Embracing a Miracle Mindset: Faith and Persistence

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we celebrated the dedication of a precious child, Imani Reagan Reed, to the Lord. Her parents, Derek and Natalie, have been called into ministry, serving at the University of Memphis, and today we joined them in prayer, asking for God's blessings and protection over Imani's life. We prayed for her physical health, intellectual growth, and spiritual development, trusting that she will grow to know and love Jesus deeply.

We also reflected on the story of Blind Bartimaeus from Mark 10:46-52, a man who, despite his blindness, had a miracle mindset. Bartimaeus' story teaches us about the power of faith and the importance of recognizing our need for Jesus. He was not deterred by the crowd's attempts to silence him; instead, he cried out even louder for Jesus' mercy. His persistence and faith led to his healing, demonstrating that Jesus' power and love remain unchanged.

Developing a miracle mindset involves four key steps: admitting our need for help, confessing out loud that Jesus is able to help, getting rid of anything that hinders our relationship with Him, and passionately following Jesus with all our heart. Bartimaeus' story is a reminder that Jesus is always ready to respond to our cries for help, and His love and power are available to us today just as they were then.

As we continue our 12 days of prayer and fasting, we are witnessing God's miracles and answers to prayer. We are encouraged to trust in His power and to seek Him earnestly, knowing that He is able and willing to help us in our time of need. Let us be like Bartimaeus, boldly confessing our need for Jesus and following Him with passion and commitment.

Key Takeaways:

- Admit Your Need for Help: A miracle mindset begins with acknowledging that we are at the end of our rope and need Jesus' help. Like Bartimaeus, we must recognize our helplessness and cry out to Jesus for mercy, knowing that He is our only hope. [47:50]

- Confess Out Loud: There is power in verbalizing our faith and commitment to Jesus. Bartimaeus shouted for Jesus' mercy, and his vocal confession led to his healing. We, too, must speak our faith, trusting that Jesus hears and responds to our cries. [54:00]

- Remove Hindrances: To follow Jesus fully, we must get rid of anything or anyone that holds us back. Bartimaeus threw aside his coat to reach Jesus quickly. We must be willing to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with Him. [01:01:45]

- Passionately Follow Jesus: A miracle mindset involves serving Jesus with all our heart. Bartimaeus followed Jesus after receiving his sight, showing gratitude and commitment. We are called to follow Jesus passionately, sharing His love with others. [01:08:05]

- Trust in Jesus' Unchanging Power: Jesus' love and power have not changed since the time of Bartimaeus. He is still able and willing to perform miracles in our lives. We must trust in His ability to help us and seek Him earnestly in prayer and faith. [50:18]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [37:06] - Dedication of Imani Reagan Reed
- [39:26] - Prayer for Imani and Family
- [43:35] - Introduction to Blind Bartimaeus
- [44:57] - Bartimaeus' Cry for Mercy
- [47:50] - Developing a Miracle Mindset
- [50:18] - Admitting Our Need for Help
- [52:07] - Confessing Faith Out Loud
- [54:00] - The Power of Verbalizing Faith
- [55:16] - God's Willingness to Help
- [57:14] - Removing Hindrances
- [01:01:45] - Passionate Following of Jesus
- [01:04:20] - Choosing Jesus Over Hindrances
- [01:08:05] - The Call to Passionate Service
- [01:10:29] - Invitation to Seek Miracles

