Embracing Our Need for Jesus in Every Moment

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Dependence on Christ

Recognizing our need for Jesus is foundational to our spiritual growth and humility. This realization invites us to deepen our commitment and reliance on Him, acknowledging that our strength and success are not of our own making but are gifts from His divine grace. This perspective shifts our focus from self-reliance to God-dependence, which is crucial in cultivating a life that truly honors God. By understanding that we need Jesus more than He needs us, we are called to a life of humble submission and fervent prayer, seeking His guidance in every aspect of our lives. This approach not only enriches our spiritual journey but also ensures that we remain anchored in His presence amidst life's storms. [21:50]

James 4:8-10 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: How can you cultivate a daily practice that acknowledges your dependence on Jesus, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to actionable reliance?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Perfect Timing

The story of Lazarus teaches us the profound lesson of trusting in God's timing. Even when it seems that God is late or unresponsive, His timing is perfect and designed to bring glory to His name. This understanding requires us to cultivate patience and trust, especially during periods of waiting or suffering. By embracing God's timing, we open ourselves to witnessing His power and glory in ways that exceed our expectations. This trust is not passive; it involves active faith and prayer, seeking to understand His will and preparing our hearts for His divine interventions. [49:38]

Habakkuk 2:3 (ESV): "For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay."

Reflection: Reflect on a situation where you are waiting for God's intervention. How can you actively trust in His timing during this period of waiting?

Day 3: Cultivating a Close Relationship with Christ

Having a close relationship with Jesus, like that of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, transforms our spiritual lives and ensures we have a strong foundation to face life's challenges. This relationship is built through consistent prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture, allowing us to experience His presence and guidance more profoundly. Such intimacy with Christ not only provides comfort and peace but also empowers us to face trials with confidence, knowing that we are never alone. This deep connection is essential for spiritual resilience and growth. [24:00]

Colossians 3:1-3 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 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: What are practical steps you can take this week to strengthen your personal relationship with Jesus?

Day 4: The Courage to Follow Jesus

Following Jesus requires courage and readiness to step out of our comfort zones. This commitment is demonstrated when we follow Him despite potential risks or sacrifices. Such faith not only tests our trust in God but also strengthens it, preparing us for greater works and deeper experiences with Him. This journey of faith is marked by a series of decisions to obey and follow Christ, regardless of the circumstances, trusting that He leads us towards our ultimate good and His glory. [56:01]

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where following Jesus feels risky or uncomfortable? How can you step out in faith in this area today?

Day 5: The Authority in Jesus' Name

A strong relationship with Jesus empowers us to wield His name with authority in prayer and action. This authority is not for our own benefit but for the advancement of God's kingdom and His purposes on earth. As we grow closer to Jesus, our understanding of the power vested in His name deepens, enabling us to pray more effectively and act boldly in His name. This empowerment is a testament to the trust and authority He places in us as His followers, calling us to act justly and lovingly in every situation. [36:13]

Acts 4:29-30 (ESV): "And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."

Reflection: How can you more effectively use the authority of Jesus' name in your daily interactions and prayers?

Sermon Summary

Today, I explored the profound necessity of recognizing our need for Jesus, more than He needs us, and the implications of this truth in our lives. I began by emphasizing the importance of Jesus in our lives, highlighting that our relationship with Him should be one of deep reverence and commitment. This relationship is not just beneficial but essential, as it opens doors and brings blessings that we cannot achieve on our own.

I delved into the story of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha to illustrate the power of having Jesus as a close and accessible ally. This family had Jesus just a call away because of their strong relationship with Him. When Lazarus fell ill, they did not hesitate to reach out to Jesus, demonstrating the security and confidence that comes from such a profound connection.

The narrative of Lazarus also served to remind us that sometimes, our trials are for a greater purpose. Jesus declared that Lazarus' sickness was not unto death but for the glory of God. This teaches us that our challenges could be setups for God to manifest His glory and power in our lives. It's crucial to trust in God's timing and purpose, even when His plans don't align with our immediate desires.

Furthermore, I emphasized the importance of readiness to follow Jesus, even when it involves risks or stepping out of our comfort zones. The disciples' decision to follow Jesus back to Judea, despite the danger, exemplifies the type of faith and commitment required in our walk with Christ.

In closing, I highlighted the power of Jesus' name and our need to maintain a strong relationship with Him. Just as Mary, Martha, and Lazarus experienced Jesus' miraculous power, we too can experience His intervention in our lives. However, this requires that we not only know of Jesus but that we also deeply value and prioritize our relationship with Him.

