Close Close Watch Close Close Go to our giving website Note: You will be taken to another browser tab to give online. If on phone/tablet, simply click the back button to go back to this notes page. Give Watch Interact × Bible Questions & Surveys Events Important: You will NOT lose your data entered or the tab location you are in when you close this panel. Imporant Items of Note Week of June 5, 2022 Volunteer ExpoCalling all willing hearts and helping hands. Visit our Volunteer Expo after service on Sunday, March 26th, to see where you can get connected in serving. There are a variety of places that are a fit with your gifts and talents. Your professional and spiritual background can serve in a needed volunteer opportunity. We […] Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 amPalm SundayJoin us for Palm Sunday as we celebrate Jesus’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem with a special Musical Celebration featuring our children and adult choirs. We will also celebrate our Youth who completed their first Discipleship Class. Invite friends and family to the celebration and hear a special message from Dr. Joshua. If you would […] Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 amEaster SundayOn Easter Sunday, we invite you to join us in worship and In the Text as we hear biblical insights on “The Power of the Resurrection” and how we celebrate the resurrection with our daily lives. Invite friends and family to join you for our Easter Service. Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 am“In the Text” Video Podcast on the BibleTune in online on Wednesdays for our new video podcast! “In The Text” is a contemporary conversation about the Bible focused on helping people relate to God through scripture. Take your bible reading experience to a whole new level in an engaging and creative way! Purchase an “In the Text” T-Shirt Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 amSynergy Youth MinistryThis month, we’ve got big plans for helping teenagers grow closer to God like they never knew they could before. Here’s what’s coming up in our ministry: · Volunteer Expo on March 26th · We will have Synergy on March 12th, 19th, 26th at 10:30am · Movie Night March 24th at 6pm at Zoe […] Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 amBaptism SundayHow important is baptism? It is your personal identification with the greatest act of human history, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Water baptism is a step of obedience to the Word of God and an important expression of faith for a believer. Sign up to publicly acknowledge that you have made […] Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 amDiscoverAre you interested in becoming a member or just curious about our church? Have you joined Zoe within the past year? If so, you are invited to join Dr. Joshua for our Virtual Discover Gathering on Thursday, April 6! During Discover, you will learn more about our ministry, beliefs, and will have an opportunity to […] Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 amPrayer CallsWe invite you to pray on our 30-minute weekly Prayer Conference Calls. The calls are empowering, life-changing, and a dynamic way to start or end your day. Connect to a Prayer Call (562) 999-7729 Mondays • 6am • 7pm on Zoom only Connect at 7pm Tuesdays • 6am • 7pm Thursday • 6am • […] Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 amDrive-Thru Food GiveawayThe Zoe Center Drive-Thru Food Giveaway is a caring community of volunteers who serve our church families and community with free nutritious food. We are committed to providing food at no cost on the first Saturday of the month. If you would like to volunteer, arrive at the church at 9am. Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 amBaby DedicationDo you want to dedicate your child to the Lord? Invite your family to witness and share this moment with you on Sunday, May 7. The Baby Dedication Class will be held on Thursday, May 4 at 7:30pm on Zoom. Sign Up Read more »Source: Zoe Center Sermons | Published: March 26, 2023 - 7:07 am Add Sermon Notes This note will be displayed at bottom of your sermon note when you save to pdf or email them Questions Click to open/close Full NameEmailIn case we need to write back to you, please leave us your email address. This is a:CommentQuestionYour messageHidden Email IDEmailThis field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Δ Guest Survey Click to open/close We would love to hear your thoughts about your first time visit to our church, so if you are a current or recent guest, we ask you to fill out the survey below. 