Embracing Divine Change: A Season of Expectancy

 

Summary

This morning, as we gathered in the warmth reminiscent of Singapore, we were reminded of the power and presence of God in our lives. Our key scripture for the year, from the Passion Translation, encourages us to never doubt God's almighty power to work in us and accomplish infinitely more than we can imagine. This is a call to embrace the miraculous and to expect God to exceed our greatest requests and wildest dreams. As we sang "You are the great I am," we were reminded of God's constant presence and power energizing us.

Our church is in a significant transitional phase, moving towards a new center. This transition is not just about a physical shift but a spiritual one, where God is preparing us for something greater. The fire that led to this change was not caused by God, but He is using it to bring about a new season. This is a time to embrace change, to let go of old paradigms, and to be open to new processes and policies. God is doing a new thing, and we must be alert to the new sounds, emotions, and feelings He is bringing.

Change is inevitable, and it often brings challenges, but it is necessary for growth and expansion. We are in the midst of a season of change, and it is crucial to position ourselves to cross over safely and confidently into this new season. Seasons are from God, and He is constantly at work in our lives, shaping us and preparing us for greater things. We must understand the season we are in and align ourselves with God's purposes.

Expectancy is critical in this season. Just as Mary and Elizabeth were part of the same divine plan, we too must partner with God and create an atmosphere of expectancy. Our conversations and actions should reflect this expectancy, as we prepare for the new things God is doing. We are called to be like John the Baptist, preparing the way and creating expectation for what is to come.

As we move forward, let us be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to overflow in our lives. This overflow will lead us to prophesy and speak life into our situations. Let us embrace this new season with faith and expectancy, knowing that God is doing a new thing in our midst.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace God's Power and Expect the Miraculous: Never doubt God's almighty power to work in you and accomplish infinitely more than you can imagine. This is a call to embrace the miraculous and to expect God to exceed your greatest requests and wildest dreams. [51:36]

2. Transition as a Spiritual Shift: Our church is in a significant transitional phase, moving towards a new center. This transition is not just about a physical shift but a spiritual one, where God is preparing us for something greater. Embrace change and be open to new processes and policies. [54:57]

3. Understanding Seasons: Seasons are from God, and He is constantly at work in our lives, shaping us and preparing us for greater things. We must understand the season we are in and align ourselves with God's purposes. [01:03:43]

4. The Power of Expectancy: Expectancy is critical in this season. Just as Mary and Elizabeth were part of the same divine plan, we too must partner with God and create an atmosphere of expectancy. Our conversations and actions should reflect this expectancy. [01:16:41]

5. Be Filled with the Holy Spirit: As we move forward, let us be filled with the Holy Spirit, allowing His presence to overflow in our lives. This overflow will lead us to prophesy and speak life into our situations. Embrace this new season with faith and expectancy. [01:22:03]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:51] - Embracing Singapore Weather
- [01:36] - Key Scripture for the Year
- [03:00] - A Time of Transition
- [05:57] - The Significance of Change
- [10:17] - Understanding Seasons
- [13:43] - Positioning for a New Season
- [16:41] - The Power of Expectancy
- [19:49] - Partnering with God
- [22:03] - Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
- [25:23] - Prophesying in the Wilderness
- [28:23] - Creating Expectation
- [31:41] - Closing and Prayer
- [37:41] - Declaration and Worship
- [41:00] - Invitation to Salvation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 3:20 (Passion Translation) - "Never doubt God's mighty power to work in you and accomplish infinitely more than you can imagine."
2. Isaiah 43:18-19 - "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?"
3. Luke 1:41-45 - The story of Mary and Elizabeth, highlighting the power of expectancy and divine alignment.

