Experiencing God's Goodness Through Faith and Mercy

Devotional

Day 1: Experiencing God's Goodness in the Present

In times of despair, it is crucial to hold onto the belief that God's goodness is not just a distant hope but a present reality. This belief, as expressed by David in Psalm 27:13, sustains us and prevents us from succumbing to fear and hopelessness. Many have faced significant challenges over the past few years, and it is during these times that the assurance of God's goodness becomes a lifeline. By trusting in His goodness, we can navigate through life's difficulties with hope and confidence, knowing that we will see His goodness in the land of the living. [03:03]

Psalm 31:19-20 (ESV): "Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind! In the cover of your presence you hide them from the plots of men; you store them in your shelter from the strife of tongues."

Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you see God's goodness in that situation, and how can you remind yourself of His goodness in future challenges?

Day 2: Prayer and Fasting as Divine Catalysts

Prayer and fasting are not merely religious activities but powerful catalysts that trigger God's response. When we engage in these spiritual disciplines, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His intervention in our lives and our nation. These practices are acts of faith and obedience that draw God's attention and can bring about divine change. As we continue to pray and fast, we do so with the assurance that our actions have the power to influence the spiritual realm and bring about God's purposes on earth. [09:11]

Isaiah 58:6-9 (ESV): "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh? Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, 'Here I am.'"

Reflection: Consider a specific area in your life or community where you desire God's intervention. How can you incorporate prayer and fasting to seek His will and invite His presence into that situation?

Day 3: Publicly Standing for God's Values

Acknowledging God publicly and standing for His values is a significant aspect of our faith. By choosing life and supporting righteousness, we declare our allegiance to God and invite His favor and intervention. This involves making choices that reflect God's values and opposing what He hates. Our actions and decisions should be a testament to our faith and a declaration of our commitment to God's principles. As we stand for what God loves, we become beacons of His light in a world that often opposes His truth. [12:20]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can more boldly stand for God's values. What practical steps can you take this week to publicly acknowledge your faith and commitment to His principles?

Day 4: Boldly Appealing to God's Mercy

Mercy is a divine gift that we can boldly request from God. As we appeal to His mercy, we trust that He will act on our behalf, bringing justice and deliverance. God's eyes are upon those who seek His mercy, and He is ready to respond to our cries. This appeal is not based on our merit but on God's character and His willingness to extend grace to those who humbly seek Him. By appealing to His mercy, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and invite His transformative power into our lives. [36:43]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: Reflect on an area in your life where you need God's mercy. How can you approach Him with humility and confidence, trusting in His willingness to extend His grace and deliverance?

Day 5: God's Watchful Eyes on the Faithful

God's eyes are upon those who look for His mercy and stand firm in their faith. As we trust in His goodness and remain faithful, we can be assured that He is watching over us and ready to act on our behalf. This assurance provides comfort and strength, knowing that we are not alone in our journey. God's attentive gaze is a reminder of His constant presence and His readiness to intervene in our lives. By remaining steadfast in our faith, we invite His guidance and protection, knowing that He is always with us. [39:24]

2 Chronicles 16:9 (ESV): "For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a heart that is blameless and fully committed to God? How does knowing that God's eyes are upon you influence your daily walk with Him?

Sermon Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound truth that God is actively involved in our lives and our nation, especially when we reach out to Him in faith and obedience. We began by reflecting on Psalm 27:13, where David expressed his reliance on God's goodness to sustain him through challenging times. This resonates with many of us who have faced difficulties over the past few years. We are reminded that God's goodness is not just a distant hope but a present reality that we can experience in the land of the living.

We also discussed the importance of prayer, fasting, and standing firm in our faith. These spiritual disciplines are not just religious rituals but powerful acts that draw God's attention and trigger His response. As we engage in these practices, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His intervention in our lives and our nation. We are encouraged to continue praying and fasting, knowing that these actions have the power to bring about divine change.

Furthermore, we explored the significance of acknowledging God publicly and standing for what He loves while opposing what He hates. This involves making choices that reflect God's values, such as choosing life and supporting righteousness. Our actions and decisions should be a testament to our faith and a declaration of our allegiance to God.

