LOOKING FOR A MIRACLE
“…BY THE WORD of the Lord …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…All things (SIGNS, WONDERS, AND MIRACLES) came into being through [the WORD], and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT).
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EVERY THING GOD DOES, EVERY SIGN, EVERY WONDER, AND EVERY MIRACLE IS NOT ABOUT PROVING HIMSELF TO YOU, BUT IT IS ABOUT YOU “KNOWING” HIM PERSONALLY AND BECOMING A RECIPIENT OF HIS “GREAT” LOVE!! “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life…” (John 15:13 NLT). “...[God loves YOU] with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “… he [has] done so many miracles before [you] ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT). “… [He has] done [those miracles] … so you will know that [He is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….In [these signs, wonders, and miracles], thou (you) shalt (shall) know that I AM the Lord...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
“…BY THE WORD of the Lord the heavens were made…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
“…BY THE WORD of the Lord [I am the Lord, your God] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
“…All things (including your relationship with God) came into being through [the WORD], and apart from [the WORD] nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
“…Since the CREATION of the world God’s INVISIBLE QUALITIES—HIS ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINE NATURE—have been “CLEARLY SEEN”, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE (your relationship with God)…” (Romans 1:20 NIV).
“…BY THE WORD of the Lord [you are reconciled into a covenant relationship with the Holy God]…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB). “…God … reconciled us to himself through Christ (the Word) …” (2 Corinthians 5:18 NIV). “… [He sent the] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “… [Jesus] … his name is [also] called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…BY THE WORD of the Lord [we are reconciled to God!] …” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
Do you remember how we defined MIRACLE? A MIRACLE is any action where God intervenes with the common and naturally normal operations by preforming something UNIQUELY supernatural.
You are SHORT-SIGHTED if you think MIRACLES are limited to supernatural healings and bringing someone back from the dead.
If you are a child of God you have experienced AT LEAST two MIRACLES. 1. Your very SALVATION is a miraculously ACT of God. 2. His indwelling Holy Spirit is another miraculously ACT of God.
1).The Gospel message, the Word, the Spirit of Truth, or the Good News actually MIRACULOUSLY SAVES you. “….The Gospel of Christ (the WORD) … “IS” the power of God unto SALVATION TO EVERY ONE THAT BELIEVETH (depends upon its truth)…” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…BY GRACE (unmerited favor from God) have ye been saved through… FAITH (dependence upon the work of Christ on the cross)…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…The grace (unmerited favor) of our Lord was poured out on me (or transferred to me) abundantly, ALONG WITH FAITH (the power to depend upon God) … that are “IN” Christ Jesus (the Word)…” (1 Timothy 1:13-14 NIV). “… [The] Good News about Christ (the gospel message, the WORD alone)… It is the power (sign and wonder) of God at work (miraculously), saving everyone who believes…” (Romans 1:16 NLT). “…saved … NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV).
2. The Holy Spirit comes to MIRACULOUSLY DWELL with you. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] his [Holy] Spirit as PROOF that [he [dwells]… in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “ … Renewal [comes] by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior…” (Titus 3:4-6 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). “… [This Holy Spirit is] NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD; not of works, that no man should glory…” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV). “…Peter said to them, "REPENT …and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit….” (Acts 2:38 NASB).
“…Every good GIFT and every perfect GIFT is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights…” (James 1:17 KJV). “…The LORD SHALL GIVE that which is good…” (Psalms 85:12 KJV). “…A man can receive nothing, except it BE GIVEN him from heaven…” (John 3:27 KJV). “…What do you have that God hasn’t given you?” (1 Corinthians 4:7 NLT). “….ye shall receive the GIFT of the Holy Ghost…” (Acts 2:38 KJV).
“…Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable GIFTs…” (2 Corinthians 9:16 KJV).
