1 00:00:00,250 --> 00:00:04,560 Marcel: All right, so we did start a series, uh, going with 2 00:00:04,560 --> 00:00:06,060 the theme called In God Alone. 3 00:00:06,310 --> 00:00:09,299 And Dallas preached last week, and I was able to listen to it afterwards. 4 00:00:09,300 --> 00:00:12,569 And Dallas preached a great message talking about how we can trust in God 5 00:00:12,570 --> 00:00:14,340 alone because we're in good hands. 6 00:00:14,950 --> 00:00:17,429 And you know, there's many things that you and I and that 7 00:00:17,430 --> 00:00:18,840 people can put our trust in. 8 00:00:19,270 --> 00:00:20,689 We can put our trust in money. 9 00:00:21,390 --> 00:00:23,440 We can put our trust in possessions. 10 00:00:23,790 --> 00:00:26,410 We can put our trust in our talents. 11 00:00:26,950 --> 00:00:32,020 Our intelligence, maybe our experience, uh, for some of us, our good looks. 12 00:00:34,120 --> 00:00:35,870 There's a whole bunch of y'all that, you know what I'm saying? 13 00:00:36,780 --> 00:00:38,580 You, you put your trust in your good looks. 14 00:00:38,979 --> 00:00:41,840 But your education, you can put your trust in. 15 00:00:41,860 --> 00:00:43,729 You can put your trust in certain people. 16 00:00:44,079 --> 00:00:46,260 Some of us can put our trust in politics. 17 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:49,129 Some of us can put our trust in just flat out luck. 18 00:00:50,780 --> 00:00:55,580 But as God's creation, God intended for us, for you and me and every soul 19 00:00:55,769 --> 00:01:01,360 who's ever walked the planet earth, and especially as chosen people, God has told 20 00:01:01,360 --> 00:01:04,869 us that we should trust in him alone. 21 00:01:05,960 --> 00:01:07,100 And that's our call. 22 00:01:07,100 --> 00:01:08,049 And that's the blessing. 23 00:01:08,049 --> 00:01:10,659 And that's the promise that you and I have. 24 00:01:10,679 --> 00:01:15,089 And the benefit of being a part of God's chosen people is that we 25 00:01:15,089 --> 00:01:18,250 are called to trust in him alone. 26 00:01:18,725 --> 00:01:23,214 And why, why should we trust in God alone is because God is 27 00:01:23,214 --> 00:01:25,434 our refuge and our strength. 28 00:01:26,414 --> 00:01:32,184 And that's our, our title for today is in God alone, our refuge and strength. 29 00:01:32,205 --> 00:01:34,384 Let's go to God in prayer once more. 30 00:01:34,645 --> 00:01:37,675 Father, I thank you so much for the congregation. 31 00:01:38,335 --> 00:01:39,914 I thank you so much for your word. 32 00:01:39,914 --> 00:01:43,655 I'm really excited, God, about going through the passage today 33 00:01:43,655 --> 00:01:46,725 and the way you've been ministering to me and continually telling 34 00:01:46,725 --> 00:01:49,205 me that you are my refuge. 35 00:01:49,494 --> 00:01:52,774 And that I put my trust in you alone. 36 00:01:53,225 --> 00:01:56,690 And God, I pray for your blessing upon this sermon. 37 00:01:56,690 --> 00:01:59,595 I pray for your blessing upon every soul here. 38 00:01:59,914 --> 00:02:01,774 Father, grant them more faith. 39 00:02:02,345 --> 00:02:05,929 God, give them and show them how much favor they have in your eyes. 40 00:02:06,630 --> 00:02:08,360 Show them your mercy and your love. 41 00:02:08,360 --> 00:02:13,140 May they experience it so that they can testify to you being 42 00:02:13,240 --> 00:02:15,940 an awesome refuge and strength. 43 00:02:16,440 --> 00:02:17,880 We pray in the name of Jesus. 44 00:02:18,160 --> 00:02:18,840 Amen. 45 00:02:19,750 --> 00:02:20,060 Amen. 46 00:02:20,100 --> 00:02:22,520 Turn over in your Bibles to Psalm 46. 47 00:02:22,840 --> 00:02:26,630 For our series, we're walking through some of the Psalms. 48 00:02:26,630 --> 00:02:31,590 And to give a little history and context, the book of Psalms is really 49 00:02:31,610 --> 00:02:34,820 playlist, if you will, or a poetry book. 50 00:02:35,215 --> 00:02:40,454 Uh, it's full of songs, it's full of poetry, and they reveal how to have a 51 00:02:40,515 --> 00:02:43,454 deep, intimate relationship with God. 52 00:02:43,735 --> 00:02:51,265 They also remind us of divine truth and the promises of God. 53 00:02:51,815 --> 00:02:53,505 And so, you know, songs do that. 54 00:02:54,035 --> 00:02:58,265 Uh, especially as we sang today, what a wonderful name it is. 55 00:02:58,485 --> 00:03:01,105 We're reminded of the power of Jesus. 56 00:03:01,335 --> 00:03:03,225 The reckless love. 57 00:03:03,540 --> 00:03:09,330 That God has for us, that in the midst of the storm we can raise a hallelujah. 58 00:03:09,560 --> 00:03:13,990 Now those things aren't necessarily scripture, but they're based on what? 59 00:03:14,179 --> 00:03:15,570 Biblical truth. 60 00:03:16,320 --> 00:03:18,379 And as you sang them earlier, what did it do? 61 00:03:18,400 --> 00:03:22,370 Hopefully it stirred your soul to experience God in the moment. 62 00:03:22,710 --> 00:03:25,090 But it reminded you of some truth. 63 00:03:25,470 --> 00:03:30,550 That is there and some promises that you can hold firm to so that as you 64 00:03:30,630 --> 00:03:34,910 take your step outside of the auditorium today, you can live in that truth. 65 00:03:35,610 --> 00:03:38,620 And so the Psalms provide that for us. 66 00:03:38,910 --> 00:03:40,779 And so we're going to study out today. 67 00:03:40,820 --> 00:03:46,740 Psalm 46 and Psalm 46 is really, uh, there was a classic camp by, 68 00:03:47,010 --> 00:03:51,630 uh, the reformer Martin Luther based on this song that's been sung for 69 00:03:51,640 --> 00:03:53,539 many years and many denominations. 