Aligning Faith and Action for Divine Favor
Summary
Today, I explored the profound impact of faith and favor in our lives, emphasizing the necessity of aligning our actions with God's will to experience His supernatural assistance. I began by highlighting the importance of faith in our daily lives, not just as a concept but as a practical tool that shapes our reality. Faith, as I discussed, is not merely for acquiring material possessions but for achieving the divine purposes God has set for each of us.
I delved into the story of Peter walking on water, a vivid illustration of how unusual requests can lead to unexplainable favors when we step out in faith. This biblical account not only shows the power of Jesus' presence but also teaches us about the importance of keeping our focus on Him amidst life's storms. When Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he did the impossible, but when he focused on the wind, he began to sink. This teaches us that our spiritual focus determines our physical reality.
Moreover, I emphasized the role of the Holy Spirit as our helper, who empowers and guides us in our daily endeavors. The Holy Spirit's role is crucial in helping us understand and align with God's will, providing us with the wisdom and strength we need to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.
In discussing the practical aspects of faith, I highlighted the importance of our core beliefs and how they shape our expectations and experiences. Our environment, experiences, and the information we repeatedly expose ourselves to can significantly influence our belief system. Therefore, aligning our core beliefs with God's truth is essential for living a life of victory and purpose.
I also addressed the importance of community and service, illustrating through personal stories and biblical principles how serving others is a form of worship and a practical expression of our faith. By serving, we not only fulfill God's command but also open ourselves to His blessings and favor in a more profound way.
### Key Takeaways:
1. Faith as a Practical Tool: Faith is not just a spiritual concept but a practical tool that influences our daily decisions and interactions. When we operate in faith, we align ourselves with God's promises and open ourselves to divine interventions in our lives. This alignment allows us to see and seize opportunities that others might miss. [01:08:14]
2. Focus Determines Reality: The story of Peter walking on water teaches us that where we place our focus can determine our success or failure. By focusing on Jesus, Peter walked on water, but when distracted by the storm, he sank. This principle applies to our lives; focusing on God's promises helps us overcome the storms of life. [01:27:59]
3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, and guide. Acknowledging and relying on the Holy Spirit in all our endeavors empowers us to live beyond our natural capabilities and into the supernatural provisions of God. This partnership is essential for living a victorious Christian life. [01:18:11]
4. The Power of Core Beliefs: Our core beliefs shape our reality. By aligning our beliefs with the truth of God's Word, we can transform our lives and experience the fullness of God's promises. This alignment requires us to be intentional about the information we consume and the environments we engage with. [56:42]
5. Service as Worship: Serving in the kingdom of God is an act of worship and a practical expression of our faith. It not only impacts the lives of others but also positions us to receive God's blessings and favor. Service is a powerful way to demonstrate our faith in action. [31:27]
### Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:08:14] - Faith as a Practical Tool
- [01:27:59] - Focus Determines Reality
- [01:18:11] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [56:42] - The Power of Core Beliefs
- [31:27] - Service as Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 14:25-31 (NIV)
> "Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. 'It’s a ghost,' they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: 'Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.' 'Lord, if it’s you,' Peter replied, 'tell me to come to you on the water.' 'Come,' he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. 'You of little faith,' he said, 'why did you doubt?'"
2. Mark 9:23 (NIV)
> "'If you can?' said Jesus. 'Everything is possible for one who believes.'"
3. Matthew 9:29 (NIV)
> "Then he touched their eyes and said, 'According to your faith let it be done to you.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What unusual request did Peter make to Jesus, and what was Jesus' response? ([01:21:44])
2. How did Peter's focus shift during his walk on water, and what was the result? ([01:27:59])
3. According to Mark 9:23, what is the condition for all things being possible?
4. In Matthew 9:29, what did Jesus say to the blind men after touching their eyes?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Peter walking on water illustrate the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus amidst life's storms? ([01:27:59])
2. What does Jesus' statement in Mark 9:23 imply about the relationship between faith and possibilities in our lives?
3. How can the principle of "according to your faith" in Matthew 9:29 be applied to our daily challenges and goals?
4. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower and guide us to align with God's will, as discussed in the sermon? ([01:18:11])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by life's storms. How did your focus impact the outcome, and how can you shift your focus more towards Jesus in similar future situations? ([01:27:59])
2. Identify an area in your life where you need to step out in faith. What practical steps can you take this week to act on that faith, trusting in God's supernatural assistance? ([01:08:14])
3. Think about your core beliefs. Are there any beliefs that are not aligned with God's truth? What steps can you take to realign your beliefs with God's Word? ([56:42])
4. How can you be more intentional about inviting the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you in your daily decisions and actions? ([01:18:11])
5. Consider a way you can serve others in your community or church this week. How can this act of service be a practical expression of your faith and worship? ([31:27])
6. Reflect on a time when you received help from someone. How did it impact you, and how can you be more open to receiving help from others in the future? ([44:10])
7. What specific distractions in your life are preventing you from focusing on Jesus? How can you minimize these distractions this week to strengthen your faith? ([01:27:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Faith as a Dynamic Influence in Life
Faith is not merely a spiritual concept but a dynamic influence that shapes our daily decisions and interactions. When we embrace faith as a practical tool, it aligns us with God's promises and opens doors to divine interventions that might otherwise remain closed. This alignment allows us to recognize and seize opportunities that others might overlook, transforming our everyday experiences into moments of divine encounter and growth. Faith, therefore, is essential not just for spiritual development but for practical victory in our daily lives. It is through faith that we can move beyond our limitations and step into the realms of the supernatural, where God's promises become our reality. [01:08:14]
James 2:17-18 ESV
"So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate your faith in a practical situation at work or home this week?
