JACKS DAILY DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS
(Psalm 77:14) “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
God is a God of miracles… there is no doubt about that.
From recorded events in history past, to the many testimonies of people throughout history whom have experienced a miracle of God and have testified to that truth… (myself included)… there is more than enough evidence to conclude that miracles do happen.
But as I mentioned in previous blogs concerning this subject… there is a question that baffles the so called wisdom of man… and that is “why and how” is God motivated to pour out His miracle working power in the lives of fallen mankind.
And here is a truth that some find hard to accept… and that is… you are not a spectator… you are an active participant when needing to receive a miracle.
If you need a miracle in your life today… you need to get off the couch… get involved… and “do the do’s” that unlock the power of God for your need.
Over the last couple of days we talked about the “do’s” to receiving a miracle.
Today we look at “the art of listening”
#1) Worship the Lord every opportunity that you can!
#2) Make a forgiveness list!
#3) Sharpen your listening skills!
(Romans 8:14) “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
God wants you to receive your miracle, and He has some special instructions for you.
Can you hear Him?
Unfortunately we live in a world where there is so much noise around us that it is hard to hear the still small voice of God.
If you’re wrapped up in thinking about your troubles or needs, the noise may be loud enough to block out His still, small voice.
We need to take time… be intentional about getting quiet before the Lord.
Sharpen your listening skills and expect to hear from Him.
I once sat under the teaching of a wise old sage whom has seen many miracles in his life… and his advice is this… “If you want to see a miracle… you must first hear from the one who grants them.”
This is the most critical step and one that many people try to skip… and then they wonder why they don’t see a manifestation of God or a miracle of God in their lives.
When you “hear from the Lord”… He will give you an instruction… something He wants you to do to receive your miracle… that is how God has always worked.
(Matthew 12:13) “Then He said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand’… and he stretched it out… and it was restored as whole as the other”.
When did the miracle happen exactly?
When the man stretched out his hand.
When Jesus healed the blind man in (John 9:6-7)… the scripture records that Jesus “spit on the ground, made some mud with the saliva, and put it on the man’s eyes.
The He said to the blind man… “Go”… “wash in the Pool of Siloam”.
So the man went and washed, and came home seeing.
(John 2:1-11) at the wedding of Cana Jesus mother said to the servants… “Do what ever He tells you to do… then Jesus said “fill the jars with water”.
He then said "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet."
They did so and the result was that the Master of the banquet… was impressed by the quality of the wine.
(John 5:8) The lame man at the pool of Bethesda… Jesus said to him… “Pick up your mat, and walk… and immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked.
Instruction always preceded a miracle.
We need to listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit and be obedient to what He tells us.
We need to expect to hear from Him… and then act on what he tells us to do.
Then, do whatever He tells you to do… and you will receive your miracle!
(John 4:47) A man of authority came to Jesus in a desperate attempt to save his son, who is nearly dead.
His request is simple… “come back to Capernaum and heal my child”.
Again the bible stresses that this is a royal official, an individual whom under stood authority and how it works.
In answer to His request for Jesus to heal his son… Jesus said, “Go, your son will live”.
On his way home his servants came to him and told him that his son was recovering, confirming that the healing occurred at the exact same time that Jesus had told him… “Go your son will live”
Knowing something or wishing for something… is different from "having faith" in something.
Asking Jesus to perform a miracle requires desire.
Watching Jesus perform a miracle… only results in knowledge.
"Faith," on the other hand, requires trust and obedience.
The man is not being asked to exhibit blind faith.
He already has reasons to believe that Jesus can heal his son.
If he had no prior knowledge, he never would have come to see Jesus in the first place.
What Jesus is asking for is trust.
If the boy is that close to death, there is no time for the man to make a second trip.
Either he trusts that Jesus can heal his son from here… or he does not.
Walking away without Jesus right by his side will require the man to trust Christ's healing power and His words.
That is what true biblical faith is all about.
Listening, trusting and obeying… there is no other way... that is how we receive a miracle!
By listening for and to the voice of the Master… and being obedient to what He tells you to do!
More keys on this topic of receiving a miracle tomorrow!
Good Day!
(Psalm 77:14) “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
God is a God of miracles… there is no doubt about that.
From recorded events in history past to the many testimonies of people throughout history whom have experienced a miracle of God and have testified to that truth… myself included… there is more than enough evidence to conclude that miracles do happen.
