Embracing New Paths: Letting Go of the Past

1. "We live in challenging and perilous times, and we risk overlooking the true significance of God's work, if we aren't careful to what he is doing. Our challenge lies partly in recognizing that God often acts. God often does things during periods and moments of transitions and change and shifts. The truth of the matter, ladies and gentlemen, is that we frequently struggle to navigate and adapt to these shifts and transitions. While there are multiple aspects, there are multiple aspects to consider. One crucial element we must manage is the spiritual dimension. As we move from one season or to another, it's essential to ensure we're spiritually aligned." [15:10] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


2. "Our emotions can sometimes cause us to do things or remain stuck in places God never intended for us. When you're frustrated, you want to quit. When you're angry, you want to fight. When you're sad, you are depressed. When you're disappointed, you want to give up. When you have fear, you become paralyzed and stuck where you are. Our emotions can sometimes cause us to do things or remain stuck in places God never intended for us. This is the heart of my message today. I want you to understand that your emotions can keep you stagnant and stuck. Often, God wants to move you from what's merely good to what's truly God's best for you, and if you're not careful, you might allow your tears and your emotional struggles to cause you to miss out on God's greatest blessings." [17:08] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


3. "Samuel is a crucial character in Scripture. He serves as the connection between the judges and the kings. He was born to Hannah, a previously barren woman. God declared in the Creed that Samuel would be unique and special from birth. This man led the people of Israel to numerous victories, serving as their priest and prophet. Samuel, who anointed not just one but two kings, is the focus of our text today. I emphasize his resume and his credentials because I want you to understand that you can be spiritual. You can love the Lord with all your heart, and you can accomplish a great deal. Yet struggle with your emotions. Don't assume that those of us who are established have it all together emotionally." [19:38] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


4. "What happens when you don't like what God says? What happens when you don't like what God is doing? What happens when you disagree with the plan God has for you? What do you do when God tells you he wants you to do something and you passionately disagree with him? My brothers and sisters, that's the real calamity and it's the landscape on which this message is built. I want to share the pep talk God gives Samuel because even though Samuel was crying, look at what God tells him to do. 1 Samuel 16, verse 1, the first part says, Now the Lord said to Samuel, How long will you mourn for Saul?" [24:24] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


5. "You gotta stop dwelling on the past and press towards the future. Samuel is mourning and crying over what God did in chapter 10 when he anointed Saul. Saul King. Please understand me. He anointed Saul King in chapter 10. We are in chapter 16 and you are mourning. Can I tell y'all something? Never get stuck where God was. Focus on where he's going. Yeah, I thought that was good too, Brother Burt. I thought it was good too. Never get stuck where God was. Focus on where he's going. You can't live off of what God has said. You have to listen to what God is saying right now." [36:50] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


6. "Perhaps your next blessing won't be found in expected places. I saw it for myself. Sometimes God would rather bless you in the fields outside of what you expected God to bless you with. This could be the year that God blesses me when in unexpected ways. Now, may the Lord God bless you and keep you, Philippi. I'm getting ready to close. Thank you to our guests today. I'm glad you all survived Hurricane Helen. But can you envision Samuel patiently waiting for this boy to arrive? If I could infuse you with some prophetic energy today, I would say sometimes you just gotta wait on God. He may not come when you want him, but he's always on time." [49:11] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)


7. "I just came to encourage somebody to stop crying over what's behind you. Because God has already secured your future. You gotta stop crying over this. Because God has already secured your future. Find you a good neighbor. And look them dead in the face. And say, neighbor, I cried real tears while waiting on God. I cried until I didn't know what to do. I cried until I fell apart. I cried until I lost it all. But tell them, neighbor, I got a testimony. Because weeping may endure for a night. But joy, I said joy, comes in the morning." [51:19] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)