Take Ground Part 7

Devotional

Day 1: The Posture of Your Heart Matters

The direction and growth of your spiritual life are deeply influenced by the posture of your heart. Choosing to incline your heart toward God’s Word and His ways is an intentional act, not something that happens automatically. Even when you desire God to instantly change your heart, Scripture reminds us that we have a role to play in setting our hearts toward Him. This posture determines whether you experience God’s presence and transformation or remain unchanged, even when exposed to the same opportunities as others. If you want to take ground in your life, begin by honestly assessing and intentionally setting your heart toward God, trusting that He will meet you in that place. [07:40]

Psalm 119:112 (NLT)
"I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally incline your heart toward God today, even if you don’t feel like it?

Day 2: Freedom and Growth Are Often a Process

Breaking free from struggles and experiencing healing is often a long journey, not an instant event. There will be battles in your life that God delivers you from quickly, but there are also areas where the struggle lasts for years. The key is not to be discouraged by the length of the process, but to recognize that God is making you stronger as you persevere. Like David, who grew stronger while the house of Saul grew weaker, your progress may be gradual, but it is real. Celebrate the growth, however small, and trust that God is working in you through every step of the process. [14:18]

2 Samuel 3:1 (NLT)
"That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed, David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker."

Reflection: In what area of your life have you seen slow but steady growth, and how can you celebrate that progress today?

Day 3: Desire and Personal Responsibility in Taking Ground

Your hunger and desire to see God move in your life are crucial to experiencing freedom and breakthrough. Scripture urges you to “free yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter,” highlighting the urgency and personal responsibility you have in pursuing change. No one can want freedom for you more than you want it for yourself. It’s not about perfection, but about a relentless pursuit and willingness to do whatever it takes to move forward. Ask yourself how badly you want to take ground, and let that desire fuel your actions and choices. [16:32]

Proverbs 6:5 (NLT)
"Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net."

Reflection: What is one area where you need to take urgent, decisive action to pursue freedom, and what step can you take today?

Day 4: Building and Sustaining Spiritual Momentum

Momentum in your spiritual life is built by making wise choices and moving forward, even if the steps seem small. Like David who created momentum and Solomon who built upon it, you are called to either start something new in your family or build on what has been handed to you. The charge is to be strong, act with courage, and walk in obedience to God’s commands. As you do, God promises to prosper you and fulfill His promises. Don’t let past mistakes define you; instead, let them refine you as you keep moving forward in faithfulness. [21:32]

1 Kings 2:2-3 (NLT)
“I am going where everyone on earth must someday go. Take courage and be a man. Observe the requirements of the Lord your God, and follow all his ways. Keep the decrees, commands, regulations, and laws written in the Law of Moses so that you will be successful in all you do and wherever you go.”

Reflection: Are you creating or building spiritual momentum in your life or family? What is one wise choice you can make this week to move forward?

Day 5: Faithfulness in the Small Things Leads to Fruitfulness

God honors faithfulness in the small, everyday things. You don’t need a lot of resources or a perfect situation to be faithful; you simply need to steward what God has given you right now. As you consistently show up, make wise choices, and remain faithful through challenges, you will look back and see a life marked by fruitfulness and God’s blessing. The journey is not about instant results, but about daily faithfulness that builds momentum and confidence over time. [29:46]

Matthew 25:21 (NLT)
“The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’”

Reflection: What is one “small thing” God has entrusted to you right now, and how can you be intentionally faithful with it today?

Sermon Summary

Home means different things to each of us—sometimes it’s a place of love and safety, other times it’s marked by pain and loss. My own journey began with a broken home at age 11, leading to years of struggle, self-reliance, and feeling like an outsider even in church. Yet, through unexpected people and moments, God revealed His persistent love and care, even when I was angry and ready to walk away. No matter how far we feel from God or how lost we think we are, His love is relentless, and He patiently draws us back, offering hope and a way forward.

We all have areas in our lives where we need to “take ground”—to grow, heal, and move forward. This isn’t just about big, dramatic changes; often, it’s a slow process, marked by small steps and daily faithfulness. The posture of our heart is crucial. Two people can sit in the same worship service and have completely different experiences, simply because one is open and hungry for God, and the other is closed off. God often works through process, not instant miracles, and that’s okay. Freedom and healing can take time, and it’s normal to still be working through things, even after years of following Jesus.

Personal growth requires honesty about our struggles. I’ve battled addiction, temptation, and anger, and I still have areas where I’m growing. Like David in the long war with Saul, sometimes our battles last a long time, but the key is that we’re getting stronger, not weaker. The real question is: How badly do you want to take ground? Are you hungry enough to run after freedom like a gazelle running for its life? No one else can want it for you more than you want it for yourself.

