Embracing Freedom: Discerning God's Direction for 2025
Summary
Discerning God's direction for 2025 is crucial as we navigate these unprecedented times. The signs of the times are evident, and we must be led by the Spirit of God. Our theme for the coming year is freedom, a call to set the captives free. This freedom is not just spiritual but also encompasses deliverance from mental health struggles, generational curses, and other forms of bondage. It's essential to pray over any word God gives us, allowing it to marinate in our spirit, and to seek His guidance through prayer and fasting.
Deliverance is a significant aspect of this journey. Many are trapped in strongholds, whether they be pride, greed, or other sins. Christians can be oppressed if they leave doors open to the enemy. We must be vigilant, closing these doors and seeking God's direction. Salvation is not just about being saved; it's about having a mission, a purpose, and a calling. God wants to flow through us to help others find freedom.
To discern God's direction, we must lean not on our own understanding but trust in Him completely. This involves acknowledging Him in all our ways and allowing Him to direct our paths. Prayer and fasting are foundational in this process, as they crucify the flesh and make us more sensitive to the Spirit. As we embark on a 21-day fast, we must discipline ourselves, avoiding distractions like excessive TV, and focus on spiritual growth.
Spending time in God's Word is vital. It is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in every step. We must feed on the Word, meditate on it, and let it transform us. This spiritual nourishment will help us see things we couldn't see before and keep us from becoming spiritually blind.
Finally, we must be willing to do whatever God asks of us. This means being active, engaged, and connected in the body of Christ. The devil loves loners, but we are called to be part of a community, serving and supporting one another. Whatever we do, we must do it heartily as unto the Lord, knowing that He will reward us. Our journey may be challenging, but God is with us, and He will bring us through.
Key Takeaways:
1. Freedom and Deliverance: Embrace the theme of freedom for 2025, seeking deliverance from spiritual and mental strongholds. Recognize that God wants to set captives free, and this includes breaking free from generational curses and mental health struggles. Pray over any word God gives you, allowing it to marinate in your spirit. [02:57]
2. Trust in God's Guidance: Lean not on your own understanding but trust in God completely. Acknowledge Him in all your ways, and He will direct your paths. This involves a deep reliance on God's Word and His promises, allowing Him to guide you in every decision. [11:19]
3. The Power of Prayer and Fasting: Engage in prayer and fasting to crucify the flesh and become more sensitive to the Spirit. This discipline will help you hear from God and receive His direction for your life. Avoid distractions and focus on spiritual growth during this time. [14:43]
4. Nourishment from God's Word: Spend time in God's Word, allowing it to be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path. Meditate on it, study it, and let it transform you. This spiritual nourishment will help you see things you couldn't see before and keep you from becoming spiritually blind. [34:28]
5. Serve with All Your Heart: Be willing to do whatever God asks of you, serving with all your heart as unto the Lord. Stay connected and engaged in the body of Christ, supporting and serving one another. Know that God will reward your faithfulness and guide you to your purpose. [40:33]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:57] - Freedom and Deliverance
- [03:35] - Understanding Strongholds
- [04:37] - Saved with a Purpose
- [05:29] - Spiritual and Mental Freedom
- [07:21] - Personal Change and Growth
- [09:33] - God's Promise to Teach and Guide
- [10:19] - Seeking God's Direction
- [11:19] - Trusting in God's Guidance
- [12:43] - Leaning on God's Word
- [14:43] - The Power of Prayer and Fasting
- [16:41] - Spiritual Sensitivity through Fasting
- [17:47] - Avoiding Distractions
- [22:05] - Seeking God's Guidance
- [23:21] - Timing and Readiness
- [24:35] - Nehemiah's Burden and Direction
- [25:33] - Rebuilding and Protection
- [26:36] - The Burden of the Lord
- [27:37] - Taking Action
- [28:14] - Serving in the Field
- [29:06] - The Importance of Community
- [29:31] - God's Provision and Favor
- [34:28] - Nourishment from God's Word
- [39:46] - Changing for the Better
- [40:33] - Serving with All Your Heart
- [41:41] - Joseph's Faithfulness and Favor
- [45:16] - God's Deliverance and Freedom
- [46:45] - Committing to God's Will
- [47:26] - Serving Your Way to Purpose
- [48:23] - Understanding the Process
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 48:17 - "This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: 'I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.'"
