Faith, Purpose, and Community: Engaging God's Plan
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to worship and seek the Lord's presence, asking for His guidance, revelation, and empowerment. We celebrated the incredible work being done by Life Network, a ministry providing a safe haven for young women facing unplanned pregnancies. This ministry is a testament to God's provision and the power of community support, as generous donations have enabled the establishment of a new clinic and thrift store. We are called to continue supporting this cause, believing that every life saved is a divine investment in the kingdom of God.
We also delved into the importance of faith and the fight we are called to engage in as believers. Drawing from the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal, we are reminded that God often works through us to accomplish His purposes. The battle against spiritual forces, such as the spirit of Jezebel, is ongoing, and we must be vigilant and proactive in our faith. True faith is not just about hoping for the future but having the assurance and conviction of God's promises in the present.
We explored the concept of covenant wealth through the teachings of Bishop David, emphasizing that true prosperity comes from loving God wholeheartedly. This principle aligns with seeking first the kingdom of God, trusting that all other needs will be met. The story of Job was also highlighted, illustrating how fear can open the door to the enemy's attacks, but faith and trust in God can lead to ultimate victory and promotion.
In conclusion, we are in a significant spiritual shift in our nation, and it is crucial for us to be active participants in God's plan. We must discover, develop, and deploy our God-given purposes, understanding that our lives are written in God's book. By aligning ourselves with His will and engaging in fervent prayer, we can see His glory manifest in our lives and our nation.
### Key Takeaways
1. Faith Over Fear: Faith is the assurance and conviction of God's promises, while fear is the reciprocal force that operates in the kingdom of darkness. We must cultivate faith by immersing ourselves in God's Word and trusting in His promises, knowing that faith is the victory that overcomes the world. [47:43]
2. Covenant Wealth: True prosperity comes from loving God with all our hearts. As we seek first the kingdom of God, all other needs will be met. This principle is exemplified by Bishop David's life, where his unwavering love for God led to supernatural provision and blessings. [42:49]
3. Spiritual Warfare: The battle against spiritual forces, such as the spirit of Jezebel, requires vigilance and proactive faith. We are called to challenge and overcome these forces, knowing that God works through us to accomplish His purposes. [37:55]
4. Divine Appointments: Our lives are written in God's book, and we must discover, develop, and deploy our God-given purposes. By aligning ourselves with His will and engaging in fervent prayer, we can fulfill the divine appointments He has set for us. [50:55]
5. Prevailing Prayer: Effective prayer is not about quantity but quality. It is about securing an answer and aligning our hearts with God's will. As we engage in prevailing prayer, we can catch the wind of the Spirit and see God's glory manifest in our lives and our nation. [27:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[27:24] - Prayer and Canceling Evil Assignments
[28:58] - Tithes and Offerings
[30:27] - Life Network Update
[31:55] - Saving Lives and Kingdom Investment
[33:21] - Future Preachers and Evangelists
[34:44] - Prayer for Tithes and Offerings
[36:07] - Healing and Worship
[37:55] - Elijah and Spiritual Warfare
[39:38] - Faith and Assurance
[42:49] - Covenant Wealth and Loving God
[44:23] - True Revival and Reformation
[46:00] - The Good Fight of Faith
[47:43] - Faith as Assurance and Conviction
[50:55] - Discover, Develop, Deploy
[52:29] - Divine Appointments and Psalm 139
[54:04] - Accountability Before God
[55:51] - The Price of Ministry
[57:25] - Rewards in Heaven
[59:02] - Arise and Shine
[01:00:47] - Slaying Goliaths
[01:02:29] - Judgment and Overcoming
[01:04:10] - Letters to the Seven Churches
[01:07:38] - Glory in Tribulations
[01:09:13] - Fear and Faith
[01:10:51] - Hope and Dread
[01:12:29] - Learning from the World
[01:13:57] - Faith Overcomes the World
[01:15:45] - Intimacy with God
[01:17:14] - Sowing and Reaping
[01:20:04] - Breakthrough Through Obedience
[01:22:52] - Selling the Old Building
[01:24:22] - Shifts in the Nation
[01:26:03] - Truth Over Politics
[01:27:40] - Prevailing Prayer
[01:29:31] - Let God Arise
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 11:1 - "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
