Seasons - [Notes]

Change can bring all sorts of emotions and responses—some of excitement, some of grief, and some in between. Pastor Josh will help us navigate these emotions as we enter a new season by giving us insight into what God says about change and how we can prepare our hearts to handle it well. Join us for "Seasons!"
Takeaway: We can navigate seasons of change well.
We can navigate seasons of change well.

  1. Expect change
There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace.
– Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (HCSB)
Sovereignty of God: The Biblical teaching that God possesses all power and is the ruler of all things (Psalm 135:6, Daniel 4:34-35). God rules the world according to His eternal purpose, even through events that seem to contradict or oppose His rule.
Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
“Timing is important. All the experiences listed in these verses are appropriate at certain times. The secret to having peace with God is to discover, accept, and appreciate God’s perfect timing. There is danger in doubting or resenting God’s timing. This can lead to despair, rebellion, or moving ahead without His guidance.”
Life Application Study Bible
We can navigate seasons of change well.

  1. Expect change
  2. Embrace your emotions
After he said this, he knelt down and prayed with all of them. There was a great deal of weeping by everyone. They embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving most of all over his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.
– Acts 20:36-38 (HCSB)
Tears are natural. They are uniquely engineered by God in the human nervous system. Emotional tears–not reflex tears that occur when you get something in your eye–have a specifically therapeutic chemical makeup. They include higher concentrations of proteins, manganese, prolactin and adrenocorticotropic hormone, of the best-known indicators of stress. They also release enkephalin, which is an endorphin  and natural painkiller. How remarkable that God has hardwired us to weep when we come to the end of our resources! Tears wash away the buildup of toxic chemicals that accrue under stress. They are part of the process that can restore psychological and physiological balance. Tears ease the pain of broken bodies and broken hearts.
–Adele Calhoun, Invitations from God, 87-88
We can navigate seasons of change well.

  1. Expect change
  2. Embrace your emotions
  3. Experience God’s presence 
Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.
– Joshua 1:9 (HCSB)
And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
– Matthew 28:20b (HCSB)

Discussion Questions // 

  1. Share about a time you went through an exciting change, like moving to a new place, starting a new job, or a new relationship. What made it exciting for you?
  2. In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, we see that there is a season for everything in life. How does this passage help you view changes, both expected and unexpected? How does it speak to our current season of change as a church family?
  3. Acts 20:36-38 shows the deep emotions Paul and the Ephesian elders experienced during their farewell. Have you ever experienced strong emotions during a season of change, whether in your personal life or within the church? How did you process those emotions? 
  4. Joshua 1:9 reminds us that God is with us wherever we go. As someone who was named after this verse, Pastor Josh shared how it has guided him through changes. How does the assurance of God’s presence impact your ability to face change, especially in challenging times?
  5. Reflect on the current changes in your life and in our church. What steps can you take this week to expect change, embrace your emotions, and experience God’s presence more deeply as you navigate these transitions? How can our group support one other in this?

Worship Setlist // 

Praise the Lord // 1,000 Names // No Body // It Is Well

Devotional // 

Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.

Catch Up // 

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Give // 

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity—we cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.
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