Gateway Visalia
Psalms
Pastor Lance Ainsworth September 29th, 2024 Psalms 121 The Journey
Locations & Times
GateWay Church
1100 S Sowell St, Visalia, CA 93277, USA
Sunday 8:30 AM
Sunday 10:00 AM
Sunday 11:30 AM
Introduction
Psalm 121 NASB Song of Ascents
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.
God helps those who realize they can’t help themselves.
Prayer is choosing to focus on God’s character instead of our circumstances.
3 He will not allow your foot to slip;
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
He who keeps you will not slumber.
4 Behold, He who keeps Israel
Will neither slumber nor sleep.
Our Lord guides us in our steps and rest.
(Ps. 37:23-24; Jude 1:24)
Psalm 37:23-24
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.
(Ps. 37:23-24; Jude 1:24)
Psalm 37:23-24
23 The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
And He delights in his way.
24 When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong,
Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand.
“God never gets drowsy. He never goes to sleep on the job. Our God works the night shift. He has eternal insomnia. Why are you awake? Why are you worrying?” – HB Charles
5 The Lord is your keeper;
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
The Lord is your shade on your right hand.
6 The sun will not smite you by day,
Nor the moon by night.
Our Lord sustains us in the presence of danger. (Ps. 57:1)
7 The Lord will protect you from all evil;
He will keep your soul.
8 The Lord will guard your going out
and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.
He will keep your soul.
8 The Lord will guard your going out
and your coming in
From this time forth and forever.
Our Lord protects our minds.
Psalms: Prayers for the Peaks and Valleys
Psalm 121, Pastor Lance Ainsworth
September 29th, 2024
The Journey
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: What is the most extended road trip you have taken??
Read Aloud: Psalm 121
1. v.1-2 “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Do you have difficulty asking for help? Do you reflect on God’s character when you pray/ask for help? How does understanding the magnitude of God help our prayer life?
2. v.3-4 “3 He will not allow your foot to slip;He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.” Read Also Psalm 37:23-24. We will slip, but how does God keep us on the right path? How does knowing God does not sleep change how we experience peace? How can prayer potentially change our resting patterns?
3. v.5-6 “The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night.” God does not promise to take us out of the danger of life but that he will sustain us in the midst of them. Do you feel God’s protection? Do you ever think of his sovereignty and how he has kept you alive? Have you thanked Him for his protection?
4.v.7-8 “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. 8 The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.” Protecting our souls has to do with our minds. How does prayer protect our minds from evil? How does evil seek to influence our thoughts? This hymn was sung with a group of Israelites on a pilgrimage; how does worshiping and praying together bring encouragement?
Psalm 121, Pastor Lance Ainsworth
September 29th, 2024
The Journey
Prayer Requests:
Group Discussion: What is the most extended road trip you have taken??
Read Aloud: Psalm 121
1. v.1-2 “I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.” Do you have difficulty asking for help? Do you reflect on God’s character when you pray/ask for help? How does understanding the magnitude of God help our prayer life?
2. v.3-4 “3 He will not allow your foot to slip;He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.” Read Also Psalm 37:23-24. We will slip, but how does God keep us on the right path? How does knowing God does not sleep change how we experience peace? How can prayer potentially change our resting patterns?
3. v.5-6 “The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night.” God does not promise to take us out of the danger of life but that he will sustain us in the midst of them. Do you feel God’s protection? Do you ever think of his sovereignty and how he has kept you alive? Have you thanked Him for his protection?
4.v.7-8 “The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. 8 The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.” Protecting our souls has to do with our minds. How does prayer protect our minds from evil? How does evil seek to influence our thoughts? This hymn was sung with a group of Israelites on a pilgrimage; how does worshiping and praying together bring encouragement?