Chosen for Growth: Embracing God's Direction and Joy
Summary
In this message, we explore the significance of numbers in the Bible, particularly focusing on the number 29, which symbolizes departure and being chosen by God. This day, the 29th, is a reminder that we are not stagnant; we are moving forward with God's anointing. We are chosen by God, and His hand is upon us, guiding us toward victory and breakthrough. Despite feeling stuck in various aspects of life, we are reminded that we are not stuck; we are chosen and destined for movement and growth.
Every day, we make decisions that shape our lives. From the mundane choices of what to wear or eat to the significant decisions about our faith and direction, we are constantly deciding. In a world filled with chaos and confusion, it is crucial to make a firm decision to follow Christ. We are reminded of the importance of remembering where we came from, recognizing God's hand in our lives, and deciding to serve Him wholeheartedly.
Joshua's call to the Israelites to remember their past and the deliverance God provided serves as a powerful reminder for us today. We must remember the times God has saved, healed, and transformed us. This remembrance fuels our gratitude and strengthens our resolve to serve God with enthusiasm and dedication. We are encouraged to put away idols and distractions, choosing instead to serve the Lord with gladness and rejoice in His goodness.
In these last days, as the world groans and travails, we are called to make a decisive choice to follow Jesus. This decision is not just for ourselves but for our families as well. We are urged to serve God with the same zeal we might show for worldly pursuits, recognizing that our true joy and fulfillment come from Him. As we remember, recognize, decide, serve, and rejoice, we align ourselves with God's will and experience His blessings in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Significance of Numbers and Being Chosen by God: The number 29 symbolizes departure and being chosen by God. This signifies that we are not stagnant but are moving forward with God's anointing. We are reminded that despite feeling stuck, we are chosen by God for a purpose and are destined for growth and breakthrough. [01:50]
2. The Power of Decision-Making: Every day, we make decisions that shape our lives. In a chaotic world, it is crucial to make a firm decision to follow Christ. This decision requires us to remember where we came from, recognize God's hand in our lives, and serve Him wholeheartedly. [10:38]
3. Remembering God's Deliverance: Joshua's call to remember the past and God's deliverance serves as a powerful reminder for us. We must remember the times God has saved, healed, and transformed us, fueling our gratitude and strengthening our resolve to serve Him with enthusiasm. [12:24]
4. Choosing to Serve the Lord: We are encouraged to put away idols and distractions, choosing instead to serve the Lord with gladness. This decision is not just for ourselves but for our families, as we align ourselves with God's will and experience His blessings. [26:36]
5. Rejoicing in the Lord: Despite challenges and difficulties, we are called to rejoice in the Lord always. This choice to rejoice, even in tough times, aligns us with God's will and brings us strength and courage. Our true joy and fulfillment come from serving and praising God. [38:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:50] - Significance of the Number 29
- [02:54] - Chosen by God
- [04:08] - Daily Decisions
- [07:24] - Chaos and Confusion in the World
- [09:46] - Crossing into the Last Days
- [10:38] - Making a Decision for Christ
- [12:24] - Remembering God's Deliverance
- [15:29] - Personal Testimony of Transformation
- [17:49] - Recognizing God's Blessings
- [21:11] - Serving the Lord with Enthusiasm
- [22:44] - Putting Away Idols
- [26:36] - Deciding to Follow Jesus
- [29:40] - Destroying Idols in Our Lives
- [38:16] - Rejoicing in the Lord
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 24:2-15 - Joshua's call to the Israelites to remember their past and choose whom they will serve.
2. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does the number 29 symbolize in the sermon, and how does it relate to our spiritual journey? [01:50]
2. How does Joshua remind the Israelites of their past, and why is this significant for their decision-making? [10:38]
3. What are some examples given in the sermon of daily decisions that shape our lives? [04:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the current state of the world, and what decision does it urge us to make? [09:46]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In Joshua 24, why is it important for the Israelites to remember their past, and how does this remembrance influence their decision to serve God? [12:24]
2. How does the sermon suggest that our daily decisions reflect our commitment to follow Christ, especially in a chaotic world? [04:08]
3. What does it mean to serve the Lord with gladness, and how does this relate to putting away idols and distractions? [22:44]
4. How does the call to rejoice in the Lord always challenge our response to life's difficulties, according to the sermon? [38:16]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt stuck in life. How can the symbolism of the number 29 encourage you to see God's purpose and movement in your situation? [02:54]
2. What are some practical ways you can remember and celebrate God's deliverance in your life, similar to how Joshua reminded the Israelites? [12:24]
3. Identify a decision you need to make in your spiritual journey. How can you ensure this decision aligns with God's will and leads to growth? [10:38]
4. Are there any "idols" or distractions in your life that you need to put away to serve the Lord wholeheartedly? How can you take steps to remove them? [22:44]
5. How can you cultivate a spirit of rejoicing and gratitude, even in challenging times? What specific practices can help you maintain this attitude? [38:16]
6. Consider your family's spiritual journey. How can you lead or support them in making a decisive choice to follow and serve the Lord? [26:36]
7. Reflect on your daily decisions. How can you incorporate intentional moments of prayer and thanksgiving to align your actions with God's will? [35:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Movement
The number 29 in the Bible symbolizes departure and being chosen by God, reminding us that we are not stagnant but are moving forward with His anointing. This signifies that despite feeling stuck in various aspects of life, we are chosen by God for a purpose and are destined for growth and breakthrough. It is a call to recognize that God's hand is upon us, guiding us toward victory and transformation. As we embrace this divine movement, we are encouraged to trust in God's plan and timing, knowing that He is leading us to new beginnings and opportunities. [01:50]
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel stuck, and how can you invite God's anointing to guide you toward growth and breakthrough today?
