Embracing Life, Change, and God's Purpose Together

Devotional

Day 1: The Fear of the Lord: Trusting His Judgments and Value

The fear of the Lord is not about being terrified of God, but about honoring and trusting Him because His judgments are always true and righteous. He alone determines the true value of each person, and He paid the highest price—His own blood—for our redemption. When we recognize this, we are moved to awe and humility, surrendering every part of our lives to Him, including our resources, knowing that He is trustworthy and His plans for us are good. [16:54]

Psalm 19:9 (NLT): "The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to surrender control and trust that God’s value and judgment are better than your own?

Day 2: Abiding in Christ: The Source of Fruitful Living

Remaining in Jesus is the only way to bear lasting fruit; apart from Him, we can do nothing. God, as the gardener, lovingly prunes and tends to us so that we can flourish, and He desires a relationship with us above all else. When we abide in Him and let His words remain in us, our lives become a testimony of His love and power, and we are empowered to ask and receive according to His will. [29:33]

John 15:1-8 (NLT): "I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can intentionally abide in Jesus today, inviting His presence into your daily routine?

Day 3: Chosen and Appointed: Bearing Fruit That Lasts

You did not choose God—He chose you and appointed you to bear fruit that remains. This truth frees us from striving to “get it right” and instead calls us to stay connected to Jesus, allowing His life to flow through us and reproduce His love, healing, and power in the world. The fruit we bear is not about our own efforts, but about letting what Jesus has done for us become the gift we give to others, trusting that He is fighting for us and for those who do not yet know Him. [36:48]

John 15:16 (NKJV): "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally bless or serve today, letting the love and life of Jesus flow through you?

Day 4: Partnering with God: Obedience and the Power of Testimony

God desires to work through each of us, not just a select few, and our obedience to His promptings can release miracles and transformation in others’ lives. Sometimes, the breakthrough someone needs is waiting for us to step out in faith, pray, or share what God is doing. Our testimonies of God’s faithfulness and healing are seeds that can stir hunger and hope in others, and as we remain connected to Him, we become conduits of His presence and power in the world. [57:43]

James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."

Reflection: Is there a step of obedience God is prompting you to take—perhaps to pray for someone, share your story, or serve in a new way? What is holding you back?

Day 5: Embracing Your Calling: The Release of Every Generation

God is releasing a new anointing and calling for women and men of all ages to step into the fullness of their identity and purpose in His kingdom. No one else gets to define who you are—only Jesus does. As you seek His face and receive what He has reserved for you, you are empowered to show His love to those who do not know Him, and to walk in a faithfulness that will impact generations to come. There is a place for everyone in what God is doing, and He is unlocking doors and destinies for this season. [01:08:43]

Galatians 3:28 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

Reflection: What unique gifts or passions has God placed in you that He may be calling you to step into or release in this season?

Sermon Summary

This season is marked by transition, anticipation, and a deep sense of God’s presence and purpose. As we honor mothers and support the work of the local crisis pregnancy center, we’re reminded of the sacredness of life from its very beginning. The story of John leaping in Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of Jesus in Mary is a powerful testimony that God’s recognition of life precedes birth, and our call is to stand for and support life in every way we can. Our partnership with organizations like Levy is not just about charity, but about aligning ourselves with God’s heart for the vulnerable and the unborn.

We are also in a time of significant change within our church and school community. As we transition from School of Light to Branches, and as we navigate new organizational structures, there is a sense that God is realigning us for the next decade. These changes are not just administrative; they are spiritual invitations to trust God’s leading, to pray for wisdom, and to remain focused on people over process. The reminder is clear: the church is not about buildings, bylaws, or denominational labels, but about loving and caring for people as God does.

At the heart of our journey is the call to abide in Jesus, as described in John 15. We are not the source of our own fruitfulness; we are branches, utterly dependent on the life of the Vine. Jesus chose us before we ever chose Him, and our role is to remain in Him, allowing His life to flow through us and bear fruit that lasts. This abiding is not about striving or getting everything right, but about surrender, humility, and trust. The stories of healing and transformation we’ve witnessed—whether instant or gradual—are not the result of perfect faith or formula, but of God’s initiative and our willingness to stay connected to Him.

This season also carries a prophetic sense of God raising up women in new and powerful ways. The blessing released over the women in our community is a declaration that God is unlocking destinies, breaking old limitations, and calling forth the fullness of His image in both men and women. The invitation is for all of us to step into our God-given identity, to risk obedience, and to let the love and power of Jesus flow through us to a world in desperate need.

