Topic: Daniel’s Dose: Adventure 24- Have you experienced God?
Bible Reading: Daniel 7
Memory Verse: Daniel 7:16 (NJKV)
I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made known to me the interpretation of these things
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen! How are you doing today? How are you enjoying this series so far- Daniel’s Dose? Has it been helpful? Or, has it been insightful? Let us know! We would love to get some feedback from you!
I would like to use this opportunity to remind everyone of Sammie’s Daily Dose’s second event, dubbed “Time At His Feet 2.0: The Foundation!” This event would be held both in-person and online. It is an event you should not miss! We are going to spend quality time in God’s presence through Word, Worship and Prayer! Register now! Kindly note that registration is required for everyone who wants to join via Zoom or in-person! Click this link to register: https://forms.gle/GrFmDrbi4Ymth7gw6.
Today, we continue our journey through Daniel’s Dose. We are looking at our experiences/ encounters with God/ Christ/ The Holy Spirit! Have you had any experiences with God? What were some of them? What qualifies as an experience/ encounter with God? Well, let us right into the message!
We, as Christians, are all encouraged to have an encounter and/or experience God! As a Christian, you must know and experience God for yourself. If not, you cannot truly love Him and follow Him. All in all, you must have some independence in your walk with God. This is because you were brought into this world alone, with a specific message. You will leave this world alone. You will be judged on your thoughts and actions, alone. It is important to ensure an individual relationship with God!
Many people are expecting a particular encounter/ experience; they miss out on the opportunity to experience God. God speaks to us, His children, in many different ways. Not one way is ideal. God will not necessarily communicate with us in that way! Many people are waiting for an encounter whereby God shows a glimpse of himself. Yes, God does appear to some people like that. If you sit waiting for this day, you will be missing the many times God visits you and speaks to you.
Let us look at a few ways God visits us! God visits us through His Word- the Bible. When we are going through a situation, the Bible (most times) gives us the answers that we are looking for! This a way God communicates with us! If you avail your heart to the Word; you will experience God! This is not only limited to the times we read our Bible when we face a challenge, however, each day, as you spend some time reading the Bible and meditating on the Word; you are creating the atmosphere for an encounter. We just have to avail ourselves to be blessed by God!
Another way we can experience God is through dreams. This is what happened to Daniel in Daniel 7. Not only did God reveal what was going to happen to Daniel, Christ appeared to him in the dream and interpreted all he (Daniel) had seen. Seeing visions and having dreams of/ about things, is a way we experience God! He reveals to us a piece of what is about to happen. He reveals a part of Himself, as an all-knowing God! This is encountering/ experiencing a part of who He is. You may not have God appear in your dream like Daniel; that does not mean you are not experiencing God or having an encounter with Him.
God revealing Himself, as He is, is another way God communicates with us- like in Daniel’s case. Like we have established, it is not the only way He communicates.
Lastly, God communicates through other people. You can encounter God or have an experience with God through other people. It could be through a friend, a pastor, a colleague, a classmate, an aunt, a stranger! God can select anyone to represent Him, in a particular situation. This medium doesn’t change the fact that you have experienced God! Its all dependent on your heart and how receptive you are to His Words.
There are some people who ignore God’s words/ form of communication because they expect to experience God in a particular way. Some people miss out on many experiences with God because they are comparing their experiences with others. When you do this, your heart is not right! If your heart is not right, you cannot receive all God has in-store for you!
Also, God comes to us in different ways, based on our readiness and the status of your relationship with Him. Many Christians claim that they want to have an experience or encounter with God, however, they are not ready for it. Why? Well, they do not have any kind of relationship with God! These individuals go to church regularly and all; they have not accepted Christ into their hearts. They have not spent time to know God! These are examples of “fake” Christians. How do you expect to have an encounter or share an experience with someone that you do not know or have any relationship with?
Today, I will like to encourage you to avail yourself always and to constantly and consistently work on your relationship with God; so, you do not miss out on all the experiences God wants to share with you! Hallelujah!
Prayer Points:
Ask God to prepare your heart.
Ask for healing in your heart and your mind.
Ask for the desire to learn more about God.
Ask for the ability to listen and identify God’s voice.
Ask for the Holy Spirit to help you to have a better relationship with God.
End with a time of praise and worship!
Today’s prayer:
Dear Lord,
I thank you for my life. I thank you for giving me another beautiful day. I ask that you guide me and protect me. I pray that I will choose you in every situation that I face. And that my life will be a testimony and an example to many that I have Christ living in me. Thank you, Lord, for sending your son to die on the cross and wipe my sins away. I lift your name high for you are Alpha and Omega. Amen!
IMPORTANT NOTE!!!
The prayer below is for anyone who does not know God or maybe has been apart from God for a while. God is here to pour His favor over your life. All you have to do is call out to Him. Make that decision today!
Dear Lord,
I come to you today as a sinner. I admit that I am a sinner. I believe that Jesus is your Son and He came on to this earth to die for my sins. Dear Lord, let your Son come and fill me. Lord, I ask that He cleanses me off my sins. I am ready to stand for you and profess your Name. Thank you, Lord. Amen.
If you repeated this prayer with all the sincerity of your heart, congratulations!! You are now a part of God’s family. Welcome to the greatest family ever. Heaven is jubilating on your arrival. Your fellow brothers and sisters are also excited to have you on board.
Being a child of God is a wonderful thing. The road might not always be easy, but God is with you each and every step of the way. Guiding you, helping you and encouraging up. You will never regret this decision; I can assure you of that. Two things I would recommend for you to do are;
Get yourself a Bible (in a version you understand) and meditate on it day and night. In Joshua 1:8, we are told that when you meditate on the Word day and night, you will be prosperous and successful.
Find a Bible- believing church to attend and fellowship with other Christians. This would help you grow spiritually.
I am excited that you made this decision. Welcome! If you would like some help or more understanding into anything, you can leave a message (adding your email address) and I would be willing and happy to help you out!