Embracing New Beginnings: A Season of Miracles
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated a significant moment with the dedication of Rayma Herrera, a miracle baby whose life is a testament to God's faithfulness and power. This dedication serves as a reminder that God can do the impossible, and it sets the stage for a season of miracles and fresh vision at Shiloh Church. We are entering a time where God is calling us to see beyond the visible and embrace the new things He is doing in our midst.
Isaiah 43:18-19 was the focal scripture, emphasizing the importance of not dwelling on the past but looking forward to the new things God is doing. This passage challenges us to open our spiritual eyes and perceive the fresh vision God has for us. It’s a call to let go of past hurts, failures, and even past victories, to make room for the new blessings and opportunities God has in store.
We reflected on the history of Shiloh Church, celebrating 59 years of God's faithfulness. From humble beginnings to a ministry that touches lives globally, Shiloh has been a beacon of hope and transformation. Yet, the message was clear: while we honor the past, we must not reside in it. Instead, we should be inspired to step into the future with fresh vision and renewed purpose.
The sermon also addressed the importance of having the right perspective. Our experiences, culture, and personal biases often shape how we see the world, but God calls us to see through the lens of His Word and promises. This requires daily surrender and a commitment to die to self, allowing Christ to live and work through us.
Finally, we were encouraged to pursue God's presence over our preferences. The methods may change, but the message of Jesus Christ remains the same. As we move forward, we must prioritize God's purpose over our comfort zones, trusting that He is doing a new thing in our lives, our church, and our community.
### Key Takeaways
1. Miracles and Faithfulness: Rayma Herrera's dedication is a powerful reminder of God's ability to perform miracles. Her life is a testament to God's faithfulness and a call to believe that He can do the impossible in our lives as well. This season is an invitation to witness and participate in the miraculous works of God. [46:24]
2. Fresh Vision Requires Letting Go: Isaiah 43:18-19 teaches us to not dwell on the past but to look forward to the new things God is doing. This involves letting go of past hurts, failures, and even past successes to make room for the fresh vision God has for us. Holding onto the past can hinder us from experiencing the new blessings God has in store. [54:50]
3. Perspective Shapes Reality: Our perception is influenced by our experiences, culture, and personal biases. To see things as God sees them, we must align our perspective with His Word. This requires daily surrender and a commitment to die to self, allowing Christ to reshape our view of the world and our circumstances. [10:10]
4. Pursuing God's Presence Over Preferences: The methods of how God works may change, but His message remains the same. We must prioritize God's purpose over our personal preferences and comfort zones. This means being open to new ways God might lead us and trusting that His plans are higher than ours. [21:12]
5. Faith Over Fear: As we step into the future, we must do so with faith, not fear. Isaiah 43:1 reminds us that God has redeemed us and called us by name. We are His, and He promises to be with us through every trial. This assurance allows us to face the future with confidence, knowing that God is in control and has a plan for our lives. [45:09]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [46:24] - Miracle Baby Dedication
3. [47:16] - Prayer for Those Wanting Children
4. [47:47] - Dedication Prayer
5. [48:44] - Blessing Over Rayma
6. [49:32] - Pastor Melinda's Prayer
7. [51:41] - Vision Season Introduction
8. [53:04] - Fresh Vision
9. [54:50] - Isaiah 43:18-19
10. [55:44] - God's Fresh Work
11. [56:15] - Shiloh's History
12. [57:27] - Personal Testimony
13. [58:44] - Shiloh's Mission
14. [01:00:39] - God's Faithfulness
15. [01:02:26] - Fresh Perspective
16. [01:05:06] - God's Word is Fresh
17. [01:07:51] - Fresh Vision for the Future
18. [01:10:40] - Letting Go of the Past
19. [01:14:43] - Living Forward
20. [01:20:42] - Pursuing God's Presence
21. [01:25:45] - Reference, Not Residence
22. [01:30:07] - Patience and Perspective
23. [01:32:09] - Serving While Waiting
24. [01:37:31] - God's Perspective
25. [01:41:20] - God's Platform for Miracles
26. [01:45:09] - Faith Over Fear
27. [01:47:00] - Stepping into the Future
28. [01:48:53] - Multiplication and Faith
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Isaiah 43:18-19 (KJV): "Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."
