Expect Miracles

Expect Miracles “A miracle is an extraordinary event caused by the power of God."

10/11/2025

A Way in the Wilderness

Have you noticed that sometimes life feels like a desert? In moments of pain and anxiety, it may seem like there’s no way out. All we see is an endless wasteland.

The people of Israel faced their worst “desert” when Babylon destroyed Jerusalem and took its inhabitants captive. Far from home, they lived for decades under oppression. In moments of anguish and despair, they remembered the prophet’s words: “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (NIV).

In the ancient Near East, a king’s subjects would “prepare a way” by going ahead of him when he returned to his city. His return implied abundance and protection. The author uses this image to announce a way out of the desert; make a path for the King of Kings, trusting that he will arrive to lead everyone home.

The prophet’s confidence finds a basis in God’s history. God freed Israel from brutal slavery—with provision and love, he guided them through the desert. Like a father, God protected the people as they crossed the wilderness toward the promised land.

The New Testament repeats the prophet’s words to announce the coming of the Messiah, the true King of Israel. Just as God freed his people from Egypt and restored them after Babylon’s violence, now he comes to lead all humanity back home, with the promise of transforming every desert into a new creation—a new Heaven and Earth!

We can trust that he accompanies us in our deserts; we are not alone and never have been. Though the path is difficult, the King of Kings is with us, and when we no longer have strength, he carries us. With him, there will always be a way back home.

01/10/2025

The Good Shepherd

"He tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart ... "
Isaiah 40:11 NIV

This verse is one of the most tender portraits of God in all of Scripture. Amid a chapter that speaks of God’s overwhelming power—the same God who measures oceans in the palm of His hand and calls stars by their name—Isaiah also gives us this stunning picture of His gentleness.

God is not just mighty; He is merciful. He is not only strong; He is tender.

In this verse, Isaiah compares our God to a shepherd who cares daily for a flock of sheep. We, like sheep, have a tendency to wander and go astray. Sheep fall into traps or are killed and eaten by predators. But a shepherd's only priority is the care and safety of his flock. A shepherd must be strong enough to carry a wounded ewe or to ward off wolves from a stranded lamb, but caring enough to nurture them and lead them to green pastures.

Centuries later, Jesus would stand among the people of Israel and say, “I am the good shepherd.” In doing so, Jesus connected Himself directly to the heart of Isaiah’s prophecy. The care, compassion, and closeness described in Isaiah 40:11 finds its fulfillment in Christ.

Jesus doesn’t keep His distance. He gathers us, carries us, and draws near to us. In our weakness, He lifts us up. In our confusion, He leads. When we’re overwhelmed, He doesn’t demand more than we can give. He walks with us gently, personally, and with deep affection.

This is who our Shepherd is. Powerful enough to rule the universe, yet loving enough to carry us close to His heart.

03/09/2025

Let's Heal Together

Imagine a sick person who won’t tell anyone about their symptoms. Without help, getting through their illness would be challenging. Whether they need help from a doctor or just someone checking to see how they’re doing, it’s much easier to heal with the help of others.

Similarly, when we don’t tell anyone about the challenges we’re facing, it can be harder to work through them.

Sometimes we do things we know are wrong, but we don’t tell anyone about it because we're embarrassed, ashamed, or think we can handle it on our own. This is because we’re all affected by sin—the wrongdoing and brokenness that separates us from God. It can be hard to share our mistakes with others, but when we keep our sin to ourselves, we’re like the sick person who won’t ask for help—we suffer in isolation rather than allowing others to help us heal.

James 5:16 tells us to share our wrongdoings with other believers so that we can heal together and pray for one another.

When we share our past mistakes with someone, we are released from isolation. And when we pray together, we give God the opportunity to heal our hearts. God is our healer—He saves us from the eternal consequences of sin through His Son, Jesus Christ! And because of Jesus, we have access to a relationship with our Creator. We can bring our requests to Him and trust that He hears us.

This doesn’t mean that God will always answer our prayers in the way we think they should be answered. Instead, when we share our brokenness with Him, He invites us on a journey that will help us grow closer to Him.

If you’re struggling with something today, take some time to share it with a trusted believer. Allow them to pray with you, and you with them, as you ask God to guide you as you heal.

25/08/2025

Sharing the Love of God, Our Father

The prophet Malachi wrote to forewarn the people of God what would take place in the future. He told them of a time when God would send a messenger like Elijah, who would turn the people’s hearts back towards God.

The messenger Malachi referred to in his prophecy turned out to be John the Baptist. And John’s role was to point the people back to God in preparation for the coming of Jesus (Matthew 3:1-12). John preached a message of repentance, and baptized people in the Jordan river as a sign of turning back to God. For those who trusted in God and believed in Jesus as the coming Messiah, they experienced restoration and salvation. And this is part of Malachi’s message: those who trust in God will be saved from the coming judgment.

