Embracing God's Healing Presence and Power Today

Devotional

Day 1: The Ongoing Authority and Mission of Jesus

Jesus has given His followers authority to make disciples, heal the sick, and carry His presence into the world, promising to be with us always. This authority is not just for the original disciples but for every believer today, empowering us to walk in the fullness of His mission. We are called to teach, baptize, and obey all that Jesus commanded, including ministering healing and wholeness to those around us. The presence of Jesus is not distant or reserved for a select few; He is with us, equipping us to bring His kingdom to earth in tangible ways. [01:00:59]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Where in your daily life do you sense Jesus inviting you to step out in His authority to bring healing, hope, or the message of His love to someone today?

Day 2: Spiritual Gifts Are for Today

The gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, and more—are available to every believer until Jesus returns. These gifts are not reserved for a special few or for a bygone era; they are meant to be pursued and practiced by all who follow Christ. The Spirit empowers us to serve, encourage, and build up the body of Christ, and we are called to earnestly desire and steward these gifts with passion and humility. As we wait for the revealing of Jesus, we lack nothing needed to fulfill His purposes. [01:01:57]

1 Corinthians 1:7 (ESV)
So that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection: What spiritual gift do you sense God stirring in you, and how can you take a practical step to pursue or use it this week?

Day 3: Pursue Love and Earnestly Desire Spiritual Gifts

We are called to passionately pursue love and to earnestly desire the gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy, as a way to reveal God’s heart and power to others. This pursuit is not passive; it requires intentionality, hunger, and a willingness to step out in faith, even when we feel inadequate or uncertain. The gifts are not for personal status but to demonstrate the love of the Father and to build up the church. As we pray for others and seek to minister healing, we are invited to persist, trusting that God is faithful to move through us. [01:03:18]

1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV)
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

Reflection: Who is one person you can pray for or encourage today, asking God to use you as a vessel of His love and spiritual gifts?

Day 4: Healing Flows from the Father’s Love

Healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—is a tangible expression of God’s love for His children, not a badge of spiritual achievement. The gifts of healing and words of knowledge are given so that people can encounter the Father’s compassion and be made whole. Sometimes healing comes instantly, sometimes through persistence, and sometimes even when our faith feels weak. God’s desire is to restore, to reveal His nearness, and to show that He is still at work in our lives today. [01:13:51]

Psalm 103:2-4 (ESV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life—body, mind, or heart—where you need to experience the Father’s healing love? Will you invite Him to touch you there today?

Day 5: Forgiveness and Wholeness Are Deeply Connected

Unforgiveness and unresolved wounds can hinder our physical and emotional health, but as we release forgiveness and allow God to heal our hearts, we often experience breakthrough and restoration. The Lord desires to heal not just symptoms but the root causes of our pain, bringing freedom and wholeness. As we listen to the Holy Spirit and respond to His promptings, we can partner with Him in the healing process for ourselves and others, trusting that He is faithful to complete the work He begins. [01:22:18]

Colossians 3:13 (ESV)
Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive or a wound you need to bring before God? What step can you take today to invite His healing into that place?

Sermon Summary

This morning, the focus is on the reality of God’s presence and power among us, especially as it relates to healing and the ministry of the Holy Spirit. After sharing some personal stories from a recent trip to Houston—where unexpected divine appointments and connections affirmed God’s orchestration in our lives—the heart of the gathering turns to the five foundational pillars of our community: seeking God’s presence, a heart for the hurting, hunger for revival, valuing family, and making disciples of all nations.

The emphasis today is on having a heart for the hurting, particularly through healing—both physical and emotional. Healing is not just a theological concept or a distant hope; it is a present reality available to every believer. Jesus commanded his followers to heal the sick, raise the dead, and cleanse the lepers, and the gifts of the Spirit are still active and accessible today. The Holy Spirit did not retreat after the early church; He is still moving, still empowering, and still longing to display the kingdom of God through us.

Testimonies are shared to stir faith: stories of miraculous physical healings, words of knowledge that revealed hidden pain, and moments where emotional wounds were healed, sometimes unlocking physical restoration. These stories are not meant to elevate individuals but to reveal the love of the Father and the reality that God desires to heal and restore. Sometimes healing comes instantly, sometimes through persistent prayer, and sometimes even when faith feels weak—because God’s faithfulness is not dependent on our perfection.