70 00:03:53,540 --> 00:03:54,829 We won't sing that today. 71 00:03:55,180 --> 00:03:58,040 But we're going to study out Psalm 46, brothers and sisters. 72 00:03:58,040 --> 00:04:00,030 Are you still with me this morning? 73 00:04:00,320 --> 00:04:02,890 All right, let's go on in to Psalm 46. 74 00:04:03,260 --> 00:04:09,550 It reads, God is our refuge and strength and ever present help in trouble. 75 00:04:09,970 --> 00:04:13,919 Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains 76 00:04:13,919 --> 00:04:18,420 fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the 77 00:04:18,430 --> 00:04:20,360 mountains quake with their surging. 78 00:04:20,935 --> 00:04:25,635 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God. 79 00:04:26,045 --> 00:04:28,715 The holy place where the Most High dwells. 80 00:04:29,085 --> 00:04:30,235 God is within her. 81 00:04:30,625 --> 00:04:31,645 She will not fall. 82 00:04:32,014 --> 00:04:34,175 God will help her at break of day. 83 00:04:34,525 --> 00:04:35,875 Nations are in uproar. 84 00:04:35,875 --> 00:04:36,914 Kingdoms fall. 85 00:04:37,305 --> 00:04:38,514 He lifts His voice. 86 00:04:38,965 --> 00:04:39,855 The earth melts. 87 00:04:40,205 --> 00:04:41,865 The Lord Almighty is with us. 88 00:04:41,885 --> 00:04:44,895 The God of Jacob is our fortress. 89 00:04:45,245 --> 00:04:47,435 Come and see what the Lord has done. 90 00:04:47,705 --> 00:04:49,695 The desolations He has brought on the earth. 91 00:04:50,020 --> 00:04:52,630 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. 92 00:04:52,830 --> 00:04:55,270 He breaks the bow and shatters the spear. 93 00:04:55,400 --> 00:04:57,539 He burns the shields with fire. 94 00:04:57,930 --> 00:05:01,680 He says, be still and know that I am God. 95 00:05:01,939 --> 00:05:03,940 I will be exalted among the nations. 96 00:05:04,149 --> 00:05:06,339 I will be exalted in the earth. 97 00:05:06,389 --> 00:05:08,870 The Lord Almighty is with us. 98 00:05:08,930 --> 00:05:13,050 The God of Jacob is our fortress. 99 00:05:13,909 --> 00:05:15,920 Isn't that a powerful psalm right there? 100 00:05:16,780 --> 00:05:18,800 And this is what the people would sing. 101 00:05:18,860 --> 00:05:20,030 They would sing out these words. 102 00:05:20,039 --> 00:05:21,760 It was like what we were singing earlier. 103 00:05:21,849 --> 00:05:26,020 I raise a hallelujah in the presence of my enemies. 104 00:05:26,039 --> 00:05:28,789 You can see some of the similarities even in the language 105 00:05:28,789 --> 00:05:30,620 and the tone and the message. 106 00:05:31,170 --> 00:05:34,399 And so we still sing these type of songs today. 107 00:05:34,930 --> 00:05:41,719 And this overall message here is that God is our refuge and strength. 108 00:05:42,490 --> 00:05:44,990 God is with us. 109 00:05:46,195 --> 00:05:48,215 And I love this song. 110 00:05:48,215 --> 00:05:52,515 I love this song because we don't really know when it was 111 00:05:52,515 --> 00:05:54,445 written or what the context was. 112 00:05:55,075 --> 00:05:59,365 Perhaps it was written right after God delivered his people 113 00:05:59,415 --> 00:06:01,425 from some type of harm or danger. 114 00:06:01,924 --> 00:06:03,984 And you can see how that would be helpful. 115 00:06:03,985 --> 00:06:06,285 Wow, look at what God has done. 116 00:06:07,015 --> 00:06:10,235 Or perhaps they're right in the midst of some challenges, 117 00:06:10,235 --> 00:06:11,825 some trouble and some worry. 118 00:06:12,229 --> 00:06:15,820 And so it's being written to remind us God's gonna deliver. 119 00:06:16,520 --> 00:06:19,690 Or maybe it was just remembering after the fact. 120 00:06:19,700 --> 00:06:23,030 Maybe it's in between and there's nothing that I'm coming right out of. 121 00:06:23,030 --> 00:06:24,530 Or nothing that I'm in the middle. 122 00:06:24,639 --> 00:06:28,299 And it's just being reminded of who God is. 123 00:06:30,000 --> 00:06:36,369 But regardless, it's powerful for you and me today. 124 00:06:37,580 --> 00:06:39,020 Because this message. 125 00:06:39,609 --> 00:06:44,240 Can guide us and strengthen and embolden us no matter what the 126 00:06:44,240 --> 00:06:46,180 season of life that we are in. 127 00:06:46,830 --> 00:06:49,270 Whether we're on a high, we can rejoice. 128 00:06:49,979 --> 00:06:53,820 Or whether we're right in the middle of some chaos and turmoil. 129 00:06:54,589 --> 00:06:59,450 We can rest assured that God is with us. 130 00:07:00,010 --> 00:07:02,609 He is our refuge and our strength. 131 00:07:03,780 --> 00:07:09,650 And I'm reminded, you know, the power of this, this song and the power of songs. 132 00:07:09,650 --> 00:07:12,480 I think of some of us were semi old school or old school. 133 00:07:12,480 --> 00:07:14,440 Remember the song encouraged my soul. 134 00:07:15,690 --> 00:07:20,209 Some of you like who we don't sing it as much anymore, but 135 00:07:20,209 --> 00:07:21,930 that song encouraged my soul. 136 00:07:22,150 --> 00:07:25,510 It hits different at different points in my life. 137 00:07:25,530 --> 00:07:26,750 You guys get what I'm saying? 138 00:07:27,365 --> 00:07:30,995 There's some times where I'm on a prayer walk and I'm going through some things 139 00:07:31,034 --> 00:07:35,955 and I start to sing that song and it hits me and God's truth does something. 