Finding Peace in His Presence: A Devotional for Anxiety

This devotional is AI-adapted from our Stripped Series of teachings.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” – 1 John 4:18

Life can feel overwhelming. The world around us seems filled with division, hatred, fear, and uncertainty. Maybe you’re facing anxieties about your health, your family, your future, or even your salvation. Perhaps old habits and feelings of unworthiness cling to you, whispering doubts and fears into your heart. Remember, friend, you are not alone in this struggle.

In Zechariah 3:1-5, we see a powerful image of being cleansed and clothed anew. Like Joshua the high priest, we too can come before God, acknowledging our imperfections and receiving His grace. For God so loved the world, He sent his only Son to change our eternity. Jesus took on our burdens, our anxieties, and our fears. He was “stripped” of everything, even life itself, so that we could be “clothed in Christ’s Righteousness.” Believe that Jesus stripped away the sting of death and the penalty of sin, and that you have been made clean through His sacrifice.

Trust Him. Let go of control. Don’t allow the fear of the things of the world to cause you to clench up and try to grab hold tighter. He is sovereign, even over the powers that cause fear. Allow His perfect love to cast out your anxieties, replacing them with a peace that surpasses understanding.

Surrendering Your Fears
Take some time to reflect on the following questions. Be honest with yourself and with God, trusting that He is listening with compassion and understanding.

What specific anxieties are weighing heavily on your heart today? Write them down.
Can you identify any “old garments” of shame, guilt, or past failures that you are still clinging to? Consider how accepting “your new identity in Christ” will make things new.
How can you actively “cast off your anxieties and cares” and trust in God’s plan for your life, knowing that He has already overcome the world for you?
What practical steps can you take this week to “live in the new garments that Christ has given you” – forgiveness, righteousness, and secure salvation? Consider focusing on prayer and Bible study.

Father God, I come before You today, acknowledging my anxieties and fears. I confess that I often try to control situations and worry about things beyond my control. Forgive me for not trusting in Your perfect plan for my life. I choose to surrender my anxieties to You now, knowing that You are sovereign over all things. Help me to feel the breakthrough and relief of having the weight of my worries lifted. Clothe me in Christ’s righteousness, fill me with Your peace, and empower me to live a life free from fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

When Ministry Comes First: Rediscovering Our True Calling

I read an Oswald Chambers devotional this morning—someone in our community shared the link to yesterday’s entry, so I decided to check out today’s post as well. You can find it here: “Is He Really Lord?”. Some of the highlights from that devotional really resonated with me.

I can get caught up in the whole “content creator” mindset, thinking about growing my numbers or making an income. But first and foremost, I have a church—a small flock—to care for, and that’s the ministry God gave me. I’m not a content creator first; I’m a pastor first. So I need to be cautious about anything I add to my plate. Oswald Chambers says, “Have I received a ministry from the Lord? If so, I have to be loyal to it. I have to count my life precious only for its fulfillment.”

Second, our ministry (or calling) comes from staying connected to the Vine. Chambers points out, “We must get to know Jesus as more than our personal savior; we must know him as an intimate companion. Only then will he reveal to us our purpose.” That challenges me to spend time with Him, rather than pouring all my energy into content creation, gaining followers, and so on.

This part really struck me: “Do you love me?” Jesus asked Peter. “Feed my sheep” (John 21:17). Notice that Jesus doesn’t give us a choice about how to serve. That realization hits hard. In both my day-to-day career and my ministry work, I see that His call is a command. It’s not up for negotiation. It’s about doing what He’s purposed for me to do.

Chambers also says, “But the need isn’t what’s calling us; the need is simply an opportunity for answering the call. The call itself is a call to absolute loyalty.” We can become so wrapped up in audience numbers, a bigger church, or an income that we lose sight of our real call. If God’s calling us to share the Gospel with whoever He puts in front of us, we need to focus on that. Everything else is a distraction.

I know my purpose and calling is to minister His Word. It’s not about picking and choosing a flock, recruiting more followers, or doing something that might personally fulfill someone else. I need to watch out for demands and distractions that pull me away from my God-given purpose. As Oswald Chambers ends: “It does mean that you will have to ignore the demands for service along other lines.”

May we all remain faithful to the unique calling God has placed on our lives, staying connected to Him and loyal to the work He’s entrusted to us.

Reflection Questions

Which distractions or demands are most likely to pull you away from God’s calling in your life?
How can you intentionally nurture your relationship with Jesus—beyond simply knowing Him as Savior—so you’re fully connected to the Vine?
In what practical ways can you remain loyal to the ministry or purpose God has given you, even when it conflicts with other enticing opportunities?

The Journey of Spiritual Hunger and Thirst

This post has been generated with the help of AI, reflecting on the themes and teachings from my recent sermon.

Today I’d like to share some insights from a recent sermon I shared with Innovate Church on April 28, 2024. Let’s explore together the deep questions about our spiritual journey and the answers that can guide us toward a life of righteousness.

What does it mean to truly hunger and thirst for righteousness?

