Embracing God's Unexpected Call and Spirit's Guidance

Devotional

Day 1: The Power of Preparedness

The sermon emphasizes the importance of being prepared for God's call, even when it seems unexpected. The pastor had prepared a devotional that ended up being used for a sermon in Romania, demonstrating that God can use our preparations in ways we never anticipated. This shows that when we prepare ourselves spiritually, God can use us to deliver His message in powerful ways. ([01:10:48])

Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 4:2 - "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when God used your preparation in an unexpected way. How did this experience strengthen your faith?

Day 2: The Impact of Financial Support

The sermon highlights the impact of financial support on missions, specifically in Romania. The pastor shares how the congregation's financial support helped in various ways, including writing curriculum within the Romanian cultural context. This shows that our financial contributions can have a significant impact on spreading God's word. ([01:11:36])

Bible Passage: 2 Corinthians 9:7 - "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Reflection: How can you contribute financially to the spread of God's word? What steps can you take to become a cheerful giver?

Day 3: The Value of Learning and Growth

The pastor shares her experiences in Romania, where she learned new skills and grew in her faith. This shows that stepping out of our comfort zones and being open to learning can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of God's work. ([01:12:29])

Bible Passage: Proverbs 1:5 - "Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone in your faith journey. How did this experience contribute to your spiritual growth?

Day 4: The Significance of Worship

The sermon emphasizes the importance of worship, even in the midst of trials. The pastor shares how the congregation continued to worship despite various challenges, demonstrating that worship is a powerful way to connect with God and find strength during difficult times. ([08:11])

Bible Passage: Psalm 59:16 - "But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble."

Reflection: How has worship helped you during challenging times? How can you incorporate more worship into your daily life?

Day 5: The Importance of Prayer

The sermon highlights the power of prayer, with the pastor praying for various needs within the congregation. This shows that prayer is a vital part of our faith, allowing us to bring our needs before God and trust in His provision. ([23:58])

Bible Passage: Philippians 4:6 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when prayer made a significant impact on your situation. How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily life?

Sermon Summary

In the sermon, I shared my experiences in Romania, where I was called to serve as a missionary. I recounted how I was unexpectedly asked to deliver a devotional at an event, which turned into a full sermon. This experience was a testament to how God can use us in ways we never anticipate. I also shared how the financial support from the congregation helped me accomplish many things in Romania, from hosting kids' events to filming a TV show. I emphasized the importance of the congregation's support, not just financially, but also spiritually, in the mission field.

I also shared stories from my time in Romania that illustrated the power of the Holy Spirit and the importance of listening to His voice. I recounted how I observed shepherds guiding their flocks, and how the sheep recognized and followed the voice of their shepherd. This served as a powerful metaphor for how we, as Christians, should listen to and follow the voice of the Holy Spirit. I also shared about a youth camp where we taught about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Despite cultural beliefs that children couldn't receive salvation or the Holy Spirit, the young people at the camp were filled with the Holy Spirit, demonstrating God's power and love for all His children.

Key Takeaways

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Sermon Clips

1. "I love you, and I lift my voice to worship you on my soul. Be true to my life here. It must you here may be a swing sweet in your name." - 15:15

2. "God, that no matter what life throws at us, no matter what our body might feel like, no matter what our circumstances might try to dictate, God, you're all we want. You're all we've ever needed." - 22:52

3. "Lord, we say thank you that because we know that you don't remove us from storms, but you guide us through them and you walk with us." - 08:11

4. "All of these young Gypsy men had dressed up in their best suits. And they had come to learn how to teach the children of their community about Jesus. It was mind blowing." - 52:56

5. "It doesn't matter if you have a limp. It doesn't matter if you have a crooked foot. It doesn't matter if you've got a hunchback. If you're Miss and teeth, if your ears are funny, if your hair is falling out, use it. And make it count for Jesus." - 54:24

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What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?