Seizing the Moment: Embracing God's Call Today
Summary
In this season of our lives, we are called to seize the moment, to embrace the now that God has given us. As we delve into the Word daily, we find ourselves in a place of deep reflection, seeking to hear God in every verse, every nuance. This is not merely an academic exercise; it is a way of life. We study not to preach, but to live, and it is from this authentic living that our preaching flows. We must apply the Word to our lives and witness the transformative work of God.
This weekend, as I observed the bustling activity at the Joseph Storehouse, I was reminded of the beauty of service. Our volunteers, without seeking recognition, titles, or positions, serve diligently, embodying the hands and feet of Jesus. This is the essence of what God is doing in our midst – calling us to serve in humility and love.
God spoke a timely word to me: "If not now, when?" This is a call to seize the moment, to not be distracted by the trivialities of life, such as social media, but to focus on the purpose and conviction God has placed within us. Isaiah 43:19 reminds us that God is doing a new thing, and we must be intimately aware of it, not merely acknowledging it with head knowledge but engaging with it wholeheartedly.
The story of Gideon in Judges 6 illustrates this beautifully. Despite feeling inadequate and fearful, Gideon was called a "Mighty Man of Valor" by God. He was chosen to lead Israel against the Midianites, who had oppressed them for years. With only 300 men, Gideon achieved victory, not by might or power, but by God's Spirit. This victory was a testament to the power of seizing the moment and trusting in God's plan.
We are encouraged to ask for rain in the time of rain, to seek what God is providing in the present. Our worship should be genuine and unified, not distracted or half-hearted. When we come together in one spirit, we experience the fullness of God's presence and power.
As we close, we are reminded that our only job is to follow Jesus daily. This is the path to true abundance and victory. We are called to lay aside our agendas and fully embrace what God is doing. In doing so, we will see the abundance of God's provision not only in our church but in our personal lives as well.
Key Takeaways:
- God is calling us to seize the moment and engage with His work right now. This requires us to lay aside distractions and focus on His purpose for our lives. In doing so, we align ourselves with His divine timing and experience His new thing. [07:52]
- Service in the kingdom of God is not about recognition but about humble obedience and love. Our volunteers at the Joseph Storehouse exemplify this, serving without the need for titles, embodying the true spirit of Christ's call to serve one another. [02:35]
- The story of Gideon is a powerful reminder that God often chooses the unlikely to accomplish His purposes. Despite our feelings of inadequacy, God sees us as mighty warriors and equips us for the battles we face. Victory comes from trusting in His strength, not our own. [32:12]
- Worship and unity within the body of Christ are essential for experiencing the fullness of God's presence. When we come together with a singular focus on God, we create an atmosphere where His Spirit moves powerfully among us. [17:24]
- Following Jesus is our primary calling, and it should take precedence over all other pursuits. When we make following Him our daily focus, we find clarity, purpose, and the grace to walk in His abundance. [49:28]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Isaiah 43:19 (NIV)
> "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
2. Judges 6:12 (NIV)
> "When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.'"
3. Zechariah 10:1 (NIV)
> "Ask the Lord for rain in the springtime; it is the Lord who sends the thunderstorms. He gives showers of rain to all people, and plants of the field to everyone."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Isaiah 43:19 say about God's actions and our awareness of them?
