Velcroed to Faith

  • Pastor Josh Smith
In a world filled with noise and distractions, how do we find peace and purpose? This message invites you to explore the transformative power of prayer and reverence, as we learn to break free from fears and live as true citizens of heaven. Discover how seeking God’s presence can light up your life with joy and fulfillment.

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Velcroed to Faith

Message Summary
In a world filled with noise and distractions, how do we find peace and purpose? This message invites you to explore the transformative power of prayer and reverence, as we learn to break free from fears and live as true citizens of heaven. Discover how seeking God’s presence can light up your life with joy and fulfillment.
Key Scripture
“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.”
Psalm 34:4-10 NLT
Additional Scriptures

5 Day Devotional

Day 1

Day 1: Seeking God in Prayer

Scripture: Psalm 34:4-10 NLT

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. In my desperation I prayed, and the Lord listened; he saved me from all my troubles. For the angel of the Lord is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

Devotional: Prayer is not just a ritual; it is a lifeline to the Father. In Psalm 34, David shares his experience of seeking God and finding deliverance from fear. This passage invites us to develop a rhythm of prayer that goes beyond moments of desperation. When we consistently seek God, we find joy and freedom from shame. Our faces become radiant with His presence, and we experience His goodness in profound ways.

Response Questions:

  1. How can you incorporate a consistent rhythm of prayer into your daily life?
  2. Reflect on a time when God answered your prayer. How did it impact your faith?
  3. What fears do you need to bring before God in prayer today?

Prayer Points:

  • Ask God to help you develop a consistent prayer life that seeks Him daily.
  • Pray for the courage to bring your fears to God and trust in His deliverance.

Day 2

Day 2: Experiencing God’s Goodness

Scripture: Psalm 34:8-10 NLT

Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him! Fear the Lord, you his godly people, for those who fear him will have all they need. Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.

Devotional: David invites us to “taste and see” the goodness of the Lord. This is an invitation to experience God personally and intimately. When we take refuge in Him, we find joy and fulfillment. Trusting in God means believing that He will provide all we need, even when circumstances seem uncertain. As we experience His goodness, our faith is strengthened, and we learn to rely on Him more deeply.

Response Questions:

  1. How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life recently?
  2. What does it mean to you to “take refuge” in God?
  3. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more fully?

Prayer Points:

  • Thank God for His goodness and the ways He has provided for you.
  • Pray for a deeper trust in God’s provision and guidance in your life.

Day 3

Day 3: Living as Citizens of Heaven

Scripture: Philippians 3:20-21 NLT

But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.

Devotional: As believers, our true citizenship is in heaven. This perspective shifts how we live our daily lives. We are called to live with a focus on eternal values, not being swayed by the temporary concerns of this world. Our hope is in Jesus, who will transform us and bring everything under His control. Living as citizens of heaven means embodying the values of God’s kingdom and reflecting His love and grace to those around us.

Response Questions:

  1. How does knowing you are a citizen of heaven impact your daily decisions?
  2. What are some practical ways you can reflect God’s kingdom values in your life?
  3. How can you maintain an eternal perspective in the midst of life’s challenges?

Prayer Points:

  • Pray for the strength to live as a citizen of heaven, embodying God’s values.
  • Ask God to help you maintain an eternal perspective in all areas of your life.

Day 4

Day 4: Overcoming Fear with Reverence

Scripture: Proverbs 9:10 NLT

Fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment.

Devotional: The fear of the Lord is not about being afraid; it is about having a deep reverence and respect for God. This reverence is the foundation of wisdom and leads to good judgment. When we fear the Lord, we align our lives with His will and experience His guidance. This reverence helps us overcome the fears that can paralyze us, as we trust in God’s wisdom and sovereignty.

Response Questions:

  1. What does it mean to you to have a “fear of the Lord”?
  2. How can reverence for God help you overcome personal fears?
  3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your life?

Prayer Points:

  • Ask God to deepen your reverence for Him and grant you wisdom.
  • Pray for the courage to overcome fears by trusting in God’s sovereignty.

Day 5

Day 5: Trusting in God’s Protection

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-4 NLT

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. For he will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Devotional: Psalm 91 paints a beautiful picture of God’s protection and care for those who trust in Him. When we live in His shelter, we find rest and safety. God’s promises are our armor, shielding us from harm. Trusting in His protection means believing that He is our refuge and that His faithfulness will sustain us through every trial. As we rest in His shadow, we experience peace and security.

Response Questions:

  1. How have you experienced God’s protection in your life?
  2. What does it mean to you to find rest in the shadow of the Almighty?
  3. How can you remind yourself of God’s promises when facing challenges?

Prayer Points:

  • Thank God for His protection and faithfulness in your life.
  • Pray for the peace and security that comes from trusting in God’s promises.

GrowGroup Guide

A weekly guide to carry the conversation beyond Sunday morning.

Opening Prayer: Begin with a prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and open hearts to the message of the sermon.

Introduction: Briefly summarize the sermon, emphasizing the importance of prayer, reverence, and seeking God’s presence to overcome fears and live as citizens of heaven.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What is your rhythm of seeking out the Lord?
    • Context: The sermon emphasized the importance of not waiting until we are in dire need to seek God. Instead, we should develop a consistent rhythm of prayer and reverence. Discuss how you currently seek God and how you might improve this practice.
  2. How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life?
    • Context: The sermon referenced Psalm 34:8, “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” Reflect on moments in your life where you have clearly seen God’s goodness and share these experiences with the group.
  3. What fears have attached themselves to you, and how can prayer help you overcome them?
    • Context: The sermon used the metaphor of being “Velcroed” to fears and how prayer can free us from them. Discuss personal fears and how prayer has or can help you overcome them.
  4. In what ways can we live as citizens of heaven in our daily lives?
    • Context: The sermon encouraged living with a focus on God’s kingdom, not being swayed by worldly concerns. Explore practical ways to embody this mindset in everyday situations.
  5. How can we support each other in our prayer lives during the next 21 days?
    • Context: The sermon introduced a 21-day period of prayer and fasting. Discuss how the group can hold each other accountable and encourage one another during this time.

Activity:

  • Prayer Partners: Pair up group members to be prayer partners for the next 21 days. Encourage them to check in with each other regularly, share prayer requests, and celebrate answered prayers.

Closing Prayer: Conclude with a prayer asking God to help the group apply what they’ve learned, to strengthen their prayer lives, and to live with reverence and joy as citizens of heaven.

Additional Resources: Encourage group members to visit the Grow Point website for daily readings and resources to support their 21-day journey of prayer and fasting.

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