Listening to God: Fasting, Faith, and Transformation

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound theme of being sensitive to God's voice and the transformative power of fasting and prayer. We began by acknowledging the challenges and sorrows we face, yet affirming that God remains sovereign and worthy of our worship. Our journey with God requires us to be sensitive to His voice, which is crucial for experiencing breakthroughs, healing, and salvation. This sensitivity is cultivated through fasting, a spiritual detox that removes distractions and aligns us with God's will.

We delved into the importance of shutting the door to fear, anxiety, and worry, emphasizing that these emotions hinder our spiritual growth and prevent us from experiencing God's peace. By fasting and praying, we can quiet the noise of the world and our flesh, allowing us to hear God's voice clearly. This practice not only strengthens our spiritual senses but also expands our capacity to receive divine guidance.

We also discussed the detrimental effects of "sugar" in our lives, a metaphor for the worldly distractions and sins that weaken our spiritual immune system. Just as sugar suppresses our physical immune system, spiritual "sugar" hinders our ability to live in God's fullness. We are called to detox from these influences, allowing God's word to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives.

The story of Job served as a powerful illustration of faith and resilience. Despite his trials, Job remained steadfast in worship, demonstrating that our response to adversity should be rooted in trust and worship of God. Job's story reminds us that fear can be a barrier to God's blessings, but when we release our fears and trust in God, we open ourselves to His restoration and abundance.

As we move forward, let us commit to being strong, alert, and courageous, embracing the work God has for us. By being sensitive to His voice, we can fulfill our divine purpose and experience the fullness of life He intends for us. Let us be vessels of His love and power, ready to impact the world for His kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sensitivity to God's Voice: Cultivating sensitivity to God's voice is essential for experiencing His guidance and blessings. This requires shutting the door to fear, anxiety, and worry, and embracing a life of faith and trust in God's promises. [01:00:33]

2. The Power of Fasting: Fasting is a spiritual detox that removes distractions and aligns us with God's will. It enhances our spiritual sensitivity, allowing us to hear God's voice clearly and receive His guidance for our lives. [01:15:22]

3. Overcoming Spiritual "Sugar": Just as sugar weakens our physical immune system, spiritual "sugar"—worldly distractions and sins—hinders our spiritual growth. We must detox from these influences to live in God's fullness and experience His peace. [01:06:24]

4. Faith in Adversity: The story of Job teaches us to remain steadfast in worship and trust in God, even in the face of trials. Fear can be a barrier to God's blessings, but releasing our fears opens us to His restoration and abundance. [01:31:26]

5. Embracing Our Divine Purpose: We are called to be strong, alert, and courageous, embracing the work God has for us. By being sensitive to His voice, we can fulfill our divine purpose and impact the world for His kingdom. [01:17:17]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [49:31] - Remembering a Mother's Legacy
- [50:21] - Worship in Times of Sorrow
- [53:59] - Unleashing God's Power
- [56:05] - Inviting God's Presence
- [57:07] - Transformation Through Worship
- [58:05] - Supernatural Hunger for God
- [58:55] - Sensitivity to His Voice
- [01:00:33] - Shutting the Door to Fear
- [01:01:09] - The Challenge of Fasting
- [01:02:34] - Perfect Peace in Weakness
- [01:06:24] - The Impact of Spiritual "Sugar"
- [01:15:22] - The Power of Fasting
- [01:17:17] - Embracing Our Divine Purpose
- [01:31:26] - Faith in Adversity
- [01:46:49] - The Holy Spirit's Aid

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Deuteronomy 31:8 - "Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."
2. Hebrews 4:12 - "For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
3. Job 1:1-12 - The story of Job's faith and resilience in the face of trials.

Observation Questions:
1. What does Deuteronomy 31:8 say about God's presence and support in our lives? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on shutting the door to fear and anxiety? [01:00:33]
2. How does Hebrews 4:12 describe the power of God's word, and how was this concept used in the sermon to illustrate the impact of spiritual "sugar"? [01:06:24]
3. In the story of Job, what was Job's initial response to his trials, and how does this reflect the sermon’s message about faith in adversity? [01:31:26]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the assurance of God's presence in Deuteronomy 31:8 influence a believer's approach to fear and anxiety, as discussed in the sermon? [01:00:33]
2. The sermon compares worldly distractions to "sugar" that weakens our spiritual immune system. How does Hebrews 4:12 support this metaphor, and what does it suggest about the role of God's word in our lives? [01:06:24]
3. Reflecting on Job's story, what can be learned about the relationship between faith, worship, and resilience in the face of trials? How does this align with the sermon’s message on overcoming fear to receive God's blessings? [01:31:26]