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Mark 10:46-52

Observation Questions:
1. What actions did Bartimaeus take when he heard that Jesus was nearby? How did the crowd react to his actions? [44:57]
2. How did Jesus respond to Bartimaeus' cries for mercy, and what was the result of their interaction? [47:50]
3. What did Bartimaeus do with his coat, and why was this significant in the context of the story? [01:01:45]
4. After receiving his sight, what choice did Bartimaeus make regarding his relationship with Jesus? [01:08:05]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Bartimaeus' persistence in calling out to Jesus, despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, reveal about his faith? [44:57]
2. How does the story of Bartimaeus illustrate the concept of a "miracle mindset" as described in the sermon? [47:50]
3. In what ways does Bartimaeus' decision to follow Jesus after his healing demonstrate a deeper spiritual transformation? [01:08:05]
4. How does the act of Bartimaeus throwing aside his coat symbolize the removal of hindrances in one's spiritual journey? [01:01:45]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt at the end of your rope. How did you respond, and what role did faith play in that situation? [50:18]
2. Bartimaeus confessed his need for Jesus out loud. Is there an area in your life where you need to verbalize your faith or need for help? How can you do this in a practical way this week? [54:00]
3. Consider any "coats" or hindrances in your life that may be holding you back from fully following Jesus. What steps can you take to remove these obstacles? [01:01:45]
4. Bartimaeus followed Jesus with passion after his healing. How can you cultivate a passionate pursuit of Jesus in your daily life? What specific actions can you take? [01:08:05]
5. During the 12 days of prayer and fasting, participants witnessed God's miracles. How can you incorporate regular prayer and fasting into your spiritual routine to seek God's guidance and miracles? [39:26]
6. The sermon emphasized trusting in Jesus' unchanging power. How can you remind yourself of this truth when facing challenges or doubts? [47:50]
7. Identify one person in your life who might be hindering your spiritual growth. How can you address this relationship in a way that prioritizes your faith journey? [01:04:20]

Devotional

Day 1: Recognizing Our Helplessness and Crying Out for Mercy
Admitting our need for help is the first step in developing a miracle mindset. Like Bartimaeus, who was blind and marginalized, we must acknowledge our limitations and our need for Jesus' intervention. Bartimaeus' story is a powerful reminder that recognizing our helplessness is not a sign of weakness but a pathway to divine strength. When we cry out to Jesus, we are expressing our faith in His ability to transform our circumstances. This act of humility and dependence opens the door for Jesus to work powerfully in our lives. [47:50]

"For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel completely helpless? How can you express your need for Jesus' help in this area today?


Day 2: The Power of Verbalizing Our Faith
Confessing our faith out loud is a powerful act that can lead to transformation. Bartimaeus shouted for Jesus' mercy, and his vocal confession was a catalyst for his healing. When we speak our faith, we are not only affirming our belief in Jesus' power but also inviting Him to act in our lives. This act of verbalizing our faith can strengthen our resolve and deepen our relationship with Jesus. It is a declaration that we trust in His ability to change our circumstances and bring about His will in our lives. [54:00]

"Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble." (Psalm 107:2, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you need Jesus' intervention. How can you verbally express your faith in His power to change this situation today?


Day 3: Removing Obstacles to Follow Jesus Fully
To follow Jesus fully, we must be willing to remove any obstacles that hinder our relationship with Him. Bartimaeus threw aside his coat to reach Jesus quickly, symbolizing his willingness to let go of anything that held him back. In our lives, there may be habits, relationships, or mindsets that prevent us from fully committing to Jesus. Identifying and removing these hindrances is essential for a deeper walk with Him. This act of surrender allows us to experience the fullness of His love and power in our lives. [01:01:45]

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one thing in your life that is hindering your relationship with Jesus? How can you begin to remove this obstacle today?


Day 4: Following Jesus with Passion and Commitment
A miracle mindset involves serving Jesus with all our heart. After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus followed Jesus, demonstrating gratitude and commitment. This passionate following is a response to the love and grace we have received from Jesus. It involves dedicating our lives to His service and sharing His love with others. When we follow Jesus with passion, we become vessels of His love and power, impacting the world around us. This commitment requires intentionality and a willingness to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. [01:08:05]

"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your passion and commitment to following Jesus today? How can you share His love with someone in your life?


Day 5: Trusting in Jesus' Unchanging Power
Jesus' love and power remain unchanged, and He is still able and willing to perform miracles in our lives. Bartimaeus' story is a testament to the enduring nature of Jesus' compassion and ability to heal. Trusting in His unchanging power means believing that He is capable of intervening in our circumstances, no matter how challenging they may seem. This trust is built through prayer, faith, and a deep relationship with Him. As we seek Him earnestly, we can experience His miraculous work in our lives, just as Bartimaeus did. [50:18]

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to trust in Jesus' unchanging power? How can you actively seek His intervention through prayer and faith today?

