Embracing a New Season of Humility and Hunger

 

Summary

### Summary

Today, I shared a vision that God gave me, which I believe is a prophetic word for our church. The vision depicted a transition from a past season marked by a spirit of preeminence and pride, symbolized by a hyena or wild donkey, to a new season characterized by holy hunger, humility, and holiness. This new season is not about individual prominence but about a collective movement of hungry, humble, and holy people who will lead us forward.

I emphasized that our calling is not to franchise or multiply prideful individuals but to birth and build fire, confirming the character of God in men and women. This involves a rhythm, cadence, and longevity that will open new territories and overcome the residual spirits of intimidation and rejection. The Lord is calling us to be a magnet in the spirit, attracting individuals who are hungry for God but also warning us to beware of those who have gifting without character.

We delved into Ephesians 4, where Paul speaks about the grace given to each believer. Grace is divine influence and empowerment to accomplish God's will. Every believer has grace, but there are also measures of grace that determine our function in the body of Christ. We must come into agreement with the grace God has given us, recognizing that grace determines our function and calling.

I shared personal stories to illustrate the importance of aligning with God's grace, including my own journey of accepting my prophetic calling and the name God gave me at birth. This alignment is crucial for fulfilling our divine purpose and walking in the new season God has for us.

We also explored the concept of modern-day Antiochs, apostolic centers that send out individuals called by God. Antioch was a multicultural, team-led church that ministered to the Lord and fasted, leading to the Holy Spirit setting apart individuals for specific works. This is the model we are called to emulate—a sending center focused on birthing and building fire, not branding or franchising.

Finally, we engaged in a time of intercession, breaking off spirits of intimidation, rejection, and witchcraft, and contending for a new season of freedom, deliverance, and apostolic anointing. We are called to be a house of many tribes, a place of diversity, creativity, and unity, where each person comes into agreement with the grace God has given them.

### Key Takeaways

1. Transition to a New Season: We are moving from a past season marked by pride and preeminence to a new season characterized by holy hunger, humility, and holiness. This shift is not about individual prominence but about a collective movement of people who are hungry for God and humble in spirit. [02:07]

2. Grace and Function: Every believer has been given grace, which is divine influence and empowerment to accomplish God's will. However, there are measures of grace that determine our specific function in the body of Christ. We must come into agreement with the grace God has given us to fulfill our divine purpose. [09:55]

3. Alignment with God's Calling: Aligning with God's grace and calling is crucial for fulfilling our divine purpose. This involves recognizing and accepting the specific grace and function God has given us, even if it means stepping out of traditional roles or expectations. [28:41]

4. Modern-Day Antiochs: We are called to be a modern-day Antioch, an apostolic center that sends out individuals called by God. This involves a multicultural, team-led approach focused on ministering to the Lord, fasting, and setting apart individuals for specific works as directed by the Holy Spirit. [36:02]

