Expecting the Right Things
Sunday, 7 July 2024
Good morning, ANCC Men of Honour! Welcome to a new day filled with God's promises and potential. Today, let's reflect on an important question: What are your expectations when you attend church?
We may often find ourselves attending church for routine reasons, maybe to maintain a social image or satisfy family expectations. Are we just spectators in church, there to enjoy the music or a sermon? Or are we there expecting to encounter God, to hear His voice and be transformed? However, Jesus challenges us to look deeper, just as He questioned the crowd about their reasons for seeking out John the Baptist (Matthew 11:7-15).
Yesterday, we examined the story of the lame man in Acts 3. He went to the Beautiful Gate to ask for donations but received healing instead. He anticipated little and was prepared to settle for less, yet God had a grander plan in store.
So today, challenge yourself to expect more from your time in church and with others. Expect to be changed, healed, delivered, and loved. Expect God to do a miracle.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, as we gather in Your presence today at church, ignite our hearts with high expectations. Help us to seek more than routine; let us anticipate a genuine encounter with You that transforms and renews. May we come not just to receive, but to engage fully with Your word and Your spirit. In Jesus' name, Amen.