Trusting God: Our Sustainer and Provider
Summary
### Summary
Today's sermon focused on the profound truth that God is our sustainer and provider, capable of exceeding our expectations and keeping us through life's trials. Reflecting on personal testimonies, we acknowledged God's faithfulness in sustaining us through difficult seasons. The message emphasized the importance of being grateful for God's continuous provision and the need to trust Him wholeheartedly. We were reminded that our earthly treasures are fleeting and that our true focus should be on storing up heavenly treasures. The sermon also highlighted the dangers of materialism and how it can enslave our hearts, minds, and wills. We were encouraged to evaluate what truly motivates us and to ensure that our hearts are aligned with God's will. The importance of guarding our hearts was stressed, as it determines the course of our lives. We were challenged to confront the idols in our hearts and to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. The sermon concluded with a call to be generous and to trust in God's economic plan, knowing that He will provide for us as we sow seeds of faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sustaining Power: God is able to keep us from falling and sustain us through every trial. Reflecting on personal testimonies, we see that God has brought us through difficult seasons, proving His faithfulness and mercy. Trusting in God's sustaining power allows us to face life's challenges with confidence. [12:23]
2. Heavenly Treasures vs. Earthly Treasures: Earthly treasures are temporary and can be stolen or decay, but heavenly treasures are eternal. Our focus should be on storing up treasures in heaven, which reflect our true values and priorities. This shift in focus helps us live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters. [47:55]
3. The Dangers of Materialism: Materialism can enslave our hearts, minds, and wills, leading us away from God. It's crucial to evaluate what motivates us and ensure that our desires align with God's will. By doing so, we avoid the pitfalls of greed and idolatry, living a life that honors God. [56:41]
4. Guarding Our Hearts: Our hearts are the internal GPS that determines the course of our lives. We must guard our hearts diligently, as they can be deceitful and lead us astray. By aligning our hearts with God's word, we ensure that our actions and decisions reflect His will. [01:21:44]
5. Generosity and Trust in God's Provision: Generosity is a reflection of our trust in God's provision. By sowing seeds of faith, we participate in God's economic plan and experience His blessings. A closed fist cannot give or receive, but a generous heart opens the door to God's abundant provision. [01:14:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[11:30] - Testimonies of God's Faithfulness
[12:23] - God's Sustaining Power
[13:58] - Victory in Christ
[18:29] - Daily Benefits of God's Grace
[20:01] - Announcements and Connect Night
[21:23] - Family and Friends Weekend
[22:33] - Invitation to Family and Friends Sunday
[23:13] - Big Give Initiative
[24:13] - Phase Two Initiatives
[25:09] - Debt-Free Testimony
[26:09] - Mission Offering
[27:29] - Being All In
[29:05] - Testimonies of God's Provision
[30:55] - Prayer for Expansion
[42:31] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[44:44] - Introduction to the Sermon
[45:53] - The Importance of Heart Alignment
[47:55] - Earthly vs. Heavenly Treasures
[50:07] - Worship and Anticipation
[51:51] - Knowledge and Spirit
[52:28] - Matters of the Heart
[54:34] - The Role of the Heart
[56:41] - The Dangers of Materialism
[58:00] - Evaluating Our Hearts
[01:00:48] - The Greatest Gift: Eternal Life
[01:02:45] - The Weight of Blessings
[01:03:32] - The True Value of Treasure
[01:06:06] - The Drive for Power and Control
[01:08:22] - The Temptation of Shortcuts
[01:09:18] - The Expiration of Earthly Currency
[01:11:10] - Possessions vs. Being Possessed
[01:14:01] - The Principle of Generosity
[01:14:54] - Exegesis of Matthew 6:19-21
[01:17:14] - The God of Money: Mammon
[01:19:34] - The Vanity of Wealth
[01:20:18] - The Limitations of Money
[01:21:44] - Guarding Your Heart
[01:24:14] - The Importance of a Peaceful Heart
[01:28:20] - The Dangers of Jealousy
[01:29:35] - The Need for Deep Soul Work
[01:31:59] - Prayer for Heart Alignment
[01:36:17] - Invitation to Salvation and Church Membership
[01:37:54] - Preparing to Give
[01:39:26] - God's Economic Plan
[01:40:55] - The Blessing of Generosity
[01:42:08] - Announcements and Closing Remarks
[01:43:37] - Closing Prayer and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:19-21 (TPT): "Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you esteem as your treasure."
2. Proverbs 4:23 (NLT): "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life."
3. Ecclesiastes 5:10 (ESV): "He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 6:19-21, what are the differences between earthly treasures and heavenly treasures?
