Embracing God's Timing: Miracles in Our Lives
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the profound significance of Jesus' prayer life and His relationship with the Father. Jesus often withdrew to pray, bringing heaven to earth and changing the atmosphere around Him. This practice was so impactful that the disciples asked Him how to pray, leading to the Lord's Prayer, which emphasizes worship, submission to God's will, and the coming of His kingdom on earth. Jesus' love is constant and unchanging, unlike human relationships that may fail us. He is always ready to receive us, no matter our past or present circumstances.
We also delved into the story of Lazarus, highlighting the mysterious ways in which Jesus works. Despite the disciples' and Martha's expectations, Jesus delayed His visit to Lazarus, who was gravely ill. This delay was not a sign of neglect but an opportunity for a greater revelation of God's glory. Jesus' actions teach us that delays in our prayers are not denials but opportunities for God to show His power and grace in unexpected ways.
The sermon also touched on the concept of "even now" moments—times when, despite our failures, disappointments, and sins, God can still perform miracles. The Bible is full of examples of flawed individuals whom God used mightily, such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and Peter. These stories remind us that it is never too late for God to work in our lives. Even in our darkest moments, there is always an "even now" for us, a chance for God to reveal something new and miraculous.
Finally, we prayed for Jacob and Emily, who are embarking on a mission to Uganda, and reflected on the importance of giving our first fruits to God, honoring Him with our wealth. This act of giving is a profound way to acknowledge God's provision and to participate in His work on earth.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer and Worship: Jesus demonstrated the importance of withdrawing to pray and worship, bringing heaven to earth and changing the atmosphere. This practice is essential for deepening our relationship with God and aligning ourselves with His will. [47:25]
2. God's Delays Are Opportunities: The story of Lazarus teaches us that God's delays are not denials but opportunities for greater revelations of His glory. When our prayers seem unanswered, it may be because God has something greater in store for us. [48:19]
3. The "Even Now" Moments: Despite our failures and disappointments, there are "even now" moments where God can still perform miracles. These moments remind us that it is never too late for God to work in our lives, no matter our past. [49:15]
4. God Uses Flawed Individuals: The Bible is full of examples of flawed individuals whom God used mightily. This teaches us that our weaknesses and failures do not disqualify us from being used by God. He can turn our mess into a message. [51:28]
5. Honoring God with Our Wealth: Giving our first fruits to God is a profound way to honor Him and acknowledge His provision. This act of giving not only supports God's work on earth but also brings blessings into our lives. [01:10:26]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[47:25] - The Power of Prayer and Worship
[48:19] - God's Delays Are Opportunities
[49:15] - The "Even Now" Moments
[51:28] - God Uses Flawed Individuals
[01:10:26] - Honoring God with Our Wealth
[01:17:01] - Reflections on Recent Events
[01:19:01] - The Story of Lazarus
[01:25:51] - Jesus' Greater Purpose
[01:31:30] - Martha's Attitude and Revelation
[01:37:45] - Examples of Flawed Individuals
[01:43:16] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. John 11:1-6 - "Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha. It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. So the sisters sent word to Him, saying, 'Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.' But when Jesus heard this, He said, 'This sickness is not to end in death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.' Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He then stayed two days longer in the place where He was."
2. Luke 11:1-4 - "It happened that while Jesus was praying in a certain place, after He had finished, one of His disciples said to Him, 'Lord, teach us to pray just as John also taught his disciples.' And He said to them, 'When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, For we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'"
