Transformative Grace: Overcoming Obstacles Through Faith

Summary

Summary

Growing up in a challenging environment in El Monte, Los Angeles, I faced numerous obstacles that could have easily derailed my life. Surrounded by crime and poverty, my early years were marked by a sense of entrapment, both physically and mentally. Despite these challenges, God intervened in my life, providing me with mentors and opportunities that opened my eyes to a world beyond my immediate surroundings. My journey from a troubled youth to a school psychologist and a pastor is a testament to God's transformative power and grace.

Throughout my life, God placed people like Rex Crane in my path, who modeled a life of faith and purpose. These encounters were pivotal, helping me to see beyond my circumstances and instilling in me a desire for more. I learned that God has a plan for each of us, and by trusting in Him, we can overcome any obstacle. My story is one of hope and redemption, illustrating that no matter where we come from, God can use us to impact others positively.

In my role as a school psychologist, I have the privilege of influencing thousands of students and staff, bringing hope and healing to those in need. By sharing my story and God's love, I aim to inspire others to see their potential and pursue their God-given purpose. My message is simple: God loves you, and He has a plan for your life. Trust in Him, and He will guide you to places you never imagined possible.

Key Takeaways

- God's Transformative Power: No matter your background or circumstances, God's love and grace can transform your life. He uses our past experiences to shape us into who we are meant to be, turning our struggles into strengths. Trust in His plan, and He will guide you to a future filled with hope and purpose. [10:05]

- The Importance of Mentorship: God places people in our lives to guide and inspire us. Mentors like Rex Crane can provide valuable insights and encouragement, helping us to see beyond our current situation. Seek out those who model a life of faith and learn from their experiences. [15:02]

- Living with Purpose: Discovering your God-given purpose is essential for a fulfilling life. Pay attention to what compels you and where your compassion lies, as these are often indicators of your calling. Pursue your passions with determination, knowing that God will equip you for the journey. [22:29]

- The Power of Words: Speaking God's truth over your life can have a profound impact. Declare His promises and affirmations daily, such as "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" and "I am strong in the Lord." These declarations help to renew your mind and align your thoughts with God's truth. [33:40]

- Impacting Others: Our lives are not just for ourselves but to influence and uplift those around us. By sharing God's love and truth, we can bring hope and healing to others. Be a conduit of God's grace, allowing Him to work through you to touch the lives of those in need. [51:39]

Youtube Chapters

- [0:00] - Welcome
- [10:05] - Growing Up in El Monte
- [15:02] - The Role of Mentors
- [22:29] - Discovering Purpose
- [33:40] - The Power of Words
- [35:16] - Experiencing Miracles
- [37:32] - A Life-Changing Encounter
- [40:04] - Overcoming Fear
- [45:14] - God's Favor and Provision
- [51:39] - Impacting Others
- [54:26] - A Teacher's Transformation
- [56:27] - Answered Prayers
- [58:01] - Following God's Models
- [01:04:27] - George's Story
- [01:08:16] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
3. Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Observation Questions:
1. What were some of the challenges the speaker faced growing up in El Monte, Los Angeles, and how did these shape his early life? [10:05]
2. How did the speaker describe the role of mentors like Rex Crane in his life, and what impact did they have on his journey? [15:02]
3. What was the significance of the speaker's experience at the church in Huntington Beach, and how did it change his perspective on faith? [22:29]
4. How did the speaker use his position as a school psychologist to impact the lives of students and staff? [51:39]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the speaker's story illustrate the transformative power of God's love and grace, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:11? [10:05]
2. In what ways did the speaker's mentors help him to see beyond his circumstances, and how does this relate to the concept of renewing one's mind in Romans 12:2? [15:02]
3. How did the speaker's understanding of being "fearfully and wonderfully made" influence his approach to life and his work with students? [33:40]
4. What role did faith play in the speaker's journey from a troubled youth to a school psychologist and pastor, and how did it help him overcome obstacles? [45:14]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt trapped by your circumstances. How can you trust in God's plan for your life, as described in Jeremiah 29:11, to guide you to a future filled with hope and purpose? [10:05]
2. Identify a mentor or role model in your life who has helped you grow in faith. How can you seek out or strengthen these relationships to further your spiritual journey? [15:02]
3. Consider your God-given purpose. What passions or areas of compassion in your life might indicate your calling, and how can you pursue them with determination? [22:29]
4. How can you incorporate the power of words into your daily routine by declaring God's promises over your life, such as "I am fearfully and wonderfully made"? [33:40]
5. Think of someone in your life who might benefit from hearing your story of faith. How can you share God's love and truth with them to bring hope and healing? [51:39]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt God's transformative power in your life. How can you use that experience to impact others positively, as the speaker did in his role as a school psychologist? [45:14]
7. What steps can you take this week to live with purpose and align your actions with God's will, as encouraged in Romans 12:2? [33:40]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: God's Transformative Power in Our Lives
Description:
God's transformative power is evident in the way He can take any background or circumstance and use it for His glory. No matter how challenging or difficult one's past may be, God's love and grace have the ability to reshape and redefine a person's life. He takes our struggles and turns them into strengths, using our past experiences to mold us into who we are meant to be. By trusting in His plan, we can be guided to a future filled with hope and purpose. This transformation is not just about personal change but also about becoming a vessel through which God can work to impact others positively. [10:05]

