Embracing Faith: The Power of 'Yes' and 'Now'
Summary
In tonight's gathering, we find ourselves enveloped in an atmosphere where the presence of the Lord is palpable, and the potential for the miraculous is tangible. As we delve into the Book of Matthew, chapter 9, we are reminded of the power of faith and the transformative impact of simple, yet profound, three-letter words. The narrative of the two blind men who followed Jesus, crying out for mercy, serves as a poignant reminder of the power of belief. When Jesus asked if they believed He could heal them, their affirmative response, "Yes, Lord," became the catalyst for their healing. This moment underscores the importance of faith and the spoken word in our spiritual journey.
Tonight, we are called to embrace the vocabulary of faith, to shift from a mindset of "no" to one of "yes." The world may tell us "no" in various aspects of our lives—be it health, finances, or personal struggles—but we are encouraged to counter these negatives with a resounding "yes" to God's promises and power. This shift is not merely about positive thinking but about aligning our words with the faith that God can and will act on our behalf.
Furthermore, we are reminded of the power of asking. Matthew 7:7 encourages us to ask, and it shall be given. This is not a call to greed but an invitation to trust in God's abundant provision. We are urged to approach God with boldness, asking for the seemingly impossible, knowing that He delights in giving good gifts to His children.
As we gather in faith, we are also reminded of the immediacy of God's power. The word "now" becomes a pivotal part of our faith vocabulary. We are challenged to believe that God is not only able but willing to act in the present moment, to bring healing and deliverance today, not just in some distant future.
In this sacred space, we are invited to lift our voices, to declare our faith, and to receive the miracles that God has prepared for us. Let us embrace the power of "yes," the courage to ask, and the faith to believe in the "now" of God's promises.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of "Yes": Embracing a "yes" mindset in faith can transform our circumstances. When we align our words with God's promises, we open the door for miracles. This shift from "no" to "yes" is not just positive thinking but a declaration of faith in God's ability to act. [57:43]
- The Courage to Ask: Matthew 7:7 reminds us to ask, and it shall be given. This is an invitation to trust in God's abundant provision and to approach Him with boldness, asking for the seemingly impossible, knowing that He delights in giving good gifts to His children. [01:02:47]
- The Immediacy of "Now": The word "now" is pivotal in our faith journey. We are challenged to believe that God is not only able but willing to act in the present moment, bringing healing and deliverance today, not just in some distant future. [01:16:29]
- The Power of the Spoken Word: Proverbs 18:21 teaches that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Our words can either grow our faith or our doubt. By speaking words of faith, we align ourselves with God's promises and open the door for His miraculous intervention. [55:40]
- Faith in Action: Faith requires action. Sometimes, stepping out in faith, even when it seems difficult, is necessary for God to move. This act of faith can be as simple as lifting our hands in worship or as bold as asking for a miracle. [01:21:57]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [45:57] - Atmosphere of Possibility
- [47:58] - Three Letter Words That Change Everything
- [50:16] - Divine Appointments
- [50:58] - The Power of Faith
- [55:40] - Words That Shape Reality
- [57:43] - Embracing "Yes"
- [58:58] - Vocabulary of Faith
- [01:01:58] - The Power of Asking
- [01:05:27] - Audacity in Prayer
- [01:11:35] - Testimonies of Healing
- [01:13:36] - Faith in Action
- [01:16:29] - The Immediacy of "Now"
- [01:21:57] - Stepping Out in Faith
- [01:26:30] - Miracles in Motion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 9:27-30
- Matthew 7:7
- Proverbs 18:21
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 9:27-30, what was the response of the two blind men when Jesus asked if they believed He could heal them? How did their response impact the outcome? [47:58]
2. According to Matthew 7:7, what are we encouraged to do, and what is promised as a result? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on asking with boldness? [01:02:47]
3. Proverbs 18:21 speaks about the power of the tongue. What are the two outcomes mentioned, and how does this relate to the sermon’s message about the power of the spoken word? [55:40]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of the word "now" in our faith journey. How does this concept challenge the way we typically view God's timing? [01:16:29]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the response of the blind men in Matthew 9:27-30 illustrate the power of a "yes" mindset in faith? What does this teach us about the role of belief in receiving miracles? [57:43]
2. In what ways does Matthew 7:7 challenge believers to approach God with their needs? How does this align with the sermon’s call to have the courage to ask for the seemingly impossible? [01:05:27]
3. Proverbs 18:21 highlights the power of the tongue. How can our words either grow our faith or our doubt, and what practical steps can we take to ensure our words align with God’s promises? [55:40]
4. The sermon emphasized the immediacy of God's power with the word "now." How does this perspective affect our expectations of God’s intervention in our lives? [01:16:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a situation in your life where you have been saying "no" to God's promises. How can you shift your mindset to a "yes" and what steps will you take to align your words with faith? [57:43]
2. Consider a need or desire you have been hesitant to bring before God. What is holding you back from asking boldly, and how can you overcome this hesitation to trust in God’s abundant provision? [01:02:47]
3. Think about the words you speak daily. Are they more likely to grow your faith or your doubt? Identify one area where you can change your language to better reflect faith in God’s promises. [55:40]
4. The sermon challenged us to believe in the "now" of God's promises. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God to act immediately, and how will you express this faith in your prayers and actions? [01:16:29]
5. How can you incorporate the practice of asking God for big things into your daily prayer life? What specific request will you bring to God this week, trusting in His ability to provide? [01:05:27]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced a delay in receiving an answer to prayer. How did this affect your faith, and what can you do to maintain a "now" mindset in future situations? [01:16:29]
7. Identify a person in your life who needs encouragement to embrace a "yes" mindset in their faith journey. How can you support and pray for them this week to help them experience God’s promises? [57:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Power of "Yes"
In the journey of faith, the word "yes" holds transformative power. It is not merely a positive affirmation but a declaration of trust in God's promises. The story of the two blind men in Matthew 9 illustrates this beautifully. When they cried out to Jesus for mercy, their simple response of "Yes, Lord" to His question of belief became the catalyst for their healing. This moment teaches us that aligning our words with God's promises opens the door for miracles. By shifting from a mindset of "no" to one of "yes," we invite God's power into our lives, allowing Him to work in ways we might not have imagined. This is not about wishful thinking but about a deep-seated faith that God is able and willing to act on our behalf. [57:43]
Matthew 9:28-29 (ESV): "When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, 'Do you believe that I am able to do this?' They said to him, 'Yes, Lord.' Then he touched their eyes, saying, 'According to your faith be it done to you.'"
