Empowered Moms: Faith, Devotion, and God's Promises
Summary
### Summary
Tonight, we gathered for our second "Devoted Moms" meeting, a special time for mothers, mothers-to-be, and grandmothers to come together, be empowered, and receive from God's Word. We began by focusing on the importance of community among moms and the critical role we play in ensuring our children grow up to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. The heart of the message was drawn from Numbers 13 and 14, where we explored the story of the 12 spies sent by Moses to scout the Promised Land. Despite the challenges and the negative reports from ten of the spies, Caleb and Joshua stood firm in their faith, believing that they were well able to conquer the land because God was with them.
We emphasized the importance of knowing and believing what God has promised us and our children. It's not enough to have head knowledge; it must be deeply rooted in our hearts. We must silence every discouraging voice and speak faith over our circumstances, declaring that we are well able to possess the promises of God. The enemy's goal is to make us doubt and speak negatively, but we must counteract this by speaking God's truth over our lives and our children's lives.
We also discussed the difference between commitment and devotion. Commitment can be driven by obligation, but devotion is fueled by love. Staying devoted to God ensures that we experience victory in every area of our lives. We must remain steadfast, not uprooting ourselves from God's promises, but staying planted and trusting Him to bring His promises to pass.
Finally, we heard a powerful testimony from a fellow mom who, despite facing severe trials, remained devoted to God and saw Him turn her situation around. This testimony served as a reminder that when we stay devoted to God, we walk in victory, and our children will serve the Lord all the days of their lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Know and Believe God's Promises: It's crucial to move beyond mere head knowledge of God's promises to a deep, heart-rooted belief. Like Caleb and Joshua, we must silence the negative reports and declare that we are well able to possess the promises of God for our lives and our children. This faith-filled declaration is essential for overcoming the enemy's lies. [21:50]
2. Silence Discouraging Voices: Anytime we feel discouraged, it's a sign that we are believing an evil report. The enemy thrives on our negative confessions, but we must counteract this by speaking faith and God's promises over our lives. Our words have power, and we must use them to declare victory and not defeat. [26:03]
3. Stay Devoted, Not Just Committed: Devotion to God goes beyond mere commitment; it is driven by love. Staying devoted ensures that we experience continuous victory. Like a plant that needs to stay rooted to grow, we must remain steadfast in our devotion to God to see His promises manifest in our lives. [29:21]
4. Patience and Resilience: Inheriting God's promises requires faith and patience. We must be resilient, not giving up when challenges arise. Our steadfastness serves as a powerful example to our children, teaching them to persevere and trust in God's timing. [42:39]
5. Speak Life and Victory: Our words shape our reality. By speaking God's promises and declaring victory, we align ourselves with His will. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also sets a powerful example for our children, teaching them to trust in God's promises and speak life over their circumstances. [39:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:55] - Introduction and Purpose
[16:07] - The Importance of Community for Moms
[17:54] - The Story of the 12 Spies
[19:10] - Caleb's Faith and Courage
[20:33] - The Evil Report and Its Impact
[21:50] - Knowing and Believing God's Promises
[23:18] - Silencing Negative Voices
[24:39] - The Power of Our Words
[26:03] - Discouragement as an Evil Report
[29:21] - Devotion vs. Commitment
[30:52] - Trusting in God's Strength
[32:44] - Consequences of Unbelief
[34:15] - The Minority Report of Faith
[35:44] - Personal Testimony of Transformation
[37:02] - Speaking God's Promises
[39:43] - The Power of Confession
[42:39] - Faith and Patience
[44:11] - Encouragement for Believing Parents
[45:39] - Testimony of Perseverance
[47:43] - Isaiah 54:13-17
[49:15] - The Heritage of the Servants of the Lord
[50:32] - Victory Through Devotion
[01:05:33] - Testimony of Triumph
[01:07:04] - Prayer and Commitment
[01:09:57] - Commitment to Higher Devotion
[01:11:19] - Declaration of Victory
[01:12:10] - Closing Prayer and Worship
[01:22:17] - Offering and Giving Instructions
[01:26:08] - Closing Remarks and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Numbers 13:26-33 - The report of the 12 spies.
