Embracing Divine Strength: Resilience, Courage, and Peace

 

Summary

In today's gathering, I explored the theme of spiritual strength and its manifestations in resilience, courage, and inner peace. I began by acknowledging the divine strength and power available to all, regardless of race, gender, or religion. This strength is the same principle that supports the stars and is accessible to each of us.

I emphasized that all strength comes from God, as Cora Fillmore suggests, and its manifestation is shaped by our thoughts. To understand this better, I delved into the aspects of resilience, courage, and inner peace. Resilience is our ability to recover from adversity, courage is facing fear with bravery and conviction, and inner peace is maintaining calmness and serenity regardless of external circumstances.

I referenced scripture to illustrate these points. Matthew 12:20 speaks to spiritual resilience, assuring us that God provides the strength to bounce back. Mark 5:36 encourages spiritual courage, urging us to believe despite fear. James 1:13 addresses inner peace, reminding us that God does not tempt us with evil, and as our strength grows, we should always use it under God's guidance.

I also discussed the importance of being 'poor in spirit' as interpreted by Emmet Fox, which involves emptying oneself of self-will and preconceived opinions to wholeheartedly seek God. This state allows us to access the unfailing spiritual strength that resides in the Divine Kingdom.

I explained that at our human limits, we must tap into our inner reservoirs of divine strength. This divine presence at our core knows no weakness or error. To appreciate this strength, we must understand the differences between physical, mental, and spiritual strength. Physical strength is about muscle force, mental strength involves emotional well-being, and spiritual strength is the degree to which our inner beliefs are supported by our spiritual efforts.

As we engage in spiritual practices like reading, praying, meditating, and solitude, we emerge stronger in our spiritual strength. Our purpose on Earth is to fulfill God's plan of good, and the spiritual strength we receive is meant to be used for producing more good in the world.

In conclusion, spiritual strength is the power behind our efforts, endurance, and the meaning behind appearances. It is rooted in unwavering faith and the presence of God within us. While we cannot create this strength, we can develop and allow it to come forth in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Spiritual resilience is not just about recovering from setbacks; it's about recognizing that our ability to bounce back is a testament to the divine strength that God promises us. This strength is a constant, even when we feel most bruised and vulnerable, as reflected in Matthew 12:20. [31:59]

- Courage in the spiritual sense involves more than bravery; it is about grounding our actions and beliefs in the divine truth that transcends our fears. As Jesus tells us in Mark 5:36, our faith should not be shaken by the words of others or by the uncertainties that we face. [31:59]

- Inner peace is a reflection of our trust in God's goodness and the understanding that temptation and evil do not originate from Him. By cultivating inner peace, we affirm our reliance on God's guidance and strength, as stated in James 1:13. [33:00]

- The concept of being 'poor in spirit' is a powerful call to humility and openness to God's will. It requires us to set aside our ego and embrace a transformative journey towards a deeper spiritual consciousness, as Emmet Fox interprets the Beatitudes. [25:07]

- Our spiritual strength is an inherent aspect of our being, deeply connected to the presence of God within us. It is not something we create, but rather something we allow to manifest through our faith and spiritual practices. This strength is the foundation of our resilience, courage, and inner peace. [35:29]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 12:20 - "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory."
2. Mark 5:36 - "Overhearing what they said, Jesus told him, 'Don’t be afraid; just believe.'"
3. James 1:13 - "When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 12:20, what does God promise us in times of difficulty? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual resilience discussed in the sermon? [31:59]
2. In Mark 5:36, what does Jesus tell us about fear and belief? How does this verse encourage spiritual courage? [31:59]
3. What does James 1:13 say about the source of temptation and evil? How does this verse help us understand inner peace? [33:00]
4. How does Emmet Fox interpret being 'poor in spirit,' and what does this mean for our spiritual journey? [25:07]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the promise in Matthew 12:20 of not breaking a bruised reed reflect God's approach to our spiritual resilience? What does this tell us about God's nature? [31:59]
2. In what ways does Mark 5:36 challenge us to ground our actions and beliefs in divine truth rather than fear? How can this be applied in our daily lives? [31:59]
3. How does understanding that God does not tempt us, as stated in James 1:13, influence our perception of inner peace and our reliance on God's guidance? [33:00]
4. What are the practical implications of being 'poor in spirit' as described by Emmet Fox? How can this humility and openness to God's will transform our spiritual strength? [25:07]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent setback you experienced. How can you see God's promise of resilience in Matthew 12:20 playing out in that situation? What steps can you take to lean on this divine strength more fully? [31:59]
2. Think of a fear or uncertainty you are currently facing. How can Jesus' words in Mark 5:36, "Don’t be afraid; just believe," help you approach this situation with spiritual courage? What practical actions can you take to ground your beliefs in divine truth? [31:59]
3. Identify a moment when you felt tempted or faced with evil. How does James 1:13's assurance that God does not tempt us help you find inner peace? What practices can you adopt to strengthen your reliance on God's guidance? [33:00]
4. Consider an area of your life where you might be holding onto self-will or preconceived opinions. How can you practice being 'poor in spirit' as Emmet Fox describes, and what changes might this bring to your spiritual journey? [25:07]
5. How can you incorporate spiritual practices like reading, praying, meditating, and solitude into your daily routine to enhance your spiritual strength? What specific changes can you make this week to prioritize these practices? [33:00]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt at the limits of your human strength. How did you tap into your inner reservoirs of divine strength? What can you do to develop this connection further? [26:44]
7. How can you use the spiritual strength you receive to fulfill God's plan of good in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to produce more good in the world. [33:47]

