Message: “Maximizing Seasons” from Min Oluleke
Min Oluleke - June 19, 2022
Maximizing Seasons
TITLE: MAXIMIZING THE SEASONS OF LIFE OBJECTIVES: To introduce the 4 seasons from promise to fulfilment To teach how to make the most of each season To give prayer strategies for each season INTRODUCTION God is a God of times and seasons. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 1 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: 8 a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. (NKJV) 1 Chronicles 12:32 of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command; (NKJV) THE FOUR SEASONS There are four seasons between Promise and Fulfilment: i) The promise season ii) The delay season iii) The wilderness season iv) The Good Land season 1) THE PROMISE SEASON - When we become aware of God's plans and purposes for us. - Includes all that happens prior to, during and shortly after knowing God’s plans and purposes for us. Applies only to born-again believers in Christ. (a) Do not be Idle in God's Work Haggai 1:1-11 2 “Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying: ‘This people says, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” 3 Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 “Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this [a]temple to lie in ruins?” 5 Now therefore, thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 6 “You have sown much, and bring in little; You eat, but do not have enough; You drink, but you are not filled with drink; You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm; And he who earns wages, Earns wages to put into a bag with holes.” 7 Thus says the Lord of hosts: “Consider your ways! 8 Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the [b]temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord. 9 “You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house. (b) Invest in Others’ Vision Paul: active prophet/teacher member of church at Antioch (Acts 13) David: shepherd boy in his dad’s business Elisha: working for his dad, ploughing oxen Gideon: threshing wheat in his dad’s winepress Peter, James and John: working alongside father, Zebedee (c) Prayer Strategies for the Promise Season Prayers Before: Enquiry prayers about God's unique plans and purposes for us as individuals (Jeremiah 29:13) Enquiry for revelation of what God would have us do for Him (Acts 9:6) Prayers After: Pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding to build (your tower of purpose/calling) (Luke 14:28-30, Prov. 24:3-4) Pray for the Lord to lead you to and connect you with your destiny mentors (1 Timothy 1:2). How to know: by revelation, and by interest or stirring of the heart (Exodus 36:1-2). Pray that your life and calling shall be a huge blessing to people who shall become ministry and destiny helpers (Luke 8:1-3). 2) DELAY SEASON Questions: Why did Abraham have to wait so long as 25 years for Isaac, although God was with him all that time? Why didn't God do it within 9 months of first speaking to him? Do you think God felt he "delayed" Abraham? Or was just having a walk with his friend? (a) You Need Faith-Generating Rhema Rhema: “An utterance.” It refers to a word that is spoken. A rhema is a verse or portion of Scripture that the Holy Spirit brings to our attention with application to a current situation or need for direction. It is also the voice of the Holy Spirit giving us instructions/direction for specific situations of life. Matthew 4:4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Don’t be satisfied with DAILY LOGOS; Wait upon God for DAILY RHEMA. Without Rhema, we could end up like Zechariah - religious and prayerful but without faith. (b) Hear Rhema Regularly and Consistently God spoke to Abraham at least 5 recorded times before Isaac was born. When He instructed him to leave for Canaan and after he arrived (Gen. 12) When He promised him the entire land of Canaan (Gen. 13) When He assured him he would have a biological heir (Gen. 15) When He instituted circumcision (Gen. 17) When He was about to judge Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 18-19) (c) Prayer Stratgies for the Delay Season Open my eyes Lord to behold wondrous things out of your word (Psalm 119:18). Let your word inspire active faith in me. Help me to maintain an atmosphere that enables me to hear what you're saying - praise and ministering unto the Lord (Psalm 22:3, Acts 13:2-12). Fill me with the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in my knowledge of you. Let the eyes of my understanding be enlightened (Ephesians 1:17). Give me pastors and teachers of your word after your own heart who will expound the truth of your word unto me (Jeremiah 3:15).
Scripture References: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8