Kingdom Recipes: Excuses of Inferiority VII

Solutions to Breaking Excuses

Introduction and Call to Action

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of rejoicing in the day that the Lord has made, indicating a spiritual message intended for those who may be struggling.

• Acknowledges individuals facing severe challenges, including thoughts of suicide, and reassures them that healing is available through faith.

• Introduces Pastor Mike as someone with a relevant message for the church community, encouraging listeners to prepare their Bibles and take notes.

Understanding Excuses

• Pastor Mike begins discussing "Solutions to Breaking Excuse Making," defining excuses as rationalizations we create to avoid taking action or responsibility.

• He explains that excuses often stem from internal problems or external conditions, highlighting that everyone makes excuses at some point in their lives.

Reasons Behind Excuse Making

• Lists various fears contributing to excuse-making: fear of failure, embarrassment, success, change, uncertainty, responsibility, mistakes, and perceived lack of confidence.

• Emphasizes the need to confront these fears in order to eliminate excuses effectively.

Steps to Overcome Excuses

1. Stop Harping on the Past

• Encourages taking responsibility for past mistakes instead of dwelling on them; suggests learning from failures rather than justifying them.

2. Learn Resilience

• Advocates for picking oneself up after setbacks without waiting for others' help; resilience is key in overcoming obstacles.

3. Focus on Strengths

• Advises identifying personal strengths and building upon them while also recognizing weaknesses that need improvement.

4. Avoid Comparisons

• Warns against comparing oneself with others as it can lead to feelings of inadequacy and further excuse-making.

Biblical References for Encouragement

Isaiah 43:18-19

• Cites scripture urging listeners not to dwell on past events but look forward to new opportunities God provides.

Philippians 3:13-14

• Continues with biblical encouragement about moving forward rather than being hindered by previous experiences (not fully transcribed).

Message of Hope and Moving Forward

Embracing the Future Over the Past

• The speaker emphasizes a message of empowerment, encouraging individuals to overcome their excuses and focus on future goals, referencing Philippians 3:13-14.

• Paul advises against allowing past experiences to dictate one's future, highlighting that dwelling on the past can derail good plans for the future.

• The speaker illustrates how easily one can slip back into old habits or memories triggered by external stimuli, such as music or familiar faces.

The Importance of Goals

• A key takeaway is the necessity of having a goal; God has a purpose for everyone that leads towards spiritual fulfillment and ultimately heaven.

• The speaker reassures listeners that God completes what He starts in them, regardless of others' doubts about their worthiness.

God's Perspective on Sin

• The discussion shifts to God's view on sin; He does not dwell on past mistakes but instead focuses on forgiveness and moving forward.

• Hebrews 8:12 is cited to illustrate that God chooses not to remember our sins, emphasizing His merciful nature.

Forgiveness and New Life

• Isaiah 43:25 reinforces the idea that God blots out transgressions for His own sake, indicating His desire for believers to embrace their new life without guilt from the past.

• Jeremiah 31:34 reiterates this theme by stating that God will forget iniquities, promoting an environment where believers should not be reminded of their past wrongdoings.

Transformation Through Faith

• Psalms 103:12 highlights God's ability to remove transgressions completely, symbolizing a fresh start for believers who accept this transformation.

• Isaiah 1:18 conveys God's promise to cleanse sins and present believers as if they have never sinned, showcasing His power in transforming lives.

Understanding God's Forgiveness and Our Responsibility

The Concept of Sin and Forgiveness

• The speaker references Acts 3:19, emphasizing the importance of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, illustrating how God blots out our transgressions through Jesus' sacrifice.

• A metaphor is introduced comparing sin to ink that can be blotted out, highlighting the futility in trying to uncover past sins that God has already forgiven.

• Micah 7:19 is cited, explaining that God casts our sins into the depths of the sea, symbolizing complete removal from our lives and suggesting we should not attempt to retrieve them.

Moving Forward from Past Mistakes

• The speaker discusses a personal anecdote about moving on from one's past, quoting a wise statement about leaving behind past mistakes to embrace future opportunities.

• Emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s actions; failing to do so leads to excuses and blaming others instead of owning up to mistakes.

Acknowledging Human Fallibility

• Ecclesiastes 7:20 is referenced, stating that no one is righteous and everyone makes mistakes. This acknowledgment serves as a reminder of human imperfection.

