Connecting with God: Voices, Virtues, and Mother's Love
Summary
Today, I explored the profound connection between our spiritual lives and our everyday actions, emphasizing the importance of listening to the right voices and maintaining a pure connection with God. I began by discussing the story of Adam and Eve, highlighting how their failure was not merely disobedience but a disconnection from God's voice. This theme of connection resonated throughout the sermon, where I stressed that our actions, whether in giving during offering time or in daily decisions, should stem from a deep, unbroken relationship with God.
I delved into the practical implications of this connection in our lives. I shared personal anecdotes and biblical insights to illustrate how staying connected to God helps us navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace. I emphasized the importance of discernment, particularly in distinguishing between the voices of our flesh and spiritual guidance, which is crucial in making decisions that align with God's will.
The sermon also celebrated the virtues of the Proverbs 31 woman, using her as a metaphor for the ideal qualities we should all aspire to embody. I discussed how these attributes are not just for women but are a call to all of us to live lives of integrity, diligence, and fear of the Lord. I shared stories of my own mother, illustrating her embodiment of these virtues through her hard work, wisdom, and the loving management of our household.
In a special acknowledgment of Mother's Day, I expressed gratitude and admiration for all mothers and the pivotal roles they play. I encouraged the congregation to appreciate and honor the women in their lives, reflecting on how their nurturing shapes societies.
Finally, I concluded with a call to action for everyone to examine the voices they are listening to and to ensure they are aligned with God's voice. I encouraged the congregation to maintain their spiritual connections, not just for their benefit but as a beacon of God's love and truth in the world.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Disobedience through Connection - The story of Adam and Eve teaches us that sin often stems from a disconnection from God rather than mere disobedience. This perspective shifts our focus from simply avoiding wrongdoing to actively maintaining our relationship with God. By prioritizing our spiritual connection, we align our actions with divine guidance. [57:48]
2. The Power of Discernment in Spiritual Life - Discernment is crucial in distinguishing between the voices of our flesh and the Holy Spirit. This sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing these differences to avoid confusion and frustration in our spiritual walk. By understanding what influences our decisions, we can better align ourselves with God's will and purpose for our lives. [59:08]
3. The Relevance of Proverbs 31 in Modern Times - The Proverbs 31 woman is not just a standard for women but a symbol of excellence for all believers. This passage encourages us to embody virtues like diligence, integrity, and kindness, regardless of our gender. These qualities are timeless and crucial for a life that honors God. [01:12:04]
4. Celebrating and Honoring Mothers - Mothers play a transformative role in our lives and society. This sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the hard work and love of mothers. By celebrating their contributions, we acknowledge the significant impact they have on our spiritual and emotional development. [01:53:16]
5. Maintaining a Pure Connection with God in Giving - The act of giving is deeply connected to our relationship with God. It's not just a ritual but a reflection of our trust and connection with Him. When we give, whether in tithes, offerings, or charity, it should flow from a heart that is in tune with God's voice and desires. [01:00:30]
### Youtube Chapters
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:00:30] - The Importance of Connection in Giving
- [57:48] - The True Meaning of Disobedience
- [59:08] - Discerning Voices: Flesh vs. Spirit
- [01:12:04] - Proverbs 31: Virtues for All
- [01:53:16] - Honoring Mothers: A Call to Appreciation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Proverbs 31:10-31 - The Virtuous Woman
2. Genesis 3:1-13 - The Fall of Man
3. John 10:27 - "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me."
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#### Observation Questions
1. What qualities are highlighted in Proverbs 31:10-31 about the virtuous woman? How do these qualities reflect a life of integrity and diligence?
2. In Genesis 3:1-13, what was the primary issue that led to Adam and Eve's disobedience? How did their actions reflect a disconnection from God's voice? [57:48]
3. According to John 10:27, what is the significance of hearing and following Jesus' voice? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on maintaining a pure connection with God?
