Author: Pastor Page

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Sermon Notes: Faith That Doesn’t Play Favorites

Sermon Introduction:

We live in a world that plays favorites. The polished résumé gets the interview. The person with more followers gets the attention. The VIP gets the front row—and sometimes, even in the church, those with influence are given the best seats.

James writes to a church where the old worldly system was creeping into a new community of faith. Instead of embracing kingdom values, they were favoring the wealthy and sidelining the poor. He doesn’t mince words: “Believers must not show favoritism.” But he doesn’t stop at partiality—he goes deeper.

Because beneath favoritism is a deeper issue: a faith that doesn’t act. A faith content to nod in agreement, but not move with mercy. James shows us what authentic faith looks like—and what dead faith sounds like.

This is a call to spiritual integrity: if you say you believe, your life should show it.

Faith That Doesn’t Play Favorites Love without action is incomplete. Faith without works is dead.

Week 3: Faith That Doesn’t Play Favorites

Text: James 2:1–26 Big Idea:Faith and favoritism can’t coexist—faith proves itself through love and action.

I. Faith Honors All People Equally (James 2:1–7)

James 2:1–7 (NIV)1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are blaspheming the noble name of him to whom you belong?”

Cross References (NIV):

  • Romans 2:11 – “For God does not show favoritism.”
  • Leviticus 19:15 – “Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.”
  • Proverbs 22:2 – “Rich and poor have this in common: The Lord is the Maker of them all.”

Why We Struggle: We are conditioned to value influence, charisma, and success. Favoritism is often invisible to us because it feels justified.

Know This: When we honor the rich and overlook the poor, we don’t just misrepresent the gospel—we betray it.

Theological Summary: Favoritism contradicts the character of God and the spirit of the gospel. Faith that reflects Christ sees the image of God (Imago Dei) in every person, not the value assigned by society.

II. Faith Fulfills the Royal Law (James 2:8–13)

James 2:8–13 (NIV)8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” (Leviticus 19:18) you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. 12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Cross References (NIV):

  • Leviticus 19:18 – “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
  • Matthew 22:39–40 – “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
  • Micah 6:8 – “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Why We Struggle: We want control. Loving people—especially hard people—forces us into vulnerability and sometimes inconvenience.

Know This: God won’t separate mercy from judgment. If you’ve received grace, you’re called to give it.

Theological Summary: God’s law isn’t about selective obedience. To fail in love is to fail the law. Mercy is the rule of kingdom citizens and the true test of spiritual maturity.

III. Faith Without Action Is Dead (James 2:14–26)

James 2:14–26 (NIV) (see note on helping and personal responsibilities)14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. 24 You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. (The Work Gloves Illustration)

Cross References (NIV):

  • 1 John 3:17–18 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
  • Hebrews 11:17 – “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son.”
  • Matthew 7:21 – “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
  • Joshua 2:1–21 – Rahab hides the Israelite spies at great risk and sends them out safely, believing in the God of Israel.
  • Hebrews 11:31 – “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.”

Why We Struggle: It’s easier to claim belief than to live sacrificially. Works demand effort, risk, and inconvenience—things our flesh resists.

Know This: Faith without obedience is like a body without breath—it’s lifeless. Real faith is demonstrated by action.

Theological Summary: Biblical faith is not passive agreement but active trust. Abraham’s altar and Rahab’s hiding place are declarations of a faith that moves. Works don’t save, but saved people work.

CONCLUSION & APPLICATION

Head (What to Believe):

God sees and condemns favoritism. His Word demands both love and mercy in action, not just in words.

Heart (What to Feel):

Conviction where our faith has been speech-only. Compassion for the forgotten. Desire to reflect Christ’s mercy.

Hand (What to Do):

  • Examine your heart and ask, Where have I played favorites?
  • Perform a visible act of mercy this week.
  • Let someone else experience God’s love through your obedience.

