Divine Settlement: Trusting God for Specific Interventions
Summary
As we gather at the start of a new year, we are reminded of the goodness of God and His faithfulness in bringing us this far. The theme for this year is “Divine Settlement,” and it is a call to trust God for His intervention in every area of our lives. Just as Jesus asked Mary and Martha, “Where have you laid him?” when He came to the tomb of Lazarus, we are challenged to identify the specific areas in our lives where we desire God’s touch. Divine settlement is not a vague hope; it requires intentionality, clarity, and focus. God wants us to be conscious of the exact places in our lives where we need His move, whether it is in our health, relationships, immigration status, finances, or spiritual walk.
We are reminded that God operates with authority and jurisdiction. Just as a landlord knows the boundaries of his property, we must know the territories of our lives and invite God’s authority into them. Settlement begins with recognizing our position in Christ—we are seated with Him in heavenly places, starting from a place of rest and authority. From this place, we are called to walk in obedience, to stand firm in faith, and to be intentional in our petitions to God.
Mary Magdalene’s search for Jesus at the tomb is a powerful illustration of focus and longing. She was not distracted by other needs; her heart was set on finding Jesus. In the same way, we are encouraged to prioritize Christ above all else, seeking Him first and allowing every other need to be met in Him. The keys to divine settlement include vision, consciousness, intentional action, persistent petition, the power of words, wisdom, and above all, grace. As we partake in communion and present our needs before God, we do so with thanksgiving, expectation, and a renewed commitment to make Christ central in our lives. When God settles us, no one can unsettle us. Let us enter this year with faith, clarity, and a heart that seeks Jesus above all.
Key Takeaways
- Intentional Focus on Specific Areas
God desires that we are intentional and specific about the areas in our lives where we seek His intervention. Like Jesus asking, “Where have you laid him?” we must identify and present our deepest needs to God, rather than praying vague or general prayers. This clarity allows us to witness God’s hand in those exact places and to testify of His faithfulness. [24:08]
- Divine Settlement Flows from Authority and Jurisdiction
Understanding our spiritual position is crucial. We are not beggars before God but are seated with Christ in heavenly places, operating from a place of rest and authority. Recognizing the boundaries of our lives and inviting God’s lordship into each area enables us to experience true settlement and dominion. [31:37]
- Prioritizing Christ Above All Needs
Mary’s longing for Jesus at the tomb teaches us to seek Christ Himself, not just what He can do for us. When Jesus is our first pursuit, every other need finds its proper place. Divine settlement is not about using Christ as a means to an end, but about making Him our ultimate desire and resting place. [38:28]
- The Power of Vision, Petition, and Words
Vision keeps us anchored and moving forward, even when we reach what others might call “settlement.” Petitioning God with specific requests, and speaking life-giving words over our situations, are vital practices. Our declarations, rooted in God’s promises, shape our reality and open doors for divine intervention. [43:48]
- Grace as the Foundation of All Settlement
No matter how intentional or diligent we are, it is ultimately the grace of God that brings true settlement. Our efforts, wisdom, and prayers are necessary, but it is God’s supernatural hand that establishes us. Relying on grace keeps us humble, grateful, and expectant for what only God can do. [48:48]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[18:09] - Introduction to Divine Settlement
[19:12] - Opening Prayer and Gratitude
[21:05] - Embracing the Year of Settlement
[21:58] - Where Have You Laid Jesus?
[24:08] - Focusing on Specific Areas for God’s Move
[26:01] - Authority, Jurisdiction, and Divine Settlement
[27:10] - Intentionality in Seeking God’s Breakthrough
[29:05] - Finding the Root Cause of Our Issues
[31:37] - Starting from a Place of Rest in Christ
[32:47] - Testimony: Immigration and God’s Ownership
[35:29] - Standing Firm After the Breakthrough
[36:50] - Mary’s Search for Jesus: Prioritizing Christ
[40:35] - Returning to Our First Love
[42:05] - Five Keys to Divine Settlement
[46:14] - Petitioning God and Trusting His Timing
[48:48] - The Role of Grace and Anointing
[50:20] - Presenting Our Needs at the Lord’s Table
[54:54] - Communion: Thanksgiving and Expectation
[57:47] - Prayer for Healing and Breakthrough
[01:02:37] - Thanksgiving and Birthday Celebrations
[01:04:20] - Prayers for Celebrants
[01:13:55] - Welcome to Newcomers and Announcements
[01:17:50] - Closing Prayers and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Divine Settlement
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### Bible Reading
- Nahum 1:7
"The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."
