Unlocking Heaven's Blessings Through Faith and Witness

Devotional

Day 1: Trust in God's Promises

When we fully rely on the Word of God, we open ourselves to His blessings. The Word of God is true and powerful because it is backed by God Himself. In 2 Kings 7:1-11, Elisha prophesies abundant provisions during a severe famine, and despite skepticism, God's promise is fulfilled. Similarly, the story of Pastor Lorenzo Boy Bowen illustrates the importance of trusting in God's Word. Despite his initial struggles, his faith and reliance on God's promises led to miraculous blessings, including financial provision and a new vehicle, all while serving a growing church. This underscores the importance of trusting in God's Word. [06:53]

Isaiah 55:10-11 (ESV): "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."

Reflection: Think of a promise from God's Word that you have struggled to believe. How can you begin to trust in that promise today?

Day 2: Faith Requires Risk

Faith that is blessed is often first tested. The story of Pastor Lorendo Dioia, Sr., a former NPA commander turned pastor, exemplifies this principle. He risked his life for his newfound faith and ultimately paid the ultimate price, becoming a martyr. His son, Pastor Lorendo Dioia, Jr., continues his legacy, demonstrating that risking faith in God can lead to profound spiritual impact. This narrative highlights that true faith often involves stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting God in the face of uncertainty. [16:56]

James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to take a risk in faith? What steps can you take today to act on that call?

Day 3: Share God's Blessings

Keeping the blessings of God to ourselves is sinful. The four lepers in 2 Kings 7 initially hoarded the blessings they found in the deserted Syrian camp but soon realized that keeping the good news to themselves was wrong. They decided to share it with the starving city of Samaria, leading to a massive outpouring of God's provision. We are called to share God's goodness with others, influencing our families, friends, and communities. Silence about God's goodness is sinful; we are called to share the blessings we receive with others. [30:49]

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace."

Reflection: Think of a recent blessing you have received from God. How can you share this blessing with someone in need today?

Day 4: Silence is Sinful

Being silent about the blessings and goodness of God is a form of sin. Our lives and testimonies are meant to influence others positively. Jesus Himself is astonished when people live their faith in secret. We must boldly share our faith and the good news of salvation. The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 serves as a reminder that we are called to share the good news of God's provision and salvation with others. [32:50]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 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."

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear about the goodness of God? How can you share your testimony with them today?

Day 5: The Message Over the Messenger

God can use anyone to deliver His message. The story of the four lepers who brought good news to Samaria shows that the significance lies in the message, not the messenger. We are all beggars telling other beggars where to find bread, emphasizing the importance of the message over the messenger. This principle reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their background or status, to share His message of hope and salvation. [35:56]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unqualified to share God's message. How can you trust that God can use you, despite your perceived weaknesses, to impact others today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

In 2 Kings 7:1-11, we find a powerful narrative about God's promise to open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings even in the midst of dire circumstances. The story begins with a prophecy from Elisha during a severe famine in Samaria, where he declares that abundant provisions will be available the next day. This prophecy is met with skepticism by a royal officer, who doubts God's ability to perform such a miracle. Elisha responds that the officer will see the blessing but will not partake in it.

The sermon emphasizes three key principles for allowing God to open the windows of heaven in our lives. First, we must rely fully on the Word of God. The Word is true and powerful because it is backed by God Himself. The story of Pastor Lorenzo Boy Bowen illustrates this point vividly. Despite his initial struggles, his faith and reliance on God's promises led to miraculous blessings, including financial provision and a new vehicle, all while serving a growing church.

Second, we must risk our faith in the Lord. True faith is often tested before it is blessed. The story of Pastor Lorendo Dioia, Sr., a former NPA commander turned pastor, exemplifies this principle. He risked his life for his newfound faith and ultimately paid the ultimate price, becoming a martyr. His son, Pastor Lorendo Dioia, Jr., continues his legacy, demonstrating that risking faith in God can lead to profound spiritual impact.