Bible Passage:
"And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a past struggle that God has transformed into a strength in your life. How can you use this strength to serve others today?

Day 2: The Role of Mentors in Our Spiritual Journey
Description:
Mentorship plays a crucial role in our spiritual journey, as God often places people in our lives to guide and inspire us. These mentors, like Rex Crane, provide valuable insights and encouragement, helping us to see beyond our current situations. They model a life of faith and purpose, offering a glimpse of what is possible when we trust in God's plan. Seeking out mentors who exemplify a life of faith can provide us with the wisdom and support needed to navigate life's challenges. By learning from their experiences, we can gain a deeper understanding of our own path and the unique calling God has for us. [15:02]

Bible Passage:
"Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith." (Hebrews 13:7, ESV)

Reflection:
Identify a mentor in your life who has guided you in your faith journey. How can you express gratitude to them this week, and what specific lesson from them can you apply today?

Day 3: Discovering and Living Out Your God-Given Purpose
Description:
Discovering one's God-given purpose is essential for living a fulfilling life. It involves paying attention to what compels you and where your compassion lies, as these are often indicators of your calling. Pursuing your passions with determination, while trusting that God will equip you for the journey, is key to living a life of purpose. This pursuit is not just about personal fulfillment but also about impacting others and contributing to God's kingdom. By aligning your actions with your purpose, you can experience a deeper sense of meaning and satisfaction in your life. [22:29]

Bible Passage:
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on a passion or interest that you feel God has placed in your heart. What is one step you can take today to pursue this passion in alignment with God's purpose for your life?

Day 4: The Power of Words in Shaping Our Reality
Description:
The words we speak have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. Speaking God's truth over our lives can help to renew our minds and align our thoughts with His promises. Daily declarations such as "I am fearfully and wonderfully made" and "I am strong in the Lord" can reinforce our identity in Christ and empower us to face challenges with confidence. By choosing to speak words of life and truth, we can create an atmosphere of faith and positivity that influences our actions and interactions with others. [33:40]

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

Reflection:
Consider the words you speak to yourself and others. What is one negative statement you can replace with a positive declaration of God's truth today?

Day 5: Impacting Others Through God's Love and Grace
Description:
Our lives are not just for ourselves but are meant to influence and uplift those around us. By sharing God's love and truth, we can bring hope and healing to others. Being a conduit of God's grace means allowing Him to work through us to touch the lives of those in need. This involves being intentional about our interactions and seeking opportunities to serve and support others. By living out our faith in tangible ways, we can make a meaningful impact on the world and reflect God's love to those around us. [51:39]

Bible Passage:
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of someone in your life who is in need of encouragement or support. How can you be a source of God's love and grace to them today?

