Embracing Change: Faith, Miracles, and Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Praise the Lord! Today, I want to share a powerful testimony of how God moved in my life this past weekend. Despite feeling tired and old, I drove six hours to attend a church service. During that service, a preacher called me out by name and prophesied that God is changing our church. He said we are on the seventh lap, just like the Israelites around Jericho, and that the walls are about to fall. Today, we already see the beginning of this prophecy with new visitors and returning members in our congregation.
We must live this prophecy and believe that God will continue to bless our church. Let's not just sit in the pews; let's get involved in what God is doing. We have people in our church who need miracles, like Sister Nancy and Brother Gil. We believe in a miracle-working God who can perform the impossible. We also need to be thankful for the blessings we have, like the $3,000 we raised for Mother's Memorial to help missionaries and pastors' wives.
I want to encourage everyone to fight for their faith. We are in a spiritual battle, and we must stand up against the forces of hell. We need to fight for our families, our communities, and our own souls. It's time to stop justifying our sins and start fighting our way into God's presence. We must refuse to be wishy-washy in our faith and make a firm decision to serve the Lord wholeheartedly.
God wants us to get tired of our sins and fed up with our old ways. He wants us to open the doors to heaven and close the doors to hell. Today, the old you is over, and the new you has begun. It's time to believe in God and stop believing in the lies of the world. Let's focus on what God says about us and not what others say.
We all worry about many things, but we need to worry about the right things—like whether our lives measure up to God's Word. If we get involved in what God is doing, He will get involved in our lives. It's not a coincidence that you are here today; it's by divine design. Let's make a better choice today and lay down our sins to pick up God.
### Key Takeaways
1. Divine Appointments and Prophecy: God orchestrates divine appointments in our lives to bring about His will. Just as the preacher prophesied about the changes in our church, we must believe and live out these prophecies, trusting that God will continue to bless us. This requires active participation and faith in God's promises. [08:32]
2. The Power of Praise and Worship: Our miracles are often found in our praise. When we lift our hands and hearts to God, we create an atmosphere for Him to move. Praise is not just a ritual; it's a powerful act of faith that invites God's presence and power into our lives. [24:00]
3. Spiritual Warfare: We are in a constant spiritual battle, and we must fight for our faith, our families, and our communities. This fight requires us to stand firm against the forces of hell and refuse to justify our sins. Instead, we must fight our way into God's presence and seek His approval. [48:41]
4. Transformation Through Surrender: True transformation begins when we surrender our lives to God. Like David, who was a great sinner but became a friend of God through repentance, we too can experience God's forgiveness and become vessels of His glory. Surrendering to God means letting go of our old ways and embracing a new life in Him. [45:20]
5. Focus on God's Opinion: We often worry about the wrong things, like what others think of us or the state of the world. Instead, we should focus on what God says about us and whether our lives align with His Word. When we prioritize God's opinion, we find true peace and direction. [59:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:52] - Testimony of God's Move
[08:32] - Prophecy and Change
[09:27] - Call to Prayer and Praise
[21:33] - Believing in Miracles
[22:20] - Thankfulness and Offering
[23:16] - Prayers for Healing
[24:00] - The Power of Praise
[42:44] - The Importance of Worship
[43:26] - Personal Testimony
[45:20] - Surrendering to God
[47:09] - Being Doers of the Word
[48:41] - Spiritual Warfare
[50:49] - Fighting for the Right Things
[59:18] - Focus on God's Opinion
[01:02:02] - Worrying About the Right Things
[01:04:39] - Divine Design and Choices
[01:08:37] - God's Power to Transform
[01:11:33] - Living in Holiness
[01:13:09] - The Struggle of Trust
[01:18:42] - Choosing Between Two Opinions
[01:23:22] - David's Transformation
[01:27:36] - Call to the Altar
[01:30:26] - Group Prayer and Surrender
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Joshua 6:15-16, 20 (NIV)
> "On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, 'Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!'... When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city."
2. Psalm 9:1-2 (NIV)
> "I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High."
3. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)
> "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."