Lastly, we emphasized the importance of appealing to God's mercy. Mercy is not something we earn but a gift from God that we can boldly request. As we appeal to His mercy, we trust that He will act on our behalf, bringing justice and deliverance. We are reminded that God's eyes are upon those who seek His mercy, and He is ready to respond to our cries.

Key Takeaways

1. The Power of God's Goodness: In times of despair, like David, we must believe in the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. This belief sustains us and prevents us from giving in to fear and hopelessness. God's goodness is a present reality that we can experience and rely on. [03:03]
2. Prayer and Fasting as Catalysts: Prayer and fasting are not mere religious activities but powerful catalysts that trigger God's response. When we engage in these disciplines, we align ourselves with God's will and invite His intervention in our lives and our nation. [09:11]
3. Acknowledging God Publicly: Our public acknowledgment of God and our stand for His values are crucial. By choosing life and supporting righteousness, we declare our allegiance to God and invite His favor and intervention. [12:20]
4. Appealing to God's Mercy: Mercy is a divine gift that we can boldly request. As we appeal to God's mercy, we trust that He will act on our behalf, bringing justice and deliverance. God's eyes are upon those who seek His mercy, and He is ready to respond to our cries. [36:43]
5. God's Eyes on the Faithful: God's eyes are upon those who look for His mercy. As we stand firm in our faith and trust in His goodness, we can be assured that He is watching over us and ready to act on our behalf. [39:24]
** [39:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:49] - The Importance of Voting
[03:03] - Believing in God's Goodness
[04:53] - A Vision of God's Presence
[06:40] - Knowing God's Ways
[09:11] - The Power of Prayer and Fasting
[12:20] - Standing for God's Values
[13:19] - The Battle Between Good and Evil
[15:46] - Appealing to a Higher Court
[18:29] - A Dream of Faith
[20:15] - America's Role in God's Plan
[25:35] - Moses' Appeal for Mercy
[29:15] - Praying for the People
[32:49] - Reminding God of His Covenant
[36:43] - The Power of Mercy
[39:24] - God's Eyes on the Faithful
[42:06] - Declaring God's Goodness
[44:50] - Communion and Trust in God

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does David express in Psalm 27:13 about his confidence in God's goodness? How does this relate to the challenges mentioned in the sermon? [03:03]
According to the sermon, what are the four key principles that get God's attention? [06:40]
How does the pastor describe the role of prayer and fasting in triggering God's response? [09:11]
What example from the sermon illustrates the importance of acknowledging God publicly? [12:20]

Interpretation Questions

How does the belief in God's goodness, as expressed in Psalm 27:13, sustain individuals during challenging times? What does this imply about the nature of faith? [03:03]
In what ways do prayer and fasting serve as catalysts for divine intervention, according to the sermon? How might this understanding impact one's spiritual practices? [09:11]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between public acknowledgment of God and receiving His favor? How might this influence one's actions and decisions? [12:20]
How does the concept of appealing to God's mercy, as discussed in the sermon, shape one's understanding of divine justice and deliverance? [36:43]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your belief in God's goodness help you navigate that situation? If it didn't, how might you incorporate this belief moving forward? [03:03]
Consider your current prayer and fasting practices. How can you enhance these disciplines to align more closely with God's will and invite His intervention in your life? [09:11]
Think about a time when you publicly acknowledged your faith. How did it impact your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to be more vocal about your faith in everyday situations? [12:20]
Identify a decision you need to make that involves choosing between life and righteousness. How can you ensure that your choice reflects God's values? [12:20]
When was the last time you appealed to God's mercy in a difficult situation? How did it affect the outcome? How can you make appealing to God's mercy a regular part of your prayer life? [36:43]
Reflect on a time when you felt alone in your faith journey. How did you seek God's presence during that time, and what was the result? How can you encourage others who might feel the same way? [04:53]
How can you actively look for God's mercy in your daily life, and what practical steps can you take to ensure that your focus remains on His goodness rather than on fear or negativity? [38:35]

