Embracing God's Blessings in the Present Moment

Summary

### Summary

Today's message focused on the importance of living in the present and experiencing God's blessings in the "now." We began by reflecting on Psalm 61:2, where the psalmist cries out to God when overwhelmed, seeking refuge in a higher rock. This scripture sets the stage for understanding how many of us go through life merely existing, overwhelmed by past hurts and future anxieties, rather than truly living and experiencing the blessings God has for us today.

Many people are stuck in a cycle of focusing on their problems, past grievances, and emotional wounds. This focus prevents them from experiencing the joy and peace that God offers in the present. We discussed how harboring unforgiveness and waiting for others to make amends can give those people control over our lives. Instead, we should cast our cares upon God, who is ready to bless us right now.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool that allows us to release the hold that the past has on us. By forgiving those who have wronged us, we open ourselves up to God's healing and peace. This act of forgiveness is not about excusing the wrongs done to us but about freeing ourselves from the emotional baggage that hinders our spiritual growth.

We also touched on the importance of mental and spiritual growth. Many people remain stagnant, not progressing in their faith or emotional well-being. This stagnation often leads to a life filled with bitterness and unresolved issues. By focusing on the present and seeking God's guidance, we can experience a transformation that brings clarity, strength, and inner peace.

In conclusion, living in the now and embracing God's blessings today is crucial for our spiritual and emotional well-being. We must let go of past hurts, forgive those who have wronged us, and focus on what God is doing in our lives right now. This shift in focus will allow us to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.

### Key Takeaways

1. Living in the Present: Many people are overwhelmed by past hurts and future anxieties, which prevents them from experiencing God's blessings today. By focusing on the present, we can experience the joy and peace that God offers. [40:44]

2. The Power of Forgiveness: Holding onto unforgiveness gives control to those who have wronged us. By forgiving, we release the hold that the past has on us and open ourselves up to God's healing and peace. [45:35]

3. Mental and Spiritual Growth: Stagnation in our spiritual and emotional lives leads to bitterness and unresolved issues. By seeking God's guidance and focusing on the present, we can experience a transformation that brings clarity, strength, and inner peace. [49:30]

4. Experiencing God's Blessings Now: God is ready to bless us right now, but we must be open to receiving these blessings. Focusing on past grievances or future worries can cause us to miss out on what God has for us today. [41:20]

5. Trusting in God's Plan: Trusting in God's plan and focusing on His promises allows us to let go of past hurts and embrace the present. This trust brings us the strength and joy we need to navigate life's challenges. [53:30]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[36:20] - Experiencing the Blessings of Now
[36:55] - Trials and Tribulations
[37:31] - Going Through the Motions
[38:40] - Focus Determines Experience
[40:44] - Living in the Present
[41:20] - God's Blessings Today
[45:35] - The Power of Forgiveness
[49:30] - Mental and Spiritual Growth
[53:30] - Trusting in God's Plan
[01:10:46] - Working on Our Victory
[01:12:54] - Altar Call and Prayer
[01:20:10] - Offering and Announcements
[01:23:32] - Prayer for Neighbors
[01:24:00] - Closing Remarks and Dismissal

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 61:2 (KJV): "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does the psalmist mean by "lead me to the rock that is higher than I"? How does this relate to seeking refuge in God? [36:20]
2. According to the sermon, what are some common reasons people become overwhelmed and merely exist rather than truly live? [37:31]
3. How does the act of forgiveness release the hold that the past has on us, according to the sermon? [45:35]
4. What are the consequences of focusing on past grievances or future worries instead of the present, as discussed in the sermon? [41:20]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Psalm 61:2 illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance when feeling overwhelmed? How can this be applied to our daily lives?
2. The sermon mentions that many people are stuck in a cycle of focusing on their problems. How does this focus affect their ability to experience God's blessings? [38:40]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between forgiveness and spiritual growth? How does unforgiveness hinder our spiritual progress? [45:35]
4. How can trusting in God's plan help us to let go of past hurts and embrace the present? What practical steps can we take to shift our focus to the present? [53:30]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were overwhelmed by past hurts or future anxieties. How did it affect your ability to experience God's blessings in the present? What can you do differently next time? [40:44]
2. Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive? How has holding onto unforgiveness affected your spiritual and emotional well-being? What steps can you take to forgive them this week? [45:35]
3. Identify an area in your life where you feel stagnant, either mentally or spiritually. What specific actions can you take to seek God's guidance and experience growth in that area? [49:30]
4. Think about a recent situation where you were focused on past grievances or future worries. How did it impact your ability to receive God's blessings in the present? What can you do to stay focused on the present? [41:20]
5. How can you actively trust in God's plan for your life, especially when dealing with past hurts or disappointments? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your trust in God this week? [53:30]
6. Consider a relationship in your life that has been affected by past grievances. What can you do to improve that relationship by focusing on the present and letting go of past issues? [44:03]
7. How can you create a daily habit of seeking God's presence and experiencing His blessings in the now? What specific practices can you incorporate into your routine to help you stay focused on the present? [41:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Present Moment
Many people are overwhelmed by past hurts and future anxieties, which prevents them from experiencing God's blessings today. By focusing on the present, we can experience the joy and peace that God offers. When we dwell on past grievances or worry about the future, we miss out on the blessings that God has for us right now. Living in the present allows us to fully engage with God's work in our lives and appreciate the beauty of each moment.