Finally, we must reach out to others by our witness. The four lepers in 2 Kings 7 initially hoarded the blessings they found in the deserted Syrian camp but soon realized that keeping the good news to themselves was wrong. They decided to share it with the starving city of Samaria, leading to a massive outpouring of God's provision. Silence about God's goodness is sinful; we are called to share the blessings we receive with others.

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Key Takeaways

1. Rely Fully on the Word of God: The Word of God is true and powerful because it is backed by God Himself. When we fully rely on His promises, we open ourselves to His blessings. The story of Pastor Lorenzo Boy Bowen, who saw miraculous financial and material blessings after committing his struggles to God, underscores the importance of trusting in God's Word. [06:53]
2. Risk Your Faith in the Lord: Faith that is blessed is often first tested. Pastor Lorendo Dioia, Sr.'s story of risking his life for his faith and becoming a martyr highlights the profound impact of risking our faith in God. His son continues his legacy, showing that such risks can lead to significant spiritual growth and influence. [16:56]
3. Reach Out to Others by Your Witness: Keeping the blessings of God to ourselves is sinful. The four lepers in 2 Kings 7 realized that they needed to share the good news of God's provision with the starving city of Samaria. We are called to share God's goodness with others, influencing our families, friends, and communities. [30:49]
4. Silence is Sinful: Being silent about the blessings and goodness of God is a form of sin. Our lives and testimonies are meant to influence others positively. Jesus Himself is astonished when people live their faith in secret. We must boldly share our faith and the good news of salvation. [32:50]
5. The Message, Not the Messenger, is Important: God can use anyone to deliver His message. The story of the four lepers who brought good news to Samaria shows that the significance lies in the message, not the messenger. We are all beggars telling other beggars where to find bread, emphasizing the importance of the message over the messenger. [35:56]
### [35:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Showers of Blessing
[01:59] - Barangay Names
[03:16] - God's Blessing is Not Automatic
[04:59] - Siege of Samaria
[05:58] - Rely Fully on the Word of God
[08:18] - Testimony of Pastor Lorenzo Boy Bowen
[10:09] - Unexpected Blessings
[12:09] - Generosity of Manny Pacquiao
[14:52] - Building a Church
[16:22] - Risk Your Faith in the Lord
[20:44] - Story of the Four Lepers
[23:19] - No Retreat, No Surrender
[27:17] - Martyrdom of Pastor Lorendo Dioia, Sr.
[30:49] - Reach Out to Others by Your Witness
[32:50] - Silence is Sinful
[35:56] - The Message, Not the Messenger, is Important
[38:29] - Conclusion and Blessings

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the prophecy given by Elisha in 2 Kings 7:1, and how did the royal officer respond to it? [05:58]
Describe the situation in Samaria during the famine as mentioned in 2 Kings 7:1-11. What were the conditions like? [04:59]
How did the four lepers initially react to finding the deserted Syrian camp, and what did they eventually decide to do? [29:50]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to "rely fully on the Word of God," and how did Pastor Lorenzo Boy Bowen's story illustrate this principle? [08:18]
How does the story of Pastor Lorendo Dioia, Sr. demonstrate the concept of risking one's faith in the Lord? What impact did his actions have on his son? [27:17]
Why is it important to share the blessings and good news of God with others, as demonstrated by the four lepers in 2 Kings 7? [30:49]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you doubted God's promises like the royal officer in 2 Kings 7:2. How did that situation resolve, and what did you learn from it? [05:58]
Pastor Lorenzo Boy Bowen wrote down his specific prayers and saw them answered. Have you ever made a specific prayer request to God? What was the outcome, and how did it affect your faith? [08:18]
Pastor Lorendo Dioia, Sr. risked his life for his faith. Are there areas in your life where you feel called to take a risk for God? What steps can you take to act on that calling? [27:17]
The four lepers decided to share the good news of the deserted Syrian camp with the starving city of Samaria. Is there a blessing or good news in your life that you have been keeping to yourself? How can you share it with others this week? [30:49]
The sermon mentioned that "silence is sinful." Have you ever felt hesitant to share your faith or God's blessings with others? What can you do to overcome this hesitation? [32:50]
The message, not the messenger, is important. How can you focus on sharing God's message rather than worrying about your own qualifications or abilities? [35:56]
Think of someone in your life who might be struggling or in need of encouragement. How can you reach out to them this week and share the blessings you have received from God? [30:49]