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All fields are optional First NameLast NamePhoneEmail* Date of Your Visit Date Format: MM slash DD slash YYYY Age range of adults living in the home? 18-28 29-38 39-48 49-57 58+ Married or Single (with or without children)?Married with NO ChildrenSingle with NO ChildrenMarried with ChildrenSingle with ChildrenChurch ExperienceLots of church experienceOnly on holidaysRarely, if ever have been to churchLooking for a new churchNever been to churchWill you join us again this Sunday or an upcoming Sunday?YesNoStill thinking about itI would recommend this church to family and friendSelect ValueStrongly AgreeAgreeNeutralDisagreeStrongly DisagreePlease evaluate your experience (HONESTLY)Were you greeted at the front door?YesNoN/ADid you feel welcomed upon entering the sanctuary?YesNoN/AIf you had children with you, were you told about our Nursery and Children’s Church?YesNoN/AIf you had children, were the Nursery and Children’s Church workers friendly and helpful?YesNoN/AHow did you hear about us?FriendRelativeOther Word of mouthSignageSocial MediaAdvertisementIs there anything you would like our church to pray about?Comments (Please share your comments here – they are greatly appreciated!Hidden Email ID Δ Interact Zoe Center The Unwavering Place: Where Prayer and Faith Intersect Archived – June 5, 2022 View This Weeks Note View All Past Notes View This Note w/o Blanks The Unwavering Place: Where Prayer and Faith Intersect June 5, 2022 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NKJV) And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation”. “No one is holy like the Lord. For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.” Introduction Together we will learn how to remain in the through prayer and faith in the midst of a barren situation or an unfilled longing. Unwavering is defined as: Continuing in a strong and steady way. The ability to remain steadfast, immovable, unyielding, constant, and determined. As believers, followers of Christ, we should be firm in faith and unshakable in prayer. If we are firm, we will not allow ourselves to be shaken when we face trials or difficulties. For if you will not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all (Isaiah 7:9 NIV). When your faith is challenged, remember that we stand on the Rock of Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NKJV) Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. James 1:12 (NKJV) Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 1 Corinthians 16:13 (NKJV) Be watchful, stand firm in the faith…. Hebrews 10:23 (NKJV) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Let’s look briefly at the story of Hannah: An Excellent biblical example of prayer and faith. Hannah longed for a baby of her own, she carried an unfulfilled longing. What is your unfulfilled desire… Is it a longing for a child, It is wayward child to return home, Is it a career where you find meaning, Is it a desire for a spouse, Is it marriage restoration, Is it for healing in your body Is it financial stability. We all have experienced or are experiencing the void of an unfulfilled longing or dream. Hannah had a battle plan to remain in that unwavering place in the midst of her barren season. Her battleplan was that she: Trusted in God’s Sovereignty Devoted to Prayer Stood Firm in Faith Body: Point #1 1 Samuel 1:5 (NKJV) But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb. But if you pay close attention to the end of verse 5 we notice, “.” There are times when we don’t understand the WHY’S behind God’s purpose, but we can be assured that God has a plan. He did then and He does now. God’s timing is perfect . Definition of Sovereignty: God is all powerful, He has all authority, and He is the source of everything that exists. The Almighty is in control of our lives as he accomplished His perfect will. Psalms 103:19 (NKJV) -The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all [the universe]. God is sovereign of the universe and everything is within His power, however, God sovereignty is not in the God is controlling the situation not us, Isaiah 55:8-9 (NKJV) My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways. And My thoughts than your thoughts.His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.” We saw in this passage it was God who closed up Hannah’s womb. Could it be that God has allowed it. Then that should give us hope in victory, becuase God is in control. Romans 8:28 (NKJV) – And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. The enemy tries to bring doubt to distract us from what we’re believing God for. 1 Samuel 1:6 (NKJV) – and her rival (Peninnah, husband’s wife) also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb. When we are trying to remain in the unwavering place that does not make us obsolete from the attacks of the enemy. “provoked her ” – The severity of the attack is designed to try and persuaded us to stop standing. Luke 10:19 (AMP) – Listen carefully: I have given you authority (that you now possess) to tread on serpents and scorpions and (ability to exercise) over all the power of the enemy (Satan); nothing will (in any way) harm you. