Embracing God's Presence: Surrender, Healing, and Renewal
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to surrender our will to the Lord and invite a fresh anointing into our lives. We acknowledged the presence of God through worship, prayer, and testimony, and we committed to letting His Spirit flow through every aspect of our lives. We were reminded that God has purposed each of us to be here today, and that there are no coincidences with Christ. We reflected on the promise that God is for us, and that His goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our lives.
We delved into Psalm 23, understanding that even in times of rebellion and chaos, like David experienced, our confidence should rest in our relationship with God. David's declaration that "The Lord is my shepherd" reassures us that God leads, restores, and comforts us, even in the valley of the shadow of death. We were encouraged to believe that God can turn our wilderness into a place of praise and that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
We also explored the importance of dealing with our personal "stuff"—our sins and weights that burden us. We were reminded that while the church is a corporate body, our relationship with God is deeply personal. Each of us must confront our own issues and allow God to heal and restore us. We were encouraged to stop looking back at our past mistakes and regrets, and instead, focus on the future that God has prepared for us.
Finally, we were reminded that God is always with us, even when we feel alone. The enemy may try to isolate us, but God's presence and the love of the church community are always there to support us. We were urged to turn our backs on our past and embrace the future with faith, knowing that God has already dealt with everything behind us. As we come to the table of testimony, healing, and renewal, we can trust that our cup will run over with God's blessings.
### Key Takeaways
1. Surrender to God's Will: We must make a conscious decision to surrender our will to the Lord, allowing His Spirit to flow through every aspect of our lives. This surrender invites a fresh anointing and opens us up to the fullness of God's presence and power. [43:34]
2. God is Our Shepherd: In times of chaos and rebellion, like David experienced, our confidence should rest in our relationship with God. Psalm 23 reminds us that God leads, restores, and comforts us, even in the darkest valleys. His presence transforms our wilderness into a place of praise. [56:26]
3. Deal with Personal Burdens: Each of us must confront our own sins and weights that burden us. While the church is a corporate body, our relationship with God is deeply personal. We must allow God to heal and restore us, turning away from our past and focusing on the future He has prepared. [01:04:02]
4. God is Always With Us: Even when we feel alone, God is always with us. The enemy may try to isolate us, but God's presence and the love of the church community are there to support us. We must trust that God has never left us and will never forsake us. [01:07:43]
5. Embrace the Future with Faith: We must turn our backs on our past mistakes and regrets, focusing on the future that God has prepared for us. By coming to the table of testimony, healing, and renewal, we can trust that our cup will run over with God's blessings. [01:19:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:34] - Surrender to God's Will
[44:17] - Fresh Anointing
[45:01] - God's Purpose for Today
[46:16] - God's Family and Eternal Joy
[47:13] - Connection to the Holy Spirit
[48:20] - Childlike Faith
[49:45] - God is For You
[50:51] - Praying for Each Other
[52:15] - Pentecostal Worship
[53:55] - Psalm 23: The Lord is My Shepherd
[56:26] - God's Comfort in Chaos
[57:41] - Overflowing Blessings
[01:00:11] - Personal Relationship with God
[01:04:02] - Dealing with Personal Burdens
[01:07:43] - God is Always With Us
[01:19:46] - Embrace the Future with Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 23: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does David mean when he says, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want"? How does this reflect his confidence in God? ([56:26])
2. In Psalm 23, what are the different ways God is described as providing for and protecting David? ([56:26])
3. How does the sermon describe the transformation of a wilderness into a place of praise? ([54:58])
4. What are some of the personal burdens mentioned in the sermon that we need to confront and allow God to heal? ([01:04:02])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Psalm 23 provide comfort during times of chaos and rebellion? ([56:26])
2. What does it mean to have a personal relationship with God, and how does this differ from the corporate experience of church? ([01:00:11])
3. How can the promise that "goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life" change our perspective on past mistakes and regrets? ([59:01])
4. Why is it important to deal with our personal "stuff" and not just rely on the church community for our spiritual growth? ([01:04:02])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were in a "wilderness." How did you see God transform that situation into a place of praise? ([54:58])
2. What are some specific ways you can surrender your will to God this week and invite a fresh anointing into your life? ([43:34])
3. Identify a personal burden or sin that you need to confront. What steps can you take to allow God to heal and restore you? ([01:04:02])
4. How can you remind yourself daily that "God is for you" and not against you, especially during challenging times? ([49:45])
5. Think of a past mistake or regret that you have been holding onto. How can you turn your back on it and focus on the future God has prepared for you? ([01:19:46])
6. How can you support someone in your church community who might be feeling isolated or alone? What practical steps can you take to show them God's love and presence? ([01:07:43])
7. What does it mean for your "cup to run over" with God's blessings, and how can you share those blessings with others in your life? ([57:41])
Devotional
Day 1: Surrendering to Divine Guidance
We must make a conscious decision to surrender our will to the Lord, allowing His Spirit to flow through every aspect of our lives. This surrender invites a fresh anointing and opens us up to the fullness of God's presence and power. When we let go of our own plans and desires, we create space for God to work in and through us in ways we could never imagine. This act of surrender is not a one-time event but a daily commitment to trust in God's wisdom and direction.