To “hunger and thirst for righteousness” means feeling a profound, persistent desire to align one’s life with God’s will. Imagine the deepest physical hunger or thirst you’ve experienced; this is how our spirit feels about righteousness. Matthew 5:6 from the Beatitudes promises us that such spiritual longings will be satisfied. This beatitude emphasizes the necessity of recognizing our spiritual emptiness and the need to fill it with divine presence and guidance.

How do the previous Beatitudes prepare us for this hunger and thirst?

The earlier Beatitudes set the stage for a true craving for righteousness. Being “poor in spirit” means acknowledging our complete dependence on God, devoid of spiritual pride. Mourning our sins leads to a repentant heart, while meekness cultivates humility—essential steps before we can earnestly seek righteousness. These spiritual conditions prime our hearts to receive and cherish the divine righteousness that God alone can provide.

What are practical steps to cultivate a life that hungers and thirsts for righteousness?

Cultivating such a life involves deliberate spiritual disciplines. Just as one might clean unhealthy foods out of their fridge to improve physical health, we must also clear our lives of spiritual impediments. Replacing them with regular prayer, meditation, Scripture study, and engaging in community with fellow believers are essential practices. These habits help us fill the void left by worldly desires with something infinitely more nourishing.

How do we maintain our spiritual health and hunger in times of temptation and challenge?

Maintaining spiritual health, especially during challenges, requires resilience and continuous spiritual nourishment. Analogous to dieting, where one might switch to healthier food options, our spiritual life also demands regular attention and adjustment. Temptations are like the unhealthy snacks that tempt us; we must consciously choose to reject them and replace them with wholesome spiritual practices.

How can we support each other in our quest for righteousness?

Communal support is crucial in our spiritual journey. Like athletes who benefit from the encouragement of coaches and fans, we thrive spiritually within a supportive community. In our church, we foster an environment where members can share their struggles and victories, providing encouragement and accountability. This communal support is vital for nurturing our spiritual growth and perseverance.

What is the ultimate promise for those who pursue this path?

The ultimate promise for those diligently seeking righteousness is profound peace and fulfillment—far surpassing temporary earthly pleasures. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” This divine assurance promises enduring fulfillment and a closer alignment with God’s purpose for our lives.

Thank you for joining me in reflecting on these spiritual truths. As we continue to seek God’s righteousness, let us support one another and share the joy of a life that is truly satisfied in Christ.

Find Support in Your Spiritual Journey

Don’t walk the Spiritual journey alone. Walk it with us. Let us encourage and spur you on to good works. We have a Discord community where we connect and encourage each other throughout the week we’d love you to join. There you can also keep up with our live church online activities like our Thursday night Zoom Bible studies and Sunday livestream church services. Won’t you join us?

Finding Hope in Suffering: You Are Not Alone

Blog post adapted from my sermon transcript on Jesus’s “I Am the Resurrection and the Life” statement using AI.

Have you ever felt completely alone in your pain and suffering? Like no one understands what you’re going through? The loneliness and isolation can feel suffocating at times.

I want you to know that you are not alone. There is a community of people who have been where you are. And more importantly, there is a Savior named Jesus who intimately understands your suffering. He promises never to leave or forsake you.

The Weight of Loneliness
In the Gospel of John, we read about two sisters named Mary and Martha who were dealing with overwhelming grief after the death of their brother Lazarus. They sent word to Jesus that the one he loved was ill, surely hoping he would come quickly. But Jesus delayed. By the time he arrived, Lazarus had been dead four days.

Mary and Martha must have felt so alone in their mourning. Where was Jesus, whom they thought of as a friend? Why did he take so long to come? The sting of death was bad enough without feeling abandoned too.

Maybe you can relate to those feelings of isolation and abandonment that Mary and Martha experienced. A loved one gone. Prayers that seem to go unanswered. An all-consuming sadness. You cry out, “God, why have you left me alone in this pit of darkness?”

The Truth of His Presence
But here’s the truth – you are not alone. Not ever. Jesus made an astounding claim to Martha that day at the tomb of Lazarus. He said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”

Jesus was letting Martha know that He has power over death itself. Death is not the end. And He is intimately present with us, even in our darkest valleys. He does not just observe our suffering from a distance. He weeps with us (John 11:35). He understands our anguish in a profound way.

In fact, Jesus experienced the ultimate loneliness and isolation when he took on the sins of the world. On the cross, he was forsaken by the Father so that we would never have to be separated from God’s love. Jesus became sin itself so that we could be made right with God (2 Corinthians 5:21). He drank the cup of God’s wrath over sin so that we could drink the cup of acceptance as children of God.

Purpose in the Pain
Not only does Jesus intimately experience our suffering with us, He has an eternal purpose for allowing it. The Bible tells us that our present sufferings “are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). Our momentary afflictions are “preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Jesus demonstrated this when he intentionally delayed going to Lazarus so that God’s power could be displayed in raising him from the dead. Your pain may seem purposeless now. But Jesus promises that He will use it to accomplish something of eternal significance, if you trust Him. Your suffering is never wasted in His hands.