• The difference between David's willingness to repent versus Saul's refusal highlights the importance of humility in seeking forgiveness.

Biblical Examples of Repentance

• In 2 Samuel 12:13, David admits his sin against God after being confronted by Nathan. His admission leads to God's forgiveness.

• Psalms 51 (verses 1–13) is read aloud, showcasing David's heartfelt plea for mercy and cleansing after his wrongdoing with Bathsheba.

Consequences of Sin and Divine Justice

• The discussion reflects on human nature's tendency to believe they can escape consequences for their actions while underscoring that true accountability lies with God.

• The speaker warns against underestimating God's awareness of our sins; there are always repercussions for wrongdoing despite any perceived secrecy.

Understanding God's Omniscience and Our Responsibility

The Nature of God's Awareness

• God sees everything, as illustrated by the imagery in Ezekiel, where "eyes on a wheel" signify His omnipresence and knowledge of our actions.

• Romans 3:23 emphasizes that all have sinned, highlighting the importance of acknowledging our shortcomings before God.

Confession and Forgiveness

• 1 John 1:9 states that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from unrighteousness; confession is a crucial first step.

• It’s important not to justify or align with others who normalize sin; true acknowledgment of wrongdoing is essential for spiritual growth.

Honoring Parents and Respecting Authority

• Honoring parents is linked to blessings and prosperity; this principle applies even when parents make mistakes. Respect for their role remains vital despite their flaws.

• Parenting requires training and development; many struggle because they lack guidance on how to effectively raise children. This highlights the need for proper preparation before becoming a parent.

The Importance of Training Children

• God promises guidance in raising children if He is prioritized in life; neglecting this can lead to negative outcomes for future generations.

• Even when physically absent, God can influence children's lives positively if parents commit to His teachings. This underscores faith's power beyond immediate presence.

Resilience After Failure

• Learning to pick oneself up after falling is crucial; taking responsibility leads to personal growth and self-discovery. Embracing failures as learning opportunities fosters resilience.

• Proverbs 24:16 illustrates that righteous individuals may fall but will rise again, emphasizing perseverance through adversity rather than succumbing to defeat.

The Role of Encouragement in Recovery

• Many struggle with recovery due to a lack of role models demonstrating resilience; witnessing others overcome challenges can inspire personal strength and determination.

• Abraham Lincoln's quote about success being persistence through failure reinforces the idea that maintaining enthusiasm despite setbacks is key for believers' journeys toward fulfillment.

Understanding David's Response to Tragedy in 2 Samuel

The Context of David's Mourning

• The speaker references 2 Samuel 12:16-20, highlighting King David's intense plea to God for his dying child, showcasing his deep sorrow and commitment through fasting and prayer.

The Death of the Child

• After seven days of mourning, the child dies. David’s attendants fear telling him due to his fragile state during the child's illness, worried he might react violently.

David's Reaction to the News

• Upon realizing the child's death, David rises from mourning. He cleans himself and worships God, demonstrating a profound faith that accepts God's will despite personal loss.

Consequences of Sin

• The speaker discusses how Nathan the prophet confronted David about his sins (including orchestrating Uzziah’s death), emphasizing that while God forgives sin upon repentance, consequences still follow.

Acceptance of God's Will

• David understands that what is done cannot be changed; once God makes a decision, it is final. This acceptance leads him to stop mourning and return to his duties.

Lessons on Resilience

• The speaker emphasizes that sometimes people waste time on unchangeable situations. Acknowledging when something is settled can lead to moving forward effectively.

Diligence in Faith

• Reference is made to 2 Peter 1:10, urging believers to ensure their calling and election are secure through diligence, suggesting that falling into sin isn't inevitable if one remains committed.

Overcoming Challenges Without Falling

• Using personal anecdotes about children learning not to fall as a metaphor for spiritual resilience, the speaker encourages listeners not to accept failure as a norm but strive for success without falling into sin.

Focus on Strengths

• Concluding with advice on focusing on one's strengths rather than weaknesses, encouraging growth and development in areas where individuals excel.

New Creation in Christ

Embracing the New Life

• The speaker references 2 Corinthians 5:17, emphasizing that anyone in Christ is a new creation, and urges listeners to stop clinging to their old lives.

