Celebrating Growth: Trusting God's Spirit in Our Journey
Summary
### Summary
Today marks a significant milestone as we celebrate our church's 42nd birthday. Reflecting on our journey, we are reminded of God's sense of humor and His divine timing. Just yesterday, a sprinkler head broke in our new gymnasium, flooding the floor. At that moment, I received a text from a church member praying for the "flooding presence" of the Holy Spirit, quoting Joel 3:18. This incident serves as a reminder of God's presence and His plans, even in unexpected situations.
Our focus today is on two prayers for our church, inspired by the story of Zerubbabel in 538 B.C. Zerubbabel faced significant delays and discouragement while rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. God sent a prophet to encourage him, saying, "You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power, but by my spirit" (Zechariah 4:6). This message is a powerful reminder that our success comes from relying on God's Spirit, not our own efforts.
The first prayer is a prayer of encouragement. We often face obstacles and slow progress in our endeavors, which can lead to discouragement. However, God rejoices in small beginnings and is cheering us on. Our church's history is a testament to this. My parents started this church with just 25 people, knocking on doors and inviting neighbors. Despite many challenges, including a significant setback with a property purchase, God provided in miraculous ways, leading us to where we are today.
The second prayer is about planting ourselves in God's house. Psalm 92:13-14 says, "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish." Planting ourselves in the church community allows us to grow and bear fruit, even in old age. It's not about finding a perfect church but committing to a community where we can serve and grow together.
As we celebrate our 42nd birthday, let's dedicate ourselves anew to our mission: to love God and love people. May our church and school continue to be a beacon of God's love for generations to come.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Sense of Humor and Divine Timing: The unexpected flooding in our gymnasium, coinciding with a prayer for the "flooding presence" of the Holy Spirit, reminds us that God is always present and working in our lives, even in humorous and unexpected ways. This incident encourages us to trust in God's timing and plans. [01:29]
2. Relying on God's Spirit: Zerubbabel's story teaches us that true success comes not from our own strength but from relying on God's Spirit. When we face discouragement and obstacles, we must remember that God is with us, guiding and empowering us to overcome challenges and fulfill His purposes. [06:10]
3. Encouragement in Small Beginnings: God delights in small beginnings and the early stages of our efforts. Our church's humble beginnings with just 25 people knocking on doors illustrate that God can turn small, seemingly insignificant actions into significant outcomes. We should not despise small beginnings but trust that God is cheering us on. [09:31]
4. Perseverance Through Obstacles: The story of our church's property purchase highlights the importance of perseverance. Despite initial setbacks and discouragement, God provided in miraculous ways. This teaches us that obstacles are not always a sign of failure but can be opportunities for God to redirect and bless us in unexpected ways. [13:33]
5. Planting Ourselves in God's House: Psalm 92:13-14 emphasizes the importance of being planted in the house of the Lord. Committing to a church community allows us to grow, flourish, and bear fruit. It's not about finding a perfect church but about being faithful and serving together, trusting that God will bless our commitment. [21:53]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:29] - God's Sense of Humor
[03:17] - Prayer and Presence
[04:47] - Zerubbabel's Story
[06:10] - Relying on God's Spirit
[07:51] - Encouragement in Small Beginnings
[09:31] - Overcoming Obstacles
[10:51] - Church's Humble Beginnings
[12:09] - Property Purchase Setback
[13:33] - Perseverance and God's Provision
[15:04] - Letter from Pastor Arlie
[17:01] - Waiting on the Lord
[18:10] - Miraculous Provision
[19:31] - Vision for the Future
[20:59] - Dedication Prayer
[21:53] - Planting in God's House
[23:41] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Zechariah 4:6 - "This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: 'You will not succeed by your own strength or by your own power, but by my spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."