But as I mentioned in previous blogs concerning this subject… there is a question that baffles the so called wisdom of man… as to why and how God is motivated to pour out His miracle working power in the lives of fallen mankind.
And here is a truth that some find hard to accept… You are not a spectator… you are an active participant when needing to receive a miracle.
If you need a miracle in your life today… you need to get off the couch… get involved… and “do the do’s” that unlock the power of God for your need.
Yesterday we talked about the first key that unlocks a miracle…
#1) Worship the Lord every opportunity that you can!
Today we look at the second key that cam unlock a miracle…
#2) Make “a forgiveness list”!
In (Mark 11:25) Jesus said “And whenever you stand praying… forgive.”
When the disciples came to Jesus and asked Him “Lord teach us to pray”… He gave them the following example of how to pray.
Our Father who art in heaven…
Hallowed be thy name… (Praise and thanksgiving)
Thy Kingdom come… they will be done on earth as it is in Heaven
Give us our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those whom trespass against us…
Forgiveness is another key to receiving a miracle.
Do you really think you can receive a miracle of God with bitterness in your heart?
Think again!
If you need a miracle…don’t delay!
Sit down and make a forgiveness list today.
Get quiet before the Lord and ask Him to reveal to you anyone you haven’t forgiven in your life.
Write down everyone who comes to mind.
It could be an entire group like a neighbourhood, a church a school or any man made institution or organization.
There may be tiny little “nothings” on the list, but those are important as well!
From (The Song of Solomon 2:15) we are told “that it’s the small foxes that ruin the vines”.
By catching the “little foxes” of un-forgiveness... we preserve relationships, safeguard spiritual vitality, and ensure that blossoming vineyards bear the full harvest that God intends.
Un-forgiveness is the “little foxes”… that destroy relationships.
Ask God to help you forgive.
Don’t let a “root of bitterness” well up in you because of un-forgiveness… which can and will eventually destroy you.
In fact there is scientific research in the medical field that many are sick because of mental trauma and or stress caused by un-forgiveness.
As a pastor and an ambassador for the kingdom of God… I have sat and counselled with many whom were plagued with physical infirmities and sickness…
Sicknesses caused because they had un-forgiveness in their lives toward a spouse, parents, children, neighbours… that had hurt them or abused them in some way.
When they finally came to the place where they were able to forgive the circumstance or the issue… they were healed of their infirmity or illness.
From this day forward… keep your forgiveness list empty.
Every time someone offends you, forgive them immediately.
This faith action could be the missing link to receiving your miracle.
More keys to unlocking a miracle tomorrow…
Good Day!
Do you really think you can receive a miracle of God with bitterness in your heart?
Think again!
If you need a miracle…don’t delay!
Sit down and make a forgiveness list today.
Get quiet before the Lord and ask Him to reveal to you anyone you haven’t forgiven in your life.
Write down everyone who comes to mind.
It could be an entire group like a neighbourhood, a church a school or any man made institution or organization.
There may be tiny little “nothings” on the list, but those are important as well!
From (The Song of Solomon 2:15) we are told “that it’s the small foxes that ruin the vines”.
By catching the “little foxes” of un-forgiveness... we preserve relationships, safeguard spiritual vitality, and ensure that blossoming vineyards bear the full harvest that God intends.
Un-forgiveness is the “little foxes”… that destroy relationships.
Ask God to help you forgive.
Don’t let a “root of bitterness” well up in you because of un-forgiveness… which can and will eventually destroy you.
In fact there is scientific research in the medical field that many are sick because of mental trauma and or stress caused by un-forgiveness.
As a pastor and an ambassador for the kingdom of God… I have sat and counselled with many whom were plagued with physical infirmities and sickness…
Sicknesses caused because they had un-forgiveness in their lives toward a spouse, parents, children, neighbours… that had hurt them or abused them in some way.
When they finally came to the place where they were able to forgive the circumstance or the issue… they were healed of their infirmity or illness.
From this day forward… keep your forgiveness list empty.
Every time someone offends you, forgive them immediately.
This faith action could be the missing link to receiving your miracle.
More keys to unlocking a miracle tomorrow…
Good Day!
(Psalm 77:14) “You are the God who performs miracles… you display
your power among the peoples”
Lets be honest folks.
We all come to places in our life where we need a miracle.
When the Dr’s diagnosis is chilling… when the bank is threatening to foreclose… when your employer tells you they have to let you go… and all of these circumstances cause you to have your back against the wall and you feel there is no hope… that’s when you need to “hope thou in God” (Psalm 42:11)
That’s when you need to “storm Heavens gates”… and believe God for an answer to your situation.