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Adam and Eve illustrate the importance of staying connected to God's voice? What practical steps can believers take to avoid the same pitfalls? [57:48]
2. The Proverbs 31 woman is described as embodying virtues like diligence, integrity, and kindness. How can these qualities be applied in modern contexts, regardless of gender? [01:12:04]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of discernment in distinguishing between the voices of our flesh and the Holy Spirit. How can believers develop better discernment in their daily lives? [59:08]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt disconnected from God’s voice. What were the consequences, and how did you find your way back to Him? [57:48]
2. The Proverbs 31 woman is a model of excellence. Identify one virtue from Proverbs 31:10-31 that you feel called to develop more in your life. What specific actions can you take to cultivate this virtue? [01:12:04]
3. Discernment is crucial in our spiritual walk. What are some practical ways you can improve your ability to discern between the voices of your flesh and the Holy Spirit? [59:08]
4. The sermon highlighted the transformative role of mothers. How can you show appreciation and honor to the mothers or mother figures in your life this week? [01:53:16]
5. Giving is an act that reflects our trust and connection with God. How can you ensure that your giving, whether in tithes, offerings, or charity, flows from a heart that is in tune with God's voice and desires? [01:00:30]
6. Think about the voices you are currently listening to in your life. Are there any that you need to tune out to maintain a pure connection with God? What steps will you take to make this change? [58:36]
7. The sermon mentioned the importance of celebrating and honoring mothers. What are some specific ways you can contribute to nurturing and supporting the women in your community? [01:53:16]
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This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of the sermon, encouraging both reflection and practical application in their spiritual lives.
Devotional
Day 1: Reevaluating Disobedience Through Connection
Understanding disobedience through the lens of connection with God offers a transformative perspective on sin. Often, disobedience is not just about breaking rules but about severing the vital relationship we have with our Creator. When Adam and Eve chose to listen to another voice over God's, their action was not merely a violation of a command but a disruption of a relationship that was designed to sustain them. This disconnection led them into decisions that were not aligned with God's will, illustrating the profound impact that our spiritual connection has on our actions. By prioritizing our relationship with God, we ensure that our decisions and actions are guided by His wisdom and love. [57:48]
James 4:8 - "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: Consider a recent decision you made without seeking God's guidance. How might the outcome have been different if you had prioritized your spiritual connection with Him?
Day 2: Discerning Voices in Our Spiritual Walk
The power of discernment in our spiritual lives cannot be overstated. It is essential for distinguishing between the impulses of our flesh and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This discernment helps us avoid confusion and align our actions with God's will. As believers, we are constantly bombarded with various voices and influences. By cultivating a strong sense of discernment, we can navigate these influences wisely and make decisions that reflect our commitment to God's purposes. Understanding what drives our decisions enables us to live out our faith authentically and effectively. [59:08]
1 Kings 3:9 - "Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?"
Reflection: What are some voices or influences in your life that could be clouding your spiritual discernment? How can you seek God's wisdom to better recognize His guidance?
Day 3: Embodying Timeless Virtues
The relevance of Proverbs 31 in modern times extends beyond gender, serving as a beacon for all believers striving for excellence. This passage encourages us to embody virtues such as diligence, integrity, and kindness. These qualities are not confined to any specific role but are crucial for anyone seeking to live a life that honors God. By aspiring to these virtues, we reflect God's character in our daily interactions and decisions, making a positive impact on those around us and furthering His kingdom on earth. [01:12:04]
Titus 2:7-8 - "Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us."
Reflection: Which virtue from Proverbs 31 do you find most challenging to incorporate into your life? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this virtue more fully?
Day 4: Honoring and Appreciating Mothers
Mothers play a transformative role not only in our families but also in shaping society. Celebrating and honoring mothers is a biblical mandate that recognizes their immense contribution to our spiritual and emotional development. By appreciating the hard work, love, and wisdom of mothers, we acknowledge their significant impact and express gratitude for their sacrifices. This recognition not only strengthens family bonds but also fosters a culture of respect and appreciation across generations. [01:53:16]
Proverbs 31:28-29 - "Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.'"
Reflection: How can you show appreciation for the mothers or mother figures in your life this week? What specific actions can you take to honor their contributions?
Day 5: The Spiritual Significance of Giving
Maintaining a pure connection with God in our giving reflects our trust and reliance on Him. Giving is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of our faith and connection with God. Whether it's through tithes, offerings, or acts of charity, our giving should emanate from a heart attuned to God's voice and desires. This practice not only supports the work of the church and helps those in need but also deepens our own spiritual growth and reliance on God. [01:00:30]
2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."
