Faith, Family, and Living with Hope
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church family. Today, we gathered to celebrate Family Day and to dedicate our children to the Lord. We began by reflecting on Psalm 107, which reminds us to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds. In times of trouble, we are encouraged to cry out to the Lord, who calms the storms in our lives. We were reminded that taking a step of faith can lead us from the storm into the calmness of God.
We then moved into a special time of child dedication, where families brought their children forward to be dedicated to the Lord. This act of dedication is not just about the children but also about the parents committing to raise their children in a godly environment. We emphasized the importance of creating a stable and godly home, being parents of personal faith, and leading by example. The church family also committed to supporting these families in their spiritual journey.
Following the dedication, we transitioned into a message about living holy and godly lives. We explored Hebrews 11 and the concept of anticipation and hope. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 lived with a focus on the future, not the past, and their hope was active and filled with anticipation. We were reminded that waiting on the Lord is not passive but involves refining our focus on Him.
We discussed the importance of living unafraid and adventurous lives, being motivated and activated in our faith, and living with hope and faith. We were encouraged to be witnesses for Christ, not just in words but in our daily lives. The message concluded with a call to choose wisely, emphasizing that no choice is a choice and urging those who have not yet accepted Christ to do so.
### Key Takeaways
1. Focus on the One Who Calms the Storms: In times of trouble, it's essential to shift our focus from the storm to the One who controls it. By doing so, we can experience God's peace and calmness. This act of faith and thanksgiving can transform our perspective and bring us closer to God. [15:04]
2. Child Dedication is a Commitment for Parents: Dedicating children to the Lord is not just a ceremony but a commitment by parents to raise their children in a godly environment. It involves creating a stable home, being parents of personal faith, and leading by example. The church family also plays a crucial role in supporting these families. [33:18]
3. Live with Anticipation and Hope: The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 lived with a focus on the future and a hope that was active and filled with anticipation. Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it involves refining our focus on Him and living with a sense of expectation for His promises. [01:02:41]
4. Be Unafraid and Adventurous in Faith: Living a life of faith involves taking risks and being adventurous. Just as David's mighty men took bold actions, we too are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and protect us. Our faith should be active and courageous. [01:21:07]
5. Live as Witnesses for Christ: Our Christian lifestyle should speak louder than our words. We are called to live godly and holy lives, being witnesses for Christ in our daily actions. This involves being motivated and activated in our faith, living with hope and faith, and being a light to those around us. [01:30:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:04] - Psalm 107 Reflection
[16:20] - Taking a Step of Faith
[20:49] - Prayer and Worship
[23:42] - Child Dedication Introduction
[24:52] - Hunter and Grayson Dedication
[26:39] - Gianna Dedication
[27:19] - Eli Dedication
[29:16] - Braden Dedication
[30:03] - Emma Lou Dedication
[30:53] - Noah Glenn Dedication
[32:24] - Lakeland Rain Dedication
[33:18] - Parental Commitment
[36:33] - Church Family Commitment
[37:45] - Prayer Over Families
[40:03] - Supernatural Anointing
[41:37] - Entering Worship
[53:53] - Proclaiming Over Generations
[55:46] - Raising Up Leaders
[57:08] - Hebrews Chapter 11
[01:00:12] - Heaven's Highway
[01:02:41] - Living with Anticipation
[01:07:09] - Focus on the Future
[01:16:01] - Live Holy and Godly Lives
[01:19:16] - Live Unafraid and Adventurous
[01:24:32] - Live Hopeful and Faith-Filled
[01:25:49] - Live Motivated and Activated
[01:30:39] - Live Commissioned and Compelled
[01:32:40] - Choose Wisely
[01:47:04] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 107:28-31 (NIV)
> Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
2. Hebrews 11:13-16 (NIV)
> All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
3. 2 Peter 3:10-13 (NIV)
> But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalm 107, what happens when people cry out to the Lord in their trouble? ([15:04])
2. In Hebrews 11, how are the heroes of faith described in terms of their focus and anticipation? ([01:02:41])
3. What commitment do parents make during the child dedication ceremony as described in the sermon? ([33:18])
4. What does 2 Peter 3:10-13 say about the kind of lives we should live in anticipation of the Lord's return?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does focusing on the One who calms the storms change our perspective during difficult times? ([15:04])
2. What does it mean to live with anticipation and hope as described in Hebrews 11? How can this shape our daily lives? ([01:02:41])
3. Why is it important for parents to lead by example in their faith, especially in the context of child dedication? ([33:18])
4. How does the concept of living holy and godly lives in 2 Peter 3:10-13 challenge our current lifestyle and priorities?
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent storm in your life. How did you respond, and how might focusing on God have changed your response? ([15:04])
2. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 lived with a focus on the future. What are some practical ways you can shift your focus from past regrets to future hope? ([01:02:41])
3. For parents: What specific steps can you take to create a stable and godly environment for your children? How can you involve your church family in this journey? ([33:18])
4. How can you live more adventurously in your faith? Identify one area where you feel God is calling you to take a risk and step out in faith. ([01:21:07])
5. Think about your daily actions. How can you be a more effective witness for Christ through your lifestyle? Identify one habit you can change to better reflect your faith. ([01:30:39])
6. What distractions in your life prevent you from living a holy and godly life? How can you minimize these distractions this week? ([01:16:01])
7. Identify one person in your life who is struggling with their faith. How can you support and encourage them to live with anticipation and hope? ([01:02:41])
Devotional
Day 1: Focus on the One Who Calms the Storms
In times of trouble, it's essential to shift our focus from the storm to the One who controls it. By doing so, we can experience God's peace and calmness. This act of faith and thanksgiving can transform our perspective and bring us closer to God. Psalm 107 reminds us to give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and wonderful deeds. When we cry out to Him in our distress, He calms the storms in our lives and leads us to a place of peace. This is a powerful reminder that no matter how turbulent our circumstances may be, God is always in control and ready to bring us through to the other side. [15:04]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: Think of a current storm in your life. How can you shift your focus from the problem to trusting in God's control and peace today?