Key Takeaways

1. The Value of Life Begins Before Birth God’s recognition of personhood starts in the womb, as seen in John the Baptist’s response to Jesus even before either was born. This truth calls us to honor and protect life at every stage, standing with organizations and individuals who advocate for the vulnerable. Our support is not just financial, but spiritual and relational, reflecting God’s heart for every person He creates. [01:18]
2. Abiding in Christ Is the Source of All Fruitfulness We are not called to strive for spiritual results, but to remain connected to Jesus, the true Vine. Our fruitfulness—whether in character, ministry, or miracles—flows from abiding in Him, not from our own efforts or perfection. The pressure to “get it right” is replaced by the invitation to trust, rest, and let His life flow through us. [28:10]
3. God’s Initiative Precedes Our Response Jesus reminds us that we did not choose Him; He chose us and appointed us to bear lasting fruit. This truth dismantles pride and striving, grounding our identity and mission in God’s sovereign love and calling. Our role is to respond in humility and obedience, knowing that He is always the initiator and sustainer of our journey. [35:34]
4. Healing and Miracles Are Expressions of God’s Love, Not Our Performance The testimonies of healing—both dramatic and subtle—demonstrate that God’s power is not limited by our understanding or methods. Sometimes healing is instant, sometimes it unfolds over time, but in every case, it is God’s love and presence that brings transformation. Our part is to create space for Him, to pray in faith, and to celebrate every work He does, big or small. [40:23]
5. God Is Releasing a New Anointing for Women and the Next Generation There is a prophetic sense that God is raising up women to take their place in the kingdom in unprecedented ways. This is not about replacing men, but about the fullness of God’s image being revealed through both male and female. The blessing over women is a call to step into destiny, to break old limitations, and to lead with the unique gifts and authority God has given. [68:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Honoring Mothers and the Value of Life
[02:36] - Supporting Levy Crisis Pregnancy Center
[04:16] - Baby Bottle Drive and Community Involvement
[05:07] - School Transition and Vision for the Future
[09:23] - Church Organizational Changes and Prayer
[11:45] - Navigating Government and Church Structure
[13:50] - Testimonies from the Healing Conference
[15:05] - The Fear of the Lord and Trusting God
[16:54] - God’s Value and Sacrifice for Us
[28:10] - Abiding in the Vine: John 15
[35:34] - Chosen and Appointed by God
[40:23] - Healing Testimonies and God’s Initiative
[48:33] - Sharing Stories and Bearing Fruit
[52:50] - The Call to Love One Another
[63:15] - Blessing and Releasing Women in the Kingdom
[68:43] - Prophetic Blessing and Activation
[72:24] - Encouragement to Step Out and Testify

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

John 15:1-8, 16-17 — (Jesus teaches about abiding in Him as the true Vine, our dependence on Him, and His choosing and appointing us to bear lasting fruit.)

- Luke 1:39-45
(The story of John the Baptist leaping in Elizabeth’s womb at the presence of Jesus in Mary, showing God’s recognition of life before birth.)

Observation Questions

In John 15, what does Jesus say is necessary for a branch to bear fruit?
According to Luke 1:41-44, what happened when Mary greeted Elizabeth, and what does this reveal about God’s view of life in the womb?
In the sermon, what example was given to show that God’s recognition of life begins before birth? [[01:18]]
What are some of the changes and transitions happening in the church and school community right now, as described in the sermon? [[05:07]]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to “abide” in Jesus, and why is this so important for fruitfulness according to John 15?
The sermon says, “We are not the source of our own fruitfulness; we are branches, utterly dependent on the life of the Vine.” How does this challenge the way people often approach spiritual growth or ministry? [[28:10]]
The story of John leaping in the womb is used to support the value of life before birth. How might this shape the way the church responds to issues of life and advocacy for the vulnerable? [[01:18]]
The sermon mentions that God is raising up women in new and powerful ways. What does this suggest about God’s heart for both men and women in His kingdom? [[01:08:43]]

Application Questions

The sermon highlights the importance of supporting organizations like the crisis pregnancy center, not just financially but relationally and spiritually. Is there a practical way you or your family could get involved in supporting vulnerable mothers or children in this season? [[02:36]]
Jesus says, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.” What are some specific distractions or habits that make it hard for you to stay connected to Jesus? What is one step you could take this week to abide more intentionally? [[28:10]]
The pressure to “get it right” is replaced by the invitation to trust, rest, and let His life flow through us. Are there areas in your life where you feel you have to strive or perform for God? How could you surrender those areas and trust Him more? [[36:48]]
The sermon shared stories of healing—some instant, some gradual. Have you ever experienced or witnessed God’s healing or transformation in your life or someone else’s? How did it affect your faith? [[40:23]]
The church is going through significant changes and transitions. How do you typically respond to change in your faith community? What would it look like to trust God’s leading and focus on people over process during times of transition? [[05:07]]
The blessing over women was described as a call to step into destiny and break old limitations. For the women in the group: Is there a place where you sense God calling you to step out in faith or leadership? For everyone: How can we encourage and support the women and next generation in our community? [[01:08:43]]
Jesus says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to bear fruit.” How does knowing you are chosen by God affect your sense of purpose and identity? Is there an area where you need to respond in humility and obedience to His call? [[35:34]]

Sermon Clips

He loved you so much that only his own blood, only his sacrifice could redeem you. So when he says to fear him, it's not about terror and awe. Though there is a terror that goes with it. [00:18:00] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

The hounds of hell scream loudest at the doors of your destiny when you're on the right path is when things usually look the ugliest sound the scariest but you got to know his voice that's where fearing the lord comes in if scripture means something if what his commands and promises are or what you've built your life on then it changes things this is why we have to fear him. [00:23:57] (28 seconds) Edit Clip

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine. You cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine. You are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. [00:29:11] (21 seconds) Edit Clip

He says God's got all the resources everything that is needed he will tend all creation including you as being part of that how many times have we talked about the john 3 16 is not about rocks and trees and buildings he doesn't care about nations or governments he cares about you he loves you you are what he bankrupted heaven for you are what he came for was that he could have relationship with humans. [00:31:04] (33 seconds) Edit Clip

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain. That whatever you ask the father in my name, he may give you. The key to that is that first line. You did not choose me. [00:35:50] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

You don't have to get it right. You've got to stay with him. And let the seed that has been planted in you, the gift that's been given to you, gets what? Released through you so that what can you give away? Jesus. But what he's done for you becomes the gift you get to give everybody else. [00:37:56] (26 seconds) Edit Clip

You are already clean. You have already been pruned. You've already been made ready for this fruit because of the word which I've spoken to you. You know what that word was? You're mine. Come follow me. [00:44:09] (18 seconds) Edit Clip

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Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?