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Observation Questions:

1. What does Ephesians 3:20 suggest about the extent of God's power in our lives? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on expecting the miraculous? [51:36]

2. In Isaiah 43:18-19, what are the "former things" that we are encouraged to forget, and what is the "new thing" God is doing? How does this relate to the church's current transition? [57:37]

3. How did the interaction between Mary and Elizabeth in Luke 1:41-45 create an atmosphere of expectancy? What role did expectancy play in their divine plan? [01:16:41]

4. According to the sermon, what are some of the emotions and challenges associated with change and transition? [01:00:17]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might Ephesians 3:20 challenge a believer's understanding of their own limitations and God's potential in their life? What does it mean to "never doubt" in practical terms? [51:36]

2. In what ways does Isaiah 43:18-19 encourage believers to embrace change? How can this passage help someone who is resistant to new processes and policies? [57:37]

3. How does the story of Mary and Elizabeth illustrate the importance of partnership and alignment in God's plans? What can believers learn from their example about creating an atmosphere of expectancy? [01:16:41]

4. The sermon mentions that change is necessary for growth and expansion. How can understanding this principle help someone navigate personal or spiritual transitions? [01:00:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you doubted God's power in your life. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and expect the miraculous in your current situation? [51:36]

2. Identify an area in your life where you are holding onto "former things." How can you let go and be open to the "new thing" God is doing? [57:37]

3. How can you create an atmosphere of expectancy in your daily conversations and actions? What practical steps can you take to align yourself with God's plans, similar to Mary and Elizabeth? [01:16:41]

4. Think about a recent change or transition you have experienced. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently next time to embrace it as an opportunity for growth? [01:00:17]

5. The sermon encourages being filled with the Holy Spirit. What practices can you incorporate into your routine to ensure you are continually filled and overflowing with the Spirit? [01:22:03]

6. Consider a situation in your life that seems lifeless or stagnant. How can you prophesy and speak life into it, as encouraged in the sermon? [01:22:03]

7. How can you partner with others in your church or community to prepare the way for what God is doing, similar to John the Baptist's role? What specific actions can you take this week? [01:19:49]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace God's Infinite Power
God's power is beyond human comprehension, and He invites us to trust in His ability to work within us, achieving far more than we can envision. This is a call to open our hearts to the miraculous, to believe that God can exceed our greatest requests and wildest dreams. As we align ourselves with His will, we become vessels through which His power flows, transforming our lives and the world around us. Embracing this truth requires faith and a willingness to let go of our limitations, allowing God to demonstrate His almighty power in and through us. [51:36]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to trust God to do more than you can imagine? How can you actively invite His power into that situation today?


Day 2: Transition as a Spiritual Shift
The church is undergoing a significant transition, not just physically but spiritually. This shift is an opportunity to prepare for something greater that God is orchestrating. The fire that led to this change was not from God, but He is using it to usher in a new season. This is a time to embrace change, to release old paradigms, and to be receptive to new processes and policies. God is doing a new thing, and we must be attentive to the new sounds, emotions, and feelings He is bringing. Embracing this transition with an open heart allows us to align with His greater purposes. [54:57]

Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV): "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

Reflection: What old paradigms or habits do you need to let go of to embrace the new season God is leading you into? How can you prepare your heart for this spiritual shift?


Day 3: Understanding God's Seasons
Seasons in life are divinely orchestrated, and God is constantly at work, shaping us for greater things. Recognizing the season we are in is crucial for aligning ourselves with His purposes. Each season brings unique challenges and opportunities for growth. By understanding the season, we can position ourselves to cross over safely and confidently into what God has prepared for us. This requires discernment and a willingness to trust in His timing and plan. [01:03:43]

Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 (ESV): "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted."

Reflection: What season do you believe you are currently in, and how can you align your actions and mindset with God's purposes for this time?


Day 4: The Power of Expectancy
Expectancy is a powerful force in this season. Just as Mary and Elizabeth were part of the same divine plan, we too must partner with God and create an atmosphere of expectancy. Our conversations and actions should reflect this expectancy, as we prepare for the new things God is doing. By fostering a spirit of anticipation, we open ourselves to the possibilities of what God can accomplish in and through us. This requires a proactive approach, where we actively engage with God's promises and prepare the way for His work. [01:16:41]

Luke 1:41-45 (ESV): "And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.'"

Reflection: How can you create an atmosphere of expectancy in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to prepare for the new things God is doing?


Day 5: Be Filled with the Holy Spirit
As we move forward, being filled with the Holy Spirit is essential. His presence in our lives leads to an overflow that enables us to prophesy and speak life into our situations. This overflow is not just for our benefit but for those around us, as we become conduits of God's love and power. Embracing this new season with faith and expectancy allows the Holy Spirit to work through us, bringing transformation and hope. By inviting His presence daily, we align ourselves with His purposes and become active participants in His divine plan. [01:22:03]

Acts 2:17-18 (ESV): "'And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill and overflow in your life today? How can you use this overflow to speak life into your current situations and those around you?