Day 2: Child Dedication is a Commitment for Parents
Dedicating children to the Lord is not just a ceremony but a commitment by parents to raise their children in a godly environment. It involves creating a stable home, being parents of personal faith, and leading by example. The church family also plays a crucial role in supporting these families. This act of dedication signifies a promise to nurture the child's spiritual growth and to model a life of faith. It is a collective effort where both parents and the church community commit to guiding the child in their spiritual journey. [33:18]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: How can you actively create a godly environment in your home? What specific steps can you take to lead by example in your faith?
Day 3: Live with Anticipation and Hope
The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11 lived with a focus on the future and a hope that was active and filled with anticipation. Waiting on the Lord is not passive; it involves refining our focus on Him and living with a sense of expectation for His promises. This kind of hope is dynamic and propels us forward, encouraging us to live with purpose and trust in God's timing. It reminds us that our faith journey is about looking ahead with confidence in God's plans, rather than dwelling on past failures or uncertainties. [01:02:41]
Romans 8:24-25 (ESV): "For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."
Reflection: What are you currently waiting on God for? How can you actively live with anticipation and hope, trusting in His promises?
Day 4: Be Unafraid and Adventurous in Faith
Living a life of faith involves taking risks and being adventurous. Just as David's mighty men took bold actions, we too are called to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and protect us. Our faith should be active and courageous, pushing us to go beyond our comfort zones and to trust in God's provision and guidance. This adventurous spirit in faith is about embracing the unknown with confidence in God's presence and power, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [01:21:07]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take a bold step of faith? How can you act on this today?
Day 5: Live as Witnesses for Christ
Our Christian lifestyle should speak louder than our words. We are called to live godly and holy lives, being witnesses for Christ in our daily actions. This involves being motivated and activated in our faith, living with hope and faith, and being a light to those around us. Our actions, attitudes, and choices should reflect Christ's love and truth, making our lives a testimony of His grace and power. This call to live as witnesses is about embodying the gospel in every aspect of our lives, showing others the transformative power of a relationship with Jesus. [01:30:39]
1 Peter 2:12 (ESV): "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."
Reflection: In what ways can your daily actions better reflect Christ's love and truth? How can you be a more effective witness for Him in your community?
Quotes
1. "Can I tell you one of the greatest ways to get out of the storm is to take your eyes off the storm and put them on the one who controls the storm. And if you will do that, it's real quick and real easy to just begin to give thanks unto the Lord. Because his love. His love is unfailing." [16:20] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So today maybe you have a storm going on in your life. Can I tell you one of the greatest ways to get out of the storm is to take your eyes off the storm and put them on the one who controls the storm. And if you will do that, it's real quick and real easy to just begin to give thanks unto the Lord. Because his love. His love is unfailing." [16:20] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You can walk out of a storm and into the calmness of God. By just a few steps of faith. So I want to challenge you today to take a step of faith." [16:20] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can't lead them where you're not going. Are you hearing me good this morning? Amen. I know what y'all say. I didn't come here to get grilled today past. No, I'm helping set you up for success. And that's what I'm doing. Amen. And recognizing your child or children are more likely to follow God's path by the model that they see. Than by what they hear." [34:54] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Waiting does not necessarily mean that there is a lack of activity. Waiting involves refining our focus on the one our hope is in. Can I help you with that? When we wait on the Lord, we do that because we are refining and redefining that our waiting, our focus is on God who is the one who has given us life and that life more abundantly." [01:05:22] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Waiting invites us to lean in with great anticipation and expectation. In other words, what are we leaning into? We're leaning into the promises of God. That He's got a better place for us. Amen. That we're aliens and strangers here. And we don't belong here anymore." [01:07:09] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Live holy and godly lives. Number one, that's our responsibility right here the words of 2nd Peter 3 verses 10 through 13 but the day of the Lord will come like a thief the heavens will disappear with the roar the elements will be destroyed by fire and the earth and everything done in it will be laid bare since everything will be destroyed in this way here's the big question what kind of people ought you to be you ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of the Lord that means to anticipate his coming." [01:16:01] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Live hopeful and faith-filled lives. Hebrews 11 opens with these words. Now, faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. So there's a distinct difference between faith and hope. Hope is anticipated. But faith is a confident assurance. Hope is anticipated. Faith is trusting in what? What and who we know to be able to deliver on their promises." [01:24:32] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We must live unafraid and adventurous lives. Look at your neighbor and say, don't be scared. Come on. Listen. And we've got to learn how to be adventurous. Listen, listen, listen. More people, the world out there doesn't understand that being a Christian is not boring. You see, the only thing we're doing is comparing it to our former lifestyle. But when you get in the presence of God and you feel the anointing of the Holy Ghost, there's no bar in town that can give you what God can give you." [01:19:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Until Jesus returns, we're commissioned to be witnesses. But we don't just do witnessing, we are witnesses. Amen. Speak it, but more importantly, live it. Far too many times I hear things like, they don't want to hear anything I've got to say. I don't know who they are, but anyway. They don't want to hear anything I've got to say. That's okay. They may not be listening with their ears, but they're listening with their eyes. What is our call on this highway to heaven, on heaven's highway? We're to live godly and holy lives. Because let me tell you something, when they're not listening, they're watching." [01:30:39] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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