What practical steps can we take to cultivate "miraculous powers" in our lives? Understanding the Gift • 1 Corinthians 12:10 lists “the working of miracles” among the Spirit’s gifts. • Gifts are sovereignly distributed: “But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.” (1 Corinthians 12:11) • Our part is to position ourselves so the Spirit can freely manifest this gift through us. Ground Yourself in the Word • Romans 10:17—“So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” Saturate yourself daily in Scripture to enlarge expectancy. • Study biblical accounts of miracles (Exodus 14; 1 Kings 17; 2 Kings 4; Gospels; Acts). Let God’s past deeds shape present faith. • Memorize key promises: John 14:12; Mark 16:17-18; Acts 1:8. Pursue Intimacy with the Holy Spirit • Ephesians 5:18—“Be filled with the Spirit.” Continual surrender invites His power. • Practice extended worship, prayer, and silence, allowing the Spirit to impress specific assignments. • Pray in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:4) to edify your spirit and sensitize your heart. Cultivate Mountain-Moving Faith • Mark 11:22-24—believe God is both able and willing within His will. • Replace doubt with testimony: rehearse answered prayers and miracles you’ve witnessed. Revelation 12:11 underscores the overcoming power of testimony. Commit to Holiness and Obedience • 2 Timothy 2:21—“If anyone cleanses himself… he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master.” • Immediate obedience to promptings positions you for greater works (Acts 8:26-40; Philip). • Forgive quickly (Mark 11:25) to keep spiritual channels unclogged. Pray and Fast Regularly • Matthew 17:21 (footnote)—some breakthroughs “come out only by prayer and fasting.” • Fasting aligns the heart with God’s purposes and heightens spiritual perception. Exercise the Gift in Love • 1 Corinthians 13:2 warns that miracles without love amount to nothing. • Focus on meeting real needs—healing the sick, delivering the oppressed, glorifying Christ, not self-promotion. Take Risk—Step Out • James 2:17—faith acts. Offer to pray for healing, speak a Spirit-prompted word, bless with provision. • Expect God to confirm His word (Mark 16:20). Stay Planted in Biblical Community • Hebrews 10:24-25—mutual encouragement and accountability guard against pride and error. • Submit miraculous reports to discerning leaders (1 Corinthians 14:29; 1 John 4:1). Guard Humility and Gratitude • Acts 3:12—Peter redirects glory to Jesus after a miracle. Do the same. • Continual thanksgiving (Psalm 103:2) keeps the heart aligned with the Giver. Watch for Counterfeits • 2 Thessalonians 2:9 warns of false signs. • Measure manifestations by Scripture, Christ-centeredness, and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Daily Practices in One Glance • Word: read, meditate, memorize. • Worship: linger in God’s presence. • Prayer: ask, listen, intercede. • Fasting: schedule regular times. • Community: serve, submit, testify. • Risk: act on Spirit nudges. • Review: journal victories, refine motives. |
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