Surrendering to God's will means acknowledging that His plans are higher and better than our own. It requires humility and faith, knowing that God is in control and that He has our best interests at heart. As we surrender, we invite the Holy Spirit to lead us, guide us, and empower us to live out our purpose. This fresh anointing brings a renewed sense of peace, joy, and strength, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence and hope. [43:34]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Shepherding
In times of chaos and rebellion, like David experienced, our confidence should rest in our relationship with God. Psalm 23 reminds us that God leads, restores, and comforts us, even in the darkest valleys. His presence transforms our wilderness into a place of praise. When we declare, "The Lord is my shepherd," we are affirming our trust in God's guidance and care, knowing that He will provide for our needs and protect us from harm.
God's shepherding is a source of comfort and assurance, especially during difficult times. Just as a shepherd tends to his flock, God watches over us, leading us to green pastures and still waters. Even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, we can fear no evil because God is with us. His rod and staff comfort us, and His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. Trusting in God's shepherding means believing that He is always with us, guiding us, and working all things for our good. [56:26]
Ezekiel 34:11-12 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt lost or overwhelmed. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and guidance in similar situations in the future?
Day 3: Confronting Personal Burdens
Each of us must confront our own sins and weights that burden us. While the church is a corporate body, our relationship with God is deeply personal. We must allow God to heal and restore us, turning away from our past and focusing on the future He has prepared. Dealing with personal burdens involves acknowledging our shortcomings, seeking God's forgiveness, and allowing His grace to transform us.
Carrying personal burdens can hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from experiencing the fullness of God's blessings. It is essential to confront these burdens head-on, bringing them to God in prayer and seeking His help to overcome them. As we lay our burdens at the feet of Jesus, we experience His healing and restoration. This process requires honesty, humility, and a willingness to change. By dealing with our personal burdens, we free ourselves to walk in the freedom and joy that God desires for us. [01:04:02]
Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."
Reflection: What is one personal burden or sin that you need to confront and bring to God today? How can you take a step towards healing and restoration in this area?
Day 4: Recognizing God's Constant Presence
Even when we feel alone, God is always with us. The enemy may try to isolate us, but God's presence and the love of the church community are there to support us. We must trust that God has never left us and will never forsake us. Recognizing God's constant presence brings comfort and strength, especially during times of loneliness and hardship.
God's promise to be with us is a source of great encouragement. No matter what we face, we can be assured that we are not alone. God's presence is a constant source of support, guidance, and love. Additionally, the church community plays a vital role in reminding us of God's presence and providing tangible support. By staying connected to God and the church, we can overcome feelings of isolation and experience the fullness of God's love and care. [01:07:43]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt isolated or alone. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and seek support from your church community in similar situations?
Day 5: Embracing the Future with Faith
We must turn our backs on our past mistakes and regrets, focusing on the future that God has prepared for us. By coming to the table of testimony, healing, and renewal, we can trust that our cup will run over with God's blessings. Embracing the future with faith means letting go of the past and stepping into the new opportunities and blessings that God has in store for us.
