Unlocking God's Abundant Blessings Through Obedience and Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate the showers of blessings that God promises to pour upon us. We began by exalting the name of Jesus, acknowledging His power and sovereignty. The central theme of our gathering was the abundant blessings that God desires to bestow upon His people. These blessings are not just material but encompass prosperity, miracles, and wonders that God pours out in abundance. We reflected on the story of Abraham, who received God's promises but had to take steps of obedience to unlock those blessings. Similarly, we must turn certain keys in our lives to release the showers of blessings.
We delved into Ezekiel 34, where God promises to seek out His scattered sheep, deliver them, and bring them to a place of abundance. This passage reassures us that God is actively involved in our lives, seeking us out and ensuring our deliverance from anything that hinders our progress. God promises to feed us in good pastures, symbolizing His provision and care for every aspect of our lives. We are reminded that we are in a good fold, under the care of a good shepherd who ensures our well-being.
The sermon emphasized that God's blessings come with certain conditions. We must obey His voice, acknowledge His sovereignty, and live a life of holiness. The blessings of God are not just for our spiritual well-being but also for our material prosperity. God gives us the power to make wealth, and it is our responsibility to use our skills and talents to achieve this. We are encouraged to remain focused, not to be lazy, and to trust in God's provision.
We also touched on the importance of praising God, living a holy life, and being prayerful. These actions help us unlock and sustain the showers of blessings. The message concluded with a call to repentance and a reminder that God desires our prosperity and well-being. We are encouraged to pray and activate our blessings, turning on the showers of blessings in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Obedience Unlocks Blessings: Just as Abraham had to obey God's command to unlock his blessings, we too must take steps of obedience to release the showers of blessings in our lives. Obedience to God's voice and commands is a key that opens the floodgates of His blessings. [20:50]
2. God Actively Seeks Us Out: Ezekiel 34 reassures us that God is actively involved in our lives, seeking us out and ensuring our deliverance from anything that hinders our progress. He promises to feed us in good pastures, symbolizing His provision and care for every aspect of our lives. [24:24]
3. The Power to Make Wealth: God gives us the power to make wealth, and it is our responsibility to use our skills and talents to achieve this. We must remain focused, not be lazy, and trust in God's provision. Wealth is not just handed to us; it is made through our efforts and God's enabling power. [38:57]
4. Praise and Worship as Keys: Praising God intensely and living a holy life are essential actions that help us unlock and sustain the showers of blessings. When we praise God, He inhabits our praises, and limitations are broken. This is a powerful way to destroy the works of the enemy against us. [59:19]
5. God Desires Our Prosperity: God is not just interested in our spiritual well-being but also in our material prosperity. He wants us to succeed, prosper, and be in good health. This holistic approach to blessings shows that God cares about every aspect of our lives, and we must trust Him to provide and sustain us. [50:00]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[16:45] - Exalting the Name of Jesus
[17:54] - Showers of Blessings
[19:07] - Keys to Unlocking Blessings
[20:50] - Obedience and Abraham's Example
[22:48] - Reading from Ezekiel 34
[24:24] - God Seeks and Delivers Us
[25:06] - God's Provision and Care
[26:09] - Feeding in Good Pastures
[27:14] - Being in a Good Fold
[28:19] - Strengthening the Weak
[29:13] - Judging Between Sheep and Sheep
[30:31] - God's Promise to Save
[31:00] - Prayer for Deliverance
[32:18] - Establishing One Shepherd
[34:25] - Showers in Their Season
[36:16] - Breaking the Yoke
[38:57] - Power to Make Wealth
[40:52] - Obeying God's Commands
[45:00] - Blessings in Every Aspect
[50:00] - Prosperity and Good Health
[59:19] - Power of Praise
[01:00:34] - Living a Holy Life
[01:01:13] - God's Desire for Our Blessing
[01:03:06] - Prayer for Financial Breakthrough
[01:04:59] - Activating Your Blessings
[01:09:43] - Continuous Showers of Blessings
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Ezekiel 34:11-16 - "For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land. And I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the ravines, and in all the inhabited places of the country. I will feed them with good pasture, and on the mountain heights of Israel shall be their grazing land. There they shall lie down in good grazing land, and on rich pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord God. I will seek the lost, and I will bring back the strayed, and I will bind up the injured, and I will strengthen the weak, and the fat and the strong I will destroy. I will feed them in justice."