Quotes


Bartimaeus, his eyes are blind, but his hearing is sharp. His hearing is really keen. He's sitting by the road begging, and all of a sudden he hears, what's all the commotion about? Is somebody famous passing by? And they say, it's Jesus of Nazareth. There's a large crowd following him. Bartimaeus says, Jesus of Nazareth. I've heard of him. I've heard of miracles that he's done. I've never seen him, obviously, because I'm blind. I've never met him because I haven't had that opportunity. But rumors have circulated, and I've heard of that miracle worker. [00:48:58]

When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he heard the commotion. He began to shout, Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me. In other words, here's what he's saying. Jesus, I need help. I need your mercy. Lord Jesus, without you, I am helpless. Without you, I'm at the end of my rope. I'm a beggar. Would you help me? That's where the miracle mindset begins. I can't do it. [00:49:38]

Hey, hear me, hear me, hear me. There's only one person Jesus can't and won't help, the person who makes excuses. The Bible says when we admit, confess our sin, our shortcoming, then he helps. When we admit, when we confess him, that's the only person. And a miracle mindset, it begins with admitting, Lord, I can't do this without you. I need your help. I'm at the end of my rope. [00:51:58]

I talked with that man. I prayed with that man. I counseled that man. I gave him scripture to read. He connected with God. He connected with God. And, oh, I am watching God turn this guy's life in an amazing, in an amazing way. God is rocking this guy's world with the answers to prayer that he's bringing. And you too, you too, you too, today, every day, be like Bartimaeus. Lord, have mercy on me. Lord, I need your help. [00:52:41]

I thought as I watched that on the television, I thought, I'm so sorry for what he and what all the others out in California are going through. And I prayed for him. But I said, I like that man's attitude. I'm not looking to the government. I'm not looking here. I'm looking to God to be of help to me at a time like this. Then you're on your way to develop a miracle mindset. God, I need you. Oh, I need you. Every hour I need you. [00:53:59]

Confess out loud that Jesus is able to help you. Confess it out loud. Bartimaeus did. Lord, have mercy. He shouted out loud. You know, I have done in my ministry, I have performed over 500 weddings. I've never had a wedding where a couple stands in front of me. Groom usually stands here. Bride usually stands here. I've never had a wedding where I've said to them, now, think your vows silently to each other. [00:54:00]

There's something about verbalizing our commitment. There's something about verbalizing our faith that seals it. There's something about speaking our faith that brings and seals the deal. Look in Mark chapter 10, verse 48. Again, these words, be quiet, many yelled at him. He shouted all the louder. Son of David, have mercy on me. He verbalized it. And Jesus heard him, and he stopped. [00:54:55]

Bible says my people are perishing because of lack of knowledge. And a lot of people don't realize, they just don't realize the power in speaking the word of the living God. Speak it. Speak it more than think it. He called out, nobody you know can do what Jesus is able to do. I remember the night like it was yesterday. I was in charge of counseling for a Billy Graham crusade. [00:57:39]

But it kept him warm on cold nights in Jericho. But now, now that coat was a hindrance from him coming to Jesus, slowed him down. So he threw it off. He wanted to make a beeline to the Savior. He didn't want anything slowing him down. So a question to everyone here, question to everyone. What is it, or who is it, today, that's holding you back from coming to Jesus? What is it? Who is it that's holding you back, handcuffing you, from coming to Jesus? [01:01:50]

Anybody, I don't care who they are, anybody that tries to block or stop you within deepening your relationship with Jesus, they're not your friend. I got very serious with Jesus when I was in high school, and I lost a couple friends over it. I decided to disassociate with them, and they decided to disassociate with me when they saw the direction I was going. I was willing for that to come. I wouldn't let anything stop or hinder my moving in the direction of Jesus Christ. [01:04:03]

Jesus said to Bartimaeus, go. Your faith has healed you. What did Bartimaeus do? Did he say, hey, thanks, Lord. I've got what I want. See you later. You're going that way. I'm going this way. I'm going to get on with my life. No, no, no. Immediately, he received his sight. And followed Jesus. Amen. Along the road. And followed him. You see, Bartimaeus said, Jesus changed my life. And now I'm going to follow after him. That's a miracle mindset. [01:06:46]

It's not, give me what I need, and then, Lord, adios. Then, Lord, hasta luego. Then, Lord, I'm on my own. I got what I want, and I'm going my direction. I can hear Bartimaeus. Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus. I can see. I can see. I can see. Thank you, Jesus. I can see for the very first time in my life. I can not only hear him, I can see him. As he follows Jesus, he's dancing. He's dancing down the road, and he's so passionate to know and love Jesus. [01:07:20]

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Transcript
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