Embracing God's Presence: Healing, Hope, and Discernment

Devotional

Day 1: Hearing and Knowing the Voice of the Lord

God continually speaks to His people, but in a world filled with countless voices and distractions, it is vital to discern and know the voice of the Lord above all others. When you truly know His voice, you will not be led astray by the noise of the world or the voice of strangers, but will be guided in peace and assurance. The Lord calls each of His sheep by name, leading them out and going before them, and His sheep follow because they know His voice. Take time today to quiet your heart and listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd, trusting that He desires to lead you into truth and safety. [01:11:00]

John 10:1-5 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally quiet the competing voices in your life today so you can better hear and recognize the voice of Jesus?

Day 2: The Power and Purpose of Christ’s Sacrifice

Jesus faced the hour of His suffering with a troubled soul, yet He submitted to the Father’s will, knowing that His death would glorify God and draw all people to Himself. The cross is not just a symbol of suffering, but the very heart of God’s plan to judge the world, defeat evil, and offer salvation to all who believe. In the midst of confusion and differing interpretations, Jesus made it clear that His being lifted up would bring light and life to those who walk in darkness. Let your heart be filled with gratitude for the sacrifice of Christ, and walk in the light He has provided. [01:09:02]

John 12:27-36 (ESV)
“Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

Reflection: In what specific way can you honor Christ’s sacrifice today by choosing to walk in His light rather than in the darkness of old habits or thinking?

Day 3: The Living Word—God Speaks Through Scripture

The Bible is not just a collection of inspirational sayings or ancient stories, but the living, active Word of God speaking directly to you. Some may hear only thunder or see it as just another book, but for those who believe, every word is God’s voice, bringing life, guidance, and conviction. When you treasure His Word in your heart, it becomes a shield against sin and a source of strength in every season. Approach the Scriptures today with reverence and expectation, believing that God desires to speak to you personally through His Word. [01:24:18]

Psalm 119:11 (ESV)
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Reflection: What is one verse from Scripture you can memorize and meditate on today to help guard your heart and guide your actions?

Day 4: The Peace of a Mind Stayed on God

Perfect peace is promised to those whose minds are steadfast, fixed on the Lord rather than tossed by the anxieties and distractions of the world. The battle for peace is often won or lost in the mind, and what you allow to dwell in your thoughts will shape your experience of God’s presence. By choosing to focus your mind on Jesus, you open yourself to His peace, even in troubled times. Be intentional today about what you allow into your mind, and ask God to help you keep your thoughts centered on Him. [01:05:39]

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.”

Reflection: What is one anxious or distracting thought you can surrender to God today, asking Him to replace it with His perfect peace?

Day 5: The Church’s Mission—Reaching the Lost and Transforming the Community

God has called His people not just to gather within the walls of a building, but to be the living church—His hands and feet—reaching out to the lost and making a difference in the community. Through prayer, outreach, and acts of love, the church can change the spiritual atmosphere and bring hope where there was once darkness. Every member has a part to play in God’s mission, and together, the church can be a lighthouse that draws others to Christ. Step out today in faith, knowing that your prayers and presence can be used by God to transform lives. [01:00:11]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”

Reflection: Who is one person or neighbor you can reach out to or pray for today, letting your light shine as part of God’s mission in your community?

Sermon Summary

In the presence of God, there is healing, deliverance, and new mercies for every need and circumstance. As we gather—both in person and online—we bring our requests before the Lord, trusting that He is attentive and compassionate toward every situation, whether it be sickness, bereavement, or the burdens of daily life. God’s presence is not limited by our physical location or condition; He meets us wherever we are, offering grace and strength for each day. Even when we are hindered in the flesh, God’s healing virtue continues to flow, sometimes through miraculous means and sometimes through the wisdom and technology He has provided.

Because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow without fear, knowing that our future is secure in His hands. This assurance allows us to declare with confidence that we shall live and not die, proclaiming the works of the Lord. Salvation is not just a past event but a present reality—a reason for continual joy and celebration. Jesus stands at the door of every heart, knocking gently, never forcing His way in, but waiting for us to open and invite Him to share in the best parts of our lives.

Respect and honor are essential, both in our homes and in our community. We are called to give respect where it is due, recognizing the roles and authority God has established, whether in family, church, or society. Our giving—whether in tithes, offerings, or acts of service—should be done cheerfully and reverently, trusting that God will provide for every need and bless our obedience.

Prayer is our lifeline in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. God invites us to bring every concern to Him, promising to bear our burdens and give us peace. Our church’s presence and prayers have transformed our community, demonstrating that collective faithfulness can change even the most troubled neighborhoods. We are reminded that law enforcement, too, are God’s ministers for our good, deserving our prayers and respect.