2. Numbers 14:6-9 - Caleb and Joshua's faith and encouragement.
3. Isaiah 54:13-17 - Promises of peace and protection for God's people.
### Observation Questions
1. What was the reaction of the Israelites to the report of the 12 spies? ([20:33])
2. How did Caleb and Joshua respond differently from the other spies? ([19:10])
3. What does Isaiah 54:13-17 promise to the children of God's servants?
4. What was the main reason for the Israelites' 40-year journey in the wilderness? ([17:54])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to move beyond head knowledge to a heart-rooted belief in God's promises? ([21:50])
2. How can discouraging voices impact our faith and actions, and what should we do to counteract them? ([26:03])
3. What is the difference between commitment and devotion, and why is devotion crucial for experiencing victory? ([29:21])
4. How does the testimony shared in the sermon illustrate the power of staying devoted to God? ([01:05:33])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced discouragement. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to silence the negative voices? ([26:03])
2. Identify a specific promise from God that you need to believe more deeply. What steps can you take to move this belief from your head to your heart? ([21:50])
3. Think about an area in your life where you have been committed out of obligation rather than devotion out of love. How can you shift your mindset to one of devotion? ([29:21])
4. How can you practically demonstrate resilience and patience in your current challenges, setting an example for your children? ([42:39])
5. What are some specific ways you can speak life and victory over your circumstances and your children's lives this week? ([39:43])
6. Reflect on the testimony shared in the sermon. How can you apply the lessons from this testimony to your own life and challenges? ([01:05:33])
7. What is one practical step you can take this week to deepen your devotion to God and ensure that you experience continuous victory in your life? ([50:32])
Devotional
Day 1: Rooted Belief in God's Promises
Knowing and believing God's promises is essential for a life of faith. It's not enough to simply have head knowledge of what God has promised; this knowledge must be deeply rooted in our hearts. Caleb and Joshua exemplified this kind of faith when they stood firm against the negative reports of the other spies. They believed wholeheartedly that they could conquer the Promised Land because God was with them. This kind of faith requires us to silence every discouraging voice and declare that we are well able to possess the promises of God for our lives and our children. This faith-filled declaration is essential for overcoming the enemy's lies. [21:50]
Numbers 14:6-9 (ESV): "And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to all the congregation of the people of Israel, 'The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceedingly good land. If the Lord delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the Lord is with us; do not fear them.'"
Reflection: Think of a promise from God that you know in your head but struggle to believe in your heart. How can you begin to root this promise deeply in your heart today?
Day 2: Silencing Discouraging Voices
Discouragement often comes when we start believing negative reports instead of God's promises. The enemy thrives on our negative confessions, but we must counteract this by speaking faith and God's promises over our lives. Our words have power, and we must use them to declare victory and not defeat. Anytime we feel discouraged, it's a sign that we are believing an evil report. By silencing these discouraging voices and speaking life, we align ourselves with God's truth and strengthen our faith. [26:03]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you have been speaking negatively. How can you start speaking God's promises and life over this area today?
Day 3: Devotion Driven by Love
Devotion to God goes beyond mere commitment; it is driven by love. Commitment can often be driven by obligation, but devotion is fueled by a deep love for God. Staying devoted ensures that we experience continuous victory. Like a plant that needs to stay rooted to grow, we must remain steadfast in our devotion to God to see His promises manifest in our lives. This kind of devotion requires us to stay planted and trust God to bring His promises to pass. [29:21]
Psalm 1:2-3 (ESV): "But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers."
Reflection: Reflect on your relationship with God. Is it driven by obligation or love? What steps can you take to deepen your devotion to Him today?
Day 4: Patience and Resilience
Inheriting God's promises requires faith and patience. We must be resilient, not giving up when challenges arise. Our steadfastness serves as a powerful example to our children, teaching them to persevere and trust in God's timing. The story of Caleb and Joshua reminds us that even when the majority is against us, we must hold on to God's promises with patience and resilience. This steadfast faith not only brings us victory but also sets a lasting example for the next generation. [42:39]
Hebrews 6:12 (ESV): "So that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."
Reflection: Think of a challenge you are currently facing. How can you demonstrate patience and resilience in this situation, trusting in God's timing?
Day 5: Speaking Life and Victory
Our words shape our reality. By speaking God's promises and declaring victory, we align ourselves with His will. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also sets a powerful example for our children, teaching them to trust in God's promises and speak life over their circumstances. The power of confession is a vital tool in our spiritual arsenal, enabling us to overcome the enemy's lies and walk in the victory that God has already secured for us. [39:43]
James 3:5-6 (ESV): "So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell."