Quotes

"Never doubt God's almighty power to work in you and accomplish. Say all. Not part. Not a small bit. But He's the God that always does above and beyond. And He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request. Have you ever come to God with some big prayer request? Well, even the biggest He's going to do above and beyond. Your most unbelievable dream and exceed your wildest imagination." [00:50:26]

"Change is in the air. Say change is in the air. Isaiah 43 says, forget the former things. Don't be locked into a past procedure, process or paradigm. I'm actually, this whole message for you will be virtually prophetic. You could virtually play this back again. Your new season, all paradigms are gone. The way we used to do processes are gone. Discipleship is gone the way we used to do it." [00:58:45]

"God is constantly at work in your life, maneuvering, sometimes manipulating, creating things to happen. I grew up a little country boy in Emerald Central, Queensland, 1,500 people. Used to ride the horse on the weekend. Had fun. Went to Emerald School. I was talking to Katrina. She was from Blackwater. We didn't like Blackwater. There was something about the Blackwater people." [01:04:31]

"He's constantly moving in your life. He's shaping you, and he's got dreams for you bigger than you have. And for your children, I want to encourage you with your children and your grandchildren. Their lives are not over yet. There's a destiny that you prayed from the time that they came from seed into formation. You prophesied over them, and you spoke over them. They may not look like it now, and they may be in the wilderness, but God's prepared them and calling them. I want you to speak and prophesy over them." [01:06:33]

"Understanding draws favor towards you. There is a reward attached to the discernment of the season. Oh, say, poor Mr. Rowe. Say, poor Mr. Rowe. Dick Rowe was a music contractor in 1961. He got a knock on the door in the England. Sir, we think we might have something. can we sing you a song and can we get a contract he listened to them sent them out the door and said get out the days of a guitar band are no longer here by the way what was your name oh we thought we might call ourselves the Beatles." [01:09:09]

"Expectancy. The quality or state of expecting something or a desire. The state of expecting something or hoping. The condition of looking forward to something, especially with eagerness. You see a pregnant mum for the first time and all she talks about, she's just got the first evidence that she's pregnant. But boy, every conversation is about the baby and I'm excited. And the baby's not coming for another seven months or whatever." [01:16:11]

"No, but Mark, expectancy is critical to walking into the realisation of something that I've prepared for you. Right. Amen. Amen. Mark. And I said, Lord, do you want me to get up? And I'm going, if you want me to get up, you better show me a good illustration where you did it. He said, all right. Come with me to Luke." [01:17:41]

"I had to create a season of expectancy. Hence, when Mary was conceived, six months before Mary was conceived, I touched another woman miraculously by the name of Elizabeth, and I put a seed, the same assignment for the alignment, and his name was going to be John the Baptist. They were on the same program. They were on the same plan. But I needed to go before so he could go before and call out and prepare a place with expectancy." [01:19:05]

"And I'm speaking and prophesying over you today. I've been sent here with a message to tell you that you can partner with God and create an atmosphere through a miracle, through the power of expectation, by aligning your voice with his, and speaking and declaring daily and decreeing over. And someone says, what are you doing? Don't you realize where they are? They're lost in the wilderness. Listen, that's the place I'm meant to call. That's the place I'm meant to shout. What do we say?" [01:22:34]

"When you get filled up, the evidence of what is filling you up is the evidence of your conversation. If you're focusing on anger all the time, you'll be angry. It'll come out in your speech. If fear is inside of you and anxiety and some people, I mean, this is a real thing. It's this spirit of fear. And it comes out in their speech." [01:23:36]

"Be filled with the Holy Spirit. And we're going to get an opportunity at the end of the message here to say, fill me, Holy Spirit, afresh. I'm dry. Fill me afresh. And when you're full, you will start to hear yourself prophesy things you haven't heard in a long time. And what it is, it is the overflow of the Holy Ghost coming out on you and speaking things to life in your place." [01:24:22]

"Prophecies will come back to you. The prophetic word of knowledge will come back to you. I'm believing and I've been praying over this whole day today that God is doing and is going to break the oil at this time right now. So can we put that song on and I pray that it ministers to you too. And sing the words. They're beautiful." [01:33:08]

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Transcript
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