140 00:07:36,015 --> 00:07:43,005 It ministers to my soul, encourage my soul, and let us journey on. 141 00:07:44,094 --> 00:07:46,594 For the night is dark, oh I will start singing. 142 00:07:48,264 --> 00:07:53,115 For the night is dark and I am far from home. 143 00:07:54,125 --> 00:07:55,145 Thanks be to God. 144 00:07:56,469 --> 00:08:02,909 The morning light appears, the storm is passing over. 145 00:08:03,900 --> 00:08:04,460 Don't you know? 146 00:08:04,599 --> 00:08:05,110 Right? 147 00:08:06,560 --> 00:08:09,330 The storm is passing over. 148 00:08:10,080 --> 00:08:10,860 Hallelujah. 149 00:08:12,339 --> 00:08:12,999 Hallelujah. 150 00:08:13,000 --> 00:08:16,880 This is what Psalm 46, this is what songs do. 151 00:08:17,030 --> 00:08:20,300 This is why it's so important that we come together and worship God together. 152 00:08:20,870 --> 00:08:23,310 And be reminded of truth and be in person. 153 00:08:24,455 --> 00:08:26,395 To strengthen and sing songs together. 154 00:08:26,395 --> 00:08:27,195 That's the scripture. 155 00:08:27,565 --> 00:08:29,325 But let's get back to Psalm 46. 156 00:08:31,474 --> 00:08:33,355 It's a revelation and a promise. 157 00:08:34,155 --> 00:08:37,274 A revelation that God is our refuge and our strength and a 158 00:08:37,274 --> 00:08:39,544 promise that God is with us. 159 00:08:39,585 --> 00:08:42,684 You and me, his chosen people. 160 00:08:43,565 --> 00:08:45,315 Let's break this down some more. 161 00:08:45,315 --> 00:08:45,835 Brother and sister. 162 00:08:45,835 --> 00:08:46,795 Are you still with me here? 163 00:08:47,525 --> 00:08:49,395 All right, 46 verses 1. 164 00:08:49,395 --> 00:08:52,635 It says God is our refuge and our strength. 165 00:08:53,575 --> 00:08:57,305 God is our refuge and our strength. 166 00:08:57,515 --> 00:09:01,135 Refuge being a shelter, a safe place. 167 00:09:01,785 --> 00:09:04,485 You know, even thinking about as we were talking earlier about what's going 168 00:09:04,485 --> 00:09:08,265 to be taking place for the wildfire, uh, uh, relief efforts that will 169 00:09:08,275 --> 00:09:09,945 be taking place starting tomorrow. 170 00:09:10,125 --> 00:09:13,635 What are we providing or what's being provided is really a 171 00:09:13,635 --> 00:09:15,395 refuge for these families. 172 00:09:16,085 --> 00:09:19,835 They're going through hard times and they need a place, they need some safety, 173 00:09:20,035 --> 00:09:22,065 to get some sanity, to have some peace. 174 00:09:22,460 --> 00:09:26,730 And perhaps even have some joy despite all that's going on. 175 00:09:28,380 --> 00:09:30,520 And here's what the scripture reveals. 176 00:09:31,460 --> 00:09:39,779 Is that God is that safe place and that shelter for you and me. 177 00:09:40,620 --> 00:09:41,880 He is our strength. 178 00:09:43,370 --> 00:09:47,980 When there's uncertainty, there's chaos, there's danger, and there's worry. 179 00:09:49,700 --> 00:09:53,704 Let me ask you this, who or what's God is your refuge. 180 00:09:55,895 --> 00:09:58,095 And sometimes it can be other things, can't it? 181 00:09:59,345 --> 00:10:01,814 It can be a person, place, or thing, or an event. 182 00:10:02,694 --> 00:10:08,175 But what we're reminded of here is that God is our refuge. 183 00:10:08,524 --> 00:10:11,814 The author of life is our refuge. 184 00:10:12,335 --> 00:10:16,805 The creator of the sun, moon, stars, gravity, and photosynthesis. 185 00:10:16,855 --> 00:10:19,614 He is our refuge. 186 00:10:20,325 --> 00:10:22,014 Not a person. 187 00:10:22,830 --> 00:10:26,460 Not a thing or an event or a time or a place. 188 00:10:27,120 --> 00:10:31,930 It is the almighty who holds the world in his hands. 189 00:10:32,100 --> 00:10:37,280 He is at safe place and shelter for his people. 190 00:10:38,040 --> 00:10:42,650 And so our security is in God alone, not in God plus. 191 00:10:43,760 --> 00:10:46,030 Not in God plus this thing. 192 00:10:46,760 --> 00:10:48,800 Now God does provide certain things. 193 00:10:49,230 --> 00:10:52,020 But our security must lay in him alone. 194 00:10:52,400 --> 00:10:58,580 And him alone, and it says He is our strength for the day today. 195 00:10:58,970 --> 00:11:02,060 And also when we get weak and weary. 196 00:11:03,290 --> 00:11:10,460 Can anyone testify of God being a refuge and a strength at some point in your life? 197 00:11:10,460 --> 00:11:10,580 There's 198 00:11:13,120 --> 00:11:14,530 a lot of people that can testify. 199 00:11:16,790 --> 00:11:20,690 And how do you know that God was a refuge and the strength? 200 00:11:20,900 --> 00:11:22,400 Here's the crazy part about it. 201 00:11:22,785 --> 00:11:27,035 And I read this book many years ago, it really helped shape a lot of my 202 00:11:27,035 --> 00:11:33,585 view, my, my theology of God is that, you know, and you testify that God 203 00:11:33,765 --> 00:11:35,955 has been a refuge and a strength. 204 00:11:35,965 --> 00:11:39,245 So when we read this, you can say, yes, he has been. 205 00:11:39,324 --> 00:11:42,465 So therefore, yes, he can and will be some more. 206 00:11:42,935 --> 00:11:48,475 Why is because you went through something where God was seen maybe for 207 00:11:48,475 --> 00:11:51,225 the first time or again to be a refuge. 208 00:11:51,650 --> 00:11:53,099 And strength and safety. 209 00:11:54,699 --> 00:11:55,579 Here's what I'm saying. 210 00:11:56,170 --> 00:12:02,770 You had to go through something that required you to need and see 211 00:12:04,740 --> 00:12:08,280 God as a deliverer and a refuge. 