“… BY FAITH (depending upon God) [you] UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …that what [you] now see did not come from anything that can be seen [by sight] (two MIRACULOUS GIFTS of God’s POWER (salvation and the indwelling Holy Spirit)…” (Hebrews 11 NLT). “… We … [are able to] … understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s [Word], that what we now SEE did not come from anything that can be SEEN (by sight)…” (Hebrews 11:3 NLT). “…Since the creation of the world, God’s …ETERNAL POWER …have been CLEARLY SEEN, being UNDERSTOOD FROM WHAT HAS BEEN MADE…” (Romans 1:20 NIV). “…The person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV). “…The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law (WORD), nor can it do so…” (Romans 8:7 NIV). “….Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).
How are you saved? You are saved by the Power of God’s Word. How did the Holy Spirit come to dwell within you? The Holy Spirit was poured into your heart.
Sign, wonders, and miracles are NOT about God trying to PROVE or CONVINCE you of who he is. God KNOWS who he is. “… “I AM WHO I AM ’ This is My name forever, and this is My memorial-name to all generations…” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB). “...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV). And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [your need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT). “… THE LORD … is Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “…God [is[ with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB). “…[HE IS] WITH… [YOU] and … [HE] WILL NOT LEAVE [YOU] …." (Genesis 28:15 ASV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
God is not trying to PROVE or CONVINCE you of what he can do. He KNOWS what he can do.“…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are]… POSSIBLE [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV). “…he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).
Signs, wonder, and miracles are DONE so YOU will KNOW who he is; so you can KNOW what he can do. “… he [has] done so many miracles before [you] ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT). “… [He has] done [those miracles] … so you will know that [He is] the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….In [those signs, wonders, and miracles], thou (you) shalt know that I AM the Lord...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
Signs, wonders, and miracles are meant to DIRECT your hearts to his love. “… [May signs, wonders, and miracles] direct your hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3). “… [He has] done [these signs, wonder, and miracles] … so you will know that [He is] the Lord [your god]…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…May the Lord (the Word) lead your hearts INTO a full understanding (awareness, knowing) and EXPRESSION of the love of God …” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NLT). WHY? “…. [You shall] know that I AM the Lord...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “…I will do whatever you ask in my name (Jesus, the Word)…” (John 14:13 NIV). "… [Depend upon me and] …what [you] say will happen [and]…will be done for [you]….” (MARK 11:23 NIV). “…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
The GREATEST MIRACLE of ALL was MOTIVATED by LOVE. “…God SO LOVED the world that HE GAVE HIS “ONLY” BEGOTTEN SON…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…THIS IS LOVE …[HE]…SENT HIS SON ...” (1 John 4:10 NIV).
The GREATEST MIRACLE was also an ACT OF GOD that changed the course of nature FOREVER. “…By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place (to the Holy God)…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV).
The GREATEST MIRACLE was SENDING JESUS CHRIST as the ATONING SACRIFICE for our SINS!! “…HE GAVE HIS “ONLY” BEGOTTEN SON…” (John 3:16 KJV). “… [HE]… SENT HIS SON ...” (1 John 4:10 NIV). “…Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29 KJV). “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2 NIV). “… [May the miracles of his SON, of his ATONING SACRIFICE, of his SALVATION, and his indwelling Holy Spirit, etc;] direct your hearts TO the love of God…” (2 Thessalonians 3:5 NASB & Romans 12:3).
“…. [AND You shall] know that [HE IS] the Lord [your God]...” (Exodus 7:14-25).
Knowing God is not merely limited to intellectual, logical, scientific, or natural knowledge, but revelatory knowledge. In addition, “…the person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God ….and cannot understand them because they are [spiritually] discerned only …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).
“…they are [spiritually] discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV). The Holy Spirit; the indwelling Holy Spirit, REVEALS God.
“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…God will supply all [your need to KNOW him]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “…God will generously PROVIDE all you need (revelation knowledge of him). Then you will always have everything you need (revelation knowledge of him) …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “….Apart from Me (the Holy Spirit), you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV). “…the person WITHOUT the [Holy] Spirit DOES NOT accept ….and cannot understand [ the revelation knowledge of God] …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).
Knowing God depends upon spiritual revelation. “… BY FAITH (depending upon God) [you] UNDERSTAND (become aware of) …that what [you] now see did not come from anything that can be seen [by sight] …” (Hebrews 11 NLT).
