Today’s focus is on the reality of spiritual influence—both dark and light—and the steps the enemy uses to gain ground in our lives. While many avoid talking about demonic influence, ignoring it only gives it more power. As believers, we are owned by the Lord and cannot be possessed by the enemy, but we can be deeply influenced, even inhabited, by demonic forces—not in terms of ownership, but in terms of occupation and influence. The world’s brokenness is a result of these spiritual influences, and we must recognize that both the Holy Spirit and evil spirits are vying for influence over our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Disobedience opens doors to the enemy, even for Christians. Paul’s warnings to the church in Ephesus make it clear: believers can give place to the devil, and when we do, we may need deliverance. Just as a car needs to be refueled, our spiritual lives require continual renewal through worship, the Word, and fellowship. The enemy’s tactics often follow a pattern: regression, repression, suppression, and depression. Regression is when we find ourselves slipping back into old patterns, losing our spiritual fervor. The antidote is repentance and praise—blessing the Lord with all that is within us, as David modeled in Psalm 103. Repression and suppression are about restraining or concealing the natural, God-given expressions of life and joy. The enemy wants to mute our praise and stifle our joy, but God desires exuberant, authentic expression from His children. When we allow ourselves to be repressed or suppressed, it affects not only us but those around us—our families, our workplaces, even our churches. Depression, the final step, is a broken spirit that the enemy exploits to bring conflict, confusion, and destruction. Yet, even in the darkest moments, a word of encouragement, a scripture, or a song of praise can break the cycle and restore joy. The solution is found in James 4:7: “Submit to God, resist the devil, and he will flee.” Submission to God is an active refusal to submit to the enemy’s tactics. Resistance is a spiritual, even military, action that causes the enemy to flee in terror. When we stand firm in God, the enemy cannot hold us. No matter how far we’ve gone down the wrong road, turning around in repentance and praise brings us back to victory and freedom in Christ. Key Takeaways 1. Spiritual influence is real and constant, affecting every person—believer or not. We are always being influenced by either light or darkness, and ignoring the reality of demonic influence only gives it more power in our lives. Recognizing and exposing these influences is the first step toward freedom. [01:47] 2. Disobedience, even in the life of a believer, opens doors for the enemy to gain ground. It’s not enough to simply believe; obedience is what keeps us aligned with God’s will and protected from spiritual attack. Every act of disobedience is an invitation for darkness to influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. [07:03] 3. Regression, repression, suppression, and depression are progressive tactics the enemy uses to draw us away from God. Regression starts with losing spiritual passion, repression and suppression mute our God-given expressions, and depression crushes our spirit. Each step can be reversed by intentional repentance, praise, and authentic worship from the innermost part of our being. [16:43] 4. Authentic praise and worship are powerful weapons against spiritual regression and oppression. Blessing the Lord with all that is within us, even when we don’t feel like it, breaks the enemy’s hold and restores spiritual vitality. This is not about outward ritual but deep, internal devotion that realigns us with God’s presence and power. [14:28] 5. The key to victory is found in submitting to God and resisting the devil. Submission is an active, ongoing refusal to yield to the enemy’s tactics, while resistance is a spiritual stand that causes the enemy to flee in terror. When we take our stand in Christ, the enemy cannot withstand the authority and freedom we have in Him. [35:33] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [00:36] - Understanding Spiritual Steps and Influence [01:13] - Exposing Demonic Power [02:18] - Can Christians Be Demonized? [04:26] - The Reality of Spiritual Influence [05:20] - Allowing Light or Darkness to Influence [06:16] - Disobedience and Spiritual Access [07:19] - Giving Place to the Devil [08:38] - The Need for Continual Spiritual Renewal [09:22] - Regression: The First Warning Sign [10:46] - Overcoming Regression with Praise [14:28] - Deep, Authentic Worship [16:43] - Repression and Suppression Explained [19:08] - God’s Desire for Expression [22:57] - Suppression and the Victorious Life [25:03] - Victory Through Christ [29:30] - Depression: The Enemy’s Final Tactic [33:14] - The Power of Submission and Resistance [35:33] - Making the Enemy Flee [39:38] - Closing Prayer and Declaration of Freedom