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) – For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of []the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 1 Samuel 2:1 (NKJV) I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation. This prayer was a part of Hannah’s victory. Hannah was smiling because she knew that God was her redeemer, rescuer, and her ultimate savior. Body: Point #2 The next part of Hannah’s battle plan was explained in… “ is a natural outflow of those in communion with Christ.”(Charles Spurgeon) 1 Samuel 1:10 – 11 (NKJV) And she was in bitterness of soul, and and wept in anguish. “Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.” I love this verse because it shows Hannah’s prayer posture: Prayed with anguish.(Fervent in prayer) Acknowledge God as her Master and saw herself as His servant (Humble) Asked the Lord to remember her. (had Relationship with God) Made a vow to the Lord. (Trusted in God) PRAYER IS Dependence on God: Through prayer we declare our dependence on Jesus and draw upon His wisdom and strength. Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts by Jerry Bridges – “Prayer assumes the sovereignty of God. If God is not sovereign, we have no assurance that He is able to answer our prayers.” Jesus modeled a lifestyle of prayer. He prayed often. (Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:28-29 and Luke 22:44). When seeds of prayer are planted, they must grow. God promise His Word shall not return void. b. PRAYER IS Intimacy with God:Through prayer, we tell God how much we love Him and we allow HIs love for us to fill our souls to overflowing. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. (Jame 4:8) It’s difficult to know someone if we seldom talk to that person or if the only time we communicate is when we want something, Likewise, with our Heavenly Father, it’s hard to get to know him without ongoing daily communication With Him. c. PRAYER Develops devotion to intercession: We will find that the more we pray, the more we want to pray, and we will find more to pray about. We can trust that God always hears our prayers; something is happening whether we can see it or not.(1 Timothy 2:1-2; Ephesian 6:18). Body: Point #3 3. Prayer is contingent upon our Faith 1 Samuel 1:17-18 (NKJV) Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.” And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.” Faith does not come by happenstance, it comes by believing God’s Word just as Hannah believed. The Lord blessed Hannah with a son, Samuel, because of her faithfulness/obedience not only did God bless her with one child, but she bore more children. Conclusion Remaining steadfast, immovable, unyielding and constant in prayer we will allow ourselves to not be shaken when we face trials or difficulties in our lives. Even though we are facing the storm we can remain. Hannah’s prayer : 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (NKJV) And Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation”. “No one is holy like the Lord. For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.” We don’t have to wait until we have the victory, to declare the prayer Hannah prayed. As long as we trust in the sovereignty of God, devote ourselves to prayer, and stand firm in our faith, we can have assurance that God will work everything out for our good and His glory. If you are struggling to remain steadfast: Abide in Him (John 15:7) Cast all your cares on the Lord (1 Peter 5:7) Dwell in that secret Place (Psalms 91) Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you (James 4:8) Delight Thyself in the Lord (Psalms 37:4) Trust in the Lord (Proverbs: 3:5-6) Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) Rest In the Lord (Matthew 11:28) Pray without ceasing (I Thes 5:17-19) Wait patiently for the Lord, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart (Psalm 27:14) Cast down every thought that exalts itself against the knowledge of God (2 Cor 10:4) When I reflect on the life of Jesus, I am moved by His unwavering devotion to the Father. His number one priority was to be close to the Father’s Heart resulting in actions motivated by faith and love. No matter how busy Jesus was, His number one priority was to spend time with His Father. Practical Steps to Remain in the Unwavering Place Be consistent in prayer Pray with Intentionality/Anticipation Worship Read God’s Word before engaging in Prayer Get Involved: Corporate Prayer, Prayer Meetings, Prayer Groups, Life Group Participation and Bible Studies Prayer Partners (Pray with others) Re-emphasize Scriptural Meditation: Reading, Talking, Listening, Pondering, Reflection © Perrilla Woodard, 2022 Save PDF Locally Click to save a copy of the filled-in notes to a PDF file on your device Download File Click to View PDF Save PDF to Google Drive (Android & PC Only) Click to save a copy of the filled-in notes to a PDF file on your Google Drive account Save File Send to Email Enter your email address below to receive a copy of your filled in notes Send