Transforming Busyness into Divine Opportunities and Grace
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound impact of being busy and how it can be a blessing rather than a burden. We began by acknowledging the incredible work of our media team and the powerful worship experience we had. I shared personal stories of miraculous healings to illustrate that God still performs miracles today. We then delved into the concept of busyness, emphasizing that while life is inherently busy, it doesn't have to be burdensome.
We examined the story of Elisha from 1 Kings 19, where Elijah throws his cloak over Elisha, signifying a divine calling. Elisha, a busy man managing a farm, immediately recognized the significance of this moment and responded by leaving everything behind to follow Elijah. This story teaches us that even in our busiest moments, God can call us to something greater, and we must be ready to respond.
We also discussed the importance of being spiritually aware in our daily lives. I shared how God prompted me to stop using self-checkout lanes to engage more with people, highlighting that divine appointments can happen anywhere, even in mundane tasks. The key is to shift our mindset from seeing busyness as a burden to recognizing it as an opportunity for divine encounters.
Finally, we addressed the feeling of unworthiness that some may have, likening it to Judas' betrayal of Jesus. Despite Judas' actions, Jesus still offered him the bread of life, symbolizing that no one is beyond redemption. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace is available to all, no matter how far we think we've strayed.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Still Performs Miracles: Personal stories of miraculous healings remind us that God is still active today. Whether it's a physical ailment or a spiritual need, God is capable of intervening in miraculous ways. This encourages us to have faith and be open to God's miraculous power in our lives. [05:47]
2. Busyness Can Be a Blessing: Life is inherently busy, but it doesn't have to be burdensome. By shifting our mindset, we can see busyness as an opportunity for divine encounters and spiritual growth. This perspective allows us to find joy and purpose in our daily tasks. [20:56]
3. Divine Appointments in Daily Life: God can call us to something greater even in our busiest moments. The story of Elisha teaches us to be spiritually aware and ready to respond to God's calling, no matter how busy we are. This awareness can transform ordinary days into extraordinary ones. [30:08]
4. Engaging with People: Simple acts like avoiding self-checkout lanes can lead to divine appointments. By engaging more with people, we open ourselves up to opportunities for ministry and sharing God's love. This encourages us to slow down and be present in our interactions. [36:13]
5. No One is Beyond Redemption: The story of Judas reminds us that no one is beyond God's grace. Despite our past actions, God still offers us the bread of life. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's love and forgiveness are available to all, encouraging us to seek redemption and transformation. [50:27]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:41] - Media Team and Worship
[03:01] - Personal Stories of Healing
[05:47] - God Still Performs Miracles
[07:09] - Call for Healing
[08:36] - Prayer for Healing
[13:34] - The Story of Judas
[15:20] - The Busy Life
[18:15] - The Burden of Busyness
[20:56] - The Blessing of Busyness
[25:52] - The Story of Elisha
[30:08] - Divine Appointments
[36:13] - Engaging with People
[39:16] - Busy but Not Burdened
[50:27] - No One is Beyond Redemption
[52:21] - Prayer and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. 1 Kings 19:19-21 (NIV)
> "So Elijah went from there and found Elisha son of Shaphat. He was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen, and he himself was driving the twelfth pair. Elijah went up to him and threw his cloak around him. Elisha then left his oxen and ran after Elijah. 'Let me kiss my father and mother goodbye,' he said, 'and then I will come with you.' 'Go back,' Elijah replied. 'What have I done to you?' So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his servant."
2. Genesis 3:17-19 (NIV)
> "To Adam he said, 'Because you listened to your wife and ate fruit from the tree about which I commanded you, "You must not eat from it," Cursed is the ground because of you; through painful toil you will eat food from it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.'"
3. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV)
> "For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: 'The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What was Elisha doing when Elijah found him, and what did Elijah do to signify a divine calling? ([27:20])
2. How did Elisha respond to Elijah's calling, and what actions did he take before following Elijah? ([28:51])
3. According to Genesis 3:17-19, what was the consequence of Adam's disobedience, and how does it relate to the concept of busyness?