5. Breaking Spiritual Strongholds: We must engage in spiritual warfare to break off spirits of intimidation, rejection, and witchcraft. This involves contending for a new season of freedom, deliverance, and apostolic anointing, and coming into agreement with the grace God has given us. [01:06:47]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[01:07] - Vision of Transition
[02:07] - New Season: Holy Hunger and Humility
[04:07] - Calling to Birth and Build Fire
[06:07] - Warning Against Gifting Without Character
[07:33] - Fresh Anointing and Finding Footing
[08:55] - Ephesians 4: Grace and Calling
[09:55] - Understanding Grace
[12:52] - Partnering with Divine Empowerment
[14:41] - Measures of Grace
[16:52] - Generational Blessings and Calling
[19:29] - Social Media and Comparison
[20:26] - Faithfulness to Your Measure
[22:38] - Apostolic vs. Pastoral Leadership
[24:39] - Agreement with God's Grace
[26:44] - Grace Determines Function
[28:41] - Personal Journey of Alignment
[30:37] - Coming into Agreement with Grace
[31:28] - Corporate and Individual Agreement
[32:15] - Overcoming Lethargy and Laziness
[33:18] - Servanthood and Apostleship
[34:12] - Serving in Various Capacities
[35:14] - Divine Empowerment and Influence
[36:02] - Modern-Day Antiochs
[37:07] - Apostolic Leadership and Sending Capacity
[39:39] - Apostolic Context and Kingdom Focus
[41:17] - Apostolic Grace and Spiritual Warfare
[42:31] - Embracing Apostolic Leadership
[43:46] - Prophetic and Apostolic Marriages
[46:08] - Acts 13: Antioch Church
[47:33] - Multicultural Team Leadership
[49:21] - Kingdom Over Culture
[50:09] - Moving from Preeminence to Team Leadership
[51:35] - Holy Spirit's Divine Calling
[52:34] - Ministering to the Lord and Fasting
[53:41] - Creating an Atmosphere for God's Voice
[54:44] - Breaking Idolatry and Valuing God's Voice
[55:41] - Releasing vs. Sending
[58:34] - Setting Apart for God's Work
[59:34] - Church Release and Holy Spirit Sending
[01:01:00] - Affirmation vs. Commissioning
[01:02:11] - Prophetic Word for the Father's House
[01:03:07] - Embracing Humility and Hunger
[01:04:49] - Intercession and Spiritual Warfare
[01:05:41] - Contending for a Generation
[01:06:47] - Breaking Spiritual Strongholds
[01:07:46] - Shaking and Awakening
[01:08:48] - Contending for Open Heaven
[01:10:07] - Tearing Down Pharaoh's Kingdoms
[01:11:06] - Breaking Intimidation and Witchcraft
[01:12:07] - Raising Voices in the Wilderness
[01:12:48] - Season of Repentance
[01:14:19] - Birthing the Antioch
[01:17:26] - Time of Repentance
[01:24:07] - Turning to the Lord
[01:25:23] - Setting Captives Free
[01:28:04] - Unity and Diversity
[01:29:55] - Silencing Fear and Insecurity

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 4:4-7: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it."
2. Acts 13:1-3: "Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."

### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the new season that the pastor described in the sermon? ([02:07])
2. According to Ephesians 4:4-7, what are the elements that unify believers in the body of Christ?
3. In Acts 13:1-3, what activities were the leaders of the church in Antioch engaged in when the Holy Spirit spoke to them?
4. What warning did the pastor give about individuals who have gifting without character? ([06:07])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of grace in Ephesians 4:4-7 influence our understanding of individual roles within the church? ([09:55])
2. What does it mean to come into agreement with the grace God has given you, as discussed in the sermon? ([24:39])
3. How can the model of the church in Antioch, as described in Acts 13:1-3, be applied to modern-day church practices? ([36:02])
4. What are the implications of breaking off spirits of intimidation, rejection, and witchcraft for a church community? ([01:06:47])

### Application Questions
1. The pastor mentioned a transition to a new season characterized by holy hunger, humility, and holiness. How can you personally cultivate these qualities in your daily life? ([02:07])
2. Reflect on the grace God has given you. Are there areas in your life where you feel out of alignment with this grace? How can you come into agreement with it? ([24:39])
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of character over gifting. How can you ensure that your character aligns with your spiritual gifts? ([06:07])
4. The church in Antioch was a multicultural, team-led church. How can our church foster a similar environment of diversity and team leadership? ([47:33])
5. The pastor spoke about the need for spiritual warfare to break off spirits of intimidation, rejection, and witchcraft. What practical steps can you take to engage in this kind of spiritual warfare in your own life? ([01:06:47])
6. How can you support the vision of our church becoming a modern-day Antioch, focused on sending out individuals called by God? ([36:02])
7. The pastor shared personal stories about aligning with God's calling. Can you share a time when you had to step out of traditional roles or expectations to follow God's calling? ([28:41])