An Invitation to Belong
Not only do you never have to feel alone in your trials, you are invited into a loving community of people who will weep with you, pray with you, and carry your burdens. Church is not just a building or an organization – it is a spiritual family.

As the sermon said, “You are not to be a Christian out there living the faith alone. You’re part of the body. You need to be reattached with the body…We will take you in if you’re a lone Christian out there looking for family, or even if you’re not even Christian yet, you’re just kind of interested or curious. We’ll welcome you.”

You belong. You are wanted. You are loved, despite your failures and shortcomings. The arms of this spiritual family are open wide to embrace you.

An Eternal Hope
Jesus does not abandon his people to the grave. When he resurrected Lazarus, it foreshadowed His own bodily resurrection three days after his death on a cross. By conquering death, Jesus has secured eternal life for all who put their faith in Him.

“As he declared, “Whoever lives and believes in me shall never die” (John 11:26). Physical death is merely a temporary sleep. For those who put their faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, physical death is just a passing from this life into eternal life with Him.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Our earthly bodies may die, but we will be resurrected into new, imperishable bodies to live forever with Christ. Death is swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54)!

So you see, even when walking through the darkest valley of suffering and death, we never have to fear. We can take comfort that Jesus has triumphed over sin, death, loneliness and pain. By His resurrection, He has secured for us eternal life and the promise to wipe away every tear from our eyes (Revelation 21:4). Our suffering now is temporary; eternal joy awaits for those who put their hope in the risen Savior.”

Your Personal Invitiation

Join us in our Discord community.

Embracing Discord: Our Church’s Community Hub

I previously touched on not pushing a move from YouTube to Twitch. Now, I’m spinning the narrative a bit because I’m all in on getting us onto Discord. Here’s the scoop on why and how.

Being a digital-only church means we lack a physical space. No building, no signs, no traditional gathering spots. But here’s the thing: our church is never “closed.” We’re up and running 24/7, every day of the year, offering community for those who might not sync up with our live streaming times. This is the beauty of what’s known as an “asynchronous community.”

Discord, like online forums and Facebook Groups, thrives on this concept. It’s not about when you post, but what you post, centered around shared goals or topics. This model is a game-changer for online churches, allowing us to foster fellowship and spiritual growth in new ways.

Why Discord Shines for Us:

Flexibility and Inclusion: One of the standout benefits is the flexibility in participation. Whether it’s due to varying schedules, different time zones, or personal preferences, asynchronous communities allow church members to engage in their own time. This inclusivity ensures that everyone, from the homebound to the international member, can be an active part of our church family.
Richer Conversations: Unlike the fleeting moments of our in-person gatherings, asynchronous platforms enable deeper, more reflective discussions. Members can ponder over sermon discussions, share prayer requests, or contribute to Bible study with thoughtful responses. This not only enriches the quality of interactions but also fosters a deeper spiritual connection among members.
Continuous Spiritual Journey: With a record of conversations and shared resources easily accessible, the spiritual journey doesn’t pause between services. Instead, it continues to flourish, with members revisiting sermons, discussions, and following up on prayer requests at their leisure. This ongoing engagement strengthens faith and community bonds.
Cost-Effective Community: For churches operating on limited resources, asynchronous platforms present a cost-effective way to maintain a vibrant church community. From private groups for sensitive support discussions to open forums for general fellowship, these platforms accommodate the full spectrum of church life.

I see our Discord server as a digital church building, where each channel is a room for different small groups or discussions. It’s a place where connections made can be deeper than those in traditional settings.

My dream? A place where anyone can share, day or night, and feel seen and supported by a community that cares deeply.

We already have channels in the community for gender-specific groups, mental health support, bible and church talk, and others that offer spaces for conversation and connection on a range of themes. And it costs us nothing to add a new channel, a new small group ministry, or a resource in this space. There are no rooms to build and often no need for a volunteer leader. Adding a new channel or group is easy and free, making our community space infinitely expandable.

What About Facebook and Texting?

Facebook has its place, but while we have a group there, it isn’t particularly helpful or well-engaged. Part of the problem is how Facebook chooses what it shares with everyone even if you’re a member of the group. I may post something, and you never know it because Facebook didn’t notify you. I also find Facebook’s group features a bit confusing in many ways. Then there are all the Facebook distractions that I hate. Today most of us are on Facebook because it’s been ingrained into us that “we’re supposed” to be on Facebook.

With Discord, there are no distractions. It is nothing but conversation that is easy to follow in most cases. The sharing of ideas and encouragement. You can easily get notifications on your mobile device informing you of new posts, direct messages, or even event reminders.

Texting has been our primary “during the week” communication outside of our online times together. Texting is great for instant communication. But, again, when it comes to having a “permanent” record of communication and conversation others might learn from, an asynchronous group is much better. For bible studies online or trying to lead a small group and share videos or readings with one another, that’s all a bit more difficult.

Another concern I have about maintaining a texting group is the safety aspect. We’re giving out our actual phone numbers to others in the belief these folks are going to be “good” and indeed most are. But what about when one does come in, or maybe one goes off the rails a bit? It’s also not super convenient to add new folks due to creating a new group and making sure everyone announces who they are so everyone knows whose number is who’s. Right now, it has worked for us, but as we continue to add folks, it’s going to become more difficult and possibly more unsafe in the future.