212 00:12:08,999 --> 00:12:12,729 But if you had never gone through that situation, this would be what? 213 00:12:13,709 --> 00:12:14,109 Theory. 214 00:12:15,889 --> 00:12:17,980 It would be a good idea. 215 00:12:19,035 --> 00:12:25,455 And so here's the challenging part that we wrestle with is that it's actually 216 00:12:25,465 --> 00:12:31,865 needed or required that we go through things because when we experience them 217 00:12:31,904 --> 00:12:36,304 through and with God, we come out on the other side with a deeper faith and 218 00:12:36,305 --> 00:12:37,995 a greater understanding of who God is. 219 00:12:39,325 --> 00:12:43,325 And it's not a theory, it's an experience. 220 00:12:43,385 --> 00:12:47,004 So therefore we testify, God is a refuge and a strength. 221 00:12:48,245 --> 00:12:52,465 And so when you go through the next challenge, what can you do? 222 00:12:52,905 --> 00:12:58,705 You refer back to that time when he was at refuge and strength, and then you 223 00:12:58,705 --> 00:13:03,575 bring it in and you apply it to your current situation so that you can move 224 00:13:03,585 --> 00:13:06,315 forward in your faith and see victory. 225 00:13:09,444 --> 00:13:13,625 God is our refuge and our strength. 226 00:13:14,155 --> 00:13:17,045 It says an ever present help in trouble. 227 00:13:17,045 --> 00:13:17,474 I love this. 228 00:13:17,484 --> 00:13:22,244 Not just a one time thing, but he is ever present. 229 00:13:23,155 --> 00:13:25,214 He hasn't left the building. 230 00:13:25,285 --> 00:13:27,114 He hasn't left our side. 231 00:13:27,124 --> 00:13:30,715 He's still leading and guiding us if we follow. 232 00:13:31,444 --> 00:13:37,234 But not only is he present, but he helps, he delivers, and he defends. 233 00:13:38,334 --> 00:13:40,074 So therefore, what does that mean? 234 00:13:40,575 --> 00:13:42,185 What we tell it, it tells us here. 235 00:13:42,345 --> 00:13:45,425 Therefore, we will not fear. 236 00:13:46,575 --> 00:13:48,165 Because God is our strength. 237 00:13:48,165 --> 00:13:49,905 Because God is our refuge. 238 00:13:49,995 --> 00:13:51,595 He's ever present. 239 00:13:51,835 --> 00:13:56,284 Therefore, you and I don't have to live in a state of anxiety, 240 00:13:56,295 --> 00:13:58,084 fear, and worry about life. 241 00:14:00,905 --> 00:14:05,105 It says even as the mountains give way, so in the midst of tragedy, in the midst 242 00:14:05,105 --> 00:14:12,490 of things that we aren't in control of, we can still we can still Have peace and 243 00:14:12,490 --> 00:14:19,220 comfort and strength from the almighty in the middle of life, storms and tribes. 244 00:14:20,619 --> 00:14:24,680 Now we can sometimes maybe either like me, maybe you have a guilty soul or 245 00:14:24,680 --> 00:14:28,209 maybe you can misunderstand this truth is that sometimes we can think, well 246 00:14:28,730 --> 00:14:33,040 man, then I should, I should never have a moment where I'm afraid or I'm in 247 00:14:33,040 --> 00:14:37,270 sin because I had a moment of weakness and I, and I, and I gave in to fear. 248 00:14:38,805 --> 00:14:43,275 The reason that God keeps telling us to not be afraid and have truth 249 00:14:43,435 --> 00:14:48,964 is because we will enter into that state at some point, but he's telling 250 00:14:48,964 --> 00:14:50,624 us I can deliver you out of it. 251 00:14:52,155 --> 00:14:57,754 So therefore you don't have to stay in the midst of chaos and tragedy 252 00:14:58,134 --> 00:15:02,944 with fear and despair, but he can pull us out of it so that we can 253 00:15:02,944 --> 00:15:05,765 stand tall with peace and confidence. 254 00:15:06,380 --> 00:15:11,189 And even joy in the midst of life, storms and trials. 255 00:15:13,470 --> 00:15:16,390 And that's what we go on to see as we continue in there. 256 00:15:16,640 --> 00:15:20,370 It says there's a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy 257 00:15:20,380 --> 00:15:22,290 place where the most high dwells. 258 00:15:22,500 --> 00:15:23,800 God is within her. 259 00:15:24,420 --> 00:15:27,590 The city is a reference, you know, directly back then they would 260 00:15:27,590 --> 00:15:28,900 have been thinking of Jerusalem. 261 00:15:28,900 --> 00:15:33,060 But symbolization or really alluded to the fact it was God's kingdom. 262 00:15:33,069 --> 00:15:34,630 His reign and rule on earth. 263 00:15:35,259 --> 00:15:36,359 And His people. 264 00:15:36,879 --> 00:15:39,339 And so God is in the midst of His people. 265 00:15:39,359 --> 00:15:40,099 God is there. 266 00:15:40,099 --> 00:15:41,959 He's not just in one locale. 267 00:15:41,969 --> 00:15:43,849 He's not just in the tabernacle. 268 00:15:43,849 --> 00:15:45,749 He's not just in the city of Jerusalem. 269 00:15:45,890 --> 00:15:50,640 So there's an understanding that it's about God's presence in the 270 00:15:50,650 --> 00:15:52,809 midst of His people providing safety. 271 00:15:54,285 --> 00:15:59,245 The city, the people, you and I, we're safe not because of foundations that we 272 00:15:59,245 --> 00:16:03,525 create, not because of all the things that we do to ensure our security. 273 00:16:03,754 --> 00:16:07,415 No, we're safe because God's presence is with us. 274 00:16:08,685 --> 00:16:13,685 And because he's a refuge, because he's the almighty, you are protected. 