Believe God for a miracle!
If you need a miracle today, you need to know the following… and that is “that miracles are not just hit-or-miss”.
You can tap into a miracle… for He (God) cares for you (1st Peter 5:7)
God doesn’t just sometimes decide to do a miracle… and sometimes not to.
No! He is always ready to do a miracle in your life… but here’s the key.
You are not a spectator… you are an active participant!
If you need a miracle in your life—get off the couch… get involved and do the do’s that unlock the power of God for your need.
The world can’t give it to you… your good works won’t make it happen… but if you diligently apply yourself to these following actions based upon your love for God and your faith in His love for you…
I believe that we can move the hand of God and receive help in our time of trouble… I believe we can receive a miracle in the time of our need.
(Mark 9:23) Jesus said “If you can believe… all things are possible to them that believe”
(Hebrews 11:1) tells us that “faith is the substance of things hoped for… the evidence not yet seen”
(Hebrews 11:6) goes on to challenge us with the following statement… “with out faith it is impossible to please God”.
(James 2: 4) tells us that “faith with out works is dead”.
There are some things we need to do… if we really want to experience the power of God working on our behalf.
(James 2:17-26) continues to teach us concerning faith and believing God for a miracle… “Even so faith, if it hath not works is dead.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works… but show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
You believe that there is one God… you do well: the devils also believe and tremble.
But wilt thou know… O vain man… that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
So can you see how faith was combined with his works… and by those works… his faith was made perfect?
And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness… and he was called “the friend of God”.
You see then how that by works a man is justified… and not by faith only.
Likewise also… was not “Rahab the harlot” justified by her works when she had received/ hidden the messengers of Israel… and sent them out another way?
As the body without the spirit is dead… so faith without works is dead also”.
So over the next couple of days I am going to share with you some suggestions… some “do’s”… that you can study, learn, understand and start to practice… so that you can receive the miracle that you are so desperately needing.
#1) Worship the Lord every opportunity that you can!
(Psalm 34:1) “His praise will always be on my lips.”
Some people think as long as they believe in God and go to church regularly… that the blessings will flow in.
But its more than just warming a pew, singing a song, praying a prayer, listening to a sermon and shaking hands on Sunday
But worshipping and praising the Lord are what put everything into proper perspective.
It puts God at the head of your life and circumstances.
It announces to the world, the devil, and all your troubles… that you are in the hands of Almighty God… and you know it… you trust it… and have faith in God that He will take care of you and meet your need.
“Praise is the big gun of faith.”
That’s how Paul and Silas received deliverance from prison.
Instead of begging and pleading with God… or complaining about their situation… Paul and Silas “were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25).
The result? “All the prison doors flew open… and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:26).
All the doors… every chain… all because of worshipping and praising God.
We need to learn how to unleash the power of praise and thanksgiving to God… for miracles today.
I heard a testimony some time ago of a missionary who had contracted smallpox before there was a vaccine… at a time when it was often fatal.
As she prayed asking God for healing… the Lord gave her a vision of a scale with prayer on one side and praise on the other.
He said to her “When your praises equal your prayers, you will be healed.”
She spent two days doing nothing but praising God.
She didn’t ask Him for anything else… and at the end of the two days… she was completely healed.
Praise unlocks the power of God!
More on this topic tomorrow… “Do’s that unlock your miracle”!
Good day!
But worshipping and praising the Lord are what put everything into proper perspective.
It puts God at the head of your life and circumstances.
It announces to the world, the devil, and all your troubles… that you are in the hands of Almighty God… and you know it… you trust it… and have faith in God that He will take care of you and meet your need.
“Praise is the big gun of faith.”
That’s how Paul and Silas received deliverance from prison.
Instead of begging and pleading with God… or complaining about their situation… Paul and Silas “were praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25).
The result? “All the prison doors flew open… and everyone’s chains came loose” (Acts 16:26).
All the doors… every chain… all because of worshipping and praising God.
We need to learn how to unleash the power of praise and thanksgiving to God… for miracles today.
I heard a testimony some time ago of a missionary who had contracted smallpox before there was a vaccine… at a time when it was often fatal.
As she prayed asking God for healing… the Lord gave her a vision of a scale with prayer on one side and praise on the other.
He said to her “When your praises equal your prayers, you will be healed.”
She spent two days doing nothing but praising God.
