When God Stops Listening | I Just Want More | Pastor Jerry Lawson | Daystar Church

Devotional

Day 1: True Worship Requires a Changed Heart, Not Just Rituals

God is not impressed by outward displays of worship if our hearts remain unchanged. He looks beyond our songs, offerings, and religious activities to see if we are truly seeking Him or just going through the motions. When worship becomes a performance rather than a genuine encounter with God, He says, “Away with your noisy hymns of praise.” What He desires is authenticity—a heart that longs for Him, not just His blessings. True worship transforms us from the inside out, making us more like Christ and moving us to live differently every day. [00:22]

Amos 5:21-23 (ESV):
“I hate, I despise your feasts,
and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
I will not look upon them.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
to the melody of your harps I will not listen.”

Reflection: In what ways have you been “performing” worship rather than truly participating with your heart? What is one step you can take this week to make your worship more genuine and heartfelt?

Day 2: God Desires Justice and Righteousness, Not Empty Religion

God’s call is clear: He wants to see justice roll on like a river and righteousness like a never-failing stream. He is not interested in religious festivals or offerings that are disconnected from a life of compassion and right living. Justice means making wrong things right and defending the vulnerable, while righteousness is about having right relationships with God and people. When we focus only on ourselves and ignore the needs of others, our worship loses its meaning. God calls us to move beyond the walls of the church and become advocates for the hurting, the broken, and the oppressed. [03:48]

Amos 5:24 (ESV):
“But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your community or circle who is hurting or vulnerable? How can you take a practical step this week to bring justice or kindness into their life?

Day 3: Generosity Flows from a Heart Transformed by Worship

When we truly worship God, it leads to a life of generosity. God’s blessings are not meant to be hoarded but to flow through us to others, like a river that brings life wherever it goes. If we only receive and never give, our lives become stagnant, like the Dead Sea. But when we pass on what God has given us—our time, resources, and love—we become a source of life and blessing to others. Generosity is not just about money; it’s about living open-handedly, ready to serve and give as God leads. [23:42]

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: What is one area of your life where you can be a “river” instead of a “reservoir” this week? Who can you bless with your time, encouragement, or resources?

Day 4: Seek God’s Face, Not Just His Blessings

God invites us to seek Him for who He is, not just for what He can give us. Too often, we approach God like children asking for a handout, wanting His blessings but not His presence. The Bible repeatedly calls us to seek God’s face—to know Him, love Him, and desire His presence above all else. When we seek Him with all our heart, we find true life and satisfaction. This kind of seeking changes our priorities, our worship, and our daily walk, drawing us closer to the heart of God. [26:29]

Jeremiah 29:13 (ESV):
“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

Reflection: When you pray or worship, are you more focused on what God can do for you or on simply being with Him? How can you intentionally seek God’s presence this week?

Day 5: The Gospel Transforms Us from Death to Life

The greatest change we can experience is moving from spiritual death to life through Jesus Christ. We are all sinners in need of grace, and only by confessing our sins and trusting in Jesus can we be made right with God. Jesus took our sin upon Himself so that we could become the righteousness of God. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift received by faith. When we surrender to Christ, we are forgiven, made new, and empowered to live out His love in the world. [15:18]

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV):
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Reflection: Have you truly surrendered your life to Jesus and received His forgiveness? If so, how can you “pay it forward” by sharing His love and grace with someone else this week?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on a sobering truth from Amos 5: God sometimes chooses not to listen to our worship. This isn’t because He’s unable, but because He sees through empty rituals and insincere hearts. The people of Israel were doing all the right things outwardly—singing, giving, attending worship—but their hearts were far from God. They wanted more of God’s blessings, not more of God Himself. Prosperity had made them comfortable, self-focused, and spiritually numb. Instead of gratitude and humility, their abundance led to complacency and a lack of concern for the hurting and broken around them.

God’s desire is not for hollow songs or religious performances, but for justice and righteousness to flow from our lives. Justice, in the biblical sense, means making wrong things right and defending the vulnerable. Righteousness is about right relationships—with God and with people. God calls us to move beyond the walls of the church, to be advocates for the oppressed, to serve, to forgive, and to live generously. Our worship must not end with raised hands on Sunday; it must overflow into action on Monday.

We are reminded that God is not impressed by our external displays—our music, our offerings, our church attendance—if our hearts are not transformed. True worship is participation, not performance. It changes us from the inside out, making us more like Christ. Just as a river brings life by giving, not hoarding, so our lives are meant to be conduits of God’s blessings to others. When we only receive and never give, we become stagnant, like the Dead Sea.