275 00:16:16,015 --> 00:16:21,065 Even with demonic forces and those who oppose God's reign and rule, you are safe. 276 00:16:21,925 --> 00:16:24,475 Because like Dallas said, you are in good hands. 277 00:16:27,265 --> 00:16:29,545 You know, it says, the Lord Almighty. 278 00:16:30,235 --> 00:16:34,804 And the way you would, uh, to, to actually, you know, uh, uh, 279 00:16:34,805 --> 00:16:38,235 go ahead and, and translate like, like strict translation. 280 00:16:38,675 --> 00:16:42,025 That would be Yahweh of Host. 281 00:16:42,565 --> 00:16:45,205 Yahweh being God's name that He reveals to us. 282 00:16:45,665 --> 00:16:48,915 And Host being a host of things, but really it's talking about, 283 00:16:49,505 --> 00:16:51,495 In the context heavenly armies. 284 00:16:51,885 --> 00:16:55,255 And so it's kind of hard to actually translate this term. 285 00:16:55,255 --> 00:16:59,035 And so the NIV and many others translate it as the Lord Almighty. 286 00:16:59,035 --> 00:17:01,185 Because it captures God is almighty. 287 00:17:01,185 --> 00:17:03,205 He's in control of the heavenly armies. 288 00:17:03,225 --> 00:17:04,714 He is sovereign. 289 00:17:05,394 --> 00:17:07,415 And it says what about Yahweh of hosts? 290 00:17:07,694 --> 00:17:08,655 It says He's what? 291 00:17:10,155 --> 00:17:11,355 He's with us. 292 00:17:12,175 --> 00:17:13,435 The creator of all. 293 00:17:13,755 --> 00:17:14,694 He's not distant. 294 00:17:15,704 --> 00:17:16,604 He didn't exit. 295 00:17:17,960 --> 00:17:19,960 He is with us. 296 00:17:20,339 --> 00:17:22,490 And he says he'll be there at the crack of dawn. 297 00:17:22,650 --> 00:17:25,310 If he just raised his voice, the earth will melt. 298 00:17:25,480 --> 00:17:28,160 You don't have to worry about those who oppose his will. 299 00:17:28,310 --> 00:17:30,899 Because he's the almighty and he's with you. 300 00:17:34,580 --> 00:17:37,080 I like being around big and buff dudes sometimes. 301 00:17:38,360 --> 00:17:39,210 You know what I'm saying? 302 00:17:40,200 --> 00:17:41,220 I like being around some guys. 303 00:17:41,250 --> 00:17:43,040 Sometimes, you know, we're eating chicken wings and you 304 00:17:43,040 --> 00:17:44,220 never know what might happen. 305 00:17:44,610 --> 00:17:45,480 What might pop off. 306 00:17:45,489 --> 00:17:47,989 Not because I'm doing anything crazy, but others do. 307 00:17:48,635 --> 00:17:50,715 But I love it when I have some dudes and I'm like, man, okay, if 308 00:17:50,715 --> 00:17:52,305 it goes down, I know I'm all right. 309 00:17:54,265 --> 00:17:56,055 You know, there used to be a brother that used to be here. 310 00:17:56,055 --> 00:17:56,955 He moved up north. 311 00:17:57,135 --> 00:17:57,885 Jack Jackson. 312 00:17:57,915 --> 00:17:59,175 Some of you guys might remember Jack. 313 00:17:59,785 --> 00:18:01,604 And so Jack is, uh, he was, he was real cool. 314 00:18:01,604 --> 00:18:02,135 Remember Chris? 315 00:18:02,165 --> 00:18:02,645 Remember Jack? 316 00:18:02,655 --> 00:18:04,814 He was, Jack was a wild, he was a wild dude, man. 317 00:18:05,335 --> 00:18:07,475 And, and Jack even had some size on him, right? 318 00:18:07,885 --> 00:18:11,845 And so when we would meet at church, um, I said, Jack, I said, hey man, 319 00:18:11,915 --> 00:18:13,605 uh, I need a favor from you, brother. 320 00:18:14,285 --> 00:18:15,335 He said, what's up, Marcel? 321 00:18:15,920 --> 00:18:19,170 I said, hey man, uh, you know, there's a aisle right down the middle of 322 00:18:19,170 --> 00:18:23,940 our, of our building where we meet and, uh, can you be my security? 323 00:18:25,580 --> 00:18:27,089 I said, man, can you sit in the front, man? 324 00:18:27,689 --> 00:18:31,369 Just in case if anybody asks something and they want to run up and do something 325 00:18:31,370 --> 00:18:33,209 to me, man, can you be my security? 326 00:18:33,230 --> 00:18:34,319 He said, I got your back, bro. 327 00:18:35,320 --> 00:18:36,330 And that brother was in the front. 328 00:18:36,330 --> 00:18:38,180 Every time I look at him, I'm like, oh, I'm all good. 329 00:18:39,030 --> 00:18:42,680 I didn't have to worry because he was my almighty physically for me. 330 00:18:42,680 --> 00:18:43,570 You get what I'm saying? 331 00:18:44,350 --> 00:18:47,070 But the Lord Almighty is always with you. 332 00:18:47,640 --> 00:18:49,110 So you do not need to worry. 333 00:18:49,730 --> 00:18:51,640 No matter who opposes his will. 334 00:18:53,120 --> 00:18:58,200 Because the Lord of hosts, Yahweh, God Almighty, is with you and me. 335 00:18:58,570 --> 00:19:05,620 And so we have joy because God is our fortress, our stronghold, our protection. 336 00:19:06,930 --> 00:19:07,640 We go on. 337 00:19:07,660 --> 00:19:09,110 Brother and sister, are you still with me here? 338 00:19:09,565 --> 00:19:09,605 Amen. 339 00:19:10,145 --> 00:19:11,585 Come and see what the Lord has done. 340 00:19:11,975 --> 00:19:14,085 So many people said, Hey, I can testify. 341 00:19:14,225 --> 00:19:15,125 We can go here. 342 00:19:15,125 --> 00:19:17,955 We can say, Hey, can we share with you what the Lord has done in our lives? 343 00:19:19,084 --> 00:19:19,985 But we have the scriptures. 344 00:19:19,994 --> 00:19:20,924 We have our own stories. 345 00:19:20,925 --> 00:19:21,734 We have others. 346 00:19:22,494 --> 00:19:25,065 And he goes on and he, he gets to this point, he says, be 347 00:19:25,065 --> 00:19:26,914 still and know that I am God. 348 00:19:26,914 --> 00:19:30,424 This is a famous quote of scriptures for many people. 