She didn’t ask Him for anything else… and at the end of the two days… she was completely healed.
Praise unlocks the power of God!
More on this topic tomorrow… “Do’s that unlock your miracle”!
Good day!
(Psalm 77:14) God is a God of miracles… “You are the God who performs miracles… you display your power among the peoples”
There are times in our life when we all meet situations that are beyond our control.
Life has thrown us a curve ball that we just cannot seem to overcome and we don’t know where to turn.
And that’s where our connection with God our Father becomes a strength and a confidence that opens the door for Him to do the miraculous and meet those areas in our life that we cannot control or deal with.
Lets face it… as human beings we all have this desire to be in control.
But there are times when we are out of control and simply don’t have the strength ability and or power to navigate… to get thru the ever challenging issues of life that are beyond our control.
That’s when our Heavenly father shows up and helps us in the midst of the challenges in the midst of life’s chaos… in the midst of those desperate lonely hours of pain and heartache if… we will call upon His name and if …we will let go of our own self will, pride and stubbornness.
James tells us that “we have not because we ask not” (James 4:2-23)
Jesus said “if you can believe all things are possible to them that believe” (Mark 9:23)
The writer of Hebrews tells us “Cast not away your confidence in God that has a great recompense of reward” (Hebrews 10:35)
All thru the scriptures from the Old Testament thru the New… we read many promises of God that reveal His desire to meet our every need as a good father whom meets the needs of his children.
(James 1:17) tells us “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from God the Father of Lights”.
This verse highlights the truth that righteousness and eternal life, spiritual gifts, blessings and miracles… are given by God reflecting the idea of Gods unchanging nature and His goodness in providing for humanity.
In (Matthew 8:1-14) Jesus was challenged by a Leper who knelt before Him saying…”Lord of you will, you can make me clean”…
Jesus response to that human soul in need of a miracle that day is the same response to you and I and our need for a miracle today.
He said “I will” and immediately the leprosy was cleansed.
In (Malachi 3:6) God says “For I am the Lord, I change not”.
God still wills to perform miraculous works in the lives of men to prove His love, to prove His power, to prove His character and promises of constant unwavering provision and protection for you and I
His children.
(Hebrews 13:8) states that “Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever”
(Psalm 102:27) “But you are same and Your will never end”
The scene in (Psalms 102:27) is set in the presence of God, with the psalmist reflecting on the eternal nature of God contrasted with the temporary nature of creation.
The psalmist may have come to this place of reflection after experiencing challenges or difficulties, finding comfort in the unchanging nature of God amidst the changing circumstances of life.
The scene conveys a sense of peace and reverence, with the psalmist finding strength and hope in the eternal presence of God.
(Psalms 102:27) reminds us of the steadfast and eternal nature of God.
This verse emphasizes that God is constant and unchanging, unlike the ever-shifting circumstances and situations we encounter in our lives.
Think about how reassuring it is to know that amidst the turbulence of life, there is a divine presence that remains consistent and unwavering.
This verse prompts us to reflect on the reliability of God, who is always dependable and faithful, regardless of the ups and downs we face.
This verse challenges us to contemplate the limitless nature of God, existing beyond the constraints of time and space.
God, who provides stability and reassurance in a constantly evolving world, can be found as we navigate the uncertainties of life.
Let this verse serve as a reminder of the enduring and ever-present love and support that God offers to us.
“But you remain the same,” these words echo through the ages, emphasizing God’s unchanging nature amidst a world in constant flux.
(Hebrews 13:8) states that “Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever”
(Psalm 102:27) “But you are same and Your will never end”
The scene in (Psalms 102:27) is set in the presence of God, with the psalmist reflecting on the eternal nature of God contrasted with the temporary nature of creation.
The psalmist may have come to this place of reflection after experiencing challenges or difficulties, finding comfort in the unchanging nature of God amidst the changing circumstances of life.
The scene conveys a sense of peace and reverence, with the psalmist finding strength and hope in the eternal presence of God.
(Psalms 102:27) reminds us of the steadfast and eternal nature of God.
This verse emphasizes that God is constant and unchanging, unlike the ever-shifting circumstances and situations we encounter in our lives.
Think about how reassuring it is to know that amidst the turbulence of life, there is a divine presence that remains consistent and unwavering.
This verse prompts us to reflect on the reliability of God, who is always dependable and faithful, regardless of the ups and downs we face.
This verse challenges us to contemplate the limitless nature of God, existing beyond the constraints of time and space.