4. What rule does 2 Thessalonians 3:10 provide regarding work and eating, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about busyness?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Elisha illustrate the idea that busyness can be a blessing rather than a burden? ([27:20])
2. In what ways can being spiritually aware in our daily lives transform ordinary tasks into divine appointments? ([36:13])
3. How does the sermon use the story of Judas to convey the message that no one is beyond redemption? ([13:34])
4. What does the pastor’s decision to stop using self-checkout lanes teach us about engaging with people and being open to divine encounters? ([36:13])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt too busy to notice God's calling. How can you shift your mindset to see busyness as an opportunity for divine encounters? ([30:08])
2. The pastor shared personal stories of miraculous healings. Have you experienced or witnessed a miracle in your life? How did it impact your faith? ([05:47])
3. How can you be more spiritually aware in your daily routine? What practical steps can you take to be open to divine appointments? ([36:13])
4. The sermon mentioned the feeling of unworthiness and compared it to Judas' betrayal. Have you ever felt unworthy of God's grace? How can you remind yourself of God's unconditional love and forgiveness? ([13:34])
5. The pastor decided to engage more with people by avoiding self-checkout lanes. What small changes can you make in your daily interactions to be more present and open to ministry opportunities? ([36:13])
6. How can you balance the busyness of life with being spiritually aware and ready to respond to God's calling, like Elisha did? ([27:20])
7. Think of a person in your life who might feel beyond redemption. How can you share the message of God's grace and forgiveness with them this week? ([13:34])
Devotional
Day 1: Miracles in Modern Times
God Still Performs Miracles: Personal stories of miraculous healings remind us that God is still active today. Whether it's a physical ailment or a spiritual need, God is capable of intervening in miraculous ways. This encourages us to have faith and be open to God's miraculous power in our lives. [05:47]
> "And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." (James 5:15, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need a miracle. Can you take a moment today to pray with faith, believing that God can intervene in that situation?
Day 2: The Blessing of Busyness
Busyness Can Be a Blessing: Life is inherently busy, but it doesn't have to be burdensome. By shifting our mindset, we can see busyness as an opportunity for divine encounters and spiritual growth. This perspective allows us to find joy and purpose in our daily tasks. [20:56]
> "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." (Colossians 3:23-24, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your daily tasks. How can you shift your mindset to see them as opportunities for divine encounters and spiritual growth?
Day 3: Divine Appointments in Daily Life
Divine Appointments in Daily Life: God can call us to something greater even in our busiest moments. The story of Elisha teaches us to be spiritually aware and ready to respond to God's calling, no matter how busy we are. This awareness can transform ordinary days into extraordinary ones. [30:08]
> "And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Think about your daily routine. Are there moments where you can be more spiritually aware and open to God's calling? How can you prepare yourself to respond to these divine appointments?
Day 4: Engaging with People
Engaging with People: Simple acts like avoiding self-checkout lanes can lead to divine appointments. By engaging more with people, we open ourselves up to opportunities for ministry and sharing God's love. This encourages us to slow down and be present in our interactions. [36:13]
> "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:2, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your interactions with people today. How can you be more intentional in engaging with others, even in mundane tasks, to open up opportunities for ministry?
Day 5: Redemption for All
No One is Beyond Redemption: The story of Judas reminds us that no one is beyond God's grace. Despite our past actions, God still offers us the bread of life. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's love and forgiveness are available to all, encouraging us to seek redemption and transformation. [50:27]
> "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on any feelings of unworthiness you may have. How can you embrace God's grace and seek redemption and transformation in your life today?
Quotes
1. "What I would love more, I would love to see people saved, healed and delivered and love to see people raised up in Jesus that walk out of here better than they came that don't have an experience here that doesn't transfer into the morning when they wake up into Thursday morning when we wake up into next morning when we're dragging people out of bed like oh no you said no but I know you and you going today you know just the fire let the let the baptism of fire begin and it's what you're Diggin at is the whole thing a hope that this time is a great opportunity." [01:41] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God does miracles, is what I'm trying to say. He still saves, he still heals, he still delivers. I realize salvation is a miracle, but eternal life begins today, and I, I got three things that I came in here with, that I feel like the Lord gave during the week, and even, and one just a moment ago, but that, and I don't know what this is, I don't have all the specifics, I'm not that direct, and so if I miss it, I miss it, but I believe, there's two things that God, I believe, wanted to heal, and I realize he can heal anything, but sometimes he calls out, he gives a word of knowledge, because he's focusing in a direction, where he's beginning to stir faith in people, and then, you know what, we can carry it out into the world." [05:47] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The will of God is healing, period, the will of God is healing, you don't have to ask for the will of God, it's healing, and so he says that he, his believers, his followers, shall heal the sick, raise the dead, and cast out demons, and it still happens today, so what I'm asking you to pray, is pray as the Lord may give you