God's plans for our future are filled with hope and promise. As we let go of past mistakes and regrets, we open ourselves up to the new things that God wants to do in our lives. This requires faith and trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. By focusing on the future, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and walk in the purpose He has for us. Embracing the future with faith involves a mindset shift, choosing to believe that God's best is yet to come. [01:19:46]
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 past mistake or regret that you need to let go of? How can you focus on the future and trust in the new things that God wants to do in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "For this is the day that the Lord hath made. And I will rejoice and be glad in it. For the Lord is good. For the Lord is good. For the Lord is good right now. For the Lord is good. is going to be a good day because we serve a good God." [45:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God is for you. God is for you. I want you to turn around to somebody right now. Get a little moxie inside of you. Get a little yield and get a little bit of yield to the spirit and get a little power in your tongue. And I want you to stare at somebody and speak a word of faith right now. If you've got a mustard seed of faith in you, turn to somebody around you and say, God is for you." [50:23] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When God does a miracle for you it's not just for you. When He fills you up and it pours over. The Bible says out of my belly in the King James or another translation out of my heart will flow rivers of living water. God is not just giving you enough life enough restoration enough renewal enough river for you to be full. He wants your cup to run over because what He's doing in your life will testify to another of the goodness and the greatness of the glory of your God." [57:10] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our mistakes are no match for our God. Pastor Adrian, our mistakes are no match for our God. Our regrets are no match for the remission of sin that we received when we are baptized in the name of Jesus. Because where sin did abound grace did much more abound. The enemy will try to isolate you by weight or by sin. However he can get into your life he will do it. He tries to convince you that you are alone." [01:07:06] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You have the revelation that God is before me and if God be for me 8 and 31 of Romans says who can be against me sarcasm came out of the word who can be against the God that is before you no weapon formed against you shall prosper it didn't say the weapons wouldn't come it said the weapons won't prosper life's not going to be perfect in a moment of faith life will be protected if you'll keep walking by faith and not by sight." [01:19:13] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Do you believe that God can take a wilderness and turn it to praise? Do you believe that in your weakness His strength can be made perfect? Do you believe that when God speaks prophetically into your life that it will be so? It may not be so in the way that you want it to be but when you say amen and affirm with faith let it be so. That means let it be according to your purpose. Not my will but thine be done." [54:58] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When you're walking through a valley of a shadow it's personal y'all. really gets on my nerves when somebody says I know how you feel. Ain't nobody know how you feel. Except God. He knows every tear that cascades down your cheek. He knows every lonely moment you've been restless at night. He knows the long commute when you've been distraught. He knows the dark and the oppressive thoughts that have come through your mind and you try to shake it off and say oh God forgive me for even thinking that. He knows exactly how you feel. But He's the only one." [01:01:36] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We got too many people in church on Sunday morning dealing with post-traumatic sin disorder. Where God of all grace and mercy is saying I can deal with your stuff but you won't let it go. You won't take a step away from it. When you repent you take an about face with a made up mind that I tried my way and it failed but now I'm ready to try it God's way. Because His way is the only way. It is the truth the life and the way. But you gotta deal with your stuff." [01:04:02] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our mistakes are no match for our God. Pastor Adrian, our mistakes are no match for our God. Our regrets are no match for the remission of sin that we received when we are baptized in the name of Jesus. Because where sin did abound grace did much more abound. The enemy will try to isolate you by weight or by sin. However he can get into your life he will do it. He tries to convince you that you are alone. He tries to convince you the church doesn't care and the pastor doesn't have time for you and your family doesn't love you anymore. And the enemy is just lying to you." [01:07:06] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "When I look at you through the eyes of grace there is something between you and your past that is so much bigger that I don't see it. I am trying to look around it but I can't see every sin and I don't even see the weight you are talking about there is some gigantic ambassador of grace that is standing between you and your yesterday because the Lord says surely goodness and mercy would follow you all the days of your life there is something bigger than your past there is something so much bigger than every regret." [01:13:24] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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