The call is to seek God’s face, not just His hand. To desire His presence more than His gifts. When we do, our worship becomes authentic, our lives become generous, and our faith becomes a living testimony to the world. We are perfectly positioned and equipped to make a difference, not because of our own strength, but because Christ has transformed us. The greatest change is moving from spiritual death to life through Jesus, and then paying that forward by loving and serving others as He has loved us.

Key Takeaways

1. Justice and Righteousness Over Rituals God desires justice and righteousness, not empty religious rituals. True worship is seen in how we treat the vulnerable and pursue right relationships, not just in our songs or offerings. When our faith is only about external acts, we miss the heart of God, who calls us to be advocates for the hurting and to live with integrity and compassion. [03:48]
2. Generosity Flows From Transformed Worship A life touched by God’s presence becomes a river, not a reservoir. When we hoard blessings, we become stagnant, but when we let God’s goodness flow through us to others, we bring life and hope. Generosity is not just about money, but about time, compassion, and advocacy for those in need. [24:15]
3. Seek God’s Face, Not Just His Hand Many seek God for what He can give, but He invites us to seek His presence above all. When we pursue God Himself, not just His blessings, our hearts are changed, and our worship becomes authentic. This shift from seeking gifts to seeking the Giver is the foundation of a deep, transformative faith. [27:09]
4. Participation, Not Performance, in Worship God is not moved by outward performance but by inward participation. True worship is not about being present in a building or singing the right songs, but about engaging our hearts and allowing God to transform us. When we participate fully, worship changes us and overflows into every area of our lives. [22:04]
5. Pay Forward the Grace You’ve Received We are called to take the love and transformation we’ve received from Christ and extend it to others. Our stories, even our brokenness, become powerful testimonies when we use them to serve and encourage those who are struggling. God has positioned and equipped each of us uniquely to make a difference right where we are. [20:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - When God Stops Listening
[01:19] - The Danger of Wanting More
[02:47] - Empty Worship and Selfishness
[03:48] - God’s Call for Justice and Righteousness
[05:02] - Blessings Meant to Bless Others
[06:07] - Idolatry of Self
[07:18] - Giving Without Loving
[08:00] - What Justice and Righteousness Mean
[10:31] - Looking Beyond Ourselves
[11:20] - Living Right With God and People
[12:49] - The Challenge of True Worship
[15:07] - Christ’s Example of Sacrificial Love
[20:21] - Testimony: Paying It Forward
[21:22] - Stop Performing, Start Participating
[23:25] - Worship That Births Generosity
[26:29] - Seek God, Not Just His Blessings
[28:05] - Proclaiming and Singing to God
[29:21] - Prayer for Transformation
[30:45] - From Death to Life in Christ
[32:41] - Celebration and Closing

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: When God Stops Listening (Amos 5)**

---

### Bible Reading

**Amos 5:21-24 (ESV)**
> “I hate, I despise your feasts,
> and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
> Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
> I will not accept them;
> and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
> I will not look upon them.
> Take away from me the noise of your songs;
> to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
> But let justice roll down like waters,
> and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

**2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV)**
> And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

**Matthew 6:33 (ESV)**
> But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

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### Observation Questions

In Amos 5:21-24, what specific religious activities does God say He rejects, and what does He say He desires instead?
According to the sermon, what was the real problem with Israel’s worship, even though they were doing all the right things outwardly? [[02:47]]
What does the word “justice” mean in the context of Amos 5, as explained in the sermon? [[08:00]]
In 2 Corinthians 3:18, what does Paul say happens to us when we behold the glory of the Lord?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why does God say He will not listen to the songs and offerings of His people in Amos 5? What does this reveal about what God values most in worship? [[03:48]]
The sermon says, “You can give and not love, but you can’t love and not give.” How does this statement help us understand the difference between empty ritual and true worship? [[07:18]]
The pastor described Israel as being like a reservoir that hoards blessings, becoming stagnant like the Dead Sea. What does this illustration teach about the purpose of God’s blessings in our lives? [[24:15]]
According to Matthew 6:33 and the sermon, what is the difference between seeking God’s hand and seeking His face? Why does this matter for our faith? [[27:09]]