Reflection: Consider the words you have spoken over your life and your children's lives recently. Are they words of life and victory? How can you begin to speak more intentionally in alignment with God's promises?
Quotes
1. "So Caleb could tell the fear, the discouragement, the lies, everything was piling on. And the Bible says, says he quieted the people. Amen. He quieted the people. He said, let us go up at once and possess it. We are well able to conquer it. But his fellow scouts said, we are not able to go up against the people of Canaan, for they are stronger than we are. Everyone say evil reports." [19:10] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So my first point in all of this is you need to know what belongs to you, what belongs to your children, and believe it with all of your heart. It's one thing to have a head knowledge of the word. It's one thing to come to church or a Bible study or watch a YouTube video and have a head knowledge and say, I know God wants me to have that. Or I know God wants me to have that. Or I know God wants me to be healed in my body. Or I know God wants my children to serve the Lord. It's another thing when it comes down into your heart." [21:50] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I'm well able to possess this land. I'm well able to raise kids who love me. I'm well able to love the Lord. I'm well able to see the fruit of my labors in my children. The enemy is not going to have my kids. I'm well able. I get up every morning. I'm well able to raise my kids in the fear and admonition of the Lord. I'm well able to have a godly marriage, a successful marriage, one that people admire, something my kids can look up to. I don't care if it hasn't been done before me. I'm doing it now. I'm well able." [23:18] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So the enemy's job is to get you to think, yeah, that marriage, that looks, so broken or my kids that look so far gone, I can't attain it. There's all these obstacles in the way, but the Lord has promised you something in his word. Amen. A godly, healthy marriage where you honor the Lord together. Kids who love and serve the Lord with all their hearts. Amen. So say, I'm well able. Amen. So I want you to silence every discouraging voice." [24:39] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you stay devoted to the Lord, we call this devoted moms. That's the word that the Lord had put in my heart, is moms devoted to God and raising their children in his ways. Amen. And the Lord was showing me there's a difference between devotion and there's a difference between that and commitment, you're committed to go to the gym. It's something you do because you feel like you should do it. You're committed to eating healthy. It's something you should do because you feel like I got to do this. A devotion is something that you do out of love for that person, for that thing, whatever it may be." [29:21] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "So what is it that you need to commit to him so that he brings it to pass? What is it? What is on the other side of those giants and the city walls and exactly the promised land? So what is it? Amen. Jump back with me to numbers, please. Numbers chapter 13. All right. Numbers 14 chapter 22. And so the Lord is, not happy with the Israelites now because after they just decided to choose to believe the evil reports. Okay. And so he's like really ticked off at them." [30:52] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "There is a very small amount of people who can see what the word says, say it's mine, and actually walk it out. Amen? Amen. But that's going to be you today. I'm looking at a bunch of women who said, the word says it, I believe it, and that settles it. My family is serving God. I'm going to walk in health and prosperity all the days of my life. I'm not dying from cancer. I'm not dying from disease. Because the word says, all my health, Jesus himself bore my sickness, my disease, my infirmities by his stripes. I am healed." [34:15] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "And so I just decided nothing's getting in my way. And it doesn't mean that the enemy doesn't try and rise up and discourage you. But like I said, every discouraging thought, you know, that's just, it's an evil report. And you reject it. And you speak up. And I love what Caleb said. He quieted the people. And he said, no, we are well able to go in to possess this land. And so I'm letting you guys know today, you're well able to have everything God said you could have, no matter what the lies of the enemy, any report of the doctor, any report from your church, any report from your family, any report from your children, no matter how much they can't stand you." [37:02] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "And so if you speak, I don't know what it is with my kids. Why they're not serving the Lord or they're in this thing or they're in that thing. He loves that. That's how he knows it's got into your heart. Amen. The Bible says out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. And so when those things happen, you keep your mouth shut and you speak faith. And if you say, I can't speak faith right now, then just zip your lips and fill yourself with faith. Amen." [24:39] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So the, enemy wants you to speak those, those distresses, the discouragement, the lies, everything out of your mouth. Because when it comes out of your mouth, the Bible says, you believe in your heart, therefore you speak. And the Bible says, you shall have whatsoever you say. And so if he can get a hold of this boca, whatever you, is that what it's called in Spanish? La boca. If he can get a hold of this, he's got you. And he knows it. And the, Bible says that your tongue is like a rudder of a ship. And so wherever that tongue goes, your life goes." [41:01] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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