Anticipating Miracles: Embracing God's Transformative Presence

Devotional

Day 1: Joyful Anticipation in Worship

The joy of the Lord is a powerful force that can renew our strength and invigorate our faith. When we gather as the body of Christ, we should expect joy to permeate our assembly, just as Jesus brought joy back to the wedding at Cana by turning water into wine. This joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep-seated assurance that comes from the Holy Spirit, transforming our ordinary experiences into extraordinary celebrations of God's goodness. [28:30]

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." - Romans 15:13

Reflection: How can you cultivate a heart of joyful anticipation in your daily worship and in community gatherings?

Day 2: Empowerment Through Faithfulness

Faithfulness in small things is a key to divine empowerment. God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. As we remain steadfast in our service to God and His church, we can trust that He will enable us to accomplish tasks beyond our natural abilities. This divine enabling power is not contingent on our perfection but on our willingness to be used by God for His glory. [33:09]

"His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.'" - Matthew 25:21

Reflection: What small act of faithfulness can you commit to today that will prepare you for greater works God might have for you?

Day 3: Communion as Covenantal Unity

Communion is more than a ritual; it is a profound moment of fellowship with Christ and His body, the church. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we are reminded of the sacrifice Jesus made and the new covenant established by His blood. This sacred act has the power to bring healing and unity among believers, as we collectively remember and proclaim the Lord's death until He comes. [54:55]

"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility." - Ephesians 2:13-14

Reflection: In what ways can you more deeply value and prepare for the act of communion to experience its unifying power in the body of Christ?

Day 4: The Freedom of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a cornerstone of our faith, modeled by Jesus even in His dying moments. As we learn to forgive those who have wronged us, we align ourselves with Christ's example and release the burden of bitterness. This act of forgiveness is not only a command but a pathway to personal freedom and a deeper relationship with God. [01:04:43]

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13

Reflection: Who do you need to forgive today, and what steps can you take to release any bitterness and embrace the freedom of forgiveness?

Day 5: Anticipating the Miraculous

Expectation for the miraculous should be a normal part of our Christian walk. We serve a God who delights in doing exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. By cultivating an atmosphere of faith and anticipation, we position ourselves to witness God's power at work, not only in our church services but in every area of our lives. [39:53]

"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us." - Ephesians 3:20

Reflection: What miracle are you believing God for, and how can you actively demonstrate your faith as you wait for it to come to fruition?

Sermon Summary

In my recent sermon, I spoke about the transformative power of God's presence and the anticipation of the miraculous in our lives, particularly as we prepared for our Easter service. I began by drawing a parallel between the wedding at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine, and our own spiritual experience. Just as the wine ran out at the wedding feast, we too may feel as though our joy has depleted. However, I assured the congregation that God would not let our celebration end, and that the joy of the Holy Ghost would soon overflow in our church.

I addressed the oppression many have felt recently, recognizing the spiritual attacks on marriages, families, minds, homes, and faith. I encouraged everyone to reclaim their spiritual fight and to expect victory, harvest, and overcoming the enemy. I emphasized the importance of faithfulness, as demonstrated by the dedication of our church members, and reminded everyone that God has chosen and will enable us to fulfill His purposes.

I stressed that our Easter service was not just a drama but a divine appointment where individuals would encounter Jesus personally. I prayed for marriages, homes, and for the strength to be found in the Lord's power. I also prayed for key individuals who would visit our church, future leaders who would be drawn by the Spirit.

I called for repentance and a cleansing of our hearts, asking for strengthened relationships within the church community. I spoke about the power of communion, the remembrance of Christ's sacrifice, and the unity it brings to the body of believers. I highlighted the potential for healing and miracles during communion, as we partake in the body and blood of Christ.

I reminded the congregation of the enabling power of God, as seen in the life of the Apostle Paul, who despite his past, was used mightily by God. I encouraged everyone to believe that God can enable them to do what seems impossible and to live with the expectation of seeing real miracles.

I recounted the crucifixion of Jesus, emphasizing the depth of His sacrifice and the power of His forgiveness, even in the face of betrayal and persecution. I urged the congregation to forgive as Jesus forgave and to embrace the new covenant made possible by His blood.

