Expecting Miracles: Faith, Hope, and Divine Intervention

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Miracles

Description: Everyone will face a moment when they need a miracle, whether for themselves or someone close to them. Miracles often come when we reach the end of our own abilities and turn to God in faith. This reliance on God is crucial for experiencing His power in our lives. The story of the four friends who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus and the centurion who sought healing for his servant are powerful reminders of this truth. These biblical examples show that when human efforts fall short, divine intervention becomes evident. [01:22]

Bible Passage: "And when he saw their faith, he said, 'Man, your sins are forgiven you.' And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, 'Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?'" (Luke 5:20-21, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel powerless. How can you turn this situation over to God and trust Him for a miracle today?

Day 2: Living with Expectation

Description: Psalm 23 teaches us to expect goodness and mercy to follow us all the days of our lives. This expectation should be a daily mindset, independent of our circumstances. Living by faith means proclaiming and believing in God's promises, which in turn shapes our reality. When we live with the expectation of God's goodness, we align ourselves with His will and open our hearts to receive His blessings. This mindset transforms our daily experiences and helps us to see God's hand in every situation. [02:39]

Bible Passage: "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23:6, ESV)

Reflection: How can you start your day with the expectation of God's goodness and mercy? What specific promise of God can you proclaim over your life today?

Day 3: Our Identity as Light

Description: Jesus declared that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). This identity calls us to dispel darkness and bring hope to those around us. Recognizing and living out this truth empowers us to make a significant impact in our communities and beyond. As the light of the world, we are called to reflect Christ's love and truth, illuminating the path for others to follow. This responsibility requires us to be intentional in our actions and words, ensuring that we are a source of encouragement and guidance. [16:09]

Bible Passage: "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house." (Matthew 5:14-15, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you be a light in your community today? How can you intentionally bring hope and encouragement to someone in need?

Day 4: Faith in Action

Description: The story of the woman with the issue of blood illustrates the power of faith and determination. Despite her long suffering, she believed and expected a miracle from Jesus, which led to her healing. This teaches us never to give up, no matter how hopeless our situation may seem. Her faith and determination serve as a powerful example of how we should approach our own challenges, trusting that God is able to meet our needs and bring about transformation. [30:40]

Bible Passage: "And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased." (Luke 8:43-44, ESV)

Reflection: What area of your life requires persistent faith and determination? How can you actively demonstrate your faith in God's ability to bring about a miracle?

Day 5: The Power of Proclamation

Description: Speaking God's promises over our lives, such as declaring ourselves as the light of the world, builds our faith and aligns us with God's truth. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also prepares us to face and overcome darkness with confidence. By proclaiming God's promises, we remind ourselves of His faithfulness and power, which in turn empowers us to live boldly and victoriously. This daily practice of proclamation can transform our mindset and help us to see our circumstances through the lens of God's truth. [19:02]

Bible Passage: "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south." (Psalm 107:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: What specific promise of God can you proclaim over your life today? How can this proclamation change your perspective and strengthen your faith?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the power and necessity of miracles in our lives. We began by affirming our belief in a living God who is always on His throne and capable of all things. We acknowledged that everyone, at some point, needs a miracle—whether it's for themselves, a friend, or a family member. We explored biblical examples of those who needed miracles, such as the four friends who brought their paralyzed friend to Jesus and the centurion who sought healing for his servant. These stories remind us that miracles often come when we reach the end of our own abilities and turn to God in faith.

We delved into the importance of expecting miracles, emphasizing that our faith and expectations play a crucial role in experiencing God's goodness and mercy. Psalm 23 was highlighted, where the psalmist declares that goodness and mercy will follow him all the days of his life. This expectation should be our daily mindset, regardless of our circumstances. We must live by faith, proclaiming and believing in God's promises.

The sermon also touched on the significance of recognizing ourselves as the light of the world, as stated in Matthew 5:14. This identity calls us to dispel darkness and bring hope to those around us. We were reminded that Jesus Himself faced moments of despair, yet He always turned to God, expecting a miracle. His resurrection is the ultimate testament to God's power and timing.

We concluded with the story of the woman with the issue of blood, who, despite her long suffering and hopeless situation, believed and expected a miracle from Jesus. Her faith and determination led to her healing, illustrating that we should never give up, no matter how dire our circumstances may seem. We were encouraged to keep believing, keep expecting, and keep coming to Jesus, trusting that He will meet our needs.

