Embracing Faith: The Power of a Different Spirit

Today is a day of gratitude and celebration for all that God is doing in our lives and in our church family. We give thanks for the support and participation in our recent events, from the Summer Sizzler to the Men and Women’s Day, and for the faithful service of so many, including our young people, graduates, and leaders. Our community outreach continues as we prepare to bless local children with backpacks and school supplies, and we look forward to upcoming opportunities for fellowship, learning, and revival. These moments are not just about events—they are about building a community that serves, grows, and stands together in faith.

Turning to the Word, we reflect on the story of Caleb in Numbers 14. Caleb stands out not because of his circumstances, but because of his spirit—a different spirit, a different attitude. While others saw only obstacles and were paralyzed by fear, Caleb saw possibility because he trusted in God’s promise. This “other spirit” is not about the Holy Spirit, but about a mindset and disposition that chooses faith over fear, focus over distraction, and promise over problems. Caleb’s example challenges us to examine our own attitudes: Are we defined by negativity and complaint, or by a resolve to see what God sees and to move forward in faith?

Life brings chaos, controversy, and conflict—at home, at work, even within ourselves. The difference between being delivered or being destroyed in these moments often comes down to what is inside us. Caleb’s story teaches us that it is possible to stay focused and faithful even when everything around us is in turmoil. He did not depend on the approval of people, but on the unchanging promise of God. When we keep our eyes on God’s promises rather than the shifting opinions of others, we find the strength to persevere and to possess what God has for us.

As we pray together, we release our anxieties and open ourselves to receive God’s grace, favor, and assurance. We ask for “another spirit”—a new attitude that enables us to see beyond our present troubles and to walk by faith into the future God has prepared. Let us trust God fully, follow Him wholeheartedly, and stay focused on His purpose, knowing that He is faithful to keep every promise.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Power of a Different Spirit Caleb’s life demonstrates that having a different spirit—a mindset rooted in faith and trust—can set us apart even when we face the same challenges as others. While many saw only giants and obstacles, Caleb saw God’s promise and possibility. This inner disposition is not about ignoring reality, but about choosing to see through the lens of God’s faithfulness rather than fear. [50:35]
• 2. The Sin of Disposition Beyond the sins of commission and omission, there is the “sin of disposition”—the attitude with which we approach life and God’s commands. We can do the right things with the wrong spirit, and that can keep us from experiencing God’s best. God is not only concerned with our actions, but with the spirit in which we act; a negative, complaining, or fearful attitude can be as damaging as outright disobedience. [52:00]
• 3. Seeing Before Seizing Faith requires that we “see it before we seize it.” Caleb’s ability to envision the promised land, even when it seemed impossible, was key to his ability to possess it. This principle applies to our lives: we must cultivate spiritual insight and imagination, trusting that God can bring to pass what He has promised, even when circumstances seem to contradict it. [55:39]
• 4. Staying Focused Amid Chaos Caleb’s focus did not waver in the midst of chaos, controversy, and complaint. He followed God fully, not because his environment was peaceful, but because his attention was fixed on God’s promise. Our ability to stay focused on God’s purpose, even when surrounded by conflict or disappointment, is a mark of spiritual maturity and a prerequisite for entering into God’s best for us. [61:55]
• 5. Standing on God’s Promise, Not People’s Approval Caleb’s strength came from depending on God’s promise rather than the fickle approval of people. People’s opinions and support can change, but God’s word remains constant. When we anchor our lives in God’s promises, we are able to persevere, remain faithful, and ultimately receive what God has prepared for us, regardless of external circumstances. [64:31]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Gratitude for Church Support
• [03:10] - Summer Sizzler Reflections
• [06:30] - Upcoming Congress Retreat Announcement
• [09:15] - Celebrating COP Graduates
• [12:00] - Community Backpack Outreach
• [15:20] - Men and Women’s Day Thanks
• [17:40] - Minister Ash’s Ordination Announcement
• [19:30] - Men’s Fellowship Invitation
• [21:00] - Tri-City Revival Preview
• [23:00] - Audio-Visual Ministry Upgrades
• [25:00] - Offering and Affirmation
• [28:43] - Vacation Bible School Details
• [42:31] - Prayer for God’s Presence
• [43:10] - Numbers 14: Caleb’s Different Spirit
• [45:19] - The Power of Inner Disposition
• [50:35] - The Sin of Disposition
• [55:39] - Seeing Before Seizing
• [58:20] - Staying Focused Amid Chaos
• [64:31] - Standing on God’s Promise
• [70:07] - Prayer for a New Spirit
• [72:40] - Invitation to Trust God
• [75:00] - Benediction and Blessing

Bible Reading

Numbers 14:22-24 (ESV) — 22 none of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice,
23 shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it.
24 But my servant Caleb, because he has a different spirit and has followed me fully, I will bring into the land into which he went, and his descendants shall possess it.

Observation Questions

1. According to Numbers 14:22-24, what set Caleb apart from the rest of the Israelites who came out of Egypt?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is meant by “another spirit” in Caleb? Is it the Holy Spirit or something else? [[50:35]]
3. What were the main obstacles the Israelites saw in the promised land, and how did Caleb’s perspective differ from the other spies? [[48:23]]
4. The pastor mentions a “sin of disposition.” What does he mean by this, and how is it different from sins of commission and omission? [[52:00]]

Interpretation Questions

1. Why does God value Caleb’s “different spirit” so highly? What does this reveal about what God looks for in His people? [[53:41]]
2. The sermon says that Caleb’s “other spirit” is about attitude and mindset, not just actions. Why might a negative or fearful attitude be as damaging as outright disobedience? [[52:00]]
3. The pastor says, “You got to see it before you seize it.” What does this mean in the context of faith, and how did it play out in Caleb’s life? [[55:39]]
4. How does focusing on God’s promises, rather than people’s approval, help someone stay faithful during times of chaos or conflict? [[01:04:31]]

Application Questions

1. The pastor described how two people can go through the same situation, but one is delivered and the other is destroyed, depending on what’s inside them. Think of a recent challenge you faced. What was your “inner disposition” during that time? Did it help or hinder you? [[46:19]]
2. The “sin of disposition” is doing the right thing with the wrong attitude. Can you recall a time when you did something good, but your heart or attitude wasn’t right? How did that affect the outcome or your relationship with God? [[52:00]]
3. Caleb saw possibility where others saw only problems. Is there an area in your life right now where you are tempted to focus on obstacles instead of God’s promises? What would it look like to adopt Caleb’s perspective? [[48:23]]
4. The sermon challenges us to “see it before we seize it.” What is one promise or hope from God that you need to start envisioning in your life, even if circumstances seem to contradict it? [[55:39]]
5. Staying focused amid chaos is hard. What are some specific distractions or sources of chaos in your life right now? What practical steps can you take this week to keep your focus on God’s purpose for you? [[01:01:55]]
6. The pastor said Caleb depended on God’s promise, not people’s approval. Are there areas where you are more concerned about what people think than what God has promised? How can you shift your focus? [[01:04:31]]
7. In the closing prayer, the pastor invited everyone to release anxiety and receive God’s grace. What is one worry or anxiety you need to release to God today? How can the group support you in this? [[01:10:07]]