Speaking Life: Faith, Healing, and Cultural Influence

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Words

Our words are like seeds planted in the soil of our spirit. Just as seeds grow into the plants they were meant to be, the words we speak will manifest in our lives. Therefore, we must speak solutions and not problems, focusing on the truth of God's word rather than the facts of our circumstances. When we speak life and positivity, we align ourselves with God's promises and invite His power into our situations. Conversely, speaking negativity and doubt can hinder our faith and the manifestation of God's blessings.

The Bible teaches us that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). This means that our words have the potential to build up or tear down, to bring healing or harm. By choosing to speak words of faith, hope, and love, we can create an atmosphere where God's presence and power can thrive. Let us be mindful of our speech and use our words to declare God's truth and promises over our lives and the lives of others. [10:19]

Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."

Reflection: Think about the words you have spoken over the past week. Are they words of life and faith, or words of doubt and negativity? How can you intentionally speak God's truth and promises over your current situation today?

Day 2: Faith and Speaking to Mountains

Mark 11:22-23 teaches us the importance of having faith in God and the power of speaking to our mountains. This scripture emphasizes that what we say is more important than what we believe. We must declare the truth of God's word, which promises healing and victory, over our situations. Jesus instructs us to speak to our mountains—our challenges and obstacles—with faith, believing that they will be moved.

This act of speaking to our mountains is not about denying the reality of our circumstances but about affirming the greater reality of God's power and promises. When we speak God's word over our situations, we align our faith with His will and invite His intervention. Let us be bold in our declarations, trusting that God's word will accomplish what it is sent to do. [12:10]

Mark 11:22-23 (ESV): "And Jesus answered them, 'Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.'"

Reflection: Identify a "mountain" in your life that you need to speak to with faith. What specific promises from God's word can you declare over this situation today?

Day 3: Standing in Proxy for Others

There is no distance in the spirit, and we can stand in proxy for others in prayer. By speaking life and the truth of God's word over their situations, we can command sickness and other challenges to submit to God's authority. This demonstrates the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of community in faith. When we pray for others, we become conduits of God's grace and power, bringing His healing and restoration into their lives.

Intercessory prayer is a powerful expression of love and faith. It allows us to partner with God in bringing His will to pass on earth. As we stand in the gap for others, we can be confident that our prayers are effective and that God hears and responds to our petitions. Let us be diligent in lifting up others in prayer, knowing that our intercession can make a significant difference in their lives. [15:16]

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is in need of prayer. How can you stand in proxy for them today, speaking God's truth and promises over their situation?

Day 4: Living in a Shifting Culture

The book of Daniel provides a model for how to live and respond in a chaotic world. Despite the challenges and shifting culture, we are called to stand firm in our beliefs while loving others well. This balance allows us to maintain our influence and be effective witnesses for Christ. Daniel's unwavering faith and integrity in a pagan culture serve as an example for us to follow.

In today's world, we may face similar challenges as we navigate a culture that often opposes our values and beliefs. However, like Daniel, we can remain steadfast in our faith and continue to be a light in the darkness. By living out our convictions with grace and love, we can impact those around us and draw them closer to God. Let us be encouraged by Daniel's example and strive to be faithful witnesses in our own context. [46:18]

Daniel 6:10 (ESV): "When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously."

Reflection: In what ways can you stand firm in your faith while showing love and grace to those around you? How can you be a positive influence in your community today?

Day 5: Embracing Our Times and Seasons

God has placed us in this time and season for a purpose. We are to be lights in the darkness, speaking life into the confusion of the world. By being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, we can impact our culture and bring hope to those around us. This perspective helps us see challenges as opportunities to demonstrate God's love and power.

Embracing our times and seasons means recognizing that God has a specific plan and purpose for us in the here and now. It involves being attentive to His leading and being willing to step out in faith to fulfill His calling. As we seek to be lights in the darkness, we can trust that God will equip us with the wisdom and strength we need to make a difference. Let us embrace the opportunities before us and be intentional in our efforts to bring hope and healing to a hurting world. [01:18:47]

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Reflection: What specific opportunities has God placed before you in this season? How can you make the best use of your time to bring hope and light to those around you?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today's sermon focused on the power of speaking life into our situations and the importance of maintaining faith and hope amidst chaos. We began by emphasizing the significance of divine healing and the power of our words. Just as seeds planted in the ground grow into the plants they were meant to be, the words we speak into our spirit will manifest in our lives. We must be cautious to speak solutions and not problems, as our words have the power to shape our reality.

We delved into Mark 11:22-23, where Jesus teaches about having faith in God and the power of speaking to our mountains. This scripture emphasizes the importance of what we say over what we believe. We must speak the truth of God's word, which declares healing and victory, rather than focusing on the facts of our circumstances.

