2015: Be Expectant!
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen
Ephesians 3:20
Let’s Be Expectant of all that God is saying and doing in the world: we have lots to anticipate! What is it that you imagine God can do in GB in your part of the world? What do you want to ask of Him confident that He will respond? In order to help you engage with the theme of expectation throughout the year, we have devised a range of resources which you can dip into. They are split into four sections:
- Reflect
- Explore
- Worship framework
- Creative ideas for worship
Reflect
These reflections have been written by a number Girls’ Brigade friends and office bearers from around the world. You may use them in range of ways: for personal reflection, as articles in your GB publications, on your websites, as devotional thoughts for your conferences, meetings and activities, as monthly Bible studies with a group of other GB leaders , as a series of worship themes at a retreat or leadership training event – or in any other way you choose.
The power of love
Whatever a girl’s background or upbringing, all we can ever hope for them is they know love, writes team leader Sally Claydon.
Strength & Essence of Woman
Ponderings about what Paul Dunn’s painting “The Strength and Essence of Women” can say to us as women today.
Lessons from a relay race
Ruth Gilson takes inspiration from the life of Timothy and relay races to learn about empowering others.
Expect the unexpected
By Alison MargettsAnna didn’t care nor worry what the world saw, she spent her time in the temple worshiping her Lord and expecting to see great things. Anna was aware that one day the promised Messiah would come.
Expect greater things
By Ruth Gilson - Executive DirectorI wonder if William Carey knew that his faith, his expectancy of God, his discipleship would lead to a world-wide movement where women and men today are involved in life-giving mission?
Don’t settle for unfulfilled life
By Ruth ChikasaIt’s easy to settle for living an unfilled life, because we don’t raise our expectancy of ourselves or of God, so I encourage you – expect great things to happen in your life.
Don’t be discouraged
By Charlotte HendyDespite all of the times God has shown up in our lives, we still become so easily discouraged. I feel a bit like the Israelites who, after being freed from slavery and the awful regime of the Pharaoh, stand in the desert and doubt that God will provide them with food.
Courage and comfort zones
By Mrs Tay Poh ImmWe will all face challenges and tough decisions everyday of our lives. Alone, we are weak and uncertain, but if we wait and listen expectantly to God’s voice, He will always be faithful to guide us according to His will
Chosen by God
By Priscilla PennyGod’s choosing of us is not based on anything we have done, because we were chosen by Him even before the world was made. And we were chosen not just to be saved, but to be completely clean before him, because of the blood of Jesus.
Beauty for ashes
By Hazelann Hannaway BorleandWhen we embrace the joy of being Expectant we too can see the DIAMONDS in every girl crossing our path and introduce them to Christ who is waiting to give them ‘beauty for ashes.’
Explore
These questions are designed to help national boards, executive committees and local groups focus on the strategic responses that need to be made as we engage with God’s promise to give and give and give again. There are three key questions to be used as you see fit throughout the year.
An open door
At ICGB 2014 we were challenged to see that one third of the world had never heard the name of Jesus, and another third may have heard but have not engaged with Him.
Worship Framework
This will give you the shape of a worship event which you can use as suits your area and young people.
Some may wish to use it on the International Day of Prayer in conjunction with the Prayer Wave Material. Others may choose to use this as a focus at their national or fellowship conferences or celebrations. The framework offers options, suggestions and ideas regarding readings, worship songs, prayers and talks from which you may select and adapt to create something relevant to your need.
Worship for Theme of Expectancy
An example order of service with ideas for songs, prayers and reflections which you can adapt for groups of all ages.
Creative ideas for worship
In this section you will find a range of creative worship ideas from around the world for use with leaders, children and young women.
Watch and Wait
By Girls' Brigade New ZealandSometimes when things take a long time to happen, we get tired and bored of waiting and watching for it. When we pray to God we need to wait and watch to see Him answer our prayers.
The Second Coming of Christ
By Girls' Brigade AfricaThis event is yet to happen and although the prospect of the scene may fill us with awe, it should not fill us with fear. It is the fulfilment of Jesus’ promise to His followers, that He will return to take us home
The desires of your heart
By Girls' Brigade England and WalesIf this is God’s promise to us (and it is) what is it that we are EXPECTING Him to give us? If we don’t know what it is we expect we won’t know when He has done His thing! Encourage everyone to think what the desire of their heart is. What do they want from God?
The Big Reveal
By Girls' Brigade United States of AmericaWhat does God EXPECT of us in worship? We should expect Him to be present even though he is unseen and we should focus on Him
Pass the Parcel
By Girls' Brigade Northern IrelandTalk with your group that God is so good. Everything He gives and offers is greater than what we could imagine. The Lord is good to those whom have hope/expect from Him. (Lamentations 3:25)
Microwave or Crock Pot
By Girls' Brigade CaribbeanWhat does God EXPECT of us while awaiting His second coming? Stay the course. The gospel account of EXPECTANCY is not microwave fervor, but it is zealous commitment despite the circumstance.
Expect to Reap
By Caribbean and AmericasIf you are working with young people encourage the group to examine what kind of seeds they have planted in the last week and what expectation they have as a result. What we sow is what comes back in our life.
Be Expectant
By Girls' Brigade AustraliaAs we need to prepare when we are going away so we need to prepare for the return of Jesus. Ask the group, what they will need to do to be prepared for Jesus’ return – live the kind of life that puts others first and do things which please God.