You might wonder why God would care about you or what His plan is for your life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, unsure of your purpose, you’re not alone. Many of us have asked, “Why would God love me?” or “What does He want from me?” As we approach Easter, it’s a perfect time to explore these questions and understand the profound truth that God delights in you. This isn’t just a feel-good statement; it’s a foundational truth that can transform how you see yourself and your relationship with God.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, and with it, He created you in His image. This isn’t just a poetic statement; it’s a declaration of your inherent value and purpose. You are not an accident or a mistake. You are a masterpiece, crafted with intention and love. Understanding this can change everything. It means that God doesn’t just tolerate you; He delights in you. He sees your potential and invites you to partner with Him in this world.

Understanding Your Purpose

1. God’s Love and Delight: At the core of creation is the truth that God loves and delights in His creation, including you. This love is not conditional on your performance or achievements. It’s a love that exists because you are made in His image. This means that no matter where you are in life, God sees you as valuable and worthy of His love.
2. The Role of Work and Rest: God designed work and rest as integral parts of life. Work is not a punishment but a way to engage with the world and fulfill your potential. Rest, or Sabbath, is a time to enjoy what God has created and to recharge. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to earn God’s love through your efforts. Instead, you can rest in the knowledge that you are already loved.
3. Interdependence and Community: God created us to live in community, to lean on each other and support one another. This interdependence is a reflection of God’s design for humanity. Whether you’re married, single, or somewhere in between, you are part of a larger community that reflects God’s love and purpose.

Taking the Next Step

So, what does this mean for you? It means that you have the opportunity to live out your purpose with confidence, knowing that God is with you. You can approach your work, relationships, and challenges with the assurance that you are not alone. God is inviting you to partner with Him, to explore the potential He has placed within you, and to make a difference in the world.

Ask yourself: How can I live out this truth in my daily life? What steps can I take to embrace God’s love and delight in me? Maybe it’s taking time to rest and reflect on God’s goodness. Perhaps it’s reaching out to someone in your community to offer support or ask for help. Whatever it is, know that God is with you, cheering you on every step of the way.

Prayer

God, thank You for creating us in Your image and for delighting in us. Help us to understand and embrace our purpose, knowing that we are loved and valued by You. Guide us as we seek to live out this truth in our daily lives, and give us the courage to take the next step in following You. Amen.

You might wonder why Jesus’ teachings sometimes seem cryptic or hard to apply to our everyday lives. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to see the world differently, to live with a “good eye”—a perspective of generosity and trust in God’s provision. But what does that mean for you today? How can you apply this ancient wisdom to your modern life? Let’s dive into what it means to have a good eye and how it can transform your life.

The main point of the sermon is about adopting a perspective of abundance and trust in God, rather than one of scarcity and self-reliance. Jesus teaches us that where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. This isn’t just about money; it’s about how we view the world and our place in it. Are we hoarding our blessings, or are we using them to bless others? Are we living in fear and worry, or are we trusting that God will provide for us?

Understanding the Good Eye

A “good eye” in biblical terms means seeing the world with generosity and trust. It’s about believing that there is enough for everyone and that God will provide for our needs. This perspective is rooted in the idea that God is a loving Father who cares for us and wants us to live abundantly. When we have a good eye, we are free to be generous, knowing that our needs will be met.

On the other hand, a “bad eye” is stingy and self-serving. It sees the world as a place of scarcity, where we must hoard our resources and protect ourselves. This perspective leads to worry, anxiety, and judgment of others. It keeps us from experiencing the fullness of life that God intends for us.

Living with a Good Eye

So, how can you cultivate a good eye in your life? Here are a few steps you can take:

1. Trust in God’s Provision: Remind yourself daily that God knows your needs and will provide for you. Reflect on the ways He has been faithful in the past.
2. Be Generous: Look for opportunities to bless others with your time, resources, and talents. Remember, you are blessed to be a blessing.
3. Reduce Worry: When you find yourself worrying, take a moment to pray and release your concerns to God. Trust that He is in control.
4. Practice Gratitude: Keep a gratitude journal and write down things you are thankful for each day. This will help shift your focus from scarcity to abundance.
5. Engage in Community: Surround yourself with people who encourage you to live generously and trust in God’s provision.

