Embracing God's Presence: Surrender, Prayer, and Holiness

Devotional

Day 1: Surrender: The Gateway to God's Kingdom

Surrender is not a sign of weakness, but a bold declaration of trust in God's sovereignty. When one lifts their hands in worship, it is an act of both adoration and submission to God's divine authority and plan. This posture of surrender is essential, as it is the starting point for God's movement in an individual's life and within the church community. It is a conscious choice to say "yes" to God's will, which allows His kingdom to advance through one's life. By surrendering, believers open themselves up to the possibilities of what God can do through them, trusting that He will guide them according to His purpose and for His glory. [07:37]

"Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all." - 1 Chronicles 29:11

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?

Day 2: Becoming a Spiritual Aquifer

Believers are called to be spiritual aquifers, channels through which the living waters of God's Spirit flow out to the world. This vision requires a steadfast commitment to prayer and intercession, tapping into the deep wells of revival with the belief that God's greatest movements are yet to unfold. As spiritual aquifers, the church is to reach beyond its walls, touching nations and impacting lives with the power of prayer. This calling is not for the faint of heart; it demands dedication and faith in the transformative power of God's Spirit. [52:59]

"And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord, 'For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.' And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid." - Ezra 3:11

Reflection: How can you actively participate in becoming a spiritual aquifer in your community, and what specific prayer can you commit to this week to impact someone's life beyond your immediate circle?

Day 3: Sanctifying Our Homes for His Glory

The home is designated as the primary dwelling place for the glory of the Lord. It is the responsibility of each believer to ensure that their home is a sanctuary for His presence. This requires a commitment to holiness and the creation of an environment where the Holy Spirit is not only welcome but is the central focus. By dedicating one's home to God and standing as an intercessor for the household, believers guard against darkness and foster a space where spiritual activity aligns with the kingdom of God. This dedication to holiness in the home invites the presence of God into daily life, allowing His peace and righteousness to reign. [01:19:51]

"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15b

Reflection: In what ways can you dedicate your home to be a place of holiness, and what practical steps can you take this week to make the presence of God the centerpiece of your household?

Day 4: Prayer as the Engine of the Church

Prayer is the engine that drives the church, a vital practice that should be at the heart of every gathering. Through prayer, believers align with God's purposes and invite Him to move powerfully within their midst. It is in these moments of communion with God that needs are met, lives are transformed, and the church becomes a house of prayer. Prioritizing prayer means engaging with God earnestly, seeking His will, and partnering with heaven to see His kingdom manifest on earth. [14:34]

"And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us." - 1 John 5:14

Reflection: What specific time can you set aside each day to engage in fervent prayer for your church, and how can you encourage others to join you in this commitment?

Day 5: Manifesting Miracles and God's Power

The power of God is not confined to the church's walls; it is available at all times to those who believe. By exercising faith and praying for one another, believers become conduits for God's healing and provision. This active faith allows them to witness miracles and the manifestation of God's power in their lives and the lives of others. It is a reminder that the kingdom of God is near and that His will can be done on earth as it is in heaven. [39:22]

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover." - Mark 16:17-18

Reflection: Can you identify someone in your life who needs healing or a miracle? How can you step out in faith to pray for them this week, trusting in God's power to work through you?

Sermon Summary

In our gathering today, we have come before the Lord with hearts open and hands raised, surrendering to His divine will and purpose for our lives. We have declared our resounding "yes" to God, affirming our commitment to His kingdom and His ways. As we lifted our voices in worship, we recognized the unmatched sovereignty of Jesus, acknowledging that there is nobody like Him. He is faithful to His word, and He is the one who moves mountains and breaks the chains that bind us.

We have been reminded that God's grace knows no bounds, and it is from this place of grace that we are called to be a fountainhead of His love and power. The prophetic words spoken over our church have declared us to be a source of spiritual aquifers, with prayers and intercessions that reach nations and touch lives far beyond our immediate surroundings. We are digging into the old wells of revival, believing that the greatest moves of God are yet to come.