Knowing God cannot be limited to a reliance upon human reasoning or human rationale. The flow of revelatory knowledge of God comes through the Holy Spirit.“…they are discerned only through the [Holy] Spirit. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).
Human reason and logic is dominated by sin and influenced by the power of the evil one. God’s thoughts are HIGHER and more HOLY than mankind’s thoughts. “We know … that the whole world lies under the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 RSV). Therefore,“ …the trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right (have revelatory of God), but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right (have a revelatory knowledge of God), but I can’t. I want to do what is good (have a revelatory knowledge of God), but I don’t. …I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … within me. Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin? …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT).
“… The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These TWO FORCES are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. … …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“….For from WITHIN, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, murder… wickedness … slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from WITHIN…” (Mark 7:20-23 NLT). “... I [am] …a slave to the sin that is … WITHIN me …” (Romans 7:14-25 NLT). The human heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). “... [Thus, God’s] ways are higher (holier) than your ways [and His] thoughts than your ways...” (Isaiah 55:9 KJV).
It is better NOT to lean upon human reason, logic, and understanding when it comes to KNOWING and DEPENDING upon God. “…NOT that we are sufficient OF OURSELVES to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God…” (2 Corinthians 3:5 KJV). Therefore, “Trust in (depend upon) the Lord with all thine heart; and LEAN NOT unto thine own understanding…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).
Man’s reasonings and logic can make them believe they KNOW the right way, but without KNOWING God, through revelatory knowledge, their way can LEAD to death. “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of DEATH...” (Proverbs 14:20 KJV). “…There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways DEATH ….” (Proverbs 16:25 KJV). “…and sin, when it is finished, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH…” (James 1:13-15 NLT).
Through signs and wonders God MIRACULOUSLY sent Jesus Christ, speaks to you through his WORD, saves you through supernatural power, sends forth the indwelling Holy Spirit into your heart, delivers you from spiritual death, perpetually provides for you, guides you through life, makes special interventions on your behalf, opens and close doors no one else can open or close, extend ongoing favors, showers you with untold blessings, and on and on. “... [God loves YOU] with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV). “… He [does].. so many miracles before [you] … so you will know that [He is] the Lord [your God]….” (John 12:37-40 & Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “….In [these signs, wonders, and miracles], [you shall] know that [HE IS] the Lord [your God]...” (READ Exodus 7:14-25). “…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
“…BY THE WORD of the Lord [signs, wonders, and miracles are] MADE…” (Psalms 33:6 NASB).
God is NOT trying to impress you, or convince you of who he is, or prove himself to you by performing signs, wonders, or miracles, but he is trying to DRAW you, to himself, with lovingkindness.“… I … WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV). “…I have drawn you with unfailing kindness…” (Jeremiah 3:13 NIV).
Most people want God to PROVE he is God by showing his stuff (signs, wonders, and miracles) to them FIRST. “…The Pharisees and Sadducees came up, and testing Jesus, they asked Him to show them a sign from heaven…” (Matthew 16:1 NASB). “…Others tested him by asking for a sign from heaven…” (Luke 11:16 NIV).
Most people are ONLY after God’s stuff (favors, signs, wonders, and miracles), but not HIM. “…A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick…” (John 6:2 NASB). “…For this reason also the people went and met Him, because they heard that He had performed this sign…” (John 12:18 NASB).
Many people are loyal, committed, and faithful to God ONLY because of his stuff (favors, signs, wonders, and miracles), but their hearts are FAR from him. “… Jesus answered them and said, "…Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled…” (John 6:26 NASB). “…This people draw near me with their mouth and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me…” (Isaiah 29:13 KJV).
When God does not readily perform or offer his stuff (favors, signs, wonders, and miracles) to their liking, most people will abandon and forsake him. “… So they said to Him, "What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform?” (John 6:30 NASB). “..Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from You…" (Matthew 12:38 NASB). “… you became proud and FORGOT ME….” (Hosea 13:6 NLT). “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT). “…They ABANDONED the Lord… they turned their backs on him….” (2 Chronicles 29:6 NLT).
People often think they are judging and testing God, when situations and circumstances are actually testing them. Certain situations and circumstances REVEAL the deceit that is in their OWN hearts. "…You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not…” (Deuteronomy 8:2 NASB).