Discord has a direct messaging feature which may be a way for us to connect. You can have multiple groups, and no one shares their phone number. You can even do voice call channels or groups and use it like Zoom if desired. Just like a text message, you’d get a notification on your phone alerting you to either a DM or a new post in the Discord group.

So, while Twitch wasn’t the move, Discord definitely is. It’s the best spot for our church’s online interactions, offering a free, flexible, and safe environment for our community to thrive.

And, just to keep you up to date, we are looking to do more small group events such as a ladies’ Bible study hosted by one of our members, and a men’s bible study hosted by one of our members or myself. This is another great benefit of Discord because we can have folks easily run groups around their own schedules. Everyone doesn’t have to be online at a certain time unless there’s a live teaching. So each person can watch, read, listen to, whatever the group is studying and then comment, discuss, when they have time.

How Do You Use Discord?

I know that’s a question for some of you, so I wanted to include a few screenshots to help with this. These are all from an iPhone but the principles are nearly identical for Android and apply to a large degree if you use the web browser or PC program.

First, you’ll need to download the app from your brand’s app store.

You’ll need to open it and register a new account. Like anything, it’ll ask you for your email, user name, create a password, etc. It will likely ask for permission to use your phone, mic, camera, etc…all of which allow you to share things from your phone to Discord when you want to share a picture, make a call, etc.

Once everything is setup you’re ready to join our server. Sadly, the only way to do this is by using an invite link. If you go to the Innovate Church website, the “Join Our Community” button is an actual invite link. If you press it on your phone, it should open the Discord app for you. And it should take you to our “Start Here” channel. (Here’s the invite link as well so you can do it straight from this blog if you desire).

Once in the community, you’ll see a list of “Channels” on the left. Clicking on any of them takes you inside of that channel where you can post or join in the conversations already happening. Your post is only inside that specific channel. Hence, we have topic-based channels.

This is my app. You won’t have the bunch of icons on the left until you join multiple Discord communities as I have. You can see our channel list to the right of those icons…”Start-Here,” “Welcome-New-Members,” etc. If the channel has a little lock icon like the Kingdom Men channel does, that is because it is an invite-only channel. An admin, or myself, can invite you in.

At the bottom of your screen, you see the 4 icons, or buttons.

The left one is to get back to the server page…so you can see the list of channels again, or the channel you are in.

The second button is for your messaging. This is where direct messages are kept.

There are two important buttons I circled here. The top one is your “Add Friends” button. There you can search for friends or message someone off Discord an invite link. The circled button at the bottom is used to begin a new message.

Once you’ve chosen the friend(s) you want to message it will bring you to the message composing screen. It’s similar to others you’ve seen.

At the top right, you see the option of calling or video chatting.
Just below that, you see who you are messaging. The little plus sign to the right of their name allows you to add others to the message…like a group text.
At the very bottom, the plus sign allows you to attach files or open the camera to take a photo.
The image button to the right of the plus sign is for attaching a photo you’ve already taken or an image stored on your phone.
The little “Gift” icon is to purchase “gift” someone an upgraded level of Discord…you won’t likely use this unless you’re feeling generous and want to pay someone’s Discord “Nitro” subscription for their server.
The smiley face is of course the emotes, GIFs, and stickers just like you would in your Android or Apple texting app.
The microphone allows you to leave a voice message instead of text.

The last button at the bottom right of your app screen is your profile. There you can add your bio, photo, online status if you desire.

Notifications

One of the most important things is the notifications for your phone or device.

On your particular device you should find notification settings in your phone’s settings.

However, there are notification settings in Discord as well.

On the Server page, at the top you’ll see the server’s name and … to the right of the name. You can click those dots and find the notification setting for the entire channel. That’s one thing.

The other thing is the individual channels. Say there is one in particular that you want to ignore or be notified about everything. You can access the individual channel notifications by long pressing on the title of the channel. This pops up a menu for you.

I believe that is all friends. Of course I am here to help you navigate as needed.

Looking ahead, we’re excited about hosting more small group events, like ladies’ and men’s Bible studies, easily managed around personal schedules thanks to Discord.

Let’s make the shift to Discord together, fostering a vibrant, supportive, and deeply connected online church family.

YouTube or Twitch – Where Do YOU Fit?

I’m not pushing you to switch platforms I’m just seeking lost sheep.

Hey everyone,

I felt compelled to share some thoughts for those of you pondering whether to switch platforms. Straight off the bat: NO. Just because I’ve started streaming on Twitch doesn’t mean you need to jump ship from YouTube if that’s where you’ve been engaging with us. I’m not abandoning YouTube. Our videos will always have a home there, unlike on Twitch, where content isn’t permanent. And we will continue our live streams there.

Twitch isn’t a one-size-fits-all platform. It’s predominantly gamer territory. Yes, there’s a variety of content, especially in the “Just Chatting” category, but it still leans heavily towards gaming. Twitch, like YouTube, hosts a wide range of content, barring explicit nudity. Both platforms are vast seas of podcasts, news, cooking shows, fitness advice, and more. This diversity is both a risk and a benefit of the digital age.