Sermon Clips

2. "And something happened to me last Sunday. It was in the second service. Uh, I know most of you go to the, the first service, but how many of you, uh, you at least caught what happened in the second service? Was that not powerful? There was a powerful presence, uh, that came where I believe the Lord himself walked in here. You say, well, how do I know I was kneeling down here and I was praying and we were all praying together and God was in the place. And, uh, it was kind of a interesting moment because I felt for a second, like I was all alone." [00:03:17] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "And when he did that, he said, it's my turn. And what he was saying to us as I interpret it is all of us have been at a point where he's taken us and this country as far as we can go. Doesn't mean we don't keep standing, praying, fasting, fighting, voting. It just means there comes a point when it comes to God that if you do certain things, it triggers him to respond. It triggers him to act. Look at Psalm 119, 126." [00:05:08] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You side with what God likes, and you stand against what he hates. Deuteronomy chapter 30. It's not deep. I said before you, God said it before a nation, life and death. Therefore, when you vote, you better choose life and the candidate that's going to go the way of life. And when you bless Israel, not as cockling Hamas. Now she's changing. We are always been pro -Israel. Oh, sure, the few days before the scheduled election you now are. But out of your own horse's mouth. You know. You know what you said." [00:12:20] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Finally, after a while, Luke 18. Finally, after a while, she, it dawns on her. She, it dawns on her. She keeps appealing to a higher court. She keeps appealing to a higher court. We have been doing that. We even had OTAs. This is why, can I tell you something? Please listen to this passage. Pastor, every time I hear that we owe a bill on that conference, I'm like, come on, God, that is not fair. I did that conference. I pleaded with you I didn't want to do it because I knew that all the bills were coming due. But if you remember Smoke on the Water night, you remember when Robert Henderson came and we appealed to God?" [00:17:05] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "And part of him being a righteous judge is he first has to extend mercy. He has to give the opportunity for mercy to be extended, or he's not a righteous judge. Because mercy, right, is unmerited, undeserved favor. Let me give you an example. Well, you know what, let me, no, let me do this. Let me just, I'll talk about mercy in a minute more so. But I want to show you in scripture what I believe, and I didn't get this myself. This one scripture was from Perry Stone. Somebody had given me a word about his book called Plucked from the Eagle's Wings. Fascinating book about America." [00:20:04] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "mercy comes in where I believe that God as he's looking at the scheduled election is going okay okay there's certain four things that that caused me to to move but here's one thing that I think is in the heart of God that when George Washington and his army was fighting for this great country that somehow this is in the heart of God and you find in the scripture it says and there were four great beasts that came up from the sea diverse from one another the first was like a lion come on what nation is like the lion United Kingdom and what happened it had eagle's wings but I looked and those wings were plucked come on we broke away from England and these wings were lifted up from the earth come on there's been no greater nation than United States of America and this nation these eagle's wings stood upon its feet as a man and a man's heart or compassion was given to it come on America's been one of the most compassionate nations somehow I believe that has touched God then he sees another beast a bear which is Russia that had a hunger for war so I believe that even in scripture God is showing that there are certain things of how he made this country to be and because we've prayed we fasted we stand with God we stand with what's right and there's certain covenants and things that God remembers I want to bring you to Moses now there was a moment I want you to go to Exodus 32 there was a moment where God was very very mad that's why the Bible says you can sit be angry but don't sin God doesn't sin with his anger when we get angry we sin now it doesn't mean that you can't have righteous anger God had righteous anger and he kept himself holy you can have righteous anger like I do up here behind this pulpit and stay holy right same with you just because you're upset about something you you have a righteous indignation there's nothing wrong with that don't ever believe the lies that you have to be so nice you can't say anything no that's what they want you to think judge not lest you be judged no that's not what the Bible says the Bible says that scripture but that's not what it means it means don't call out and point your finger at something when you're doing it or worse but you have a right to it to judge Jesus said in Matthew 7 you'll know them by their fruits and he talked about two types of trees a good tree and a bad tree and how do you know that you can judge it as a good tree or a bad tree look" [00:22:12] (156 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "And so we, your people, we let you do your part now. We give thanks. We trust you. And we thank you as there was victory and is victory. And the beautiful table of the Lord, there's victory in our lives, spirit, soul, and body. There's victory in our cities. The restraint of God is against every evildoer or uprising or chaos. And your victory, I pray and believe, is over this great country. We partake as a sign and an honor to you. We trust you. Let's partake." [00:45:44] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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