True servants will serve God when his favors, signs, wonders, and miracles are overflowing and when they “seem” to have ceased. Apostle Paul said, “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want…” Philippians 4:11-12 NIV). His secret, “…I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).
Those faithful followers are the ones who are truly blessed with perpetual blessings of favors, signs, wonders, and miracles in this life and the life to come! “…The faithful followers of the Lord … keep their promises even when it hurts…” (Psalm 15:4 NLT). “…‘We’ve given up everything to follow you…” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT). And Jesus said to him, “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return a hundred times as many houses, brother, sisters, mothers, children, and property – along with persecution. And in the world to come that person will have eternal life...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
God wants you to SEEK his heart first and foremost and not simply his stuff (favors, signs, wonders, and miracles). “… Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need…” (Matthew 6:33 NLT).“…God will generously PROVIDE all you need. Then you will always have everything you need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT). “…he rewards those who sincerely seek him…” (Hebrews 11 NLT)
All his stuff is FREELY yours and added to you BECAUSE you choose to SEEK his heart. God says, “…the world is MINE, and the fulness thereof…” (Psalm 50:12 KJV). Jesus said, “…All … THINE ARE MINE…” (John 17:10 KJV). “… [God, through Christ]… freely give [you]… ALL things?...” (Romans 8:32 KJV). “…What we have RECEIVED is not the Spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand (become aware of) what God has freely given us. …” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).
All that God has is ALREADY yours because of the covenant relationship you have with him. Jesus also said, “…He (the indwelling Holy Spirit) shall receive of MINE, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath ARE MINE: therefore said I, that he shall TAKE OF MINE, and shall shew it unto you…” (John 16:14-15 KJV). “…ALL THINGS are your's [in Christ]…” (1 Corinthians 3 KJV).
There is great VALUE in being in a relationship with God and gaining revelatory “KNOWLEDGE” of him and not JUST his stuff (favors, signs, wonders, and miracles). “… Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ…” (Philippians 3:8 NLT).
In human relationships there is a GREAT focus upon what the other person can do YOU and LESS focus on what YOU can do for the other person.
When we SEEK after people’s stuff or what they can DO for us; it may not last. If they ever become unable to do or disabled from doing for you; you may abandon and forsake them.
Often when a person becomes unable to do or disabled from doing for you what they have always done; YOU and THEY will discover whether LOVE bonded you together or something else. ONLY true “LOVE” is the perfect BOND that unites one to another. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…Love … the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).
When someone becomes unable or disabled from doing for you what they have always done and you continue to care for them; most likely, LOVE has bonded you together. “…Love … the perfect BOND of UNITY...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB).
An unable or disabled person is so grateful for continued love and faithfulness that when they get their strength back they plan to bless you DOUBLE. Hannah was disabled from having children, but God healed her womb. “…Then Hannah prayed and [thanked God double], “My heart exults in the Lord … Because I rejoice in Your salvation. “There is no one holy like the Lord, Indeed, there is no one besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God…Even the barren gives birth...” (2 Samuel 1-10 NASB).
God is JOYFUL of your faithfulness he rewards you OPENLY and ABUNDANTLY! “….[the] FATHER which SEETH in secret, SHALL “REWARD” [you]… OPENLY….” (Matthew 6:18 KJV). “…I assure you that everyone who has given up house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or property, for my sake and for the Good News, will receive now in return ..And in the world to come ...” (Mark 10:28-31 NLT).
We have established that all signs, wonders, and miracles are ACTS of God that REVEAL his character, his presence, and his supernatural power in the natural WORLD. “… Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done …” (Psalms 40:5 KJV). “… Though he had done so many miracles before them ….” (John 12:37-40 NLT).
Miracles are actually the signs and wonders. Signs are experienced as an divine intervention of God like when Jesus turned the water to wine or fed the thousands with a few loaves of bread. “…Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV).
“… he hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).