Reflection: Reflect on your current giving practices. Are they a true reflection of your relationship with God? How can you ensure that your giving is more aligned with His desires and guidance?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Not afraid of the future. Not worried about the future. Because she knows that circumstances change. She knows that everything is a season. It's not going to be like this always. It's going to get better. Would you just say that to somebody and say, it's going to get better? Yeah. I don't know what you're going through, but it's going to get better. Because everything has a season. Everything has an end date on it." [01:16:09]
2. "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. I love that. Smiles at the future." [01:14:07]
3. "She knew how to make sausage. I don't even know where she kept all that stuff in this little old bitty house we were in. But when it came time, and it seemed like we always did the meat in the fall, and when it came time to do all of that stuff, my mother would bring out all these implements and these sausage makers and all this stuff and season it up just right and, man, it would be so good the next morning you couldn't wait for breakfast because we got fresh butter." [01:26:03]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Come on, everybody. Put your hands together. Would you turn around and sell somebody? Happy Mother's Day. Yeah, happy Mother's Day. Find one of the ladies in the life. Tell her, happy Mother's Day. Happy Mama's Day. Happy Mother's Day, sweetie. I'm so glad you're here. Would you look at your neighbor and say, he is Lord of all? Come on, tell your neighbor, he's Lord of all, Lord of all. Jesus is Lord of all." [33:54]
2. "When you receive your gift, you can be seated just so we know who has a gift and who doesn't. Moms, I hope that somebody's taking you to dinner. I hope you're not having to go cook for yourself and serve everybody else. I hope they sit you down. I hope they take care of you." [01:49:33]
3. "These women in this house, God, our mothers, the ones who are sitting around us, those who bore us in their womb, those who carry us, those who pray over us, thank you for our wives. God. Lord, as men teach us how to love our wives, the way they should be loved and the way they should be honored, bless them abundantly. pour back into them today." [01:53:16]
4. "Come on brother somebody say amen yeah because we were standing right there with the sister when oh so it's not it's not just her fault he was standing right there and god has spoken to him and he could have stepped in and said what are you doing talking to my wife you don't have any authority here but adam got wimped in the moment and didn't step up and shut the devil up and sometimes you know you just got to understand where the connection is and where the voice is what are you listening to this morning what are you hearing today what are you hearing when i say it's offering time come on talk to me somebody what are you hearing when i say it's offering time whose voice are you hearing are you hearing my voice and then you turn it into your voice oh he just playing me this ain't got nothing to do with playing i'm too scared of god to play y'all because i want to keep my connection pure with him look at your neighbor and say i want to keep my connection so i walk in obedience because i'm truly connected and i'm hearing the voice of jesus so it's offering time today said it's offering time today it's bringing a king a gift before you receive of his benefits i want our connection to be so pure today father we want our connection to be so pure before you today that we come and we lay ourselves on the altar again and we just say god receive of our gifts today receive of our finance today god to bless your kingdom god lord it's not about doing right or wrong it's about being connected and when i'm connected then i don't worry about wrong stuff i don't worry if i'm doing the right stuff because if i'm connected i'm hearing you and that's always right so father we receive today as we give we receive as you have blessed us we pour back out god and father we give today and we ask that you would bless it multiplied and then bless it back to your people god according to your word jesus according to your words give and it shall be given good measure pressed down shaken together running over they will give back to you god somebody is getting ready for they to come up and bless them somebody's about to get a blessing in here god i know that somebody didn't just give a suburban to joseph's storehouse and somebody's coming in here needs a vehicle today and who might just show up and bring somebody a brand new car today god i don't know god but i'm just trusting you because in that connection you have a thousand and one ways to bless us maybe we've been praying for the money to get a car while god has got keys in his hand rattling them in this corner saying i'm about to give you something that your money can't even pay for it's better than what you could afford it's better than can get on your own god we receive today of your goodness and your love in jesus name and everybody said amen amen come on if you agree with that say amen real loud hallelujah i want you to stand to your feet all over and today we want you to come and just bring your offering and lay it on the altar on and bless the Lord all over this house. We want to see your kingdom here today, Jesus. Once again, would you just, I mean, just fist bump somebody, do something, say, I'm glad to be in the house of the Lord with you, and you may be saved. You may be seated in the presence of the Lord. I'm going to get ready for that video. bless you. Thank you all. Can you all appreciate the praise team today? What a blessing they are. pay your attention to the screens. bet everybody in here's got that testimony. When you was five, your mom knew everything. You got older, she got dumber or something, I don't know. But then you found out. I remember telling my mother one time when I was about 18 something I was going to do. And she said, she was doing something at the ironing board. I can still remember her because she was always sewing, fixing, and doing stuff. And she was standing at the ironing board and she was sewing something. And she didn't even look up. She just said, well, you better go ahead and do that right now because you're as smart as you're ever going to be. are you so smart? Go do that. Oh, my God. You have to just look back and remember with joy so many wonderful things about life. I want to talk today just a little bit. I'm not even going to. I'm not calling this preaching or anything like that. But I really, by the time we get out of here, I pray that. You're all greatly encouraged and especially our moms. And, know, I'm very, very grateful for my mother. And I want to talk today just about the idea of mothers of excellence. Mothers of excellence. The scripture that I want to read, you all know. And I want to read about a Proverbs 31 woman. The Bible. [01:10:53]
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