"I sought the Lord and He heard me." Lauren Clemmons Testimonies of Healing Highest Praise Church

In a world filled with chaos, violence, and spiritual confusion, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by darkness and the sense that evil is gaining ground. Yet, Jesus’ words in John 16:33 remind us that while we will have tribulation in this world, He has already overcome it. The “world” here is not the earth itself, but the system of darkness that stands in opposition to God’s kingdom. As followers of Christ, we are not powerless victims within this system; rather, we have been given authority and power over it through Jesus’ victory. There is much talk today about curses, spiritual attacks, and the influence of darkness. Some even fear that witches or those practicing evil can place curses on believers. But Scripture is clear: an undeserved curse cannot land on a child of God (Proverbs 26:2). No one can curse whom God has blessed. Our justification through Christ means there is no condemnation for us, and God alone has the authority to judge. While the power of darkness is real, it cannot override the blessing and protection God places on His people. However, living in a cursed world means we can still be affected by spiritual forces—oppression, fear, depression, and other attacks. This does not mean we are cursed or owned by the enemy; rather, it is the result of living in a fallen world. The analogy of Hong Kong under British rule illustrates this: as long as we remain under God’s covering, we are protected, but stepping outside exposes us to unnecessary danger. The enemy may try to affect us, but he cannot own us. We belong to Christ, and the Holy Spirit is our true owner. Jesus gave His disciples—and by extension, all believers—authority over all the power of the enemy. We are not called to hide in fear or simply hope for escape, but to stand boldly, take initiative, and exercise the authority given to us. When darkness tries to invade our lives, families, or minds, we are to confront it in Jesus’ name, knowing that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world. Our identity is not defined by what affects us, but by the One who owns us. We are blessed, not cursed, and nothing the enemy does can change that. Key Takeaways 1. Authority Over the World System Jesus has given us authority and power over the world system—a system of darkness that opposes God. This authority is not theoretical; it is a practical, spiritual reality that enables us to stand firm against the schemes of the enemy. We are not called to be passive observers but active participants in God’s victory over darkness. [01:51] 2. The Powerlessness of Undeserved Curses Scripture assures us that an undeserved curse cannot harm a child of God. The enemy may attempt to intimidate or threaten, but his words and actions have no power to override God’s blessing. Our security is rooted in our justification through Christ, which places us beyond the reach of condemnation and spiritual harm. [05:03] 3. Being Affected vs. Being Owned Living in a fallen world means we can be affected by spiritual attacks—oppression, fear, depression—but these do not define or own us. The enemy may try to influence us, but ownership belongs to the Holy Spirit. Our identity and security are found in Christ, not in the circumstances or attacks we face. [11:19] 4. Active Spiritual Resistance Jesus calls us to take offensive action against the enemy, not to retreat in fear. We are to cast out darkness, pray fervently, and stand in the authority given to us. The church is meant to be a force that confronts evil, not one that hides from it, knowing that no weapon formed against us will prosper. [16:21] 5. Living as the Blessed, Not the Cursed Our lives are marked by God’s blessing, not by curses or the threats of the enemy. When spiritual heaviness or attack comes, we are to declare our freedom and authority in Christ, reminding the enemy that he has no claim over us. The most powerful truth is that we are owned by the Holy Spirit, and nothing can separate us from God’s love and protection. ** [24:04] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [01:00] - The Reality of Darkness in Our Community [01:51] - Jesus’ Authority Over the World System [03:24] - Living Ready for Christ’s Return [04:17] - Understanding Curses and Their Limits [05:03] - The Powerlessness of Undeserved Curses [07:09] - Justification and Freedom from Condemnation [09:24] - Christians and Spiritual Attacks [11:19] - The Covering of God’s Authority [12:39] - Jesus’ Commission: Authority Over Darkness [14:20] - Rejoicing in Spiritual Authority [15:37] - The Church’s Call to Deliverance [16:21] - Taking Offensive Action Against the Enemy [17:45] - Living Boldly in a Troubled World [19:23] - Standing Firm Against Spiritual Opposition [23:32] - The Enemy Can Affect, But Not Own [24:04] - Owned by the Holy Spirit, Free in Christ

