Rising Above: Embracing God's Voice and Blessings
Summary
In Deuteronomy 28:1, we are reminded of the power and promise of God's Word. It is a call to action, urging us to listen diligently to the voice of the Lord and to observe His commandments. This is not just a passive listening but an active engagement with God's Word, allowing it to transform our lives. The promise is that if we do this, God will set us high above all nations. This is a call to rise above our circumstances, to see beyond the immediate challenges, and to trust in God's plan for our lives.
The world around us is often filled with distractions and voices that pull us away from God's truth. We are tempted to honor people, political organizations, or societal norms over the Word of God. Yet, the scripture calls us to prioritize God's voice above all else. This requires a conscious decision to immerse ourselves in the Word, to let it guide our actions, and to trust in its promises.
As we align ourselves with God's Word, we are empowered to rise above our personal struggles and societal challenges. This elevation is not just a physical or social status but a spiritual perspective that allows us to see the world through God's eyes. It is about having the faith to believe that God can lift us above our problems, enabling us to look down on them with His perspective.
This journey of faith is not without opposition. As we strive to follow God's voice, we may face resistance from those around us, even from within our communities. Yet, it is in these moments of challenge that our faith is tested and strengthened. We are called to persevere, to continue listening to God's voice, and to trust in His promises.
Ultimately, the blessings of God are not just for us but for our communities and nations. As we rise above our circumstances, we become conduits of God's blessings, allowing His love and grace to flow through us to others. This is the call of Deuteronomy 28:1 – to listen, to rise, and to be a blessing.
Key Takeaways:
- Listening to God's Voice: The importance of hearkening diligently to the voice of the Lord is emphasized. This involves prioritizing God's Word over other voices in our lives, allowing it to guide our actions and decisions. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's promises and open ourselves to His blessings. [02:11]
- Rising Above Circumstances: Faith in God's Word empowers us to rise above our personal and societal challenges. This spiritual elevation allows us to see our problems from God's perspective, enabling us to trust in His plan and promises. [06:11]
- Facing Opposition with Faith: As we strive to follow God's voice, we may encounter resistance. These challenges test and strengthen our faith, calling us to persevere and continue trusting in God's promises. [08:38]
- Being a Conduit of Blessings: As we rise above our circumstances, we become channels of God's blessings to others. Our faith and obedience allow God's love and grace to flow through us, impacting our communities and nations. [12:31]
- Living in Divine Protection: Trusting in God's voice and walking in His ways brings divine protection and provision. We are reminded that God's blessings are not just for us but extend to our families, communities, and beyond. [18:59]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:11] - Listening to God's Voice
- [03:01] - Rising Above Nations
- [04:36] - Obedience and Revelation
- [06:11] - Facing Opposition
- [07:40] - Mindset of Faith
- [08:38] - Seeing Beyond Problems
- [09:55] - Confessing God's Power
- [12:31] - Overcoming Challenges
- [13:17] - Blessings Overtaking
- [14:32] - Rebuking Negativity
- [15:40] - Letting Go of Control
- [16:30] - Respecting the Holy Spirit
- [18:06] - Divine Protection
- [18:59] - Overflowing Blessings
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Deuteronomy 28:1
Observation Questions:
1. What does Deuteronomy 28:1 emphasize about listening to the voice of the Lord? How is this different from listening to other voices in our lives? [02:11]
2. According to the sermon, what are some distractions that can prevent us from hearkening to God's voice? [02:11]
3. How does the pastor describe the act of rising above our circumstances? What does it mean to "see above the nations"? [06:11]
4. What examples did the pastor give of facing opposition when trying to follow God's voice? [06:11]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does prioritizing God's voice over other influences in our lives impact our spiritual growth and decision-making? [02:11]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith in God's Word can empower us to rise above personal and societal challenges? [06:11]
3. What does it mean to be a conduit of God's blessings, and how can this affect our communities and nations? [12:31]
4. How does the pastor suggest we handle opposition when striving to follow God's voice? What role does faith play in this process? [08:38]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you prioritized other voices over God's voice. What steps can you take to ensure God's Word guides your actions and decisions moving forward? [02:11]
2. Identify a personal or societal challenge you are currently facing. How can faith in God's promises help you rise above this challenge? [06:11]
3. Consider a situation where you faced opposition while trying to follow God's voice. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [08:38]
4. In what ways can you become a conduit of God's blessings in your community? Identify one specific action you can take this week to bless others. [12:31]
5. Think about a distraction in your life that pulls you away from God's truth. What practical steps can you take to minimize this distraction and focus more on God's Word? [02:11]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset of faith that allows you to see your problems from God's perspective? What specific practice can you implement to strengthen this mindset? [06:11]
7. Reflect on the concept of divine protection mentioned in the sermon. How can trusting in God's voice and walking in His ways bring peace and security to your life? [18:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritizing God's Voice in a Noisy World
Listening to God's voice requires intentionality and focus amidst the distractions of life. In a world filled with competing voices and influences, it is crucial to prioritize the Word of God above all else. This involves a conscious decision to immerse oneself in Scripture, allowing it to guide actions and decisions. By doing so, individuals align themselves with God's promises and open themselves to His blessings. The act of listening is not passive but an active engagement that transforms lives and elevates one's spiritual journey. [02:11]
"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles." (Proverbs 1:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to ensure that God's voice is the loudest in your life amidst the noise of the world?