Key Takeaways:

  1. God does not show favoritism—and neither should we.
  2. The royal law of love is the true measure of our faith.
  3. Faith without works is not just weak—it is dead.
  4. The examples of Abraham and Rahab show that real faith always steps out and takes action.
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The Shema

The Shema (pronounced “shmah”) is a foundational declaration of faith in Judaism, taken from Deuteronomy 6:4–5. The word “Shema” means “hear” in Hebrew, and it is the first word of the passage. It emphasizes the exclusive worship of God and total devotion to Him.

The Shema: Deuteronomy 6:4–5 (NIV)

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Expanded Background:

  • The Shema is recited daily by observant Jews (morning and evening).
  • It was a central part of Jesus’ teaching. When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus quoted it:Mark 12:29–30 – “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’”
  • The Shema is more than a command—it’s a call to covenant faithfulness. It frames how God’s people are to live, not just believe.

Theologically Significant Points:

  • Monotheism: “The Lord is one” affirms there is only one true God.
  • Loyal Love: Loving God is not merely emotional—it requires the full self (heart, soul, strength).
  • Discipleship Framework: It’s a call to internalize God’s Word and teach it generationally (see Deut. 6:6–9).

Connection to James:

The Shema emphasizes listening (“Hear, O Israel”) followed by obedience. James echoes this structure:

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)

James might be seen as a New Covenant echo of the Shema: calling believers not only to hear but to wholeheartedly respond to God in faithful action.

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Sermon Notes: Faith That Obeys

Hearing is not enough—faith shows up in how we live.

Sermon Introduction:

Have you ever walked out of a room and immediately forgotten why you went in? Or stared in a mirror and minutes later can’t recall what you looked like? James uses that kind of forgetfulness to describe how many people treat God’s Word—they hear it, but it doesn’t take root. It’s momentary. Surface-level. Unapplied.

In today’s world of podcasts, devotionals, and weekly sermons, we are spiritually saturated but often obedience-starved. We’ve confused knowing with growing. James, with his characteristic bluntness, says this kind of faith is deceived and, worse, worthless. Real faith listens deeply, speaks carefully, restrains anger, and rolls up its sleeves to serve the vulnerable.

This isn’t about working for salvation—it’s about living from it. James calls us to a faith that doesn’t just study the Word but lives it—publicly, consistently, and compassionately.

James 1:19–27 – Faith That Obeys

Theme: Real faith is not measured by how much we hear, but by how much we do. Big Idea:Faith that doesn’t change us isn’t real faith.

1. Obedient Faith Listens First

James 1:19–20 (NIV)

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Cross References:

  • Proverbs 17:27 – “The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.”
  • Ecclesiastes 7:9 – “Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools.”
  • Proverbs 29:11 – “Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”

Why We Struggle: We live in a loud, opinionated culture that prizes fast answers and strong emotions. Listening feels like weakness, and anger feels powerful.

Know This: Anger that comes from pride or self-interest cannot achieve what God values—humility, peace, and righteousness.

2. Obedient Faith Receives the Word Humbly

James 1:21 (NIV)

“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

Cross References:

  • Colossians 3:8 – “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
  • 1 Peter 2:1 – “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

Why We Struggle: We want to receive the Word without letting go of the habits and attitudes that oppose it. But God’s Word only takes root in a surrendered heart.

Know This: The Word that saves must also sanctify. It cannot coexist with unrepented sin.

3. Obedient Faith Acts on What It Hears

James 1:22–24 (NIV)

“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 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.”

Cross References:

  • Matthew 7:24 – “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
  • Luke 6:46 – “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”
  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 – “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves…”

Why We Struggle: We equate exposure to truth with transformation. But hearing without obeying hardens the heart.

Know This: Knowing the Word but not doing it creates spiritual deception—and spiritual decay.

4. Obedient Faith Finds Freedom in Consistency

James 1:25 (NIV)

“But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.”

Cross References:

  • John 13:17 – “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.”
  • Psalm 119:1 – “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the Lord.”

Why We Struggle: We view obedience as restriction, not freedom. But God’s commands are life-giving boundaries.

Know This: Freedom is not the absence of rules—it’s the blessing of walking in God’s design.

5. Obedient Faith Guards the Tongue

James 1:26 (NIV)

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.”