God, who provides stability and reassurance in a constantly evolving world, can be found as we navigate the uncertainties of life.
Let this verse serve as a reminder of the enduring and ever-present love and support that God offers to us.
“But you remain the same,” these words echo through the ages, emphasizing God’s unchanging nature amidst a world in constant flux.
While everything around us shifts and changes, God stands unwavering… a steadfast anchor in the stormy seas of life.
Like a sturdy anchor in a stormy sea… God’s eternal essence remains constant.
His miracles are with out limit and He has another one for you and I, in every aspect of our changing lives…
“If you can believe… all things are possible to them that will believe”
Remember… Jesus said that… (Mark 9:23)
Good day!
(Psalm 77:14) “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
God is a God of miracles… there is no doubt about that.
From recorded events in history past... to the many testimonies of people throughout history whom have experienced a miracle of God and have testified to that truth... myself included… there is more than enough evidence to conclude that miracles do happen.
But as I mentioned in previous blogs concerning this subject… there is a question that baffles the so called wisdom of man… as to why and how God is motivated to pour out His miracle working power in the lives of fallen mankind.
As I mentioned yesterday… the Bible uses three main words to refer to a miracle.
They are signs, wonders, and power.
These three words help us better understand what the phrase “God of miracles” means.
Basically, a miracle is an act of God beyond human understanding that displays God’s power… inspires wonder in humans… and acts as a sign that God is at work in the world.
From a human perspective… a miracle of God is an extraordinary or unnatural event (a wonder)… that reveals or confirms a specific message (a sign)… through or by a mighty work of (power)... not controlled, manipulated, motivated, or induced by humanity.
From the God of miracle’s vantage point, a miracle is nothing extraordinary or unnatural.
It is simply a divine display of His might (power)… that attracts the attention of humans (a wonder)… to His Word or His purposes (a sign).
The God of miracles… uses supernatural power to reveal Himself to people on earth.
The Greek word translated “miracle” is “dunamis”.
It is the root of our word “dynamite” and means “power.”
God’s miracles often defy or overpower the laws of nature... and yet He will also work within the laws of nature to perform a miracle.
When God parted the Red Sea... He used a powerful wind: “Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided” (Exodus 14:21).
God does not only use miracles as a means of authenticating Himself to people… but to reveal Himself to people who have eyes of faith to see.
The God of miracles works extraordinary wonders to capture people’s attention.
The unusual, and unnatural dimension of God’s miracles… demands and commands our attention.
When the Lord caused a bush to burn but not be consumed… Moses took notice.
The angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush.
Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.
So Moses thought, ‘I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.’
When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush… ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am’” (Exodus 3:2–4).
The wonder of it all… “a bush that did not burn”… piqued Moses’ interest and moved him to the place where he was ready to receive God’s message.
The God of miracles also uses signs to convey a message or reveal truth.
People who seek signs often want to be entertained like Herod in (Luke 23:8).
But God never uses miracles to amuse us… they always serve a purpose or a higher objective.
Their overall purpose or objective is to glorify Himself.
When Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead… He confirmed this purpose.
(John 11:40–42) “Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone.
Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me... but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here... that they may believe that you sent me’”
Then Jesus called Lazarus back from the dead... unto life.
Many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary saw this astounding miracle.
As a result… they put their faith in Christ and believed that Jesus was the Son of God.
Jesus showed the disciples and the world… that He has power over death.
The Bible portrays God as a God of miracles... a God who has revealed His power to us and is worthy of praise.
(Psalm 72:18) “Praise be to the Lord God, the God of Israel,...who alone does marvelous deeds”
Gods miracles declare His absolute control over nature, events, people, and powers.
His miracles reveal who God is… and awaken humans to His presence and the presence of His Kingdom.
God works through miracles to reveal His glory, confirm His message, and convey His purposes and truths… to those who see Him with eyes of faith.
And the beautiful part about this… is that as He does these miracles… we are often the beneficiaries of the supernatural move of God… as He works in the lives of men.
More concerning this topic tomorrow.
Good Day!
(Psalm 77:14) “You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples”
Our God is a God of miracles.
Who can study the universe and doubt His power in creation?
Who can study the history of Israel and fail to see His providential arrangement of events?
In contrast to the handiwork of the God of miracles… the work of man is puny and trifling.
God does marvelous things… and He does them all with His own power and with no help from others.
The Bible uses three main words to refer to a miracle.
They are… a sign, a wonder or wonders, and power.