Conclusion

The point is, Jesus wants you to live with a good eye, trusting in His provision and being generous with what you have. What will you do this week to cultivate a good eye? Will you choose to trust God and live generously, or will you continue to live in fear and worry? The choice is yours, but remember, without taking this step, you might miss out on the abundant life Jesus wants for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your abundant provision and love. Help us to see the world through a good eye, trusting in Your care and being generous with what we have. Teach us to release our worries to You and to live in the freedom of Your grace. May our lives be a reflection of Your generosity and love. Amen.

Have you ever felt trapped in a cycle of dysfunction, wondering if you can ever break free? You’re not alone. Many of us carry the weight of our past into our present, and it can feel overwhelming. But here’s the good news: you have the power to change. You can break the cycle and become the person God created you to be. This isn’t just about hoping for change; it’s about actively training for it.

In a recent sermon, we explored Jesus’ teachings from Matthew 5:21-30, where He challenges us to look beyond the surface of our actions and examine the intentions of our hearts. Jesus calls us to a higher standard, one that requires us to address our anger, our lust, and our relationships with others. It’s not enough to simply avoid murder or adultery; we must also confront the hatred and lust that reside within us. This is where true transformation begins.

The Power of Breaking the Cycle

The main point of the sermon is clear: your past does not have to define your future. You have the agency to change, to break free from the cycles of dysfunction that have held you back. This requires intentionality and effort, but it is possible.

Consider the story shared in the sermon about a journey from dysfunction to healing. It’s a reminder that no matter where you start, God’s grace is sufficient to lead you to a better place. The key is to stop being a victim of your circumstances and start taking responsibility for your life.

Here are some practical steps to help you break the cycle:

1. Acknowledge Your Past: Understand that your past can explain your present, but it should never be an excuse for your future. Recognize the patterns that have held you back and commit to changing them.
2. Seek Accountability: Find someone you trust who can hold you accountable. This could be a friend, a mentor, or a counselor. Having someone to walk alongside you can make all the difference.
3. Embrace God’s Grace: Remember that God’s grace is always available to you. It’s not just about freeing you from the penalty of sin, but also about empowering you to live a new life.
4. Train for Change: Don’t just hope for transformation; actively train for it. This means reading your Bible, praying, and seeking God’s guidance in every area of your life.
5. Focus on Becoming the Right Person: Instead of looking for the right person to solve your problems, focus on becoming the right person. This involves developing qualities like patience, kindness, and selflessness.

Conclusion

The journey to breaking the cycle and becoming the right person is not easy, but it is worth it. Jesus wants your whole heart, and He is ready to help you transform your life. So, what will you do this week to take a step towards becoming the person God created you to be? Remember, without taking this step, you’ll miss out on the life Jesus wants for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and the power to change. Help us to break free from the cycles of dysfunction and become the people You created us to be. Give us the strength to take responsibility for our lives and the courage to seek accountability. May we embrace Your grace and train for transformation, trusting that You are with us every step of the way. Amen.

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, many of us find ourselves yearning for miracles, for moments where the divine breaks through the mundane. As we sang “I Believe” in our recent service, it became clear that some of us are wrestling with unbelief, even as we hope for the miraculous. This tension between belief and unbelief is something we all face, and it’s a reminder of our need for God’s presence and guidance in our lives.

During the service, we took a moment to stand in solidarity with those seeking miracles, whether in their families, finances, or personal struggles. We prayed for God to be present in these situations, to bring healing, restoration, and grace. It’s a powerful reminder that God is not distant; He desires to be with us, leading us through every challenge.

As we continue our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, we are confronted with a profound question: How should we, as Christians, respond to an evil society? This question is not new. It was the same question faced by the Jewish people in Jesus’ time, and it remains relevant today.

The Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7, offers us guidance. Jesus teaches us not to respond in the ways we might expect. Instead of embracing the corrupt systems of the world or isolating ourselves from them, Jesus calls us to live a life that is holy and set apart, yet fully engaged with the culture around us.