Cross References:

  • Proverbs 10:19 – “Sin is not ended by multiplying words, but the prudent hold their tongues.”
  • Matthew 12:36 – “But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.”

Why We Struggle: We underestimate the power of words. We’re careless with criticism, sarcasm, gossip, and boasting.

Know This: Your words are spiritual signals. If your mouth is unrestrained, your religion is unreliable.

6. Obedient Faith Lives Pure and Serves the Vulnerable

James 1:27 (NIV)

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

Cross References:

  • Isaiah 1:17 – “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
  • Matthew 25:40 – “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Why We Struggle: We’re tempted to make faith only personal or only moral. But true faith is both—holy in lifestyle and engaged in justice.

Know This: Pure religion cares for the hurting and guards against compromise. If it’s not holy and helpful, it’s not from God.

APPLICATION

HEAD (What to Believe):

God doesn’t just want us to hear truth—He calls us to obey it. Obedience is the evidence of saving faith.

HEART (What to Feel):

Conviction where we’ve heard but not obeyed. Compassion for those in distress. Confidence in the freedom found through consistent obedience.

HAND (What to Do):

  • Reflect before speaking this week.
  • Take one step of obedience from what you’ve already heard in Scripture.
  • Serve someone vulnerable—not as a checklist, but as a worship offering.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Anger disrupts righteousness—choose restraint and humility.
  2. God’s Word must be received with repentance and obedience.
  3. Spiritual deception begins when hearing replaces doing.
  4. Freedom and blessing come through faithful application.
  5. The tongue is a spiritual thermometer—watch your words.
  6. True faith is active: morally pure and mercifully engaged.

Closing Charge

Let the implanted Word take root so deeply that it changes not only how you think, but how you speak, serve, and walk in the world. That is the religion God receives with joy.

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Sermon Notes: Faith Under Pressure

Everyone experiences pressure at home, at work, in relationships But now we respond under pressure reveals the substance of our faith. James opens his letter not with pleasantries, but with a radical perspective: trails are opportunities. He speaks to a scattered, suffering people and challenges them to view hardship not as punishment, but as part of God’s refining process. What does faith that works look like when life falls apart? It doesn’t quit—it leans in, listens up, and looks ahead with hope.

The Message

1. Faith Faces Trials with Joy (vv. 2–4)

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Key Lessons:

  • Trials are not obstacles to growth—they are the pathway to it.
  • Joy is not about liking pain but recognizing purpose in pain.
  • Perseverance builds spiritual maturity.

Cross-References:

  • 1 Peter 1:6–7 – In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. [7] These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

Why We Struggle:

  • We often want relief, not refinement.
  • Joy feels unnatural in the middle of hardship.

Know This: God uses trials not to break you, but to build you into someone more whole.

2. Faith Seeks God’s Wisdom (vv. 5–8)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

Key Lessons:

  • Wisdom is God’s gift, not earned.
  • Faith trusts God’s response even when the outcome isn’t immediate.
  • Double-mindedness (split loyalty) hinders spiritual clarity.

Cross-References:

  • Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Why We Struggle:

  • We tend to rely on feelings or circumstances instead of God’s truth.
  • Doubt pulls us in opposite directions—faith unifies our focus.

Know This: God gives wisdom generously to those who ask in trust.

3. Faith Views Status Differently (vv. 9–11)

Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. [10] But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. [11] For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

Note: James 1:10 teaches that true exaltation for the rich is found not in wealth, but in the humbling realization of their spiritual need and the fleeting nature of life. God honors the heart that clings to Him above all worldly treasures.

Key Lessons:

  • Faith levels the playing field—value is not based on status.
  • Earthly wealth fades, but eternal identity remains.

Cross-References:

  • Matthew 6:19–21 – Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…
  • 1 Timothy 6:17 – Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

Why We Struggle:

  • Culture exalts appearance, wealth, and influence.
  • We confuse temporary success with eternal significance.

Know This: In Christ, the poor are rich in faith and the rich are reminded of their true dependency on God.