Romans 1 paints a sobering picture of humanity’s downward spiral when truth is persistently rejected. From the very beginning, God has made Himself known to every person—His invisible qualities, His eternal power, and His divine nature are evident in creation. No one is without excuse. The tragedy is not ignorance of God, but the willful refusal to honor, glorify, and worship Him as God. When people exchange the truth for lies and the Creator for created things, their hearts and minds become darkened, and they begin a progression away from God that leads to spiritual blindness and moral confusion. This progression is not immediate, but gradual. It begins with the suppression of truth, moves to the replacement of God with idols—whether those are physical objects, pleasures, or even self—and then to repeated resistance, where sin becomes normalized and even celebrated. The conscience becomes calloused, and what once brought conviction now brings no feeling at all. This is the state of a reprobate or debased mind: so hardened in sin that God’s voice is no longer heard, conviction is absent, and righteousness is no longer desired. The most fearful judgment is not God’s active punishment, but His passive abandonment—when He simply lets people have it their way. Yet, even in the midst of this darkness, there is hope. The call to repentance is always present as long as there is breath in our lungs. God is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The light of Christ still shines, and even the most hardened heart can be redeemed. The story of the prodigal son reminds us that the Father runs toward those who turn back, no matter how far they have drifted. The blood of Jesus is powerful enough to wash, sanctify, and justify even the vilest sinner. Revival is not just coming—it is here, and God is pouring out His Spirit on all flesh. The invitation is open: come back before your heart hardens, cry out before you drift too far, and let the Lord renew your mind and restore your soul. Key Takeaways 1. The Danger of Suppressing Truth God has revealed Himself to every person, leaving no one with an excuse. Suppressing the truth is not a neutral act; it leads to darkness and confusion. When we refuse to honor God as God, we begin a journey away from the light, and the heart grows increasingly blind to spiritual reality. [02:11] 2. Idolatry Is More Than Statues Replacing God doesn’t always look like bowing to golden calves; it can be anything—pleasure, self, entertainment—that takes the place of the Creator in our affections. When we worship the creation rather than the Creator, we lose sight of God’s majesty and our own purpose, and our lives become disordered. [11:03] 3. Repeated Sin Desensitizes the Soul Sin, when repeated and unrepented, hardens the conscience like a callous on the hand. What once brought conviction now brings indifference, and the heart becomes numb to God’s voice. The most dangerous place is not when you feel guilty, but when you feel nothing at all. [13:21] 4. Divine Abandonment Is the Most Fearful Judgment God’s greatest judgment is not always active wrath, but when He stops striving with us and lets us go our own way. Spiritual death and moral confusion follow, and the moral compass is shattered. Yet, as long as we call on the Lord, He is striving with us, working to bring us back. [21:51] 5. Redemption Is Always Possible No matter how far someone has drifted, as long as there is breath, there is hope. The blood of Jesus can wash, sanctify, and justify anyone who turns to Him. The call to repentance is open, and God is running toward every prodigal who turns back—there is no one beyond His reach. [28:08] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [00:32] - Introduction: “Have It Your Way” [01:31] - The Wrath of God and Salvation [02:11] - God’s Revelation Leaves No Excuse [03:08] - Humanity’s Rejection and Idolatry [05:50] - The Downward Spiral of Sin [11:03] - The Reality of Modern Idolatry [12:39] - The Reprobate Mind in Today’s World [13:21] - Calloused Hearts and Repeated Sin [15:29] - The Danger of Losing Conviction [17:48] - The Broken Moral Compass [20:39] - The Consequences of Divine Abandonment [23:32] - Examining Ourselves and the Potter’s Vessels [28:08] - The Call to Repentance and Hope [31:14] - Washed, Sanctified, and Justified [38:47] - The Father’s Pursuit and Rescue [40:52] - God’s Spirit Poured Out in the Last Days [42:47] - Invitation to Return and Prayer of Repentance [46:55] - Revival and Closing Remarks