2. Isaiah 60:1-2 - "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you."
3. Psalm 139:16 - "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 11:1 describe as the essence of faith?
2. According to Isaiah 60:1-2, what are believers called to do in response to the Lord's glory rising upon them?
3. In Psalm 139:16, what does it mean that all our days are written in God's book before they come to be?
4. How did the pastor describe the impact of Life Network on young women facing unplanned pregnancies? [30:27]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the assurance and conviction described in Hebrews 11:1 relate to the concept of faith over fear discussed in the sermon? [47:43]
2. What might it look like for a believer to "arise and shine" in their daily life, as instructed in Isaiah 60:1-2? [59:02]
3. How can understanding that our days are written in God's book (Psalm 139:16) influence our approach to discovering and fulfilling our God-given purposes? [52:29]
4. The pastor mentioned the ongoing battle against spiritual forces like the spirit of Jezebel. How does this concept of spiritual warfare align with the call to proactive faith? [37:55]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant fear. How did your faith help you overcome it, or how could it have helped you? [47:43]
2. In what ways can you actively support ministries like Life Network that provide safe havens for those in need? What steps can you take this week to contribute? [31:55]
3. How can you cultivate a deeper love for God to experience true prosperity, as discussed in the sermon? What practical steps can you take to seek first the kingdom of God? [42:49]
4. Identify a "Goliath" in your life that you need to conquer. What steps of faith can you take to overcome this challenge? [01:00:47]
5. How can you engage in prevailing prayer that aligns your heart with God's will? What specific prayer practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to ensure quality over quantity? [27:40]
6. Think about a divine appointment you might have missed in the past. How can you be more attentive to God's appointments for you in the future? [52:29]
7. What are some practical ways you can be vigilant and proactive in your faith to combat spiritual forces in your life and community? [37:55]
Devotional
Day 1: Faith Over Fear
Faith is the assurance and conviction of God's promises, while fear is the reciprocal force that operates in the kingdom of darkness. We must cultivate faith by immersing ourselves in God's Word and trusting in His promises, knowing that faith is the victory that overcomes the world. True faith is not just about hoping for the future but having the assurance and conviction of God's promises in the present. This means actively choosing to trust God even when circumstances seem daunting. By focusing on His Word and promises, we can overcome the fears that try to hold us back.
[47:43]
Hebrews 11:1-2 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation."
Reflection: What specific fears are you facing today? How can you actively choose to trust God's promises over those fears?
Day 2: Covenant Wealth
True prosperity comes from loving God with all our hearts. As we seek first the kingdom of God, all other needs will be met. This principle is exemplified by Bishop David's life, where his unwavering love for God led to supernatural provision and blessings. Covenant wealth is not about material riches but about the richness of a life fully devoted to God. When we prioritize our relationship with Him, we align ourselves with His will, and He provides for our needs in ways we could never imagine.
[42:49]
Deuteronomy 8:18 (ESV): "You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day."
Reflection: In what ways can you seek first the kingdom of God in your daily life? How can you show your love for God wholeheartedly today?
Day 3: Spiritual Warfare
The battle against spiritual forces, such as the spirit of Jezebel, requires vigilance and proactive faith. We are called to challenge and overcome these forces, knowing that God works through us to accomplish His purposes. Spiritual warfare is an ongoing battle, and we must be equipped with the armor of God to stand firm. This means being aware of the spiritual realities around us and actively engaging in prayer, worship, and the Word to combat these forces.
[37:55]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you feel spiritually attacked? How can you put on the armor of God to stand firm against these attacks?