4. Faith Endures and Is Rewarded (v. 12)

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Key Lessons:

  • Endurance is both proof and fruit of saving faith.
  • There is reward in staying faithful even when it’s hard.

Cross-References:

  • Galatians 6:9 – Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Why We Struggle:

  • We often want quick fixes, not long obedience.
  • Trials can feel pointless without a view of the finish line.

Know This: God sees your endurance—and He promises it’s worth it.

5. Faith Resists Temptation (vv. 13–15)

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; [14] but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. [15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Note: What we nurture, we empower—whether it’s godly desires or sinful ones.

Key Lessons:

  • Temptation is not sin, but entertaining it is dangerous.
  • We are accountable for how we handle our desires.
  • Temptation leads to sin, and sin to death—unless interrupted by God’s grace.

Cross-References:

  • 1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.

Why We Struggle:

  • We often blame external forces rather than confronting internal desires.
  • Temptation appeals to the desires we haven’t surrendered.

Know This: Sin doesn’t begin with behavior—it begins with desire. Catch it early.

6. Faith Trusts the Giver (vv. 16–18)

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. [17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. [18] He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.

Key Lessons:

  • God is consistently good—even when life isn’t.
  • He is the source of life, truth, and renewal.
  • We are the “firstfruits”—evidence of His redemptive work.

Cross-References:

  • Ephesians 2:8–10 – For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Why We Struggle:

  • In trial, we’re tempted to doubt God’s goodness.
  • Pain can make us forget the blessings.

Know This: God does not change like shifting shadows—He is always faithful and always good.

Head, Heart, Hand Application

  • HEAD (What to Believe): Trials are purposeful. God gives wisdom. Every good gift is from Him.
  • HEART (What to Feel): Confidence in God’s character, even in chaos.
  • HAND (What to Do): Ask God for wisdom in a current trial. Endure patiently. Examine areas of temptation.
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Sermon Notes: God’s Sufficient Grace Strength in Surrender

Sometimes we’re called to be strong for others while quietly carrying our own burdens. We lead, support, and encourage—often while facing fear, fatigue, or uncertainty ourselves.

Jesus did this on the night of His greatest sorrow. He prayed for His disciples in John 17 and submitted to the Father’s will in Matthew 26:39—all while knowing the cross was hours away.

That kind of strength doesn’t come from within. It comes from God’s grace.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9

When you feel weak, remember—you’re not alone. God’s grace sustains those who lead while they limp.

Gethsemane

Just as olives are pressed to release their oil, Jesus was pressed with sorrow and anguish in that garden, preparing to pour out His life for humanity.

It represents the place of deep personal surrender and spiritual struggle—where Jesus yielded His will to the Father’s

Unanswered Prayer Is Still Holy Ground

“Three times I pleaded… But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient…’” – 2 Corinthians 12:8–9

  • Paul didn’t receive healing, though he begged God—yet he learned something greater than relief: God’s presence and power at work in weakness.
  • It’s possible for prayers to be heard, loved, and answered differently than we expected—not with absence, but with strength to carry on when healing delays

Matthew 26:36–41 – Servant Obedience in the Garden of Surrender

Matthew 26:36

“Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, ‘Sit here while I go over there and pray.’”

Cross-References:

  • John 18:1 – Jesus enters a garden across the Kidron Valley after praying.
  • Luke 22:39 – He went out to the Mount of Olives “as usual”—this was a habit.

Why We Struggle: We’re comfortable following Jesus when it’s exciting or public—but when it shifts to quiet prayer and suffering, we tend to withdraw or become passive observers.

Know This:Prayer precedes obedience. Jesus prepared for the cross in private before enduring it in public.

Matthew 26:37

“He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.”

Cross-References:

  • Isaiah 53:3 – “A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.”
  • Hebrews 5:7 – Jesus offered prayers with loud cries and tears.

Why We Struggle: We often expect strong faith to mean emotional detachment. But Jesus models that deep sorrow isn’t weakness—it’s honesty in the face of great suffering.

Know This:God isn’t repelled by our sorrow—He meets us in it.

