Trusting God's Provision: Developing a Miracle Mindset
Summary
In our gathering today, we are reminded of the profound reasons for coming together as a community of faith. We gather to express gratitude for God's blessings, to be transformed by His presence, and to encourage one another as we anticipate the Lord's return. This morning, we also celebrate the life and contributions of Gwen Lee, a cherished member of our church for 66 years, as she moves on to a new chapter. Her dedication to our music ministry and her unwavering faithfulness serve as an inspiration to us all.
As we continue our series on "Developing a Miracle Mindset," we focus on the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath. This narrative illustrates God's miraculous provision and challenges us to trust Him as our ultimate source. The widow, despite her dire circumstances, obeyed God's command through Elijah and experienced a miraculous supply of flour and oil. This story is a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to meet our needs when we trust and obey Him.
Developing a miracle mindset begins with the understanding that God cares for us deeply. Just as a parent provides for their children, our Heavenly Father is attentive to our needs. This mindset also requires us to recognize God as our source, beyond our jobs, investments, or abilities. We are called to trust in His provision and to honor Him with our resources, knowing that He will use what we give for His glory and our good.
As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the ultimate gift of Jesus' sacrifice, which assures us of God's love and provision. Let us commit to living with a miracle mindset, trusting in God's care, provision, and the power of obedience to His word.
Key Takeaways:
1. God Cares for You: The foundation of a miracle mindset is the assurance that God cares for us. Just as a parent provides for their children, God is attentive to our needs and desires to bless us. This understanding is crucial in developing trust in His provision. [45:05]
2. God is Your Recognizing God as our ultimate source of provision is essential. While we may have jobs and investments, it is God who ultimately supplies our needs. This perspective shifts our reliance from worldly resources to divine provision. [48:36]
3. Obedience Unlocks Blessings: The story of the widow and Elijah teaches us that obedience to God's commands, even in difficult circumstances, opens the door to His miraculous provision. Trusting and obeying God positions us to receive His blessings. [53:35]
4. The Power of Giving: Giving is not just for the wealthy; it is a principle for all believers. When we give, God uses our offerings to accomplish His purposes and blesses us in return. Our generosity impacts lives and furthers God's kingdom. [57:56]
5. God Rewards Faithfulness: God is not unjust; He remembers our labor and love shown in His name. Our faithfulness in giving and serving will be rewarded, both in this life and in eternity. Trusting in God's promises encourages us to remain steadfast. [01:07:14]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [34:32] - Honoring Gwen Lee
- [37:47] - Developing a Miracle Mindset
- [41:24] - The Story of Elijah and the Widow
- [43:57] - God Cares for You
- [45:05] - Trusting God's Care
- [47:07] - God Will Supply
- [48:36] - God is Your Source
- [51:16] - Examples of God's Provision
- [51:59] - Personal Testimonies of Provision
- [53:35] - The Call to Obedience
- [54:52] - Five Ways to Stay Poor
- [57:56] - The Power of Giving
- [01:01:19] - Inspired by John Wesley
- [01:07:14] - God Rewards Faithfulness
- [01:08:39] - Communion and Prayer
- [01:17:05] - Closing Worship and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1 Kings 17:8-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What specific instructions did God give to Elijah regarding the widow of Zarephath? How did Elijah respond to these instructions? [41:24]
2. Describe the initial reaction of the widow when Elijah asked her for food and water. What does this reveal about her situation? [41:24]
3. How did the widow's obedience to Elijah's request lead to a miraculous provision? What was the outcome for her and her family? [41:24]
4. In the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate God's provision in both the Old and New Testaments? [51:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath illustrate the concept of God being our ultimate source of provision? [48:36]
2. What does the widow's willingness to give her last meal to Elijah teach us about the relationship between obedience and faith? [53:35]
3. The sermon mentioned that God cares for us like a parent cares for their children. How does this analogy help us understand God's provision and care? [45:05]
4. How does the sermon challenge the common belief that giving is only for the wealthy? What biblical principles support this challenge? [57:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you were at the end of your resources. How did you experience God's provision during that time? [41:24]
2. The widow trusted and obeyed Elijah's request despite her dire circumstances. What is one area in your life where you feel God is asking you to trust and obey Him more fully? [53:35]
3. The sermon emphasized that God is our source, not our jobs or investments. How can you shift your mindset to rely more on God's provision in your daily life? [48:36]
4. Consider the principle of giving as discussed in the sermon. What steps can you take to be more generous with your resources, regardless of your financial situation? [57:56]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing God's care for us. How can you remind yourself of God's care and provision during challenging times? [45:05]
6. How can you apply the lesson of obedience unlocking blessings in your current life situation? What specific act of obedience is God calling you to? [53:35]
7. The sermon mentioned the power of giving and its impact on God's kingdom. Identify one way you can contribute to your community or church this week, and how you believe it will make a difference. [57:56]
Devotional
Day 1: God’s Parental Care for Us
God’s care for us is profound and personal, akin to the care a parent has for their child. This understanding is foundational to developing a miracle mindset. It assures us that God is not distant or indifferent but is deeply involved in our lives, attentive to our needs, and eager to bless us. Recognizing this truth helps us to trust in His provision and to live with confidence in His love. When we embrace the reality of God’s care, we can face life’s challenges with the assurance that we are not alone and that our needs are known and will be met by our Heavenly Father. [45:05]
"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me." (Isaiah 49:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God’s care in your life recently? How can you remind yourself of His parental love during times of doubt or fear?
Day 2: God as Our Ultimate Source
Recognizing God as our ultimate source of provision shifts our perspective from relying solely on worldly resources to trusting in divine provision. While jobs, investments, and abilities are means through which God provides, they are not the source. This understanding encourages us to place our trust in God rather than in material wealth or human efforts. By acknowledging God as our source, we open ourselves to His abundant provision and align our lives with His purposes, knowing that He will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. [48:36]
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)
Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you have been relying on your own strength or resources? How can you begin to trust God as your ultimate source today?