So, why Twitch for me?

Our YouTube streams haven’t been catching many “drop-in” viewers. Without a substantial following, it’s tough to attract spontaneous visitors since YouTube tends to promote streams mainly to existing subscribers and those with much larger followings.

Experimenting with Twitch was something I wanted to try. I have friends in the digital church community there and had already been engaging with some content before deciding to stream there myself. Twitch’s culture is built around live streaming and fostering community interaction. Conversations are more likely and expected; it’s a place where viewers are encouraged to chat and engage directly with streamers.

More than just experimentation, I sensed a profound loneliness among many Twitch users. What leads someone to watch streams for hours on end? What does their daily life look like? Why do they choose streaming over spending time with family and friends? They’re seeking connection, belonging, and perhaps an escape, in the security of their own home. And it’s these individuals Innovate aims to welcome into our community, offering the acceptance and belonging they’re searching for.

To me, YouTube excels as an entertainment medium, striving for community but not quite achieving the same closeness you find on Twitch. Twitch is all about live content and making connections, whether as a streamer or viewer. These connections can lead to our online commmunity for deeper connection with us.

Interestingly, stats reveal YouTube viewership is primarily mobile, suggesting a more active, less isolated audience. In contrast, Twitch users predominantly watch from home PCs, indicating a more introverted viewer.

This isn’t about shifting our audience from one platform to another. It’s about reaching and serving those we feel called to include in our community. I want you to stay where you are comfortable.

A huge thanks to our followers on Twitch and YouTube alike. Your support means the world to us, and we value each of you equally. We love you!

If you’re seeking that closer community with us, then I want to invite you into our Discord community.

You can catch our live streamed activities on the platform your prefer, YouTube, Twitch, or even Facebook.

You can catch me on Twitch playing games, doing bible study, or whatever else I’m into on my Pastor G channel.

Rembrandt in the Wind: Session 2

Connection Between Beauty and God’s Promises:

Question: How does the story of God showing Abraham the stars relate to the concept of beauty connecting us to God’s promises?

Genesis 15:5 – “He took him outside and said, ‘Look up at the sky and count the stars—if indeed you can count them.’ Then he said to him, ‘So shall your offspring be.'”

Beauty in Creation:

Question: In what ways does the beauty of creation around us point to the glory and character of God?

Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Longing for Beauty:

Question: How does our innate longing for beauty reflect our deeper longing for God and His kingdom?

Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

Beauty’s Role in Faith:

Question: How can beauty, as seen in nature or art, aid in strengthening or awakening faith in God?

Scripture: [Open for discussion; consider exploring how nature and art often lead to moments of spiritual reflection and awakening.]

Beauty and Worship:

Question: Discuss how acts of beauty, like the woman anointing Jesus with perfume, can be forms of worship and devotion.

Matthew 26:6-13 – The account of the woman anointing Jesus with expensive perfume, demonstrating an act of beauty and worship.

Eternal Beauty:

Question: What does it mean for Christians to be ‘adorned in beauty’ in eternity, as mentioned in Revelation 21?

Revelation 21:2 – “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.”

Video Notes of my own:

What things are beautiful in your life?

A powerful force to know God

Gaze upon the beauty of the Lord

The beauty of God’s Creation – teaches us

What does beauty do? Attracts,

For the sake of encountering beauty

Truth without Beauty?

Beauty specifics -finding the beauty

Arouses belief in God

God uses beauty to woo and warm hearts

She has done a beautiful thing to me

Rembrandt in the Wind – Study Session 1

Adapted from the study, and book, by Russ Ramsey. Audible book available.

YouTube: Watch Session 1.

“Have you ever tried to create art, like drawing, painting, or sculpting? What was that experience like for you?”

Discussion Questions

Art and Self-Expression:

How does art, like the self-portraits of Vincent van Gogh, help us understand and express our own emotions and experiences?

Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” (Reflects on the beauty and intricacy of God’s creation, including humanity.) What if we are His self-reflection?

Brokenness and Beauty:

In what ways can our personal brokenness lead to beauty, especially when viewed through the lens of compassion and healing?

2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (Speaks to the beauty and value in our brokenness and imperfection.)

Truth in Art:

Why is it important to depict truth in art, and how can this be compared to living a life of truth as a Christian?

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Emphasizes our creation in God’s image and our purpose in His plan.)

Goodness, Truth, and Beauty:

Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Encourages the pursuit of goodness, truth, and beauty.)

How do goodness, truth, and beauty reflect the nature of God, and how can we pursue these in our daily lives?

Creativity and God’s Image:

What does it mean to be made in the image of God, especially in terms of creativity and our call to create?

Genesis 1:26-27 – “Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…’ So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Highlights the creative aspect of being made in God’s image.)

Community and Creativity:

How does community enhance our ability to create and appreciate beauty?

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another…” (Illustrates the importance of community in fostering growth and creativity.)

Honesty in Self-Reflection:

James 1:23-24 – “Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (A metaphor for self-reflection and honesty in our spiritual walk.)