Finally, I called the church to action, to invite others to our Easter service, to believe for a full house, and to expect a mighty move of the Spirit. I shared testimonies of miracles and conversions from previous services, reinforcing the belief that God will draw people to Himself and perform wonders among us.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In the story of the Wedding at Cana, what was the significance of Jesus turning water into wine? How did this miracle impact the wedding celebration? (John 2:1-11)
According to 1 Timothy 1:12-14, how does Paul describe his transformation and the role of God's enabling power in his ministry?
What was Jesus' response to those who crucified Him, as recorded in Luke 23:34? How does this reflect the theme of forgiveness discussed in the sermon? [01:02:20]

Interpretation Questions

How does the miracle at the Wedding at Cana symbolize the joy that Jesus brings into our lives, especially in times when we feel depleted? [20:01]
What does Paul's acknowledgment of his past and God's mercy teach us about the potential for transformation in our own lives? [30:24]
How does Jesus' act of forgiveness on the cross challenge us to forgive others, even in the face of deep hurt and betrayal? [01:02:20]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt your joy had run out. How can you invite Jesus to transform that situation, just as He turned water into wine at the wedding in Cana? [20:01]
In what small ways can you demonstrate faithfulness in your daily life, trusting that God will equip you for greater tasks? [33:09]
How can you prepare your heart for a personal encounter with Jesus during significant church events, such as the upcoming Easter service? [24:00]
Think of a relationship in your life that needs healing. How can you apply the principles of forgiveness that Jesus demonstrated on the cross to that relationship? [01:02:20]
During communion, we remember Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings. How can you foster a sense of unity and healing within your church community? [55:01]
What specific steps can you take to live with an expectation of seeing real miracles in your life and in your church? [39:53]
How can you actively participate in inviting others to church events, believing that God will draw them and perform wonders among you? [25:00]

Sermon Clips

"God wants this church to win because God invested himself and died for the church amen and so he is going to enable us to do what we could not do everyone in this room ought to get faith right now in believing I can see the miraculous everywhere that I go not because of me but because God can enable me to see what he wants me to see." [38:51]( | | )

"God can enable you turn to your neighbor and say God can enable you now we need to believe that God has an enabling power stop for a second consider this consider this what can you what does God want you to do that you know you can't do." [37:18]( | | )

"wine is a type of joy and when the water was there and all of the wine had run out they had lost their joy lost their joy and Jesus Jesus mother says do something about it when we get together as the people of God as the bride of Christ we're going to celebrate one day and our bride groom is coming but let me tell you anytime you lose your joy you get together with mama and mama mama's going to say Jesus we need some joy back in this party." [28:30]( | | )

"God is able to enable what we cannot do God can do what we don't have the fortitude for God has the power for when our abilities run out that's when God's abilities start amen amen and this is God's church and it's God's way and he says you're not doing this by might and you're not going to accomplish it by power but you're going to do it by my spirit says the Lord." [32:06]( | | )

"God is going to draw them listen we can't make anyone come to this house we can't push anyone into the room you know what we can do we can say God draw them we can believe that they're coming how many of you believe how many of you believe God can fill the house we can't so God I want you to put it in their heart wake them up Lord put it in their heart I got to get to the house of God." [45:21]( | | )

"Forgive everyone that has sinned against you. Every offense, forgive it. Let it go. Anyone that's hurt you, Father, forgive them. They don't even know what they did. Let it go. Do what Jesus did. If Jesus in that state could forgive the worst of atrocities, can't we forgive the person that looked at us wrong when we walked into church?" [01:04:43]( | | )

"In that moment, Jesus is crying out, in that moment of his dying hour, he says, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. If he would not have forgiven his betrayers, his persecutors, his haters, his murderers, would he have risen from the dead? When he died, death could not hold him." [01:02:59]( | | )

"Communion is a time of fellowship in the body of Christ. It's when the people of God came together and they remembered Christ and his sacrifice. He said, remember, every time you do this, do it in remembrance of me. He said, this is my blood which was shed for many. This is my body that was broken." [54:55]( | | )

"Come on, somebody give God some praise right now. Let's give him some praise. We're going out of this place. Boy, see, we're going out of this place with faith and favor, strength. We're going to see change happen in this place. Lives are going to be changed. Water's going to be turned to wine." [01:21:16]( | | )

"Come on, we're going to come back in this place Easter Sunday. And we're going to see a mighty move of the Spirit. I wonder if anybody could just believe for that. That all week, in the name of Jesus. In the name of Jesus. Restore, O God. Strengthen, O God. Have your way, O God." [01:22:55]( | | )

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