One of the signs of this restoration is the uniting of families. The family unit is central to God’s mission, as the relationships within the family represent God’s relationships with His church.

God desires the hearts of fathers to be restored to their children, and children to their fathers.

While we know that no family is perfect—in fact, many families are navigating brokenness—we all look forward to the day when God will completely restore our broken world to harmony and love again. Until then we strive to do our best to live in harmony and love with one another.

If you’re a parent, consider how you can express God’s love through your relationships to your children. And as children, may we use the time we have left to love our parents as well. For all of us, may we consider how we can love those around us in a way that honors God and communicates His love.

Your Response MattersWhen we’re in difficult situations, it isn’t always easy to stay calm or hold our tongues for very ...
10/07/2025

Your Response Matters

When we’re in difficult situations, it isn’t always easy to stay calm or hold our tongues for very long.

But in James 1:19, we hear how we should respond…

Be quick to listen.
Be slow to speak.
Be slow to anger.

The world is the opposite:

Be slow to hear what others have to say.
Be quick to voice your own opinions.
Be quick to accuse, argue, and fight.

Why is it so important to James that Christ's followers don’t behave like this? Because “human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:20)

So what does produce the right kind of living that God desires?

The Word of God.

James told his friends to “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” (James 1:21)

He said that if they have the Word of God in them, and if they are obeying it, they will be blessed. (James 1:25)

James is clear that if we are to be followers of God, we must know God’s word and obey it. That means we need to take time to listen to others, pace ourselves when we speak, and keep our anger at bay.

So next time you’re faced with something that makes you angry, take James’ words to heart. Take time to temper your emotions, think through your feelings and arguments, and humbly pray for God to help you respond with kindness and grace.

21/05/2025

The Everlasting Love of God

One of the greatest truths in Scripture is the fact that God loved you so much that He sent His only Son to earth to provide a way for you to have a relationship with Him. There is nothing that you can do to earn God’s love, because He gives it freely.

The God of the universe loves you and cares for you. That can almost seems too good to be true.

It is common for people to fear losing their salvation through disobedience or failing to follow God perfectly. But Scripture is clear that God’s grace and forgiveness is a free gift. Because there is nothing you did to earn it, there is nothing that can take it away from you.

The apostle Paul is very clear in the book of Romans—there is nothing that can separate you from the love of God. Death cannot separate you, because Jesus defeated death on the cross. Supernatural powers cannot separate you from God’s love, because Jesus is victorious over them.

There is nothing that can separate you from God’s love. Scripture is clear that Jesus’ death paid for all of your wrongdoing—past, present, and future. Not even your own mistakes could keep God from loving and forgiving you.

So take some time to consider how much God loves you. Let this truth soak in—nothing can separate you from the love of God. Rest in the assurance that God’s love will never leave you throughout your life.

01/04/2025

Never Forget

As humans, we tend to forget things all the time. Our car keys, our friends' birthdays, our passwords... those things we tend to forget on accident, and it's usually pretty frustrating when we realize what we've forgotten. But we can also forget good things that have happened to us.

When faced with hard things, we often beg God for miracles or plead for His provision. But when we don't get what we prayed for, we can tend to forget what God has already done for us. If you've done that before, you're not alone—the Bible is full of stories about people forgetting the good things God has done.

God has hand-crafted this breathtaking world and chosen the unique times and spaces in which we show up. And even though the world seems to get crazier and scarier by the minute, God is always at work in the mess.

We can fight against forgetfulness today—right now—by remembering that it was God who created this world and filled it with good things—including His people! It was God who offered us mercy when we didn’t deserve it. It was God who gave us real purpose: to love Him and love others; to know Him and make Him known.

So how have you seen God show up in a way that you never want to forget? Thank Him for what He’s done, and worship Him for who He is.

07/03/2025

Keep Practicing

When someone is training for a job—any job—they must eventually make the shift from studying to practicing.

The apostle Paul knew how important such a transition was, which is why—even while confined to a Roman prison—he recorded the following words for the believers in Philippi, Greece:

“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭NIV‬‬‬‬

Paul had taught them. Paul had trained them. Paul had loved them. And that’s why, from the isolation of a jail cell, Paul empowered them to live out what they’d learned.

Jesus, too, was passionate about His followers not just trying to look good or to sound good, but to do good—with a heart that genuinely wanted to glorify God. James, the half brother of Jesus, also wrote about not just listening to the Word, but doing what it says.

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like.
James 1:22-24 ESV

It’s one thing to know about something, but it’s an entirely different thing to put that knowledge into practice.

The peace of God is a gift that He gives us. It’s something we experience as we draw near to Him by living in a way that honors Him. If we know His will but don’t do anything about it—that shows that we don’t really want to honor God. But if we do His will, then our actions illustrate that our identity is rooted in Christ. And our closeness to Christ allows us to experience His peace.