In Acts 6, we see the early church in a season of both growth and persecution. Out of chaos, God brings order, and the church expands as the apostles focus on prayer and the ministry of the Word. Stephen is chosen—not because of a title or position, but because he is full of faith, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit. He is tasked with serving, caring for widows, and meeting practical needs, yet his life is marked by the supernatural power and presence of God. Stephen’s story reminds us that God uses ordinary people, not just those with titles, to do extraordinary things when they are filled with His Spirit. Stephen’s boldness in sharing the gospel brings him into conflict with the “freedmen,” a group who prided themselves on liberty but rejected any moral law. Their resistance is not just to Stephen’s words, but to the Spirit and wisdom with which he speaks. The real battle is spiritual—between the Spirit of God and the spirit of the world, the spirit of Christ and the spirit of antichrist. When people begin to listen to the truth, the enemy is threatened, and opposition intensifies. Yet, Stephen’s response is not retaliation, but forgiveness, echoing the words of Jesus on the cross. The martyrdom of Stephen is not just a historical event; it is a prophetic picture of what it means to be a true follower of Christ. Christianity is not a title, but a relationship that transforms us from the inside out. When we are full of the Holy Spirit, our lives radiate the glory of God, even in the face of persecution. The world may celebrate the silencing of truth, but God honors those who stand firm. Jesus Himself stands to welcome Stephen home, showing us the eternal significance of a life lived in the fullness of the Spirit. We are called to be a people who, like Stephen, stay continually filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not just for moments of crisis, but for every day—raising families, facing trials, and sharing the gospel. The same Spirit that empowered Stephen is available to us, enabling us to respond with grace, courage, and love. Our legacy is not in titles or recognition, but in being vessels through whom God’s presence and truth are made known to a world desperate for hope. --- Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [00:36] - The Early Church: Growth Through Persecution [01:58] - Choosing Servant Leaders: The Example of Stephen [02:40] - Order Out of Chaos: God’s Way of Expansion [03:45] - The Freedmen and the Spirit of Liberty [04:25] - Stephen’s Qualifications: Full of the Spirit [06:09] - The Power of Wisdom and Understanding [07:10] - The Gospel Confronts the Spirit of the Age [08:38] - Opposition and the Cost of Truth [11:08] - Martyrdom: The True Cost of Following Christ [14:18] - Christianity: Not a Title, But a Relationship [16:51] - Prophetic Parallels: Witnesses and the End Times [19:07] - The Enemy’s Real Fear: People Hearing the Truth [23:04] - The World’s Response to Truth and the Spirit of Antichrist [26:51] - Stephen’s Trial and the Glory of God [29:49] - Stephen’s Martyrdom and Jesus’ Honor [33:31] - The Mystery of God’s Timing and Sovereignty [35:28] - Forgiveness: The Mark of a Spirit-Filled Life [38:01] - The Ripple Effect: Saul, Ananias, and Transformation [44:37] - Staying Full of the Holy Spirit Daily [47:20] - Closing Prayer and Blessing