Application Questions:
1. The sermon encourages shutting the door to fear, anxiety, and worry. What specific fears or anxieties are you currently facing, and how can you apply Deuteronomy 31:8 to these situations? [01:00:33]
2. Consider the "spiritual sugar" in your life—distractions or sins that hinder your spiritual growth. What steps can you take to detox from these influences and align more closely with God's will? [01:06:24]
3. Job remained steadfast in worship despite his trials. How can you cultivate a similar attitude of worship and trust in God during your own challenges? [01:31:26]
4. The sermon highlights the transformative power of fasting and prayer. Have you ever experienced a spiritual breakthrough through fasting? If not, how might you incorporate this practice into your spiritual routine? [01:15:22]
5. Reflect on the sermon’s call to embrace our divine purpose. What do you believe is your divine purpose, and how can you be more sensitive to God's voice to fulfill it? [01:17:17]
6. The sermon discusses the importance of being strong, alert, and courageous. In what areas of your life do you need to demonstrate more strength and courage, and how can you seek God's guidance in these areas? [01:16:54]
7. How can you actively work to remove the "sugar" from your spiritual life this week, and what specific actions will you take to ensure you are living in God's fullness? [01:06:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Cultivating Sensitivity to God's Voice
In our spiritual journey, being sensitive to God's voice is crucial for experiencing His guidance and blessings. This sensitivity is not automatic; it requires intentional effort to shut the door to fear, anxiety, and worry. These emotions can cloud our spiritual perception and hinder our ability to hear God clearly. By embracing a life of faith and trust in God's promises, we open ourselves to His divine direction. This involves creating a quiet space in our hearts and minds where God's voice can be heard above the noise of the world. [01:00:33]

Isaiah 30:21 (ESV): "And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."

Reflection: What specific fears or anxieties are currently clouding your ability to hear God's voice? How can you intentionally create space to listen to Him today?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Fasting
Fasting is more than abstaining from food; it is a spiritual detox that removes distractions and aligns us with God's will. Through fasting, we enhance our spiritual sensitivity, allowing us to hear God's voice more clearly and receive His guidance for our lives. This practice helps us quiet the noise of the world and our flesh, making room for divine communication. As we fast, we are reminded of our dependence on God and our need for His presence in every aspect of our lives. [01:15:22]

Joel 2:12-13 (ESV): "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments." Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.

Reflection: What distractions in your life could be hindering your spiritual growth? How might fasting help you realign with God's will and hear His voice more clearly?


Day 3: Detoxing from Spiritual "Sugar"
Just as sugar weakens our physical immune system, spiritual "sugar"—worldly distractions and sins—hinders our spiritual growth. These influences can suppress our ability to live in God's fullness and experience His peace. We are called to detox from these distractions, allowing God's word to penetrate our hearts and transform our lives. By doing so, we strengthen our spiritual immune system and become more resilient in our faith journey. [01:06:24]

Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Reflection: Identify one "spiritual sugar" in your life that is hindering your growth. What steps can you take today to begin detoxing from this influence?


Day 4: Faith and Resilience in Adversity
The story of Job is a powerful illustration of faith and resilience. Despite his trials, Job remained steadfast in worship, demonstrating that our response to adversity should be rooted in trust and worship of God. Fear can be a barrier to God's blessings, but when we release our fears and trust in God, we open ourselves to His restoration and abundance. Job's story encourages us to remain faithful, knowing that God is sovereign and His plans for us are good. [01:31:26]

James 5:11 (ESV): "Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you currently facing adversity? How can you choose to respond with faith and trust in God's sovereignty today?


Day 5: Embracing Our Divine Purpose
We are called to be strong, alert, and courageous, embracing the work God has for us. By being sensitive to His voice, we can fulfill our divine purpose and impact the world for His kingdom. This requires a commitment to being vessels of His love and power, ready to make a difference in the lives of those around us. As we align ourselves with God's will, we experience the fullness of life He intends for us and become agents of His transformative power in the world. [01:17:17]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: What specific work or calling do you sense God has for you in this season? How can you take a step today to embrace and fulfill your divine purpose?

