Embracing God's Call: A Season of Awakening

Devotional

Day 1: The Spirit’s Anointing Empowers Us for Mission

The Spirit of the Lord is not just a distant force but is present and active among us, anointing each believer to proclaim good news, bind up the brokenhearted, and bring freedom and restoration to those in need. This calling is not reserved for a select few but is the inheritance of all who follow Jesus, inviting us to step out of comfort and into the transformative work God is doing in our community. As we embrace this anointing, we are called to move beyond passive attendance and play our part in God’s unfolding story, trusting that His power will work through us to bring hope and healing. [07:27]

Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV)
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. They shall build up the ancient ruins; they shall raise up the former devastations; they shall repair the ruined cities, the devastations of many generations.

Reflection: Where in your life or community do you sense God calling you to step out and bring His good news, comfort, or freedom to others today?

Day 2: Building and Battling—Holding the Trowel and the Sword

God calls His people to build and restore, but also to be vigilant and ready for spiritual battle. Like the families in Nehemiah’s day, we are to work with one hand and hold a weapon in the other, recognizing that opposition and distraction will come as we seek to advance God’s purposes. The true weapon God gives us is not of this world—it is prayer, worship, and the Word, and we are most effective when we engage in both building community and standing firm in spiritual warfare together. [16:52]

Nehemiah 4:17 (ESV)
Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.

Reflection: What is currently in your hand that distracts you from fully engaging in both building God’s kingdom and standing firm in spiritual battle, and how can you lay it down today?

Day 3: Living in God’s Story, Not in the Rubble

The story you choose to live in shapes your daily reality—if you dwell in fear, shame, or comparison, you will live out those patterns, but if you embrace God’s resurrection story, you will begin to live with hope, purpose, and transformation. God invites you to join His story, to let go of the rubble of the past, and to step into the new life and identity He offers, allowing His Spirit to write a new chapter through you. [09:26]

Romans 6:4 (ESV)
We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

Reflection: What “rubble” from your past or present are you still living in, and what would it look like to step into God’s resurrection story for you today?

Day 4: The Battle to Build—Standing Together in Community

Rebuilding and renewal are not solitary tasks; God calls us to stand guard for one another, to build where we live, and to belong together as a family of faith. The enemy will try to discourage, distract, and divide, but when we pray, support, and serve each other, hope rises and God’s purposes advance. In this season, leaning into life groups, prayer, and shared mission is essential for both our protection and our growth. [15:09]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: Who in your church family or neighborhood can you intentionally encourage or support this week as you build and belong together?

Day 5: Be Strong and Do It—Responding to God’s Call

God’s vision for His people is not just a dream but a call to action—He chooses ordinary people to build, to shine His light, and to bring change to their city. Like David’s charge to Solomon, we are urged to be strong and step out in faith, trusting that God’s Spirit will empower us to do what seems beyond our own strength. Vision becomes reality when we pick up the brick, join the team, pray, serve, and give ourselves to God’s purposes, knowing that His presence is what makes the difference. [24:49]

1 Chronicles 28:10 (ESV)
Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take this week to respond to God’s call to build—whether through prayer, serving, giving, or joining a team?

Sermon Summary

Three years into this journey at Christchurch, Fulham, there is a deep sense that God is stirring something new and powerful among us. Reflecting on recent experiences, it’s clear that the Holy Spirit is inviting us to move beyond comfort and routine, to embrace a fresh hunger for His presence and power. There is a call to repentance for the ways we have limited God, for the times we have boxed Him in or forgotten the fullness of His authority and provision. Now, the invitation is to step out in faith, to board the ship or rocket, and to be ready for the adventure God has prepared for us as a church family.

This is a season of awakening—a time to come out of the cave, to rise from the tomb, and to see lives transformed by the power of Jesus. The anointing of Isaiah 61 rests upon us: to proclaim good news, bind up the brokenhearted, set captives free, and rebuild what has been devastated. This is not just a historical promise but a living, prophetic calling for us today. The Spirit that empowered Jesus is the same Spirit at work in us, urging us not to be passive spectators but active participants in God’s story.

There are tangible signs of life and growth: increased attendance, new ministries, young adults gathering, and a vibrant mix of ages and backgrounds. Yet, with every move of God comes opposition. Like Nehemiah rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, we face spiritual battles—mockery, fatigue, distractions, and the enemy’s attempts to discourage and divide. The call is to build and to battle simultaneously, to hold a trowel in one hand and a sword in the other, refusing to let anything distract us from the weapon God has given: worship, the Word, and prayer.