Life is full of decision points—moments when we must choose whether to stay where we are or step forward in faith. Too often, fear of disappointment causes us to limit our expectations of what God can do, robbing ourselves of the miracles He wants to perform. But God is not a shepherd who withholds good things from His sheep; He knows exactly what we need, even when we don’t. When we trust Him and move forward, even in uncertainty, our small acts of obedience are magnified and multiplied in ways we could never imagine. The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 illustrates this truth. Facing certain death, they chose not to sit in despair but to move toward the enemy’s camp. Their simple decision to act was met by God’s supernatural intervention—He magnified their footsteps so that the enemy heard the sound of a mighty army and fled, leaving behind all the plunder. What began as a desperate act of survival became a message of hope and deliverance for an entire city. When we step out in faith, God not only meets us but uses our obedience to bless others. Similarly, the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5 made a life-altering decision when she reached out to touch Jesus. Despite her fear and the risk of rejection, she acted on what she heard about Him. Her faith not only brought her healing but also changed her identity—from an outcast to a beloved daughter. When we hear God’s voice and respond, our very identity is transformed, and we step into the fullness of what He has for us. Obedience in the small things can have generational impact. Decisions made in faith—whether to take a job, make a phone call, or invest in a relationship—can set off a chain reaction of blessing that continues for years. God multiplies our obedience, often in ways we only recognize in hindsight. The enemy may try to discourage us with negative voices, but true peace comes from hearing and trusting God’s word over our lives. Ultimately, the greatest decision is to trust Jesus as Lord and Savior. Every other act of obedience flows from that foundational choice. When we choose to trust and obey, we move from merely surviving to becoming messengers of God’s goodness, carrying hope and restoration to those around us. Key Takeaways 1. Limiting expectations out of fear of disappointment restricts God’s work in our lives. When we refuse to step out because we’re afraid things won’t work out, we rob ourselves of the miracles God wants to perform. Faith requires us to trust that God knows what is best, even when the outcome is uncertain. Release the fear of disappointment and allow God to surprise you with His goodness. [01:10] 2. Small acts of obedience are magnified and multiplied in the spiritual realm. The four lepers’ decision to move forward seemed insignificant, but God turned their footsteps into the sound of a mighty army. When we act on God’s prompting, He amplifies our efforts, often bringing about results far beyond what we could accomplish on our own. Our movement in faith creates ripples that impact not just us, but many others. [06:12] 3. Hearing and responding to God’s voice transforms our identity and destiny. The woman with the issue of blood was changed from an outcast to a daughter because she acted on what she heard about Jesus. Our willingness to listen for God’s voice and respond in faith redefines who we are and opens the door to healing and restoration. God’s word over us is more powerful than any label or limitation. [14:03] 4. Obedience in seemingly small decisions can have generational and exponential impact. A single decision—like making a phone call or accepting a job—can set off a chain of blessings that affect not only us but our families, communities, and even future generations. God continues to multiply the fruit of our obedience long after the initial step is taken. Don’t underestimate the power of one faithful choice. [34:24] 5. True peace is found not in the absence of storms, but in trusting God within them. We often seek peace by asking God to remove our difficulties, but real peace comes from knowing He is with us in the midst of the storm. When we have peace in the storm, we can have peace over the storm. Trusting God’s word and presence brings a deep assurance that transcends circumstances. [42:06] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [01:10] - Limiting Ourselves Out of Fear [02:11] - God as Our Shepherd [06:12] - The Four Lepers’ Decision [10:49] - Hearing God’s Voice [14:03] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood [18:59] - From Survivor to Messenger [21:21] - Jesus’ Identity and Ours [23:21] - The Power of the Spoken Word [25:16] - The Importance of Life-Changing Decisions [28:05] - Testimony: The School Decision [30:22] - Testimony: Acquiring the Land [34:24] - Testimony: The Power of One Phone Call [39:21] - Discerning God’s Word Amidst Negativity [42:06] - Peace in the Storm [43:30] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Life is a series of decision points—moments where we must choose which path to take, and these choices shape not only our own lives but the lives of those around us. From the very beginning, God has set before us the opportunity to choose between life and death, blessing and