2. What does Proverbs 4:23 suggest about the importance of the heart in guiding our lives?
3. In Ecclesiastes 5:10, what does Solomon say about the satisfaction that comes from loving money?
4. How did the pastor describe the impact of materialism on our hearts, minds, and wills? [56:41]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize the importance of storing up heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones in Matthew 6:19-21? How does this align with the sermon’s message about materialism? [47:55]
2. How can guarding our hearts, as advised in Proverbs 4:23, help us align our actions with God's will? What practical steps can we take to guard our hearts? [01:21:44]
3. Solomon in Ecclesiastes 5:10 mentions that loving money leads to dissatisfaction. How does this perspective challenge the common pursuit of wealth in today's society? [01:19:34]
4. The pastor mentioned that materialism can enslave our hearts, minds, and wills. How can we identify if we are being enslaved by materialism in our own lives? [56:41]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there any earthly treasures you are hoarding that might be distracting you from storing up heavenly treasures? How can you shift your focus? [47:55]
2. Proverbs 4:23 advises us to guard our hearts. What specific actions can you take this week to protect your heart from negative influences? [01:21:44]
3. The sermon highlighted the dangers of materialism. Can you identify any areas in your life where materialism might be influencing your decisions? How can you realign your motivations with God's will? [56:41]
4. The pastor spoke about the importance of generosity and trusting in God's provision. How can you practice generosity in your daily life, and what steps can you take to trust more in God's economic plan? [01:14:01]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt dissatisfied despite having material wealth. How does Ecclesiastes 5:10 resonate with your experience, and what changes can you make to find true contentment? [01:19:34]
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of evaluating what truly motivates us. What are some practical ways you can regularly assess and realign your motivations to ensure they align with God's will? [56:41]
7. The pastor challenged us to confront the idols in our hearts. Identify one potential idol in your life and discuss a plan to prioritize your relationship with God above this idol. [01:03:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Sustaining Power
God is able to keep us from falling and sustain us through every trial. Reflecting on personal testimonies, we see that God has brought us through difficult seasons, proving His faithfulness and mercy. Trusting in God's sustaining power allows us to face life's challenges with confidence. When we look back at our lives, we can see the many ways God has provided for us, even when we didn't realize it at the time. This should encourage us to trust Him more deeply, knowing that He is always working for our good.
As we navigate through life's ups and downs, it's essential to remember that we are not alone. God is with us, guiding us, and providing for us every step of the way. By placing our trust in Him, we can find peace and strength to endure any situation. Let us be grateful for His continuous provision and trust Him wholeheartedly, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. [12:23]
Psalm 55:22 (ESV): "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved."
Reflection: Think of a recent trial you faced. How did you see God's sustaining power at work in that situation? How can you trust Him more in your current circumstances?
Day 2: Storing Up Heavenly Treasures
Earthly treasures are temporary and can be stolen or decay, but heavenly treasures are eternal. Our focus should be on storing up treasures in heaven, which reflect our true values and priorities. This shift in focus helps us live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters. When we invest in heavenly treasures, we are investing in things that have lasting significance, such as our relationship with God and the impact we have on others.
It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material possessions and worldly success, but these things are fleeting and ultimately unsatisfying. Instead, we should seek to align our hearts with God's will and invest in things that have eternal value. By doing so, we can experience true fulfillment and joy, knowing that our efforts are contributing to God's kingdom. [47:55]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What are some ways you can invest in heavenly treasures today? How can you shift your focus from earthly possessions to things that have eternal value?
Day 3: The Dangers of Materialism
Materialism can enslave our hearts, minds, and wills, leading us away from God. It's crucial to evaluate what motivates us and ensure that our desires align with God's will. By doing so, we avoid the pitfalls of greed and idolatry, living a life that honors God. Materialism can be subtle, creeping into our lives and influencing our decisions without us even realizing it. It's important to regularly examine our hearts and ask God to reveal any areas where we may be placing material possessions above Him.
When we prioritize material wealth and possessions, we risk losing sight of what truly matters. Our relationship with God and our love for others should be our primary focus. By keeping our hearts aligned with God's will, we can experience true freedom and joy, unencumbered by the pursuit of material things. [56:41]
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (ESV): "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."
Reflection: Are there any areas in your life where materialism has taken hold? How can you realign your desires with God's will and prioritize what truly matters?
Day 4: Guarding Our Hearts
Our hearts are the internal GPS that determines the course of our lives. We must guard our hearts diligently, as they can be deceitful and lead us astray. By aligning our hearts with God's word, we ensure that our actions and decisions reflect His will. The heart is the center of our emotions, thoughts, and desires, and it has a significant impact on our lives. Therefore, it's essential to protect it from negative influences and ensure that it remains focused on God.
Guarding our hearts involves being mindful of what we allow into our minds and lives. This includes the media we consume, the relationships we maintain, and the thoughts we entertain. By filling our hearts with God's word and surrounding ourselves with positive influences, we can stay on the right path and live a life that honors Him. [01:21:44]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: What steps can you take to guard your heart more effectively? How can you ensure that your heart remains aligned with God's word and will?
Day 5: Generosity and Trust in God's Provision
Generosity is a reflection of our trust in God's provision. By sowing seeds of faith, we participate in God's economic plan and experience His blessings. A closed fist cannot give or receive, but a generous heart opens the door to God's abundant provision. When we give generously, we demonstrate our faith in God's ability to provide for our needs and bless others through us.