#### Observation Questions
1. What miracle did the church celebrate during the sermon, and how does it serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness? ([46:24])
2. According to Isaiah 43:18-19, what are we instructed to do with the former things, and what is God promising to do? ([54:50])
3. How does the sermon describe the history and mission of Shiloh Church over the past 59 years? ([56:15])
4. What does the pastor say about the importance of perspective and how it shapes our reality? ([10:10])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important to let go of past hurts, failures, and even successes to embrace the new things God is doing? ([54:50])
2. How does the dedication of Rayma Herrera illustrate the theme of miracles and faithfulness in the sermon? ([46:24])
3. What does it mean to pursue God's presence over our personal preferences, and why is this significant for our spiritual growth? ([21:12])
4. How can aligning our perspective with God's Word help us see things as God sees them? ([10:10])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a past hurt or failure that you have been holding onto. How can you begin to let it go to make room for the new things God wants to do in your life? ([54:50])
2. In what ways can you actively seek to align your perspective with God's Word this week? What specific steps will you take? ([10:10])
3. Think about a time when you prioritized your personal preferences over God's purpose. How can you shift your focus to pursue God's presence more intentionally? ([21:12])
4. How can you cultivate a fresh vision for your current job, city, or relationships instead of seeking something new? ([02:26])
5. Identify an area in your life where you need to exercise faith over fear. What promises from Isaiah 43:1 can you hold onto to face this challenge with confidence? ([45:09])
6. How can you support and encourage someone in your small group who is struggling to see God's new work in their life? ([54:50])
7. What practical steps can you take to die to self daily and allow Christ to reshape your view of the world and your circumstances? ([10:10])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Miracles and God's Faithfulness
Description: Rayma Herrera's dedication is a powerful reminder of God's ability to perform miracles. Her life is a testament to God's faithfulness and a call to believe that He can do the impossible in our lives as well. This season is an invitation to witness and participate in the miraculous works of God. As we reflect on Rayma's story, we are encouraged to open our hearts and minds to the miracles God wants to perform in our own lives. We are reminded that God's faithfulness is unwavering, and He is always at work, even when we cannot see it. [46:24]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you need a miracle. Can you trust God to work in that situation and believe that He is able to do the impossible?
Day 2: Letting Go for Fresh Vision
Description: Isaiah 43:18-19 teaches us to not dwell on the past but to look forward to the new things God is doing. This involves letting go of past hurts, failures, and even past successes to make room for the fresh vision God has for us. Holding onto the past can hinder us from experiencing the new blessings God has in store. As we embrace this new season, we are called to release anything that holds us back and to trust that God has greater things ahead. [54:50]
Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."
Reflection: What past hurt, failure, or success are you holding onto that might be hindering you from seeing the new things God wants to do in your life? How can you begin to let go of it today?
Day 3: Aligning Our Perspective with God's Word
Description: Our perception is influenced by our experiences, culture, and personal biases. To see things as God sees them, we must align our perspective with His Word. This requires daily surrender and a commitment to die to self, allowing Christ to reshape our view of the world and our circumstances. By doing so, we can better understand God's plans and purposes for our lives and see His hand at work in every situation. [10:10]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: In what ways do your personal biases and experiences shape your perspective? How can you intentionally align your perspective with God's Word today?
Day 4: Pursuing God's Presence Over Preferences
Description: The methods of how God works may change, but His message remains the same. We must prioritize God's purpose over our personal preferences and comfort zones. This means being open to new ways God might lead us and trusting that His plans are higher than ours. As we pursue God's presence, we are called to surrender our own desires and preferences, allowing Him to guide us into His perfect will. [21:12]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What personal preferences or comfort zones are you holding onto that might be hindering you from fully pursuing God's presence? How can you surrender these to Him today?