cursing, urging us to choose life so that we and our descendants may live. The stories of Joshua, Ruth, and Esther remind us that our decisions are not just about us; they are about faith, about our future, and about the impact we have on others. Joshua called Israel to choose whom they would serve, Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi changed her destiny and the lineage of Christ, and Esther’s courage saved a nation. Each of these moments was a crossroads, a decision point that required trust in God rather than self-reliance. Critical decisions should never be made apart from God’s guidance. Proverbs teaches us to trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. When we seek God in prayer and through His Word, He directs our paths. The story of Adam and Eve in the garden illustrates the importance of obedience and the danger of being tempted by what does not belong to us. God’s instructions were simple: enjoy everything except for the one tree that was His. Yet, the temptation to reach for what was not ours led to separation from God. The closer we are to God, the simpler and clearer His voice becomes. Obedience draws us near, while self-absorption and selfishness pull us away. Even when we fail, God’s heart is not to condemn but to restore. When Adam and Eve hid in shame, God’s question, “Where are you?” was not about location but about relationship—a longing for restored fellowship. God’s invitation is always open, no matter how far we’ve wandered. The enemy may try to convince us that God is angry or distant, but the truth is that God is calling us back, longing for us to return. Every decision point is an opportunity to respond to His voice, to come home, and to experience His love and restoration. No matter where we find ourselves today, God is asking, “Where are you?”—not to shame us, but to invite us back into His presence. Key Takeaways 1. Every decision point is a crossroads of faith, not just a matter of preference or convenience. The choices we make—whether to trust God or ourselves, to obey or to go our own way—determine the direction of our lives and the legacy we leave. These moments are invitations to align our hearts with God’s purposes, knowing that our decisions echo into eternity. [03:13] 2. The impact of our choices extends far beyond ourselves. Ruth’s decision to follow Naomi and Esther’s courage to act for her people show that personal decisions are never truly private. When we walk in obedience, God can use our faithfulness to shape destinies, bless generations, and bring about deliverance for others. [05:45] 3. God’s commands are not arbitrary restrictions but invitations to relationship and trust. The tree in the garden was not a trap, but a means for Adam and Eve to exercise free will and demonstrate love through obedience. The closer we draw to God, the clearer and simpler His guidance becomes, and the less we are tempted by what does not belong to us. [12:00] 4. When we fall, God’s response is not condemnation but longing. His question, “Where are you?” is a call to relationship, not a demand for explanation. God seeks us out in our shame and hiding, inviting us to return, assuring us that His heart is always to restore, not to reject. [23:58] 5. The enemy’s greatest deception is to distort our view of the Father, convincing us to run from Him when we stumble. But God’s invitation is persistent and gentle, making space for us to come home. No matter how far we’ve wandered, the Father’s voice calls us back, longing for restored fellowship and offering grace for every decision point. [29:42] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [00:45] - Introduction to Decision Points [02:01] - The Power of Choices in Life [03:13] - Joshua: Choosing Whom to Serve [04:37] - Ruth: Decisions That Shape Destiny [05:45] - Esther: Decisions That Impact Others [07:28] - Seeking God’s Guidance in Critical Decisions [08:35] - The Garden of Eden: Obedience and Temptation [12:00] - Why Are We Tempted by What’s Not Ours? [15:30] - Free Will and the Purpose of the Tree [18:16] - The Tree, the Seed, and Access to God [21:57] - God’s Question: “Where Are You?” [23:58] - The Heart of the Father: Invitation, Not Condemnation [27:34] - God’s Persistent Call to Return [31:06] - Responding to God’s Invitation [35:43] - Closing Prayer and Invitation for Prayer