Matthew 26:38

“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’”

Cross-References:

  • Psalm 42:5 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast?”
  • Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens…”

Why We Struggle: We want to help others, but we don’t always know how. When pain isn’t fixable, we disengage instead of remaining present.

Know This:Faithfulness sometimes looks like quietly staying near in someone’s dark hour.

Matthew 26:39

“Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.’”

Cross-References:

  • Philippians 2:8 – Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross.
  • Luke 22:44 – His sweat was like drops of blood—deep agony.

Why We Struggle: We want God’s will to match our comfort. Surrendering control—even to a good God—can feel terrifying, especially when the path involves pain.

Know This: Obedience is not the absence of desire but the submission of it.

Matthew 26:40

“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter.”

Cross-References:

  • Proverbs 24:33–34 – A little sleep and poverty comes like a thief.
  • Romans 13:11 – “The hour has come to wake up from your slumber.”

Why We Struggle: Spiritual drowsiness comes easily. We become complacent when the urgency of the moment isn’t obvious to us, even though God is working behind the scenes.

Know This: Spiritual neglect is often passive, not deliberate.

Matthew 26:41

“Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Cross-References:

  • 1 Peter 5:8 – “Be alert… your enemy the devil prowls…”
  • Galatians 5:17 – The flesh and Spirit are in conflict.

Why We Struggle: We rely too much on good intentions. Our flesh, however, constantly pulls us toward ease, distraction, and compromise.

Know This: Victory comes not through willpower but through dependence on God in prayer.

Key Takeaways

  • Gethsemane was not about escape—it was about surrender.
  • The strength to endure trials is found in prayer, not in personality.
  • Our spirit may be willing, but unless we stay alert, our flesh will drag us down.
  • Jesus invites us into His suffering not just to witness it—but to learn from it.
  • True watchfulness begins in the quiet places of surrender before the battle ever starts.

He may not make your problems go away, but He will give you the power to deal with them and to overcome them by His grace.

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Sermon Notes: More Than Words

The book of James is often called the “Proverbs of the New Testament” because of its practical wisdom. James, the half-brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church, wrote this letter to Jewish Christians who had been scattered due to persecution. They were under pressure—spiritually weary, facing trials, and in danger of settling for a faith that listened but didn’t live.

James wrote to call them back to authentic, active faith—a faith that doesn’t just hear the Word of God but obeys it. In James 1:22–25, he warns that hearing without doing is self-deception, and that true blessing comes from obedience.

This passage is important because it exposes a common danger: becoming comfortable with conviction but resistant to change. We might attend church, listen to sermons, and even quote Scripture, but unless we allow God’s Word to shape our actions, we remain unchanged—and unfruitful.

Today, we face the same challenge. With access to podcasts, devotionals, and sermons at our fingertips, it’s easy to substitute hearing for obeying. But James reminds us: the Word is a mirror, and its purpose is not just to inform us—but to transform us.

Note: Spiritual truths are the unchanging, God-revealed principles and realities that govern life, faith, and eternity—rooted in Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ.

James 1:22–25 (NIV) — Be Doers of the Word

Verse 22

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

Why We Struggle:

  • We settle for intake without impact—we mistake proximity to truth for obedience.
  • Our culture values information over transformation.
  • We deceive ourselves when we equate hearing with holiness.

Cross-References:

  • Matthew 7:24–25 – The wise man builds on obedience, not just hearing.
  • Luke 11:28 – “Blessed… are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
  • Romans 2:13 – “…not those who hear the law… but those who obey…”

Know This:

Listening to God’s Word without doing it leads to spiritual deception. Obedience is not optional for the believer—it is the evidence of authentic faith.

Verse 23

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror

Why We Struggle:

  • We are quick to admire Scripture but slow to apply it.
  • A mirror shows flaws—we often prefer flattery to honesty.
  • It’s easier to remain uninformed than be held accountable.

Cross-References:

  • 2 Timothy 3:16–17 – Scripture is for rebuking and correcting.
  • Hebrews 4:12 – The Word exposes the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
  • Psalm 119:11 – The Word, hidden in the heart, guards against sin.