Wonders are experienced as marvelous ACTS of God, beyond man’s human capabilities like the healing of the man born deaf or when Lazarus was raised from the dead. “And HE THAT WAS DEAD CAME FORTH, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go...” (John 11:43-44 KJV). “…Jesus said…I am the resurrection and I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV). “…The things which are impossible with men … [are] …POSSIBLE… [with God] …” (Luke 18:27 KJV).
God is STILL showing us signs and wonders. He has NOT changed. He STILL does the SAME miracles. “…the Father that dwelleth in me, he [still] doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “…Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).
Every sign or wonder is meant to reveal GOD or to showcase his divine authority over ALL of life or to encourage DEPENDENCY upon him, and his HOLY POWER. “…This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him (depended upon him)…” (JOHN 2:10-12 KJV). “… [He is] the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for [him]?” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV).
God’s signs, wonders, and miracles are a byproduct of the covenant relationship between himself and his people.
Remember his “son” was sent BECAUSE of his LOVE for YOU. “For God SO LOVED the world, that he GAVE…” (John 3:16). God wanted a RECONCILATION with YOU. “… [SO He sent the] …one … who [could]… reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT).
ALL his ACTS (signs, wonders, and miracles) are meant to express his love and inform you that he is YOUR GOD (personal CAREGIVER of ALL your needs)!! “….Then you will know that I am the Lord your God…’” (Exodus 16:12 NLT). “…Your rock and Your fortress, your deliverer, Your GOD, Your rock, in whom [you can] … take refuge; Your shield and the horn of Your salvation, YOUR stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB).
God choose you for the sole purpose of, first and foremost, being in a covenant relationship with him. “…I chose YOU....” (John 15:16 ASV). “…You are a chosen people…” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV). “…As many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God…” (John 1:12). “…For I will have respect unto you …and establish my covenant with you.…” (Leviticus 26:9 KJV).
When you choose to receive him by grace through faith you become ONE with him again in a covenant relationship. “…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…A right relationship with God that comes by faith…” (Romans 4:13 NASB). “…A person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).
When you choose to receive him by grace through faith you are also belong to him. “…YOU BELONG to him...” (Romans 8:1 NLT). “…[The covenant relationship is for] those who BELONG TO Christ Jesus…” (Galatians 5:24 NASB).
When you choose to receive him by grace through faith he belongs to you and PROVES it by giving himself to you through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son “INTO” [YOUR HEART]…” (Galatians 4:6 NASB). “…God has given [you] his [Holy] Spirit as PROOF that [he [dwells]… in [you]…” (1 John 4:13 NLT). “ … Renewal [comes] by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior…” (Titus 3:4-6 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV).
When you choose to receive him by grace through faith and choose to remain in the covenant relationship with him; he will take care of you.“… I am the one who answers your prayers and cares for you…” (Hosea 14:8 NLT). “… if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith (dependency upon him)?” (Matthew 6:30 NLT). “…The Lord cares about our bodies…” (1 Corinthians 6:13 NLT). “… No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church (the body of Christ)…” (Ephesians 5:29 NLT). “… Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you…” (1 Peter 5:7 NLT).
When you choose to receive him by grace through faith and choose to remain in the covenant relationship with him; he will forever be your CAREGIVER. “… [Jesus sets]… me in [god’s] … presence forever…” (Psalms 44:12 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever…” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…My Presence will go with you…” (Exodus 33:14 NIV). “…I am with you always, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). God will “…Never leave nor forsake you…” (Hebrews 13:5 KJV).
When you choose to receive him by grace through faith and choose to remain in the covenant relationship; he will always and perpetually connect through and express his kind of LOVE to you. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).
When you choose to receive him by grace through faith and choose to remain in the covenant relationship; he will talk to you through his indwelling Holy Spirit. “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Spirit of God dwell in you…” (Romans 8:9 KJV). . “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV)
He will TEACH you through indwelling his Holy Spirit as a way to continually draw you closer and closer to him. "It is written in the prophets, 'AND THEY SHALL ALL BE TAUGHT OF GOD.' Every one that hath heard and hath learned of the Father, cometh to me (John 6:45 KJV). .“… I … WILL DRAW all men unto me…” (John 12:32 KJV).
All the signs, wonders, and miracles are God’s interactions with you. God desires to have a covenant relationship with.