This vision is too big for us alone; it requires the Spirit’s power and our willingness to let go of distractions, to repent, and to step into our God-given roles. The invitation is to join the story, to be discipled, to serve, to pray, to give, and to shine as a lighthouse in our city. As we build on Jesus, the cornerstone, we trust that His Spirit will do more than we can ask or imagine. The time is now to respond, to offer up what hinders us, and to receive a fresh anointing for the work ahead.

Key Takeaways

1. Hunger for God’s Presence Leads to Transformation True spiritual awakening begins with a deep hunger for God’s presence, not just for manifestations or experiences, but for the Spirit Himself. When we repent of putting God in a box and open ourselves to His power, He brings fresh anointing and transformation that changes us from the inside out. This hunger is the catalyst for personal and communal revival. [04:19]
2. The Isaiah 61 Anointing Is Our Present Calling The mission to proclaim good news, bind up the brokenhearted, and set captives free is not just a historical mandate but a living, prophetic call for us today. The same Spirit that rested on Jesus now rests on us, empowering us to step out, serve, and see restoration in our community. This is an invitation to active participation, not passive observation. [07:27]
3. Building and Battling Go Hand in Hand Just as Nehemiah’s builders worked with a trowel in one hand and a weapon in the other, we are called to build God’s kingdom while remaining vigilant in spiritual warfare. Distractions, discouragement, and opposition are inevitable, but we are equipped with the weapons of worship, the Word, and prayer. Our effectiveness comes from holding both—serving faithfully and fighting spiritually. [16:52]
4. Letting Go of Distractions to Embrace God’s Power Often, what we hold in our hands—be it fear, comfort, or past hurts—prevents us from fully embracing the weapon God has given us for this season. Releasing these distractions allows us to pick up the tools and weapons necessary for building and battling. Freedom and effectiveness come when we surrender what hinders us and lean into the Spirit’s leading. [18:34]
5. Joining God’s Story Requires Action and Sacrifice Vision becomes reality only when we take practical steps—praying, serving, giving, joining community, and stepping out in faith. God’s invitation is not to a safe or small dream, but to a God-sized vision that demands our full participation. As we build on Jesus, the cornerstone, and shine as a lighthouse, we become part of the ongoing story of God’s redemptive work in our city.

** [24:49]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - Reflections on the Charismatic Renewal
[02:24] - Prophetic Words and the Call to Readiness
[03:22] - Embracing Discomfort and Stepping Out
[04:19] - Fresh Hunger and Spiritual Awakening
[05:46] - The Significance of the Third Year
[06:20] - Signs, Wonders, and the Isaiah 61 Anointing
[07:27] - Our Prophetic Calling: Isaiah 61
[08:34] - Vision Sunday: Join the Story
[10:21] - Signs of Growth and New Ministries
[12:37] - The Battle to Build: Lessons from Nehemiah
[14:45] - Building Together and Guarding One Another
[16:52] - Building with One Hand, Battling with the Other
[18:34] - Letting Go of Distractions
[20:45] - Leaning into the Spirit and Prayer
[22:42] - The Power of God’s Presence
[24:49] - Vision Requires Action
[25:35] - Becoming a Lighthouse in the City
[26:30] - Responding to God’s Invitation
[28:58] - Ministry Time and Fresh Anointing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Isaiah 61:1-4 (ESV) — > The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me,
> because the Lord has anointed me
> to bring good news to the poor;
> he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
> to proclaim liberty to the captives,
> and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;
> to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor,
> and the day of vengeance of our God;
> to comfort all who mourn;
> to grant to those who mourn in Zion—
> to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
> the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
> the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
> that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
> the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified.
> They shall build up the ancient ruins;
> they shall raise up the former devastations;
> they shall repair the ruined cities,
> the devastations of many generations.

Nehemiah 4:17 (ESV) — > Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.