Doing the will of God—not just learning about the will of God—unleashes the peace of God.

So today, study what Paul taught and modeled (which is ultimately what Jesus taught and modeled). And then, ask yourself: “What is God teaching me about Himself, myself, and other people? How can I apply His teachings to my life?”

27/02/2025

Worthy

We have a powerful Creator, but it’s easy to forget how magnificent He is. We live in a world filled with His miracles, but it’s common to become desensitized to the wonder of it all.

God created something from nothing—speaking life, meaning, and purpose into existence. He is the author of everything. He is worthy of our worship.

Whales roam the seas, bears scavenge the mountaintops, fireflies light up the countryside. People explore the world, build skyscrapers, cook meals, develop languages, and form complex relationships—with God and with each other.

"You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
Revelation 4:11 NIV

“All things,” as the verse says, includes everything we can see and even the things we can’t—both the visible and invisible. “All things” also includes you.

You were intentionally and uniquely designed by God. You were put on this planet on purpose—at this specific time in history. You have been empowered to shine and share His love, in a distinct and special way that’s completely unique to you.

So take a moment to recognize, God made you and He loves you. He is worthy of your praise.

18/02/2025

How Weakness Becomes Strength

Think of a situation you wish you could change, and then imagine what the apostle Paul must have been going through in 2 Corinthians 12.

Paul was suffering, and so he repeatedly begged God to remove his pain. But God doesn’t change Paul’s situation. Instead, God tells Paul that His “grace is enough” for him.

"Charis," the ancient Greek word for “grace,” conveyed the favor God showed humanity when He sent Jesus to earth for us.

Before Jesus, people couldn’t draw near to God on their own. But Jesus made a way for anyone to experience intimacy with God. A relationship with God isn’t something we earn—it’s a free gift we receive when we accept that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead.

So when God tells Paul that His “grace is sufficient,” what He’s essentially saying is: “I am enough for you.”

God could meet Paul’s needs because God was all Paul needed—and God was with Paul. The influence Paul had was only because God chose to show off His power through him.

Like Paul, we can then boast about how weak we are so that way God gets the credit for every great thing that happens to us.

Our situations might not change, but our cry often changes from, “God please remove this suffering,” to, “God, when I suffer—show me how You are using this for Your glory and my good.”

So whatever you’re facing, know that God is near. He sees you, and He loves you. Take some time today and ask God to show you how He is empowering you. Draw near to Him, and let Him strengthen you.

13/02/2025

Called to Contentment

Observing Sabbath-rest allows us to step into the same rhythm God established in creating the world. Scripture tells us when God rested from His work, it was because His work was complete (Genesis 2:1). God took joy in His accomplishment.

In Hebrews 4:10, the writer draws a parallel between God's rest and ours: "for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his." We're invited to delight in His presence and share in God’s divine contentment.

This rest isn't about taking a break from good works. It’s about surrendering the need to control by trusting in the completeness of God’s work. Our "rest" releases us from the burden of proving ourselves good enough to earn His love and approval. These things have been secured through Jesus’ finished work on the cross. When we step into this rhythm of rest can we find contentment that spills over into every part of our lives.

Is God is calling you to stop trying to do everything on your own and instead find peace in Jesus’ finished work on the cross?

Lay down your burdens, not out of laziness, but surrender. Believe that the One who made the world also takes care of you.

10/02/2025

The Power of Thinking

Did you know that thoughts can actually make you more anxious, happy, fearful, or content? And what you spend time thinking about has the power to affect your emotions, your actions, and ultimately, your character? Your thoughts are some of the most powerful things about you.

Scripture has a lot to say about our thoughts because God knows the power of our minds. Isaiah 26:3 says that God will keep our hearts in perfect peace if we keep our minds fixed on Him.

Can you imagine that? Perfect peace.

The more time we spend focusing our thoughts on God and His Word, the more our hearts will be kept in peace. That is a powerful thought, especially in a world that is constantly looking for peace and unity.

The starting point for this peace is trusting God. We must come to Him trusting in who He is, and having faith in what He has done for us. We know that God is good and just. So if we have faith in Him, we know that we are accepted and loved by Him. And those who trust in God are given access to Him and His presence.

Perfect peace is available to those who consistently trust in God, and fix their thoughts on Him.

How many of your thoughts are spent on things relating to God? Do you keep your mind focused on Him when you’re feeling anxious or stressed? What are some simple ways you can continue to remind yourself to think about God throughout your day?

Spend some time thinking about the power of your own thoughts and the access you’ve been given to God through Scripture. Commit to building the habit of centering your thoughts on God so that you can experience His perfect peace.

Address

Cabanatuan City
3100

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Expect Miracles posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category