Embracing Faith: Discovering God's Abundant Blessings
Summary
In our journey of faith, we have been reminded of the power of prayer and fasting. Over the past three weeks, our collective sacrifices have not only transformed our church services but have also brought about significant changes in our families and personal lives. As we look forward to 2025, it is crucial to continue this spiritual discipline, for it is through prayer and fasting that we align ourselves with God's will and open our lives to His blessings.
The metaphor of the waterfall serves as a powerful illustration of God's abundant blessings. Just as a hidden waterfall requires a spirit of adventure to discover, so too do the blessings of God require us to step out in faith. Many rush through life, missing the hidden wonders of God's grace, but those who dare to stand under the waterfall of His blessings find themselves refreshed and empowered.
Faith is the lens through which we must view our lives. Where others see obstacles, we must see opportunities for God's intervention. The sunglasses of faith allow us to see beyond the immediate challenges and recognize the potential for God's miraculous work. This vision of faith transforms our perspective, enabling us to see the bright future God has in store for us, a future so bright that we metaphorically need to wear shades.
As we move forward, let us embrace the spirit of adventure in our faith journey. Let us dare to step out onto the slippery rocks of life, trusting that God's blessings will cascade over us. Let us put on our sunglasses of faith, blocking out the negative voices and focusing on the promises of God. In doing so, we will not only see the waterfall of God's blessings but also experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Prayer and Fasting: Our recent commitment to prayer and fasting has brought about tangible changes in our church and personal lives. This spiritual discipline aligns us with God's will and opens us to His blessings. As we continue this practice, we invite God's transformative power into our lives. [03:16]
- Seeing Beyond the Trees: Faith allows us to see beyond the immediate challenges and recognize the potential for God's miraculous work. Where others see obstacles, we see opportunities for God's intervention. This vision of faith transforms our perspective and empowers us to embrace the future with hope. [39:48]
- The Waterfall of God's Blessings: The metaphor of the waterfall illustrates the abundance of God's blessings. Just as a hidden waterfall requires a spirit of adventure to discover, so too do the blessings of God require us to step out in faith. By daring to stand under the waterfall, we find ourselves refreshed and empowered. [41:18]
- The Sunglasses of Faith: Faith is the lens through which we must view our lives. The sunglasses of faith allow us to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on the promises of God. This vision of faith transforms our perspective, enabling us to see the bright future God has in store for us. [51:56]
- Embracing the Spirit of Adventure: As we move forward, let us embrace the spirit of adventure in our faith journey. Let us dare to step out onto the slippery rocks of life, trusting that God's blessings will cascade over us. In doing so, we will experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives. [57:20]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[03:16] - The Power of Prayer and Fasting
[16:18] - Praying for Needs and Offering
[34:32] - The Waterfall Metaphor
[36:23] - Experiencing God's Full Force
[39:48] - Seeing Beyond the Trees
[41:18] - The Waterfall of God's Blessings
[42:56] - A Dare to Step Under the Waterfall
[45:00] - Testimonies of Change
[46:07] - The Impact of Personal Change
[48:22] - The Sunglasses of Faith
[51:56] - Discovering the Hidden Waterfall
[55:01] - Seeing the Waterfall in Our Lives
[57:20] - Embracing the Spirit of Adventure
[01:02:52] - Vision for 2025
[01:04:47] - God's Reaching for Us
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 - "For we walk by faith, not by sight."
- Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
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Observation Questions:
1. How did the pastor describe the impact of prayer and fasting on the church and personal lives? ([03:16])
2. What metaphor did the pastor use to illustrate God's blessings, and what does it require from us to experience them? ([34:32])
3. What is the significance of the "sunglasses of faith" mentioned in the sermon? ([48:22])
4. How does the pastor suggest we should view our future, particularly in 2025? ([51:56])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "walk by faith, not by sight," and how can this principle be applied to the challenges we face in life? ([39:48])
2. How does the metaphor of the waterfall relate to the concept of faith and God's blessings in our lives? ([41:18])
3. In what ways can the "sunglasses of faith" help us to block out negative voices and focus on God's promises? ([48:22])
4. How does embracing a spirit of adventure in our faith journey change our perspective on life's challenges? ([57:20])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent challenge in your life. How can you apply the principle of "walking by faith, not by sight" to this situation? ([39:48])
2. The pastor mentioned the transformative power of prayer and fasting. What specific steps can you take to incorporate these practices into your daily routine? ([03:16])
3. Think of a time when you felt overwhelmed by life's obstacles. How might viewing these obstacles as opportunities for God's intervention change your perspective? ([41:18])
4. Identify a "negative voice" in your life that you need to block out. What practical steps can you take to focus more on God's promises instead? ([48:22])
5. The sermon encourages us to embrace a spirit of adventure in our faith journey. What is one "slippery rock" you feel called to step onto in faith, trusting in God's blessings? ([57:20])
6. How can you encourage others in your community to see beyond the "trees" and recognize the "waterfall" of God's blessings? ([51:56])
7. Consider your vision for 2025. What specific actions can you take now to align your life with the bright future God has in store for you? ([51:56])
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning with God's Will through Prayer and Fasting
Our recent commitment to prayer and fasting has brought about tangible changes in our church and personal lives. This spiritual discipline aligns us with God's will and opens us to His blessings. As we continue this practice, we invite God's transformative power into our lives. The act of setting aside time for prayer and fasting is not just a ritual but a profound way to connect with God, seeking His guidance and strength. It is through these moments of sacrifice and dedication that we find ourselves more attuned to His voice and more receptive to His plans for us. [03:16]
Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.