The practice of words of knowledge is explained as a way God communicates specific needs He wants to address, often through impressions, sensations, dreams, or visions. Obedience to these promptings is key, as is a willingness to step out and pray, even when the outcome is uncertain. Healing and spiritual gifts are not badges of honor but expressions of God’s love, meant to draw people closer to Him and to glorify Jesus.

The invitation is clear: pursue spiritual gifts with passion, don’t settle for passive Christianity, and be willing to step out in faith for the sake of others. As the ministry team comes forward, the expectation is set that God will move, heal, and restore—because that is who He is.

Key Takeaways

1. Divine appointments are not coincidences but evidence of God’s intimate involvement in our lives. When seemingly random connections or opportunities arise, they often reveal God’s orchestration and remind us that He is actively guiding our steps, even in the smallest details. Recognizing these moments builds our faith and trust in His sovereignty. [55:59]
2. The gifts of the Spirit, including healing and words of knowledge, are not reserved for a select few or for a bygone era. Scripture affirms that these gifts are available to every believer until the return of Christ, and we are called to pursue them with passion and expectancy. This pursuit is not about spiritual elitism but about making Jesus known and meeting the needs of a hurting world. [62:13]
3. Healing is often a process that requires both faith and persistence. Sometimes God heals instantly, sometimes through repeated prayer, and sometimes even when our faith feels weak or faltering. The key is to remain obedient and persistent, trusting that God’s desire to heal is rooted in His love and not in our performance or worthiness. [73:12]
4. Words of knowledge are a practical way the Holy Spirit communicates specific needs He wants to address. These can come through physical sensations, mental impressions, dreams, or visions, and require sensitivity and immediate obedience. When we respond to these promptings, we partner with God in bringing healing and encouragement to others, often in ways that deeply reveal His love and care. [67:37]
5. Emotional and spiritual wounds can manifest as physical sickness, and true healing often involves addressing both body and soul. Unforgiveness, trauma, and unresolved pain can hinder physical health, but as we allow God to heal our hearts, we often see breakthrough in our bodies as well. The ministry of healing is holistic, aiming for wholeness in every part of our being. [81:07]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[49:48] - Church News and Upcoming Events
[50:47] - Introduction and Houston Trip Stories
[52:33] - Divine Appointments and God’s Orchestration
[54:14] - Revival and Testimonies from Houston
[56:12] - Wounded in Battle: The Church’s Call to Heal
[56:49] - Five Pillars of Our Community
[57:29] - Pursuing God’s Presence and Healing
[58:24] - Hunger for Revival and Salvation
[59:40] - Value for Family and Discipleship
[60:07] - Focus on Healing: Heart for the Hurting
[61:16] - The Authority and Gifts Given to Believers
[63:18] - Pursuing Spiritual Gifts and Healing
[65:25] - How Words of Knowledge Work
[68:17] - Testimonies of Healing and Obedience
[73:12] - Healing Through Persistence and Faith
[78:34] - Dreams, Visions, and Emotional Healing
[81:07] - The Link Between Emotional and Physical Healing
[83:29] - Cancer Healed: Testimony of Forgiveness
[84:00] - Miraculous Healing of Blindness
[85:05] - Ministry Team: Words of Knowledge and Healing
[86:29] - Specific Words of Knowledge Released
[90:33] - Invitation for Healing and Testimonies

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 — And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

- 1 Corinthians 1:7
So that you are not lacking in any gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

- 1 Corinthians 14:1
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.

Observation Questions

According to Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to his followers before he ascends?
In 1 Corinthians 1:7, what does Paul say about spiritual gifts and their availability to believers?
The sermon describes “words of knowledge” as a way God communicates specific needs He wants to address. What are some of the ways the Holy Spirit gives these words, according to the sermon? ([01:05:25])
What are the five foundational pillars of the church community mentioned in the sermon? ([57:29])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus includes “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” as part of the Great Commission? How does this relate to the call to heal and minister to the hurting? ([01:01:16])
The sermon says that spiritual gifts, including healing, are not just for a select few or for a past era. What does this mean for how we view our own role in God’s work today? ([01:02:13])
The pastor shared stories where healing came instantly, through persistence, or even when faith felt weak. What does this suggest about the relationship between our faith and God’s faithfulness? ([01:13:12])
How does the connection between emotional/spiritual wounds and physical sickness challenge or expand your understanding of healing? ([01:21:07])