Devotional

Day 1: Resilience Through Divine Strength
Spiritual resilience is not merely about recovery; it's about recognizing the divine strength that enables us to rise again after we fall. This strength is a testament to God's promise, a constant source of support when we feel most vulnerable. It's important to understand that resilience is not an inherent trait but a reflection of the divine strength that flows through us. When faced with adversity, it is this strength that allows us to recover and continue on our path. It is a reminder that no setback is too great to overcome when one is anchored in faith and trust in God's promises.

"Though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand." - Psalm 37:24 (ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did you see God's strength working in you to overcome it?

Day 2: Grounding Courage in Divine Truth
Courage in the spiritual sense is more than just bravery; it is about grounding our actions and beliefs in the divine truth that transcends our fears. It involves standing firm in faith, even when faced with daunting challenges or when others doubt us. This courage is not born from our own capabilities but is a manifestation of our trust in God's truth. It is the courage to believe, as Jesus encourages us, despite the fears and uncertainties that may surround us. It is a call to live out our faith boldly, knowing that God's truth is the ultimate foundation upon which we stand.

"But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." - 2 Chronicles 15:7 (ESV)

Reflection: What fear do you need to confront with God's truth, and how can you take a step of faith today in doing so?

Day 3: Cultivating Inner Peace in God's Goodness
Inner peace is a reflection of our trust in God's goodness and the understanding that temptation and evil do not originate from Him. By cultivating inner peace, we affirm our reliance on God's guidance and strength. This peace is not a passive state but an active pursuit, a choice to trust in God's character and His plans for us. It is about maintaining serenity in the midst of chaos, not because the world is calm, but because we are rooted in the knowledge of God's love and sovereignty.

"Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble." - Psalm 119:165 (ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to experience God's peace, and what practical step can you take to seek that peace today?

Day 4: Embracing Humility to Access Divine Strength
Being 'poor in spirit' is a powerful call to humility and openness to God's will. It requires setting aside ego and embracing a transformative journey towards deeper spiritual consciousness. This state of humility allows us to access the unfailing spiritual strength that resides in the Divine Kingdom. It is about emptying ourselves of self-will and preconceived notions to wholeheartedly seek God's presence and guidance in our lives. It is in this emptiness that we find the fullness of God's strength and grace.

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" - Isaiah 57:15 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you practice humility today to open yourself up to God's strength and guidance?

Day 5: Manifesting Spiritual Strength in Faith and Practice
Our spiritual strength is an inherent aspect of our being, deeply connected to the presence of God within us. It is not something we create, but something we allow to manifest through our faith and spiritual practices. This strength is the foundation of our resilience, courage, and inner peace. It is the power behind our efforts and endurance, the meaning behind appearances, and it is rooted in unwavering faith and the presence of God within us. As we engage in spiritual disciplines, we become conduits of this divine strength, which is meant to be used for producing good in the world.

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

Reflection: What spiritual practice can you commit to this week to strengthen your faith and allow God's power to work through you?

Quotes

1) "The source of spiritual strength is from him who is able. Cora Fillmore says that all strength is from God, however its manifestation is according to the mold of thought into which this precious Essence is poured." [29:17] ( | | )

2) "Resilience for instance refers to the ability to bounce back from adversity, setbacks, or challenges. Courage involves facing fear or uncertainty with bravery and conviction, guided by inner principles and values. And finally, inner peace refers to a state of calmness and serenity and harmony within oneself, irrespective of external circumstances." [30:59] ( | | )

3) "As we read and as we pray and as we meditate and as we practice being in solitude, we should remember as we come out of these activities stronger in our spiritual strength, remember that really our purpose here on Earth is to fulfill God's plan of good." [33:47] ( | | )

4) "The strength of the Lord in you is your spiritual strength. It is the power behind the scenes, so to speak. It is the power behind our efforts, it is the power behind our hanging in there, it is the power beyond our endurance, it is the meaning behind the appearances." [34:37] ( | | )

5) "To be poor in spirit means to have emptied yourself of all desire to exercise self-will and what is just as important to have renounced all preconceived opinions in the wholehearted search for God. It means to be willing to set aside your present habits of thought, your present views and prejudices, your present way of life if necessary." [25:07] ( | | )

6) "At the center of our being there is that divine presence that knows no weakness, that knows no error, no compromise. At the center of our being is the strength of God, a spiritual strength. But in order to appreciate this divine inner strength, we should spend a moment at least and share some differentiating aspects between physical, mental, and spiritual strength." [26:44] ( | | )

7) "Physical strength is determined by the cross-sectional area of muscle fiber recruited to generate force and the intensity of the recruitment. Mental strength involves various aspects of mental and emotional well-being. And essentially, spiritual strength means the degree where our inner belief stands supported by the effort to be spiritually in line." [28:26] ( | | )

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Mar 11, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?