There is always a reason to shout and give God praise, no matter what we’re facing. Even when life feels stagnant or we’re weighed down by burdens, God calls us to movement—forward motion in faith. The story from Luke 5 of the paralyzed man and his friends shows us the power of community and determination. The enemy loves stagnation, but God honors those who refuse to let obstacles or the indifference of others keep them from pressing into His presence. Sometimes, it’s not about having the perfect plan, but about having the right people around you—people who will carry you when you can’t move yourself, and who will push through the crowd to get you to Jesus. We also see in the feeding of the five thousand that Jesus didn’t curse what wasn’t enough; He looked up to heaven, blessed it, and began to move with what He had. The miracle happened in the movement, in the distribution. When we move in faith, even with what seems insufficient, God multiplies it. Too often, we curse our “not enough” instead of blessing it and trusting God to be more than enough. Another key truth is that we must be careful what we carry. Many of us are weighed down by things that don’t belong to us—anxieties, fears, and burdens that the enemy tries to hand us. We start to claim them as our own, but we’re not authorized or equipped to carry them. God gives us grace and authority for what He’s assigned to us, not for what the enemy tries to load us down with. We need to put down what isn’t ours and carry only what God has given us. Community is vital. When one of us is in trouble, we’re all in trouble; when one rejoices, we all rejoice. We’re called to be a people who celebrate together, mourn together, and push each other forward. Don’t let the world or critics set your standard—extend grace, set the tone, and keep moving toward God. Whatever has been carrying you, by God’s grace, you’re about to carry it. God is the God of more than enough, and He’s surrounded you with the right people to help you move forward into all He has for you. Key Takeaways - Movement breaks stagnation and invites God’s power. The enemy thrives when we’re stuck, but faith-filled movement—no matter how small—opens the door for God to work. Don’t let the indifference or criticism of others keep you from pressing into God’s presence; radical faith finds a way, even when the way is blocked. [04:02] - The people you surround yourself with matter more than the plans you make. In critical moments, it’s not the perfect strategy that brings breakthrough, but the presence of faithful, committed people who will carry you to Jesus when you can’t get there yourself. Invest in relationships with those who will move with you toward God. [08:21] - God multiplies what we move in faith, even when it’s not enough. Jesus didn’t curse the little He had; He looked up, blessed it, and began to distribute. The miracle happened as He moved—so don’t despise small beginnings or limited resources. Bless what you have, look to God, and step out; He is the God of more than enough. [13:08] - Carry only what God has authorized you to carry. Many burdens we bear—fear, anxiety, shame—don’t belong to us and weigh us down because we’re not equipped to handle them. Learn to discern what is yours to carry and what you need to lay down; freedom and movement come when you release what isn’t yours and walk in the authority God has given you. [24:14] - Community is God’s answer to isolation and stagnation. When one suffers, all suffer; when one rejoices, all rejoice. True spiritual family means we share each other’s burdens and victories, refusing to let anyone be left behind or stuck. Celebrate the people God has placed around you, and be the kind of friend who helps others move forward in faith. [35:01] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [00:37] - Always a Reason to Shout [02:23] - The Power of Community and Friendship [04:02] - Breaking Through Stagnation [08:21] - Players Over Plays: The Importance of People [09:51] - Facing Criticism and Moving Forward [13:08] - Blessing What Isn’t Enough [15:03] - The Mouse Trap: Lessons in Community [17:01] - When One Hurts, All Hurt [19:02] - A House of Celebration [23:11] - Carrying What Isn’t Yours [24:14] - Authorized to Carry: Laying Down Burdens [26:14] - Setting the Standard: Extending Grace [32:22] - Releasing Grace and Moving Forward [33:37] - From Being Carried to Carrying [35:01] - The Power of Spiritual Family [38:25] - Prayer and Release

