Embracing Giving and Action for God's Miracles

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Giving

Giving is more than just a financial transaction; it is an act of worship that aligns us with God's heart. When we give, we open ourselves up to be conduits of God's blessings, allowing His miracles to flow through us to others. This act of generosity not only blesses those who receive but also transforms the giver, drawing them closer to God's purposes. The church, as a community, thrives on the collective generosity of its members, enabling it to make a significant impact in the world.

In our personal lives, giving can take many forms—time, resources, love, and encouragement. Each act of giving is a seed planted in faith, trusting that God will use it to bring about His plans. As we prepare for our church's grand opening and 42nd birthday, let us remember that our contributions, no matter how small, play a crucial role in facilitating God's work. By giving, we participate in the divine economy of grace, where our offerings are multiplied to bless many.

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV): "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: Think of a specific way you can give generously this week—whether through your time, resources, or encouragement. How can you align your heart with God's in this act of giving? [27:47]

Day 2: God's Indirect Work

God often works in ways that are not immediately apparent to us. His methods can seem roundabout and unconventional, but they are always purposeful. This indirect approach requires us to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when we do not understand the path He is leading us on. In our service to others, our relationships, and our personal growth, we may find that God's hand is guiding us in unexpected ways.

This concept challenges us to remain open and flexible, allowing God to work through circumstances that may initially seem confusing or unrelated to our prayers. By trusting in His indirect methods, we can experience growth and blessings that we might have missed if we had insisted on our own way. God's indirect work is a testament to His sovereignty and creativity, reminding us that His ways are higher than our ways.

Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Reflection: Reflect on a situation in your life where God seemed to be working indirectly. How can you trust His wisdom and timing in this area? [38:48]

Day 3: The Importance of Action

Taking action, even when the outcome is uncertain, is crucial for experiencing God's miracles. The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 illustrates this principle powerfully. Faced with a dire situation, they chose to move towards the enemy's camp rather than remain in their hopeless state. Their decision led to an unexpected miracle, as they found the enemy camp deserted and filled with provisions.

This story teaches us that it is better to move and make decisions than to remain in indecision. God can guide us more effectively when we are in motion, taking steps of faith even when we do not see the full picture. By taking action, we open ourselves up to God's guidance and the possibility of His miraculous intervention in our lives.

2 Kings 7:5-7 (ESV): "So they arose at twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians. But when they came to the edge of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no one there. For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians hear the sound of chariots and of horses, the sound of a great army, so that they said to one another, 'Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of Egypt to come against us.' So they fled away in the twilight and abandoned their tents, their horses, and their donkeys, leaving the camp as it was, and fled for their lives."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been hesitant to take action? How can you take a step of faith this week, trusting that God will guide you? [46:17]

Day 4: Sharing the Good News

We are called to share the blessings and treasures we receive from God with others. The story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 also highlights the importance of sharing good news. After discovering the deserted enemy camp filled with provisions, the lepers realized it was not right to keep the good news to themselves. They went back to the city to share what they had found, bringing hope and relief to others.

In the same way, we must not keep the blessings and treasures we receive from God to ourselves. Sharing the good news and inviting others to experience God's love can change lives and bring people closer to Him. Simple invitations can have a profound impact, opening the door for others to encounter God's grace and transformation.

2 Kings 7:9 (ESV): "Then they said to one another, 'We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news; if we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king's household.'"

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs to hear the good news of God's love. How can you share this with them in a meaningful way this week? [50:27]

Day 5: Preparing for a New Season

As we prepare for our church's grand opening and new season, we must also prepare ourselves individually. This involves serving, praying, and being open to God's guidance. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's plans and position ourselves for His blessings. Preparing for a new season requires intentionality and a willingness to step out in faith, trusting that God is leading us into something greater.

In our personal lives, this preparation might involve seeking God's direction in specific areas, committing to spiritual disciplines, or being open to new opportunities for service and growth. As we prepare for what God has in store, we can be confident that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

Joshua 3:5 (ESV): "Then Joshua said to the people, 'Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.'"

