Declaring God's Promises: Faith, Hope, and Harvest
Summary
In today's gathering, we focused on the transformative power of the Word of God and the significance of declaring His promises over our lives. We began by emphasizing the importance of speaking the Word over ourselves, our families, and our endeavors. The blood of Jesus was highlighted as the ultimate source of our renewal and provision, offering protection and reconciliation with God's perfect will. We were encouraged to read and declare the prayers from Ephesians 1 and 3 daily, as they are powerful tools for receiving revelation and strength from the Holy Spirit.
We explored the concept of faith and the necessity of declaring God's promises with conviction. The story of the woman with the issue of blood from Mark 5 served as a powerful illustration of faith in action. Her journey from declaration to healing demonstrated the importance of speaking, acting, receiving, and testifying. We were reminded that our words have the power to determine our victory or defeat, and that we must anchor our souls in hope, which acts as a steadfast anchor connecting us to God's promises.
The sermon also touched on the importance of having a positive expectation, as demonstrated by the woman in Mark 5. We were encouraged to press through obstacles, declare God's Word, and expect His goodness to manifest in our lives. The message concluded with a call to action, urging us to declare God's promises over our lives and to expect a "whopper of a harvest" for every seed sown in faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Power of the Blood of Jesus: The blood of Jesus is our divine covering, offering protection and reconciliation with God's perfect will. It purges us from defilement and guards our minds, preventing deception and aborting the enemy's attempts to deceive us. This divine protection is alive, full of life and grace, perfecting what concerns us. [12:45]
2. Daily Declaration of God's Word: By declaring the prayers from Ephesians 1 and 3 over ourselves daily, we open ourselves to receive revelation and strength from the Holy Spirit. This practice aligns us with God's wisdom and power, enabling us to live victoriously. [15:37]
3. Faith in Action: The story of the woman with the issue of blood teaches us that faith requires action. Her declaration, action, and testimony led to her healing. Our words and actions must align with our faith to bring about God's promises in our lives. [01:15:41]
4. Hope as an Anchor: Hope is a strong, unbreakable anchor for our souls, connecting us to God's promises. It is a cheerful, confident expectation of good, rooted in the assurance of God's faithfulness. This hope allows us to stand firm in trials, knowing that God's goodness will prevail. [57:47]
5. Expecting God's Goodness: We are encouraged to have a positive expectation, pressing through obstacles and declaring God's Word over our lives. By doing so, we move our provisions from the unseen realm into the seen realm, experiencing the fullness of God's promises. [01:25:24]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[11:46] - Introduction to the Red Cards
[12:45] - The Power of the Blood of Jesus
[14:04] - Daily Declarations
[15:37] - Prayers from Ephesians
[17:45] - Strengthening the Inner Man
[19:00] - The Dimensions of Love
[20:09] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[21:51] - Tithes and Offerings
[26:13] - Declaring Financial Freedom
[27:53] - The Power of Declaration
[41:49] - Worship and Thanksgiving
[44:47] - The Power of Words
[46:28] - Declaring Victory
[52:42] - Hope as an Anchor
[55:03] - God's Unchanging Promises
[57:47] - Anchoring Our Souls in Hope
[01:04:07] - Expecting God's Goodness
[01:08:54] - Receiving from God
[01:15:41] - Faith in Action
[01:25:24] - Positive Expectation
[01:31:37] - Declaring Victory Over Challenges
[01:39:24] - Anchoring Emotions in Hope
[01:45:05] - Standing on God's Word
[01:52:23] - The Call to Ministry
[02:00:34] - A Whopper of a Harvest
[02:03:12] - Closing and Declarations
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:17-23
2. Ephesians 3:14-21
3. Mark 5:25-34
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 1:17-23 say about the spirit of wisdom and revelation? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on daily declarations of God's Word? [15:37]
2. In the story of the woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:25-34), what actions did she take that demonstrated her faith? How did her actions align with the sermon’s message on faith in action? [01:15:41]
3. According to Ephesians 3:14-21, what is the significance of being strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner man? How does this connect to the sermon’s discussion on hope as an anchor? [57:47]
4. How does the sermon describe the power of the blood of Jesus in terms of protection and reconciliation? [12:45]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the practice of declaring God's promises daily, as suggested in the sermon, help believers align with God's wisdom and power? [15:37]
2. The sermon uses the story of the woman with the issue of blood to illustrate faith in action. What can this story teach us about the relationship between faith, action, and receiving God's promises? [01:15:41]
3. The sermon mentions hope as a strong, unbreakable anchor for our souls. How does this concept of hope help believers stand firm during trials? [57:47]
4. What role does positive expectation play in experiencing God's goodness, according to the sermon? How can this expectation influence a believer's daily life? [01:25:24]
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Application Questions:
1. The sermon encourages declaring God's promises over our lives. What specific promise from God’s Word can you declare over your life this week? How will you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? [15:37]
2. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did your words and actions align with your faith during that time? What might you do differently now, based on the sermon’s teachings? [01:15:41]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of hope as an anchor. Identify a current situation where you need to anchor your soul in hope. What steps can you take to strengthen your hope in God’s promises? [57:47]
4. Consider the obstacles you are currently facing. How can you press through these obstacles with a positive expectation of God’s goodness? What practical steps will you take to declare victory over these challenges? [01:25:24]
5. The sermon highlights the transformative power of the Word of God. How can you make reading and declaring God’s Word a more integral part of your family life? What changes might you need to make to prioritize this practice? [15:37]
6. Think about a specific area in your life where you need healing or breakthrough. How can you apply the four steps of faith (speaking, acting, receiving, and testifying) to this situation? [01:15:41]
7. The sermon calls for expecting a "whopper of a harvest" for every seed sown in faith. What seeds of faith are you currently sowing, and how can you maintain a positive expectation for the harvest? [02:00:34]
Devotional
Day 1: The Blood of Jesus as Our Divine Covering
The blood of Jesus is not just a symbol but a powerful reality that offers divine protection and reconciliation with God's perfect will. It purges us from defilement and guards our minds, preventing deception and thwarting the enemy's attempts to lead us astray. This divine protection is alive, full of life and grace, and it perfects what concerns us. By understanding and embracing the power of the blood, we can walk confidently in the assurance that we are covered and protected by God's love and grace. [12:45]
Hebrews 9:14 (ESV): "How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to apply the protection and cleansing power of the blood of Jesus today?
Day 2: Daily Declarations for Spiritual Strength
Declaring the prayers from Ephesians 1 and 3 over ourselves daily is a powerful practice that opens us to receive revelation and strength from the Holy Spirit. This daily declaration aligns us with God's wisdom and power, enabling us to live victoriously. By speaking these prayers, we invite God's presence into our lives, allowing His Spirit to guide and empower us in all that we do. This practice is not just about reciting words but about engaging with the living Word of God, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds. [15:37]
Ephesians 1:17-18 (ESV): "That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you."
Reflection: How can you incorporate the daily declaration of Ephesians 1 and 3 into your routine, and what changes do you expect to see in your spiritual life?
Day 3: Faith Requires Action
The story of the woman with the issue of blood teaches us that faith is not passive but requires action. Her journey from declaration to healing demonstrates the importance of speaking, acting, receiving, and testifying. Our words and actions must align with our faith to bring about God's promises in our lives. This alignment is crucial because it reflects our trust in God's ability to fulfill His promises. By stepping out in faith, we position ourselves to receive the miraculous and testify of God's goodness. [01:15:41]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to align your words and actions with your faith in God's promises?
Day 4: Hope as a Steadfast Anchor
Hope is a strong, unbreakable anchor for our souls, connecting us to God's promises. It is a cheerful, confident expectation of good, rooted in the assurance of God's faithfulness. This hope allows us to stand firm in trials, knowing that God's goodness will prevail. By anchoring our souls in hope, we remain steadfast and unshaken, even when circumstances seem overwhelming. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident assurance that God is working all things for our good. [57:47]
Hebrews 6:19 (ESV): "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain."
Reflection: In what ways can you anchor your soul in hope today, especially in areas where you feel challenged or uncertain?
Day 5: Expecting God's Goodness
We are encouraged to have a positive expectation, pressing through obstacles and declaring God's Word over our lives. By doing so, we move our provisions from the unseen realm into the seen realm, experiencing the fullness of God's promises. This expectation is not based on our circumstances but on the character and faithfulness of God. By expecting His goodness, we open ourselves to receive His blessings and witness His hand at work in our lives. [01:25:24]
Psalm 27:13-14 (ESV): "I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your mindset to expect God's goodness, and how can you actively declare His promises over that area today?
Quotes
The blood of Jesus is the most important thing that we could ever celebrate. Because it's through the blood of Jesus that not only are we made new, new creatures in Christ, but everything that we need, every provision is made through the blood of Jesus. [00:12:05] (18 seconds)
What you say will determine your victory or your defeat. Let me say that again. What you say will determine your victory or your defeat. So what do you say to the need that you have? [01:17:43] (19 seconds)
We have to press through every obstacle in our way. Speak into that mountain. Get out of my way, you devil. You can't stop me. I'm getting to my Jesus because as soon as I get to him, I'm going to be made whole. [01:20:54] (15 seconds)
When you rejoice, you are testifying it is done. Amen. Amen. The victory is won. You overcome by the blood of Jesus and the word of your testimony. [01:22:37] (17 seconds)