Know This:

The Word of God is a mirror—not for admiration, but for correction. Looking without acting renders the Word powerless in practice.

Verse 24

and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

Why We Struggle:

  • We move on too quickly from what God reveals.
  • Conviction fades when we don’t meditate or respond.
  • We underestimate the danger of forgetting spiritual truth.

Cross-References:

  • Mark 4:18–19 – The worries of life choke the Word.
  • Hebrews 2:1 – “Pay the most careful attention… so you do not drift away.”
  • 2 Peter 1:9 – Forgetting spiritual truths leads to blindness and short-sightedness.

Know This:

Spiritual forgetfulness leads to fruitlessness. The Word must be remembered, rehearsed, and acted upon to bear lasting fruit.

Verse 25

But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Why We Struggle:

  • We read quickly but rarely look intently—with hunger and humility.
  • Continuing in the Word demands discipline and consistency.
  • We falsely believe that rules restrict, rather than realizing God’s Word liberates.

Cross-References:

  • Joshua 1:8 – Success comes from meditating on and doing the Word.
  • Psalm 119:105 – The Word gives direction and clarity.
  • 2 Timothy 2:15 – Right handling of the Word is part of our approved service.
  • Psalm 1:1–3 – The one who delights in God’s law will be like a tree planted by streams of water.

Know This:

Freedom and blessing flow from obedience to God’s Word. Obedience is not bondage—it is the path to wholeness, joy, and spiritual maturity.

Head: The Common Misunderstanding

Many believe knowledge of the Word equals maturity, but James corrects that. Hearing without doing is deception. Faith is not proven by what we know—but by how we live.

Heart: What We Should Really Believe

God’s Word is a mirror to expose, a light to guide, and a law that sets us free. Transformation comes not just from study—but from submission and obedience.

Hand: A Challenging Action Step

This week, identify one specific truth or command you’ve heard often but not lived out.

  • Write it down.
  • Pray for strength.
  • Take one action that proves you believe it.

Key Takeaways

  • Truth not acted on becomes deception.
  • The Bible is not just to be read but reflected in our actions.
  • Spiritual maturity comes from consistency in the Word and obedience to it.
  • Blessing is connected to intentionality—looking, continuing, and doing.
  • The Word gives us freedom—not by freeing us from responsibility but from bondage to sin and self.

“The blessing is in the doing.” – James 1:25 “Truth is given, not to be contemplated, but to be done.” – F.W. Robertson

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Sermon Notes: Our Heavenly Father’s Heart

Luke 15:17-24

When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21  “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22  “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

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Sermon Notes: Pride – Our Negative Response to Insecurity

We learned last week that Insecurity was what affected Moses, and how God was with him.  This week we see how Pride affected Peter, which led to hardship and disappointment.

We must remember that Pride is the original sin.  It was Pride the cause Adam and Eve to rebel against God’s directions.  Insecurity gave way to Pride, which led to alienation from God.

What Is Pride?

Pride is an inflated view of oneself that leads us to trust in our own strength, wisdom, or righteousness instead of relying on God. It can manifest as arrogance, self-reliance, defensiveness, or even hidden insecurity that resists correction or vulnerability.

Biblical Characteristics of Pride:

  • Self-exalting – Putting ourselves above others or above God’s authority
  • Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”
  • Self-reliant – Depending on our own ability, not God’s strength
  • Jeremiah 17:5 – “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who draws strength from mere flesh…”
  • Unteachable – Rejecting correction or counsel
  • Proverbs 13:10 – “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice.”
  • Image-driven – More concerned with appearance than authenticity
  • Galatians 6:3 – “If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”

Two Faces of Pride:

  1. Overt Pride – Arrogance, superiority, boastfulness
  2. Hidden Pride – Insecurity, self-pity, fear of failure (still self-focused)

Pride isn’t always loud—it can also be quiet, anxious, and self-protective. Either way, pride says, “I can do this on my own,” instead of, “I need God.”

God’s View of Pride:

  • God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble James 4:6
  • Pride was the original sin (Isaiah 14:12–15; Ezekiel 28:17), both in Satan and in humanity (Genesis 3).

