Trusting God Through Prayer, Praise, and Community
Summary
### Summary
Today, we focused on the importance of trusting God and actively engaging in a relationship with Him through praise, prayer, and obedience. We began by acknowledging that life is filled with circumstances beyond our control, but we can always choose to trust and praise God. This trust is not dependent on our current situation but on God's unchanging nature and His promises, which are always "yes and amen."
We then delved into Matthew 7:7-12, where Jesus instructs us to ask, seek, and knock. These actions are not passive but require persistent and active engagement with God. Asking involves making specific requests to God, seeking requires diligently searching for God's will, and knocking means persistently pursuing God's presence and answers. We emphasized that our requests should align with God's will, and we should be patient and persistent, trusting that God will answer in His perfect timing.
Furthermore, we discussed the importance of living out the golden rule: treating others as we want to be treated. This principle is foundational to Christian living and reflects the character of Jesus. By showing love, mercy, and grace to others, we not only obey God's commands but also become a testimony of His love to the world.
Finally, we celebrated the birth of baby Joshua and prayed for his family, demonstrating the importance of community and support within the church. We also encouraged everyone to stay connected to God daily and to live out their faith in practical ways, impacting their families, workplaces, and communities.
### Key Takeaways
1. Trust in God Amidst Uncertainty: Life is filled with uncertainties and challenges, but we can always choose to trust God. This trust is not based on our circumstances but on God's unchanging nature and His faithful promises. By declaring our trust in God daily, we align ourselves with His peace and provision, regardless of what we see in the natural. [35:16]
2. Persistent Prayer and Specific Requests: Jesus teaches us to ask, seek, and knock. This means we should be persistent in our prayers and specific in our requests. God eagerly anticipates our petitions and desires to bless us. However, our requests should align with His will, and we must trust His timing. [44:28]
3. Diligent Seeking of God's Will: Seeking God involves actively searching for His will and presence in our lives. This requires diligence and a heart fully committed to finding Him. By immersing ourselves in God's Word and surrounding ourselves with godly influences, we can better understand His will and align our lives accordingly. [50:12]
4. Living Out the Golden Rule: Jesus instructs us to treat others as we want to be treated. This principle, known as the golden rule, is essential for Christian living. By showing love, mercy, and grace to others, we reflect the character of Jesus and become a testimony of His love. This practice can transform our relationships and communities. [01:04:55]
5. Community and Support: Celebrating milestones and supporting one another in prayer and encouragement is vital for a healthy church community. By staying connected to God and each other, we can grow in our faith and positively impact those around us. This communal support strengthens our trust in God and our commitment to living out His commands. [40:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:16] - Trust in God Amidst Uncertainty
[36:20] - Standing on God's Promises
[37:31] - God is Good All the Time
[38:19] - God's Promises are Yes and Amen
[39:15] - Daily Pursuit of God
[40:00] - Celebrating Baby Joshua
[41:18] - Characteristics of Kingdom Citizens
[42:36] - Following God's Blueprints
[43:28] - Ask, Seek, Knock
[44:28] - Persistent Prayer and Specific Requests
[45:27] - God Eagerly Anticipates Our Petitions
[47:58] - Be Specific in Your Prayers
[50:12] - Diligent Seeking of God's Will
[52:48] - Continual Praise and Worship
[54:25] - Surround Yourself with Godly Influences
[56:00] - Keep Asking, Seeking, Knocking
[58:02] - Boldly Knock on God's Door
[01:00:35] - Ensure You're Knocking on the Right Door
[01:02:09] - Remove Obstacles to God's Blessings
[01:04:55] - Living Out the Golden Rule
[01:09:53] - Building Each Other Up
[01:12:47] - Treat Others with Love and Compassion
[01:17:36] - Practical Application in Daily Life
[01:26:11] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 7:7-12: "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the three actions Jesus instructs us to take in Matthew 7:7? ([43:28])
2. According to the sermon, what should our requests to God align with? ([48:45])
3. How does the sermon describe the nature of God's promises? ([38:19])
4. What example did the pastor use to illustrate the importance of being specific in our prayers? ([47:09])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Jesus emphasize persistence in asking, seeking, and knocking? How does this persistence reflect our relationship with God? ([56:57])
2. How does the Golden Rule in Matthew 7:12 relate to the overall message of the sermon about living out our faith? ([01:04:55])
3. What does it mean to diligently seek God's will, and how can this be practically applied in our daily lives? ([50:12])
4. How does the sermon suggest we handle situations where our prayers seem unanswered? ([48:45])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced uncertainty. How did you respond, and how might you choose to trust God more fully in similar situations in the future? ([35:16])
2. Think about your current prayer life. Are there specific requests you have been hesitant to bring to God? How can you start being more specific and persistent in your prayers? ([47:58])
3. Identify an area in your life where you need to seek God's will more diligently. What steps can you take this week to immerse yourself in God's Word and seek His guidance? ([50:12])
4. Consider a relationship where you have struggled to apply the Golden Rule. What practical steps can you take to show love, mercy, and grace to that person? ([01:04:55])
5. How can you contribute to building a supportive and connected church community? Think of one specific action you can take this week to encourage or support a fellow church member. ([40:00])
6. Reflect on any "kinks" in your spiritual life that might be hindering your prayers. What changes can you make to remove these obstacles and align more closely with God's will? ([01:02:09])
7. How can you incorporate the practice of daily pursuing God into your routine? Identify one new habit you can start this week to stay connected to God throughout the day. ([39:15])
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting God in Uncertainty
Life is filled with uncertainties and challenges, but we can always choose to trust God. This trust is not based on our circumstances but on God's unchanging nature and His faithful promises. By declaring our trust in God daily, we align ourselves with His peace and provision, regardless of what we see in the natural. Trusting God means believing that He is good and that His plans for us are for our ultimate good, even when we cannot see the full picture.