Momentum matters. Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on what others have handed you, moving forward is essential. Mistakes don’t define you—they refine you. The only way to steer your life in a new direction is to start moving, even if it’s just a small step. Faithfulness in the little things builds confidence and momentum over time. As you keep showing up, making wise choices, and being faithful, you’ll look back and see a life that’s fruitful and strong—not because you never struggled, but because you kept moving forward.

Key Takeaways

1. The Posture of Your Heart Determines Your Experience God’s presence and transformation are available to everyone, but the openness and hunger of your heart shape what you receive. Two people can be in the same environment, yet one encounters God deeply while the other remains unchanged. This is a call to intentionally incline your heart toward God, choosing to pursue Him even when it feels difficult or slow. The process of growth often requires us to set our hearts, not just wait for God to do it for us. [07:29]
2. Freedom and Healing Are Often Layered and Ongoing Some struggles are broken in a moment, but many require a long process of healing and growth. Like peeling an onion, freedom often comes in layers, and it’s normal to still be working through things years into your journey. The important thing is not perfection, but progress—are you getting stronger over time, even if the battle is long? Don’t be discouraged by the length of the process; God is at work in the journey. [14:18]
3. Desire and Personal Responsibility Are Essential for Change No one can want freedom or growth for you more than you want it for yourself. True transformation requires a deep, personal hunger—like a gazelle running for its life. Others can support and encourage, but you must take ownership of your journey, refusing to settle for comfort or passivity. Ask yourself honestly: How badly do you want to take ground in your life? [17:06]
4. Momentum Is Built Through Small Steps of Faithfulness You can’t steer a ship that isn’t moving. Confidence and spiritual momentum are built by taking small, consistent steps—making wise choices, showing up, and being faithful in what’s in front of you. Over time, these small acts compound, leading to greater confidence, fruitfulness, and the ability to handle more. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; start moving forward today, and watch as God multiplies your faithfulness. [25:10]
5. Mistakes Refine, Not Define, Your Journey Everyone makes mistakes, but they don’t have to become your identity. Instead, let them be opportunities for growth and refinement. The key is to keep moving forward, learning from your failures, and trusting that God can use even your missteps to shape you into someone stronger and more faithful. Faithfulness in the midst of imperfection is what leads to a fruitful life. [24:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:24] - My Story: Broken Home and Early Struggles
[01:17] - God’s Faithfulness Through Pain
[02:54] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[05:08] - Embracing Change and Growth as a Church
[07:00] - Taking Ground: A Personal Charge
[07:29] - The Posture of Our Hearts
[09:18] - Real Talk: Personal Struggles and Growth
[12:33] - Freedom Comes in Layers
[14:18] - The Long Battle: Getting Stronger Over Time
[16:07] - How Badly Do You Want to Take Ground?
[17:39] - Compassion, Boundaries, and Personal Responsibility
[19:35] - Momentum: Creating, Building, and Sustaining
[22:23] - Equipping for Growth: Upcoming Opportunities
[25:10] - Moving Forward: The Power of Small Steps
[28:44] - Building Confidence Through Faithfulness
[29:46] - Faithful in the Little Things
[43:15] - Next Steps and Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 119:112 (NLT) — I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.

2 Samuel 3:1 (NLT) — That was the beginning of a long war between those who were loyal to Saul and those loyal to David. As time passed, David became stronger and stronger, while Saul’s dynasty became weaker and weaker.

Proverbs 6:5 (NLT) — Save yourself like a gazelle escaping from a hunter, like a bird fleeing from a net.

Observation Questions

In Psalm 119:112, what does the psalmist say he is determined to do, and how does he describe the duration of his commitment?
According to 2 Samuel 3:1, what was happening between the houses of Saul and David, and what was the result over time?
In Proverbs 6:5, what kind of urgency is described in the way we should seek freedom?
The sermon mentioned that two people can be in the same worship service and have completely different experiences. What reason was given for this difference? [[07:29]]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to “incline” or “set” your heart toward God, rather than waiting for God to do it for you? How does this affect your spiritual growth? [[07:29]]
The sermon compared freedom and healing to peeling an onion, with layers that take time. Why do you think God often works through a process instead of instant miracles? [[14:18]]
Proverbs 6:5 uses the image of a gazelle running for its life. What does this say about the level of desire and urgency we should have in pursuing freedom or change? [[16:32]]
The sermon said, “Mistakes don’t define you—they refine you.” How does this perspective change the way we view our failures and setbacks? [[24:46]]