Reflection: What steps can you take to prepare yourself for the new season God is leading you into? How can you be intentional about seeking His guidance and aligning yourself with His plans? [29:31]

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound impact of our giving and the importance of preparing for a new season in our lives. Giving is not just an act of worship but a means to bless others and facilitate miracles. As we prepare for our church's grand opening and 42nd birthday, we are reminded that this preparation is not just for the church but for each of us individually. We are called to move from where we are to where God wants us to be.

We discussed the concept of God working indirectly in our lives. Often, God does not take the most direct route to answer our prayers or meet our needs. Instead, He works in roundabout ways that may not make immediate sense to us. This indirect approach can be seen in our service to others, our relationships, and our personal growth. Serving God, even when life is busy, can lead to unexpected blessings and breakthroughs.

We also delved into the story of the four lepers from 2 Kings 7, who decided to move towards the enemy's camp rather than stay in their dire situation. Their decision led to an unexpected miracle, as they found the enemy camp deserted and filled with provisions. This story teaches us the importance of making decisions and taking action, even when the outcome is uncertain. It is easier to steer a moving car than a parked one, and similarly, God can guide us better when we are in motion.

Finally, we emphasized the importance of sharing the good news and inviting others to experience God's blessings. Just as the lepers realized it was not right to keep the good news to themselves, we too must share the treasures we have received from God. Simple invitations can change lives and bring people closer to God. As we prepare for our upcoming events, let us remember the power of a personal invitation and the impact it can have on someone's life.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Giving: Giving is an act of worship and a means to bless others. It allows the church to facilitate miracles and make a significant impact in people's lives. When we give, we align ourselves with God's heart and open the door for His blessings to flow through us. [27:47]
2. God's Indirect Work: God often works in roundabout ways that may not make immediate sense to us. He uses indirect methods to bring about His plans and purposes in our lives. This requires us to trust Him and be open to His guidance, even when it seems unconventional. [38:48]
3. The Importance of Action: Taking action, even when the outcome is uncertain, is crucial for experiencing God's miracles. The story of the four lepers teaches us that it is better to move and make decisions than to remain in indecision. God can guide us better when we are in motion. [46:17]
4. Sharing the Good News: We must not keep the blessings and treasures we receive from God to ourselves. Sharing the good news and inviting others to experience God's love can change lives and bring people closer to Him. Simple invitations can have a profound impact. [50:27]
5. Preparing for a New Season: As we prepare for our church's grand opening and new season, we must also prepare ourselves individually. This involves serving, praying, and being open to God's guidance. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's plans and position ourselves for His blessings. [29:31]
### [29:31]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[27:47] - The Power of Giving
[28:21] - Note Sheets and NFL Season
[29:03] - Series Introduction: Move In Ready
[29:31] - Preparing for a New Season
[32:22] - Listening to the Spirit
[34:25] - Serving and Team Mourns
[36:22] - Family Prayer and Preparation
[38:48] - God's Indirect Work
[40:07] - Serving and Humility
[44:59] - Unexpected Help from God
[46:17] - The Story of the Four Lepers
[47:46] - Discovering the Deserted Camp
[49:14] - Sharing the Good News
[50:27] - Realizing the Need to Share
[52:28] - Invitation and Harvest
[55:06] - The Power of Invitation
[56:42] - Understanding the Assignment
[58:32] - Testimonies of Invitation
[63:30] - Upcoming Events and Invitations
[66:27] - Baptisms and Personal Stories
[80:54] - Closing Blessing and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the initial situation of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7, and what decision did they make? ([46:17])
According to Acts 20:35, what did Jesus say about giving and receiving?
In Matthew 9:37-38, what does Jesus say about the harvest and the workers?

Interpretation Questions

How does the story of the four lepers in 2 Kings 7 illustrate the importance of taking action even when the outcome is uncertain? ([46:17])
Why might Jesus have emphasized that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and how does this align with the sermon’s message on the power of giving? ([27:47])
What does Jesus mean by "the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few," and how does this relate to the sermon’s call to share the good news and invite others? ([56:42])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt God was working indirectly in your life. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([38:48])
The sermon emphasized the importance of giving as an act of worship and a means to bless others. How can you incorporate more intentional giving into your daily life? ([27:47])
The four lepers took a bold step despite their dire situation. Is there a decision or action you have been hesitant to take? What steps can you take this week to move forward? ([46:17])
Sharing the good news and inviting others to experience God's blessings was a key point in the sermon. Who is one person you can invite to church or share your faith with this week? ([50:27])
As we prepare for a new season in our church, what personal preparations can you make to align yourself with God's plans? Consider areas like prayer, serving, or personal growth. ([29:31])
The sermon mentioned the power of a personal invitation. Think of someone who might benefit from attending the upcoming church events. How will you extend that invitation? ([55:06])
How can you ensure that you are not just receiving God's blessings but also sharing them with others? What practical steps can you take to avoid "hoarding" the treasures you receive from God? ([49:14])