Day 4: Divine Appointments
Our lives are written in God's book, and we must discover, develop, and deploy our God-given purposes. By aligning ourselves with His will and engaging in fervent prayer, we can fulfill the divine appointments He has set for us. Each of us has a unique role in God's plan, and it is our responsibility to seek out and walk in that purpose. This involves being attentive to His guidance and being willing to step out in faith when He calls.
[50:55]
Psalm 139:16 (ESV): "Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them."
Reflection: What do you believe is your God-given purpose? How can you take steps today to discover, develop, and deploy that purpose?
Day 5: Prevailing Prayer
Effective prayer is not about quantity but quality. It is about securing an answer and aligning our hearts with God's will. As we engage in prevailing prayer, we can catch the wind of the Spirit and see God's glory manifest in our lives and our nation. Prevailing prayer requires persistence, faith, and a deep connection with God. It is through this kind of prayer that we can experience breakthroughs and see His power at work.
[27:40]
James 5:16b (ESV): "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: How can you improve the quality of your prayer life? What specific prayers do you need to persist in today to see God's will accomplished?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "I just believe this is a great investment. So let's pray. And then we're going to get into the word for today. Father, in the name of Jesus, thank you for how you've blessed us. Thank you for how you've blessed our nation. Lord received these tithes and offerings. And I pray that Lord, you will multiply the seed sown. We want to lift up life network. We call every need met there in the name of Jesus." [34:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Arise, shine for your light has come. This is more true for us now than when Isaiah wrote this, because now the spirit of the Lord has already been poured out. We are born again, born from above, and God has given us everything he's ever going to give us. How can you say that? Because it says he's given unto us everything that pertains to life and godliness." [59:02] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you tap this thing, when I, when we tap this thing called faith, devils will scream running from us. And that's what's inside you right now. Well, it doesn't feel that way. It doesn't matter if we feel it. Now, how many has ever had a time that you can remember in your walk with the Lord that you had a conviction and you just knew that you knew." [47:43] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I want to make a dent so deep and wide in hell. But the devil hates the day he ever laid a finger on any of us. That every day we get up and they're like, ah, they scream, they weep, they gnash their teeth. They're up again. And we're like, that's right. We are here to torment you today, devil, and rescue people out of hell. That's what's on the Lord's heart." [57:25] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The bottom line is God's wanting to show up and get it right. Now's the time to shed all of the weights and the sin that so easily besets you. I'll say, close with this. There is a key to your situation right now. Big doors operate on little keys. God is not confused about your life. He wrote a book about you. And starting tomorrow, there's pages full of appointments that he wants you to make." [01:29:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "So the bottom line of it is he has reached a place in his life. He says, we don't pray for money. We haven't prayed for money. He'll give you a date back in the 1980s when the Lord told him, he said, my son, David, seek ye first the kingdom of God and my righteousness. And he said, all the things that the world is dying to get will be yours." [42:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So the question is, so what's the problem? Because faith is the victory that overcomes the world. So there's only one fight that you and I should be involved in. We shouldn't be fighting each other. We shouldn't be fighting those that oppose us. The fight we are supposed to be in is the good fight of faith. What is the good fight of faith? What does that mean? That means whatever is after your faith." [46:00] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Faith is assurance of things hoped for. The Amplified says the assurance, the conviction, and the title deed. So let's suppose you buy a car over the internet and you wire the money and you get the title in your hand. You could have the title deed on a car and have not even sat in it yet, but it's your car and you're not sweating it because you have the title deed. That is faith." [46:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Faith is now what the scripture says. Now faith is. The substance, the assurance, the conviction, the title deed of things hoped for. So all that's saying is we have got to get into the word, to the place where this living word pierces all of the stuff going on in us, the doubt, the fears, the concerns, the distractions, and all of that, because inside you is a force that will destroy every demon power." [47:43] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So the bottom line is God's wanting to show up and get it right. Now's the time to shed all of the weights and the sin that so easily besets you. I'll say, close with this. There is a key to your situation right now. Big doors operate on little keys. God is not confused about your life. He wrote a book about you. And starting tomorrow, there's pages full of appointments that he wants you to make." [01:29:31] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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