When we face difficult situations, it is easy to become anxious and fearful. However, God calls us to cast our anxieties on Him because He cares for us. Trusting God amidst uncertainty requires us to let go of our need to control and to rest in His sovereignty. As we trust in God's unchanging nature and His promises, we can experience His peace that surpasses all understanding. [35:16]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God? How can you actively choose to trust Him in that area today?
Day 2: Persistent Prayer and Specific Requests
Jesus teaches us to ask, seek, and knock. This means we should be persistent in our prayers and specific in our requests. God eagerly anticipates our petitions and desires to bless us. However, our requests should align with His will, and we must trust His timing. Persistent prayer is not about wearing God down but about demonstrating our faith and dependence on Him.
When we pray, we should be specific in our requests, bringing our needs and desires before God with clarity. This helps us to focus our prayers and to recognize when God answers them. It is also important to align our requests with God's will, seeking His guidance and wisdom in our prayers. As we persist in prayer, we grow in our relationship with God and learn to trust His perfect timing and provision. [44:28]
James 5:16b-18 (ESV): "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit."
Reflection: What specific request do you need to bring before God today? How can you persist in prayer for this request, trusting in God's timing and will?
Day 3: Diligent Seeking of God's Will
Seeking God involves actively searching for His will and presence in our lives. This requires diligence and a heart fully committed to finding Him. By immersing ourselves in God's Word and surrounding ourselves with godly influences, we can better understand His will and align our lives accordingly. Seeking God is not a passive activity but an intentional pursuit of His presence and guidance.
To seek God's will, we must prioritize spending time in His Word and in prayer. This helps us to discern His voice and to understand His desires for our lives. Additionally, surrounding ourselves with godly influences, such as fellow believers and mentors, can provide us with encouragement and accountability in our pursuit of God. As we diligently seek God, we grow in our knowledge of Him and in our ability to live according to His will. [50:12]
Jeremiah 29:13-14a (ESV): "You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord."
Reflection: How can you intentionally seek God's will in your life today? What steps can you take to immerse yourself in His Word and to surround yourself with godly influences?
Day 4: Living Out the Golden Rule
Jesus instructs us to treat others as we want to be treated. This principle, known as the golden rule, is essential for Christian living. By showing love, mercy, and grace to others, we reflect the character of Jesus and become a testimony of His love. This practice can transform our relationships and communities, as we seek to live out the love of Christ in our daily interactions.
Living out the golden rule requires us to be intentional in our actions and attitudes towards others. It means putting ourselves in their shoes and considering how we would want to be treated in their situation. By showing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, we demonstrate the love of Christ and create an environment where others can experience His grace. This not only strengthens our relationships but also serves as a powerful witness to the world. [01:04:55]
Luke 6:31-33 (ESV): "And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."
Reflection: Think of a specific person in your life who needs to experience the love of Christ. How can you intentionally show them love, mercy, and grace today?
Day 5: Community and Support
Celebrating milestones and supporting one another in prayer and encouragement is vital for a healthy church community. By staying connected to God and each other, we can grow in our faith and positively impact those around us. This communal support strengthens our trust in God and our commitment to living out His commands. Being part of a supportive community helps us to bear one another's burdens and to rejoice together in God's blessings.
A strong church community provides a sense of belonging and accountability. It allows us to share our joys and struggles with others who can offer prayer, encouragement, and practical help. By investing in relationships within the church, we create a network of support that helps us to grow in our faith and to live out our Christian walk. Celebrating milestones, such as the birth of a new baby, reminds us of God's faithfulness and the importance of coming together as a family of believers. [40:00]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you actively support and encourage someone in your church community today? What steps can you take to strengthen your connections with fellow believers?
