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Peter

For the week of February 16, 2026

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MONDAY

Day One: Lectio Divina – Psalm 124 

Sermon Focus: The LORD – the Creator of heaven and earth – is the only One who can rescue us when we would otherwise perish. 

Truth: Psalm 124 says, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side – let Israel now say – if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” 

Kingdom Prayer Focus: 

  1. Praise God for His faithfulness to FMC since 1812. There have certainly been floods that threatened to sweep us away over the years, but Godhas kept and helped us. He’s used the floods to shape and teach us, and He continues to fulfill His purposes here. Pray that we will be faithful to remember His goodness in the past and trust in all His promises for the future.   
  2. Pray that FM would more and more become a church of fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ who are “all in” on the mission TO MAKE fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ throughout their everyday, ordinary lives; pray that we would long to pursue and obey that Straight Edge of Truth in thought, word, and deed – all for the glory of God alone.

TUESDAY

Day Two: Remembering What God Has Done 

Sermon Focus: The LORD – the Creator of heaven and earth – is the only One who can rescue us when we would otherwise perish. 

Truth: Psalm 124 says, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side – let Israel now say – if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” 

Sermon Point: Psalm 124 is a psalm sung by people who know – not just theoretically or theologically – they know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they should not still be here; the only reason they’re still standing is because God Himself intervened. It’s a psalm that celebrates both deliverance and dependence. In a world where we are constantly tempted to attribute our survival to ourselves – our strength/grit, our intelligence, our planning, our endurance – this psalm reminds of what is True: We are here only because God was (and is) on our side.  He is the One who has given us whatever talents we may possess to help sustain us.  Ours is a collective story of faithful God who rescues His people.  

Sermon Reflection: What are some specific events/seasons in your life when you were outmatched, overwhelmed, and out of options…but God intervened? How was your faith shaped and strengthened? 

Application: “Let – {insert your name here} – now say…” Make it a habit to tell someone what God has done for you. Start today! Share the honest, ordinary (or maybe even extraordinary) ways God has carried you through difficult and overwhelming times. Our stories strengthen one another’s faith.  

Kingdom Prayer Focus: 

  1. Repent of all the times you’ve relied on your own strength, wisdom, or ability to save yourself, in all sorts of ways.  Repent of the missed opportunities to give God praise for doing what only He can do.  
  2. Pray that FM’s corporate praise and worship of God would help us remember all He has done for us and encourage us to stand firm in His grace and peace, no matter what comes our way.  

WEDNESDAY

Day Three: The Flood Was Real 

Sermon Focus: The LORD – the Creator of heaven and earth – is the only One who can rescue us when we would otherwise perish. 

Truth: Psalm 124 says, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side – let Israel now say – if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” 

Sermon Point: The imagery of a flood is a powerful one, for sure – those moments when life comes at us suddenly and unexpectedly, overwhelming and unstoppable. The psalmist here doesn’t pretend that the threat or danger wasn’t real, nor does he minimize or spiritualize it. He specifically names how utterly overwhelmed Israel was when their enemies came against them in anger. And we can do the same thing. We don’t need to pretend the “floods” we are facing aren’t real. Our faith allows us to honestly acknowledge whatever overwhelming hardship we may be facing – and then remember that our God is greater! 

Sermon Reflection: How does the psalmist’s raw honesty encourage you and “teach” how you, too, can pray and express yourself to the Lord?  

Application: Our-us-we…Psalm 124 is communal. Today, don’t fight your battles alone. Reach out to a trusted friend or family member (or your Battle Buddy!) to share with them where you feel like you’re being “swallowed up.” Perhaps they can do the same with you. Pray for and encourage one another to look to the One who can rescue you. 

Kingdom Prayer Focus: 

  1. Praise God that He created the church –that He designed us to live and worship and pray and grow in community. Pray that FM would be united in our worship, faithful in prayer, and tenacious about pursuing and obeying the Truth together.  
  2. Spend some time thanking God for all the specific ways He’s not let the floods of life sweep you away. Pray that as you remember His faithfulness in the past, you will be strengthened and encouraged to trust Him right now.  

THURSDAY

Day Four: God Alone Delivers 

Sermon Focus: The LORD – the Creator of heaven and earth – is the only One who can rescue us when we would otherwise perish. 

Truth: Psalm 124 says, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side – let Israel now say – if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” 

Sermon Point: The psalmist can’t help but erupt in praise as he remembers the LORD’s deliverance! And once again, he uses powerful imagery – a bird caught in a snare is helpless. It can’t free itself or save its own life. Someone must intervene. Israel was that bird – WE are that bird. We’re trapped in our sin and powerless to save ourselves. But God broke the snare for Israel, and He breaks it for us. That’s grace! By grace through faith in Christ, we are saved…and like Israel, we can’t help but erupt in praise!  