How can being honest in our self-reflection, much like an artist creating a self-portrait, help us grow spiritually?

Value and Worth:

1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (Reminds us of our value and purpose in God’s eyes, despite our imperfections.)

How does understanding our value in God’s eyes, despite our flaws and brokenness, change the way we interact with others?

Scripture References

Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

2 Corinthians 4:7 – “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together…but encouraging one another…”

My Personal Notes from the Video

We hide what needs redemption
Concerned with goodness and truth
Created to be creative
God gave Adam and Eve as others and gave them others -community
We are drawing the self-portrait pretending I am ok.
Broken but unimaginably valued by God

Thankful for the Call to Share God’s Gifts

Sermon notes for this sermon here.

Introduction:

Recap the journey of the past three weeks: grace, mercy, and sovereignty.

Introduce the theme: “Thankful for the Call to Share God’s Gifts.“

Explain how we are not just recipients but also conduits of God’s grace, mercy, and sovereignty.

Enjoy, Apply, and Share

Proverbs 23:12 (ESV)

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to words of knowledge.

I. The Gift of Sharing

What are we to do with the gifts we have received?

The Best Seed

There once was a farmer who grew the most excellent wheat. Every season he won the award for the best wheat in his county.

A wise woman came to him to ask him about his success.

He told her that the key was sharing his best seed with his neighbors so they could plant the seed as well.

The wise woman asked, “How can you share your best wheat seed with your neighbors when they compete with you every year?”

“That’s simple,” the farmer replied.

“The wind spreads the pollen from everyone’s wheat and carries it from field to field. If my neighbors grew inferior wheat, cross-pollination would degrade everyone’s wheat, including mine. If I’m to grow the best wheat, I must help my neighbors grow the best wheat as well.”

1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:

The farmer in our story was a good steward of what the Lord had given him, including wisdom.

Has God not given you His best gifts? That of, His Grace, His Mercy, and His sovereign care for us?

And if He has, then shouldn’t we, out of our gratitude give to others as He has given to us?

Imagine the change in your family, in your community, in the world, if we Christians gave as God has given us!

II. Sharing God’s Grace

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

When a person works an eight-hour day and receives a fair day’s pay for his time, that is a wage. When a person competes with an opponent and receives a trophy for his performance, that is a prize. When a person receives appropriate recognition for his long service or high achievements, that is an award. But when a person is not capable of earning a wage, can win no prize, and deserves no award–yet receives such a gift anyway–that is a good picture of God’s unmerited favor. This is what we mean when we talk about the grace of God.
G.W. Knight, Clip-Art Features for Church Newsletters, p. 53.

Grace received should result in grace being given.

We forgive because we have been forgiven.

God’s unmerited favor, is His kindness towards us. We don’t deserve it, but He chose to give it to us.

Instead of waiting for someone to “deserve” grace, or forgiveness, we are called to be the first to do so.

III. Sharing God’s Mercy

Luke 6:36 (ESV)

Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

What is mercy you ask?

A mother once approached Napoleon seeking a pardon for her son. The emperor replied that the young man had committed a certain offense twice and justice demanded death.

“But I don’t ask for justice,” the mother explained. “I plead for mercy.”

“But your son does not deserve mercy,” Napoleon replied.

“Sir,” the woman cried, “it would not be mercy if he deserved it, and mercy is all I ask for.”

“Well, then,” the emperor said, “I will have mercy.” And he spared the woman’s son.
Luis Palau, Experiencing God’s Forgiveness, Multnomah Press, 1984.

Our God is indeed a God of justice, but we need to be ever so thankful that He is a God of mercy.

If He were not merciful, if He didn’t show you mercy, what is it you deserve? Death. Hell. Eternal separation from the Father.

Ephesians 2:4–5 (ESV)

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—

Let us remember in our own personal dealings with those who may deserve the consequences of their actions, that we also deserve consequences that God in His great mercy has chosen not to give us.

If He has shown us great mercy then we too should be people quick to show mercy to others.

IV. Sharing God’s Sovereignty

Isaiah 46:9-10

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.‘”

Sharing about God’s sovereignty in our lives can inspire others to trust Him.

When we can speak of and share the stories of our own trials and tribulations, and share that same word that Joseph shared with his brothers when they thought they were going to finally get what they deserved:

Genesis 50:20 (ESV)

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

I want to point out though, verse 19

Genesis 50:19 (ESV)

But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God?

Joseph now saw God’s sovereignty at work, even through his own brothers’ actions. Because of that, he realized he had no right to be upset with how his brothers had done him because from God caused good to occur.

He wasn’t angry with his brothers, or even with God.

How about you? In sharing your own story you can help others to see hope in their own situation. Hope that God will bring about good from their pain because of His sovereign care for them.

Reminding them of Jeremiah’s words:

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

As redeemed people of Christ, we should be a people of hope in the world,

1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

always prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you…

Trusting in His sovereignty helps us to know that no matter what happens in life, or how we may feel we have failed Him, He will achieve His purposes through us and lead us into life eternal with Him.

