Seeking God's Blessings and Guidance in Life

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of God's Direction

God's hand is real and powerful. When we submit to His direction, there are places we cannot go. This is not an accident or a punishment, but a divine guidance that leads us to the path He has set for us. It is a blessing that we should embrace and be grateful for ([58:54]).

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: Reflect on a time when you felt God's hand guiding you. How did it change your path and what did you learn from it?

Day 2: The Necessity of Pain

Sometimes, there is hurt that is required so we won't experience pain. This hurt is not meant to break us, but to shape us and prepare us for the challenges that lie ahead. It is through these experiences that we grow and become stronger in our faith ([59:51]).

Hebrews 12:11 - "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

Reflection: Think about a painful experience you've had. How did it shape you and strengthen your faith?

Day 3: Calling on the Creator

When we call on God, we are calling on the Creator of all things. He is the one who separated land from sea, created the fish of the sea and the birds of the air. He is the one who can create our blessings, direct our paths, and protect us from harm ([01:09:11]).

Isaiah 40:28 - "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom."

Reflection: How have you experienced God as the Creator in your life?

Day 4: The False Gods

There are false gods that cannot give us the blessings, direction, and protection that we need. These are the gods of substances, depression, isolation, gluttony, and anger. Only God, the Creator, can give us what we truly need ([01:09:58]).

Jeremiah 16:20 - "Do people make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods!"

Reflection: Reflect on any false gods you may have been relying on. How can you turn away from them and turn towards the true God?

Day 5: Elohim, the Creator

God, Elohim, is the Creator who can create something special and unique for us. He can bless us, direct us, and protect us. He is the God who creates peace in chaos, gives strength in weakness, and provides joy in mourning ([01:11:50]).

Isaiah 45:7 - "I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things."

Reflection: How have you experienced God as Elohim, the Creator, in your life?

Sermon Summary

In my sermon, I discussed the importance of seeking blessings from God and the significance of divine direction in our lives. I used the story of Jabez from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 as a reference point, emphasizing how Jabez asked God not only for blessings but also for guidance. I highlighted that blessings without direction can lead to confusion and misuse of the blessings. I also touched on the concept of the "depravity of privilege," explaining how leaning too much into our privileges can lead us away from God. However, recognizing our limitations and seeking God's guidance, like Jabez did, can lead to divine blessings and protection.

Key Takeaways

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Sermon Clips

1. "I believe the scripture has something to say to us today through his Holy Spirit." - 42:08

2. "Lord God we thank you so much for this morning and we thank you for the time we've had in worship to express our love and adoration for you for you are indeed holy holy holy there is none like you." - 43:51

3. "Names are important but what happens when you are named something that could cast a shadow on who God has called you to be?" - 48:26

4. "JZ chooses to lean into who he heard God was. He chose to lean into who he heard God was." - 50:06

5. "God's hand is real on you there are some places you can not go when God's hand and you've submitted to that hand and you're like let your hand direct me God will be like come here come here come here you asked me to direct you this ain't my fault you said to direct you right." - 58:54

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