Speaking Your Way Into The Future God Has For You
Pastor Doug Heisel – November 16, 2025
Philippians 2:14-16 – Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Two verbal revelations anyone can benefit from:
1. Your mouth affects what God does IN you.
(15a) – “…so that you may become blameless and pure children of God.
Matthew 12:34 – For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
2. Your mouth affects what God does THROUGH you.
(vs. 15b-16a) – …so that…you shine out like stars in the universe, as you hold out the word of life.
You cannot COMPLAIN your way into God’s will, but you can GRUMBLE your way out of it.
One Powerful Habit To Develop
Replace COMPLAINING and negative SELF-TALK with expressions of GRATITUDE and PRAYER.
Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
I Chronicles 4:9-10 – Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.”
Jabez cried out to the God of Israel saying, ‘‘Oh, that you would bless me indeed -
Proverbs 10:22 — The Lord’s blessing is our greatest wealth. All our work adds nothing to it!
and enlarge my territory, that your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.”
And God granted his request.
Pray this over your life, family and our church…
Oh Lord, today we choose gratitude, not grumbling. Let our mouths pull us towards your will—not out of it. Let our words shine like stars. Bless us—enlarge us—let your hand be on us—and use us for something greater than any past limit or success.
Next Sunday: Letting Go of Lack
Life Group Discussion & Questions
BREAKING THE ICE: Take some time and share some examples of the various ways God can bless us.
DIGGING IN: Begin by reading Philippians 2:14-16.
1. Review and discuss the two opening points. Where have you seen one or both in your life or others?
2. Read the short story of Jabez in I Chronicles 4:9-10. Jabez’ story begins with “pain” and ends with “blessing”. Why do you think God called him honorable for praying this prayer?
3. Jabez’ prayer reflects not only an understanding of the goodness of God, but also an understanding of the purpose of blessing. He prays for God’s “hand” to be on him. What do you learn about the “hand of the Lord” from Isaiah 42:6-7? What benefits did it bring to others?
4. Start with what you have. Begin (or continue) to be a blessing while God is preparing your “territory” to be enlarged. In what way(s) are you being a blessing with what you have?
BRINGING IT HOME: Determine a time and place where you regularly pray for God’s blessing over your life, family, career, and our church, so that you can be a greater blessing.