Our homes have been identified as the primary places where the glory of the Lord should dwell. We have been called to dedicate our homes to God, ensuring that they are places of holiness where the Holy Spirit is welcome. As we stand as intercessors and priests of our households, we are guarding against any darkness that seeks to invade our sacred spaces. We are committed to fostering an environment where the presence of God is the centerpiece, believing that when we seek first His kingdom, all other things will be added unto us.

Tonight, we have engaged in fervent prayer, partnering with heaven to see the will of God manifest in our lives and in our city. We have prayed for one another, believing for physical and emotional healings, for miracles, and for the outpouring of God's Spirit. We have declared that our church will be a house of prayer, where the sick are healed, the oppressed are set free, and where the presence of God is tangibly felt.

As we close, we have given thanks to God for His faithfulness and for the work He is doing in our midst. We have prayed for the seed of His word to take root in our hearts and produce abundant fruit. We leave this place with a charge to continue seeking God's presence in our homes and to live out the call to holiness, knowing that God desires to dwell among us.

Key Takeaways

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Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Matthew 6:33 suggest about the priorities we should have in our lives?
According to Isaiah 56:7, what is the significance of a house of prayer?
In John 7:38, what is promised to those who believe in Jesus?
How did the sermon describe the role of our homes in relation to God's presence? [01:14:04]

Interpretation Questions

How does seeking God's kingdom first, as mentioned in Matthew 6:33, align with the sermon’s call to dedicate our homes to God? [01:25:26]
What does it mean for our church to be a "house of prayer" as described in Isaiah 56:7 and emphasized in the sermon? [14:19]
How can the concept of "rivers of living water" flowing from believers in John 7:38 be related to the idea of our church being a spiritual aquifer? [52:59]
The sermon mentioned that our homes should be sanctuaries of God's presence. What practical steps can we take to ensure our homes are places where the Holy Spirit is welcome? [01:14:04]

Application Questions

Reflect on your current priorities. How can you better align them with seeking God's kingdom first in your daily life? [01:25:26]
The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer in our church. How can you personally contribute to making our church a true "house of prayer"? [14:19]
Think about your home environment. What specific changes can you make to ensure it is a place where God's presence is felt and honored? [01:14:04]
The sermon called us to be intercessors and priests of our households. How can you take on this role more effectively in your family or living situation? [01:14:04]
The idea of being a spiritual aquifer suggests that our prayers and actions can have far-reaching impacts. Can you identify one area in your life where you can dig deeper in prayer and intercession? [52:59]
The sermon mentioned the importance of holiness in our homes. Are there any specific behaviors or influences you need to remove from your home to create a more holy environment? [01:14:04]
How can you foster a culture of prayer and worship in your home, ensuring that it becomes a sanctuary for God's presence? [01:14:04]

Sermon Clips

1) "I believe that we have yet to see the greatest moves of God. We've yet to see the greatest and most miracles we're going to see." [54:56](Download | Download)

2) "There's no need to be prideful when God is pouring out gifts. We're sons and daughters here to receive from him." [39:22](Download | Download)

3) "God is able to speak through the noise of your world and the disruption that's going on around you and speak a sure word from the throne of heavenlies." [39:22](Download | Download)

4) "We're digging an old well in the city of Dallas. Now, I've done enough study to know that God has been doing some things in Dallas for a long time." [52:00](Download | Download)

5) "If you put the presence of God as the centerpiece of your home, God is going to multiply your generations." [01:26:26](Download | Download)

6) "Every husband stepping forward as the priest of the home. The guarder of the home." [01:23:07](Download | Download)

7) "God will do it. He's able to do it. At the beginning of this service tonight, Jesus said my house will be called a house of prayer." [14:34](Download | Download)

8) "Our home should be a place where there is a constant flow of heavenly traffic." [01:15:39](Download | Download)

9) "You can't rebuke devils you play with. You can't all of a sudden be overcome by a spirit of lust and try and rebuke it." [01:15:39](Download | Download)

10) "But God is not going to dwell someplace that hasn't been protected in his holiness. And I believe that God wants to dwell in your home." [01:16:39](Download | Download)

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