3. Proverbs 3:9 - "Honor the Lord from your wealth and from the first of all your produce."
### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus do when He heard that Lazarus was sick, and why did He do it? (John 11:6)
2. How did Jesus teach His disciples to pray, and what are the key elements of this prayer? (Luke 11:1-4)
3. According to Proverbs 3:9, how are we instructed to honor the Lord with our wealth?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus delayed His visit to Lazarus despite knowing he was gravely ill? What does this teach us about God's timing? [01:20:51]
2. How does the Lord's Prayer reflect Jesus' relationship with the Father and His mission on earth? [47:25]
3. What is the significance of giving our first fruits to God, and how does this practice honor Him? [01:10:26]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt that God delayed in answering your prayer. How did that experience shape your faith and understanding of God's timing? [01:20:51]
2. Jesus often withdrew to pray and change the atmosphere around Him. How can you incorporate regular, intentional prayer into your daily routine to deepen your relationship with God? [47:25]
3. The sermon mentioned "even now" moments where God can still perform miracles despite our failures. Can you identify an "even now" moment in your life where you need to trust God for a miracle? [01:32:57]
4. The Bible is full of examples of flawed individuals whom God used mightily. How does knowing this encourage you in your own walk with God, especially when you feel inadequate or unworthy? [01:34:27]
5. How can you practically honor God with your wealth and first fruits in your current financial situation? What steps can you take to ensure that you are prioritizing God in your finances? [01:10:26]
6. Think about a specific area in your life where you have experienced disappointment or delay. How can you reframe this situation as an opportunity for God to reveal His glory and power? [01:22:22]
7. Jesus' love is constant and unchanging, unlike human relationships that may fail us. How can you remind yourself of this truth in moments when you feel rejected or unloved by others? [48:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Power of Prayer and Worship
Jesus demonstrated the importance of withdrawing to pray and worship, bringing heaven to earth and changing the atmosphere. This practice is essential for deepening our relationship with God and aligning ourselves with His will. When Jesus prayed, He connected deeply with the Father, setting an example for us to follow. His prayer life was so impactful that His disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, leading to the Lord's Prayer. This prayer emphasizes worship, submission to God's will, and the coming of His kingdom on earth. By prioritizing prayer and worship, we can experience a profound transformation in our lives and the world around us. [47:25]
Luke 5:16 (ESV): "But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray."
Reflection: How can you create a regular time and space in your daily routine to withdraw and pray, following Jesus' example?
Day 2: God's Delays Are Opportunities for Greater Glory
The story of Lazarus teaches us that God's delays are not denials but opportunities for greater revelations of His glory. When Jesus delayed His visit to Lazarus, it was not a sign of neglect but an opportunity for a greater revelation of God's power. This delay allowed Jesus to perform a miracle that would strengthen the faith of His followers and bring glory to God. When our prayers seem unanswered, it may be because God has something greater in store for us. Trusting in God's timing can lead to unexpected blessings and a deeper understanding of His grace. [48:19]
John 11:6 (ESV): "So, when he heard that Lazarus was ill, he stayed two days longer in the place where he was."
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt God was delaying an answer to your prayer. How can you reframe that experience as an opportunity for God to reveal His greater purpose?
Day 3: Embracing the "Even Now" Moments
Despite our failures and disappointments, there are "even now" moments where God can still perform miracles. These moments remind us that it is never too late for God to work in our lives, no matter our past. The Bible is full of examples of flawed individuals whom God used mightily, such as Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and Peter. These stories encourage us to believe that God can turn our darkest moments into opportunities for His glory. Embracing these "even now" moments requires faith and a willingness to trust in God's power to transform our lives. [49:15]
John 11:22 (ESV): "But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you."
Reflection: Identify a situation in your life where you feel hopeless. How can you invite God into that situation and trust Him for an "even now" moment?
Day 4: God Uses Flawed Individuals for His Glory
The Bible is full of examples of flawed individuals whom God used mightily. This teaches us that our weaknesses and failures do not disqualify us from being used by God. He can turn our mess into a message. People like Abraham, Jacob, Moses, David, and Peter had significant flaws, yet God used them to accomplish His purposes. This truth encourages us to believe that God can use us despite our imperfections. Our past mistakes and current struggles do not limit God's ability to work through us. Instead, they can become testimonies of His grace and power. [51:28]
1 Corinthians 1:27 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."
Reflection: Reflect on a personal weakness or failure. How can you offer this area of your life to God and trust Him to use it for His glory?
Day 5: Honoring God with Our Wealth
Giving our first fruits to God is a profound way to honor Him and acknowledge His provision. This act of giving not only supports God's work on earth but also brings blessings into our lives. By prioritizing God in our finances, we demonstrate our trust in His provision and our commitment to His kingdom. Honoring God with our wealth is a tangible expression of our faith and gratitude. It allows us to participate in His work and experience the joy of generosity. [01:10:26]
Proverbs 3:9-10 (ESV): "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine."
