Cell Manual for the week of April 10, 2016
(Based on Sermon by Reverend David Edosa)
Title: NO DESERT, NO DESTINY
Scripture Text: Isaiah 43:19
INTRODUCTION
Many times we have wondered why life can't always be smooth or why we have to go through rough times. We need to stop comparing the bondage of Egypt to the freedom that comes with the promise land. It is time for us to recognize that there will always be a desert time in our life and for us to get to our destiny, we must walk through the desert.
Points of Discussion
How do we identify a desert?
Ø It is a place of hunger
o The enemy knows that with hunger comes vulnerability, so be careful not to accept the temptation of the enemy - Matthew 4:1-2
o The children of Israel were craving for food while in the desert and took their eyes away from God's blessings - read Numbers 11:4-6
o The devil tempted Jesus because he knew He was hungry - Read Matthew 4:3-6
Ø It is a place of Thirst – The children of Israel were thirsty
Ø A place of dryness
Ø A place of barrenness – Where nothing happens
o God made the children of Israel go through the desert to teach and prepare them for the promise land - read Exodus 13:17-18
Things you need to know…..
Ø God always takes us through the desert to reveal more of Himself to us
Ø Better understanding of God and growth happens when we go through the desert
Ø God teaches us all we need in the promise land while we go through the desert
Ø Your hunger and thirst in the desert should make you run to God; be careful how you deal with your hunger while in the desert
Ø The devil will always present you with choices while in the desert, but his choice will always lead to destruction
Ø Temptation is not a sin, but an invitation to sin – This was why the devil told Jesus to jump off instead of pushing Him off
Ø Always yield to the voice that feeds your spirit rather than the one that feed your body
Ø There is power in whom you worship, therefore, chose to worship God
Ø God works for us in the desert while we work for ourselves in the promise land - leave Egypt behind, focus on the promise land
Ø Food you grow in Egypt is for others, but the one grown in the promise land is yours.
CONCLUSION
We must pass through the desert in order to get to a promise land. Purification happens when we go through the desert and we need to be still so that we can recognize the miracles of God in our life. Even in our desert, it is important for us to rejoice because victory is sure. Proof yourself in the desert and the supernatural power of God will be given to you, but remember there is no destiny without the desert.