Embracing Faith: A Journey of Trust and Obedience
Summary
In today's message, I shared a personal story about a journey to Mexico, highlighting the unexpected challenges and lessons learned along the way. This story served as a metaphor for our spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of obedience, faith, and reliance on God. The narrative began with a call to adventure, where a young man named Josh received a car from a professor, which was to be used for the trip. Despite the car being a standard transmission and Josh not knowing how to drive it, he was determined to learn, illustrating the theme of stepping out in faith even when unprepared.
The journey was marked by simplicity and reliance on God's provision, as we had limited resources and subsisted on basic food. This experience taught us about humility and the sufficiency of God's grace. I also reflected on the influence of a mentor, a Choctaw Indian worship leader and prophet, who exemplified a life dedicated to God. This mentor's impact was profound, reminding us of the importance of spiritual guidance and community.
I emphasized the significance of fresh spiritual nourishment, warning against relying on past experiences or religious traditions that no longer serve us. Instead, we are called to seek a living relationship with Christ, allowing His presence to guide and sustain us. The story of King David and the Ark of God was used to illustrate the need for reverence and obedience in handling God's presence, highlighting the dangers of complacency and the importance of following divine instructions.
In closing, I encouraged everyone to embrace their unique calling, understanding that it comes with a cost that only they can bear. We are urged to avoid the temptation of relying on our own understanding and instead, to feed on the tree of life, which represents God's mercy and grace. This call to action is a reminder of the transformative power of God's love and the miracles that can occur when we fully surrender to His will.
Key Takeaways:
- Faith in Action: Stepping out in faith often requires us to move beyond our comfort zones, trusting in God's provision even when we feel unprepared. This journey of faith is not about having all the answers but about being willing to learn and grow along the way. [06:34]
- Simplicity and Provision: Our spiritual journey is marked by moments of simplicity where we learn to rely on God's provision. These experiences teach us humility and remind us that God's grace is sufficient for our needs. [08:09]
- The Importance of Mentorship: Having spiritual mentors can profoundly impact our faith journey. They provide guidance, wisdom, and an example of a life dedicated to God, helping us navigate our own path with greater clarity and purpose. [08:47]
- Fresh Spiritual Nourishment: We must seek fresh spiritual nourishment rather than relying on past experiences or traditions. A living relationship with Christ requires us to be open to new revelations and guidance from the Holy Spirit. [12:28]
- Embracing Our Calling: Each of us has a unique calling that comes with a cost only we can bear. We are encouraged to avoid relying on our own understanding and instead, to trust in God's mercy and grace, allowing His presence to guide us. [19:31]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[05:25] - The Call to Adventure
[06:34] - Learning Through Challenges
[08:09] - Simplicity and Provision
[08:47] - Influence of a Mentor
[10:18] - Worship and Surrender
[11:59] - Fresh Spiritual Nourishment
[12:28] - Living by Faith
[14:53] - Reverence and Obedience
[15:38] - Handling God's Presence
[17:17] - Embracing Our Calling
[18:08] - The Cost of Discipleship
[19:31] - Avoiding Complacency
[21:34] - Feeding on the Tree of Life
[22:53] - A Move of Mercy
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
2. 2 Samuel 6:6-7 - "When they came to the threshing floor of Nakon, Uzzah reached out and took hold of the ark of God, because the oxen stumbled. The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God."
3. Galatians 2:20 - "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Josh receiving a car with a standard transmission for his journey to Mexico, and how did it relate to the theme of stepping out in faith? [06:34]
2. How did the simplicity of the journey, relying on basic provisions, illustrate the sufficiency of God's grace? [08:09]
3. Who was the mentor mentioned in the sermon, and what role did he play in the speaker's spiritual journey? [08:47]
4. What lesson did King David learn about handling the presence of God, and how was this illustrated in the sermon? [15:38]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Josh learning to drive a standard transmission car reflect the broader theme of faith in action, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6? [06:34]
2. In what ways does the reliance on simple provisions during the journey to Mexico parallel the concept of living by faith as described in Galatians 2:20? [08:09]
3. What can be learned from the mentor's influence on the speaker, and how does this relate to the importance of spiritual mentorship in one's faith journey? [08:47]
4. How does the story of Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6:6-7 serve as a warning about the dangers of complacency and the importance of reverence in our relationship with God? [15:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you had to step out in faith without being fully prepared. How did you see God's provision in that situation, and what did you learn from it? [06:34]
2. Consider your current lifestyle. Are there areas where you can simplify and rely more on God's provision rather than your own resources? How might this change your perspective on God's sufficiency? [08:09]
3. Identify a spiritual mentor in your life. How has their guidance impacted your faith journey, and what steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [08:47]
4. In what ways might you be relying on past spiritual experiences or traditions rather than seeking fresh spiritual nourishment? How can you cultivate a living relationship with Christ today? [12:28]
5. What unique calling do you feel God has placed on your life, and what steps can you take to embrace it fully, even if it comes with a cost? [19:31]
6. How can you ensure that you are handling God's presence in your life with the reverence and obedience it deserves? What changes might you need to make in your daily walk with God? [15:38]
7. Reflect on the concept of feeding on the tree of life rather than the tree of knowledge. How can you apply this principle to your decision-making and spiritual growth? [21:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Stepping into the Unknown with Faith
In our spiritual journey, stepping out in faith often requires us to move beyond our comfort zones, trusting in God's provision even when we feel unprepared. This journey of faith is not about having all the answers but about being willing to learn and grow along the way. The story of Josh, who received a car with a standard transmission he didn't know how to drive, illustrates this beautifully. Despite his lack of preparation, Josh was determined to learn, embodying the essence of faith in action. This narrative encourages us to embrace the unknown, trusting that God will equip us with what we need as we take each step forward. [06:34]
"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going." (Hebrews 11:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel unprepared but sense God calling you to step out in faith? How can you take a small step forward today, trusting in His provision?
