Embracing Prophetic Destiny: Urgency and Stewardship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the profound concept of prophetic destiny and the urgency of recognizing and acting upon it. We began by reflecting on the trials and fires we face in life, understanding that these challenges shape us and prepare us for our divine mission. The essence of the message is that it is later than we think, and the harvest is ripe. We must not be so consumed by our pain and struggles that we miss the opportunities God has placed before us.
We delved into the importance of stewardship in our prophetic journey. This involves turning aside to see what God is doing, writing down His revelations, believing in His promises, and watching for their fulfillment. We shared practical steps to steward our prophetic words, including creating a visual representation of God's promises and actively seeking evidence of their activation in our lives.
The sermon emphasized the necessity of accountability and community in fulfilling our prophetic destinies. We need trusted individuals who can pray with us, encourage us, and hold us accountable. This is crucial, especially in times of success and challenge, to ensure we stay on the right path.
Finally, we were reminded that God's words are still good, and His promises are yes and amen. We are part of the solution in these challenging times, and by believing in God's part and doing ours, we can fulfill our prophetic destinies. The call to action was clear: recognize the urgency, steward your prophetic words, and step into the harvest that is ready now.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace the Fire: The trials and fires we face are not meant to destroy us but to refine and prepare us for our divine mission. Reflect on what has hurt you or disappointed you and see it as a shaping tool for your destiny. Embrace the fire, for it changes you and brings you closer to your prophetic calling. [01:18:06]
2. Recognize the Urgency: It is later than we think, and the harvest is ripe. We often believe we have more time, but the reality is that we must act now. Lift your eyes and see the fields ready for harvest. Do not let pain and struggles blind you to the opportunities God has placed before you. [01:21:05]
3. Steward Your Prophetic Words: Turn aside to see what God is doing, write down His revelations, believe in His promises, and watch for their fulfillment. This process honors the prophetic and helps you stay aligned with God's plans. Be willing to change your schedule and make room for God's voice in your life. [01:26:21]
4. Accountability and Community: Having trusted individuals who can pray with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable is crucial. This support system helps you stay on track and ensures you do not lose your way during times of success or challenge. Seek out these relationships and invest in them. [01:28:44]
5. Believe and Act: God's promises are still yes and amen. Believe in His part and do yours. Stay faithful, keep praying, and be willing to act on the prophetic words spoken over your life. Watch for the fulfillment and be ready to step into the harvest that is ready now. [01:30:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:16:27] - Embrace the Fire
[01:18:06] - Recognize the Urgency
[01:21:05] - Steward Your Prophetic Words
[01:26:21] - Accountability and Community
[01:28:44] - Believe and Act
[01:30:31] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 4:34-35 (NIV): "My food," said Jesus, "is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don't you have a saying, 'It's still four months until harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest."
2. Exodus 3:1-6 (NIV): "Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. So Moses thought, 'I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.' When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, 'Moses! Moses!' And Moses said, 'Here I am.' 'Do not come any closer,' God said. 'Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.' Then he said, 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God."
3. Habakkuk 2:2-3 (NIV): "Then the Lord replied: 'Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it. For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest" in John 4:35?
2. In Exodus 3:1-6, what was Moses' reaction to seeing the burning bush, and what did God instruct him to do?
3. According to Habakkuk 2:2-3, what are we instructed to do with God's revelations, and why is this important?
4. In the sermon, what practical steps were suggested for stewarding prophetic words? ([01:26:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the harvest being ripe in John 4:35 relate to the urgency of recognizing and acting upon our prophetic destinies? ([01:21:05])
2. What can we learn from Moses' willingness to turn aside and see the burning bush in Exodus 3:1-6 about our own responsiveness to God's call? ([01:26:21])
3. Why is it important to write down God's revelations as instructed in Habakkuk 2:2-3, and how does this practice help us stay aligned with God's plans? ([01:27:09])
4. The sermon emphasized the necessity of accountability and community. How does having trusted individuals around us help in fulfilling our prophetic destinies? ([01:28:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent trial or disappointment in your life. How can you see it as a refining fire that prepares you for your divine mission? ([01:18:06])
2. What are some practical ways you can lift your eyes and recognize the ripe harvest in your own life? Are there opportunities you might be missing due to being consumed by pain or struggles? ([01:21:05])
3. How can you make room in your schedule to turn aside and see what God is doing in your life, similar to Moses' experience with the burning bush? ([01:26:21])
4. Do you have a system for writing down and tracking God's revelations and promises? If not, what steps can you take to start this practice? ([01:27:09])
5. Identify one or two trusted individuals who can pray with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable. How can you invest in these relationships to ensure you stay on the right path? ([01:28:44])
6. Reflect on a prophetic word spoken over your life. What evidence do you see of its activation, and what steps can you take to steward it faithfully? ([01:24:31])
7. God's promises are still yes and amen. What specific actions can you take this week to believe in His part and do yours, stepping into the harvest that is ready now? ([01:30:31])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Fire
The trials and fires we face are not meant to destroy us but to refine and prepare us for our divine mission. Reflect on what has hurt you or disappointed you and see it as a shaping tool for your destiny. Embrace the fire, for it changes you and brings you closer to your prophetic calling. When we face challenges, it is easy to become disheartened and question God's plan. However, these trials are often the very tools God uses to mold us into the people He has called us to be. By embracing the fire, we allow God to refine us, removing impurities and strengthening our faith.