In Summary:

Pride is the posture of independence from God, whether expressed in arrogance or masked by insecurity. It focuses on self instead of surrender.

Note:

Like Peter, we often mask our insecurities with pride—overpromising, overcompensating, or defending ourselves to avoid appearing weak. We declare loyalty, strength, or certainty, not realizing we’re leaning on self instead of grace. But pride rooted in insecurity will always collapse under pressure. It affects our relationships, our leadership, and even our walk with God—until we, like Peter, are willing to be broken, honest, and restored by Christ’s love.

Peter’s journey from pride to humility was forged not through success, but through failure—his bold confidence collapsed under pressure, but it was grace, not shame, that rebuilt him. What changed him wasn’t willpower, but a face-to-face encounter with the risen Jesus, who met him in his brokenness and called him to lead from a place of dependence, not self-reliance.

Pride vs. Humility – A Biblical Comparison Chart

CategoryPrideHumility
View of SelfOverestimates ability or value; self-exaltingSees self accurately; neither inflated nor self-deprecating
DependencyRelies on self: “I’ve got this.”Relies on God: “Apart from You, I can do nothing.”
Response to CorrectionDefensive, dismissive, offendedTeachable, reflective, willing to grow
Attitude Toward OthersCompetitive or comparativeServant-hearted and honoring
MotivationSeeks recognition, control, or approvalSeeks God’s glory and others’ good
SpeechBoastful, self-centered, or criticalHonest, gracious, encouraging
VulnerabilityAvoids exposure of weaknessFreely admits need and weakness
Fear of ManImage-driven, anxious about perceptionGod-fearing, secure in identity
Spiritual PostureSays: “I can handle it.”Says: “God, I need You.”
Scriptural Result“God opposes the proud…” (James 4:6)“…but gives grace to the humble.” (James 4:6)

Pride pushes God away to protect self. Humility draws near to God and admits, “I can’t do this without You.”

The Message

Matthew 26:31

“Then Jesus told them, ‘This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.”’”

Cross-Reference:

Zechariah 13:7 – “Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered…”

John 16:32 – “A time is coming… when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone.”

Why We Struggle: We resist believing that we are vulnerable to failure. We overestimate our strength and underestimate our fear. Jesus, knowing their hearts, names a coming failure they can’t yet see in themselves.

Matthew 26:32

“But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

Cross-Reference:

Matthew 28:7 – “Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee.’”

John 21:1 – Jesus appears to them at the Sea of Galilee.

Why We Struggle: We often focus so much on our shortcomings or impending challenges that we miss the hope and restoration God already has planned. Jesus promises reunion and restoration even before their failure occurs—but they don’t hear it.

Matthew 26:33

“Peter replied, ‘Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.’”

Cross-Reference:

Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.”

1 Corinthians 10:12 – “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!”

Why We Struggle: Insecurity can manifest as pride. Peter wants to be loyal—but his confidence is in himself. We do the same: pledging faithfulness without humbly acknowledging our limits or need for grace.

Matthew 26:34

“Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”

Cross-Reference:

Luke 22:31–32 – “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you… that your faith may not fail.”

John 13:38 – “Will you really lay down your life for me? Very truly I tell you, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”

Why We Struggle: We are shocked by the idea that we could fail so soon or so deeply. Jesus lovingly exposes Peter’s blind spot—not to shame him, but to prepare him for the grace that will come afterward. We often don’t realize the depth of our weakness until it shows.

Matthew 26:35

“But Peter declared, ‘Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.’ And all the other disciples said the same.”

Cross-Reference:

Romans 7:18 – “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

Mark 14:50 – “Then everyone deserted him and fled.”

Why We Struggle: We equate good intentions with guaranteed outcomes. Like Peter, we assume passion will carry us through persecution. But the flesh is weak—even when the spirit is willing (Matthew 26:41). We struggle because we don’t factor in our spiritual frailty and need for the Spirit’s power.

