{"id":88667,"date":"2020-05-18T10:51:41","date_gmt":"2020-05-18T14:51:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discovergrace.com\/?p=88667"},"modified":"2023-09-19T16:27:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T20:27:07","slug":"monday-moments-sermon-notes-and-discussion-may-18","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discovergrace.com\/monday-moments-sermon-notes-and-discussion-may-18\/","title":{"rendered":"Monday Moments: Sermon Notes and Discussion (May 18)"},"content":{"rendered":"

Yesterday we kicked-off a brand new series called \u201cHold Fast,\u201d taking a look at the life of Jonah. May God empower us to live by faith instead of fear, as we hold fast to Christ!
\nIf you haven\u2019t had a chance to catch the online worship experience this week, you can do so here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Personal Devotional<\/strong><\/p>\n

Psalm 46 is a short but powerful example of faith in the midst of difficulty.<\/p>\n

Read Psalm 46:1-3<\/em><\/p>\n

These verses describe catastrophic change. Make a list of the most unsettling changes in your life right now. Now, list the three truths about God the Psalmist declares in verse 1. Beside each item on your list, jot down a one-sentence prayer, claiming either the refuge, strength, or help of God in light of your reality.<\/p>\n

Read Psalm 46:4-9<\/em><\/p>\n

Verse four is interesting because no such river exists in Jerusalem, the \u201ccity of God.\u201d A river was an enormous, life-sustaining asset to a city in biblical times, but there were only small streams in Jerusalem. By describing a river that brings joy to the city of Jerusalem, the Psalmist is looking forward. Read Revelations 22:1. What do you think the river symbolizes?<\/p>\n

If you enjoy visual or artistic worship, draw a river at the bottom of your paper or journal. Along the river, write phrases from Psalm 46 that capture the life-giving nature of God. For instance, you could write \u201cGod is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved\u201d (verse 5) or \u201cthe God of Jacob is our fortress.\u201d Write as many phrases as you like, and get as creative with the visual as you desire; no grades will be given!<\/p>\n

Read Psalm 46:10-11<\/em>
\nHow could you set aside time this week to \u201cbe still and know that He is God\u201d? If you are a planner, budget some time for stillness and spiritual reflection in your schedule this week.<\/p>\n

In closing, the Psalmist affirms three realities: that God will be exalted on earth, that He is always with us, and that God is our fortress. Write each of these truths in your journal or on a sheet of paper. Around each of those truths, make an old-school spider web \u2014 draw branches coming off each truth and jot down implications of those truths.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n

Grace Communities: Sermon Discussion Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n