Consider the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were thrown into the fiery furnace but emerged unscathed because of their unwavering faith in God. Their trial became a testimony of God's power and faithfulness. Similarly, our trials can become testimonies of God's work in our lives if we choose to embrace them and trust in His plan. [01:18:06]
Isaiah 48:10 (ESV): "Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have tried you in the furnace of affliction."
Reflection: Think about a recent trial or disappointment in your life. How can you see it as a tool for shaping your destiny and bringing you closer to your prophetic calling?
Day 2: Recognize the Urgency
It is later than we think, and the harvest is ripe. We often believe we have more time, but the reality is that we must act now. Lift your eyes and see the fields ready for harvest. Do not let pain and struggles blind you to the opportunities God has placed before you. The urgency of our prophetic destiny calls us to be vigilant and proactive. We must not allow ourselves to be so consumed by our personal struggles that we miss the divine opportunities God has set before us.
Jesus spoke to His disciples about the urgency of the harvest, urging them to see the fields that were already white for harvest. This same urgency applies to us today. We must recognize that the time to act is now, and we cannot afford to delay. By lifting our eyes and focusing on God's mission, we can step into the opportunities He has prepared for us. [01:21:05]
John 4:35 (ESV): "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest."
Reflection: What opportunities has God placed before you that you may have overlooked due to personal struggles? How can you act on them today?
Day 3: Steward Your Prophetic Words
Turn aside to see what God is doing, write down His revelations, believe in His promises, and watch for their fulfillment. This process honors the prophetic and helps you stay aligned with God's plans. Be willing to change your schedule and make room for God's voice in your life. Stewarding our prophetic words involves being intentional about recognizing and recording what God is speaking to us. It requires us to be attentive and responsive to His voice, making adjustments in our lives to align with His plans.
By writing down God's revelations and promises, we create a tangible reminder of His faithfulness and guidance. This practice helps us stay focused and committed to our prophetic journey. Additionally, actively seeking evidence of God's promises being fulfilled in our lives strengthens our faith and encourages us to continue trusting in His plan. [01:26:21]
Habakkuk 2:2-3 (ESV): "And the Lord answered me: 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it. For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay.'"
Reflection: Have you written down the prophetic words and promises God has given you? How can you make room in your daily schedule to listen for God's voice and watch for the fulfillment of His promises?
Day 4: Accountability and Community
Having trusted individuals who can pray with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable is crucial. This support system helps you stay on track and ensures you do not lose your way during times of success or challenge. Seek out these relationships and invest in them. Accountability and community are essential components of our prophetic journey. They provide the support and encouragement we need to stay faithful to God's calling, especially during difficult times.
By surrounding ourselves with trusted individuals who share our faith, we create a network of support that helps us navigate the ups and downs of life. These relationships offer prayer, encouragement, and accountability, ensuring that we remain focused on our prophetic destiny. Investing in these connections strengthens our spiritual walk and helps us fulfill God's purpose for our lives. [01:28:44]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who are the trusted individuals in your life who can pray with you, encourage you, and hold you accountable? How can you invest in these relationships to strengthen your prophetic journey?
Day 5: Believe and Act
God's promises are still yes and amen. Believe in His part and do yours. Stay faithful, keep praying, and be willing to act on the prophetic words spoken over your life. Watch for the fulfillment and be ready to step into the harvest that is ready now. Believing in God's promises requires both faith and action. It is not enough to simply trust in His word; we must also be willing to take steps of faith and act on the prophetic words spoken over our lives.