Application Questions

The sermon emphasized that “divine appointments are not coincidences but evidence of God’s intimate involvement in our lives.” Can you recall a recent moment that felt orchestrated by God? How did you respond, and how might you become more aware of these moments? ([55:59])
The gifts of the Spirit are described as available to every believer. What is one spiritual gift you feel drawn to pursue more intentionally? What practical step could you take this week to grow in that area? ([01:02:13])
Healing is often a process that requires both faith and persistence. Is there an area in your life (physical, emotional, or spiritual) where you have stopped praying or believing for healing? What would it look like to persist in prayer for that need? ([01:13:12])
The sermon explained that words of knowledge can come through impressions, sensations, dreams, or visions. Have you ever experienced God speaking to you in one of these ways? If so, how did you respond? If not, what might help you become more open or attentive to God’s voice? ([01:07:37])
The pastor shared that emotional wounds like unforgiveness or trauma can affect physical health. Is there an area of unresolved pain or unforgiveness in your life that you sense God might want to heal? What is one step you could take toward healing in that area? ([01:21:07])
The invitation was to “pursue spiritual gifts with passion, don’t settle for passive Christianity, and be willing to step out in faith for the sake of others.” What is one way you can step out in faith this week to minister to someone who is hurting? ([01:03:18])
The sermon made clear that healing and spiritual gifts are not badges of honor but expressions of God’s love. How can you guard your heart against pride or comparison as you seek to walk in the gifts of the Spirit? ([01:13:37])

Sermon Clips

The presence of God is reveals to us the nature and the person of Jesus Christ. He when we seek the presence of God, we experience his presence. He he reveals who the Christ is and we get to see him in such a unique way. [00:57:17]

Salvation is not just for something that takes place after you die. Salvation is a present experience for every believer. He makes us new in every single way. [00:58:56]

We're doing this thing as church, as a community, as a family of believers that are on mission to see the kingdom of heaven advance. And the last of the five pillars of our of our community is that we are making disciples of all nations. [00:59:42]

If you're believing the Lord for healing or you want to see healing move through your life, I'm going to tell you a a a big secret in seeing healing is to pray for the sick. It's that simple. We over complicate sometimes what what what the kingdom is. [01:03:16]

If you're wanting to see more healing, then pray for more people. And if they don't get healed, pray for more people. And if they don't get healed, pray for more people until you start to see what it is that God wants to do through your life and through my life. [01:03:31]

The Bible says that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence and the violent take it by force. It's not a passive experience to live in the kingdom, but it's it's meant to be an active experience where we are pursuing spiritual gifts. [01:03:48]

This word pursue spiritual gifts or to earnestly desire spiritual gifts means to actually boil over with passion, boil over with a hunger to see these spiritual gifts move through our lives. [01:04:01]

It's important that when we're when we receive uh anything from the Lord that he's saying that we're obedient immediately. And so I set my stuff down. I turned around to see if he was still in in the building. [01:08:50]

All of the spiritual gifts that we walk in, they're meant to be a revelation of the love of the father. They are not meant to be a badge or you know a notch on our Bible. They are meant to experience the love of God here on the earth so that he can get the glory. [01:13:45]

Even in our lack of belief, even in our lack of faith, he comes through. This isn't about you. This isn't about me. This is about him getting glorified. And that I I got to know the father in a unique way through that experience that even when I am faithless, he is faithful in our lives. [01:18:00]

Oftenimes see healing can be tied to our emotions. We don't or to our soul. We don't have a real clear understanding that in western medicine. We're very um symptomatic in our diagnosis of of of when something is wrong. [01:20:29]

There are things that are happening uh in our body as a result of what's going on in our soul. There's studies after studies that are being published especially over the last 10 years that link sickness in our body to unforgiveness. [01:21:37]

I'm telling you these testimonies to start stirring some faith because we're going to see some healing in the room. Um, and she says, "This black stuff starts coming out." So much so that I was hospitalized and so I wasn't able to make it last week because I was in the hospital. [01:23:17]

If he'll do it for somebody else, he'll do it for you. He's He's not a respector of persons. He He wants to heal. He wants to show his love towards his people, towards uh towards his creation. [01:23:46]

Remember, a word of knowledge, it's it's a it's a revelation of something that can't be known through human understanding. Jesus did it with the women at w with the woman at the well. Ananas received a word of knowledge when he found out that Paul was going to come to him, a man that was blind, and and and was told what to do. [01:25:59]

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