In a world filled with countless voices and distractions, it is crucial to discern the voice of the Lord. Many hear only noise or confusion, but those who belong to Christ recognize His voice and follow Him. God speaks through nature, through His Word, and supremely through His Son, Jesus Christ. The Bible is not just a book of inspiration but the living Word of God, speaking directly to us. At the heart of God’s revelation is the cross—Jesus’ death and resurrection—which draws all people to Himself and offers salvation to all who believe. Our greatest privilege is to be saved, to know Christ, and to live in the light of His truth, awaiting the day when we will hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Presence Brings Healing and Grace No matter our physical or emotional state, God’s presence is always available to heal, restore, and strengthen us. Sometimes healing comes miraculously, and other times through the natural means and wisdom God has provided. Our role is to trust Him with every detail, knowing that He is attentive to our prayers and compassionate toward our needs. In every circumstance, His grace is sufficient and His mercies are new every morning. [28:36]
2. The Importance of Spiritual Discernment In a world saturated with voices and opinions, it is vital to discern which voice we are listening to. The enemy seeks to distract us with things we desire, but God calls us to fix our minds on Him. True peace comes when our thoughts are anchored in Christ, and we are careful about what we allow into our hearts and minds. Spiritual maturity means recognizing God’s voice above the noise and following Him faithfully. [65:39]
3. God Speaks Through Nature, Scripture, and Christ God reveals Himself in multiple ways: through the beauty and order of creation, through the living Word of Scripture, and most fully through Jesus Christ. While some may see only natural phenomena or inspirational teachings, those with faith recognize the hand and voice of God in all these things. The Bible is not merely a collection of wise sayings but the very Word of God, alive and active, speaking directly to us today. [82:37]
4. The Cross is the Center of God’s Revelation At the heart of God’s message is the cross—Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection. This is not just a historical event but the central act of God’s love and redemption for humanity. To truly know God is to understand the significance of Calvary, where Jesus became the bridge between God and man, offering salvation to all who believe. Our faith is anchored in this finished work, and it is the source of our hope and joy. [85:49]
5. The Privilege and Responsibility of Being God’s People Being saved is both a privilege and a calling. We are not only recipients of God’s grace but also His representatives in the world, called to bring light, prayer, and transformation to our communities. Our collective faithfulness—through prayer, outreach, and respect for others—can change the spiritual atmosphere around us. As we await Christ’s return, our aim is to live in such a way that we will one day hear Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” [97:40]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Prayers for Healing and Comfort
[05:30] - Faith Affirmation: Because He Lives
[08:10] - The Joy of Salvation
[13:00] - Jesus Knocks at the Door
[18:30] - Lessons in Respect and Honor
[22:00] - Offering and Cheerful Giving
[28:36] - God’s Presence in Our Midst
[36:42] - The Best at the Table: Fellowship with Christ
[40:36] - Community Announcements and Outreach
[45:11] - The Power of Prayer in Troubled Times
[58:06] - The Church’s Impact on the Community
[60:11] - Outreach: Being the Church Beyond the Walls
[64:33] - The Battle for the Mind
[68:14] - Hearing the Voice of God
[82:37] - God Speaks: Nature, Scripture, and Christ
[85:49] - The Cross: Center of God’s Revelation
[90:39] - The Privilege of Salvation
[95:09] - Renewed and Replenished in God’s Presence
[97:40] - Anticipating “Well Done”

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 12:27-36 (ESV) — > 27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that stood there and heard it said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus answered, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. 32 And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die. 34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say that the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 So Jesus said to them, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light.” When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them.

Hebrews 1:1-4 (ESV) — > 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Psalm 19:1 (ESV) — > 1 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Observation Questions

In John 12, what are the different ways people responded when God spoke from heaven? ([01:09:02])
According to Hebrews 1, how did God speak to people in the past, and how does He speak to us now? ([01:10:48])
What does Jesus say will happen if He is “lifted up from the earth”? ([01:09:02])
In the sermon, what are some examples given of how God’s presence brings healing, both miraculously and through natural means? ([28:36])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think some people only heard thunder, while others recognized a voice or an angel when God spoke from heaven? What does this say about spiritual discernment? ([01:09:02])
The sermon mentions that God’s presence is not limited by our physical location or condition. How does this truth affect the way we approach prayer and worship, especially when we are struggling or unable to gather in person? ([28:36])
The pastor said that Jesus stands at the door and knocks, waiting for us to invite Him in. What does it look like, practically, to “open the door” to Jesus in our daily lives? ([13:00])
The sermon talks about the importance of respect and honor in the home, church, and community. Why is this so important for God’s people, and how does it reflect God’s character? ([36:42])

