Change Church Podcast: "Talk To Me Nice!" Episode Summary
Host: Pastor Dharius Daniels
Release Date: December 17, 2024
Series: Faith Moves
Podcast Description: Enjoy transformative messages from Pastor Dharius Daniels by subscribing to Change Church's Podcast. Visit www.lifechange.org for more information.
Introduction
In the episode titled "Talk To Me Nice!", Pastor Dharius Daniels continues the "Faith Moves" series, delving deep into the profound relationship between our internal dialogue and spiritual growth. Drawing inspiration from the Gospel of Luke, particularly the Annunciation narrative in Luke 1:34-45, Pastor Daniels explores how the way we speak to ourselves can significantly influence our faith journey.
Scriptural Foundation: Luke 1:34-45
The episode begins with Pastor Daniels reading and interpreting key verses from Luke 1. He highlights Mary's encounter with the angel Gabriel, emphasizing her humble response:
"[Mary] said, 'Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word.'”
[00:01]
This passage sets the stage for the discussion on "faith talk", a redefined version of the colloquialism "talk to me nice", which traditionally signifies a request for respectful interaction.
Redefining "Talk To Me Nice": From External Respect to Internal Dialogue
Pastor Daniels repurposes "talk to me nice" to focus inwardly, advocating for "faith talk"—the practice of speaking positively and prophetically to oneself, rooted in God's promises rather than personal doubts.
"Faith talk isn't just positive affirmations. It's prophetic alignment with God's word."
[02:36]
He asserts that our internal conversations are crucial for faith development, stating:
"Before faith will move a mountain, faith must move our mouth."
[03:30]
This notion is supported by numerous biblical instances where spoken words reflect and shape faith.
Case Study: The Annunciation Narrative
The heart of the episode analyzes the Annunciation narrative as a case study in faith talk. Pasters Daniels and his co-host dissect Mary's interaction with Gabriel, focusing on her initial doubt and ultimate surrender.
-
Mary's Question of Possibility:
Mary questions the angel's proclamation:
"How will this be since I'm a virgin?"
[04:14]This isn't a challenge to God's character but a legitimate inquiry into the logistics of His promise.
-
God's Sovereignty Over Natural Order:
The hosts discuss how God operates beyond human limitations and sequences:
"God is not bound by sequence. He's a God that can redeem your time."
[06:17]They reassure listeners that divine intervention can bypass natural constraints, offering hope to those feeling they've mismanaged time or opportunities.
-
Encouragement for the Anxious:
Addressing listeners who feel they've wasted time, Pastor Daniels offers comfort:
"God can take 20, 25, and do in one year what you messed up in 10."
[06:46]This concept, referred to as a "quantum leap", underscores God's ability to accelerate blessings beyond human expectations.
Embracing Questions in Faith
Pastor Daniels challenges the common misconception that questioning God equates to doubting Him. Instead, he differentiates between questioning God's methods and having heartfelt questions directed to God.
"Faith knows what questions to ask. If you actually ask this question, it elevates your faith."
[13:31]
He references Abraham and Sarah from Genesis to illustrate how biblical figures utilized questions to strengthen their faith, rather than diminish it.
Mary's Exemplary Faith Talk
Mary's response encapsulates the essence of faith talk. Despite her circumstances, she maintains unwavering trust in God's promise:
"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word."
[24:16]
Pastor Daniels draws three actionable lessons from Mary's interaction:
-
Speak God's Words More Than Your Doubts:
"Faith repeats what God has spoken instead of repeating what I'm thinking."
[25:05]Emphasizing reliance on divine promises over personal insecurities.
-
Silence the Skeptics to Endure Challenges:
"Silence the skeptics so you can survive the strain."
[28:14]Advocating for setting boundaries against negative influences that undermine faith.
-
Engage in Prophetic Praise to Sustain Faith:
"Proclaim his praise so you can persist through the process."
[30:33]
Encouraging praise that not only acknowledges past blessings but also anticipates future divine actions.
The Power of Prophetic Praise
Pastor Daniels elaborates on the three types of biblical praise:
- Descriptive Praise: Acknowledging God's inherent nature (e.g., "You're holy," "You're amazing").
- Reactive Praise: Celebrating God's past deeds (e.g., "He has parted the sea," "He has delivered me").
- Prophetic Praise: Anticipating God's future actions, thereby reinforcing faith in His promises.
He advocates for prophetic praise as a transformative practice that fosters optimism and aligns the believer's mindset with God's prophetic declarations.
"Prophetic praise delivers the mind from doubt because you cannot be a prophetic praiser and a cynic."
[35:00]
Joseph's Response and Divine Intervention
The episode also touches upon Joseph's initial disbelief regarding Mary's pregnancy. Facing societal shame and personal doubt, Joseph contemplates quietly divorcing Mary to protect her reputation. However, divine intervention through an angelic message redirects his path:
"Do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
[29:48]
This highlights the theme that faith often requires stepping beyond personal doubts and societal expectations to fulfill God's greater plan.
Challenging Listeners to Examine Their Faith Dialogue
In concluding the episode, Pastor Daniels urges listeners to:
- Assess their internal dialogue: Ensure it aligns with God's promises rather than personal fears.
- Embrace prophetic praise: Cultivate a habit of praising God for what He is about to accomplish, not just what He has already done.
- Silence negative skepticism: Protect their faith journey by setting boundaries against doubts and discouragement.
"Faith doesn't have a heart full of doubt with a mouth full of doubt."
[37:52]
He reinforces that faith is nurtured through hearing and speaking God's word, encouraging proactive engagement with divine promises to strengthen spiritual resilience.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
[01:24]
"The phrase 'talk to me nice' is a cultural colloquialism that is actually a request for respect." -
[02:33]
"When I say 'talk to me nice,' I'm not talking necessarily about nice talk. I'm talking about faith talk." -
[06:17]
"God is not bound by sequence. He's a God that can redeem your time." -
[13:31]
"Faith knows what questions to ask. And if you actually ask this question, it elevates your faith." -
[24:16]
"Behold, I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be to me according to your word." -
[35:00]
"Prophetic praise delivers the mind from doubt because you cannot be a prophetic praiser and a cynic." -
[37:52]
"But there's no way you can have a heart full of faith with a mouth full of doubt."
Conclusions
In "Talk To Me Nice!", Pastor Dharius Daniels masterfully intertwines biblical narratives with practical insights, emphasizing the transformative power of internal dialogue on faith. By advocating for faith talk, embracing prophetic praise, and setting boundaries against skepticism, listeners are equipped to deepen their spiritual walk and navigate life's challenges with unwavering trust in God's sovereign plans.
Listen to the full episode on Change Church Podcast to explore these insights further and strengthen your faith journey.