Embracing God's Favor and Protection in New Beginnings

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Right Timing and Place

The sermon emphasizes the importance of being at the right place at the right time, a concept derived from Ecclesiastes 9:11. This is not about our own efforts or abilities, but about God's divine orchestration. It's about trusting that God will guide us to where we need to be when we need to be there. This is a reminder that our success and blessings in life are not solely dependent on our own strength or wisdom, but on God's perfect timing and placement ([07:09]).

Bible Passage: Ecclesiastes 9:11 - "I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you were at the right place at the right time. How did that moment impact your life and how can you see God's hand in it?

Day 2: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Divine Timing

The sermon highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding us to the right time and place. The Holy Spirit is our divine guide, leading us to where we need to be and when we need to be there. This is a reminder that we are not alone in our journey, but have the Holy Spirit to guide us ([09:27]).

Bible Passage: John 14:26 - "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."

Reflection: How have you experienced the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life? How can you be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life?

Day 3: The Year of Manifestation

The sermon declares this year as the year of manifestation, a time when prayers that have been long-awaited will finally come to fruition. This is a reminder to hold onto faith and patience, knowing that God's timing is perfect and He will fulfill His promises ([11:53]).

Bible Passage: Habakkuk 2:3 - "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry."

Reflection: What are some prayers or dreams that you have been waiting for God to fulfill? How can you continue to trust in God's timing and promises?

Day 4: The Power of God's Presence

The sermon emphasizes the power of God's presence in our lives. When we live as if we are constantly in God's presence, we can experience His blessings and favor. This is a reminder to live each day aware of God's presence and His love for us ([19:45]).

Bible Passage: Psalm 16:11 - "Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence in your daily life? How has God's presence impacted your life?

Day 5: The Power of Prayer

The sermon highlights the power of prayer, especially when we pray as if we are in Christ. This is a reminder that our prayers carry the same value and power as if Jesus Himself is praying. This encourages us to pray with faith and confidence, knowing that God hears and answers our prayers ([20:44]).

Bible Passage: Ephesians 6:18 - "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"

Reflection: How can you pray with more faith and confidence? How has prayer impacted your relationship with God?

Sermon Summary

In this sermon, I was reminded of the story of the prodigal son and how God's favor can come upon us unexpectedly, even after years of hardship or estrangement. The speaker emphasized the importance of recognizing God's hand in our lives and giving Him the glory when we see His promises come to pass. The sermon also touched on the significance of the new year and how it doesn't mean that God ceases to do the things He has done in the past. Instead, each new year is an opportunity for God to add to the blessings and favor He has already bestowed upon us.

The speaker also delved into the story of Abraham's servant finding a wife for Isaac in the book of Genesis. This story was used to illustrate the concept of divine timing and chance, and how God can orchestrate events in our lives to bring about His purposes. The speaker emphasized that we don't have to rely on our own strength or wisdom to succeed, but rather on God's timing and providence. The sermon concluded with a reminder that God is actively working in our lives, even when we don't see it, and that we should live our lives as if we are constantly in His presence.

Key Takeaways

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Sermon Clips

1. "My friend, to seek good success in 2023, you don't have to depend on yourself to be swift, strong, or wise. Time and chance speak of the Lord being able to cause us to be at the right time and at the right place. This is a place of blessing, favor, protection, and good success throughout 2023." - 00:36

2. "You walk in the light of his shining face on you. And that's from one of the blessings in the benediction, is that the Lord make his face to shine on you, amen. So, we--we--we just came through a year of rest and acceleration, and we have so many testimonies that have come forth." - 02:59

3. "What never happened in six years took place in the year of rest and acceleration, amen. Even though it's right towards the end of the year. Of course, by the time they told me the testimony it was in December, but I--I think they received it a few months earlier, the manifestation." - 06:11

4. "The race is not always to the swift. The World Cup is not always to the better team. It's not a matter of how old Messi is. The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, amen. Nor bread to men of--to wise men, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all." - 10:43

5. "Sometimes right time, right place may not look at first like it's favorable. Later on you look back, my goodness, it's right time, right place. I remember many years ago when--when Jessica was two years old. She's a young lady now. And, uh, we travelled for the first time with her, with her along, her first travel overseas." - 43:57

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