Quotes

1) "Thankfully, God intervened in my life. I grew up Catholic. You know, my mom was a devout Catholic. And so we were forced to go to church on Sundays, right? And so you just went, right? Like you can't disobey your parents. And so I grew up with the fear of God, right? I didn't want to do something bad to end up in hell because that's what I was taught. And so unfortunately for me, for many years of my life, that was my prevailing thought. Just don't mess up. So bad that you end up in hell. You know, there's this place called heaven and that's where you want to go because it's nice there. There's streets of gold. Like, wow, okay." [10:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2) "I worked hard because of my dad's hard work ethic and that he instilled that in me. So I worked hard to get out of that ghetto, to get out of that environment because I knew that there was something better. So God put that desire early on in my life. And like it says in Jeremiah, you know, he plans your ways and directs your paths so that you have a hope and a future. That's all I had was a hope, a hope for something better because there had to be, I'd seen it actually, because thankfully God did bring some people along my path early on that helped me see what was possible." [10:05] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3) "I did the work, so I worked his principles, and that's what I was telling your kids. I said, look, man, the answer to life? It's all right here. The blueprint. This is the blueprint. It has every answer to every problem, every situation. You know, it says the Lord directs your step, right? So pay attention. Where is he taking you, right? If it doesn't feel good, then stay away from that. When it feels good, then that's him. He's guiding and direct you. He's bringing people in your lives. Listen to them. They're wiser. They have more understanding because they've been on this planet a little bit longer than you. Don't reject them and tell them no because they're adults and they're trying to tell me what to do. No, pay attention because they're trying to help your life get better." [15:02] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4) "And so fortunately for me, I had enough of those people in my life that did help me get to that place called college, that did help me to figure out what I wanted to do. And so, and what I was telling your kids is like, you know, what compels you, what compassion you feel towards other, that's what you're called to do. And so even if you don't know what you're going to do in life, you know that you want something more. So listen, pay attention, right? And fight for it, you know, because, you know, nothing in this life is easy. And so we have to fight for what we want and God gives us the right, the fight, right? But do we have the might? Do we have the ability to stand and move forward with him?" [15:02] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5) "I believed him at his word. I believed what he had to say once I got to know him for his love. Because that's one thing that I didn't grow up with. I grew up, you know, beatered and battered and angry at the world. I mean, when I was, there was times in high school when kids would look at me, my friends would look at me, and they're like, oh, man, watch out. Ben's mad at the world again. I guess I just had to look at my face. And now my friends see me and they're like, whoa, you. You know, how did things change for you, you know? And so guess what? I get to tell him. God changed me. He radically transformed my life because statistically I should not be here." [22:29] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6) "I am blessed and highly favored. I am strong in the Lord and the power of his might. I am mighty in the land. All those I am's are true. I have my little boys say them every morning. You know, I used to have to say them to them and then they would repeat them. Now I just walk in the room because they're up, you know, at the crack of dawn, ready for the day. And I just walk in. I say, hey, boys, morning. Morning, daddy. I am. My five -year -old could barely talk. He started this when he was four, I think. I am strong in the Lord and the power of his might. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. I am Christ's friend. I am loved by God. You are loved by God." [33:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7) "He says he'll take us from glory to glory. And I'm here to tell you that he's taking us from glory to glory. me to a whole nother level that I had no idea that was within my grasp, right? I mean, it's wild because so then that man, Rex Crane, and he uses us. He uses men, uses women, he uses children, he uses us all. And we just have to be okay, God, if it's you. And you'll know if it's true because you have peace in your heart. You know the words, even though they might cut a little bit, they're true because they cut in the right places. They're not hurting you. They're not, you know, knocking you down even further. You're not, you know, a loser. You're not because your family is. You're not a drunk. You're not these things because just because your family was doesn't mean you have to." [33:40] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8) "And so I walk in with that understanding and that knowing. And so I walk in with peace. And so my old boss, he said, he said he's introducing this new lady to our office who's one of the new assistant secretaries or something like that. And he's explaining, oh, that guy does that and that guy does that and that guy does that and that guy does that. And Ben, I don't know how he does it, but everywhere he goes, he just makes people feel better. And I'm like, oh, thank you, Jesus. So that's who we are. We're bringing Christ on the scene. We bring Jesus on the scene. We bring Holy Spirit on the scene wherever we're at. And it helps comfort people. It helps transform people. It helps, you know, wherever there's misunderstanding, he brings that knowledge and that wisdom." [51:39] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9) "I said, hey, you better step up your game, man. You know, some of us, you know, we think, OK, just, you know, we're saved. We're going. We're going to heaven. Cool. That's cool. Great. Happy for you. What are you doing for others? What are you doing where you're at? Where are you? Where are you? You influence others so that they could join you so that you could see them in heaven, so that you can, you know, share bread in heaven at the feast that he's created for us. What are we doing with what we what he's given us, what he's entrusted with us? I know I I'm too convinced not to, you know, to let somebody else tell society, say God's not real. Yeah, you're fooled. Sorry. Sorry that I'm not going to be mean to them. Like, OK. But eventually they come around because they see what he's done in you and they want that for themselves." [54:26] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10) "And George never told me the story. She died on Christmas Eve when he was six years old. And that broke my heart because your little boy lost sight of who he was and was mad at God for all these years because he believed a lie. So don't believe the lies of what happens to you, right? Believe of what he says for you. And I asked him, now that we're by ourselves and out there at that cemetery, I said, George, I don't mean to pry, but you've never shared the story. What happened to your mom, buddy? And he says, my stepdad was angry, mad, drunk. He came home, was in a rage. He got in a fight and he choked her out and killed her. And that broke my heart." [01:04:27] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?