WEEKLY SERMON REFLECTIONS

Each week, take 5 days to dive deeper into the heart of our Sunday sermons! Through key insights and scripture, this format will allow for further personal reflection and spiritual growth. Keeping this at the dinner table, discuss it with family and/or friends.

PRAYER OF THE WEEK:

“Thank you Lord God for all of your precious promises. Thank you for giving us a template of prayer that we might surrender to your will and trust you for everything in this life. Through all of life’s ups and downs, thank you for the power of doxology that we would declare you Lord over all and give you the praise and the glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

DAY
01

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]

-MATTHEW 6:13

REFLECTION:

The part of this scripture in brackets became a part of the liturgy of worship as the early church gathered, praying the ‘Our Father’. Even though not communicated by Jesus, it is communicated in various places throughout scripture. It is known as a doxology, which simply means “glory” or “praise.”

RESPONSE:

Why is it beneficial to acknowledge God’s Kingdom, His power and His glory at the conclusion of this prayer? How does it strengthen our belief in the nature and character of God and serve as a reminder to our doubts?

DAY
02

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgements and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

-ROMANS 11:33-36

REFLECTION:

In the face of the cultural rejection of God, there is power in the doxology of declaring Him Lord over all. All of those in opposition to the One whom through all things were made, and He alone deserves the glory.

RESPONSE:

How light would you feel if you really could surrender the worries of the current culture, elections, or even the discord in your own family, and instead, declare Him Lord over it all and trust that He will bring deliverance?

DAY
03

...I will sing to the LORD, for He is highly exalted; The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea. The LORD is my strength and song, And He has become my salvation; This is my God, and I will praise Him; My fathers God, and I will extol Him. The LORD is a warrior; the LORD is His name. Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;...

-EXODUS 15:1-4

REFLECTION:

After Moses parted the Red Sea per God’s instructions, he led the Israelites safely across and out of bondage to Egypt. When they reached the otherside, they realized that God had taken care of Pharaoh and his army and they gave God the glory for that victory over their enemy.

RESPONSE:

What victories have you had in your life that remind you of God’s strength and faithfulness?

DAY
04

O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Then say, “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us and deliver us from the nations; to give thanks to Your holy name, And glory in Your praise.” Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, From everlasting even to everlasting.

-1 CHRONICLES 16:34-36

REFLECTION:

There are times when we have failure and need reassurance of God’s goodness, and lovingkindness towards us. He is the God of our salvation and He wants us to run to Him in reconciliation, not away from Him in shame.

RESPONSE:

How does this scripture bring reassurance to your failures? What other scriptures could also serve as reminders of God’s love, mercy, and kind intentions toward us?

DAY
05

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

-EPHESIANS 3:20-21

REFLECTION:

When life happens and our souls are troubled and discouraged, we need to pray, believe, and trust God. Reminding ourselves of what God has already done will stir our hope that He brings about our greater good for His glory.

RESPONSE:

What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God, trusting that He can do 'immeasurably more' than you could ask or imagine?