- John 11:33-34
"When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. 'Where have you laid him?' he asked. 'Come and see, Lord,' they replied."
- John 20:15
"Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?' Thinking he was the gardener, she said, 'Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.'"
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### Observation Questions
1. In Nahum 1:7, what does the passage say about God’s character and His relationship to those who trust Him?
2. According to John 11:33-34, what specific question did Jesus ask Mary and Martha, and why was this question important in the context of Lazarus’ death? ([21:58])
3. In John 20:15, what was Mary Magdalene’s focus when she came to the tomb, and how did she respond to Jesus’ question? ([36:50])
4. The sermon mentions that God operates with authority and jurisdiction, similar to a landlord knowing his property. What does this analogy help us understand about our relationship with God? ([26:01])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus asked, “Where have you laid him?” instead of just performing the miracle immediately? What does this reveal about how God wants us to approach Him with our needs? ([21:58])
2. The sermon emphasizes starting from a place of rest and authority in Christ. What does it mean to be “seated with Christ in heavenly places,” and how should this affect the way we pray and live? ([31:37])
3. Mary Magdalene was focused on finding Jesus Himself, not just a solution to her problems. What does this teach us about the priority of seeking Christ above all else? ([38:28])
4. The message highlights the importance of being intentional and specific in our prayers and petitions. Why is it important to identify the exact areas where we need God’s intervention, rather than praying general prayers? ([24:08])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to identify specific areas in our lives where we need God’s touch. What is one area in your life right now where you are seeking “divine settlement”? How can you be more intentional in bringing this to God in prayer? ([24:08])
2. The analogy of a landlord knowing his property was used to describe understanding the boundaries of our lives. Are there areas of your life where you have not fully invited God’s authority? What would it look like to surrender those areas to Him this week? ([26:01])
3. The message encourages us to start from a place of rest, knowing our position in Christ. Are you currently striving in your own strength in any area, rather than operating from rest and trust in God? How can you shift your mindset or actions to reflect your authority in Christ? ([31:37])
4. Mary Magdalene’s focus was on Jesus Himself, not just what He could do for her. In your daily life, do you find yourself seeking God’s hand (what He can do) more than His face (who He is)? What practical step can you take this week to prioritize your relationship with Christ above your needs? ([38:28])
5. The sermon talks about the power of vision, petition, and words. Is there a specific promise from God’s Word you can declare over your situation? How can you make your prayers and declarations more specific and faith-filled? ([43:48])
6. Grace is described as the foundation of all settlement. Are there ways you have been relying on your own efforts instead of God’s grace? How can you remind yourself to depend on His grace daily? ([48:48])
7. As we enter a new year, the message calls us to approach God with thanksgiving and expectation. What is one thing you are thankful for from the past year, and what is one thing you are expecting God to do in this new season? ([54:54])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray specifically for the areas they identified, asking God for clarity, focus, and grace to experience divine settlement in those places. Encourage thanksgiving and a renewed commitment to make Christ central in all things.
Devotional
Day 1: God Is Good and Our Refuge in Trouble
The Lord is good, a stronghold in times of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him. When you place your trust in God, you are not left alone in your struggles—He becomes your safe place, your defender, and your caretaker. No matter what challenges you face, God’s goodness is unwavering, and His care is personal and attentive to those who genuinely seek Him. As you enter this new season, remember that God’s goodness is not just a concept but a living reality for all who trust Him. Let your heart rest in the assurance that He knows you by name and is your stronghold in every storm. [07:40]
Nahum 1:7 (NKJV)
"The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him."
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to trust God as your stronghold today, and how can you intentionally place that area in His care?
Day 2: Be Specific and Intentional in Presenting Your Needs to God
Before God moves in your life, He desires that you are conscious and intentional about the area where you need His intervention. Just as Jesus asked, “Where have you laid him?” regarding Lazarus, God wants you to identify and present the specific issues or desires in your life that need His divine settlement. Vague prayers and unfocused desires can leave you wandering, but when you pinpoint your need and bring it before the Lord, you open the door for His supernatural touch. Take time to reflect and name the area where you are seeking God’s move, and invite Him to step in with clarity and faith. [24:08]
John 11:33-34 (NKJV)
"Therefore, when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled. And He said, 'Where have you laid him?' They said to Him, 'Lord, come and see.'"
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need God’s intervention, and how can you clearly present this need to Him in prayer today?