Throughout history, different groups have responded to societal evil in various ways. The Sadducees embraced corruption for power, the Herodians sought compromise, the Essenes fled to isolation, the Zealots chose rebellion, and the Pharisees focused on strict adherence to the law. But Jesus offers a different path—one that involves living in the world but not being of it.

This tension is not easy to navigate. It requires wisdom, discernment, and a deep commitment to following Jesus’ example. We are called to be salt and light, to influence the world around us with the love and truth of Christ. This means engaging with culture, not to conform to it, but to transform it through the power of the Gospel.

In the book “Creative Minority” by John Tyson and Heather Grizzle, the authors discuss the concept of full redemption versus half redemption. Full redemption involves a holistic view of God’s plan for creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. It calls us to seek cultural influence and love society towards Jesus. In contrast, half redemption focuses only on personal salvation, often leading to isolation and a loss of cultural influence.

As we study the Sermon on the Mount, let’s embrace the challenge of living a life that is both holy and culturally engaged. Let’s seek to be a creative minority, influencing the world around us with the hope and redemption found in Christ. This is not about escaping the world but transforming it through the love and power of Jesus.

May we be a people who live out our faith with authenticity and courage, trusting that God is with us, guiding us, and working through us to bring about His kingdom on earth. Let’s commit to this journey together, believing that God has a plan for us and for the world we inhabit.

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, wondering how to take the next right step toward Jesus. This week, as we delved into the Parable of the Sower from Mark 4, we were reminded of the importance of cultivating good soil in our hearts to receive the seeds of the Gospel. Jesus, through His parables, invites us to discover deeper truths and challenges us to transform our lives. So, how do we take that next step and ensure our hearts are fertile ground for His Word?

1. Recognize Your Soil Type

The first step is self-awareness. Jesus describes four types of soil: the path, the rocky places, the thorns, and the good soil. Each represents a different state of heart and receptivity to God’s Word. Ask yourself: Which soil am I? Are there areas in my life where I am hardened, shallow, or distracted by worldly concerns? Identifying where you stand is crucial to knowing how to move forward.

2. Break Up the Hardened Ground

For those of us who find ourselves on the path, where the soil is hardened, it’s time to break up the ground. Hosea 10:12 encourages us to “sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground.” This means actively seeking God through prayer, engaging in acts of righteousness, and allowing His love to soften our hearts. It’s about being intentional in our relationship with Him and others.

3. Remove the Rocks

If you identify with the rocky soil, where roots cannot grow deep, it’s time to remove the obstacles. This involves pursuing a deeper relationship with Jesus, much like a tree planted by living water (Psalm 1). Engage in spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible study, and community fellowship to deepen your roots. Remember, God desires us to produce fruit, and deep roots are essential for a thriving spiritual life.

4. Clear Out the Thorns

For those entangled in the thorns of life’s worries and distractions, it’s time to clear them out. These thorns can choke the life out of our spiritual growth. Consider what is consuming your thoughts and energy. Is it the news, financial worries, or personal ambitions? Refocus on what truly matters—being with Jesus, being like Jesus, and doing what Jesus did. Simplify your life and prioritize your spiritual health.

5. Cultivate Good Soil

Finally, aim to cultivate good soil. This is where the seeds of the Gospel can take root and produce a bountiful harvest. It involves a partnership with God, where we do our part by preparing our hearts and He does His part by transforming us. Engage in practices that nurture your faith, such as serving others, practicing gratitude, and living out the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Conclusion: A Journey of Transformation

Taking the next right step toward Jesus is a journey of transformation. It requires us to be proactive in preparing our hearts and lives to receive His Word. Remember, God desires to do amazing things in and through us, but it requires our willingness to partner with Him. Whether you’re just starting your journey or have been walking with Jesus for years, there’s always room for growth and deeper intimacy with Him.

Let’s commit to doing the hard work of cultivating good soil in our lives. As we do, we can expect to see a harvest of righteousness, peace, and joy that not only transforms us but also impacts the world around us. So, what’s your next right step? Let’s take it together, trusting that God will guide us every step of the way.