Restoring Sanity Through Humility and God's Sovereignty

Devotional

Day 1: Expecting God's Intervention

When we approach God with an expectant heart, we open the door for His miraculous power to work in our lives. Expectation is a form of faith that believes God will intervene in our health, finances, relationships, and other areas of need. This kind of faith is not passive but active, anticipating God's touch and transformation. When we pray and seek God with this mindset, we align ourselves with His will and make room for His divine intervention.

In the testimony shared, Cricket's severe health scare led to a miraculous recovery through prayer and faith. This experience serves as a powerful reminder that God is always ready to step into our situations when we come to Him with expectation. Whether we are facing a health crisis, financial difficulties, or relational challenges, we should approach God with the belief that He will act on our behalf. [10:51]

Isaiah 30:18 (ESV): "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him."

Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you need God's intervention. How can you approach God with an expectant heart today, believing that He will act on your behalf?

Day 2: Rejecting the Babylonian Mentality

The Babylonian mentality is a lie that exalts self and lowers God, leading to confusion, chaos, and mental health issues. In our current culture, this mentality is prevalent, causing many to experience anxiety and depression. The solution is to reject this lie and submit to God's sovereignty, recognizing that His ways are higher and better than ours.

By acknowledging God's sovereignty and rejecting the Babylonian mentality, we can find peace and clarity. This involves a conscious decision to exalt God above ourselves and to trust in His plans and purposes. When we do this, we align ourselves with God's truth and experience the restoration and peace that only He can provide. [46:19]

Jeremiah 9:23-24 (ESV): "Thus says the Lord: 'Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.'"

Reflection: Identify a specific way in which you have been influenced by the Babylonian mentality. How can you actively reject this mindset and submit to God's sovereignty in your daily life?

Day 3: Acknowledging God's Sovereignty

Acknowledging God's sovereignty is crucial for restoring our sanity. The story of King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 4 illustrates that pride leads to downfall, but humility and recognizing God's rule bring restoration. When we understand that God's ways are higher than ours and that His plans are always for our good, we can find peace and stability.

In our lives, acknowledging God's sovereignty means trusting Him in all circumstances, even when things don't make sense. It involves surrendering our own plans and desires to His will, knowing that He is in control and that His purposes are ultimately for our benefit. This mindset brings a sense of peace and assurance, as we rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign over all. [50:24]

Daniel 4:34-35 (ESV): "At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, 'What have you done?'"

Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you struggled to trust God's sovereignty. How can you practice acknowledging His control and trusting His plans in similar situations in the future?

Day 4: Walking in Humility

Humility is the antidote to pride and the key to experiencing God's blessings. When we walk in humility, we acknowledge that everything we have is from God and for His glory. This mindset keeps us grounded and aligned with God's will, leading to a life of peace and fulfillment.

Walking in humility involves recognizing our dependence on God and giving Him the credit for our successes and blessings. It means serving others selflessly and putting their needs above our own. By cultivating a humble heart, we open ourselves to God's grace and favor, experiencing the fullness of His blessings in our lives. [52:55]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Think of a recent achievement or blessing in your life. How can you acknowledge God's role in it and practice humility in your response?

Day 5: The Power of Prayer

Prayer is essential for maintaining our spiritual health and sanity. It keeps us connected to God and aligned with His will. Regular prayer helps us navigate life's challenges with wisdom and peace, knowing that we are not alone and that God is in control.

Through prayer, we can bring our concerns, fears, and needs to God, trusting that He hears and answers us. It is a powerful tool for seeking guidance, finding comfort, and experiencing God's presence in our lives. By making prayer a regular practice, we can strengthen our relationship with God and find the peace and stability we need to face life's challenges. [01:25:10]

Colossians 4:2 (ESV): "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving."

Reflection: Set aside a specific time today to pray and bring your concerns to God. How can you make prayer a more consistent and intentional part of your daily routine?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Welcome to Abundant Heart Church! Today, I want to share a powerful testimony about God's healing power and His unwavering presence in our lives. Last Sunday, my wife Cricket experienced a severe health scare that led us to the emergency room. She was dizzy, vomiting, and unable to stand. As we prayed and laid hands on her, we witnessed a miraculous recovery. The doctors initially feared a brain issue but later diagnosed it as an inner ear obstruction. By the grace of God, Cricket was healed and is now on fire for the Lord.