Application Questions

The sermon talked about the “posture of your heart” and how it shapes your experience with God. This week, what is one way you can intentionally open your heart to God, even if you don’t feel like it? [[07:29]]
Are there areas in your life where you feel like you’ve been stuck for a long time? What is one small step you could take this week to move forward, even if it feels insignificant? [[25:10]]
Think about a struggle or habit you’ve been trying to overcome. How can you remind yourself that progress, not perfection, is what matters? Who can you invite to encourage you in this process? [[14:18]]
On a scale of 1 to 10, how badly do you want to “take ground” in your life right now? What would it look like to pursue freedom with the urgency of a gazelle running for its life? [[16:07]]
The sermon said, “You can’t steer a ship that isn’t moving.” Is there an area where you’ve been waiting for perfect conditions before taking action? What is one thing you can do this week to start moving, even if it’s just a small step? [[25:10]]
When you make mistakes, do you tend to let them define you or refine you? Share a recent mistake and how you can use it as an opportunity for growth instead of letting it hold you back. [[24:46]]
Who in your life has been a “safety net” for you during hard times? How can you be a safety net for someone else this month, without enabling them to stay stuck? [[18:32]]

Sermon Clips

Even though I didn't realize it at the time, God was watching over me and taking care of me. He sent people across my path to show me love and support. Then I had another problem. My mom had struggled with addiction and depression for years, and after talking to me one night, she came in and said something. I was so angry. I was so angry after that. But God really loved me and my mom, and why would He allow that to happen? I made a decision. I was done with God, and I was done with church. But that wasn't the end of the story. God never turned away from me. He patiently loved me and drew me back to Him. And I began to experience His love and acceptance in a way I had never dreamed of, and it changed everything. [00:01:08] (44 seconds) #GodsUnfailingLove

But I do believe this, that God wants to take ground in our own personal lives in every single person. And just because God wants to, and just because I want you to as your pastor, it doesn't mean that every single person over the next few months is going to take ground. Why? Well, the posture of our heart matters. [00:07:13] (18 seconds) #HeartPostureMatters

The posture of our heart matters, and when we talk about freedom, we talk about healing, when we talk about personally taking ground, we have a major part to play in that process. That is why two people can sit in the exact same service and have two completely different experiences. [00:08:01] (18 seconds) #TwoExperiencesOneService

I think a lot of times we want God to do things instantaneously. I love it when He does that. But often I have found in taking ground, God often doesn't do things instantaneously. It's a process. And it's a process. Process of him working and doing something in my heart. [00:08:45] (20 seconds) #FaithIsAProcess

There's going to be some things in your life, God does instantaneously, and it's awesome. There's going to be some things in your life, the war's going to be a long time. There's going to be a long battle. It is going to be many years in process of you. But I love that it says this. David grew stronger and stronger. Saul grew weaker and weaker. I don't want you to be discouraged where you're at. I want you actually to realize there's going to be some things in freedom and healing that's going to be a long process. But the question is, are you getting stronger? [00:14:22] (35 seconds) #ProgressNotPerfection

Yeah, I still struggle with anger sometimes, but I'm way better than I used to be. A year ago, two years. Three, five, ten. There is process. I've grown. When I think of church, I think of, you know, hey, there's a lot of things I wish we were bettering. We could this and, but are we getting stronger? You know, are we getting stronger? When I think of my life, am I getting stronger? When I think of people coming to church, like, are they getting stronger? [00:14:57] (26 seconds) #StrongerEveryDay

Be a safety net for people, don't be a hammock. Be a safety net. We all need to be safety nets at times. We all need people. We all need to be safety nets. And if someone's hurting spiritually, relationally, financially, emotionally, like, we should have people in our lives. [00:18:32] (16 seconds) #BuildOnLegacy

Maybe you grew up in a home that did not have a strong spiritual structure. You grew up in a home where church wasn't a priority. You grew up in a home where, you know, so you are in a season where you are creating momentum for you and your family. You're creating it. And if David died and you gave a charge to Solomon, Solomon took over what David built and he built momentum. Maybe you're in a season where someone has handed off spiritually something to you and you can build upon that. [00:20:52] (29 seconds) #StartMovingForward

Mistakes don't let them define you. Let them refine you. OK? Don't, like, oh, I made a mistake faster. Well, you might have made a mistake this morning. OK, great. Get over it and start moving forward. Like, I'm just saying. You've got to start moving forward. And here's why this is so important. You cannot steer a ship that's not moving. And sometimes in life, we're trying to steer a ship. And you've got to get some momentum and start getting your life to move forward. Start making wise choices. It's the only way to move forward. You just start moving. [00:24:54] (33 seconds) #ConfidenceThroughAction

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