Active Participation in God's New Season

Devotional

Day 1: Active Engagement in God's Mission

In this new season, God is calling us to be active participants in His work. We often wait for a move of God, yet we hesitate to move ourselves. True movement happens outside the church walls, where we are called to be the answer to the troubles in our city. Our well-being and the well-being of others depend on our willingness to partner with God. He has invited us to join Him in His work, and it is through this partnership that we find purpose and destiny. [01:35]

"Let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth." (1 John 3:18, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific action you can take this week to address a need in your community, demonstrating God's love in a tangible way?

Day 2: Trusting Jesus in Times of Need

Reflecting on the story of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, we see the importance of being attuned to what Jesus is doing. Mary, Jesus' mother, understood who He was and trusted that whatever was needed would come from Him. This story reminds us that in times of lack or famine in our lives, whether in relationships, finances, or other areas, we must turn to Jesus, who is the source of all we need. [18:06]

"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area of lack in your life today. How can you actively place your trust in Jesus to meet this need?

Day 3: The Call to Obedience and Action

Mary's command to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it," echoes the words of Pharaoh to the Egyptians regarding Joseph, a type of Christ. This highlights the necessity of obedience and action in our walk with God. We cannot simply sit back and watch God work; we must actively participate in His plans. This requires intimacy with God, which releases our divine purpose and destiny. [23:53]

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." (James 1:22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you feel God is calling you to take action? How can you begin to obey His call today?

Day 4: Intimacy with God Unveils Purpose

Intimacy with God releases our divine purpose and destiny. As we draw closer to Him, we become more aware of the work He is doing in and through us. This closeness with God is not just about personal fulfillment but about aligning ourselves with His greater plans for the world. [22:06]

"Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you." (James 4:8a, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with God this week? What specific practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to draw closer to Him?

Day 5: Courageously Embracing the New Season

As we enter this new season, we are reminded that God is doing a new thing. The transformation of water into wine symbolizes the new era and anointing that God is bringing. We are called to step into this new season with courage and without delay, trusting that God will equip us for the work He has prepared for us. Let us not be mere spectators but active participants in revealing God's glory to the world. [34:58]

"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?" (Isaiah 43:19a, ESV)

Reflection: What new opportunities or challenges are you facing in this season? How can you step forward with courage, trusting in God's provision and guidance?

Sermon Summary

In this new season, God is calling us to be active participants in His work. We often wait for a move of God, yet we hesitate to move ourselves. True movement happens outside the church walls, where we are called to be the answer to the troubles in our city. Our well-being and the well-being of others depend on our willingness to partner with God. He has invited us to join Him in His work, and it is through this partnership that we find purpose and destiny.

Reflecting on the story of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana, we see the importance of being attuned to what Jesus is doing. Mary, Jesus' mother, understood who He was and trusted that whatever was needed would come from Him. This story reminds us that in times of lack or famine in our lives, whether in relationships, finances, or other areas, we must turn to Jesus, who is the source of all we need.

Mary's command to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it," echoes the words of Pharaoh to the Egyptians regarding Joseph, a type of Christ. This highlights the necessity of obedience and action in our walk with God. We cannot simply sit back and watch God work; we must actively participate in His plans. This requires intimacy with God, which releases our divine purpose and destiny.

As we enter this new season, we are reminded that God is doing a new thing. The transformation of water into wine symbolizes the new era and anointing that God is bringing. We are called to step into this new season with courage and without delay, trusting that God will equip us for the work He has prepared for us. Let us not be mere spectators but active participants in revealing God's glory to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. being of others and ourselves. [01:35]
2. Trust in Jesus as the In times of lack or famine in our lives, we must turn to Jesus, who is the source of all we need. Like Mary at the wedding in Cana, we should trust that whatever we need will come from Him.

3. Obedience and Action: Mary's command to the servants to do whatever Jesus says highlights the importance of obedience and action in our walk with God. We cannot simply watch God work; we must actively participate in His plans.

4. Intimacy Releases Purpose: Intimacy with God releases our divine purpose and destiny. As we draw closer to Him, we become more aware of the work He is doing in and through us.

5. Embrace the New Season: God is doing a new thing, and we are called to step into this new season with courage and without delay. Trust that God will equip us for the work He has prepared for us.

