Embracing Life: A Heartfelt 'Yes' to God

 

Summary

In this moment, we are invited to embrace the present with a wholehearted "yes." This is not a passive acceptance but an active engagement with life and God's calling. We are learning to choose wisely, to be fully present, and to listen to the divine voice that calls us to a life of purpose and fulfillment. The story of an elderly woman, as shared by Swiss physician Paul Tournier, illustrates this beautifully. Despite enduring great suffering and loss, she found a new spring of life through her relationship with Jesus Christ. Her story teaches us that saying "yes" to God is also saying "yes" to life, even when it seems maimed or crippled.

The voice of God is not merely a voice of conscience or reproof; it is a call to liberation, action, and purpose. It is a dynamic force that transforms us, as it did with Amos, the herdsman turned prophet. Our true selves are not static but are continually being awakened and developed by God. We are called to let go of what is gone and cannot be brought back, to release the itch of clinging to the past, and to embrace the life we have now with gratitude and joy.

This message resonates deeply with me, as I have experienced the healing power of letting go and embracing the present. Today, I found joy in a place that once brought me sadness, and I was reminded of the goodness in each moment. We are encouraged to say "yes" to life, to the people around us, and to the opportunities to serve and love others. By doing so, we step into the reality of God's kingdom, where we find strength and purpose beyond our worries and limitations.

Key Takeaways:

- Embrace the present moment with a wholehearted "yes," actively engaging with life and God's calling. This is not a passive acceptance but a dynamic choice to be fully present and listen to the divine voice. [00:26]

- The story of the elderly woman teaches us that saying "yes" to God is also saying "yes" to life, even when it seems maimed or crippled. Her relationship with Jesus Christ brought a new spring of life, illustrating the transformative power of faith. [03:16]

- God's voice is a call to liberation, action, and purpose, not just a voice of conscience or reproof. It awakens our true selves, which are dynamic and continually being developed by God. [04:20]

- Let go of the past and embrace the life you have now with gratitude and joy. Release the itch of clinging to what is gone and cannot be brought back, and find healing in the present. [06:09]

- Saying "yes" to life includes serving and loving others, stepping into the reality of God's kingdom. This brings strength and purpose beyond our worries and limitations, as we participate in God's work in the world. [10:09]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:26] - Embracing the Present
- [01:07] - Story of the Elderly Woman
- [02:31] - The Power of Saying Yes
- [03:33] - God's Call to Action
- [04:20] - Dynamic Transformation
- [05:25] - Letting Go of the Past
- [06:09] - Healing and Gratitude
- [07:18] - Finding Joy in the Present
- [08:18] - Saying Yes to Life
- [09:02] - Serving Others
- [10:09] - Strength in Giving
- [10:43] - Choose Wisely
- [11:01] - Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Amos 7:14-15 - "Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, 'I was no prophet, nor a prophet's son, but I was a herdsman and a dresser of sycamore figs. But the Lord took me from following the flock, and the Lord said to me, "Go, prophesy to my people Israel."'"
2. Philippians 3:13-14 - "Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

Observation Questions:
1. What transformation did Amos undergo according to Amos 7:14-15, and how does this relate to the sermon's message about dynamic transformation? [04:20]
2. How does the story of the elderly woman illustrate the sermon's point about saying "yes" to life despite challenges? [03:16]
3. In Philippians 3:13-14, what does Paul emphasize about dealing with the past and focusing on the future?
4. How does the sermon describe the voice of God, and what is its purpose according to the speaker? [03:50]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Amos's story of being called from a herdsman to a prophet illustrate the sermon's theme of dynamic transformation and purpose? [04:20]
2. What does the speaker mean by saying "yes" to life, and how does this relate to the biblical concept of living with purpose and fulfillment? [03:33]
3. How might the elderly woman's experience of finding a new spring of life through her faith challenge or encourage someone facing their own struggles? [03:16]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that letting go of the past can lead to healing and gratitude in the present? [06:09]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to say "yes" to a new opportunity or challenge. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [00:26]
2. The sermon encourages letting go of the past. Is there something in your past that you find difficult to release? How might you begin to let go and embrace the present with gratitude? [06:09]
3. Consider the people around you. How can you actively say "yes" to serving and loving them this week? What specific actions can you take? [10:09]
4. The speaker found joy in a place that once brought sadness. Is there a place or situation in your life where you need to find joy again? How can you work towards that? [07:18]
5. How can you listen more attentively to the divine voice in your daily life? What practices might help you be more present and engaged with God's calling? [00:39]
6. The sermon mentions the transformative power of faith. How has your faith transformed you in the past, and where do you feel it leading you now? [03:16]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset of saying "yes" to life, even when it feels maimed or crippled? What steps can you take to focus on the positive aspects of your current situation? [03:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace the Present with Purpose
Embracing the present moment is an invitation to actively engage with life and God's calling. This is not a passive acceptance but a dynamic choice to be fully present and listen to the divine voice. By saying "yes" to the present, we open ourselves to the possibilities and opportunities that God places before us. It is about being attentive to the here and now, recognizing that each moment is a gift and a chance to live out our purpose. This active engagement requires us to be mindful and intentional, choosing to see God's hand in every situation and responding with faith and action. [00:26]

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted." (Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can actively engage with God's calling in your life today, rather than passively accepting your circumstances?


Day 2: Transformative Power of Faith
The story of the elderly woman illustrates that saying "yes" to God is also saying "yes" to life, even when it seems maimed or crippled. Her relationship with Jesus Christ brought a new spring of life, showing the transformative power of faith. Despite her suffering and loss, she found renewal and purpose through her faith, demonstrating that God's presence can bring healing and hope in the darkest times. This transformation is not just about personal change but about embracing a new perspective that sees life through the lens of God's love and grace. [03:16]

"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to say "yes" to God, trusting in His transformative power to bring new life and hope?