349 00:19:30,604 --> 00:19:31,244 Be still. 350 00:19:31,505 --> 00:19:33,815 And there's really maybe a double meaning for this. 351 00:19:35,080 --> 00:19:37,740 For all the nations that want to cause an uproar, people who want to 352 00:19:37,740 --> 00:19:40,360 oppose God, God is saying, be still. 353 00:19:40,360 --> 00:19:41,120 You need to stop. 354 00:19:41,120 --> 00:19:47,470 You need to cease and know that I am God and I will be exalted and 355 00:19:47,470 --> 00:19:49,299 I will be exalted in this earth. 356 00:19:49,890 --> 00:19:56,230 And for God's people, we can get comfort and confidence and encouragement 357 00:19:56,680 --> 00:20:02,060 because he's also saying to you and me, be still and know that I am God. 358 00:20:03,015 --> 00:20:04,945 Don't take things into your own hands. 359 00:20:05,415 --> 00:20:06,975 Don't veer from my path. 360 00:20:07,335 --> 00:20:11,865 Be still and know that I will be exalted. 361 00:20:12,785 --> 00:20:14,004 I will deliver. 362 00:20:14,055 --> 00:20:15,345 I will defend. 363 00:20:15,615 --> 00:20:18,424 And my kingdom will be victorious. 364 00:20:20,335 --> 00:20:22,835 It says the Lord Almighty is with us. 365 00:20:23,005 --> 00:20:23,685 This is real cool. 366 00:20:23,685 --> 00:20:24,555 Real quickly, I want to do this. 367 00:20:24,745 --> 00:20:26,485 Matthew 1 in verse 23. 368 00:20:26,775 --> 00:20:30,324 In talking about Jesus, it says, the prophecy about Jesus in Isaiah 369 00:20:30,324 --> 00:20:33,364 says the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son and they will 370 00:20:33,364 --> 00:20:35,725 call him Emmanuel, which means what? 371 00:20:37,255 --> 00:20:38,755 God is with us. 372 00:20:40,475 --> 00:20:41,735 Are you seeing a connection? 373 00:20:43,665 --> 00:20:44,435 God is with us. 374 00:20:44,435 --> 00:20:45,995 He's been saying I've been with my people. 375 00:20:46,679 --> 00:20:49,679 Jesus comes and reveals, God is with you. 376 00:20:50,540 --> 00:20:53,939 And then as Jesus disciples, we've been baptized and we 377 00:20:53,939 --> 00:20:55,569 have received the Holy Spirit. 378 00:20:55,739 --> 00:20:57,709 And what does that teach us and remind us? 379 00:20:57,749 --> 00:21:01,709 That God is with us, and He's also within us. 380 00:21:03,520 --> 00:21:10,090 And so we have this promise from old to today that God is with us. 381 00:21:10,160 --> 00:21:15,939 Yahweh, the Lord Almighty is with you in your circumstance, at work, 382 00:21:16,160 --> 00:21:20,780 in that family drama, in your sin, and in your highs and in your lows. 383 00:21:20,850 --> 00:21:22,320 The Lord is with you. 384 00:21:24,410 --> 00:21:25,190 And He's a refuge. 385 00:21:27,360 --> 00:21:28,389 And He's your strength. 386 00:21:29,840 --> 00:21:31,220 You know, I love this going back. 387 00:21:31,280 --> 00:21:33,050 It says the God of Jacob. 388 00:21:33,390 --> 00:21:34,140 That's interesting. 389 00:21:34,780 --> 00:21:37,879 It says the God of Jacob You can kind of just quickly go 390 00:21:37,879 --> 00:21:39,090 through it's like, okay Jacob. 391 00:21:39,370 --> 00:21:40,139 Let's do a reminder. 392 00:21:40,140 --> 00:21:40,910 Who is Jacob? 393 00:21:41,220 --> 00:21:43,230 Jacob's one of the patriarchs in our faith. 394 00:21:43,930 --> 00:21:45,939 There was Abraham father Abraham. 395 00:21:45,939 --> 00:21:46,409 Remember him? 396 00:21:46,410 --> 00:21:54,470 Okay Abraham Abraham has a son Isaac Isaac has who Jacob Jacob, 397 00:21:54,950 --> 00:21:56,640 his name turned into Israel. 398 00:21:56,640 --> 00:21:57,610 What happens with that? 399 00:21:57,780 --> 00:22:00,590 That becomes the nation of Israel. 400 00:22:02,219 --> 00:22:03,890 What comes out of the nation of Israel? 401 00:22:04,190 --> 00:22:05,019 The Messiah. 402 00:22:06,469 --> 00:22:11,759 So when we get this reference to the God of Jacob, I believe what's happening here 403 00:22:11,899 --> 00:22:16,230 is that we are being reminded that God has always been a refuge for his people. 404 00:22:17,540 --> 00:22:22,480 He's saying, look, Jacob, before he was Israel, before there was a nation, before 405 00:22:22,480 --> 00:22:27,439 there was a chosen people, before anything happened, God has always been a refuge 406 00:22:27,839 --> 00:22:29,870 and with his people and a safe place. 407 00:22:30,640 --> 00:22:34,380 So if he's been that before, he will do that today. 408 00:22:34,479 --> 00:22:38,480 And so what does that mean for you and me that God is with us today? 409 00:22:39,715 --> 00:22:45,495 He's been the God of refuge and shelter all the way past Jacob to the 410 00:22:45,495 --> 00:22:48,885 days of the New Testament to 2025. 411 00:22:50,265 --> 00:22:52,315 God is with us. 412 00:22:52,835 --> 00:22:54,775 He is our refuge. 413 00:22:55,594 --> 00:22:58,475 God is our refuge in tragedy. 414 00:22:59,425 --> 00:23:02,005 God is our refuge in treachery. 415 00:23:02,625 --> 00:23:05,335 God is our refuge when there is chaos. 416 00:23:05,715 --> 00:23:08,145 God is our refuge when there is corruption. 417 00:23:08,905 --> 00:23:13,254 God is our refuge when there's disasters, when the economy falls, when we have 418 00:23:13,254 --> 00:23:16,605 political changes or political failures. 419 00:23:17,594 --> 00:23:22,705 God is our strength and our refuge when demonic forces or evil people oppose God's 420 00:23:22,705 --> 00:23:24,885 kingdom, his reign, and his rule on earth. 421 00:23:26,254 --> 00:23:27,344 God is our strength. 