These three words help us better understand what the phrase “God of miracles” actually means.
Basically, a miracle is an act of God beyond human understanding that displays God’s power… inspires wonder in humans… and acts as a sign that God is at work in the world.
From a human perspective… a miracle of God is an extraordinary or unnatural event (a wonder)… that reveals or confirms a specific message (a sign)… through a mighty work or (power).
From the God of miracle’s vantage point… a miracle is nothing extraordinary or unnatural.
It is simply a divine display of His might (power) that attracts the attention of humans (a wonder) to His Word or His purposes (a sign).
Jesus performed some amazing miracles while He was here on earth.
Some were out of compassion… some for mercy… some because of His unending undying love for humanity… but every miracle performed… was for the glory or revealing of the Father in heaven.
Each miracle He performed was in response to a need and for those whom had no other resource to turn to.
In most every case where He performed a miracle… it was to bring focus to the Father and the kingdom of God.
Unfortunately there are those whom desire a miracle for their own self interests… with little or no regard for worship of the Father… or any thanksgiving or gratitude for His benevolence.
God works through miracles to reveal His glory, confirm His message, and convey His purposes and truths… to those who see Him with eyes of faith.
His greatest miracle is that He gave His one and only Son to become a man… who through His sacrificial death on the cross… overcame the power of death through the resurrection.
Jesus paid the ultimate price… the penalty for our sin, and accomplished for us the miracle of salvation.
And He is more than willing to go above and beyond that as our Advocate… who is seated at the right and of God the Father and who is ever interceding for us (Romans 8:34)
Good day!
(John 2:1) There was a wedding in Cana of Galilee.”
I’ve often wrestled with this topic of miracles and what moves the hand of God to perform them.
The subject of miracles performed by Jesus has caused much conjecture as to why He chose to heal some and others were passed over.
Were the some that were healed, better than others that were not.
Were some more deserving of the touch of Jesus than others?
Let’s examine the story of Jesus turning water into wine.
It was His first miracle, and I believe it has some keys that might help us unlock the door of this subject and reveals how He works in our lives.
1) Invite Jesus.
“There was a wedding in Cana of Galilee…Jesus and His disciples were invited”. (John 2:1)
When the problem arose, this couple didn’t have to send for Jesus because He was already there.
Not only did they know Him, they included Him in their plans.
They honoured Him.
The cry of Paul’s heart was “that I may know Him” (Philippians 3:10).
Why? Because when you know the Lord, you can call on Him with confidence and be assured He will be by your side when you need Him.
This couple probably had a long time to prepare for this event, yet Jesus didn’t criticize them for poor planning.
He came to their aid and met their need.
And He will do the same for you as well but you have to invite Him in.
(2) Do what He tells you even when you do not understand it.
Jesus mother told the servants… “do what He tells you” (John 2:5)
Faith does not require explanations… but it does require simple obedience and trusting in the goodness of God.
(Psalm 37:4-5) “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass”
(3) Understand that God can save the best for last. “You have kept the good wine until now!” (John 2:10)
It’s not too late.
What looks to you like a tragedy can become a testimony of God’s goodness and faithfulness in your life.
The fact that Jesus first miracle was performed at a wedding is also significant.
By His attendance… Jesus places His stamp of approval on the marriage covenant, and with this miracle, He shows from whence the blessings in a marriage spring.
The love and joy inherent in a wedding ceremony are also characteristic of the ministry of Christ, who came into this world because of love…(John 3:16) “for God so loved the world that He gave”… it and brought joy to all who believe (Luke 2:10).
Also, Jesus may have chosen this family situation to perform this miracle because it is something everyone in every culture can relate to.
An ordinary setting became the showcase for His supernatural power.
Perhaps that is another lesson He wants us to learn from it.
He wants to do something supernatural in the everyday events of our lives as well.
Truly God is no respecter of persons. (Romans 2:11-16)
(Psalm 77:14) says “You are the God who performs miracles you display your power among the peoples”
If you need a miracle today, you need to know this… miracles are not just hit-or-miss.
You can tap into a miracle.
God doesn’t just sometimes decide to do a miracle, and sometimes not to.
No He is always ready to do a miracle in your life.
If you need a miracle in your life… get off the couch… and get involved...
(Matthew 6:33) (seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added unto you”
Invite Jesus into your life… all aspects of your life… and give Him the keys to your will, your interests, your hopes, and your future.
More on this topic tomorrow.
Good day!