Lecture Notes

Introduction

• Praise and Worship
• Emphasis on God's faithfulness and miracles.

Key Themes

God’s Promises

• Miracle After Miracle: Expectation for more miracles and blessings to come.
• Faith in God's Power: If God can command nature and it obeys, He will work in our lives.

Encouragement from Scripture

• Isaiah 41:10:
  • "Fear not for I am with you; I will strengthen you; I will help you."
• Focus Shift: Encourage focusing on God's thoughts rather than personal struggles.

Personal Stories from Scripture

• Abraham and Sarah: Barrenness led to fruitfulness.
• David: Learned leadership through shepherding.
• Moses: Experienced wilderness before leading others.
• Gideon and Joseph: Strength through struggles leading to great outcomes.

Understanding Seasons

• Seasons change but God remains constant.
• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

The Importance of Perspective

• Arrow Analogy:
  • Being stretched prepares us for greater purposes; God’s direction is towards eternity.
• Restoration of Perspective:
  • Shift from seeing problems to seeing God’s promises.

Guarding Your Gates

• Focus on Inner Life: Importance of protecting what comes through eyes, ears, and mind.
• Psalm 73 Insights:
  • Asaph's struggle with envy of the wicked.
  • Importance of returning to God for clarity and perspective.

Practical Steps for Strengthening Faith

1. Return to Your First Love: Reignite passion for God through worship and scripture.
2. Restored Perspective: Understand that God sees the complete picture.
3. Strengthen Your Foundations:
   • Be aware of spiritual distractions and maintain a focus on God.

Conclusion

• Final Reflections:
  • The importance of maintaining faith and strength in God during uncertain times.
  • Constant reminder of God’s goodness and presence in our lives.
• Encouragement to Worship: Keep a heart of worship and expectation for God’s miracles.