Generosity is not just about giving money; it also includes our time, talents, and resources. By being generous in all areas of our lives, we can make a significant impact on those around us and further God's kingdom. Trusting in God's provision allows us to give freely, knowing that He will take care of us and provide for our needs. [01:14:01]
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work."
Reflection: In what ways can you practice generosity today? How can you trust God more with your resources and participate in His economic plan?
Quotes
1. "I have learned to be a healer. I have learned God deliverer. I have learned to be a provider. Am I talking to anyone in the room that God is able to you? God is able to sustain you. God is able to do exactly what he said he would do. The scripture is white. He is able to do exceeding and abundantly above all that you can possibly think. According to the power that's at work on the inside of you. And I stand this morning as a testimony that God is able." [11:30] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I'm just glad to be kept by God. I know we don't really praise God about that much anymore, but I'm just glad to be kept. I'm just glad that I'm in my right mind on this Sunday morning. Six years ago, I came to church and my father said that I would not make it out of that season. But I can look back over six years and testify of God. goodness and God's mercy and his grace I could go to sleep grief and stress and anxiety and worry was trying to overtake me, I was glad I could look back and see that God brought me a mighty long way." [12:23] (72 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Because it can't end until it's good. I said it can't end until it's good. And we know all things work together for that love God that are called according to God's purpose. I've been called according to God's purpose. People can say whatever they want to say, but i need you to know somebody said i belong to god i belong to god paul said whether i live or i die i belong to god it's a win-win situation to live is christ but to die is gang either way i'm so grateful that he doesn't punish me as my sins deserve but he gives us grace and he gives us mercy." [18:29] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We serve a god that moves into our future and our future is his past. I said our future is god's past so the reason i praise him is because he's already done some things for me i'm just not aware of it yet he's made ways for us and we're just not aware of it yet he's opened doors for you you're just not aware of it yet he is that intentional and that diligent and that sovereign so we honor the lord for his goodness and his grace and his grace and his grace and his grace and his grace and his mercy." [42:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to ask you a question. On this Sunday afternoon, New Palm River, on this Sunday afternoon, Ignite, what are you chasing? What's in your heart? And when was the last time you did an evaluation or an assessment of what's in your heart? You do know that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. So when someone goes off on you, when they're mad, when they cuss you out, when they're upset, they're really telling you the depths of what's in their heart. So when people come back and say, I didn't mean it. No, you meant exactly what you said. It just took the opportunity for what was in your heart to be revealed." [59:45] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Treasure is anything we value above all else and motivates us to act. Someone say treasure. Treasure is anything we value above all else and motivates us to act. You would be surprised how many idols that we have in our hearts. Save, sanctify, on my way to heaven and I'm so glad the world can't do me no harm. And you shout and you dance and we do all that. But how many idols do we have in our heart? Because the place, the throne that Jesus should sit in in our heart, we got other people occupying that space. Other things occupying that space." [01:03:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Do your possessions. Lord Jesus. Kira, do we have possessions? Or do our possessions have us? Let me ask you a question. Do you have possessions? Or do your possessions have you? The Lord had to teach me this principle. Because he really couldn't bless me since the moment he increased me. Like he desired until I learned to get or to part away with things that I liked. So he started really teaching me this about 10 years ago. But it got real real when I got connected to First Lady." [01:11:10] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body. I want you to see the correlation. A peaceful heart leads to what? Healthy body. When I'm not at peace, the thing that is trying to rip me to pieces is going to express itself in my body. The reason I wish I could go back some years. And sometimes the churches that we grow up in or the context we grew up in, they mean well. And they did and they taught what they knew. But had they come to the place of knowledge we have right now, there would be so many people who would not be sleeping in their grave or would not have died before their time because they would have mastered this principle." [01:25:13] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The reason that the church, I think, that meant well but didn't teach it well, we taught you that deliverance was, I don't want to do it anymore. I don't like it anymore. God's taken the taste and the desire from me completely. That's a very slim percentage of individuals. The rest of us, I'm delivered now because I have power over my will. Deliverance is when I now have power over my will. Instead of me yielding and surrendering and submitting to that thing, I now control it. I can tell it no. In the season before, I couldn't tell it no. I would just always give in to it. But now when I feel I can say no, I'm not doing that anymore. That's deliverance." [01:30:34] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "The ways to give are on the screen. You're watching me online. I want you to sow with us in our mission offering. This is not our time. This is not our seed sowing. This is our mission offering. And this enables and allows us to do some of the things that I was just talking about. When a need arises, guess what meets the need? The body. And you and I get to be a part of this move. So I'm asking each of you to let's give, let's sow. If you need a giving envelope, raise your hand. I see some Ramones walking through pass those out. You're giving with us online. As you put it in the comment section, I am sowing. I am sowing." [29:05] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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