Reflection: Consider your current financial habits. How can you begin to honor God with your wealth, and what steps can you take to give your first fruits to Him?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And I love that because this morning, it doesn't matter where you are in your relationship with God, Jesus says, it's open. I'm ready to receive you. And I'm ready to love on you. And I love that. See, some of us, our fathers, our mothers rejected us. And some of us have been through terrible circumstances like that. But you see, the difference with Jesus is he never changes, eh? He loves us no matter what. Same yesterday, today, forever." [48:19] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus wants to be with you. This is your opportunity to come. You come today. Worthy, worthy, worthy Just close your eye and your eyes. Everybody, I want you to support him in this prayer today. Pray it out loud and I want you to pray it from your heart as well. Just pray it out loud. This is your prayer of salvation. Coming to know Jesus. Here we go. Lord Jesus, I come to you today to surrender my life to you. Forgive me of all sin and cleanse me now. I choose today you, Lord Jesus, to be my Lord and Saviour. I receive you now." [53:22] (101 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I wonder whether you've ever realized that maybe what you're facing, and what you're struggling with, and you're praying about, and the answer's not coming through, that just maybe, just maybe, Jesus has got something greater for you. And you see, on the one hand, there had been huge opposition to his ministry, the miracles, the popularity, but from Jesus's point of view, get this, Lazarus, by dying, became an opportunity." [01:22:22] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Even now, despite your failings, there's a miracle that God has yet to activate on your behalf. Even now though you may have lost hope there is an opportunity yet for God to move in your circumstance today. Even now the promise that seems so far away so distant in your past but still there is an even now for you. Even now despite your sin despite your failing God always has something in place for your life even now." [01:32:57] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "It's never too late. There is always still a miracle. And you may have failed. My friend, you might have been overcome by sin. You might have even so disappointed yourself that you thought it's too late. But I am so blessed by the fact that the God that I know, Jesus Christ, is the God of the second. The second time. The second chance. The second opportunity." [01:39:20] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And you see, that's the challenge of what faith is all about. Truth is that God's love and God's forgiveness are always available to all of us at all time. No matter our past. No matter our past mistakes or our current struggles. My friend, whatever is that place that you're in right now, God has not forgotten you. God sees it. He's glad about it because it's an opportunity for you. And Martha's even now serves as a reminder that God is always present, always willing to forgive and restore no matter how far. We have strayed." [01:41:30] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "And you see, that's the secret that God held. He knew that he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead. He knew that. There was no problem to him. That's why he delayed. And there's a reason. There's a reason for the resurrection for you in the delay of God. What you thought has been lost. What you thought could never happen. And he says, well, I'm glad about this because there's something fresh that I'm going to show to you and I'm going to reveal to you. Even now, God has got something for you." [01:43:16] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And you see, that's what Jesus is doing right now, as he's bringing his kingdom upon this earth to each one of us. And I love that because this morning, it doesn't matter where you are in your relationship with God, Jesus says, it's open. I'm ready to receive you. And I'm ready to love on you. And I love that. See, some of us, our fathers, our mothers rejected us. And some of us have been through terrible circumstances like that. But you see, the difference with Jesus is he never changes, eh? He loves us no matter what. Same yesterday, today, forever." [48:19] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And you see, the thing is there is always a gap between what we pray and believe for and the outcome that occurs. And you see, the thing is see that delay that gap is one of the most awesome places to be in because God's because Jesus is glad about the gap the gap is an opportunity for him but we just don't see it because we think we pray get an answer you know it's like you know if I say to Patricia I need a coffee she doesn't give it to me when I think she should where's my coffee coffee prayer's a bit like that isn't it we go to Jesus and we want him to give us our coffee and there's a delay and we get annoyed and we wonder what on earth's going on but there's always something something greater behind Jesus' response." [01:30:33] (70 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "And you see, that's the challenge of what faith is all about. Truth is that God's love and God's forgiveness are always available to all of us at all time. No matter our past. No matter our past mistakes or our current struggles. My friend, whatever is that place that you're in right now, God has not forgotten you. God sees it. He's glad about it because it's an opportunity for you. And Martha's even now serves as a reminder that God is always present, always willing to forgive and restore no matter how far. We have strayed." [01:41:30] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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