PRAYER
Glorious and Gracious God, we come before you in awe of the gift of Love Incarnate, your son, the embodiment of Your love among us. As we reflect on the narratives from Matthew and Luke, guide our hearts and minds to understand the depth of this love. May we learn from the example of Christ and embody that love in our lives. Amen.

Matthew 1:18-24 - The Birth of Jesus Christ
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).  24 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

REFLECTION
Take a moment to reflect on Joseph's obedience and willingness to embrace the role God had chosen for him in the life of Jesus.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Gratitude: Thank God for the example of Mary and Joseph, who embraced the calling to care for Jesus despite the challenges and uncertainties.
2. Guidance: Ask for the wisdom and courage to recognize God's plan in your life, even when it might seem unconventional or challenging.
3. Surrender: Offer your life to God, just as Joseph surrendered to God's will, asking for the strength to follow faithfully.

Luke 2:10-11 - The Announcement to the Shepherds
10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.

REFLECTION
Reflect on the angel's proclamation of joy and the significance of the birth of Christ as the Savior.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Joy and Gratitude: Express gratitude for the immense joy brought by Christ's birth and for the salvation offered through Him.
2. Sharing God's Love: Pray for the ability to share this message of joy and salvation with those around you, just as the shepherds shared the good news.
3. Open Heart: Ask God to open your heart to receive His love more fully and to let that love overflow into the lives of others.

CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Love Incarnate in Jesus Christ. As we embrace the lessons from Joseph and the shepherds, may our lives reflect the depth of Your love in our actions, words, and thoughts. Help us to embody this love, sharing it with everyone we encounter. In Jesus's name, we pray. Amen.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Pastor Alex

MESSAGE LINK
Click Here to View the Message on Youtube
Our Sunday service is online and in-person at 11:00am.
​Come visit us at 5353 Concord Blvd, on the corner of Concord Blvd and Kirker Pass. ​