Day 3: Start from a Place of Rest and Authority in Christ
As believers, our journey does not begin with striving or anxiety, but from a place of rest—seated with Christ in heavenly places. Your position in Christ is one of authority, not defeat. When you face challenges, remember that you are not defined by your problems but by your identity in Jesus. From this place of rest, you can walk out God’s purposes and stand firm in faith, knowing that your efforts are empowered by His authority. Let your actions flow from the peace and confidence that come from being rooted in Christ, and approach every situation with the assurance that you are operating from victory, not for victory. [31:37]
Ephesians 2:6 (ESV)
"And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How can you remind yourself today that you are seated with Christ, and what would it look like to approach your challenges from a place of rest and authority?
Day 4: Seek Jesus First—Prioritize His Presence Above All
In the midst of life’s many pursuits and needs, the most important thing is to seek Jesus Himself above all else. Mary’s longing at the tomb was not for anything but to find her Lord, and Jesus honored her focused desire. When you prioritize Christ in your heart and life, everything else finds its proper place. If you have lost sight of Jesus or replaced Him with other things, today is the day to return to your first love. Let your hunger for His presence surpass every other need, and trust that as you seek Him first, all other things will be added to you. [40:35]
John 20:15 (NKJV)
"Jesus said to her, 'Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?' She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, 'Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed other things to take the place of Jesus in your heart, and how can you intentionally seek Him first today?
Day 5: Petition God with Faith and Speak Life Over Your Situation
Divine settlement is not passive; it involves bringing your petitions before God with faith and speaking life over your circumstances. Like Nehemiah who petitioned God persistently, and like Abraham who held onto God’s promises, you are called to present your needs boldly and declare God’s word over your life. Your words carry power—speak God’s promises, declare His faithfulness, and align your confession with His truth. As you do, trust in His grace to accomplish what you cannot, knowing that every breakthrough is ultimately a result of His supernatural hand. [46:14]
Philippians 4:6 (ESV)
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God."
Reflection: What is one promise from God’s Word you can declare over your situation today, and how will you make your request known to Him with faith and thanksgiving?
Quotes
When man settles you, he can get fed up with you and sack you. But when God settles you, nobody can sack you from your area, from your territory. When God says, I have established you, nobody can de -establish you. [00:50:20] (19 seconds)
We are not using Christ as a means to an end. Where we first want to enter our settlement, we want Jesus coming to our heart, but we are saying that Christ, you are our settlement. We are saying that Christ, it is in you, we live. It is in you, we move. It is in you, we have our name. The Lord bless us forever. [00:49:51] (20 seconds)
Anytime we enter into our divine settlement, we look back and realize that besides all the effort, besides all all the sitting, all the walking, all the standing, all the petition, we realize that it was simply grace. We realize that it was simply a supernatural hand that supported it as well. We can do, we can put on all our eyes and cross all our teeth, but if we do not rely on the grace of God, we will never experience our devices. [00:49:04] (33 seconds)
Words are so powerful. Words are so powerful. Everything we are trusting God for, we need to be speaking it, declaring it. I told, I showed you from God's word that we are seated as royalty. Kings speak. In our mouth there is life and death. God loves to hide things, but kings love to set them out and in the mouth of royalty there is power. Tell someone in your mouth there is power. [00:47:10] (30 seconds)
If we search our lives and we can't find Jesus, even as today is the first Sunday of the year, when we come with broken hearts and say, Lord, we are sorry. We have planted your spades with other things. We are sorry we have replaced other things in our heart with you. Our hearts have grown so cold. We have not come back to you as sincere as we ought to. We have been righteous in our own eyes and we have been going through the motions of religious activities. But we have missed you when we are looking for you. [00:40:44] (34 seconds)
God has given me a sure word. I remember when I came to Canada at first time, I was very concerned heavily about immigration issues. And Papa gave me a verse. He said, the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. They welled and gave that world a reign. Canada is part of the earth. Once Papa reminded me of this scripture, my consciousness changed. I knew exactly how to now deal with the issue. I came to a place of peace and a place of rest. [00:32:47] (35 seconds)
There are times in life for you and I to explain divine settlement, a certain truth must hit you. I pray that a certain truth will hit you. A certain truth about that issue you are trusting God for. A certain truth. If it is fruit of the womb, you may have gone to many doctors. The woman with the issue of blood for 1200 years, she had been bleeding. She had seen many physicians, but a certain truth hit her, and she said, if only I may have attached the hem of Jesus, I will be fine. [00:44:27] (30 seconds)
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