2. Psalm 92:13-14 - "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of the broken sprinkler head incident in the gymnasium? How did it relate to the prayer text Pastor Charlie received? [01:29]
2. Who was Zerubbabel, and what challenges did he face while rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem? [04:47]
3. According to Zechariah 4:6, what is the key to success in our endeavors? [06:10]
4. How did Pastor Charlie's parents start the church, and what were some of the initial challenges they faced? [10:51]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Zechariah 4:6 teach us about relying on God's Spirit rather than our own strength? How can this be applied to our personal lives and church activities? [06:10]
2. How does the story of Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple encourage us to persevere through obstacles and delays? [04:47]
3. In what ways does Psalm 92:13-14 emphasize the importance of being planted in the house of the Lord? How does this relate to our commitment to the church community? [21:53]
4. How can small beginnings be seen as significant in God's eyes, and why should we not despise them? [07:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced an unexpected situation that turned out to be a reminder of God's presence and timing. How did it impact your faith? [01:29]
2. Zerubbabel faced significant delays and discouragement. Have you ever felt discouraged in your personal or spiritual life? How did you overcome it, or how can you apply Zechariah 4:6 to your current situation? [06:10]
3. Pastor Charlie shared the humble beginnings of the church with just 25 people. What small beginnings in your life or ministry can you celebrate and trust that God is cheering you on? [10:51]
4. The story of the church's property purchase teaches us about perseverance. Can you share an experience where you faced a setback but later saw God's provision? How did it strengthen your faith? [13:33]
5. Psalm 92:13-14 talks about flourishing when planted in the house of the Lord. How can you commit more deeply to your church community? What steps can you take to serve and grow together with others? [21:53]
6. Pastor Charlie mentioned the importance of waiting on the Lord while continuing to serve and pray. How can you practice this kind of active waiting in your life? What specific actions can you take? [17:01]
7. As we celebrate the church's 42nd birthday, how can you contribute to the mission of loving God and loving people? What specific ways can you be a beacon of God's love in your community? [20:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Trusting in God's Timing and Humor
Description: Life often presents us with unexpected situations that can seem humorous or even inconvenient at first glance. These moments, however, can serve as powerful reminders of God's presence and His perfect timing. For instance, a broken sprinkler head flooding a gymnasium might seem like a disaster, but when paired with a prayer for the "flooding presence" of the Holy Spirit, it becomes a divine reminder of God's sense of humor and His plans. This incident encourages us to trust in God's timing and to see His hand at work in all circumstances, even those that seem trivial or frustrating. [01:29]
Joel 3:18 (ESV): "And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the streambeds of Judah shall flow with water; and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord and water the Valley of Shittim."
Reflection: Think of a recent unexpected event in your life. How might God be using this situation to remind you of His presence and timing? Can you find humor and trust in His plans today?
Day 2: Relying on God's Spirit for Success
Description: The story of Zerubbabel rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem is a powerful illustration of the importance of relying on God's Spirit rather than our own strength. Zerubbabel faced significant delays and discouragement, but God sent a prophet to remind him that success would come "not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit" (Zechariah 4:6). This message is crucial for us today as we navigate our own challenges and obstacles. When we rely on God's Spirit, we are empowered to overcome difficulties and fulfill His purposes, knowing that true success comes from Him alone. [06:10]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you are relying on your own strength. How can you begin to rely more on God's Spirit in this area? What steps can you take today to invite His guidance and power?
Day 3: Embracing Small Beginnings
Description: God delights in small beginnings and the early stages of our efforts. This is evident in the history of our church, which started with just 25 people knocking on doors and inviting neighbors. Despite many challenges, God provided in miraculous ways, turning small, seemingly insignificant actions into significant outcomes. We are reminded not to despise small beginnings but to trust that God is cheering us on and rejoicing in our efforts, no matter how modest they may seem. [09:31]
Zechariah 4:10 (ESV): "For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These seven are the eyes of the Lord, which range through the whole earth."
Reflection: Think of a small beginning or effort in your life that you may have overlooked or undervalued. How can you embrace and celebrate this small start, trusting that God is at work in it?
Day 4: Persevering Through Obstacles
Description: The journey of our church's property purchase is a testament to the importance of perseverance. Despite initial setbacks and discouragement, God provided in miraculous ways, redirecting and blessing us in unexpected ways. This teaches us that obstacles are not always a sign of failure but can be opportunities for God to work in ways we might not anticipate. By persevering through challenges, we open ourselves to experiencing God's provision and guidance in profound ways. [13:33]
James 1:12 (ESV): "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent obstacle or setback you have faced. How can you view this challenge as an opportunity for God to work in your life? What steps can you take to persevere and trust in His provision?