2. 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."
3. Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."
#### Observation Questions
1. What is the significance of the theme of freedom for 2025 as mentioned in the sermon? [02:57]
2. How does the pastor describe the process of discerning God's direction for our lives? [07:57]
3. What role do prayer and fasting play in becoming more sensitive to the Spirit according to the sermon? [14:43]
4. How does the pastor illustrate the importance of being part of a community in the body of Christ? [29:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does Isaiah 48:17 suggest that God’s guidance is beneficial for us? How does this align with the sermon’s message about God teaching us to profit? [09:33]
2. How does the pastor’s explanation of Proverbs 3:5-6 challenge the common understanding of trusting in God? [11:19]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between spiritual nourishment from God's Word and spiritual blindness? [34:28]
4. How does the pastor’s story about Joseph illustrate the concept of serving with all your heart as mentioned in Colossians 3:23? [41:41]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a personal stronghold you might be facing. What steps can you take to seek deliverance and freedom in 2025? [03:35]
2. How can you incorporate prayer and fasting into your routine to better discern God’s direction for your life? What specific distractions will you need to minimize during this time? [17:47]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to trust God more fully. How can you practice leaning on His understanding rather than your own? [12:43]
4. What practical steps can you take to spend more time in God’s Word this week? How will you ensure that this time is transformative rather than just routine? [34:28]
5. Consider your current involvement in your church community. How can you become more active and engaged in serving others? [29:31]
6. Think of a situation where you felt unnoticed or unappreciated. How can Joseph’s story encourage you to remain faithful in your service to God? [41:41]
7. What is one specific way you can serve others this week, even if it’s outside your comfort zone or not part of your “calling”? [28:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing True Freedom
Freedom in Christ is not just a spiritual concept but a holistic liberation that encompasses mental, emotional, and generational deliverance. As we approach 2025, the call to set captives free is more urgent than ever. This freedom involves breaking free from strongholds such as pride, greed, and other sins that can oppress believers if they leave doors open to the enemy. It is essential to pray over any word God gives, allowing it to marinate in your spirit, and seek His guidance through prayer and fasting. This journey of deliverance is not just about personal salvation but about fulfilling a mission and purpose to help others find freedom. [02:57]
Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."
Reflection: What stronghold in your life do you need to surrender to God today to experience true freedom?
Day 2: Trusting in Divine Guidance
In these uncertain times, it is crucial to lean not on your own understanding but to trust in God completely. Acknowledging Him in all your ways allows Him to direct your paths. This involves a deep reliance on God's Word and His promises, allowing Him to guide you in every decision. Trusting in God's guidance means surrendering your plans and desires to Him, knowing that His ways are higher and His plans are perfect. As you navigate life's challenges, remember that God is faithful and will lead you to your purpose. [11:19]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God completely? How can you begin to surrender this area to Him today?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Prayer and Fasting
Prayer and fasting are powerful spiritual disciplines that crucify the flesh and make you more sensitive to the Spirit. Engaging in these practices helps you hear from God and receive His direction for your life. During a 21-day fast, it is important to discipline yourself, avoiding distractions like excessive TV, and focus on spiritual growth. This time of consecration allows you to draw closer to God, align your heart with His will, and gain clarity on His purpose for your life. [14:43]
Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV): "And when you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces that their fasting may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: What distractions can you eliminate during your time of prayer and fasting to focus more on spiritual growth?
Day 4: Nourishment from God's Word
Spending time in God's Word is vital for spiritual nourishment and growth. It is a lamp to your feet and a light to your path, guiding you in every step. Meditating on the Word, studying it, and allowing it to transform you will help you see things you couldn't see before and keep you from becoming spiritually blind. This spiritual nourishment is essential for discerning God's direction and living a life that honors Him. [34:28]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV): "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in God's Word into your daily routine to ensure you are spiritually nourished?
Day 5: Serving with a Purpose
Being willing to do whatever God asks of you means serving with all your heart as unto the Lord. Staying connected and engaged in the body of Christ is crucial for spiritual growth and support. The devil loves loners, but believers are called to be part of a community, serving and supporting one another. Whatever you do, do it heartily as unto the Lord, knowing that He will reward your faithfulness and guide you to your purpose. [40:33]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you actively serve and support your church community this week?