Reflection: What specific area of your life can you dedicate to God through prayer and fasting this week, and how can you make time for this spiritual discipline in your daily routine?
Day 2: Seeing Opportunities for God's Intervention
Faith allows us to see beyond the immediate challenges and recognize the potential for God's miraculous work. Where others see obstacles, we see opportunities for God's intervention. This vision of faith transforms our perspective and empowers us to embrace the future with hope. By choosing to view life through the lens of faith, we can identify the hidden possibilities that God has placed before us, trusting that He is at work even in the most difficult circumstances. [39:48]
2 Kings 6:16-17 (ESV): He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." Then Elisha prayed and said, "O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see." So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you shift your perspective to see it as an opportunity for God to work in your life?
Day 3: Discovering the Waterfall of God's Blessings
The metaphor of the waterfall illustrates the abundance of God's blessings. Just as a hidden waterfall requires a spirit of adventure to discover, so too do the blessings of God require us to step out in faith. By daring to stand under the waterfall, we find ourselves refreshed and empowered. This imagery reminds us that God's blessings are not always immediately visible but require us to actively seek and embrace them with courage and trust. [41:18]
Isaiah 44:3 (ESV): For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
Reflection: What step of faith can you take today to position yourself under the waterfall of God's blessings, and how can you remain open to His abundance?
Day 4: Viewing Life through the Sunglasses of Faith
Faith is the lens through which we must view our lives. The sunglasses of faith allow us to see beyond the immediate challenges and focus on the promises of God. This vision of faith transforms our perspective, enabling us to see the bright future God has in store for us. By choosing to wear these sunglasses, we can block out negativity and focus on the hope and assurance that God provides. [51:56]
2 Corinthians 4:18 (ESV): As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
Reflection: What negative voices or doubts do you need to block out today, and how can you intentionally focus on God's promises instead?
Day 5: Embracing the Spirit of Adventure in Faith
As we move forward, let us embrace the spirit of adventure in our faith journey. Let us dare to step out onto the slippery rocks of life, trusting that God's blessings will cascade over us. In doing so, we will experience the transformative power of His presence in our lives. This adventurous spirit calls us to trust God fully, even when the path is uncertain, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [57:20]
Psalm 18:33 (ESV): He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can take a bold step of faith today, trusting in God's guidance and provision?
Quotes
It's made a difference in your family. I see people coming into the house of the Lord in the last three weeks that I hadn't seen here in a while because somebody is praying and fasting. Amen. [00:00:17] (13 seconds)
And so in 2025, if we want to continue what God's doing, we've got to continue praying and fasting. And so we're not going to stop fighting for our families. We're not going to stop fighting for ourselves. Prayer makes a difference. Fasting makes a difference because God makes the difference. [00:00:30] (23 seconds)
If you are available at 930 on Sunday mornings, just make an adjustment to come a little bit earlier. If we could fill that prayer room up, I believe God do a great work in your family, do a great work in our church. There's no telling how many people get healed, how many people get say pre service prayer makes the difference in the service. [00:03:16] (22 seconds)
I remember that when the droughts would come during the summertime, it would cause the water level to fall. And when the water was down, the waterfall splashed upon a once submerged flat rock, big, huge rock, about as big as this whole pulpit, this whole altar area here. And you could walk out onto the rock, and for you, it was a natural splash pad. You didn't have to pay no money to get in. It was just God's natural splash pad. [00:34:32] (29 seconds)
And it was a natural pad, though, if you was a daring adventurer, because the rock was slippery. But if you dared to get out upon this slippery, big, huge, flat rock, you could get beside the waterfall, and it would splash all over you. And yesterday, that flowing water, that waterfall, it brought to my mind something. I remember the incredible work that God has been doing in this church. Amen. [00:34:54] (30 seconds)
Could it just be you? And now, because of our prayers, and because of our blessings, our fastings, I believe that somebody has dared to get out upon a slippery rock. Amen. And no longer splashing around in the blessings of God, but somebody has dared to stand under the full force. Of the cascading water. Because prayers are being answered in this room today. [00:36:23] (30 seconds)
You see, you couldn't just get on the main body of Smith Lake and just float along and see this waterfall. It was hidden behind trees. You had to get up in a slew to where it was at. And if you just passed by, in other words, you had to have a spirit of adventure to find this waterfall. And I can remember all the people rushing, hurrying, busy for the things of the river, busy for a different place to fish at, busy for a different place to swim at, busy for a higher cliff to jump off of. [00:37:35] (37 seconds)
Hebrews 11 and 1 says, Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. I feel such a powerful anointing behind this pulpit this morning to say this. Where the lukewarm see trees, I see a waterfall. Amen. Where the lukewarm, where the uncaring, where those that just come in and out of the church unchanged, they might see trees. But friend, for some of us here today, we see a waterfall hidden behind what we can discover. [00:38:34] (39 seconds)
Every prayer I prayed, every minute that I fasted, every dollar that I tithed has caused me to allow a day star to rise in my life. It's the sun, it's the sun of righteousness rising with healing in his wings. Come on somebody, where you see trees, I see blessings. How about this? If I've got to do one thing, I've got to put on the glasses of faith. [00:40:46] (30 seconds)
When you put on glasses of faith, everything changes. Even the world around you changes when you begin to look through faith now. All of a sudden, I'm not just a boater out on the rivers of life. All of a sudden, I put on faith. I see the things that God sees. And I know behind the trees, behind every problem, behind every adverse situation, there's a waterfall behind there. There's something that'll splash around. There's something to get under the blessings of God is being poured out. [00:41:18] (33 seconds)
I see what God sees. Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah. I see a waterfall where you see trees. I see God moving where you see God not moving. [00:54:35] (14 seconds)
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