Sunday Words of Encouragement April 13, 2014

Pastor’s sermon today covered two Bible passages. First is Psalm 42:1 that says: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” (NIV) If you enjoy hunting and had all the latest gear would you go to downtown Atlanta to hunt for deer? Of course not. You go to a habitat where the deer can be found. Do we create a habitat for God? When we pursue Him, we need to be in a mind set to seek His will.

That leads to the second passage: Ephesians 3:20-21: “20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (NIV)

The conditional portion of Verse 20 is that He will do more than we imagine, ‘according to His power...’ Commentator Matthew Henry says, “There is an inexhaustible fulness of grace and mercy in God, which the prayers of all the saints can never draw dry. Whatever we may ask, or think to ask, still God is still able to do more, abundantly more, exceedingly abundantly more."

It is our own expectations that can limit our God. The more we expect the more we can receive.
Pastor encouraged us to seek with eager anticipation and expand our expectations in three areas.
1. Expect more when preparing for church. What were you coming and expecting to receive when you were driving to church? Pray expecting a breakthrough. Think outside the box. Pray for the unsaved to find salvation, for sick to find healing...and more like the courage to share your testimony..
2. What is your expectation for your personal life? Allow God to work through you for His purposes. Allow Him to use you even in what might normally be unexpected circumstances.
3. What is your expectation of grace? Don’t stop praying for salvation of loved ones, and needs of others, personally known and unknown to you.

Listen to the wonderful blend of voices in "Now To Him" performed by Acappella. 

Verses for Today:
Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV
20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. 

Lord, I pray that you will strengthen my desire to create a habitat for you. Then I pray that you will give me more boldness to expect more -- according to Your will and power.