Devotional

Day 1: Transition to a New Season
Description: We are moving from a past season marked by pride and preeminence to a new season characterized by holy hunger, humility, and holiness. This shift is not about individual prominence but about a collective movement of people who are hungry for God and humble in spirit. This new season calls for a community that seeks God earnestly, putting aside personal ambitions and embracing a spirit of humility. The imagery of a hyena or wild donkey symbolizes the past season of pride, while the new season is marked by a holy hunger for God's presence and a commitment to holiness. [02:07]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What areas of your life are still influenced by pride and preeminence? How can you actively seek humility and holy hunger in your daily walk with God?


Day 2: Grace and Function
Description: Every believer has been given grace, which is divine influence and empowerment to accomplish God's will. However, there are measures of grace that determine our specific function in the body of Christ. Understanding and coming into agreement with the grace God has given us is crucial for fulfilling our divine purpose. This grace is not just a general favor but a specific empowerment for the roles and tasks God has assigned to each of us. Recognizing and embracing this grace allows us to function effectively within the body of Christ, contributing to the collective mission of the church. [09:55]

Romans 12:6-8 (ESV): "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."

Reflection: What specific grace or gift has God given you? How can you use this grace to serve others and fulfill your role in the body of Christ?


Day 3: Alignment with God's Calling
Description: Aligning with God's grace and calling is crucial for fulfilling our divine purpose. This involves recognizing and accepting the specific grace and function God has given us, even if it means stepping out of traditional roles or expectations. Personal stories and experiences often illustrate the importance of this alignment, showing how accepting God's calling can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful life. This alignment is not just about personal satisfaction but about contributing to the collective mission of the church and advancing God's kingdom. [28:41]

1 Corinthians 12:18-20 (ESV): "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's calling? What steps can you take today to align more closely with the grace and function God has given you?


Day 4: Modern-Day Antiochs
Description: We are called to be a modern-day Antioch, an apostolic center that sends out individuals called by God. This involves a multicultural, team-led approach focused on ministering to the Lord, fasting, and setting apart individuals for specific works as directed by the Holy Spirit. The church in Antioch was known for its diversity and its role in sending out missionaries, and this is the model we are called to emulate. By focusing on birthing and building fire rather than branding or franchising, we can create a community that is dynamic, mission-oriented, and led by the Holy Spirit. [36:02]

Acts 13:2-3 (ESV): "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off."

Reflection: How can you contribute to creating a modern-day Antioch in your church? What role can you play in supporting and sending out individuals called by God?


Day 5: Breaking Spiritual Strongholds
Description: We must engage in spiritual warfare to break off spirits of intimidation, rejection, and witchcraft. This involves contending for a new season of freedom, deliverance, and apostolic anointing, and coming into agreement with the grace God has given us. Spiritual strongholds can hinder our progress and keep us from fulfilling our divine purpose, but through prayer and intercession, we can overcome these obstacles. By breaking these strongholds, we can enter into a new season of spiritual freedom and empowerment, allowing us to walk in the fullness of God's calling for our lives. [01:06:47]

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV): "For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: What spiritual strongholds are you facing in your life? How can you engage in spiritual warfare to break these strongholds and walk in the freedom and anointing God has for you?