The goal is that one day you will freely choose to have a covenant relationship with God where you share the “desire” to LOVE him as he LOVES you.
Reciprocal behaviors of love and affection benefit BOTH people in covenant relationship.
In the covenant relationship with God his people do most of the receiving. Ideally there would be relational benefits, relational growth and development, relational gains, relational commonality, and relational sharing for both parties.
The covenant relationship with God patiently allows the opportunity, for his people, to grow and develop into the image of Christ.
The covenant relationship with God, offers purpose and fulfillment to one’s life.
The quality of mutual love and affection between Christ and the believer, in the covenant relationship, is often delayed and denied God while he patiently and lovingly waits for the spiritual growth and development.
In the covenant relationship, God is committed to the believer regardless of their many short comings, and will faithfully shower them with his many blessings.
The believer gives his or herself over to God and God, through Christ, has given himself over, through his death, to the believer.
However the believer freely chooses to be open to the influence of the covenant relationship whereas God remains regardless.
God remains perpetually faithful to his love for the believer, is emotionally available to their need, and never changes toward them.
God desires a day when he and the believer are actively interested in one another. However, God understands the believer’s plight with sin.
He desires a day when respect and honor, between him and his people, are equitable. Until then, God focuses on providing a safe, secure, protected, and intimate place for fellowship, affection, and love for the believer.
This loving commitment God has, for the believer, allows for transformation, where empathy through grace and mercy highly impacts personal growth and development.
The believer, therefore, is able to rely upon God’s grace, mercy, and loving understanding as he or she examines their heart and behaviors in light of God’s holy standards.
God knows the believer and can highly empathize with his or her weaknesses in order to understand his or her struggles.
Because of God’s love and kind empathy and understanding a believer can confess sins, knowing God will forgive and cleanse his or her sins and not simply judge or criticize.
In addition, a believer can admit his or her inner truth by sharing authentic needs, feelings and thoughts with God within the covenant relationship.
Further, God allows for weakness and while leaving room for growth. Being able to grow through mistakes and shortcomings enhances trust and sharing between Christ and the believer.
The covenant relationship with God promotes intrinsic values within the believer that motivate extrinsic values expressed through outward praise and worship.
The covenant relationship with God begins with LOVE. Signs, wonders, and miracles are just some of the ways God draws you to himself so you will know he “IS” and desires to be “YOUR GOD.”
Once, in the covenant relationship with God, he continually does things to draw you closer to him. God sent his Son as a SIGN and his Holy Spirit as a WONDER because he MIRACULOUSLY loves and cares for you deeply.
One of the MIRACLES of his LOVE is that he wants to heal every emotional pain you have ever experienced in your entire life. God cares about your heart more than anything else.
The heart has been more damage than anything else, not just with sin, but with pain, heartache, lack of love, disappointments, mistakes, rejection, abuse, betrayal, misunderstanding, and many other unkindnesses.
However, God, whom you are in covenant relationship with, “…restoreth [your] soul…” (Psalms 23:3 KJV). God is a “…restorer of thy life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV).
God will perform signs, wonders, and miracles, but his MAIN goal is to love you. He starts by restoring you so you can enjoy, benefit from, and receive this love. “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).
There is nothing you do or nothing you have done that will stop God from loving you (Romans 8:31-39). God’s “…grace is sufficient for you…” and his love covers the past, the present, and the future sins and mistakes (2 Corinthians 12:9 NASB).
In fact, his “…love covereth a multitude of sins…” (Proverbs 10:12, 1 Peter 4:8 ASV). No matter where sin has increased in your life over the past few hours, days, weeks, months, or years, God’s grace trumps it, because “…mercy triumphs over judgement.” (Romans 5:20, James 2:13 NASB).
God doesn’t just want you to know “about” his love as a collection of facts, but he wants you to “know” his love as an authentic covenant relationship experience.
God’s love is the perfect “bond” of unity, which is the truest and purest form of intimacy. “But he that is joined (attached) unto the Lord is ONE SPIRIT” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV).
When you hear the “good news” of the gospel, you come to God, because his incredible love draws us (John 6:44). This is a sign, wonder, and miracle of God: HIS LOVE.