422 00:23:28,594 --> 00:23:29,705 God is our help. 423 00:23:30,915 --> 00:23:32,854 God is our fortress. 424 00:23:33,604 --> 00:23:35,334 God is our defender. 425 00:23:35,834 --> 00:23:37,524 God is our deliverer. 426 00:23:38,395 --> 00:23:39,735 God is our strength. 427 00:23:39,875 --> 00:23:41,475 God is our fortress. 428 00:23:41,534 --> 00:23:43,575 God is with us. 429 00:23:47,735 --> 00:23:56,134 And so, therefore, you and I will not fear, but we will trust in God alone. 430 00:23:57,514 --> 00:24:01,125 And I believe that's the response that we can have from this truth. 431 00:24:01,695 --> 00:24:04,824 Is that this truth can shore up our convictions so that 432 00:24:04,824 --> 00:24:07,574 we can trust in God alone. 433 00:24:08,290 --> 00:24:14,959 Not in God plus, but in God, the fortress and safety and shelter for our salvation. 434 00:24:15,379 --> 00:24:19,290 Now I don't know about you, but I ask, I want that, but how can I do that? 435 00:24:21,280 --> 00:24:23,729 Couple things that came to my mind. 436 00:24:24,869 --> 00:24:29,429 One, we gotta remember consistently that God is our refuge and strength. 437 00:24:30,100 --> 00:24:32,550 We have to remember this consistently. 438 00:24:33,469 --> 00:24:36,360 That God is our refuge and strength. 439 00:24:37,080 --> 00:24:40,429 So for some of us, it's recalling that he's been there for some of us were 440 00:24:40,439 --> 00:24:42,259 like, I never really experienced this. 441 00:24:42,489 --> 00:24:46,039 So it's remembering this song and then applying this song once you get 442 00:24:46,039 --> 00:24:49,889 into that position where you need to know God is your refuge in strength. 443 00:24:51,069 --> 00:24:51,889 But here's the thing. 444 00:24:52,269 --> 00:24:55,689 If we don't remember consistently, we'll easily forget. 445 00:24:55,689 --> 00:24:56,799 And that's what we do, don't we? 446 00:24:58,219 --> 00:24:59,299 We easily forget. 447 00:25:00,189 --> 00:25:01,860 And what happens when we forget this truth? 448 00:25:03,580 --> 00:25:04,389 We get fearful. 449 00:25:05,860 --> 00:25:06,769 We start to doubt. 450 00:25:07,505 --> 00:25:08,645 We have despair. 451 00:25:09,155 --> 00:25:12,235 We try to take things into our own hands. 452 00:25:12,835 --> 00:25:20,124 We get stressed out, we make bad choices or we drift from God when 453 00:25:20,125 --> 00:25:25,694 we forget that God is an ever present help in times of trouble. 454 00:25:27,104 --> 00:25:32,504 And so this truth being reminded can bring peace, can bring confidence 455 00:25:33,514 --> 00:25:35,294 because we know that God will defend. 456 00:25:36,245 --> 00:25:37,355 And God will deliver. 457 00:25:38,655 --> 00:25:41,274 And not only do we need to remember this consistently, but 458 00:25:41,274 --> 00:25:43,715 we need to live in this truth. 459 00:25:44,425 --> 00:25:48,534 Not a theory, not an emotional moment on a Sunday morning. 460 00:25:49,105 --> 00:25:50,975 But a reality for our lives. 461 00:25:51,724 --> 00:25:53,764 I was talking to Kenny Barber on the phone the other day. 462 00:25:54,044 --> 00:25:56,034 And Kenny's out of town to pray. 463 00:25:56,034 --> 00:25:57,534 I think he's coming back tomorrow, right? 464 00:25:57,715 --> 00:25:58,465 Uh, yeah, there you go. 465 00:25:58,665 --> 00:26:00,225 So Kenny be coming back from Virginia. 466 00:26:00,385 --> 00:26:02,155 And we were just randomly talking. 467 00:26:02,514 --> 00:26:04,125 We're connecting and he was like, man. 468 00:26:04,800 --> 00:26:06,960 Uh, he was like, you know, I'm just really getting great times 469 00:26:06,960 --> 00:26:11,010 with God and God's really revealing he's being a refuge for me. 470 00:26:12,150 --> 00:26:15,270 He says, and it's not, it's not just this thought, it's, it's reality. 471 00:26:15,840 --> 00:26:18,510 I was like, man, I'm actually preaching on that on Sunday. 472 00:26:19,399 --> 00:26:23,799 And it was so cool because he was, he had understood this isn't theory. 473 00:26:24,419 --> 00:26:25,629 This isn't speculation. 474 00:26:25,629 --> 00:26:27,729 This isn't philosophy we're talking about. 475 00:26:28,389 --> 00:26:33,859 This is an opportunity for reality to live in this truth. 476 00:26:35,170 --> 00:26:38,830 But what we have to do is we have to trust God by following 477 00:26:38,830 --> 00:26:40,730 his lead and following his ways. 478 00:26:41,150 --> 00:26:45,029 What, what gets us off track is we go, I want to believe you, 479 00:26:45,120 --> 00:26:47,880 you're going this way, but I'm going to take a step this way. 480 00:26:48,549 --> 00:26:51,180 Or you keep going and I'm just going to stay still. 481 00:26:52,460 --> 00:26:57,590 And so therefore that shelter and that protection is no longer covering us. 482 00:26:58,220 --> 00:26:59,170 So what do we do? 483 00:26:59,180 --> 00:27:01,860 Then we think, well, God must not be a refuge. 484 00:27:02,460 --> 00:27:03,770 And we doubt his word. 485 00:27:04,620 --> 00:27:05,970 And then we think, you know what? 486 00:27:06,000 --> 00:27:09,000 I don't know if I could trust the God of the scriptures. 487 00:27:10,600 --> 00:27:14,179 So this is why it's so important that we remember, but that 488 00:27:14,180 --> 00:27:15,439 we make choices every day. 489 00:27:15,479 --> 00:27:18,200 I'm going to follow, even though it might be hard. 490 00:27:18,910 --> 00:27:22,600 I'm going to obey, even though I can't see the fruit of it right now. 491 00:27:23,279 --> 00:27:27,479 Because I'm going to hold on until victory comes. 