Day 2: Maintaining Focus in Turbulent Times
The story of Peter walking on water is a powerful illustration of how our focus can determine our reality. When Peter focused on Jesus, he was able to do the impossible and walk on water. However, the moment he shifted his focus to the storm, he began to sink. This principle is vital in our lives; by keeping our focus on God and His promises, we can navigate through life's storms with confidence and assurance. Distractions will always be present, but our success and stability depend on where we place our focus. Let us learn to fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, so that we can walk on the waters of our challenges rather than sinking under them. [01:27:59]
Hebrews 12:2 ESV
"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What are the 'storms' in your life currently, and how can you intentionally focus on Jesus during these times?
Day 3: Embracing the Holy Spirit as Our Guide
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role as our helper, comforter, and guide. By acknowledging and relying on the Holy Spirit in all our endeavors, we empower ourselves to live beyond our natural capabilities and step into the supernatural provisions of God. This divine partnership is essential for living a victorious Christian life, as the Holy Spirit provides us with the wisdom, strength, and guidance we need to navigate life's complexities. Let us cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, making room for Him in our daily decisions and interactions, so that we can fully experience the life God intends for us. [01:18:11]
Romans 8:14 ESV
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you neglected to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit, and how can you begin to involve Him more starting today?
Day 4: Shaping Reality with Our Core Beliefs
Our core beliefs are the foundation upon which our lives are built. By aligning our beliefs with the truth of God's Word, we can transform our lives and experience the fullness of His promises. This alignment requires us to be intentional about the information we consume and the environments we engage with. As we align our beliefs with God's truth, our expectations and experiences begin to change, leading us to a life of victory and purpose. Let us be diligent in nurturing beliefs that empower and uplift, ensuring that our reality is a reflection of God's truth. [56:42]
Colossians 3:2 ESV
"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: What are some core beliefs you currently hold that might be limiting your spiritual growth, and how can you align them more closely with God's Word?
Day 5: Serving Others as an Act of Worship
Serving in the kingdom of God is not only an act of obedience but also a profound expression of our faith. Through service, we demonstrate our love for God and for others, impacting lives and opening ourselves to receive God's blessings and favor. Serving allows us to put our faith into action, embodying the principles of the Gospel in practical ways. As we serve, we not only fulfill God's command but also grow in our spiritual journey, drawing closer to Him through acts of love and service. Let us embrace service as a vital part of our worship, seeking opportunities to serve within our communities and beyond. [31:27]
1 Peter 4:10 ESV
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."
Reflection: What is one way you can serve someone in your community this week, and how might this act of service deepen your relationship with God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "All I'm trying to say is, ain't no time to be getting upset, ain't no time to be arguing with nobody. You just got to have an expectation, and I'm about to preach what don't exist will appear if you just change your policy, make a position, just favor me here we go." [54:55]
2. "What shapes my core belief system? My environment shapes my belief system. What else shapes my belief? My experiences. Your experiences are the most potent impact on your core belief. You will say what's possible today based on what happened yesterday." [56:42]
3. "Repetitive information. What you hear over and over and over, the reason many of you don't experience explosive favor, because you give up before the stem is lit. So you light the fire in here. Cause I always get the glory." [59:00]
4. "You don't ask no loan officer, is the Lord Jesus Christ your savior? You say, sign the documents. How can the wealth of the wicked be laid up for the righteous if you won't deal with no wicked people?" [01:05:12]
5. "What's possible for you has nothing to do with how many people follow you on Instagram or Facebook. What's possible for you has nothing to do with the amount of money you have right now." [01:08:14]
### Quotes for Members
1. "When you're thinking from your core belief system, your core belief system receives information, processes information, and determines what's possible for you, even though it's written in the word what's possible for you." [54:55]
2. "Your core belief is stronger than the word of God. I said stronger, I didn't say more powerful. Your word of God is powerful, all powerful. Your core belief is stronger, and until you yield your core belief with the word of God, no matter what's written, you will never experience it because you don't expect it or believe it." [56:42]
3. "Jesus just said, with a little faith, you walked on water. Here's my pastor's points. God, you got to feel this, will favor you to do what others could but won't dare to attempt." [01:27:59]
4. "God will favor you out of your comfort zone. Some of us. You're so comfortable. He's got to send a storm in order for your potential to wake up." [01:28:57]
5. "Jesus says, I'm going to leave, but I'm not going to leave you comfortless. I'm going to send another in my name, but I'm going to ascend. And when I ascend and the Bible says in that day, you shall ask me nothing." [01:18:11]
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