Day 5: Planting Ourselves in God's House
Description: Psalm 92:13-14 emphasizes the importance of being planted in the house of the Lord. Committing to a church community allows us to grow, flourish, and bear fruit, even in old age. It's not about finding a perfect church but about being faithful and serving together, trusting that God will bless our commitment. By planting ourselves in God's house, we create a foundation for spiritual growth and a supportive community that encourages us in our walk with God. [21:53]
Psalm 92:13-14 (ESV): "They are planted in the house of the Lord; they flourish in the courts of our God. They still bear fruit in old age; they are ever full of sap and green."
Reflection: Are you planted in a church community where you can grow and serve? If not, what steps can you take to commit to a local church and become an active part of that community? How can you contribute to the growth and flourishing of your church?
Quotes
1. "The Christian faith is really about receiving what God has to offer us. So, Lord, we just pause right now. We stretch our hands to you. It's good to be in your house. Good to be here with your people. Lord, we sense your presence. We sense your presence. We sense your presence in this place. You gave us a promise. You said if two or three of us would gather together in your name, that you would be there in our midst." [03:17] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Do not despise these small beginnings for the Lord. We're going to look at two other translations of that same verse. We're going to unpack this a little bit and you can read it with me. Here's another translation. Do not think small beginnings are what? Let's say it again. Do not think small beginnings are unimportant for the Lord loves it when he sees a job just getting started. The Lord, all heaven rejoices." [06:10] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The challenges, the persistent obstacles and resistance that we face can end up taking the courage out of our hearts, discouraging us and hindering us from accomplishing the very thing that God wants us to accomplish. I want you to hear that by the power of the Holy Spirit. You say, Pastor Charlie, I'm good. I'm not experiencing obstacles. Life is good. Kids are good. Life is easy. Well, praise the Lord for that season. But let me suggest something to you. Make sure it doesn't last too long." [09:31] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Don't get discouraged because there seems to be so little progress. Why? In your notes, because the Lord, the Lord, the Lord is cheering you on. You know, I pray, I pray that our 42nd birthday story would be, would be an encouragement to you. You know, back in 1982, my, my mom and dad came up here from Greenville, South Carolina. I was eight years old. Loudoun County had 80,000 residents in it. And my dad went down Sterling Park Boulevard and knocked on every door on Sterling Park Boulevard saying, hi, I'm Pastor Arlie and we're starting a brand new church and we're meeting in Rolling Ridge Elementary School." [10:51] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How many of you know that when we bump up into resistance or we hear a no in our lives, it's not all the time that God's trying to hurt us or the stars are aligned against us. It might be that God is trying to get us to something else. Don't. Don't let the obstacles discourage you because God in heaven is cheering you on. And you need to hear that courage in your heart." [13:33] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "I believe he has had you in the process as well. This isn't just for pastors. And you're not here by accident. God's been preparing you as well. He said, he has you in the process. Preparing you for this moment. This moment. In history. When we could walk together. Everybody say together. That's what the church is. People walking. We walk together to do this great work for God." [15:49] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Waiting on the Lord means we're doing everything we know to do until the Lord shows up. I'm going to keep serving the Lord. I'm going to keep praying. I'm going to keep coming to church. I'm going to keep lifting. I'm going to keep lifting my hands, worshiping the Lord, singing the Lord. I'm going to keep doing. I'm waiting on the Lord. But while I'm waiting, I'm doing everything I know to do until the Lord shows up." [17:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Sometimes success is just showing up. Are you here? I'm going to put on my suit and go to work and show up and just do my job. The next day, I'm putting on my whistle. I'm going to go to work. I'm going to go to the class and teach. I'm going to take a shower, actually put on a pair of pants and join that Zoom call. I'm just not going to. Are you here? Are you? I'm just not going to. I'm not going to give up." [18:55] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Those who are planted in the house of the Lord will flourish. They will still bear fruit in old age. They will be what? They will be fresh with all my heart, with all my heart. You don't know how many people I bump into. It's just this simple. Would you just plant yourself? Plant yourself into some good soil, into the family of God, long term. And watch how God begins to bless and flourish our lives." [21:53] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Lord, thank you for each person who's here. Lord, thank you for those who are new among us. Lord, I pray that they sense the welcoming. Lord, the encouraging. Lord, the clarifying. healing presence of the Lord that's in this place. Lord, you said my house is going to be a house of prayer for all people. Lord, thank you that we can connect with you in your house." [23:41] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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