a little utterance in the beginning, but at some point, with your hands laid on the person, if you can, and it's not bad, you know, nose will be bad, but if it's not bad, you can touch the part, that's always okay, but pray and say, you know what, going to taste stuff now, this boy is going to get, he's going to gain weight, testify, you know what, and ask, if it was, and if your back was prayed for, would you say an 80% better is where we're looking at." [08:36] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus answered, it is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it, and having dipped the bread, he gave it to Judas, he gave it to Judas, we know the story of Judas, we know, you know, Judas is the one who denied Jesus, and then felt remorse for it, went off, he hung himself, and Judas gets a bad rap, uh, Judas, did do these things, but still, even though you see Judas betrayed Jesus, Jesus still gave him the bread, and I believe what the Lord is wanting to say to someone in here, is someone feels like they have gone too far, and they have abandoned Jesus, they have done things, it may even have been vile, it may have been cursing, it may have been adamant, whatever, and you feel like, I've done too much, and, I am a Judas, how can God forgive me for what I have done, because I know without a doubt, I willingly chose to reject him, like Judas did, but I came to tell you today, that Jesus still gave him the bread of life, his love still gave him the bread of life." [13:34] (83 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to talk to you today about the busy life, the busy life, everybody say, I'm busy, no, you're not, no, you're not, awesome, you know, in Genesis 3, 17, through 21, I'll summarize it, is where Jesus comes up, I mean, God comes up to Adam and Eve, and God comes to him, and says, because of your rebellion, because of your own disobedience, and taking apart the tree of knowledge of good and evil, then, you know what, from this day forward, you will toil hard of the ground, and by the sweat of your brow, you will live off of it, and you will eat, in other words, he said, Adam, you had it good, but from now on, you will not, you have the power of God to help you, and you have the power of God, from here on out, what did I do? Oh, okay. From here on out, I am going to be, you know what, you are going to work hard the rest of your life. Amen. Amen. And you are going to work hard the rest of your life." [16:46] (69 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Busy people prioritize where they spend their time. People that are not busy do not, they prioritize, they give their life to Netflix and YouTube and everything else. And I like some YouTube. I'll have watched some rifleman as I went to bed last night. You know, I like it, but you know what? When there's something to be done that matters, you'll always find the busy people are the ones stepping up. And you'll always find the busy people are the ones stepping up. You'll find the people that are least busy talking about the time they don't have. It's strange how this works when we live in the burden of busy. Be aware of who we are in Christ is aware, you know what? That the Holy Spirit is always at work in us. So we put ourselves in divine places." [24:41] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Even though you may be actively busy, can I tell you what? This we will know. You will never be disappointed about being aware of the appointed moments. You will never be disappointed when you found yourself actually aware of the appointed moment. Even though you may be actively busy, yet because of gratitude, you are spiritually aware while you walk. Elisha just throws the cloak of calling onto Elisha. The man I talked about earlier who prayed in my friend's leg group, that man shares his salvation story, and he worked in Baton Rouge, and he worked inside of oil tanks, power washing. From the inside, power washing them out and cleaning them out. And he says the day another friend, a co-worker, led him to the Lord, he said it was so loud in there you couldn't hardly hear." [33:42] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Because of Jesus, I may be busy, but I'm not burdened. Come on, we got to get that down in there. Because of Jesus, I may be busy, but I'm not burdened. See, some of you were too busy in your mind to hear the first time when we asked for it, so you jumped in. It's good. He was busy. He was busy, knowing that even in his busy, he was blessed. When you say blessed in the busy rather than burdened in the busy, the whole mind shift changed. The heart opens and opportunity to balance. That's when we are prepared in the busy, and we find out that we are defining moments for other people to be used by God at any given moment." [39:16] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When heaven comes to earth in us, we realize that we are on assignment every single place we go. I told you recently how I felt the Holy Spirit telling me, quit using self-checkout. You can use self-checkout all day. We still do Walmart delivery too. Don't let me make this more than it is. I love Walmart. I love Walmart delivery. But he told me when I was in the store to quit using self-checkout. And I was like, that stinks. But okay. And I believe that he was revealing to me that he says he wanted me to quit using self-checkout because I was avoiding people by always being in a hurry. Always being in a rush because it takes a little more time." [36:13] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I want to invite you today. Perhaps you've been busy. Perhaps you've come to the place of being sick and tired of sick and tired. Perhaps you've got a lot of reasons. Maybe you felt like the Judas. Perhaps you've got all these things going. I want to tell you, I believe today the Lord said today is the day of salvation. Now let's stand. No one stands alone. No one claps alone. This is family. No one rejoices alone. No one weeps alone. But if you came here today and you realize that the Lord is moving on you, you've never had a place where you've been born and you've never had a place where you've been born again. You've been so busy and so burdened, but now your mind is slowing down enough and everything that you've been looking for answers in has been revealed to you." [50:27] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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