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to shift from a "no" to a "yes" in faith? How can you begin to declare God's promises over that situation today?
Day 2: The Courage to Ask
Faith invites us to approach God with boldness, trusting in His abundant provision. Matthew 7:7 encourages us to ask, and it shall be given. This is not a call to greed but an invitation to trust in God's generosity. We are urged to ask for the seemingly impossible, knowing that God delights in giving good gifts to His children. This requires courage, as it means stepping out in faith and believing that God can and will provide. It challenges us to move beyond our limitations and to trust in God's limitless power. By asking, we acknowledge our dependence on Him and open ourselves to His miraculous intervention. [01:02:47]
James 1:5-6 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."
Reflection: What is one seemingly impossible thing you need to ask God for today? How can you approach Him with boldness and faith, trusting in His provision?
Day 3: The Immediacy of "Now"
The word "now" is pivotal in our faith journey. It challenges us to believe that God is not only able but willing to act in the present moment. This immediacy of God's power means that healing and deliverance are available today, not just in some distant future. It requires us to live with an expectation that God is at work in our lives right now. This perspective shifts our focus from waiting for a future miracle to recognizing the miracles unfolding in our present circumstances. By embracing the "now" of God's promises, we open ourselves to His immediate intervention and experience His power in real-time. [01:16:29]
2 Corinthians 6:2 (ESV): "For he says, 'In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.' Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
Reflection: How can you cultivate an expectation of God's immediate action in your life today? What steps can you take to recognize and embrace the miracles happening around you right now?
Day 4: The Power of the Spoken Word
Proverbs 18:21 teaches that death and life are in the power of the tongue. Our words have the ability to shape our reality, either growing our faith or our doubt. By speaking words of faith, we align ourselves with God's promises and open the door for His miraculous intervention. This is not about denying reality but about choosing to speak life into our circumstances. It requires intentionality in our speech, ensuring that our words reflect our faith in God's power and goodness. By doing so, we create an atmosphere where God's presence is welcomed, and His power is unleashed. [55:40]
Proverbs 18:21 (ESV): "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits."
Reflection: What words are you speaking over your life and circumstances today? How can you intentionally choose to speak words of faith and life, aligning your speech with God's promises?
Day 5: Faith in Action
Faith requires action. It is not enough to believe; we must also act on that belief. Sometimes, stepping out in faith, even when it seems difficult, is necessary for God to move. This act of faith can be as simple as lifting our hands in worship or as bold as asking for a miracle. It is about taking tangible steps that demonstrate our trust in God's power and promises. By putting our faith into action, we create opportunities for God to work in our lives and experience His miraculous intervention. This requires courage and a willingness to step beyond our comfort zones, trusting that God will meet us in our obedience. [01:21:57]
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 demonstrate your faith in God's promises? How can you step out in obedience, trusting that God will meet you in your action?
Quotes
"The presence of the Lord is moving all throughout this place. Come on, wherever you're at, just connect with heaven. Somebody get vocal in the room. Hallelujah, Jesus." [00:45:02] (13 seconds)
"We're in an atmosphere where absolutely anything can happen. Hallelujah. Hallelujah. I know that God is moving on many across the room and I want to challenge you not to check out, but check in all the way in." [00:46:04] (15 seconds)
"God knew every single person that would be here a thousand years ago. He knew you would be here. You are not invisible to the king. He knew you would be here and he knew what your need would be." [00:51:14] (14 seconds)
"If I step into faith, I've got to have a yes in my spirit. Shandala Bahaye. I learned a long time ago. Oh, Brother Burns, you know this. You travel. It don't matter what a church is facing. If I can walk into that church with a yes, I believe God's going to do this. Yes." [00:58:58] (21 seconds)
"Ask, and it shall be given you. It's time for somebody to ask for God to do some things around here. How in the world did we get a hold of the mentality where we are afraid to ask God for something?" [01:02:43] (24 seconds)
"Come on, I don't know what you need lift up your hands and begin to talk to God about it again I say unto you that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask it shall be done for them." [01:07:36] (30 seconds)
"Hope deferred maketh the heart sick somebody is sick of believing for tomorrow. It's easy to believe for tomorrow but until you get a hold of the word now it's a three-letter word." [01:20:32] (23 seconds)
"I've heard people say it's going to take an act of God for this to happen, but God looks and says it's going to take an act of faith for me to do it come on, we keep waiting on an act of God, but God keeps waiting on an act of faith." [01:22:43] (19 seconds)
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