Quotes

1. "So I just want to encourage you with that in Jesus name. Okay, so Ephesians chapter four, I want to begin reading in verse four, Ephesians 4, 4. There is one body, one spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, one God and father of all who is over all and through all and in all." [08:55] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "Grace is divine influence upon the heart. Another person would say grace is divine empowerment to accomplish. And fulfill the will of God. Can I step down from here? Is that okay? It won't go crazy. Okay. So who has grace in this room? Okay. If you're a believer in Jesus, right? Every person has grace operating and active in your life. Grace is divine influence upon the heart. Grace is divine empowerment to accomplish the will of God." [09:55] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "So many of us are saying God please come and he's saying I'm already there I'm already there I'm already there I'm already there I'm more than there I live in you well holy spirit help me he has helped you he's filled you he resides on the inside of you sometimes it's more than god do something we have to get off of our rear end and start partnering okay remember I'm here for the meat and the potatoes okay I'm not doing the tickle me elmo prophecy stuff okay I'm not doing like another like we have to grow up into all things who is christ the lord wants to mature us as his people he wants each one of us to continue to partner with the grace that he has given us" [12:52] (59 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "Grace has been given to every believer in Jesus it's empowerment it's in I want you to look at grace not as a concept but as a person this is why paul writes according to the divine power that's at work within you put your hand on your belly for a minute you got a million dollars in there you have purpose you I'm saying it's not floating out there you don't need like a prophet they're supposed to confirm what's in here right you're dangerous you're lethal you're a warrior you're a lion you're like you you got it turn to your neighbor and say you got it" [16:52] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "Grace determines function so you could have again measures one up let's just stick with apostles all apostles but different measures of grace then you bring in prophets evangelists you not only have different five-fold graces you have different measures of grace so Paul is saying in agreement with the grace I've given you I say to you so grace determines our function so I plant this church and just because it's religious it's pastor pastor this pastor that and the Lord starts dealing with with me you're not a pastor I never called you to be a pastor you might have got ordained as a pastor but you are not a pastor and I said to the Lord what's the big deal he said you are in disagreement with the grace that God has given you" [26:44] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "So Paul comes into agreement. And again, we know he's trained, he's educated. But that brother needed to be knocked off a horse and blinded. Right? To get the picture. I hope it doesn't take that much for you and I. And I sure hope the prophetic word ain't the same. You know, the word Paul got. And now I will show you how much you must suffer. So into that offering. Nope, next. That's definitely for somebody else. I'm definitely not in agreement with that. Okay. But he comes." [31:28] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "So there's room for everybody right surely there's a enough lost people in baltimore so no lost people in charlotte that we can stop fighting and bickering and becoming jealous grace has been given but according to the measure so different from the law grace has been given to every believer in jesus and every believer in jesus and every believer in jesus has been given to every believer in jesus prophets to the house prophets to still all prophets but we're learning our sphere we're learning our measure we're learning how to grow up into it oftentimes it takes longer than we would hope what i'm trying to tell you is oftentimes the one that the ones that you see get it quicker than others don't last you you'll see their fear it gets worst and you have a feeling so if it was if it means you'd pen had folded sleeves and you're kind of stairs we want to to to to you to to to" [20:26] (89 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "So I just. You Father's house, Baltimore. Are you in agreement with the grace that God has given this house? Start with the list. Start with you. Because again, it's corporate. But it's, are you, sister, brother, young, old. Are you in agreement with the grace that God has given? Well, I don't even know what it is. Well, who you know is more important. Than what you know. And I, I, I'll wager. I'll promise you this. If you get to know who lives on the inside of you. He will show you." [32:15] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "So in an apostolic house, we are geared to train and equip and send you into your sphere of influence. So. So when you're looking for an apostolic house, you're looking for someone who's more concerned with what God has given you and where you're going than coddling you. Like if I could, like apostles, the best description of them I could give you is sandpaper. Am I helping anyone today? Yeah, she's saying smooth me out. Oh, yeah, you, oh, yeah. You got devil. You got, I mean, yeah, it's spiritual warfare 24-7. All right, they keep talking about demon spirits. That's their grace." [41:17] (68 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "So, they're multicultural. Okay? Even, again, just think with me. You have Menin who had been brought up with Herod. This is the guy who commanded that John the Baptist had be brought on the platter. Okay? So, you even have one leader here whose scholars would say he's probably a stepbrother to Herod who had John killed. You had a brother from Northern Africa. You had a brother from Cyprus. Multi-cultural team leadership at Antioch. The kingdom trumps culture. Not a cultural gospel. A biblical gospel. We need them all. Okay?" [49:21] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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