2. How did the angel address Gideon in Judges 6:12, and what was Gideon's initial reaction?
3. According to Zechariah 10:1, what are we encouraged to ask for, and when should we ask for it?
4. In the sermon, what was the significance of the volunteers at the Joseph Storehouse? ([02:35])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "seize the moment" in the context of Isaiah 43:19? How can we be more aware of what God is doing in our lives? ([07:52])
2. How does the story of Gideon in Judges 6 illustrate God's ability to use unlikely individuals for His purposes? What does this tell us about our own feelings of inadequacy? ([32:12])
3. What is the importance of asking for rain in the time of rain, as mentioned in Zechariah 10:1? How does this concept apply to our spiritual lives and current circumstances? ([11:49])
4. How does the unity and genuine worship within the body of Christ contribute to experiencing the fullness of God's presence, as discussed in the sermon? ([17:24])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: What distractions are preventing you from seizing the moment and focusing on God's purpose for you? How can you minimize these distractions this week? ([07:52])
2. Think about a time when you felt inadequate or fearful like Gideon. How did you respond, and what can you learn from Gideon's story to apply in future situations? ([32:12])
3. In what ways can you serve others humbly and without seeking recognition, similar to the volunteers at the Joseph Storehouse? Identify one specific act of service you can perform this week. ([02:35])
4. How can you cultivate a spirit of unity and genuine worship in your small group or church community? What practical steps can you take to contribute to this atmosphere? ([17:24])
5. Following Jesus daily is our primary calling. What specific actions can you take this week to ensure that following Him remains your main focus? ([49:28])
6. Identify a current situation in your life where you need to "ask for rain in the time of rain." How can you actively seek God's provision and guidance in this area? ([11:49])
7. How can you apply the concept of redeeming the time in your daily schedule? What changes can you make to ensure that your time is spent in alignment with God's purposes? ([25:09])
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace God's Present Work
In this moment, one is called to be fully present and engaged with the divine work unfolding in their life. Distractions are plentiful, yet the invitation stands to lay them aside and concentrate on the purpose and calling that has been divinely appointed. This is not a passive waiting but an active participation in what is described as God's "new thing." It is a time to be alert, to be ready, and to be willing to step into the flow of God's timing, which promises transformation and renewal. By doing so, one aligns with the divine narrative that is being written in their life and in the world around them. [07:52]
"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." - Isaiah 43:19
Reflection: What is one specific distraction you can remove from your daily routine to better focus on God's purpose for you?
Day 2: Humble Service Reflects Christ
The beauty of service within the kingdom of God is not found in accolades or titles but in the quiet, humble obedience that echoes the love of Christ. The volunteers at the Joseph Storehouse serve as a living testament to this truth, working diligently without the need for recognition. This is the essence of Christ-like service, where the focus is on the needs of others and the joy of being used by God to meet those needs. It is in these acts of service that one finds the purest expression of faith, love, and discipleship. [02:35]
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." - Galatians 5:13
Reflection: How can you serve someone in your community this week without seeking any form of recognition?
Day 3: God Empowers the Unlikely
The story of Gideon is a powerful illustration of God's ability to use those who feel inadequate to achieve His purposes. It is a reminder that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Despite our insecurities and fears, we are seen as mighty warriors through God's eyes. He provides the strength and strategy for victory, asking only for trust and obedience in return. This narrative encourages one to embrace their divine calling and to trust in God's provision and guidance, even when the odds seem insurmountable. [32:12]
"And the LORD turned to him and said, 'Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?'" - Judges 6:14
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel inadequate, and how can you trust God to equip you for the task He has set before you?
Day 4: Unified Worship Invites God's Presence
Worship is not a solitary act but a communal experience that unites believers in spirit and truth. When the body of Christ comes together with a singular focus on God, there is a palpable shift in the atmosphere. This unity creates a space for God's Spirit to move powerfully, touching hearts and transforming lives. It is a call to worship genuinely, to set aside distractions, and to engage fully with the community of faith. In this unified state, one can truly encounter the fullness of God's presence and the power of His love. [17:24]
"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness." - Acts 4:31
Reflection: What can you do to foster a deeper sense of unity within your worship community?
Day 5: Following Jesus: Our Primary Pursuit
The ultimate calling for a believer is to follow Jesus daily, placing this pursuit above all others. This path leads to clarity, purpose, and the grace to walk in the abundance that Jesus promises. It is a journey of laying aside personal agendas and embracing the work that God is doing in and through one's life. As one commits to this daily following, they will witness the provision and victory that come from a life lived in close step with the Savior. [49:28]
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" - Luke 9:23
Reflection: What is one step you can take today to follow Jesus more closely in your daily life?
Quotes
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"If not now when, or in other words let me rephrase it seize the moment don't miss what God is doing with right now." [07:52](Download)
"Time is never free. It always costs you, it cost you whatever you're willing to spend on it." [25:09](Download)
"Redeem your time by telling time how you will be spent rather than allowing time to spend you." [26:30](Download)
"My only job every day is to follow him... Nothing else really matters. I just want to follow him." [49:28](Download)
"I receive somebody say I receive I receive say I receive your abundance." [13:33](Download)
"When somebody is praising God... I ought to say I don't know what she sees but I think I'm going to put my hands together and jump up on my feet and give God a praise." [21:41](Download)
"Whatever God calls you to he equips you for." [42:45](Download)
"Let your light shine in this moment he said let your light shine blow the horn and all you got to do is shout the sword of the Lord and of Gideon." [43:34](Download)
"Quit getting caught up in what you're doing and just look what I'm doing and say God I receive." [45:04](Download)
"God I receive every bit of it God just like you have put Health in my marriage I believe you're putting Health in every other marriage in here right now." [47:18](Download)
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