Speaker: Bobby McDonald
Title: God is our refuge
Date: 10-04-2015
Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29)
We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3)
We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Summary
The central message is that Christians should find their ultimate joy, peace, and refuge only in God, not in worldly circumstances or achievements. The speaker emphasizes that God often withholds answers to earthly prayers to redirect our focus toward Him alone, encouraging a consistent, childlike conversation with God. True spiritual rest is found in continually returning to Him, as illustrated by the Psalms and the need to cast all cares upon Him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God does not answer every earthly prayerGod answers every spiritual prayer for things like overcoming sin, but he often withholds answers to earthly prayers so we will not find our rest in the circumstances of this world.
Living as aliens with our minds set on heavenBelievers are called to be aliens whose true home is not here, seeking intimacy, peace, and refuge in God alone rather than what this life offers.1 Peter 1:2
An illustration of childlike desire to be near the fatherWatching his tired toddler daughter lay down right next to him instead of playing with toys reminded the speaker of how we should long to simply be near our heavenly father.
Meditating on God in the night watchesDavid's words in the Psalms describe finding help, singing for joy in the shadow of God's wings, and meditating on him during the quiet hours.Psalm 63:6–7
Moving beyond routine requests to real conversationWhile the speaker has always prayed by asking for things, he desires to move past dead periods of communication into a simple, daily conversation and listening relationship with God.
Finding refuge in God like a child by a creekHearing the testimony of a troubled boy who found refuge by going outside to talk to God and play by a creek serves as a powerful reminder to approach God as a child.
Casting all anxieties on himBelievers are invited to cast all their cares on God at all times because he cares deeply for them and is always ready to listen.1 Peter 5:7Psalm 63:7
The key of consistency in returning to GodAlthough we get busy and will inevitably falter, the key to staying close to God is simply consistency—continually going back to him.
Speaker: Bobby McDonald
Title: God is our refuge
Date: 10-04-2015
Our Goal as Christians is this: To be an exact reflection of Jesus, the Son of God (Romans 8:29)
We do this individually by growing in purity in our personal lives (1 John 3:2-3)
We do this corporately by becoming fully functioning members of a local Church (Ephesians 4:11-16)
Summary
The central message is that Christians should find their ultimate joy, peace, and refuge only in God, not in worldly circumstances or achievements. The speaker emphasizes that God often withholds answers to earthly prayers to redirect our focus toward Him alone, encouraging a consistent, childlike conversation with God. True spiritual rest is found in continually returning to Him, as illustrated by the Psalms and the need to cast all cares upon Him.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
Why God does not answer every earthly prayerGod answers every spiritual prayer for things like overcoming sin, but he often withholds answers to earthly prayers so we will not find our rest in the circumstances of this world.
Living as aliens with our minds set on heavenBelievers are called to be aliens whose true home is not here, seeking intimacy, peace, and refuge in God alone rather than what this life offers.1 Peter 1:2
An illustration of childlike desire to be near the fatherWatching his tired toddler daughter lay down right next to him instead of playing with toys reminded the speaker of how we should long to simply be near our heavenly father.
Meditating on God in the night watchesDavid's words in the Psalms describe finding help, singing for joy in the shadow of God's wings, and meditating on him during the quiet hours.Psalm 63:6–7
Moving beyond routine requests to real conversationWhile the speaker has always prayed by asking for things, he desires to move past dead periods of communication into a simple, daily conversation and listening relationship with God.
Finding refuge in God like a child by a creekHearing the testimony of a troubled boy who found refuge by going outside to talk to God and play by a creek serves as a powerful reminder to approach God as a child.
Casting all anxieties on himBelievers are invited to cast all their cares on God at all times because he cares deeply for them and is always ready to listen.1 Peter 5:7Psalm 63:7
The key of consistency in returning to GodAlthough we get busy and will inevitably falter, the key to staying close to God is simply consistency—continually going back to him.