Sermon Clips

1. "The situation here is that the messenger of the Lord prophesies that blessings will come even in the midst of difficulties. He says, The Lord will make or open windows or poke holes in heaven so that blessing will rain down upon His children. In one sense, this is similar to Ezekiel 34, verse 26, which says, where Yahweh promises, I will make them and the places. All around. All around my hill a blessing. And I will cause showers to come down in their season. And there shall be showers of blessing." [01:07] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God's blessing is not automatic. It does not mean that because you're a Christian, you're immediately blessed by the Lord. It's not automatic. Dr. Warren Wiersbe was once... He was invited to a church where he was supposed to pray for some newly bought equipment, church equipment, maybe a piano or a drum set. But in his prayer, and I like his prayer, he said in his prayer, Lord, we've asked you to bless all these things, but please, Lord, make us blessable. We've asked you to bless all these things, but Lord, please, please make us blessable." [03:54] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The effectiveness of the Word is not bound by the actions of men. Whoever is preaching behind this pulpit, if he preaches the Word of God, the effectiveness of the Word is not bound by the actions of men. You fully rely on the Word of God. We should realize early on, that the Word of God is true, because it is backed up by God Himself. Behind the Word of God is God Himself, and it is true. It is powerful. It changes lives." [08:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Faith that is blessed is always the kind of faith that is first tested. Do you get that? Faith that is always blessed is the kind of faith that is always first tested. So you risk your faith to the Lord. It's an idea that somehow you need to gamble. You need to bet on in a positive way. To risk, really it means that you put your faith to the test. You risk your faith to the Lord." [16:56] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "My friends, it's not those things, that you did for the Lord that you'll get disappointed in. It's those things that you didn't. You didn't join the choir. You didn't teach kids at Sunday school. You didn't go to Northern Thailand or go to baptism. There's a baptism next week. You didn't go to Bible school at Phoebus College of Bible to learn how to teach Sunday school or to teach professional kids here at Grace Christian College. You didn't heed God's call to finally obey His calling. Don't be disappointed later in life. Risk your faith now." [17:29] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The blessing of the Lord does not come only through relying fully on the Word of God, risking your faith for the Lord, but know this, the Lord will fully open the windows of heaven to you personally and to this church institutionally when we reach out to others by your witness. You don't keep quiet. You have good news, you experience God's goodness, you reach out to others by your witness." [30:25] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Silence is sinful. Actually, all of you here, in fact, all of us here, have tasted the goodness of the Lord, right? Thank you for the three who answered, yes. Then why should you be silent about it? People don't put our heads on chopping boards when we tell of God's goodness, right? So why then do you have to keep quiet? Remember, your life always influences others, your family, your friends, your clients, and even your co-workers. In fact, Jesus is astonished when people say, I am a Christian, and yet live their lives, your faith, in secret." [32:50] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The message, not the messenger, is important. Easy for you to say you're a dean, you're an OIC at Phoebus College of Bible, you're a pastor. Some of you will likely say, but still the idea that the medium is the message is accurate, at least occasionally. But still, look, it just took four insignificant lepers to move out an entire country. Again, the message, not the messenger, is important. Martin Luther once said, evangelism is one beggar telling another beggar where he found bread. We're just beggars." [35:37] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Sharing God's goodness with others is the best way you can repay God's goodness in your own life. Most Christians avoid this because you do recognize that it's not simple work to share about the good news. That's why Charles Spurgeon had said, winners of souls are first weepers for souls." [36:18] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Rely fully on the promises of God. Let's continue to reach out to others who still need the good news of salvation. God bless everyone of you." [38:29] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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