The sermon also included a powerful prayer for healing, demonstrating that there is no distance in the spirit and that we can stand in proxy for others. We were reminded to keep our words positive and faith-filled, as the truth of God's word will always conquer the facts of our situations.

We then transitioned into a study of the book of Daniel, focusing on how to live and respond in a chaotic world. Daniel's unwavering faith and influence in a pagan culture serve as a model for us. Despite the shifting culture and the challenges we face, we are called to stand firm in our beliefs while loving others well.

The sermon concluded with a call to embrace the times and seasons we are in, recognizing that God has placed us here for a purpose. We are to be lights in the darkness, speaking life into the confusion of the world. By being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, we can impact our culture and bring hope to those around us.

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Key Takeaways

1. 23 teaches us the importance of having faith in God and the power of speaking to our mountains. This scripture emphasizes that what we say is more important than what we believe. We must declare the truth of God's word, which promises healing and victory, over our situations. [12:10]
3. Standing in Proxy for Others: There is no distance in the spirit, and we can stand in proxy for others in prayer. By speaking life and the truth of God's word over their situations, we can command sickness and other challenges to submit to God's authority. This demonstrates the power of intercessory prayer and the importance of community in faith.

4. Living in a Shifting Culture: The book of Daniel provides a model for how to live and respond in a chaotic world. Despite the challenges and shifting culture, we are called to stand firm in our beliefs while loving others well. This balance allows us to maintain our influence and be effective witnesses for Christ.

5. Embracing Our Times and Seasons: God has placed us in this time and season for a purpose. We are to be lights in the darkness, speaking life into the confusion of the world. By being full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, we can impact our culture and bring hope to those around us. This perspective helps us see challenges as opportunities to demonstrate God's love and power.

### [12:10]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:54] - Introduction to Divine Healing
[10:19] - The Power of Words
[11:16] - Mark 11:22-23: Faith and Speaking to Mountains
[12:10] - Emphasizing the Power of Speaking
[13:10] - Speaking the Truth Over Facts
[14:05] - Prayer for Healing and Standing in Proxy
[15:16] - Commanding Sickness to Submit
[16:32] - Lifting Up Others in Prayer
[17:40] - Continuing to Pray for Healing
[18:17] - Transition to the Book of Daniel
[19:03] - Offering and Tithes
[20:15] - Prayer for Hope and Restoration
[36:20] - Praise and Worship
[37:43] - Study of the Book of Daniel
[39:18] - Praying for Elected Officials
[40:10] - Engaging the Congregation
[41:41] - Utilizing the Church App
[43:07] - Setting Up the Study of Daniel
[46:18] - The Daniel Dilemma
[48:04] - Recap of Chapter One
[49:31] - Indoctrination in Today's Culture
[50:55] - Standing Firm in Faith
[52:20] - The Condition of Leadership
[53:54] - The World's View of God
[55:39] - Daniel's Wisdom and Tact
[57:10] - The Hope in Daniel's Heart
[58:28] - God is Always at Work
[59:49] - The Role of the Church
[61:26] - God Reveals Mysteries
[64:10] - The Unstoppable Kingdom of God
[67:41] - Bringing Hope Amidst Chaos
[69:48] - God is at Work
[70:55] - Assurance in Chaos
[72:41] - God is Intentional
[74:00] - Speaking Life into Confusion
[76:51] - The Role of the Local Church
[78:47] - Embracing Times and Seasons
[80:39] - Jesus' Perspective on the Cross
[83:42] - Changing the Narrative
[85:35] - Embracing Our Role in Culture
[87:35] - The Season of Hostility
[89:36] - Living Above the Clouds
[92:59] - The Season of Harvest
[94:48] - The Season of Holiness
[97:17] - Encouraging Yourself
[100:37] - Invitation to Accept Jesus
[103:31] - Closing Remarks and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Mark 11:22-23, what is the relationship between faith and speaking to mountains? How does this passage emphasize the power of words? [12:10]
In Daniel 1:1-2, what significant event took place during the reign of Jehoiakim, and how did it affect the people of Judah? [48:04]
What does John 10:10 reveal about the purpose of Jesus' coming, and how does it contrast with the actions of the thief? [15:16]
How did Daniel maintain his faith and influence in a pagan culture according to the sermon? [46:18]

Interpretation Questions

How does the concept of speaking to mountains in Mark 11:22-23 apply to the challenges we face in our daily lives? What does it mean to speak solutions rather than problems? [12:10]
Reflecting on Daniel 1:1-2, how can we draw parallels between the cultural challenges faced by Daniel and the ones we face today? What lessons can we learn from Daniel's response? [48:04]
In what ways does John 10:10 encourage us to live a life of abundance, and how can this perspective change our approach to difficulties and challenges? [15:16]
The sermon mentioned the importance of standing in proxy for others in prayer. How does this practice demonstrate the power of community and intercessory prayer? [15:16]

