God With Us: Finding Strength in the Valleys

God With Us:Week 1 Finding Strength in the Valleys

I. Introduction

• Matthew 1:23 - "Immanuel" meaning "God with us"

• Experiencing God's presence in different life situations

II. The Valley Experience

• Valleys represent:

  • Battles

  • Desperation

  • Loneliness

  • Growth

• We may enjoy God on mountaintops but get to know Him intimately in valleys.

III. The Valley of Baca (Psalm 84:5-7)

• Also known as:

  • Valley of Tears

  • Valley of Weeping

  • Valley of Loss

• Represents difficult and dangerous times in life

IV. Finding Strength in God

• Blessed are those whose strength is found in God

• Accessing divine strength when human strength fails

• Importance of dependence on God and others

V. Setting Your Mind on Pilgrimage

• Journey towards the City of Refuge/Place of Peace

• Importance of mindset during difficult times

• Focusing thoughts on God's goodness and promises

VI. Passing Through the Valley

• Valley is not the final destination

• "Even though I walk through the valley..." (Psalm 23)

• God's path often leads through, not out of, the valley

VII. Making Wells in Dry Places

• Preparing for God's provision and presence

• Showing faith by digging wells before the rain

• "If you dig it, He will fill it."

VIII. The Power of Faith and Preparation

• Jesus' healing miracles require action

• Planting seeds before seeing the harvest

• Making room for God's presence in our lives

IX. God's "If" Promises

• "If you draw near to me, I will draw near to you."

• "If you seek me, you will find me."

• Importance of slowing down to encounter God

X. Conclusion

• A reminder of God's presence in the Valley of Baca

• Encouragement to prepare hearts for God's peace, provision, and love

God With US Week 3

Storms

Introduction

                  •               Reference to Matthew 1:23: “Immanuel” meaning “God with us”

                  •               Mention of recent storms and their impact

II. Storms in Life

•               Different types of personal storms (e.g., divorce, depression, financial issues)

                  •               The tendency to blame or question God during storms

III. Paul’s Storm Experience (Acts 27)

                  •               Description of the severe storm

                  •               Loss of hope among the people

IV. Causes of Storms

                  •               Sometimes, our own fault

                  •               Sometimes not our fault

V. God’s Presence in Storms

                  •               Paul’s encounter with an angel during the storm

                  •               Various ways God is present (e.g., Holy Spirit, prayer, comfort)

VI. The Importance of God’s Presence

                  •               David’s acknowledgment of God’s constant presence

                  •               Jesus calming the storm for the disciples

VII. Finding Peace in Storms

                  •               Real peace found in Jesus’ presence, not the absence of trouble

                  •               John 16:33 - “In this world you will have trouble.”

VIII. God’s Purpose in Storms

·      Preparation for future challenges

                  •               Using storm experiences to help others

IX. Faith During Storms

                  •               Controlling what we believe and where we put our faith

                  •               Faith in God’s promises and character

X. Who God Is in Storms

                  •               Psalm 46:1-3 - God as shelter, strength, and help

                  •               Various attributes and roles of God (e.g., comforter, guide, peace)

XI. Conclusion

                  •               Reaffirmation of “Immanuel” - God with us

                  •               Encouragement to find peace in God’s presence during storms