#### Observation Questions
1. What did the preacher prophesy about the church during the service the pastor attended? ([08:32])
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of praise and worship in experiencing miracles? ([24:00])
3. Who are the two individuals mentioned in the sermon that need a miracle, and what are their situations? ([21:33])
4. What does the pastor say about the importance of fighting for our faith and against the forces of hell? ([48:41])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of the Israelites marching around Jericho relate to the current situation in the church as described in the sermon? ([08:32])
2. In what ways does the pastor suggest that praise and worship can create an atmosphere for God to move in our lives? ([24:00])
3. What does the pastor mean when he says we need to fight our way into God's presence and seek His approval? ([50:49])
4. How does the pastor's personal testimony of feeling tired and old but still attending the service illustrate the theme of perseverance in faith? ([07:52])
#### Application Questions
1. The pastor mentioned that we are on the "seventh lap" like the Israelites around Jericho. What are some practical ways you can actively participate in what God is doing in our church? ([08:32])
2. Reflect on a time when you experienced a breakthrough or miracle through praise and worship. How can you incorporate more intentional praise into your daily life? ([24:00])
3. The sermon emphasized the need to fight for our faith and against the forces of hell. What specific steps can you take this week to stand firm in your faith and resist spiritual attacks? ([48:41])
4. The pastor encouraged us to stop justifying our sins and start fighting our way into God's presence. Are there any areas in your life where you have been justifying sin? How can you begin to address these areas? ([50:49])
5. The pastor spoke about the importance of focusing on what God says about us rather than the opinions of others. How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's opinion in your daily decisions and self-perception? ([59:18])
6. The sermon mentioned the need to be thankful for the blessings we have, like the $3,000 raised for Mother's Memorial. What are some blessings in your life that you can be more thankful for, and how can you express that gratitude? ([22:20])
7. The pastor shared his struggle with feeling like he has helped nobody despite his efforts. How can you support and encourage your church leaders and fellow members in their spiritual journeys? ([47:53])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Appointments and Prophecy
God orchestrates divine appointments in our lives to bring about His will. Just as the preacher prophesied about the changes in our church, we must believe and live out these prophecies, trusting that God will continue to bless us. This requires active participation and faith in God's promises. When we recognize these divine moments, we should respond with faith and action, knowing that God is working behind the scenes to fulfill His purposes.
In the same way that the Israelites marched around Jericho in obedience to God's command, we too must be obedient and faithful, even when the outcome is not immediately visible. The walls of Jericho fell because of their faith and persistence, and similarly, the walls in our lives and church will fall when we trust and act on God's word. [08:32]
Joshua 6:15-16 (ESV): "On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. It was only on that day that they marched around the city seven times. And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, 'Shout, for the Lord has given you the city.'"
Reflection: Can you identify a moment in your life where you felt God was orchestrating events for a specific purpose? How did you respond, and how can you be more attentive to such divine appointments in the future?
Day 2: The Power of Praise and Worship
Our miracles are often found in our praise. When we lift our hands and hearts to God, we create an atmosphere for Him to move. Praise is not just a ritual; it's a powerful act of faith that invites God's presence and power into our lives. When we praise God, we acknowledge His sovereignty and open ourselves up to His miraculous intervention.
Praise and worship are more than just songs and words; they are expressions of our trust and dependence on God. In moments of difficulty, choosing to praise God can shift our focus from our problems to His greatness, allowing us to experience His peace and power. [24:00]
2 Chronicles 20:21-22 (ESV): "And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the Lord and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, 'Give thanks to the Lord, for his steadfast love endures forever.' And when they began to sing and praise, the Lord set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed."
Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you incorporate praise and worship into your response to this situation, trusting God to move on your behalf?
Day 3: Spiritual Warfare
We are in a constant spiritual battle, and we must fight for our faith, our families, and our communities. This fight requires us to stand firm against the forces of hell and refuse to justify our sins. Instead, we must fight our way into God's presence and seek His approval. Spiritual warfare is not just about resisting temptation but actively pursuing God's will and protection.
In this battle, we must equip ourselves with the armor of God and be vigilant in prayer. Our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces that seek to undermine our faith and destroy our relationships. By standing firm in God's truth and righteousness, we can overcome these challenges and protect what is most important. [48:41]
Ephesians 6:12-13 (ESV): "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you feel under spiritual attack. What steps can you take to stand firm in God's truth and seek His protection in this battle?
Day 4: Transformation Through Surrender
True transformation begins when we surrender our lives to God. Like David, who was a great sinner but became a friend of God through repentance, we too can experience God's forgiveness and become vessels of His glory. Surrendering to God means letting go of our old ways and embracing a new life in Him.
This transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process of yielding to God's will and allowing Him to shape us into His image. As we surrender our fears, doubts, and sins, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God's grace and love. [45:20]
Romans 12:1-2 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: Focus on God's Opinion
We often worry about the wrong things, like what others think of us or the state of the world. Instead, we should focus on what God says about us and whether our lives align with His Word. When we prioritize God's opinion, we find true peace and direction.
God's opinion of us is rooted in His love and truth, and it is unchanging. By aligning our lives with His Word, we can live with confidence and purpose, knowing that we are pleasing to Him. This focus helps us to navigate life's challenges with a clear sense of identity and mission. [59:18]
Galatians 1:10 (ESV): "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision or action. Was it influenced more by the opinions of others or by what you believe God says about you? How can you shift your focus to prioritize God's opinion in your daily life?