Today’s focus is on the vital importance of building our lives according to God’s pattern, not our own preferences or the shifting standards of the world. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Matthew 7, we see that every person is building a “house”—a life, a family, a future. The difference between a life that stands and one that falls is not in the storms faced, but in the foundation chosen. Jesus makes it clear: hearing His words is not enough; it is the application—obedience—that makes us wise builders. The storms of life are inevitable, but those who build on the rock of Christ will endure. A key obstacle to hearing God is the absence of repentance. Repentance is not just a one-time event but a continual turning from our own way of thinking to God’s way. The story of King Herod illustrates the danger of silencing the voice of repentance; when we cut off repentance, we cut off the voice and direction of God in our lives. True repentance means surrendering our right to define good and evil and instead adopting God’s standard. Wisdom is not merely knowledge, but knowledge applied. Solomon’s prayer for wisdom, rather than riches or power, shows us that wisdom brings with it all the other blessings we often seek. Many of the struggles we face are not just circumstantial but are rooted in faulty patterns—cycles that can only be broken by aligning our lives with God’s design. Life built by default—drifting wherever the tide takes us—leads to instability. But life built by design, according to God’s pattern, brings hope, stability, and endurance. The foundation we choose is more important than the storms we face. Even if you have built poorly in the past, God’s grace allows you to choose today to build on the rock of Jesus. Our hope is not in our circumstances, but in the unshakable foundation of Christ. Like the hymn writer Edward Mote, whose song “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less” was born out of a desire to hear from God, we can find peace and strength in Jesus, no matter what storms come our way. Key Takeaways - Repentance is the gateway to hearing God’s voice. When we refuse to repent, we silence the very voice that brings direction and life. Repentance is not just feeling sorry, but a decisive change of mind—letting go of our own definitions of right and wrong and embracing God’s truth. Without repentance, even the most religious among us can find ourselves spiritually deaf. [03:21] - Wisdom is knowledge applied, not just knowledge acquired. Solomon’s request for wisdom teaches us that God values our desire to discern and apply His ways above all else. Many blessings we seek are the natural result of living wisely, and without wisdom, even good things can become burdens or be lost. Wisdom is the difference between surviving storms and being swept away by them. [10:54] - The patterns we follow determine the outcomes we experience. Repeated struggles often point to faulty patterns, not just bad luck or spiritual attack. God calls us to build according to His pattern, not our feelings or cultural trends. Changing the pattern—aligning with God’s design—brings freedom and breaks cycles of defeat. [17:18] - Life built by default is unstable; life built by design is secure. Drifting with the tides of circumstance or emotion leads to instability and disappointment. God invites us to intentional living—making decisions rooted in His wisdom and truth. Our destiny is shaped not by chance, but by the daily decisions to build on the rock. [22:39] - Hope for the future is found in the foundation, not the forecast. The storms of life are inevitable, but they do not determine our future—our foundation does. Even if you have built on sand in the past, God’s grace allows you to start building on the rock today. The peace, hope, and endurance you long for are found in Jesus, our unshakable foundation. [27:49] Youtube Chapters [00:00] - Welcome [01:26] - The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders [02:42] - The Importance of Hearing God [03:21] - Repentance: The Key to Hearing [04:56] - The Danger of Silencing Repentance [06:57] - Herod’s Encounter with Jesus [08:02] - Choosing God’s Standard Over Our Own [09:05] - Hearing and Doing: The Path to Wisdom [10:54] - Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom [12:49] - Wisdom Sustains What Blessing Brings [14:10] - Building Foundations: Lessons from Construction [16:19] - Praying for Relief vs. Building with Wisdom [17:18] - Building by God’s Pattern [18:20] - Breaking Cycles: Pattern Problems [19:18] - Living by Default or Design [21:32] - The Story of Captain Turtle [22:39] - Decisions Shape Destiny [23:23] - Why Wisdom and Structure Matter [24:49] - Is It Sin or Is It Wise? [25:29] - The View from the Sand [27:49] - Hope for the Future: Building on the Rock [29:06] - The Story Behind “My Hope Is Built” [31:57] - Hope and Peace in the Storm [33:22] - Responding to God: Repentance and Application [34:26] - Closing and Prayer