Day 5: Stepping into the Future with Faith
Description: As we step into the future, we must do so with faith, not fear. Isaiah 43:1 reminds us that God has redeemed us and called us by name. We are His, and He promises to be with us through every trial. This assurance allows us to face the future with confidence, knowing that God is in control and has a plan for our lives. By trusting in His promises, we can move forward with boldness and courage, embracing the new things He has in store for us. [45:09]
Isaiah 43:1 (ESV): "But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: 'Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.'"
Reflection: What fears are holding you back from stepping into the future with faith? How can you remind yourself of God's promises and trust Him more fully today?
Quotes
1. "I believe today Actually after I pray for her I'm going to have Pastor Melinda Pray for those here that Maybe are struggling with Wanting to have a child And you've not been able to I believe God's going to open up some wombs In this season Amen God can do amazing things Amen Amen" [47:16] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Because our God has vision for His church Our God has vision for you And as we get ready to get into the word I just want to let you know Today's sermon title is Fresh Vision Tell your neighbor, Fresh Vision Tell your other neighbor Are you ready for God to do something fresh? And when I talk about vision I'm talking about the art of seeing the invisible As God's people We should have the art of seeing the invisible" [53:04] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Tell your neighbor God is doing something fresh Come on tell your other neighbor fresh And I believe this is a significant time For the church On the earth We're so excited Of all that God is doing We're excited that we'll be celebrating 59 years at Shiloh next Sunday Amen Come on let's give Jesus thanks for that" [55:44] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Shiloh's not new But it is fresh And ready for a move of God It's ready for fresh wind It's ready for fresh fire It's ready for fresh anointing For fresh vision God is doing something fresh in our midst And we can look down at things that have been used That have some age And start thinking I need something new But what if you don't need something new What if instead you need something fresh" [01:01:49] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We don't need new We need something fresh God is a God that restores He's a God that renews He's a God that revivals He's a God that refreshes And we need to remember that God's word is fresh His word is true in this hour Even in this very old book This Bible written over 1600 years And over thousands of years old I want you to know it's still true today" [01:03:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "See the seed isn't the problem The soil is the problem And we need the Holy Spirit To move in our hearts And in our city And in the people around us And plow the soils of our heart So that the seed of His word Will take root Because God's word still works It's still useful It is fresh It breathes fresh life Wherever it is spoken For every problem That shows up in the world Every problem that shows up in our lives The word of God This old but useful book Changes things It transforms things His word is still powerful It has been used It has been useful And His word is fresh" [01:04:06] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Fresh vision Fresh start happens when you can look back But live forward Tell your neighbor look back But you gotta live forward We can live back But we have to live forward When I see the past Even today as I say the past It evokes different emotions in all of us Some of us it's a place of shame Of fear Maybe I say the past and you feel disqualified Maybe because of the past Maybe because of sin Maybe because of sins committed against you Maybe because of mistakes you've made All of a sudden that word past becomes a weight on our shoulder" [01:14:43] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God's mercies are new every morning He takes us from glory to glory Grace and grace Tell your neighbor God has a fresh testimony for you He's got something new for you Come on blow on them I hope you brushed your teeth I God wants to do something fresh in your lives When Isaiah was speaking to the people of Israel He sees them standing in the same position that many of us stand today Because Israel like most of us have good, a good past But we also have a bad past" [01:16:47] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We have a culture that's fighting for new That they never allow God To use them We don't need new We need something fresh God is a God that restores He's a God that renews He's a God that revivals He's a God that refreshes And we need to remember that God's word is fresh His word is true in this hour Even in this very old book This Bible written over 1600 years And over thousands of years old I want you to know it's still true today" [01:03:26] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I believe today The Lord has something new A new word for you For your spirit Something new for your hearts God has been so good These last 59 years Yes we've fallen down many times These last 59 years But we've always gotten back up We've failed many times Over the years But we've learned so much more We've lost many people over the years But we've gained many more And many more are coming We've sinned defeat But the anthem of Shiloh Church These last 59 years Has been victory in Jesus" [01:06:28] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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