Quotes



My prayer for this church is that this year will be the year that we will not give in to fear, anxiety, and worry anymore. We will shut that door so tight. It's vital that if we're going to see miracles, church. If we're going to see miracles, church. If we're going to see breakthroughs, healing, and salvation this year, we've got to shut the door to every fear, every anxiety, and every worry. [00:59:37] (25 seconds)


May we have an urgency in our spirit that this fast that we're doing this month, it's not just, listen, this morning I got up, I'm going to be honest with you, I'm going to be very transparent. I was craving my beautiful cup of coffee. I'm just going to be real. And I said, oh, my goodness, Lord, I told Lou not to put me in January. Don't put me on January. [01:01:09] (23 seconds)


Fasting does not cause God to speak to you. It simply clears away all of the distractions and noise so that you can hear him, Storehouse Church. You can hear God speak to you. How many of you know that God speaks to us constantly? Go outside early in the morning. Look at the sun. Let the sun hit your face. It's speaking to you. It's so beautiful. You hear the birds chirping. The creation is speaking. God is speaking through creation. [01:15:29] (43 seconds)


Now, more than ever, God's people need to be strong, alert, and courageous. If God wakes you up in the middle of the night, and he places somebody in your heart, that's for you to be able to pray for that person. Sometimes when I'm driving, God puts someone in my heart. Man, you know what I do? I don't even wait until I get home, because sometimes it just goes away with everything that comes in. I just park the car, and I send a message. I say, hey, sweetie, I've been thinking of you. God has placed you in my heart. How is it going? [01:17:44] (29 seconds)


And then we see here, right, it's beautiful because we see here how God, God's plan for everybody is for us to have his divine protection at all times. When we fear the Lord and we don't fear the things around us, God puts a powerful, a supernatural wall of protection around us, around our home and our property. And he makes us to prosper in everything. So good. [01:28:54] (28 seconds)


Because whatever Storehouse Church we fear the most, whatever we give, we give life to fear, it's going to take away from us. It's going to destroy from us. It's going to steal from us. Because that is that that's the ways of the enemy. And that's the reason, Storehouse Church, we must be strong. And the only way you can get strong is by getting to your word and finding out who God is for you. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. And then letting the Holy Spirit do the greater work inside of you. And that's why you got to be alert at all times, because as we read, the enemy is roaming around looking who he can deceive. Hallelujah. Who he can tempt. [01:31:26] (48 seconds)


I love when he speaks to me. He says, Miriam, and I can feel like a gentle voice. Hey, Miriam. No, no, no, no. We're not doing that. No, no. No, no. Go the other way. No, no. No, we're not going to entertain that conversation. Move the other way. No, no. Set some boundaries. Uh -uh. That's not for you to touch. Oh, I feel so good. Do you know when you hear the Holy Spirit, it sets you free. It sets you free from people. So good. Give it a try. Really good. It's so good. It gives you understanding for your home. It gives you understanding for your marriage. It gives you divine insight for your children. You know how to deal with that difficult child. And then you look at that difficult child and say, you're not difficult. You're just a special project for God. And God is going to give me the wisdom on how to deal with you. He's going to show me the way. Because once he gets me the insight, and I get the insight and the download, oh, it's going to be so good. It's going to be so good. Everything that the enemy meant for evil, God is going to go around and he's going to turn it around for your good, my good, and everybody's good. Hallelujah. [01:24:29] (63 seconds)


I love what happened last Sunday. Powerful demonstration. Something that I've been praying for, and the Lord has been speaking to us, Pastor Amber, and Pastor Amber knows, to grow young. That's where it's at. Grow young. And God has been giving that to my husband for years. Grow young. It's not coincidence that I took you from the youth. Grow young. Grow young. And I've been meditating now that I say, Lord, what does that look like? What are you saying? What are you saying? I want to know more. Speak to me. Grow young. Grow young. And then when all these beautiful 17 youth were up here, the Lord just put a, oh, my God, he made it so clear, he goes, Miriam, that's what I meant. Grow young. [01:37:49] (46 seconds)


John 16, 13 says, when the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. With the spirit of truth, the spirit of truth lives inside of a storehouse church. And he wants to guide us into all truth. He will not. He will not speak on his own, but he will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. God wants to give us some insight about our future. God wants to give us some insight about our family's future. God wants to give us some insight about this church's future. God wants to speak to us. But sometimes we're so cluttered with all the junk and all the sugar. Hallelujah. That God cannot speak to us. We are not sensitive to the voice of God. [01:39:27] (48 seconds)


Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jan 20, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?