2. Deuteronomy 8:18 - "You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day."
3. Deuteronomy 28:1-4 - "And if you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the Lord your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Ezekiel 34:11-16 say about God's role as a shepherd to His people?
2. According to Deuteronomy 8:18, who gives us the power to make wealth and why?
3. What are the blessings listed in Deuteronomy 28:1-4 for those who obey God's commands?
4. In the sermon, what are some of the keys mentioned that unlock the showers of blessings? [[20:50]]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the imagery of God as a shepherd in Ezekiel 34:11-16 provide comfort and assurance to believers?
2. What does it mean to remember the Lord your God in the context of Deuteronomy 8:18, and how does this relate to our daily lives?
3. How can the blessings described in Deuteronomy 28:1-4 be seen as both spiritual and material? What does this duality tell us about God's care for us?
4. The sermon mentions that obedience is a key to unlocking blessings. How does Abraham's example illustrate this principle? [[20:50]]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt scattered or lost. How did you experience God's shepherding care during that period? [[24:24]]
2. In what ways can you actively remember and acknowledge God as the source of your abilities and successes this week? [[38:57]]
3. Identify one area of your life where you need to be more obedient to God's commands. What specific steps can you take to improve in this area? [[40:52]]
4. How can you incorporate more praise and worship into your daily routine to unlock and sustain God's blessings? [[59:19]]
5. Think about your current financial situation. How can you use your skills and talents more effectively to create wealth, trusting in God's provision? [[38:57]]
6. What practical steps can you take to live a holier life, as encouraged in the sermon? How might this impact your experience of God's blessings? [[01:00:34]]
7. Consider someone in your life who might be struggling. How can you be a source of God's blessing to them this week, reflecting His shepherding care? [[25:06]]
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Unlocks Divine Favor
Description: Obedience to God's commands is a fundamental principle that unlocks His abundant blessings. Just as Abraham had to take steps of obedience to receive God's promises, we too must align our actions with God's will to experience His showers of blessings. Obedience is not merely about following rules but about trusting God's wisdom and submitting to His sovereignty. When we obey, we position ourselves to receive the fullness of God's provision and care. Reflecting on Abraham's journey, we see that his faith and obedience were key to unlocking God's promises in his life. Similarly, our obedience can open the floodgates of divine favor and blessings. [20:50]
Ezekiel 36:27-28 (ESV): "And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God."
Reflection: What specific area of your life is God calling you to obey Him more fully? How can you take a concrete step of obedience today?
Day 2: God Actively Seeks and Delivers Us
Description: God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles; He actively seeks us out and ensures our deliverance from anything that hinders our progress. Ezekiel 34 reassures us that God is like a shepherd who seeks out His scattered sheep, bringing them to a place of abundance and feeding them in good pastures. This symbolizes God's provision and care for every aspect of our lives. We are reminded that we are under the care of a good shepherd who is committed to our well-being and deliverance. God's active involvement in our lives is a source of great comfort and assurance. [24:24]
Isaiah 40:11 (ESV): "He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's active involvement in your life recently? How can you trust Him more in areas where you feel scattered or lost?
Day 3: The Power to Make Wealth
Description: God gives us the power to make wealth, and it is our responsibility to use our skills and talents to achieve this. Wealth is not just handed to us; it is made through our efforts and God's enabling power. We must remain focused, diligent, and trust in God's provision. This principle emphasizes that material prosperity is part of God's blessings, and we are called to be good stewards of the resources and abilities He has given us. By using our skills and talents wisely, we can unlock the financial blessings that God desires for us. [38:57]
Deuteronomy 8:18 (ESV): "You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day."
Reflection: What skills or talents has God given you that you can use more effectively to create wealth? How can you take a practical step today to develop or utilize these abilities?
Day 4: Praise and Worship as Keys
Description: Praising God intensely and living a holy life are essential actions that help us unlock and sustain the showers of blessings. When we praise God, He inhabits our praises, and limitations are broken. This is a powerful way to destroy the works of the enemy against us. Praise and worship are not just acts of devotion but are spiritual keys that unlock divine favor and blessings. By cultivating a lifestyle of praise and holiness, we create an environment where God's presence and power can manifest in our lives. [59:19]
Psalm 22:3 (ESV): "Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel."