Quotes
"Whenever God speaks a word to you, I want to encourage you, amen, always pray over that word. Just pray over that word and I want to encourage you to slow down, please slow down because there's more to come. There's more to come so you have to pray over that word, you got to meditate on that word, you know, you just got to let you got to marinate is a term we use sometimes but let that word marinate in your spirit when God gives you something." [00:02:27]
"Now you said, well, well, well, I'm still saved. Yeah. But guys, listen, you don't just want to be just saved. I mean, just want to want to be saved. You got to be saved with a mission. You got to be saved with a purpose. You got to be saved with a calling. You got to be saved with an assignment. God saved you. Amen. And he saved us to, so he could flow in us and through us." [00:04:27]
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding. And lean not to your own understanding. Come here, Deacon God. He said, trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not to your own understanding. You see? So, this is my own understanding. This is my own understanding. You see? But see, when you're not trusting God with all of your heart, okay, then you're always trying to figure stuff out." [00:11:19]
"Do you see what it looks like when you're leaning to your own understanding? See, instead of us leaning on the word of God, see, hold me up, hold me up. See, instead of us leaning, this is the word of God over here. God want us leaning on his word. When you lean on the word, man, you can just rest because God's got it, man. I'm leaning on the word. I'm leaning on the word. I'm leaning on what God has spoken." [00:13:16]
"If you want God's direction for your life in 2025, number one, put prayer and fasting on there because I think this is, I want to put this first because this is foundational. This is foundational, prayer and fasting. Do you know in the demonic realm, when it would come to witches and diviners and all that, they fast. They discipline themselves because they understand the principle that when you crucify the flesh, it gives you power in the spirit realm." [00:14:43]
"Paul said, I bring my body under subjection. See? And so there's a level of discipline that God wants us to walk in, and prayer and fasting is part of that. As a matter of fact, this is so powerful. One young man, Jesus. He came across, and the disciples tried to cast the spirit out of him, and they said, Jesus, why can't we cast him out? He said, well, this can't only come forth through prayer and fasting." [00:15:54]
"So, so listen to me. So basically Jesus was saying, Jesus was saying, you're not ready for this, but, but prayer and fasting guys, let me tell you something. Amen. It, uh, it really will make you so much more keen to what God is saying, what God is speaking, hearing from God. It makes your spirit come alive. It makes your spirit come alive. You see, and this is why carnality is never good for the believer." [00:17:09]
"Spend time in the word Psalm 109 and 105 says this Thy word Is a lamp Unto my feet And it's a light Unto my path It's a lamp unto my feet And a light unto my path That means God says You meditate in his word Every step you take I'll light your path It'll be a lamp Don't go there Go over here Turn around Turn around Wrong direction Amen Don't go there Just go over there Praise God Hallelujah." [00:34:28]
"Do whatever for the lord already alluded to it but do whatever for the lord i really want us to get this one guys do whatever for the lord because if um if we don't get connected and if we don't get active and we don't get engaged you know the devil loves loners see and sometimes this is the attitude on people nowadays take it or leave it i don't need you i don't need church i don't need people i don't need this is kind of like the prevailing attitude." [00:36:54]
"Whatever God has for you in 2025, do it with all of your heart. Do it with all of your might. Do it with all of your strength. Do it with all of your ability. Just say, God, I'm coming in all the way in. I'm coming in sold out. I'm coming in determined. Hallelujah. To do whatever it is you have for me to do. Hallelujah. Glory to God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [00:46:45]
"Serve your way to your destination. Serve your way to your purpose. Serve your way to your calling. Serve your way. Serve your way to your gifting. Your treasure that you're looking for, it's in the field. It's in the field. It's why you're in the field, why you're tilling, why you're breaking up that fallow ground. Amen. Why you're digging, why you're planting, why you're sowing, why you're, it's in the field." [00:47:26]
"All of that was part of it. It was all part of the process. A lot of what you've been through was all part of the process. Guys, can I say something to you today? Everything about the plan and purpose of God is not always good. It don't feel good. It don't feel good. It gets lonely sometimes. He was forgot. He was forsaken. Amen. But look, but God favored him. God favored him." [00:48:23]
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