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Key Takeaways

1. The Necessity of Miracles: Everyone will face a moment when they need a miracle, whether for themselves or someone close to them. Miracles often come when we reach the end of our own abilities and turn to God in faith. This reliance on God is crucial for experiencing His power in our lives. [01:22]
2. Living with Expectation: Psalm 23 teaches us to expect goodness and mercy to follow us all the days of our lives. This expectation should be a daily mindset, independent of our circumstances. Living by faith means proclaiming and believing in God's promises, which in turn shapes our reality. [02:39]
3. Our Identity as Light: Jesus declared that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). This identity calls us to dispel darkness and bring hope to those around us. Recognizing and living out this truth empowers us to make a significant impact in our communities and beyond. [16:09]
4. Faith in Action: The story of the woman with the issue of blood illustrates the power of faith and determination. Despite her long suffering, she believed and expected a miracle from Jesus, which led to her healing. This teaches us never to give up, no matter how hopeless our situation may seem. [30:40]
5. The Power of Proclamation: Speaking God's promises over our lives, such as declaring ourselves as the light of the world, builds our faith and aligns us with God's truth. This practice not only strengthens our faith but also prepares us to face and overcome darkness with confidence. [19:02]
### [19:02]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - The Need for Miracles
[01:22] - Biblical Examples of Miracles
[01:59] - Expecting Goodness and Mercy
[02:39] - Living by Faith
[03:11] - Believing and Expecting Miracles
[03:46] - Miracles in Scripture
[04:32] - Everyday Miracles
[05:14] - Jesus' Need for a Miracle
[06:11] - God's Perfect Timing
[06:53] - Jesus' Cry to God
[07:33] - Resurrection and Hope
[08:17] - David's Experience
[09:09] - God's Unfailing Love
[10:27] - Faith and Expectation
[11:44] - Living with Purpose
[12:22] - The Role of the Church
[12:59] - Jesus and the Adulterous Woman
[14:46] - You Are the Light of the World
[16:09] - Dispel Darkness
[19:02] - The Power of Proclamation
[20:45] - Living in Light
[22:03] - Consequences of Darkness
[23:27] - Aligning with Christ
[24:39] - The Cycle of Sowing and Reaping
[25:18] - Talking About Jesus
[26:27] - Overcoming Darkness
[27:34] - Expecting from God
[29:21] - The Woman with the Issue of Blood
[30:40] - Faith and Determination
[33:00] - Never Give Up
[34:06] - Salvation and Hope
[35:18] - Breaking Through the Crowd
[35:49] - Prayer and Deliverance
[36:50] - Closing Remarks

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Psalm 23:6 promise to those who follow the Lord? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on expecting goodness and mercy? [01:59]
According to Matthew 5:14, what identity does Jesus give to His followers? How does this identity impact our daily lives? [16:09]
In Mark 5:28, what was the woman with the issue of blood’s declaration of faith? How did her faith lead to her healing? [30:40]
What examples of miracles from the Bible were mentioned in the sermon, and what do they teach us about the necessity of miracles? [01:22]

Interpretation Questions

How does living with the expectation of goodness and mercy, as described in Psalm 23:6, shape a believer’s mindset and actions? [02:39]
What does it mean to be the "light of the world" according to Matthew 5:14, and how can this identity influence our interactions with others? [16:09]
How does the story of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:28 illustrate the relationship between faith and miracles? What can we learn from her persistence and determination? [30:40]
The sermon mentioned that Jesus Himself needed a miracle and cried out to God. How does this example of Jesus influence our understanding of seeking God in times of need? [06:53]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you needed a miracle. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you apply the lessons from that experience to your current situation? [01:22]
Psalm 23:6 encourages us to expect goodness and mercy daily. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this expectation in your life, regardless of your circumstances? [02:39]
Jesus calls us the "light of the world" in Matthew 5:14. Identify one area in your community where you can actively dispel darkness and bring hope. What specific actions will you take this week? [16:09]
The woman with the issue of blood demonstrated great faith and determination. Think of a challenging situation you are facing. How can you emulate her faith and persistence in seeking a solution? [30:40]
The sermon emphasized the power of proclaiming God’s promises. Choose one promise from the Bible that resonates with you. How will you incorporate this promise into your daily declarations and prayers? [19:02]
Jesus faced moments of despair and cried out to God. How can you develop a habit of turning to God in your moments of need, and what specific prayers or scriptures will you use? [06:53]
The sermon encouraged us to keep believing, expecting, and coming to Jesus. What is one area of your life where you need to renew your faith and expectation? How will you take action to seek God’s intervention? [35:18]

