Isaiah 26:3 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. ESV
This peace we read about here, in Isaiah 26, is actually the Shalom peace of God. Shalom speaks of the fullness of God’s blessing in the earth which is more than just a basic idea of peace. We read how the word “shalom” also translates prosperity, healthy, rest, wellness, welfare, happy and friendly in other portions of scripture.
Despair is the absence of shalom in all of its meanings. When we have no money to pay the bills we have no peace. When our health is challenged it is easy to lose our peace. Interestingly we are described as “peacemakers” as sons and daughters of God in Jesus own words.
We are the expression of God’s love to our world. This is why we are working so hard to try to provide for people who are in need during this time of adversity. Many people are desperate right now searching. This is where we, the church, are equipped by God to offer more than mere help but true hope.
This is why, more than ever, we need to be in the word, in prayer and full of God’s Presence & Power! Patterns speak of priorities. Consider developing daily patterns and routines that you can rely on to help you embrace things that matter the most.
Ideas like prayer and reading your Bible every morning alone. Prayer and reading your Bible every evening with friends and family. If you click the “Resource” tab at http://destinyokc.com you will see The Rhythm of Prayer series which explains a seven day prayer strategy.
Soon we will begin hosting online “Destiny How To” meetings. How To homeschool my kids – creative ideas from people with experience helping parents who suddenly have found themselves confined to home with the task of education. Other topics will include things like How To Develop an Intentional Family Plan For Life And Legacy.
When people get desperate they tend to turn to God. Be prepared to share the love of Jesus! You can find a clear presentation of the Gospel of Christ on our website under the “Resources” tab as well. Watching this can give you clarity in sharing the Gospel with others. Feel free to share the link but also realize God is wanting to equip each and every one of us to be able to lead people to Christ in this season of the church.
A.T. spoke last week about how fear is a natural part of fallen humanity. I found it impactful when he asked us to imagine we just lost our job and on the way home crashed our car asking us to think about how we would feel. Then he added an element to the storyline asking us to imagine the same scenario with Bill Gates as our father. Why would we feel different? The reason is simple. We would feel we had a supportive father with the resources to see us through.
God is not an impersonal force. God is our Father and the Bible says Ps 112 his constant care for us will make deep impression on all who see. The more in touch we are with God’s Word the more confident we become as sons and daughters of God!
I heard somebody mention once that there are 365 “Fear nots” in the Bible. Recently I heard a person who is very cynical challenge this so I decided to explore it. I found that “fear” is spoken of over 500 times in the KJV. Obviously this issue is important to God.
The word worry comes from an Old English term that means “strangle” or “choke.” That’s what worry does. It chokes us.
Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ESV
Notice the significance of “I am with you” as the reason we are to fear not. Peace doesn’t come from the absence of problems. Peace comes from the presence of God. This week I want to challenge you in your times of seeking God. Practice the presence of God so this becomes a way of life for you!
GP2RL: Get some strategic verses you want to focus on and rehearse them daily all week long.
As you pray through God’s Word expect God’s presence to be noticeable.
1 Timothy 1:18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight. NAS
Exodus 1:12 “more they were oppressed, more they multiplied and spread…”
2 Thess 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. (NIV)
Ps 118:13-14 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. NIV
1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith... NIV
Isaiah 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you..NIV
Jeremiah 1:19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. NIV
2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 16-17 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. NIV
Psalm 112:5-8 “It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. His heart is steady; he will not be afraid, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.” ESV
Psalm 27:1-14 The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. 3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. 4 One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. 5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. 7 Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. 8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior. 10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. 11 Teach me your way, LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. 12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. 13 I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. NIV
Psalm 112:6-8 (We) will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of (us) will make a deep impression on all who see it. 7 (We will) not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For (we have) settled in our minds that Jehovah will take care of (us). 8 That is why (we are) not afraid but can calmly face (adversity). TLB
WE BRING GP2RL ACTION POINT:
Get some strategic verses you want to focus on and rehearse them daily all week long.
DISCUSSION GUIDE FOR COMMUNITY GROUP LEADERS
Click here for a downloadable PDF for this guide.
UNDERSTANDING THE SEASON: We have entered into unprecedented days for the church. God is not taken off guard so we must be intentional about moving from being on our heels to being on our toes. Our mission hasn’t changed. Love is our agenda and making disciples is our focus. God is speaking to His sons and daughters and it is important that we all take the time to hear his voice.
We’ve been starting our groups with the first and primary question that we want to continue even more specifically during this season:
DISCUSSION:
1. Where are you reading in your Bible and what are you sensing from God?
2. What are some good things that have come from this challenging time? (Give careful consideration realizing God is always at work no matter what.)
Consider asking people to read different verses Pastor Lawrence focused on in his message Sunday as a way to conclude together focusing on this week’s action point.
GP2RL: Get some strategic verses you want to focus on and rehearse them daily all week long.
Ex 1:12 “more they were oppressed, more they multiplied and spread…”
2 Thess 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance. (NIV)
Ps 118:13-14 I was pushed back and about to fall, but the Lord helped me. The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. NIV
Isa 43:2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you..NIV
Jer 1:19 They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you," declares the LORD. NIV
2 Cor 4:8-9, 16-17 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed…16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. NIV
Ps 112:6-8 (We) will not be overthrown by evil circumstances. God’s constant care of (us) will make a deep impression on all who see it. 7 (We will) not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen. For (we have) settled in our minds that Jehovah will take care of (us). 8 That is why (we are) not afraid but can calmly face (adversity). TLB