• The new life in Christ is described as superior to any previous existence, highlighting dependence on God rather than external sources for fulfillment.

Understanding God's Light

• The speaker contrasts Jesus as the true light of the world with John, who merely reflects that light, illustrating the unique nature of Christ's divinity.

• Acknowledges that false religions cannot compare to God’s truth; only He can claim absolute uniqueness and self-sufficiency.

Victory Through Intimacy with God

Listening to God's Voice

• In Revelation 2:12, it is stated that those who listen will receive hidden manna and a white stone with a new name, symbolizing victory through divine connection.

• True strength comes from intimacy with God; superficial relationships do not provide the depth needed for spiritual growth.

The Importance of God's Word

• Emphasizes that a God view transforms one’s perspective on life, allowing believers to control their circumstances rather than be controlled by them.

God's Unconditional Love

Assurance of Love

• Romans 8:38-39 reassures believers that nothing can separate them from God's love, which fosters security and confidence within themselves.

• This internal love provides comfort during difficult times when external support may be lacking.

Healing Through Faith

• The speaker encourages reliance on God's love for healing emotional scars rather than focusing solely on past pain or insecurities.

Strength in Weakness

Divine Strength Amidst Fear

• Citing Isaiah 53:5, the speaker highlights how Jesus' suffering brings peace and healing, encouraging believers not to dwell on their weaknesses but instead find strength through faith.

God's Strength and Perfect Peace

Understanding God's Strength

• The speaker emphasizes that God arms individuals with strength, making their paths perfect. This divine support leads to inexplicable good days.

• The speaker highlights the importance of recognizing God's role in creating positive experiences, urging listeners not to let minor disturbances affect their peace.

Illustrating True Peace

• A contrast is drawn between chaotic scenes of war and a serene image of a man peacefully drinking tea on an island, illustrating that true peace comes from within despite external chaos.

• The speaker asserts that God's presence within brings perfect peace, regardless of life's turmoil. It's about maintaining focus on God amidst chaos.

Forgiveness and Identity in Christ

• Acknowledging one's sins is essential, but the speaker reassures listeners that they are forgiven as children of God, emphasizing a transformed identity.

• Listeners are encouraged to recognize their forgiveness and stop living as if they are still bound by past mistakes; they now have God's presence within them.

Societal Reflections

• The speaker reflects on societal decay, using graffiti as a metaphor for unfulfilled potential and the need for ownership over one’s life circumstances.

• Observations about urban environments illustrate how fear can lead to isolation and societal decline, suggesting deeper issues beyond just recent events like pandemics.

Personal Development and Self-Reliance

• Emphasizing self-awareness, the speaker encourages identifying weaknesses while also building strengths. Honesty about personal shortcomings is crucial for growth.

• Drawing from sports analogies, the importance of developing skills independently is highlighted; relying solely on others can hinder personal progress.

Overcoming Challenges Independently

• A personal story illustrates the necessity of self-reliance when faced with challenges. Dependence on others may not always be feasible; individuals must cultivate their own strengths.

• The call to action stresses taking responsibility for one's spiritual growth rather than waiting for external help or guidance.

Overcoming Excuses and Spiritual Warfare

The Power of Scripture in Spiritual Battles

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of memorizing scripture as a defense against the devil, stating that emotional reactions alone are ineffective.

• Acknowledges that many people fail to engage with scripture, which is crucial for spiritual strength; mere emotions do not intimidate the devil.

• Highlights the severity of spiritual warfare, mentioning that the devil's intentions can be harmful even to one's children.

Self-Comparison and Personal Growth

• Encourages listeners to stop comparing themselves to others, referencing Psalms 139:14 about being fearfully and wonderfully made.

• Stresses that battles should not be fought against other people but rather focuses on personal growth and overcoming excuses.

Focus on Personal Transformation

• Advises individuals to concentrate on their own journey instead of being distracted by others' situations or achievements.

• Reminds listeners that God can use them for greater purposes if they allow it; overcoming bad habits takes patience and perseverance.

Conclusion and Community Support

• The speaker expresses gratitude towards viewers for tuning in, hoping they found encouragement in the message delivered by Pastor Mike Ardoine.

• Invites community support through tithes and offerings while also encouraging prayer requests from those in need.