Even if you feel as though you have failed Him because of how you’ve not acted as you feel you should due to your circumstances, or maybe you’ve struck out on your own trying to do things your own way instead of trusting His plan for your life.

You’re not alone in that, we all have done so!

So if you’re wrestling with this then I want to share about the next Gift He gives us:

V. The Gift of Salvation

During the building of the Golden Gate Bridge over San Francisco Bay, construction fell badly behind schedule because several workers had accidentally fallen from the scaffolding to their deaths. Engineers and administrators could find no solution to the costly delays. Finally, someone suggested a gigantic net be hung under the bridge to catch any who fell. Finally in spite of the enormous cost, the engineers opted for the net. After it was installed, progress was hardly interrupted. A worker or two fell into the net but were saved. Ultimately, all the time lost to fear was regained by replacing fear with faith in the net.

We are saved by grace, God’s unmerited favor given to us through our faith in Jesus Christ.

Jesus is our safety net. You may feel you have failed…

But God in his great mercy and grace, through His sovereignty, knew you would and gave you a safety net to fall into.

If we are thankful for this great gift then He has given us a Commission, a responsibility that shouldn’t feel like a chore as much as it should be a joy, an overflow of our own joy.

We get to tell others about this safety Net!

Matthew 28:19–20 (ESV)

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

When we understand the value, the cost, and the importance of the gift, we want to tell others about it.

This is our call, our mission, and our purpose.

All the gifts, all those trials and tribulations God has sovereignly allowed you to experience are to be used as tools in your efforts make disciples of others.

VI. Responding to the Call

2 Corinthians 5:18–20 (ESV)

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

Ambassador – defined

An accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.
“the French ambassador to Portugal”

A person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.
“he is a good ambassador for the industry”

All that we have studied these past 4 weeks are from God. His gifts to us overflow from His own character.

Hear this verse this way:

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled YOU to himself and gave YOU the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling YOUR neighbors, friends, co-workers to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to YOU the message of reconciliation. Therefore, YOU are an ambassador for Christ, God making his appeal through YOU. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

God has given us the gifts of grace, mercy, and our experiences, to help us be His representatives in the world.

Are you living in a way that shows your gratitude for His gifts, and taking the responsibility of being His ambassador by giving these same gifts to those around you?

If we’re thankful for His gifts, then we should desire that others receive these gifts too.

Conclusion:

The purpose of this series was to call us to be thankful for God’s gifts not just in words but in deeds.

This is why we make sure we treat others as we want to be treated…with grace, with mercy, and in a way that shares our life with them as He did for us.

Sharing God’s gifts is a response of gratitude and a reflection of His character in us.

He shared His best seed with us and He calls us to share our best seed with others so that we can cross-pollinate with our neighbors the good seed of God’s love.

Thankful for God’s Sovereignty

Sermon Notes for the third of our thankful series. Video HERE.

An English writer, once wrote a story about a janitor at St Peter’s Church in London. One day a young vicar discovered that the janitor was illiterate and fired him. Jobless, the man invested his meager savings in a tiny tobacco shop, where he prospered, bought another, expanded, and ended up with a chain of tobacco stores worth several hundred thousand dollars. One day the man’s banker said, “You’ve done well for an illiterate, but where would you be if you could read and write?” “Well,” replied the man, “I’d be janitor of St. Peter’s Church in Neville Square.” Bits and Pieces, June 24, 1993, p. 23.

Often times, bad things happen and we don’t know what to do with them or why they happened until later in life.

Jesus was clear, “In the world you will have tribulation.” John 16:33

Tribulation: affliction, distress, oppression

John 15:18-John 16:33: Hated, murdered, sorrow for loss.

Encouragement: “Have peace, take heart, I have overcome the world.”

Today we’re going to explore the concept of God’s sovereignty, understanding the difference between God being in control and being controlling.

I. Understanding God’s Sovereignty

God’s sovereignty is His supreme authority and control over all things.

Nothing happens without His allowing it, or making it.

Hear this!

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

When it comes to us as humans, His creation, HE is in control of our lives but He does not control our lives.

We will dive into that further a little later.

We can trust His Sovereignty, His control.

God’s sovereignty as the foundation of our trust and hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

This is part of a letter that the prophet Jeremiah sent to the Jewish exiles who had been deported to Babylon.
The Babylonians had conquered the kingdom of Judah and destroyed Jerusalem in 587 BC. Many Jews were taken captive and exiled to Babylon.
Jeremiah wrote this letter to the exiles around 597 BC, about 10 years after the first wave of Jews were deported.
The exiles were living in a pagan land and surrounded by unfamiliar customs and false gods. They longed to return home.
False prophets were telling the exiles they would be able to return to Judah very soon. Jeremiah contradicted this, saying the exile would last 70 years.
Jeremiah encouraged the exiles to settle down in Babylon, build homes, plant gardens, marry, and seek the welfare of the city.
In the midst of the difficulties of exile, Jeremiah wanted to give hope that God still had a future and purpose for His people.

Again, here we see in action, God’s control of the situation, He allowed it. But He did not control His people’s response to it.