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Key Takeaways

1. Recognizing Our Need for Jesus: Understanding that we need Jesus more than He needs us is foundational in our Christian walk. This realization should humble us and inspire a deeper commitment to nurturing our relationship with Him. It's not about Jesus needing our companionship but us benefiting immensely from His divine presence and guidance in our lives. [21:35]
2. The Power of Divine Timing: The story of Lazarus teaches us about the importance of trusting in God's timing. Even when Jesus' response seemed delayed, there was a divine purpose aimed at glorifying God. Patience in God's timing can often lead to greater miracles than we could anticipate. [49:23]
3. Building Strong Relationships with Christ: Just like Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, having a close relationship with Jesus can significantly impact our lives. This relationship ensures that we have a spiritual reservoir to draw from during times of need and that we are positioned to receive divine interventions. [23:45]
4. Readiness to Follow Jesus: Our commitment to Christ should be evident in our willingness to follow Him, even when it's inconvenient or risky. This readiness not only tests our faith but also strengthens it, preparing us for greater works and deeper experiences with God. [55:46]
5. The Authority in Jesus' Name: A strong relationship with Jesus empowers us to use His name effectively. Just as the disciples were empowered to perform miracles in His name, our close connection with Jesus allows us to wield spiritual authority that can alter circumstances and bring about divine outcomes. [36:13]
### [35:58]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[19:04] - Celebrating Jesus
[21:35] - The Necessity of Jesus
[23:45] - The Story of Lazarus
[35:58] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[41:43] - Valuing Our Relationship with Christ
[49:23] - Trusting God's Timing
[55:46] - Following Jesus Faithfully
[58:04] - Strengthening Our Spiritual Life

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was the relationship between Jesus and the family of Lazarus, Mary, and Martha? How did this relationship impact their actions when Lazarus fell ill? ([24:00])
How did Jesus respond to the news of Lazarus' illness, and what reason did He give for His delayed response? ([28:48])
What was the reaction of the disciples when Jesus decided to go back to Judea, and what does this reveal about their understanding of the situation? ([28:48])
How did Mary demonstrate her reverence and value for Jesus according to the sermon? ([37:31])

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus said Lazarus' sickness was "not unto death, but for the glory of God"? How does this statement shape our understanding of trials and challenges? ([24:00])
In what ways does the story of Lazarus illustrate the importance of divine timing and patience in God's plans? ([49:08])
How does the disciples' willingness to follow Jesus back to Judea, despite the danger, reflect the kind of faith and commitment required in our walk with Christ? ([28:48])
What does the sermon suggest about the power and authority in Jesus' name, and how does this relate to our personal relationship with Him? ([36:13])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge. How did your relationship with Jesus influence your response to that situation? ([24:00])
How can you cultivate a deeper and more committed relationship with Jesus in your daily life? What specific steps can you take this week to strengthen this relationship? ([21:50])
Think about a current situation where you are struggling to trust in God's timing. How can the story of Lazarus help you to be more patient and trust in God's greater purpose? ([49:08])
Are there areas in your life where you need to step out of your comfort zone to follow Jesus more faithfully? What risks might this involve, and how can you prepare yourself to take these steps? ([28:48])
How can you demonstrate the authority and power of Jesus' name in your daily interactions and prayers? Share a specific instance where you can apply this in the coming week. ([36:13])
Identify a relationship in your life that needs strengthening. How can you apply the principles from the sermon to build a stronger, more Christ-centered connection with that person? ([33:14])
Reflect on how you can better celebrate and honor Jesus in your life, similar to how Mary anointed Jesus with fragrant oil. What practical actions can you take to show your reverence and commitment to Him? ([37:31])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You know, every time they see you, they will say things. You know, to make you feel bad. It's as if you are the worst sinner in the world. And what do we look after? What do we expect?" [41:58]( | | )

2. "Jesus and his leading. That's what I've said already. Because they followed him. The disciples' willingness to accompany Jesus to Judea despite the dangers. Teaching us about readiness to follow Jesus Christ wherever he leads. Following Jesus may involve stepping out of our comfort zones." [56:01]( | | )

3. "In the church. We build connections in the body of Christ. It is because of Jesus that's why I came to know you. That's why you came to know me. That's why I cannot pick a phone and call you. And you can pick a phone and call me." [53:25]( | | )

4. "Amen. There is a greater purpose. Always try to look at things from God's eyes. Don't look at things from the eyes of... human beings or carnality. Amen. Make sure that you look at things beyond the physical." [45:53]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "How important or how much do you recognize him for who he is in your life? We are told that Mary held him in high esteem. To the extent that he will, you know, cry on his feet or his tears will wash his feet and his hair will wipe." [37:31]( | | )

2. "Jesus explains to his disciples that Lazarus' sickness will not lead to death, but for the glory of God. This suggests that there is a greater purpose behind Lazarus' illness. Hallelujah. Because of your relationship with Jesus, may you experience unusual miracles." [50:43]( | | )

3. "It's not just any relationship that we entertain. And it's not just any relationship that we should also lose. Amen. There are some relationships we have to preserve because it will be beneficial to us someday, even if not now." [33:14]( | | )

4. "Jesus was in humanity. Someone will say, oh, because he's God. No. These things happen to let us know that the person who loves you will take the risk for you. They will go the extra mile. Jesus puts his life on the line for them." [48:35]( | | )

5. "That you know Consists us Rather than blessing us And so the message is very simple and straightforward You need Jesus More than he needs you I need Jesus more than he needs me And so the message is very simple and straightforward Praise the Lord." [21:50]( | | )

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