Application Questions

The sermon says God’s healing can come through miracles or through the wisdom and technology He’s given us. Is there an area in your life where you need to trust God for healing or help, whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual? How can you bring that need to Him this week? ([28:36])
The pastor talked about the “battle for the mind” and the need to be careful what we allow into our hearts and minds. Is there a specific distraction or negative influence you need to limit or remove to better hear God’s voice? What step can you take this week? ([01:05:39])
Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.” How do you personally recognize when God is speaking to you? Are there practices (like reading Scripture, prayer, or quiet time) you want to grow in to better discern His voice? ([01:08:14])
The sermon emphasized giving respect where it is due, including to law enforcement and community leaders. Is there someone in your life or community you need to show more respect or honor to? What would that look like in a practical way? ([36:42])
The pastor shared how the church’s prayers and presence have changed the community. Is there a way you can be more involved in praying for or serving your neighborhood? What is one step you can take this month? ([58:06])
The cross is described as the center of God’s revelation and the source of our hope. How does remembering Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross change the way you face challenges or fears about the future? ([01:25:49])
The sermon ended with the hope of hearing Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” What is one area of your life where you want to be more faithful to God? How can the group support you in this? ([01:37:40])

Sermon Clips

Because he lives, we can continue to face our tomorrows. Because he lives, the fear of what we have done and what we're being pressed up against are gone. Because we know he holds our future. So, look at your sister and brother and say, everything is all right. Because it's still in his hand. He's still in control. [00:28:03] (24 seconds) #BecauseHeLivesHope

When the Lord is still the joy of your salvation, when he's still the joy, just the fact of knowing Jesus has already paid off in my life. It has already paid off in my life. Aren't you glad about it? Once was lost in sin. And as some of the words say, and I didn't have no hope with them, but Jesus came knocking at my door. [00:35:49] (35 seconds) #JoyInSalvation

See, the reason why I tell him, the reason why he's knocking at your door, because he can't open the door. The handle to open the door is not on the outside. So Jesus, who's a gentleman, he ain't going to force himself on you, and he ain't going to always But while he's knocking, suck with you. I mean, in their culture, something mean it was the best time of the meal. Your friends and your people you love in their culture, you saved the best meal for the one you love the most. [00:36:30] (62 seconds) #JesusKnocksGently

Our prayers, our prayer warriors, our intercession, and then our canvassing in the neighborhoods and streets have changed the atmosphere in our community in the 17 years that we have been over here. Thank God for those that were here before us. And then we all were able to join in together. [00:56:26] (24 seconds) #PrayerChangesCommunities

No two churches should have designed by God. No two churches are designed by God to be exactly alike, even though that seems to be what we think. But however, when you run into true spiritual leaders, they know that our mission, no matter what our vision, our purpose may be from an individual group of churches, that our primary mission is to reach the lost at any cost. [00:56:51] (33 seconds) #UniqueChurchMission

We just ask people, would you mind us praying for you? Would you mind praying? And guess what? People don't mind praying. And you can pray for them right there. Because we are the church. Do you know we're the church? This is just the mortar and brick that we come to have church here. But this building is not lighthouse. We are lighthouse. We are God's party. [01:01:33] (25 seconds) #WeAreTheChurch

Firstly, God speaks to us through nature. Secondly, God speaks through the Bible. Again, some only hear thunder. It's only a book, like any other religious inspirational book. Others believe it's inspired, as Shakespeare is inspired, but not a supernatural revelation, just the voice of an angel, not God. Others take Jesus' point of view. To them, the Bible does not merely contain God's Word. It is God's Word. Let me say that again. The Bible does not contain the words of God. It's God's Word talking to you. [01:22:40] (53 seconds) #BibleIsGodsWord

When we say it, we believe. See, do you really believe what we say we believe? We believe that God in three persons. See, that's what we say we believe. But the question is, do you really believe Him? See, when I say I believe in the Word of God, I'm not saying these are words of God. I'm saying everything that's in the Bible is God talking to me. Directly. Do you believe like that? [01:24:24] (32 seconds) #BelieveGodSpeaks

If you're having to accept Jesus cause God only has that one way and he said I am the door come on in and I'll receive you so on that fact this morning as I'm getting ready to go on God is saying that's how you got to know me he just asked to crucify I just told you living he loved that shows you how much he loved he said but what he just told y 'all in verse 12 he said should I I'm paraphrasing now should I should I resist Don't know human beings want the kind of death Jesus' son. No, no. [01:32:00] (55 seconds) #JesusOnlyWay

When you come to gather your jewels, you say they shall be mine. I'm going to bring them from the east. I'm going to bring them from the west. I'm going to bring them from the north. I'm going to bring them from the south. And when I get them, they shall be mine. Lord, I just want to hear you say, Well done. Well done. Well done. Thy good and faithful servant enter into the joys of the Lord. [01:37:58] (33 seconds) #GatheringJewels

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