Day 3: God's Call to Liberation and Action
God's voice is a call to liberation, action, and purpose, not just a voice of conscience or reproof. It awakens our true selves, which are dynamic and continually being developed by God. This call invites us to step out of our comfort zones and into a life of purpose and service. Like Amos, the herdsman turned prophet, we are called to listen to God's voice and respond with courage and faith. This dynamic transformation is about becoming who God created us to be, embracing our unique gifts and calling to make a difference in the world. [04:20]

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)

Reflection: How can you respond to God's call to action in your life today, stepping into the purpose He has for you?


Day 4: Letting Go and Finding Healing
Letting go of the past and embracing the life you have now with gratitude and joy is a powerful step towards healing. It involves releasing the itch of clinging to what is gone and cannot be brought back, and finding peace in the present. This process of letting go is not about forgetting but about choosing to live in the present with a heart full of gratitude. It is about recognizing that God is doing a new thing in your life and being open to the healing and transformation that comes from embracing the now. [06:09]

"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?" (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: What is one thing from your past that you need to let go of today, in order to embrace the healing and new life God is offering you?


Day 5: Serving and Loving Others
Saying "yes" to life includes serving and loving others, stepping into the reality of God's kingdom. This brings strength and purpose beyond our worries and limitations, as we participate in God's work in the world. By choosing to serve and love those around us, we reflect God's love and grace, becoming instruments of His peace and hope. This call to service is not just about doing good deeds but about living a life that is aligned with God's heart, seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. [10:09]

"For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45, ESV)

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can serve and love today, reflecting God's kingdom in your actions and words?

Quotes


right now this moment you can do something quite remarkable and i can too and i'm seeking to with all my heart you could say yes to this moment you can say i will not just be here passively i will not drift in my mind in my heart i will be fully present i will seek right now to listen to god i will try to listen to what is good and what could be uplifting and what could inspire me and i will try to say yes with everything inside me [00:16:43]

the other day says i saw again an elderly maiden lady just a brief word here this book was written i don't know 70 years ago we would not use that kind of language today part of the wisdom of learning how to read old books is learning what to look past and how to not read with chronological snobbery and recognize if i were in that day i would probably use language like that person does who has undergone and is still enduring very great suffering but whose life is full of the radiance that comes from a personal attachment to jesus christ [01:09:43]

now she tells me that through prayer she has come to see how in her trial she had shut up her heart against life she had said no to the life that was denying her so much do you not think she adds that it's possible that that attitude compromised my health and my vitality terne goes on do not misunderstand me her life has been a fruitful one fruitful in personal contacts and then spiritual children and yet what she tells me now has an arresting ring of truth about it [02:29:92]

in the intimate dialogue that she has with her lord a new spring of life has welled up and overflowed the damn of her affliction a new spring of life is overflowing the dam of her affliction she has been able to listen to the divine voice and reply to it to say yes to god is also to say yes to life even if it is a maimed and crippled life it is to turn from the negative to the positive for the call of god is positive [03:08:79]

many people identify the voice of god with the voice of conscience but it goes far beyond that the voice of god is not heard only in reproof and when he does reproof it is to call us to liberation and action he calls he sends he gives a purpose to life he moves us and thus awakens us at the deepest level god called amos the insignificant herdsmen following his flock god takes him out of his old limited automatic automaton reflects of life and makes him a prophet before the people and the king [03:44:32]

here once more we see the nature of life and of the persons they are not static but dynamic everywhere in the bible we see people thus touched by the divine dialogue so that they find their true dimension i love this their stature increases and bursts the seam of the krant garment cramped garment of their persona their image their old small limited fleshly god-opposed self we are here at the heart of the issue of the person [04:31:92]

let go of the itch to cling to what is gone and that you cannot bring back i have a close and intimate relationship with my skin doctor because my skin always has one issue another i was with him today and one of the problems was i have this tremendous itching going on in my scalp i don't need to say any more about it than that but he had a prescription for me and i'll tell you what it wasn't it was not scratch it real good [05:52:24]

but it will not come by scratching the itch that will never be satisfied it will only come that that it cannot be satisfied it can only be healed and there is a kind of medicine there is a kind of therapy for it where eventually it will recede i will never be able to scratch it into satisfaction but it will begin to ebb so that i can feel other feelings better and nobler and truer feelings let go of what is no longer and cannot be [06:33:19]

and i found myself just driving around going to a few different primary sites primary spots that had been painful for me and just blessing and i was so grateful and then nancy and i met there and we talked and we prayed and it was so good to be able to say yes to the life that i have now not the life that i thought i would be a life that misses some things that i wish i would rather not missing but it is my life it is my calling [07:45:52]

when i look at myself when i look at my world when i look at problems inflation loss whatever it is i can just get crippled and want to say no to that problem to that economy to that maimed and crippled life but then when i look at somebody else and think i could help i could be used by god i could give a kind of strength wells up inside us when we are giving that does not come when we are hoarding or protecting or cringing or worrying [09:55:76]

because then we are stepping into the reality of the presence of the kingdom of god in our midst where little birds get taken care of and flowers get more beautifully clothed than the kardashians every day this is your moment this is your day say yes choose wisely [10:28:80]

thanks for joining us here at become new dot me you can join the conversation on youtube facebook or instagram if you'd like to receive the daily emails that go along with each video let us know at becomenew.me gmail.com or if you want prayer you can text us at 855-888-0444 [10:57:60]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?