Like a magnet, you are powerfully restored and JOINED again to God, who “is” Love. “….The gospel of Christ …. is the power of God …” (Romans 1:16 KJV). “…[The Gospel] restoreth [your] soul…” (Psalms 23:3 KJV).“…He that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). “…A person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ…” (Galatians 2:16 NLT).
He so loved each one of us that he sent his magnetic love through his only Son, Jesus (John 3:16). “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son...the just for the unjust...that whosoever believeth in him should not perish (be punished)…” (John 3:16 KJV & 1 Peter 3:18 NASB). God “….is …not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV).
When Jesus (the Word) is lifted up from the earth he causes all men everywhere, that hear and believe to be powerfully and magnetically drawn to his love (John 12:32). “..If I (Jesus, the Word of God) be lifted up from the earth, [The Word]WILL DRAW all men unto [God]…” (John 12:32 KJV).
God sent his Son as a SIGN and his Holy Spirit as a WONDER because he MIRACULOUSLY loves and cares for you deeply.
The covenant relationship is another MIRACLE, for the new believer, for it is the SIGN that have salvation; it is a SIGN they are restored; and it is a WONDER that the Holy Spirit NOW dwells within them.
Here is what happens when someone encounters the Holy Spirit: “One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message” (Act 16:14 NIV). “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV).
Lydia was simply listening to the MIRACULOUS gospel when God “opened” her heart to respond as Paul’s preached message. Paul’s message was about Jesus Christ, the WORD, and his LOVE.
The content of Paul’s message lets you know “…THIS is LOVE…” (1 John 4:10 NIV). If you didn’t know what love was or don’t know what it is God said, “pay attention,” “…THIS is LOVE… [God]… sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10 NIV).
MIRACLE!! Meditate on that truth.
If you noticed, Lydia’s heart had to be opened, unlocked, released, or unfastened, BEFORE, she could RESPOND to the message of Love, which we know Paul preached.
WHO UNFASTENED IT? THE GOSPEL, THE WORD, THE GOOD NEWS; THE POWER OF GOD!!
Lydia’s heart was SUPERNATURALLY opened, so she could RESPOND again to God’s love!!! “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son… (1 John 4:10).
God uses signs, wonders, and miracles to heal your ability to RECEIVE his LOVE.
He is the Lord, your God. He desires to RESTORE you, so he can LOVE you. “For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of the wounds, saith the Lord…” (Jeremiah 30:17 KJV).
Every way in which past love relationships have hurt and wounded you, God will heal every one of them to the last drip drop and will restore you to emotional health.
God has MIRACULOUSLY healed you through Jesus and wants you to give every hurtful experience to him. God will absorb it for you as if happened to him. Jesus said, “….Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, YE HAVE DONE IT TO ME.” (Matthew 25:40 KJV).
In addition, He already carried “ALL” you hurts to the cross; so you wouldn’t have to. “…he [CHOSE to be] wounded for our transgressions, [he CHOSE to be] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed…” (Isaiah 53:5 KJV). “…[God through]…Christ [CHOSE to die]… for [your] sins according to the scriptures…” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 KJV).
When you give your pain and heartache to God and depend upon to take it for you; the pain becomes his and he will avenge those hurtful experiences. The bible says, “Avenge not yourselves, beloved, but give place unto the wrath of God, for it is written: "Vengeance belongeth unto to me; I will recompense (repay)," saith the Lord” (Romans 12:19 ASV).
God miraculously protects ALL of his children, even you, letting no one “…do them wrong...” and says “….touch not mine anointed (his holy children who are set apart for his service) and do…[them] no harm.” (Psalm 105:14-15 KJV).
Here is an example of God taking your hurtful experiences and absorbing them for you: Paul was killing and persecuting God’s disciples and Jesus took it personally, as if Paul was doing it to him. “And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou ME? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man” (Acts 9:1-7 KJV).
GOD’S
LOVE, HIS SALVATION AND HIS INDWELLING SPIRIT
“IS” YOUR “MAIN” SIGN, WONDER AND MIRACLE!!
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