Day 3: Obedience as a Pathway to Blessings
The story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath illustrates that obedience to God’s commands, even in difficult circumstances, opens the door to His miraculous provision. The widow’s willingness to obey God’s word through Elijah, despite her dire situation, resulted in a miraculous supply of flour and oil. This narrative challenges us to trust and obey God, knowing that His commands are for our good and His glory. When we position ourselves in obedience, we align with God’s will and make room for His blessings to flow into our lives. [53:35]
"And Elijah said to her, 'Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me, and afterward make something for yourself and your son. For thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, "The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain upon the earth."'" (1 Kings 17:13-14, ESV)
Reflection: Is there an area in your life where God is calling you to obedience? What steps can you take today to trust and obey His leading?
Day 4: The Transformative Power of Giving
Giving is a principle for all believers, not just the wealthy. When we give, God uses our offerings to accomplish His purposes and blesses us in return. Our generosity impacts lives and furthers God’s kingdom, demonstrating our trust in His provision. Giving transforms us by shifting our focus from self-centeredness to selflessness, aligning our hearts with God’s heart for others. As we give, we participate in God’s work and experience the joy of being used by Him to bless others. [57:56]
"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)
Reflection: How can you practice generosity in your daily life? Consider one specific way you can give to someone in need this week.
Day 5: Faithfulness and Divine Reward
God is not unjust; He remembers our labor and love shown in His name. Our faithfulness in giving and serving will be rewarded, both in this life and in eternity. Trusting in God’s promises encourages us to remain steadfast, knowing that our efforts are not in vain. As we serve and give faithfully, we reflect God’s character and participate in His redemptive work in the world. Our faithfulness is a testament to our trust in God’s goodness and His ability to reward those who diligently seek Him. [01:07:14]
"For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do." (Hebrews 6:10, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you been faithful in serving and giving? How can you continue to trust in God’s promises and remain steadfast in your faithfulness?
Quotes
"Tell him thanks for all that he's done. Number two, we come so that we are better because we've been in the presence of God. But there's a third reason for gathering together. Bible says, always be encouraging one another, especially as you see the day of the Lord approaching." [00:32:07]
"66 years ago, she joined this great church. And Gwen, Gwen, you have been way more than just somebody that sat in a seat. Music ministry has been a major portion of your life. You're in the television choir, our choir through the years. You did so many, many things, Gwen. We love you. We're gonna miss you. And may the blessings of the Lord go with you and be upon you." [00:33:58]
"All right, we're in a series of messages entitled Developing a Miracle Mindset. And you know, today we have a, at two o 'clock, two to four, FACS has an open house here. And we've got about 50 potential students. They're gonna be walking through our school, checking us out. And one thing I love about First Assembly Christian School, we abbreviate it FACS." [00:35:04]
"One thing I love about our great school is we work, not only to help the kids academically, musically, and athletically, but we also wanna develop within them a miracle mindset that they will carry all the days of their lives. And so if you've got a student, you've got a neighbor, you've got a grandson, a granddaughter, a son, a daughter looking for a great school, check out FACS and that open house is today." [00:35:32]
"All right, ready to dive in? Here's the first thing I want to say to you. You want to develop a miracle mindset? Get this. Develop it by saying, God cares for me. Those four simple words. Say them with me. God cares for me. Again, God cares for me. Let it out and louder. God cares for me. That's where a miracle mindset begins. God, you are the almighty God and you care for me." [00:42:33]
"God cares for his own. God cares for you. God cares for me. That's the beginning of developing a miracle mindset when it comes to God's supply over our lives. God cares for me. The lady didn't know it, but just around the corner, there was a financial, there was a miracle that was coming her way. You know what? The devil will work overtime to convince you you're off God's radar." [00:45:05]
"Here's a big truth in the Bible. Four words. God is my source. Fix it in your mind. God is my source. God is my source. Thank God for your employer. God is your source. Thank God for your investments. God is your source. Thank God for your ability. God is your source. The Bible says he opens his hand and he satisfies the desire of every living thing." [00:48:17]
"God's going to supply for his own. And a miracle mindset says, that's what's going to happen. And more than that, he will get involved and provide. But let me add a third one this morning. God expects something from you, and he expects something from me. It's called obedience." [00:52:56]
"He's testing that lady to see, will you put God first? Will you do what the prophet of God said? Will you do what the word of God says to me? Will you obey me? God's saying, will you put me first? And she's facing a test. Now, if I were grading her, you know what I would give her? I'd give her an A+. Why? I'd give her an A+. Because what she did is she put God first." [00:54:08]
"Sadly, there are some people that think that tithing is only for people that have lots of money. They reason like this. Let the rich people tithe. They won't miss it. They've got lots of money. They can give it away. They'll still be able to live perfectly fine. They will be able to be fine because they have way more money than they need. And so tithing and giving to God, that's for the rich people that are part of the church." [00:57:56]
"The lady has nothing, and yet she gave to God, and man, did God ever use what she gave. She gave to God. Look what God did with it. She gave to God, and Elijah was fed. She was fed. Her son was fed. You think her son ever forgot that event? Her son developed a miracle mindset as well. He grew up to be a young man. Man, I remember when God supplied this for me, and God supplied this for my mom." [00:59:06]
"And then here's the icing on the cake. One last verse, Hebrews chapter six, it'll be on the screen. The icing of the cake, not only does God use your giving, but then he rewards you. Look at it. God is not unjust. Oh, no, no, no, no, no. God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you've worked for him." [01:07:14]
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