Day 2: Spiritual Elevation Through Faith
Faith in God's Word empowers believers to rise above personal and societal challenges. This spiritual elevation is not about achieving a higher social status but gaining a perspective that allows one to see the world through God's eyes. By trusting in God's plan and promises, individuals can look beyond immediate problems and challenges, finding peace and assurance in His sovereignty. This perspective shift enables believers to navigate life's difficulties with confidence and hope, knowing that God is in control. [06:11]
"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust God's higher perspective, and how can you begin to do so today?
Day 3: Persevering Through Opposition
Following God's voice often leads to facing resistance and opposition. These challenges serve as tests of faith, strengthening believers as they persevere in their spiritual journey. It is in these moments of difficulty that faith is refined and deepened. By continuing to listen to God's voice and trusting in His promises, individuals can overcome obstacles and grow in their relationship with Him. This perseverance is a testament to the power of faith and the resilience it brings to those who follow God's path. [08:38]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one challenge you are currently facing, and how can you view it as an opportunity for your faith to grow?
Day 4: Becoming a Channel of Blessings
As believers rise above their circumstances, they become conduits of God's blessings to others. This transformation allows God's love and grace to flow through them, impacting their communities and nations. By aligning with God's Word and living in obedience, individuals not only receive blessings but also become vessels through which God's goodness is shared with the world. This call to be a blessing is an integral part of the Christian journey, inviting believers to extend God's love to those around them. [12:31]
"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing." (Genesis 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally bless today, and what specific action can you take to do so?
Day 5: Living Under Divine Protection
Trusting in God's voice and walking in His ways brings divine protection and provision. God's blessings are not limited to individuals but extend to families, communities, and beyond. By living in alignment with God's Word, believers experience His protection and care in their lives. This assurance of divine oversight provides peace and security, knowing that God is watching over them and their loved ones. It is a reminder of the encompassing nature of God's love and the safety found in His presence. [18:59]
"The Lord will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore." (Psalm 121:7-8, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's protection in your life, and how can you cultivate a deeper trust in His provision today?
Quotes
to pass Deuteronomy chapter 28 verse 1 and it shall come to pass aren't you ready for it to come to pass aren't you ready for something exciting to happen in your life it can happen today it can happen today I'm ready for the excitement and the joy of the Lord to see it bubble over on every one of your faces because wouldn't you like to get a little bit more excited than you are right now wouldn't you like to have a little bit more victory in your personal battles with your mind than you're having right now you can have it you can have it through this passage of scripture today it's coming to pass in your very life right now in Jesus name it's not just going to come to me but it's going to flow into every person in this tabernacle and those that have took the time to stay online to watch us this fall this fall if you shall hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord that's not the voice of your children [00:00:00] (86 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When it's all said and done, ladies and gentlemen, we must hearken to the voice of the Lord. And how we hearken to the voice of the Lord is through listening or reading the word of God. [00:01:40] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We're not to deviate from the word of God. Our country right now is divided tremendously. And it's divided tremendously. Tremendously because the word of God is not honored anymore. [00:02:11] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When the Word of God is being conveyed to you, or you're reading or listening to the Word of God, you need to put yourself into this. You want to set high in God right now. Are you ready to set high above the nations? Yes! Yes! Yes! [00:03:01] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
If you want to see and rise above what's going on in your family, your extended family, get into the word of God. Get into the word of God and you can see when people are throwing distractions at you. You can see when people are trying to discourage you. [00:07:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
If you do not have the mindset that God can have you to see above your home. To see above your city, to see above the state of North Carolina, see above the United States of America and the world. If you don't believe that, you lack faith today. [00:07:57] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When you're walking fully in God, He'll overtake you in blessing. He'll overtake you where you were dry. You won't be dry anymore. You won't be thirsty anymore. It'll be not only a river, but an ocean will be flowing in your life. You're overtook. Overtook by the blessings of God. [00:13:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
If you're still worried about your past, you know why you're still worried? Because you're still looking at your problem. You've not overtook your problem. When we get in the full blessings of God, we look down on our problems. Hallelujah! [00:14:56] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
The Holy Spirit does the same way. When you respect the Holy Spirit, you will respect the Bible. And things in your life will change. [00:17:43] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
If you shall walk unto the voice of God, blessed shall you be in the city. Verse 3, Deuteronomy chapter 28. In the city, wherever you live, you're going to be blessed. How many feel the blessings of God coming your way? The blessings of God. Hallelujah. Receive it. Raise your hands. Raise your hands. The blessings of God are coming on your city. The blessings of God are coming on your city. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. You receive today. You receive. [00:18:59] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I'm not controlled by who lives on the property. I'm not controlled by who lives across the street or beside me. I'm controlled by Jehovah. I'm controlled by the great I am. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I live in divine protection. I listen to the voice of God. I shall not stay in this stupor that I've lived in all my life. [00:20:09] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Nov 10, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?