Psalm 118:24 says, "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." This verse reminds us to find joy in the present day, recognizing it as a gift from God. By shifting our focus to the present, we can better appreciate God's blessings and experience His peace and joy. [40:44]

Psalm 118:24 (ESV): "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Reflection: What is one way you can shift your focus from past hurts or future worries to the present moment today? How can you actively seek to experience God's blessings right now?

Day 2: The Power of Forgiveness
Holding onto unforgiveness gives control to those who have wronged us. By forgiving, we release the hold that the past has on us and open ourselves up to God's healing and peace. Forgiveness is not about excusing the wrongs done to us but about freeing ourselves from the emotional baggage that hinders our spiritual growth. When we forgive, we allow God's healing to flow into our lives, bringing peace and restoration.

Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages us to "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." This passage highlights the importance of letting go of bitterness and embracing forgiveness, just as God has forgiven us. [45:35]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV): "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?

Day 3: Pursuing Mental and Spiritual Growth
Stagnation in our spiritual and emotional lives leads to bitterness and unresolved issues. By seeking God's guidance and focusing on the present, we can experience a transformation that brings clarity, strength, and inner peace. Many people remain stagnant, not progressing in their faith or emotional well-being, which often leads to a life filled with bitterness and unresolved issues. By focusing on the present and seeking God's guidance, we can experience a transformation that brings clarity, strength, and inner peace.

2 Peter 3:18 encourages us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen." This verse reminds us of the importance of continual growth in our faith and knowledge of Christ, leading to a more fulfilling and peaceful life. [49:30]

2 Peter 3:18 (ESV): "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual or emotional life where you feel stagnant? How can you seek God's guidance to experience growth and transformation in that area today?

Day 4: Experiencing God's Blessings Now
God is ready to bless us right now, but we must be open to receiving these blessings. Focusing on past grievances or future worries can cause us to miss out on what God has for us today. By being present and open to God's work in our lives, we can fully experience His blessings. Trusting in God's plan and focusing on His promises allows us to let go of past hurts and embrace the present. This trust brings us the strength and joy we need to navigate life's challenges.

Isaiah 43:18-19 says, "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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." This passage encourages us to let go of the past and be open to the new things God is doing in our lives. [41:20]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 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."

Reflection: What is one blessing in your life that you may be overlooking because of past grievances or future worries? How can you open your heart to fully experience this blessing today?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Plan
Trusting in God's plan and focusing on His promises allows us to let go of past hurts and embrace the present. This trust brings us the strength and joy we need to navigate life's challenges. When we trust in God's plan, we can find peace and joy even in difficult circumstances. By focusing on His promises, we can let go of past hurts and embrace the present with confidence and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." This verse assures us that God's plans for us are good and filled with hope, encouraging us to trust in His guidance and embrace the present. [53:30]