Sermon Reflection: What specific snares has God broken for you (patterns of sin, seasons of despair, addiction, etc.)? When are you most tempted to try to rely on your own strength or ingenuity to get you out of the messes in which you find yourself?  

Application: Look around you and identify the heaviest object in the room – now go and try to lift it up. If you can, remind yourself that it is only ever His strength at work in/through you that allows you to get through hard things. If you can’t, remind yourself that no matter what we face, we simply cannot do it without the Spirit’s strength and help. So…put on the armor of God today (see Ephesians 6:10-20) and be strong in the strength only God can provide.   

Kingdom Prayer Focus: 

  1. Repent of your pride and delusional self-sufficiency today; apart from God, we can do nothing. Ask Him to help us humble ourselves – before Him, as well as others – truly recognizing how desperate we all are for His mercy and grace to be at work – all day, every day – in all of our lives.  
  2. Thank Jesus today for His willingness to leave the glory of heaven to step into the darkness and mess to free us from the snare of sin and to give us new life through His death and resurrection. Pray that the Holy Spirit would help us love and obey Him with everything we’ve got because we are just so grateful for all He’s done for us and given to us.  

Day Four: God Alone Delivers 

Sermon Focus: The LORD – the Creator of heaven and earth – is the only One who can rescue us when we would otherwise perish. 

Truth: Psalm 124 says, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side – let Israel now say – if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” 

Sermon Point: The psalmist can’t help but erupt in praise as he remembers the LORD’s deliverance! And once again, he uses powerful imagery – a bird caught in a snare is helpless. It can’t free itself or save its own life. Someone must intervene. Israel was that bird – WE are that bird. We’re trapped in our sin and powerless to save ourselves. But God broke the snare for Israel, and He breaks it for us. That’s grace! By grace through faith in Christ, we are saved…and like Israel, we can’t help but erupt in praise!  

Sermon Reflection: What specific snares has God broken for you (patterns of sin, seasons of despair, addiction, etc.)? When are you most tempted to try to rely on your own strength or ingenuity to get you out of the messes in which you find yourself?  

Application: Look around you and identify the heaviest object in the room – now go and try to lift it up. If you can, remind yourself that it is only ever His strength at work in/through you that allows you to get through hard things. If you can’t, remind yourself that no matter what we face, we simply cannot do it without the Spirit’s strength and help. So…put on the armor of God today (see Ephesians 6:10-20) and be strong in the strength only God can provide.   

Kingdom Prayer Focus: 

  1. Repent of your pride and delusional self-sufficiency today; apart from God, we can do nothing. Ask Him to help us humble ourselves – before Him, as well as others – truly recognizing how desperate we all are for His mercy and grace to be at work – all day, every day – in all of our lives.  
  2. Thank Jesus today for His willingness to leave the glory of heaven to step into the darkness and mess to free us from the snare of sin and to give us new life through His death and resurrection. Pray that the Holy Spirit would help us love and obey Him with everything we’ve got because we are just so grateful for all He’s done for us and given to us.  

FRIDAY

Day Five: Our Help is in the Name of the LORD 

Sermon Focus: The LORD – the Creator of heaven and earth – is the only One who can rescue us when we would otherwise perish. 

Truth: Psalm 124 says, “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side – let Israel now say – if it had not been the LORD who was on our side when people rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their anger was kindled against us; then the flood would have swept us away, the torrent would have gone over us; then over us would have gone the raging waters. Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth! We have escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped! Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” 

 

Sermon Point: Look at the verb tense! God saved Israel…and He remains the One who helps them: “Our help is in the name of the LORD.” The “name of the LORD” is just another way of saying God’s character, His covenant, His promises, His faithfulness – all that makes God GOD is wrapped up in His Name. He is the One who made heaven and earth. We look to Him – no matter how we feel, no matter what we see, no matter if we understand what’s happening or how He’ll move – because He is the only One who can save us.  

Sermon Reflection: Are you caught in a snare right now? How does this psalm strengthen your faith and shape your prayers and overall perspective on life?  

Application: Worship with this song today: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-PwjD5hHZI&list=RDj-PwjD5hHZI&start_radio=1 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/6xWXswJ37M3ZChhFNMStDT?si=1114fafa10074f76 

After you do, share it with a friend and give God praise for all the ways He’s saved you from the snare of sin.  

Kingdom Prayer Focus: 

  1. Praise our all-powerful, everywhere-present, all-knowing God – the One who is supremely good, the very definition of love, perfectly holy, and the Author of Truth.Praise Him for being an ever-present Help in times of trouble – the One to whose throne we can run to receive mercy and find grace in any and every time of need. Bring those needs before Him today.  
  2. Pray that FM would truly become a churchthat does everything from a place of desperation for and dependence on God; that each and every day, we would kneel before Him in submission and devotion before our feet even touch the floor. And pray that as we live this way, His purposes would be fulfilled in and through us in this Tri-State region and beyond, for God’s glory alone.