** [01:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:43] - Moving Beyond the Church Walls
[01:35] - We Are the Answer
[02:25] - Partnership with God
[03:19] - Importance of Diverse Voices
[04:52] - Reflecting on Past Series
[06:06] - Being Doers of the Word
[07:09] - The Story of Jesus' First Miracle
[08:52] - Mary and Jesus at the Wedding
[09:45] - Mary's Understanding of Jesus
[10:27] - Jesus' Early Life and Ministry
[12:34] - Are You Dialed In?
[13:46] - The Encounter at the Wedding
[14:29] - Looking Back and Forward
[15:16] - Joseph as a Type of Christ
[18:06] - Jesus as the Source
[19:57] - The Great Wedding Feast
[22:06] - Intimacy Releases Purpose
[23:53] - The Demand on Sons and Daughters
[26:18] - Getting Involved in God's Work
[30:38] - The Miracle of Water to Wine
[34:58] - Embracing the New Season
[36:42] - Revealing God's Glory
[38:40] - Personal Testimony and Reflection
[44:40] - Call to Action and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In John 2:1-11, what was the significance of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana? How did Mary respond to the situation? [09:45]
How does the story of Joseph in Genesis 41:53-55 relate to the sermon’s message about Jesus being the source of what we need? [18:06]
What does Revelation 19:7-9 reveal about the future wedding feast and its significance in the context of the sermon? [19:57]
According to the sermon, what is the role of believers in addressing the troubles in their city? [01:35]

Interpretation Questions

How does the transformation of water into wine at Cana symbolize the new era and anointing that God is bringing, as mentioned in the sermon? [34:58]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that intimacy with God releases our divine purpose and destiny? [22:06]
How does the sermon interpret Mary's command to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it," in relation to our obedience and action in God's work? [23:53]
What does the sermon imply about the importance of being active participants in God's work outside the church walls? [00:43]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you hesitated to move in response to God's call. What steps can you take to become more active in participating in God's work in your community? [01:35]
In moments of lack or famine in your life, how can you turn to Jesus as the source of all you need, similar to Mary's trust at the wedding in Cana? [18:06]
What practical steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with God, thereby releasing your divine purpose and destiny? [22:06]
How can you embrace the new season God is calling you into with courage and without delay? What might be holding you back? [34:58]
Identify one area in your life where you can be more obedient to God's direction. How can you take action this week to align with His plans? [23:53]
Consider the troubles in your city. What is one specific way you can partner with God to be part of the solution? [01:35]
How can you encourage others in your small group or community to step into their roles as active participants in revealing God's glory to the world? [36:42]

Sermon Clips

Did you know that the well-being and the life of many depends on you? Did you know that? Now, you might say, well, no, Pastor, that can't be true. Their well-being depends on Jesus. You don't know that. Yes, but guess what? He's called us in part to do good. Partnership with him. He's invited us to join him. I don't know why he did it. Maybe it was a global mistake, but I don't think so. I think he knew exactly what he was doing. And he invited little old you and me to be a part of what he's doing. Amen. Amen. [00:02:05] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

One of the things that burdens their heart the most is as we receive, are we going to do anything with what we've heard? Did you hear me? Are we going to do, what will we do with what we heard? Will we echo one to another, man, wasn't that a good word? Will we share or put on display our stack of notes that we've collected over the many years? Or will we say, Lord, that which I have received, I plan on doing something with, amen? I said, amen. And it's an easy place to slide into, to be just hearers of the Word, and not let there be an outflow. [00:05:38] (67 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Mary is looking backwards. And Jesus is looking backwards. And Mary is looking backwards. And she's looking forward. So when she says, whatever he says to you, do it. It's taking her back to the story of Joseph. Turn with me really quickly. We won't have time to spend a lot of time there. You know the story of Joseph, right? How many know the story of Joseph? Joseph in the Old Testament was a type of Christ. Remember, Old Testament concealed. You know the story of Joseph. New Testament revealed Jesus is personified all throughout the Old Testament. [00:14:38] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

As a result of this exchange between Mary. And Jesus, as a result of sons and daughters seeing daddy at work and not being willing to just sit back and watch daddy work, as a result of Jesus being who he is, turning the water into wine, identifying the emptiness of their rituals, but the fullness of who he is. As a result, the Bible says that Jesus revealed his glory. That's significant, beloved, because it was happening there and it's happening now. Like, we're in a season where God wants to reveal his glory. He wants to show you his person. Are you with me? He wants you to encounter him. [00:36:42] (89 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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