Sermon Clips

1. "Miracle simply means. I have come to the end of the rope. I have done everything I know how to do. I simply don't know what to do anymore. That's when you need a miracle. So don't give up. We serve a God of who? Miracles. Amen? So the Bible says, where we're singing a few minutes ago, it says, expect a miracle of the goodness and mercy of who? Of God. It says, goodness and mercy. Of God will what? Follow us." [01:22] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "You must expect something from God. You have to. God is not going to dump it on you. He wants you to believe and to what? To expect a miracle. Amen? That's what we're doing. That's what I'm doing. I'm not just conveying to you what I wanted to hear. That's what I am believing God for. Amen? I believe God for that. That's why you can feel comfortable to come to this church and expect a miracle." [03:11] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So I've been thinking about this. I searched the scriptures. From Genesis to Revelations. Everything that God did, they were all by miracles. Deliverance of people by miracles. So if you do not believe in miracles, you're already dead. You know, that is truth. My waking up this morning was by miracle. For the fact that I had the breath of God in my life that kept me on all night. How many people know what it takes? Or what it means to sleep? You have no idea. But we sleep and wake up. That's a miracle." [03:46] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "If you believe, you must expect. Pray, believe, and expect, take action. If you do not pray, believe, and expect a miracle, you are wasting yourself. You are wasting your time. Amen? So Jesus cried out, Abba, Father, why hast thou forsaken me? He was not crying to the enemy. He was not crying to the world. Who did he cry to? To God. He said, God, why have you forsaken me? God said, I have not forsaken you." [06:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So for those who are going through hard times right now, you're going through horrible situations, today is your resurrection day. Today you shall resurrect. God shall raise you up from your mess, from whatever you're going through. God is able to raise you up. So your cry will never go unanswered. God, we serve a good God. So when you say, God, why have you forsaken me? When you wake up in the morning, say to yourself, goodness and mercy, you shall follow me today. The goodness and mercy of God shall follow me today." [07:33] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "You need him. He made you. in his image and likeness. You are just like God. Because you are his DNA. God can never forsake his own. He can't. Just impossible for a good father to forsake his children. I know some fathers do, but a good father is a distinction between a bad father and a good father. A good father will never forsake his children. Amen?" [09:09] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "So expectations breed hope. Expectations breed hope and hope breeds faith. And faith enables you to receive from God. So if you don't have expectations, you can't have hope. If you don't have hope, you can't have faith. Amen? And that faith comes by hearing. And hearing what? And hearing the word of God. Amen? So don't be discouraged. I just set my alarm this morning. My time. Keep it on then. Am I speaking to somebody? Or is God talking to somebody? Amen? So you must live on purpose. You must live with purpose." [11:11] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "That's why Jesus, when this woman that was caught in adultery, he said, woman, where are your accusers? But it takes two to commit a sin. Not just one person. It takes two. So there were hypocrites who wanted to kill him, kill her. They wanted to stone her because they were hypocrites. They did the exact same thing that they were accusing her of doing. So Jesus said, you that without sin throw your false stone. And they all disappeared. They all disappeared." [12:59] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "So I began to say to myself, oh, so I am the light? Of the world? In my community, I am the light? Everywhere I go, I am the light? You are the light? What does light do? Sorry? It will dispel darkness. Light will illuminate an environment. He said you are the light. Can you please personalize that? Say, I am the light of the world. Can we say that? I am the light of the world. Can we say that again? Again, I am the light of the world. You have what the world needs. Without you, in your neighborhood, there will be total darkness." [16:09] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "So you must know that darkness is afraid of you. That is the truth. Darkness is afraid of you. So you need to develop the faith that requires for darkness, when it sees you, it will be on the throne. Amen? Amen? Hallelujah." [29:21] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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