Reflection: How can you incorporate more praise and worship into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to live a holier life that honors God?
Day 5: God Desires Our Prosperity
Description: God is not just interested in our spiritual well-being but also in our material prosperity. He wants us to succeed, prosper, and be in good health. This holistic approach to blessings shows that God cares about every aspect of our lives, and we must trust Him to provide and sustain us. God's desire for our prosperity is a reflection of His love and care for us. By trusting in His provision and aligning our lives with His principles, we can experience the fullness of His blessings in every area of our lives. [50:00]
3 John 1:2 (ESV): "Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust God more for His provision and prosperity? How can you actively seek His guidance and blessings in these areas today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Showers of blessing is the release of God's blessing upon our lives. It is the abundance of prosperity, miracles, wonders which the Almighty God pours on His people. So when God blesses you, things that you are struggling, you will not. When the showers of blessings are upon you, what you have struggled to do, you will not struggle to do them anymore in the name of Jesus." [20:50] (60 seconds)
2. "God does not seek you out, find you and leave you the same way. But when He finds you, He makes sure that you are completely delivered from anything that has hindered your progress. He makes sure that you are delivered from anything that has stopped your showers of blessing." [25:06] (18 seconds)
3. "The blessing of the Lord makes one rich. And He adds no sorrow with it. Amen. The blessing of the Lord makes one Joseph. So this is the reason why you need to shower some blessing. The blessing of the Lord does what? Makes one rich. So if you want to be made rich. You need the blessing of the Lord." [52:45] (23 seconds)
4. "May heaven supply everything that you need. In the name of Jesus. Beloved. 1 John verse 2. Beloved I pray that in every way. You may succeed and prosper. That's my prayer for you. Beloved I pray that in every way. Not some ways. Not that you prosper in some ways. And in other ways you are not prospering. Amen. That you succeed and prosper. And be in good health. Tell somebody good health is your portion. Physical health is your portion." [50:00] (41 seconds)
5. "God is the one that gives power to make world. The scripture tells us, it is He that giveth power. Amen. To make world. If God don't give you the power make world. Lord. He power to make world. So you build your ideas for business. You enhance your skills. So that you can excel in your business. Or in your job or whatever. Anything that will yield increase for you." [38:57] (29 seconds)
### Quotes for Members
1. "There are some keys that we need to turn in order to release or to move heaven for the showers of blessing to begin to manifest in our life and we will try to look at some of them today. Amen. There are some keys when Abraham received the promise of the God or when yeah when God promised him that he's going to be father of many nations and asked him to leave his father's house." [20:50] (27 seconds)
2. "So the word of God is that the promise of God are there but there are some things that sometimes we may need to do some steps we need to take in order for the showers of blessing to manifest for us because God desires your blessing God wants you blessed praise the Lord you otherwise God truly and genuinely wants you blessed and he wants all of us blessed amen tell somebody God wants you blessed in the name of Jesus." [22:48] (35 seconds)
3. "So you must know. That. Without God. You are nobody. To begin with. You slept and you wake up this morning. Not because you are too smart. Not because you are too careful. Not because you can take care of yourself. There are some people who were. Who probably may be much stronger than you are. They went to bed and never wake up again." [42:17] (21 seconds)
4. "So the foolish man died. And other people end up enjoying the fruit of his labor. We will enjoy the fruit of our labor in the name of Jesus. He said, all these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the law of your God. You will be blessed in the city, blessed in the country. The fruits of your womb will be blessed. And the crops of your land, that's your business. And the young of your livestock. The cows of your herds. And the lambs of the flocks. Amen." [45:00] (41 seconds)
5. "So the verse is that the fool. Have said in his heart. That there is no God. You must acknowledge who God is in your life. You must believe in God. Bible says that those who believe in God. That he exists. He rewards them. Amen. So if you doubt God. If you don't believe God. If you have said in your heart. That there is no God. Bible says that. That person is a fool. Praise the Lord." [41:54] (28 seconds)