Sermon Clips

1. "And this series, I want you to hear this, this series is not simply about our church at large, even though it's that. But we're praying it's going to be for you and your family, for you personally and individually. That we are going to get ready, here it is, to move from where we are to the new thing that God has for us. Are you here? We're going to move from where we are to where God wants us to be." [29:31] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "God most often works indirectly. He works through indirection. What do you mean that he works? Let's try. He doesn't usually, everyone say usually, he doesn't usually take the shortest and most direct route to something. Are you here? For those who have walked with the Lord a long time, you're just nodding your head. You know, he usually works in a roundabout way. A lot of times we don't see the connection from what we need to how he's working." [38:48] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "One of the ways we prepare for the new season God has for us is to move. We've been talking about all kinds of ways to move. It's much easier to steer a car that's slightly moving. It's very difficult to move a car that's parked. Are you with me? So let's keep going in the story. They go to the Syrian camp that's surrounded, and the most amazing thing happens. As they come to the edge of the camp, they realize that the enemy's completely gone." [46:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If we're not careful, we can bury or hide the good treasures that we have. Let's, let's continue the story. These are the lepers are going back and forth. Just hoard it, hoard it, bury it, bury it. Verse nine. Finally, read with me if you would. Finally, they said to each other, this is not right. Stop, stop, stop, stop. We can stop. We can stop money. We can go home and just sing a song. This is the message. This is the message. Even these guys realized, oh, time out. How much are we going to take?" [50:27] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I have to invite others into what I myself have experienced. So all this, all this, all this, we're finally getting there. To the third, months. Sunday. Sunday, after Sunday, after Sunday, after Sunday, coming back tent to tent to tent. And something needs to wake up on the inside and say, you know what? It's not right. That's not right. Can't be true. on the sports teams with us. People we email. People we email. People we Facebook." [52:28] (114 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Jesus is saying there's a lot of, there's so many hurting people. They need the Lord. But a lot of my followers don't understand the assignment. There's plenty of people. Plenty of people need me. Plenty of room in community church. Plenty. The sad thing is there's just not a lot of people who just understand what we're doing. I wish we, I wish, look at verse 38. Jesus said, so, this is how you get ready too. We talked about prayer. So what? So pray to the Lord." [56:42] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The simple thing is that you can change the world. You can change a person's life, the trajectory. Look at this, look at this. So now we have, we have four kids of our own. Yeah. Amen. Finally, they said to overcome evil with good. That's what the family is, the church family. Together. Come on, say together. We overcome evil with good. And it can happen through just a, I've got to share the good things." [01:03:30] (94 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Nothing is going to beat a personal invitation, right? Hey, come on, come on. Uh, the second way big opportunity before us is right after our birthday. The very next Sunday, we start our, one of our biggest outreaches of the entire year. One of my favorite series. And it's called ATM. What is it at the movies? Where else can you go and see all the movie characters here? Kids taking pictures, big party atmosphere." [01:05:01] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "If you're a part of this church family, don't worry about what the movie is. It's not about us. We're putting on a movie for other people. Come on, come on, come on, come on. I want you to come taste and see the Lord is good. Oh my goodness. There's so much here. Uh, that last on the other side of an invitation is the possibility for us to change the world, change someone's life, change a trajectory, change a legacy, change a family." [01:06:27] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "What has always been does not have to always be your life is going to be better because of what happens in this place in Jesus name and now may the lord bless you lord bless you may the lord keep you may the lord cause his good his kind his renewing strengthening face to shine brightly down upon you and may he grant you rest some of the best rest you've had in a long time and may the lord preserve you when you're going and keep you until we meet again in christ's name amen god bless you have a fabulous week we'll see you next week" [01:20:54] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?