Observation Questions

According to Isaiah 61:1-4, what are the specific things the Spirit anoints God’s people to do?
In Nehemiah 4:17, what were the people doing with each hand, and why was this significant for their situation?
The sermon described this season as a time to “come out of the cave, to rise from the tomb.” What do these images suggest about the current state of the church or individuals? [06:04]
What are some of the “signs of life and growth” mentioned in the church right now? [10:21]

Interpretation Questions

Why does the preacher say that the Isaiah 61 anointing is not just a historical promise but a “living, prophetic calling for us today”? What does that mean for our church? [07:27]
The sermon talks about “building and battling” at the same time, like Nehemiah’s builders. What does it look like for a church or a person to do both? [16:52]
The preacher mentions that “what we hold in our hands—be it fear, comfort, or past hurts—prevents us from fully embracing the weapon God has given us.” Why do you think these things are so hard to let go of? [18:34]
The vision described is “too big for us alone; it requires the Spirit’s power and our willingness to let go of distractions, to repent, and to step into our God-given roles.” What might be some reasons people hesitate to step into these roles? [24:49]

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to hunger for God’s presence, not just for experiences. What would it look like for you to pursue God Himself this week, rather than just what He can do for you? [04:19]
Is there a way you have “put God in a box” or limited what you believe He can do in your life or in our church? What would repentance look like for you in this area? [01:08]
The Isaiah 61 calling includes proclaiming good news, binding up the brokenhearted, and setting captives free. Which of these do you feel most drawn to, and how could you take a practical step toward it this month? [07:27]
Nehemiah’s people built with one hand and held a weapon in the other. What is one “tool” (a way you serve or build) and one “weapon” (prayer, worship, the Word) you can intentionally pick up this week? [16:52]
The preacher asked, “What is in your hand right now that’s distracting you from the weapon God’s given you?” Identify one distraction or comfort you need to let go of, and share how you might do that. [18:34]
The vision for the church requires action—praying, serving, giving, joining community. What is one new step you could take to join in God’s story at Christchurch Fulham? [24:49]
The image of being a lighthouse means shining God’s light in the city. Where in your daily life could you be more intentional about being a light for Jesus? [25:35]

Sermon Clips

This is not history. This is prophecy. This is our calling. And the same spirit that rested on Jesus when he opened that scroll in Luke and it was the first part of his ministry before he went into the wilderness, that same spirit is on us today. He has anointed us not to sit back, but to step in, not to just come, but to play our part. [00:07:48] (29 seconds) #PropheticCalling

``The story you live in is the story you live out. If you live in the rubble, you will live like rubble. If you live in fear, you will live fearful. If you live in comparison, you'll never feel enough. But in God's story, when you live in God's story, when you live in the Isaiah 60:1 story, the resurrection story, then you'll start to live it out every day. [00:09:28] (24 seconds) #LiveGodsStory

Yet they refused to stop because this wasn't about bricks and mortar. It was about identity, dignity and worship. And when the walls rise, hope returns. And every time God's people rebuild, as I said, the enemy will resist. He'll try and get you to stop. He'll try and get you distracted. He'll try and tell you that you're not good enough, that you're not worthy, that there's nothing you can do that's going to make a difference. This is spirit warfare. [00:15:32] (28 seconds) #WallsRiseHopeReturns

We are powerful when we do both. We need both at the same time. We need the battle and we need the belonging. We need to be led by the Spirit and we need to be just doing the daily tasks of loving people. We need to read our Bible. We need to be in a life group. We need to play our part, join a team. But we need to lean into the spirit in this season. [00:19:53] (40 seconds) #BattleAndBelonging

I'm realizing more and more that this church is never going to grow by clever strategy, but by his presence, his presence alone. That we'd be a people of his presence. Sharing his story, sharing our faith, seeing change wherever we go. And I believe miracles will lead to salvation. [00:22:42] (29 seconds) #PresenceOverStrategy

Vision is only vision until someone picks up a brick and starts the build. What does that look like for you? Maybe today it's beginning to say I'm going to start praying, I'm going to start serving, I'm going to start giving. I'm going to join a life group. I'm going to join a team. I'm going to pray. I'm going to give to this house for all that God wants to do here in this place. [00:24:41] (26 seconds) #VisionIntoAction

And I believe that the Lord is calling us to be a house that will proclaim the good news, that will see change, rebuild ruins, but also for his light to shine in this city, that we will shine bright as we carry Jesus presence in this place and wherever it is we go. [00:25:58] (20 seconds) #ShineJesusLight

And as you recognize what it is you have in your hand and as you offer it to Jesus, I want you to metaphorically imagine you're holding a trowel to work with, to build with, to lay that brick with, and you're holding a sword, recognizing that this is going to be a battle to build, but that you have the equipment, you have what you need because of the blood of Jesus. [00:27:41] (44 seconds) #BuildWithFaithAndSword

And as we build our house, as we build this house for the glory of God, we would know that we are people that build on the cornerstone that we build on Jesus, the cornerstone that the builders rejected, that we would accept and we would build upon today knowing that his spirit is at work. [00:28:25] (34 seconds) #CornerstoneBuilders

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