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### Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to move beyond “hollow songs or religious performances” and let justice and righteousness flow from our lives. What is one area where you might be going through the motions spiritually, and what would it look like to let God change your heart in that area? [[03:48]]
Think about your daily life outside of church. Who are the “hurting and broken” people around you that God might be calling you to notice and serve? What is one practical step you could take this week to advocate for or help someone in need? [[04:01]]
The pastor said, “You can give and not love, but you can’t love and not give.” Is there a place in your life where you are giving out of obligation rather than love? How could you shift your motivation to love? [[07:18]]
The Dead Sea illustration showed that when we only receive and never give, we become stagnant. In what ways have you been a “reservoir” instead of a “river” with your time, resources, or compassion? What is one way you can let God’s blessings flow through you to others this week? [[24:15]]
The sermon said, “Seek God’s face, not just His hand.” When you pray or worship, are you more focused on what God can do for you, or on knowing Him better? What is one way you can shift your focus to seek God Himself this week? [[27:09]]
The pastor encouraged us to “pay forward the grace you’ve received.” Can you think of a time when God brought you through something difficult? How might your story encourage or help someone else who is struggling right now? [[20:40]]
The message ended with a prayer for transformation: “God, change me. Make me more like you.” What is one specific attitude, value, or habit you want God to change in you? How can your group support you in this? [[29:47]]

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**Closing Prayer Suggestion:**
Invite the group to pray the transformation prayer from the sermon, asking God to change hearts, priorities, and actions so that justice and righteousness flow from their lives.

Sermon Clips

I don't want to be famous for 30 years and stand before God. And he's like, well, you know, it's really cool that you had a blue check mark on TikTok and all that stuff. But, you know, you didn't preach my word. You know, and I don't want us to be standing before God and we didn't live his word. That's why our church is so focused on being outside the walls of this church. [00:13:36] (20 seconds) #RighteousnessThroughChrist

See, isn't it? I'm going to preach it, lady. Come on. Because isn't that the standard Jesus gave to us? Did Jesus wait on you and me to get holy and righteous and ascend to heaven? No. He came down to us. He became. And it's so beautiful. The way Paul writes this. He says, God made him who had no sin. That's Jesus. To become sin for us. Because you couldn't stop sinning. He came and took your sin and put it on himself. So that in him we could become what? And there's that word again. Righteousness of God. [00:14:54] (41 seconds) #PayItForwardFaith

Real worship is not entering the building. You haven't entered into worship because you entered the building. I mean, there can be somebody in this section over here who is in the hall. There's a holy of holies in a prayer or worship moment. And I mean, they are truly touching heaven. Heaven is touching them. They are in that process that Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians. They are being transformed, more like Christ. They are changing supernaturally. And the person sitting right beside them is a million miles away from God. Are you aware of that? The song doesn't do it. How you dress doesn't do it. Bringing your Bible doesn't do it. Being in the building doesn't do it. Writing a check, giving money doesn't do it. But genuine worship is a heart issue. It's an internal issue. It's not an outside issue. [00:22:36] (46 seconds) #JusticeLikeARiver

Let your worship birth true generosity. Verse 24 said, let justice roll like a what? A river. Rivers don't store water. Have you noticed that? Millions of gallons of water go down into that river and all of it goes out. That's what justice is supposed to look like. You being a river, not a reservoir. When it comes into you, you pass it forward. You don't hoard it. You don't keep it. You pass it forward. You realize that it all belongs to God. All the goodness, all the benefits, even your achievements have its origin in God. [00:23:29] (38 seconds) #GenerosityThroughWorship

Lastly, we need to seek God, not just his blessings. That's a kingdom dynamic. Amos 5 and 4, he says, seek me and live. That's a major theme throughout the whole scripture. Jesus said seek first the kingdom of God and all the things you need will be added as well. God said in Jeremiah 29, you'll find me when you seek me with all of your heart. Moses said you'll find the Lord when you seek him with your whole heart and your whole soul. David said the most important thing is to seek the Lord. Ezra said seek his face continually. And there's the key, y'all. Seek his face. Too many of us are seeking his hand. [00:26:29] (40 seconds) #WorshipTransformsYou

Worship ain't about you and your music style. It's about the God who left heaven and died on a sinful cross for you. Sing to him. That kind of worship will change you. Man, it'll make you into all the things the book says you can be, a head and not the tail, an overcomer, a mighty woman of God, a man of God. A godly heritage. That's what worship looks like. You know, worship is meant to transform you from glory to glory. [00:28:46] (31 seconds)

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