Day 2: Embracing Simplicity and God's Provision
Our spiritual journey is marked by moments of simplicity where we learn to rely on God's provision. These experiences teach us humility and remind us that God's grace is sufficient for our needs. The journey to Mexico, with limited resources and basic food, highlighted the sufficiency of God's grace and the importance of humility. In a world that often values abundance and self-sufficiency, this lesson calls us to embrace simplicity and trust in God's provision, knowing that He will meet our needs in His perfect timing. [08:09]
"And he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you simplify your life to better rely on God's provision? Consider one practical change you can make this week to embrace simplicity and trust in His sufficiency.
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Mentorship
Having spiritual mentors can profoundly impact our faith journey. They provide guidance, wisdom, and an example of a life dedicated to God, helping us navigate our own path with greater clarity and purpose. The influence of a Choctaw Indian worship leader and prophet in the story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual guidance and community. Mentors can help us see beyond our limitations and inspire us to pursue a deeper relationship with God. [08:47]
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)
Reflection: Who is a spiritual mentor in your life, and how have they impacted your faith journey? If you don't have one, consider reaching out to someone you admire spiritually and ask them to mentor you.
Day 4: Seeking Fresh Spiritual Nourishment
We must seek fresh spiritual nourishment rather than relying on past experiences or traditions. A living relationship with Christ requires us to be open to new revelations and guidance from the Holy Spirit. The sermon warns against complacency and encourages us to seek a vibrant, ongoing relationship with Christ. This involves being open to new insights and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in our daily walk with God. [12:28]
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19, ESV)
Reflection: What is one new way you can seek spiritual nourishment this week? Consider trying a new spiritual discipline or practice that can help you grow closer to God.
Day 5: Embracing Your Unique Calling
Each of us has a unique calling that comes with a cost only we can bear. We are encouraged to avoid relying on our own understanding and instead, to trust in God's mercy and grace, allowing His presence to guide us. Embracing our calling involves recognizing the cost and being willing to surrender to God's will, trusting that His plans for us are good. This call to action is a reminder of the transformative power of God's love and the miracles that can occur when we fully surrender to His will. [19:31]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is your unique calling, and what cost are you willing to bear to fulfill it? Reflect on how you can trust in God's guidance and surrender to His will in your life today.
