Freeing Our Minds: The Power of Influence and Spirit
Summary
In this sermon, I emphasized the importance of freeing our minds from the offenses of others and focusing on our own thoughts and beliefs. I discussed the dangers of bitterness and how it can break us, regardless of our anointing. I also highlighted the importance of being our own selves and the liberation that comes from this. I used the example of an individual who was so in tune with God that speaking to him was like speaking to God. This individual didn't focus on materialistic aspects like money or status, but rather on the spirit within him. I also stressed the importance of the people around us, and how they can influence our decisions and actions. I reminded the congregation that it's not always us making a difference, but the people standing next to us, the people in the room with us.
Key takeaways:
- Freeing our minds from the offenses of others is crucial for our own mental and spiritual health. [ 01:21:43]
- Bitterness can break us, regardless of our anointing. We must strive to overcome bitterness and focus on our own thoughts and beliefs. [ 01:24:22]
- The people around us can greatly influence our decisions and actions. It's not always us making a difference, but the people standing next to us. [ 01:26:20]
- It's not always us who are making a difference, but the Holy Spirit working through us. [ 01:27:42]
- We must give praise and thanks for the people around us, as they can greatly influence our lives. [ 56:15]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 2 Samuel 11 #!!01:26:20!!#
2. 2 Samuel 15:12 #!!01:24:22!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What is the significance of the reference to Ahithophel in 2 Samuel 15:12?
2. How does King David's actions in 2 Samuel 11 reflect his leadership and decision-making?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Ahithophel's wisdom and influence reflect on the power of those around us, as mentioned in the sermon?
2. What can we learn from King David's actions in 2 Samuel 11 about the consequences of our decisions?
Application Questions:
1. Can you think of a time when someone else's influence significantly impacted your decisions? How did that experience shape your understanding of the importance of the company you keep?
2. How can you apply the lessons from King David's actions in 2 Samuel 11 to your own decision-making process?
3. In what ways can you ensure that your influence on others reflects wisdom and godliness, like Ahithophel's influence on King David?
4. How can you guard against making decisions that may have negative consequences, as seen in King David's actions in 2 Samuel 11?
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is not just a religious ritual, but a powerful tool that can bring about change in our lives. It is through prayer that we can communicate with God, express our desires, and seek His guidance. When faced with challenges, we must learn to "push" - keep praying until something happens. Don't let bitterness or frustration take hold; instead, turn to prayer and let God's wisdom guide you ([01:47:16]).
Bible passage: James 5:16 - "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did prayer help you navigate through it?
Day 2: The Importance of Mental Health
The Bible emphasizes the importance of our thoughts and the state of our mind. It is crucial to guard our minds and not let others influence us negatively. We must be careful not to let our wisdom be overshadowed by our emotions or let others have too much power over our lives. Remember, it's possible to have wisdom but be far from it when we let our emotions take control ([01:49:40]).
Bible passage: Proverbs 4:23 - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
Reflection: How can you better guard your mind from negative influences?
Day 3: The Role of God in Our Lives
God is our provider, our savior, and our guide. When we are caught up in our emotions or our own ideas, we can lose sight of what God has called us to be. By continually turning to God, we can find the strength and guidance we need to press on and fulfill our purpose ([01:51:34]).
Bible passage: Psalm 32:8 - "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
Reflection: How has God guided you in fulfilling your purpose?
Day 4: The Significance of Dedication to God
Dedicating ourselves or our children to God is a profound act of faith. It is a public confirmation of a promise to raise ourselves or our children according to God's Word. It is a commitment to provide a wholesome environment that nurtures spiritual growth ([27:37]).
Bible passage: Deuteronomy 6:5-7 - "Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up."
Reflection: How can you better nurture spiritual growth in your own life or in the lives of your children?
Day 5: The Power of Gratitude and Praise
Expressing gratitude and praise to God is a powerful act of worship. It acknowledges God's goodness and mercy in our lives. Even in the midst of trials and tribulations, we can find reasons to thank God and praise Him. Our praise is not based on our feelings, but on who God is ([01:11:51]).
Bible passage: Psalm 100:4 - "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."
Reflection: What are some reasons you can thank God and praise Him today?
Quotes
1. "Thank you for hearing our prayer today, Lord. Thank you for loving us. Thank you for those mansions on high. Thank you for the streets of gold and the gates of pearl and the walls of Jasper. Thank you for the welcome table, Lord." - 57:25
2. "Don't be discouraged. Know that joy comes in the morning. Know that God is now. Stand still and look up. He will show up. God is going to show up." - 58:51
3. "Will you rob yourself? If you don't, then don't rob God. Father, I pray that you would bless the gifts that's given to you today. I will use it for your glory." - 01:01:52
4. "It is a wonderful surprise to see you today and so that we can worship together in spirit and truth. I want to go ahead and quickly shout out those that are doing it and experiencing the walk to save black men's lives." - 01:15:29
5. "Be careful your bitterness will break you no matter the anointing on you. Some of you are a little stuck right now. I want you to look at your neighbor and say neighbor. Be careful your bitterness will break you no matter the anointing on you." - 01:19:13
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