This experience reminded me of the importance of expecting God's intervention in our lives. Whether it's our health, finances, family, or job, God wants to be involved. We need to come to Him with an expectant heart, believing that He will touch and transform our situations.

We also have some exciting events coming up, including our 13th-anniversary celebration on October 13th. It's a free event with barbecue, a car show, bouncy houses, and more. We need volunteers to help make this event a success, so please consider signing up.

Today's message is about "Restoring Your Sanity," inspired by the story of King Nebuchadnezzar in the book of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar's pride led to his downfall, but his sanity was restored when he acknowledged God's sovereignty. This story is a powerful reminder that pride leads to confusion and chaos, but humility and submission to God bring restoration and peace.

In our current culture, we see a lot of confusion and mental health issues because people have bought into the Babylonian mentality of self-exaltation and rejecting God. The solution is to exalt God as King, acknowledge that His ways are right, and walk in humility. When we do this, we will experience true peace and restoration.

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Key Takeaways

1. IFTB1aM&t=651s'>[10:51]
2. The Babylonian Mentality: The Babylonian mentality is a lie that exalts self and lowers God. This mentality leads to confusion, chaos, and mental health issues. We see this in our culture today, where people are more anxious and depressed than ever before. The solution is to reject this lie and submit to God's sovereignty.

3. God's Sovereignty: Acknowledging God's sovereignty is crucial for restoring our sanity. King Nebuchadnezzar's story in Daniel 4 shows that pride leads to downfall, but humility and recognizing God's rule bring restoration. We must understand that God's ways are higher than ours, and His plans are always for our good.

4. Walking in Humility: Humility is the antidote to pride and the key to experiencing God's blessings. When we walk in humility, we acknowledge that everything we have is from God and for His glory. This mindset keeps us grounded and aligned with God's will, leading to a life of peace and fulfillment.

5. The Power of Prayer: Prayer is essential for maintaining our spiritual health and sanity. It keeps us connected to God and aligned with His will. Regular prayer helps us navigate life's challenges with wisdom and peace, knowing that we are not alone and that God is in control.

### [10:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:05] - Cricket's Health Scare
[08:57] - God's Healing Power
[10:51] - Expecting God's Intervention
[11:50] - Upcoming Events
[12:25] - 13th Anniversary Celebration
[13:28] - Volunteer Opportunities
[15:02] - Redneck Auction
[17:05] - Restoring Your Sanity
[18:06] - Prayer for Tithes and Offerings
[33:30] - Worship and Praise
[37:10] - One Big Church in Many Locations
[38:55] - Study of the Book of Daniel
[46:19] - The Babylonian Mentality
[50:24] - Acknowledging God's Sovereignty
[52:55] - Walking in Humility
[85:10] - The Power of Prayer
[96:28] - Invitation to Restore Sanity
[97:17] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Daniel 4:34-37 (NIV) — > "At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: 'What have you done?' At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble."

2. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
> "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

3. 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)
> "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Observation Questions

What was King Nebuchadnezzar's condition before and after he acknowledged God's sovereignty? (Daniel 4:34-37)
According to Isaiah 55:8-9, how does God describe the difference between His thoughts and ways compared to ours?
What does 1 Peter 5:6-7 instruct believers to do with their anxieties and why?

Interpretation Questions

How does Nebuchadnezzar's story illustrate the consequences of pride and the benefits of humility? [01:00:55]
In what ways does the Babylonian mentality, as described in the sermon, lead to confusion and chaos in our lives? [46:19]
How can acknowledging God's sovereignty and His higher ways bring restoration and peace to our lives? [50:24]
What role does prayer play in maintaining our spiritual health and sanity according to the sermon? [01:25:10]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced confusion or chaos in your life. How did pride or self-reliance contribute to that situation? How might humility and acknowledging God's sovereignty have changed the outcome? [46:19]
The sermon emphasized the importance of expecting God's intervention in our lives. How can you cultivate an expectant heart in your daily walk with God? What specific area of your life do you need to invite God's intervention? [10:51]
The Babylonian mentality exalts self and lowers God. Identify one area in your life where you might be unknowingly adopting this mentality. What steps can you take to reject this lie and submit to God's sovereignty? [46:19]
Humility is key to experiencing God's blessings. What practical steps can you take this week to walk in humility, especially in your interactions with others? [52:55]
Prayer is essential for maintaining our spiritual health. How can you make prayer a more consistent and meaningful part of your daily routine? What specific prayer needs do you have that you can bring before God this week? [01:25:10]
The sermon mentioned the upcoming 13th-anniversary celebration and the need for volunteers. How can you use this opportunity to serve others and demonstrate humility and love in action? [13:28]
Think about a person in your life who might be struggling with confusion or mental health issues. How can you support them in acknowledging God's sovereignty and finding peace? What specific actions can you take to be a source of encouragement and prayer for them? [46:19]