Quotes
I don't want to be the one driving you all around Mexico. I don't want to be the one driving you all around Mexico. I don't want to be your chauffeur because you can't drive a car and he looked at me and he said Pastor we leave there tomorrow you can teach me to drive it tomorrow you can teach me tomorrow you can teach me tomorrow I learned a couple of things that way the boy is crazy but y 'all know that and again take a look at the book I learned something about staying alone I learned something about Baloney what they call his friends but more economically but more economically we didn't have any money between us we had enough gas to get to Mexico we had enough gas to get to Mexico but only this so we bought a loaf of bread so we bought a loaf of bread And a pack of lunch meat. And off we went. [00:06:30] (85 seconds)
And that bread and that lunch meat. Wound around in the floorboard all week. And we ate it. And I learned. The load even go back. I'm a vegetarian now. I'm a vegetarian now. I know you. But let me tell you this in all seriousness. One of my main mentors. Was a little Choctaw Indian from Oklahoma. Worship leader and prophet of God. Worship leader and prophet of God. And I'm a guard to know that man. But I've got to tell you. This couple right here. I'm going to need to know Josh, Meany, and Olivia. What does that say? Josh and Olivia. I'm still not sure if Olivia and Meany are Josh. Sweet me. ¿Cuántos de ustedes sabían que Josh necesitaba a Olivia? Porque todavía no sé si Olivia necesitaba a John. [00:07:55] (78 seconds)
I'm an old man now. Yo soy un viejito. As a matter of fact, there's probably very few of you in here that are older than me. Tal vez hay pocos de ustedes que tienen más edad que yo. I've been in this many, many decades. Y he estado trabajando en esto por muchas décadas. That's the greatest man of God I've ever known, right there. I don't say that lie here. Hallelujah. So, this is the greatest honor that I could ever have. To stand on this platform and look at the people room full y ver ese santuario lleno de personas men and women of God mujeres y hombres de Dios that I'd be lucky just to carry your bag que he tenido suerte para solamente encargar tu mochila and I'd be more than willing to y estoy dispuesto de hacerlo. [00:09:13] (65 seconds)
You got some more left in here this afternoon? We got more? Can you have a little more worship? Can you have a little more worship? Come on. Let's worship a little more. For the Holy Spirit. I hear Jesus whispering to you. I heard Jesus whispering to me. You're mine. I have a chance. I have chosen you. Help me. today. To unleash your word. I came here today. To release a word. That's it. Only this. You belong to me. You belong to me. You've been chosen. You're chosen. You've been chosen. There's no place. No place. No place. Por el hombre de ayer, por la mana de ayer, y la religión de ayer, es wormy. Este hombre de ayer era gusano. [00:10:18] (106 seconds)
El maná de ayer tiene gusanos. Él fue tocado por el Espíritu Santo. maná de ayer tiene No hay valor en el daño. Solamente puede hacer lo que puede hacer. El maná de ayer, el maná de la religiosidad, cuando le ardan a su panza, pero vas a ser enfermo, ¿por qué? ¿Por qué voy a comer esta panza? ¿Por the Lord whispering. Y estoy escuchando el voz del Señor diciendo. It's all yours. Es tuyo. It's all yours. Es tuyo la tierra. It is no longer me that I live. No eres solamente tu que estas viviendo. But Christ that lives in me. Pero es Cristo viviendo en mi. And the life that you now live. Y la vida que estas viviendo ahora en la carne. [00:12:06] (107 seconds)
You live. Estas viviendo por la fe de. You live. Estas viviendo por la fe de. Not in. Not think about. But the faith of. But the Be careful how you use that. King David came to a place in his life. A place he's never been. He had not been around the ark of God. He knew what it represented. What does the bow represent? What does the bow represent? un encuentro con el arco del Señor. But he had to bring it on the end. tuve una buena cuerpo de Cristo no solamente necesitó una otra buena idea. He only left the ark of God Or exactly follow the instructions. Y él no estaba listo, dispuesto para seguir las instrucciones del Señor. [00:13:52] (135 seconds)
He put a man in a wagon. Él se puso un hombre con una carrillo. And they loaded the ark of God up in that wagon. Él no se puso el arco del Señor en este. La presencia de Dios solamente puede reposar sobre los brazos de seres humanos. Se pegó una de las manos the man reached just near the ark and he killed him be careful how you handle this be careful in the way you are the presence of the Lord are you ready I'm going to pray Lord the robe drenched with blood he came for us he came for us he came for me burning with fire he came for me he came for me he came for me may the Lamb receive the reward of his suffering you are his reward he brought you a drink for you with the lovers and the overcomers [00:16:08] (102 seconds)
With the lovers and the overcomers. Somos los amantes y los victoriosos. Giving our lives to the dead. Giving our lives to the dead. Entregando nuestras vidas hasta la muerte. Father, give us fresh manna. Señores, darnos manna fresca. Not religious manna. No la manna religiosa. Not the manna of knowledge. Not like my father had it. No como mi madre. Or my grandfather. Or mi abuelo. But let it be fresh. Listen. Some of you and every one of you is going to pay a price. Mira, cada uno de ustedes van a pagar un precio for the calling of God in your life for el llamado de Dios en tu vida that no one else could pay. Que nadie más puede pagar. [00:17:51] (68 seconds)
Only you. Solo tú. So I pray. Entonces yo oro. For your spirit. Que tu espíritu permanece fuerte. Don't reach out. No empieces a agarrar. When things get bumpy. Cuando las cosas ponen pesado. You can handle what God's preaching. Y poner un humano humano en la presencia de Dios que ha puesto en ti. Don't do it. No lo hagas. Come alive to Jesus. No importa el costo. My heart is not burdened in a bad way. El corazón no está cargado en una manera mala. It's not heavy in a bad way. No es pesado en una manera mala. But the heart feels. Pero el corazón se sienta. And it's heavy. Y está pesado. Because I know what it's going to cost someone. Porque yo sé. Y yo sé lo que va a costar a algunos de ustedes. [00:18:58] (69 seconds)
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