Application Questions

Think of a current challenge or "mountain" in your life. How can you apply the principle of speaking faith-filled words to this situation? What specific words or scriptures will you declare over it? [12:10]
Daniel stood firm in his beliefs while living in a shifting culture. What are some practical ways you can stand firm in your faith while still loving others well in today's society? [46:18]
Reflect on a time when you spoke negatively about a situation. How did it affect the outcome? How can you change your speech to align with the truth of God's word in future situations? [13:10]
The sermon emphasized the importance of being a light in the darkness. Identify one area in your community or workplace where you can be a positive influence. What steps will you take to bring hope and light to that area? [18:47]
How can you incorporate the practice of standing in proxy for others in your prayer life? Think of someone who needs prayer and commit to praying for them regularly. [15:16]
Jesus came to give us life more abundantly. What are some areas in your life where you need to embrace this abundant life? How can you shift your mindset to focus on the abundance Jesus offers? [15:16]
The sermon mentioned the importance of embracing the times and seasons we are in. How can you view your current season as an opportunity rather than a challenge? What specific actions will you take to make the most of this season? [18:47]

Sermon Clips

1. "We believe that when we speak, we speak seeds into our spirit. You got to understand our spirit. I'm not talking about the Holy Spirit. I'm talking about the human spirit. And when we speak words, we speak it right into our human spirit. What happens is, is our human spirit is like the earth. When you plant a seed in the ground, let's say you plant corn, is it going to grow olives? No, it's going to grow corn." [10:19] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "And so when we start speaking, we need to be speaking the solution, which is by his stripes. He is healed by Matthew 8, 17 says that he himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses. First Peter 2, 24 tells us that by his stripes, we were healed already done yesterday. Done finished. When Jesus died on the cross. And he shed his blood with the stripes that he took before he crawled on the cross and with the blood that was poured, that blood saved us by those stripes." [12:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "No doubt. No problems. We speak the solution. That's all we speak. It's not that we're denying the facts. The facts is he's been diagnosed with cancer. The truth is what the word says by his stripes. He is healed. And so we need to speak the truth because the truth will always come. We need to conquer the facts, amen, but we must maintain our seed planter, planting the proper seed into our spirit, which is like the earth and it was, it's going to grow whatever you're speaking." [13:10] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We are a place of hope, a place of salvation, and a place of restoration. And I want to speak to anybody out there that finds himself in a hopeless situation. Where they're not sure what's going on because we live in this chaotic culture that's shifting from God to godliness. And I just want to speak to them today. If you need hope, we are the hope promoter. Because Jesus is the possessor of hope. And through him, we can bring hope to your hopeless situation." [19:03] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We will endure culture better when we have the confidence and knowing that God has the whole world in his hands. Amen. He's got it folks. It's his. He's at work and people of faith know that this doesn't mean that we're just going to sit down and relax. Oh no no no we still have a fight of faith that we've got to work out." [01:12:41] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God wants us to speak life into the confusion of the world. Speak life into the confusion that's going on in your world, in your life. Speak life into the healing. Speak life into your finances. Speak life into your family. Speak life into every aspect of your life. Speak life into this church. Come on this is a hope absolutely L I F e capital letters life." [01:14:00] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "We will impact culture better when we are full of the Spirit and wisdom. You need to understand he's in you. If you're saved, the Holy Spirit's in you. And he's speaking to you. We just need to unclog the wells sometime, get the dirt out of our wells so that we can hear clearly." [01:18:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "We will embrace our role in culture when we realize we were made for this. You need to realize this it doesn't matter what's going on you have been put here in this season for a time such as this and we need to see it as an opportunity to be the light in the dark." [01:25:35] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "This is not a time to be a lukewarm church, folks. It's time that we decide, where are you going to be? One side or the other, get off the fence. As Joshua said, choose today who you're going to serve. But as for me and my family, we're going to serve the Lord. Amen. Let me remind you, Jesus is coming back. But he's coming back for a bride that's free of spot and wrinkle. A bride that loves and awaiting his return." [01:35:48] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Don't despise the situation that you find yourself in. But instead, encourage yourself. Change what you may be saying about your situation or what you're going through. Whatever it is. And change yourself. Talk to what the word says. And allow those. Allow those seeds to be planted. And if you've been talking negatively a lot, you know what you can do? You can declare a crop failure on every one of those seeds." [01:37:17] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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