492 00:27:29,399 --> 00:27:30,510 Brothers and sisters. 493 00:27:31,225 --> 00:27:37,405 God is calling you and he's calling me to hold on until victory comes. 494 00:27:38,935 --> 00:27:43,175 Not a day before, not a week, not an hour, not a minute. 495 00:27:43,405 --> 00:27:47,054 You hold on until victory comes. 496 00:27:47,895 --> 00:27:51,225 Because God Almighty is a refuge. 497 00:27:51,985 --> 00:27:55,905 He's our strength, He's our fortress, and He's our deliverer. 498 00:27:56,505 --> 00:27:57,935 And His word is never failed. 499 00:27:59,120 --> 00:28:01,510 And he will deliver. 500 00:28:03,710 --> 00:28:09,989 And so what we need to do is remember, we need to walk in this. 501 00:28:10,730 --> 00:28:14,270 And we need to make sure we just give our fears and leave our fears up to God. 502 00:28:15,409 --> 00:28:20,340 Now I don't know about you, but my problem is, I can go ahead and give my fears 503 00:28:20,340 --> 00:28:22,210 to God and then take them right back. 504 00:28:23,070 --> 00:28:23,780 You ever did that? 505 00:28:24,840 --> 00:28:25,470 You know what? 506 00:28:26,300 --> 00:28:26,830 I got a minute. 507 00:28:26,860 --> 00:28:27,300 Here we go. 508 00:28:27,510 --> 00:28:27,870 Alright. 509 00:28:29,105 --> 00:28:30,105 Here's what we can do. 510 00:28:30,315 --> 00:28:31,655 I wasn't sure if I was going to do it. 511 00:28:32,285 --> 00:28:33,565 This is what I can do with God. 512 00:28:33,975 --> 00:28:35,555 I take all my stuff to God. 513 00:28:35,905 --> 00:28:37,095 I go, God, I'm struggling. 514 00:28:37,495 --> 00:28:38,804 Man, help me with my wife. 515 00:28:38,804 --> 00:28:39,935 Help me with my kids. 516 00:28:40,125 --> 00:28:41,464 Not to say my wife and kids are bad. 517 00:28:41,474 --> 00:28:42,355 You guys get what I'm saying. 518 00:28:43,005 --> 00:28:44,195 These are just prayers, right? 519 00:28:44,625 --> 00:28:47,575 I can come in and I start laying forth all these different things. 520 00:28:47,795 --> 00:28:49,445 God, help finances. 521 00:28:49,635 --> 00:28:50,935 Can you help the world? 522 00:28:50,935 --> 00:28:51,345 You know what? 523 00:28:51,345 --> 00:28:53,325 I'm stressed out about the ministry. 524 00:28:53,325 --> 00:28:54,824 There's people that are struggling. 525 00:28:55,014 --> 00:28:56,195 There's things going on. 526 00:28:56,195 --> 00:28:56,755 You know what? 527 00:28:56,934 --> 00:28:58,754 I just got a call from the doctor. 528 00:28:58,955 --> 00:29:01,334 Uh, there's things that are challenging with my family members. 529 00:29:01,494 --> 00:29:04,345 And I start to bring all those things to God. 530 00:29:04,765 --> 00:29:05,645 And I'll pray. 531 00:29:05,655 --> 00:29:10,225 And after 20, 30 minutes or however long, I'll go and I'll go, Amen. 532 00:29:10,225 --> 00:29:11,495 And you know what I go and do? 533 00:29:11,705 --> 00:29:12,525 I go this. 534 00:29:18,129 --> 00:29:19,239 And I go, all right, 535 00:29:22,730 --> 00:29:23,399 can you relate? 536 00:29:24,470 --> 00:29:26,060 I gave it all to God. 537 00:29:26,590 --> 00:29:27,550 And then what did I do? 538 00:29:27,590 --> 00:29:28,810 I took it right back. 539 00:29:29,159 --> 00:29:31,050 And what happens right after that time of prayer? 540 00:29:31,209 --> 00:29:32,189 I'm stressed out. 541 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:35,349 I'm despaired. 542 00:29:35,350 --> 00:29:36,439 I'm discouraged. 543 00:29:37,669 --> 00:29:38,570 And there's no hope. 544 00:29:39,649 --> 00:29:40,980 But I went to the Lord in prayer. 545 00:29:42,719 --> 00:29:43,719 What do we need to do? 546 00:29:44,409 --> 00:29:45,360 We need to leave it at the altar. 547 00:29:46,669 --> 00:29:47,809 We gotta leave it at the altar. 548 00:29:47,969 --> 00:29:49,360 But it's so tempting to take it back. 549 00:29:50,435 --> 00:29:51,665 But we just have to leave it there. 550 00:29:52,455 --> 00:29:57,245 God, I'm just going to trust you and I'm going to go on in faith. 551 00:29:59,615 --> 00:30:02,425 So this is how we can trust in God alone practically. 552 00:30:03,745 --> 00:30:09,375 And so however, God is ministering to heed what he's saying this hour and keep 553 00:30:09,375 --> 00:30:12,515 doing what's right until victory comes. 554 00:30:13,415 --> 00:30:18,915 Imagine facing this week with the divine peace, with the divine confidence, 555 00:30:19,555 --> 00:30:23,909 a divine security and a divine joy. 556 00:30:25,920 --> 00:30:30,770 You know, we can when we remember we live in the truth and we give it all to God and 557 00:30:30,790 --> 00:30:36,060 leave it to God because he's our refuge and our strength and God is with us. 558 00:30:37,070 --> 00:30:42,420 Trust in God alone and we can trust God because what? 559 00:30:43,010 --> 00:30:46,420 Because he's our refuge and our strength and he is with us. 560 00:30:46,700 --> 00:30:51,660 And so we'll close out in Psalm 46 verses one and 11 again, capturing the essence. 561 00:30:51,990 --> 00:30:57,530 And the whole message of this song, this song, it says, God is our refuge and 562 00:30:57,570 --> 00:31:00,690 strength and ever present help in trouble. 563 00:31:01,130 --> 00:31:03,300 The Lord Almighty is with us. 564 00:31:03,610 --> 00:31:10,890 The God of Jacob is our fortress in God alone, our refuge and strength. 565 00:31:11,050 --> 00:31:11,430 Amen.