Message Notes

A DEEP LOVE FOR THE HOUSE OF THE LORD

1. The deep longing to be in the house of God   (Psalm 84:2, 10)

a. Soul felt

b. As a doorkeeper

2. The context of going on pilgrimages to Jerusalem

a. Three times a year

b. The idea of pilgrims travelling to Jerusalem

c. They would go repeatedly every year

THE CHALLENGES FACED

1. There will be problems faced along the journey

a. They walked through the valley of Baca

b. The valley of Baca is the valley of tears

c. There will be obstacles faced

2. Comparison – The journey of life to heaven

a. There will problems and obstacles faced

b. There will be moments of tears

REFLECTING ON THE BLESSINGS OF GOD’S STRENGTH FOR 2017

1. The blessing of internal strength   (Psalm 84:5-7)

a. Source of strength

i. The strength is located in the Lord God Himself

ii. The Psalmist does not depend on his own strength

b. Fresh store of strength

i. A spring of life and strength

ii. Pools of rain

iii. We can feel refreshed by the Lord

c. Strength to strength

i. From grace to grace   (John 1:16)

ii. From faith to faith   (Romans 1:17)

2. The blessing of God as our external shield

a. The Lord God of hosts   (Psalm 84:1, 3, 8, 12)

b. The Lord as a shield   (Psalm 84:9)

c. The Lord as a sun and shield   (Psalm 84:11)

3. Grace and strength go together   (Psalm 84:11)

a. Grace

b. Glory

c. Goodness

SEEKING THE LORD’S BLESSING OF STRENGTH FOR 2018

1. Praying for the Lord to increase our strength   (Psalm 84:10)

2. Deepening Trust in the Lord   (Psalm 84:12)