Sermon Clips

1. "It doesn't matter what you're going through. The Lord will do the exact same thing for you. All we have to do is come in expecting. Expecting that God will touch us. Expecting that we're going to receive from God. Expecting that God loves us. He's merciful. He's a good God. And He will touch your body. Or your finances. Or your family. Or your job. Or your business. Whatever it may be. He wants to be involved in it." [10:51] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Babylon is not just a geographical location. Babylon is a mentality. So let me say it this way. It's a lie the devil has been telling since the Garden of Eden. In Genesis chapter three, the devil shows up. We know that, right? Comes into the garden. And the first thing that the devil says is, has God really said? So the first thing that he did was start to question God. And basically, the devil wants everybody to buy into that lie. This is a Babylonian mentality." [43:56] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The thing that can classify the culture that we live in today is they are confused. They are disturbed. And I can prove it because there's more money spent on mental health issues today than ever before. Things like coping, medicating, numbing. Why? It's because people are feeling more pain today than they've ever felt. They're mentally depressed. They're filled with more anxiousness now than ever before. So, you've got anxiety, fear, more intimidation going on than ever before. Why? Because they bought into the Babylonian lie." [46:19] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "When you choose His way, He doesn't make you one of His peasants. Look what He does. My honor and my splendor were returned me for the glory of my kingdom. Your kingdom. Your family. Your life. Come on. As a matter of fact, my advisors and nobles sought me out and I was restored to my throne. And check it out. And became even greater than before. Woo! Praise God. God gave me a second chance." [01:07:38] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I get my sanity back when I don't make my life all about me. Amen? The world has become so narcissistic. We've been told, do you? I say no. Don't do you. Do good. Do God. Because when you do you, nothing good or God will come out of it. Amen? John the Baptist said it perfectly. I must decrease and he will increase. Amen? Pride says, I don't need God. I'm God. Prayer says, I need God." [01:24:01] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "I cannot do what God has called me to do without my prayer time in the mornings. Especially on Sunday mornings. Where I like to spend hours with him. Because this isn't about me. If it was about me, you guys wouldn't like it much. You wouldn't be here. You wouldn't be in worship, get up and leave right afterwards. Oh no, he's preaching again. But we need God. We need to walk in humility. Amen?" [01:25:10] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "I love that we have the freedom in this church. That we can laugh. We're not starched. We're not, do this, don't do this. No, no, no, no. Just follow the word of God, man. You're right in the target. How you doing, brother? Good to see you, man. We've got a great word for you today. I think the title of it is Restoring Your Sanity. Oh. Anybody need some sanity restored? Amen. Well, I'm gonna show you how to do that." [17:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "I want to welcome everybody here this morning. I know everybody here is on purpose. I'm glad you are, because there is a purpose for every one of us in God's kingdom. I want to say welcome to you guys out there online. Thank you. We are honored that you've taken a few minutes out of your Sunday morning and hang out with us while we worship the Lord and while we, uh, worship God. Preach the Word. Study the Word of God. Amen? Anybody interested in studying the Word this morning? Amen." [35:38] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "I exhort you to let him be your king. Follow his way. His rule. And if he says to do it, just do it. It's not gonna hurt you. Matter of fact, you'll probably like it. Amen? Just acknowledge that he's right and all his ways are just number three. I get my sanity back when I walk in humility. Ow. I get my sanity back when I don't make my life all about me. Amen?" [01:23:31] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "I must decrease and he will increase. Amen? Pride says, I don't need God. I'm God. Prayer says, I need God. Amen? I cannot tell you how true all that is. I cannot do what God has called me to do without my prayer time in the mornings. Especially on Sunday mornings. Where I like to spend hours with him. Because this isn't about me. If it was about me, you guys wouldn't like it much. You wouldn't be here. You wouldn't be in worship, get up and leave right afterwards. Oh no, he's preaching again. But we need God. We need to walk in humility. Amen?" [01:24:39] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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