Quotes
1. "There's many things in life that we cannot control. There's one thing that we can, and it's that we open our mouth to praise God. And it doesn't matter what we're seeing in the natural. It doesn't matter what we're experiencing in the natural at the moment. We can every day make the choice to say, I trust you, God, no matter what. And some of us this morning, we've allowed circumstance to silence our worship. We've allowed circumstance to silence our prayer. But that can change right now. Whether you're in the sanctuary, or you're watching from home, and your home has become a sanctuary this morning. We can open our mouth to declare, I trust in God, my Savior. The one who will never fail." [35:16] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need to daily pursue God and daily encounter God. We need to chase after him and go after his presence every single day. Throughout the day, connected to him. In everywhere you go, every opportunity you have, connected to God, knowing that he is faithful. And throughout the day, not just once, not just once a week, not just every other day, but every day and throughout the day, connected to him, knowing that he is good and he is faithful." [39:15] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "As citizens of the kingdom of heaven, you and I should be able to be distinguished or distinguishable to other people based on the way we conduct ourselves, based on the way we talk. It's why when we come to God, things change in us. All right. We're a new creation. We're no longer apart or do what we used to do because now we are a citizen of the kingdom of heaven. And we talked about the fact that these blueprints are found in the word of God. But here's the reality. We not only find the blueprint in the word, and I wrote it this way, we're not only supposed to have the blueprints and read the blueprints, we've got to follow the blueprints. It's not enough to just have it. It's not enough to just read it. We have to follow them. We've got to do them." [42:36] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to be specific in our asking, specific in our praying. Be specific. And God hears any answers. We need to be specific. God is waiting. He's eagerly anticipating to give us. We need to continue to ask, and continue to ask, and continue to ask. And perhaps you're there and you're like, what? Well, I've been asking for this for so long, and I haven't seen it. Why? Well, I'd ask you to look at this. Is your ask aligned to God's will? Many times we're asking for things that aren't aligned to God's will, or we're asking for things that is not the proper time to have." [47:58] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We need to diligently seek after God. To find what he wants. We must search diligently. God will hear and respond. We were just singing it a few minutes ago. I sought the Lord and he heard and he answered. David wrote that in Psalm 34. Go with me to Psalm 34 a moment. In Psalm 34, David writes, and this is what he says. I must have lost the paper where I had it marked. Oh, there we go. He says this in verse one. I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth." [52:48] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking, keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking. Continue to on that door because God is good and he will give even more than you ask. And then it leads me to verse 12 because it's not just about asking, seeking, and knocking. Look at verse number 12. Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets. Whatever you wish that others, that men, would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets." [01:04:55] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Let's begin to live a life where we are literally actively building others up. Treating other people the way we want to be treated, giving mercy, giving grace, giving compassion, giving love, literally turning the other cheek, literally going the second mile, literally giving the tunic also. I know a lot of them, a lot of us here, we come from Hispanic backgrounds. And man, Hispanics are ruthless. We tear each other down. You remember walking into grandma's house? For those who don't speak Spanish, your Cuban grandma, you walk in, like, man, you've gained a lot of weight. You're so fat. It's like, thanks, grandma. I want to come here again." [01:10:31] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So yes, ask, seek, knock. Our good father is anticipating and waiting for us to ask and he's going to grant it. But church, begin to live a life that we are actively doing to other people and treating them the way we want them to be. We want to be treated with love, with compassion, with mercy, with dignity, with forgiveness, speaking life and not death, speaking blessing and not curse. And as you and I begin to live the way Jesus wants us to, our church changes, our workplace changes, our city changes." [01:12:47] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Seek first the kingdom of God. Everything else will be added on. What did he say in John 16? He says, anything you ask the father in my name. And in John 10, he said, I'm the door. So let's begin to live like Jesus. Who on the other hand, I'm the door. On the cross, didn't just preach it, but on the cross, modeled it and began to pray. Father, forgive them. They don't know what they do. Where he called John over. And when he called John over, he looked and said, see over there, that woman, that's your mother. Mother, that's your son. He didn't call John over and say, all these people are hurting me, John. I'm on the cross because of all these people. I'm trying to die for them and they suck. That's not what Jesus did." [01:13:39] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Church, let's start applying this in our day-to-day lives. Let's start applying this in our day-to-day lives. When you go to eat lunch today at a restaurant and somebody messes up on the order, don't lose it on them. Treat them with love. You don't want people to steal your tools? Don't take your neighbors. You don't want people to talk about you? Don't talk about people. You want people to pray for you when you need stuff? And you want people to be praying for you? Pray for people. Because the blueprint is ask, seek, knock." [01:17:36] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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