He used Jeremiah to speak encouragement to them, but it was ultimately theei choice to receive the encouragement.

God was offering them hope in the situation that looked horribly dire.

Hope was slow in coming though, 70 years in the making.

II. Examples of God’s Sovereignty in the Bible

One of my favorite stories of God’s Sovereignty is that of Joseph.

Joseph’s Story

Joseph’s Dreams: Joseph is 17 years old when he has his dreams (Genesis 37:1-11).
Sold into Slavery: This event happens shortly after the dreams, so Joseph is still around 17 (Genesis 37:12-35)
Purchased by Potiphar: This happens soon after Joseph is sold into slavery. (Genesis 37:36)
Falsely Accused and Imprisoned: The Bible doesn’t specify how long Joseph served in Potiphar’s house before being imprisoned, but it implies he was there for a significant period, during which he gained trust and authority. It’s possible a few years passed, but the exact time is not specified. (Genesis 39:1-20)
Interprets Prisoners’ Dreams: Joseph spends an unspecified amount of time in prison before interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker. This could add several more years to his age. (Genesis 39:21- Genesis 40)
Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dreams: Joseph is 30 years old when he stands before Pharaoh. This is when he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams and proposes the plan for the grain. (Genesis 41:1-36)
Second-in-Command in Egypt: This happens immediately after he interprets Pharaoh’s dreams, so he is still 30. (Genesis 41:37-57)
Brothers Come to Egypt: The seven years of plenty are followed by two years of famine before Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt. This would make Joseph approximately 39 years old at this time. (Genesis 42-45)
Joseph Reveals His Identity: This occurs during the same visit, so Joseph is still around 39. (Genesis 45)
Family Moves to Egypt: This happens shortly after Joseph reveals his identity, so he is still around 39. (Genesis 46)
Joseph Reflects on God’s Providence: This reflection likely happens towards the end of the narrative, but no specific age is mentioned.
- Genesis 50:19–20 (ESV)
- But Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.

Jeremiah 29:11 (ESV)

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

You think Joseph would have questioned Jeremiah’s words if he were to have known them prior to the events of his life?

Have you questioned God’s plans for your life?

If you were in control, how would you be different?

Have you suffered in this life?

“Suffering gets our attention; it forces us to look to God, when otherwise we would just as well ignored Him.”

Many of us desire to end our suffering, and maybe even the suffering of others.

“I just want to be normal.”

What if your current suffering is part of God’s plan of hope for you, or someone you love?

Would you be thankful?

III. Embracing God’s Sovereignty with Thankfulness

Remember

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

He controls the situation but not our response to it.

Illustration of Our Control

A man found a cocoon of the emperor moth and took it home to watch it emerge. One day a small opening appeared, and for several hours the moth struggled but couldn’t seem to force its body past a certain point.

Deciding something was wrong, the man took scissors and snipped the remaining bit of cocoon. The moth emerged easily, its body large and swollen, the wings small and shriveled.

He expected that in a few hours the wings would spread out in their natural beauty, but they did not. Instead of developing into a creature free to fly, the moth spent its life dragging around a swollen body and shriveled wings.

The constricting cocoon and the struggle necessary to pass through the tiny opening are God’s way of forcing fluid from the body into the wings. The “merciful” snip was, in reality, cruel. Sometimes the struggle is exactly what we need.

We have to relinquish our desire for control and instead embrace God’s perfect plan.

Often it is the struggle of life that helps us to value it.

Steven Hawking once said, after receiving his ALS diagnosis and at first had that initial shock, became extremely positive in his acceptance of the illness that would likely take his life in the next two years, saying:

“When one’s expectations are reduced to zero,” he said, “one really appreciates everything that one does have.”

Stated another way: contentment in life is determined in part by what a person anticipates from it. To a man like Hawking who thought he would soon die quickly, everything takes on meaning–a sunrise or a walk in a park or the laughter of children. Suddenly, each small pleasure becomes precious. By contrast, those who believe life owes them a free ride are often discontent with its finest gifts. James Dobson, New Man, October, 1994, p. 36.

Knowing that God is sovereignly in control of our circumstances, helps us to accept the hard parts of life.

We can trust that He has a plan and purpose for our struggle.

IV. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty

Romans 8:28 (ESV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

The Apostle Paul is another example that we can learn from.

Written from Prison:

“I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel.” (Philippians 1:12)
“For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake.” (Philippians 1:29)
“For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” (Romans 8:18)
“And we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)

Can we trust God?

Isaiah 46:9-10

“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.‘”

Conclusion:

We can trust the Lord with all of our lives on this earth.

Suffering
Trials
Tribulations

But I want you to remember:

God is a God in Control but not OF Control

He doesn’t force you to accept His plan or His outcomes.

It is up to you to trust Him. This includes trusting Him in this life and for the next.

Have you trusted Him with your eternity?

He has allowed you to hear the message today, but He is not forcing your response to it.

Salvation is a gift He offers to us, but it is up to us to receive it.

This is why we should be thankful for the Gift of His Sovereignty.

His Sovereignty brought you here, but the response is up to you.

Will you receive His Gift of salvation?