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV): "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from trusting in God's plan? How can you actively choose to trust Him and embrace His promises today?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Many people are going through a lot of trials, a lot of tribulations, a lot of situations. And as they go through their situations, they are merely experiencing life, just going through the motions. Without really having that understanding, without really enjoying life. As one man said, when I'm taking a walk, I rarely focus on what's going on around me. I notice things to make sure I don't get hurt, but rarely do I feel the breeze, smelling of the coming storm, see the shops, signs, all the other things. So I'm just merely just walking, just going through the motions." [36:55] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Yesterday is over. Tomorrow has yet to come. But God is blessing, right now, today. The blessings of God are all in this place. He said, where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in the midst. God is here right now. God is here to bless somebody right now. Whether it's a financial blessing, a healing in your body, whatever the need is, He's here to meet your need. But if we're focused on yesterday and not able to receive what God has for us today, you're going to miss out on the blessing that God has for you." [41:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "At some point, you've got to surrender your life to Jesus. Can somebody say amen this morning? You need to surrender your life to God because God gives you the power to forgive. And I hear this for the last 30-something years in the ministry. I forgive that person of what they did. They hurt me. Or they need to own up to what they did. They need to apologize to me. And I will not have any peace until they apologize. Do you know the incredible amount of power you give somebody? If you're telling me you'll never have any peace until they do something, they control your life." [44:34] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The answer is Jesus. The answer is Jesus. Let God empty your heart of all that bitterness. All the things that you're holding on to. And begin to give your heart and mind to God. And not waiting on somebody else. I remember we had somebody come to church and she was saying, my boyfriend did this, my boyfriend did that, and he did wrong. And she just went down the list of everything that man did wrong. And he needs to apologize. And I told her, I don't mean to be disrespectful, but if you're waiting on that man to apologize to you, you're going to be hurting for quite a long time." [46:08] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You need to live in the now. Because God's plan is in the now. Someone asked me one time, so am I supposed to just forget everything that person did to me? Am I supposed to just let it all go? And I said, no, I'm not advocating people do whatever they want to do and hurt people. They'll answer for what they did. That's between them and God. But this is not about their life, this is about your life. If you keep living in the past with them, you can never see the wonderful things. So God has a plan for you right now. We serve an amazing God." [01:05:33] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "And oddly enough, in the ministry, I meet a whole lot of people just like that. They're just going through day to day. Somewhere along the line, they became overwhelmed. As the psalmist said, when my heart is overwhelmed, somebody had a battle. Somebody had a situation they didn't like. And they began to fall into this mode of just daily doing things. Not really living, just existing. Some are going from one situation to another. Some go from one battle to another. Some even go from paycheck to paycheck. Dealing with one problem to dealing with another problem without stopping sometimes and just experiencing the goodness of God." [37:31] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "By forgiving those who have wronged us, we release the hold that the past has on you. And again, I'm not making fun of anybody how you handle your emotions. What I'm saying is, there are things that are holding you down. And everything in God is yes and amen. There are so many things that God can do. God can open a window to heaven. God can heal your body. God can touch your mind. There's nothing that God can't do. I hear about people having sleepless nights. I hear about those that just spontaneously just start crying. Don't even know why they're crying. They're just so built up with things on the inside." [45:35] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Instead of trying to find the perfect church, why not try to be the perfect church member? Instead of trying to find the perfect church, why don't you try to be the perfect church member? In other words, why don't you spend time working on you? Many that are living in the past, they're not working on themselves. Y'all know what I'm talking about. They're those that hide themselves in excuses. They hide themselves in all the excuses that they found on the internet. The internet gives you all kind of excuses. One of the greatest ones, people say, that person triggered me. That person triggered me. That person pushed my button." [50:27] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When we're without God in our life, we're all subservient. We're all susceptible. And we're led by our emotions. And we have thin skin. And everything bothers us. Because we've got all this stuff on the inside. All it takes is for something very small to touch us. And it all comes out. How many of you have ever, you probably want to raise your hand, but how many of you know people that just, you say something small, and then an explosion happens? And you just look at it. Where in the world did that come from? They're holding in a lot of stuff. This is what we have to do. Trust in Jesus." [52:28] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "See, when we shift from our thoughts to yesterday and past grievances, and we begin, we begin to align our mind with what God is doing right now, today. We're getting clarity. I'm not throwing stones, but I've met a whole lot of people that are so emotionally tied down, they don't make a whole lot of sense. Say one little thing to them about this thing, whatever. And they just explode, and you just look at them. Where did that come from? And you know that they're going through things. Now, we all try to help out. We try to be, not respond, respond as we should, or when we think we should." [53:30] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?