Quotes
1. "I want us to do one thing today. I've come determined. I'm not going to sit in a pew and just hear a message and let praise and worship go by. I'm going to get involved in what God's doing, and I'm going to lift up the name of the Lord. I'm going to praise Him and magnify Him. I'm going to glorify His name, and I'm just going to believe that God's going to come down in my life and touch a miracle and going to change some things, going to do some things, and I'm going to do some things that are going to change some things, going to do some healing in my life, going to touch my finances, going to bless me." [09:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I truly believe this. I believe in medicine, but if God doesn't get into medicine, medicine doesn't work. And so we're just asking God to get in these things. And then I'm going to be very carnal for just a moment. I am so thankful that our church gave $3,000 for Mother's Memorial to help missionaries and help pastors' wives all over, all over the world. But when I seen that check cashed, and it hit our bank account this week, I kept saying, you know, I wish they'd cash that check, I wish they'd cash that check, I wish they'd cash that check. And then yesterday, I said, I wish they didn't cash that check, I wish they didn't cash." [22:20] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I come to this pulpit, and I'm going to be just very transparent. It's not a woe-is-me moment. I'm just going to be very transparent with you. I come to this pulpit today with a very heavy burden. Amen. A very heavy burden. And I'm just going to be transparent for a moment. And you can think what you will. And maybe I'm just talking to me and the Lord. But I fear that I have preached so much to help this church grow. I fear that I have become so invested in leaving a legacy of not letting the church die long after I'm gone. I fear that I have given myself to help everybody, that, in fact, I have helped nobody." [47:53] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But we're not in a fight that your bills get paid, that you get ahead in life. We're in a fight that the hell is battling for your soul. And until we wake up and realize that we're in a fight, hell's going to keep winning. You're going to stay in the condition that you're in. Nothing's going to change in your life. But when you decide to stand up to the hounds of hell and say, I choose instead to fight, I'm not going down without a battle. I'm not going down without a fight. Amen. Amen. I'm here to fight today. How many of you? I'm here to fight today for our married couples. I'm here to fight today for the sinner. I'm here to fight today for the righteous. I'm here to fight today for the poor in spirit. I'm here to fight for this community and your community." [48:41] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You must believe this, that today the old you is over and the new you has begun. Amen. Amen. That old wishy-washy me, it's over with, God. I'm beginning a new life with you. Amen. It's time to start believing. Believe in God and stop believing CNN and Fox News. Friend, it doesn't matter if you're a Republican or if you're a Democrat. They both false. They don't... Neither one of them care about us, but we've got a God. We've got a God. We've got a God. Hallelujah. Hallelujah." [57:30] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "It's time that you stop believing in gossip and you start believing in what the Word says. It's time you start believing the Bible. And stop believing that everything else has said and everything's opinion about you. It's time you start caring. Stop caring about what others say about you. It's time that you start caring. Stop caring about what others say about your character, what they say about your personality, or what they say about your position. Listen, I'm going to tell you what. I come to stand before the Lord today. I didn't come to stand before the opinion of others. Come on." [58:00] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You know, we all worry about things, don't we? Somebody said, well, you're the preacher, you're the pastor, you're preaching to me. You don't have a thing to worry about. We all worry about things. We all worry about something. But I'm going to tell you what. I think we're worrying about the wrong things. I really do. I think we're worrying about who's going to get elected. I think we're worried about the economy turning around. I think we're worried about one party's communist regime and another party's, lies that they're telling us to. I think we're worried about the wrong thing. I think we're worried about the news that we hear about our lives. I think we worry about the things that's going on in our mind and what the enemy of our souls is telling us." [59:59] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "You think you're struggling with your problem, but the only thing you're struggling with is whether you want to make up your mind to live for God or not. Amen. And that's a hard struggle. It's a struggle of trust. And because people have failed you, you think you're good, God will fail you. But there's a promise in the Word of God. He said, I'll never leave you. I'll never forsake you." [01:13:09] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "You know, we form denominations because we believe God's grace is so magnificent that He puts His stamp of approval on a sinful life. That's not God's grace. God's grace is you should have been destroyed, but thank God for Calvary. Amen. Amen. Amen. God's grace is you should have been, you should have gone by death, hell in the grave, but thank God that you got a resurrected Savior in your life. God's grace is that you should have died in your sins, but because of His unmerited favor, He come to where you are when you begin to plead on, plead to blood and call on His name." [01:14:25] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You can't have it both ways. You can't have God's truth and your lie. You can't have sin's darkness and God's light. You can't have, you're judging God and then God's forgiveness all at the same time. Friend, you can't have life and death all in the same moment. You've got to choose whether to live for God or whether to go about your sins and just continue in sin and see how far they will take you. But I am so glad that I'm a testimony today that I decided to turn from my sins and turn and say, God, I don't know where you're taking me, but I'll take one step after the next. And I'll follow the leading of the Lord." [01:19:24] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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