By staying faithful and persistent in prayer, we align ourselves with God's will and position ourselves to receive His promises. As we watch for the fulfillment of His word, we must be ready to step into the opportunities He presents. This active faith demonstrates our trust in God's plan and our commitment to fulfilling our prophetic destiny. [01:30:31]
2 Corinthians 1:20 (ESV): "For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory."
Reflection: What prophetic words have been spoken over your life that you need to act on? How can you demonstrate your faith in God's promises through your actions today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Because you come through the fire a changed individual. If I'd become offended and stayed offended, I would have shut myself out of my destiny right away. You know, Samuel's words never fell to the ground. The words God gave him. He went through some pretty hard things, didn't he, as a prophet, if you think about the stories. So my heart today is to encourage you to think about what fire you've been in. What has, it may be a physical fire. What has hurt you? Who has hurt you? What are you fighting maybe as a health condition? What disappointments have you been nursing to the point of where it's not healthy? do you want to do with your life?" [01:18:06] (62 seconds)
2. "As I was praying about a word for you today, Rick and I were driving just in the area to some scenic country roads. And I saw the most beautiful pasture with round hay bales. All harvested, beautifully shaped, set out all across the pasture. And I just thought one thing. I thought, harvest. Harvest. This is harvest. And immediately the Lord brought to mind John 4, 34. And I want to tell you that I think the most important thing you can do right now is first of all realize it's later than you think. It's later than you think. You think you have your whole life, and you do, but you don't know how long your life is." [01:19:21] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Do you not say, there are still four months, and then comes the harvest? We always think we have more time, don't we? Behold, I say, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already ripe for harvest. So, Encounter Church, I believe the word God wanted you to hear today. Is that it is later than you think, and that the harvest is ripe for putting in the sickle and pulling out the harvest." [01:21:05] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You can't do that if you're so consumed with your pain that you can't see it, taste it, and work with it, right? So, I'm asking the Lord to highlight for you anything he wants to just take off your shoulders. And he says, come, my daughter, come, my son. I have plans for you. It's later than you think. And I want you to flow in my prophetic blessing. I feel like that's exactly the Lord's heart. Do you like that? Do you want that?" [01:21:05] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Believe God to do his part and you do yours. Stay faithful. Keep praying. Make yourself accountable to another individual who knows you. Begin praying about this. Who would it be? Maybe they're in this church. Maybe they're someone you've known forever. Maybe it's an old friend. Maybe it's an old buddy of yours. But in the coaching I do, and I'm sure you've had this same thing, Ron. If men and women don't have accountability worked into their lives before the big success hits, it almost never works." [01:28:44] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "When the prophetic started flowing in our little church, like I told you before, I had notes everywhere. Writing down on church bulletins what was going on, highlighting. I found entire objects glued in my Bible, almost. Just a piece of jewelry or something that meant something to me, along with a verse. I was like, God, you're serious. You really have things for us to unpack. And so, out of it all, I actually developed a process that I'm going to show you how it works real quick." [01:22:26] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So, it's helpful to say, God, what are you breathing on right now? And so, we would put that here in this bottom block. We each did it. And then, in the second block up, we answered another question. Well, what evidence is there that this is active right now? It's hard to see your own evidence sometimes of a prophetic word. So, if you have a friend or confidant that knows you, they can speak into you. And then, the third one... The third one up here is where we charted what we were going to do next." [01:24:31] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God's got you. You're right on time. He's helping all of us right now by teaching us to acknowledge the prophetic and walk in it responsibly as a steward. That was great. And so, I'm going to give you the four keys if you're anxious to try this on your own. And want to know four things you could do. Here they are. Number one, act like Moses. Be willing to turn aside and see what the Lord is doing. In Exodus 3, 1 through 6, Moses said, I must turn aside to see this marvelous sight. And when the Lord saw him turn aside, you know what happened? The Lord called his name. Isn't that beautiful?" [01:26:21] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What if he hadn't turned? Turned aside. What if he hadn't come over to explore the burning bush? So, have an attitude that says, you know what? I'm watching for God. And just get you a new little spiral notebook. I prefer literally writing this to electronic, although electronic is good. But there are studies that say what you literally write on paper go through your brain in a different way and are more memorable to you. So, pick away. But you want to turn aside to see what the Lord is saying. And that means to just ask the question and to pause, to listen. And if you need to turn aside, change your schedule, do something different in order to hear what the Lord is saying, be willing to do that." [01:27:09] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Mary said this, or the Luke 1 45. It says this about Mary, blessed is the one who believed there would be a fulfillment. That's what she said when the angel told her she was going to have a baby. And she's like, how can this be? And after hearing, she asked her questions. That's a good model. Ask God your questions. But then at the end of the day, be willing to do your part and believe for fulfillment. Key four, watch for the fulfillment. Do not neglect the gift you have. It's given you. By prophecy and the laying on of hands from 1 Timothy 4 14." [01:30:31] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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