Day 2: The Power of Intentional Choices
Every day, we make decisions that shape our lives, from mundane choices to significant ones about our faith and direction. In a chaotic world, it is crucial to make a firm decision to follow Christ, remembering where we came from and recognizing God's hand in our lives. This intentional choice requires us to serve Him wholeheartedly, putting aside distractions and aligning our lives with His will. By making this decision, we open ourselves to experiencing His blessings and guidance in our daily walk. [10:38]
"And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you can make today to intentionally align your life more closely with Christ's teachings?
Day 3: Remembering God's Faithfulness
Joshua's call to the Israelites to remember their past and God's deliverance serves as a powerful reminder for us today. We must remember the times God has saved, healed, and transformed us, as this fuels our gratitude and strengthens our resolve to serve Him with enthusiasm. By recalling God's faithfulness, we are encouraged to trust in His continued presence and provision in our lives. This remembrance is not just a reflection on the past but a source of hope and encouragement for the future. [12:24]
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a specific instance where you experienced God's deliverance. How can this memory inspire you to trust Him more deeply today?
Day 4: Choosing to Serve with Gladness
We are encouraged to put away idols and distractions, choosing instead to serve the Lord with gladness. This decision is not just for ourselves but for our families, as we align ourselves with God's will and experience His blessings. Serving God with enthusiasm and dedication requires us to prioritize Him above all else, recognizing that our true joy and fulfillment come from Him. By making this choice, we invite His presence and guidance into our lives, leading us to a deeper relationship with Him. [26:36]
"Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" (Psalm 100:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one distraction or "idol" in your life that you can set aside to serve the Lord with greater gladness and focus?
Day 5: Rejoicing in God's Goodness
Despite challenges and difficulties, we are called to rejoice in the Lord always. This choice to rejoice, even in tough times, aligns us with God's will and brings us strength and courage. Our true joy and fulfillment come from serving and praising God, recognizing His goodness and faithfulness in our lives. By choosing to rejoice, we open our hearts to His peace and presence, allowing Him to work in and through us in powerful ways. [38:16]
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice." (Philippians 4:4, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific situation can you choose to rejoice in the Lord today, despite any challenges you may be facing?
Quotes
"We're not staying in one place. We're going somewhere. We're moving. We're anointing. We're with the flow of God. Departure. The number 29 also means you have been chosen by God." [00:01:39] (17 seconds)
"Every day we make decisions. Every day. You made a decision today to come here. You could have stayed at home like some folks did. You could have stayed in bed with the clouds and a little rain pitter-patting on the roof." [00:04:08] (30 seconds)
"Sometimes we make bad decisions. We make bad decisions. We make bad decisions. I knew I wouldn't get no amen there. But sometimes we make bad decisions and bad choices." [00:06:06] (9 seconds)
"God was telling them, Joshua was telling the people, you need to remember where you came from. You need to remember your past. You need to remember your heathen family members, your heathen grandparents and great grandparents." [00:11:31] (12 seconds)
"Remember the times he healed you. Remember when he saved you. I remember when I was 11 years old on a Thursday night at a church youth camp when the Holy Ghost baptized me with the evidence of speaking in tongues." [00:15:29] (19 seconds)
"Shame come on shame them real good look at your neighbor and say shame shame shame you ought to worship God for what he's done you need to remember where he brought you from you need to recognize that it was God that saved us and then you need to decide." [00:22:57] (17 seconds)
"No matter what, no matter how bad it looks, no matter how bad I feel, no matter how bad the economy or how bad my health or how bad the circumstances or who quits me and who leaves me, I will rejoice in the Lord." [00:39:40] (16 seconds)
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