Key Takeaways

  1. Jesus knows our weaknesses—and still chooses us.
  2. Pride often masks insecurity, and both set us up for failure if not surrendered to Christ.
  3. Good intentions aren’t enough—we need dependence on God, not confidence in self.
  4. Failure doesn’t disqualify us—Jesus promises restoration even before we fall.

Head, Heart, Hand

Head (What should I know?)

  • Jesus knows our strengths and our failures in advance.
  • Pride and overconfidence often grow from unaddressed insecurity.
  • God offers restoration on the other side of failure.

Heart (What should I feel?)

  • Humbled that Jesus knows my weakness and still loves me.
  • Grateful for grace that doesn’t abandon me when I fall.
  • Hopeful that restoration is part of His plan, not an afterthought.

Hand (What should I do?)

  • Pray for humility and spiritual alertness before trials come.
  • Lean on God’s strength, not self-confidence.
  • Encourage others with grace after failure—because Jesus does the same.
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Sermon Notes: Overcoming Insecurity with God’s Strength

Background:

The Holy Encounter

Exodus 3:1-6 NIV Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. [2] There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. [3] So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.” [4] When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.” [5] “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” [6] Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

A Call to Action

Exodus 3:7-10 NIV The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. [8] So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. [9] And now the cry of the Israelites has reached me, and I have seen the way the Egyptians are oppressing them. [10] So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”

The Message: Reassurance and Revelation Exodus 3:11–17

Exodus 3:11

Scripture: “But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’”

Cross-Reference:Jeremiah 1:6 – “Alas, Sovereign LORD, I do not know how to speak; I am too young.”

Analysis: Moses questions his worth and ability to accomplish God’s calling. This shows that even great leaders wrestle with feelings of inadequacy.

Why We Struggle: We often believe we are unqualified or insufficient for God’s work. We focus on our weaknesses, comparing ourselves to others, or fearing that we will fail. Insecurity thrives when we let our sense of self-worth be dictated by our abilities rather than by God’s calling.

Exodus 3:12

Scripture: “And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’”

Cross-Reference:Matthew 28:20b – “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Analysis: God’s assurance is not a plan or a tool, but His presence. The promise of His presence is what enables us to move forward with confidence.

Why We Struggle: We often want certainty and control—a detailed plan or guaranteed success. Trusting God’s presence requires faith, especially when the path is unclear. We fear stepping into the unknown without having all the answers.

Exodus 3:13

Scripture: “Moses said to God, ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” Then what shall I tell them?’”

Cross-Reference:Acts 17:23 – “For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.”

Analysis: Moses feared being questioned and challenged. He worried he wouldn’t know what to say or that his authority would be dismissed.

Why We Struggle: We fear we are ill-prepared or lacking knowledge. We struggle with a desire for acceptance, fearing rejection or criticism, especially in spiritual leadership. Insecurity can lead us to avoid stepping into God’s calling because we feel we need perfect answers.

Exodus 3:14

Scripture: “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me to you.”’”

Cross-Reference:John 8:58 – “‘Very truly I tell you,’ Jesus answered, ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’”

Analysis: God reveals Himself as the eternal, self-existent “I AM”. He is unchanging, sufficient, and present in every circumstance.

Why We Struggle: We often base our security on changing circumstances, emotions, or others’ approval. We forget that God’s nature is constant and that He is sufficient for every need. Insecurity creeps in when we let the instability of life shake our confidence in His unchanging nature.

Exodus 3:15

Scripture: “God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, “The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.’”

Cross-Reference:Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

Analysis: God grounds Moses in His faithfulness across generations. This highlights His consistency and reliability.

Why We Struggle: We live in a world of change and uncertainty, and our insecurity often comes from looking at temporary circumstances rather than God’s eternal promises. Forgetting His past faithfulness makes us vulnerable to fear in the present.

Exodus 3:16

Scripture: “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob—appeared to me and said: I have watched over you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt.’”

Cross-Reference:Psalm 121:8 – “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”

Analysis: God emphasizes that He has been watching and caring. His awareness and concern extend to the details of their suffering.

Why We Struggle: When we’re in difficult seasons, we can feel unseen or forgotten. Insecurity grows when we believe God is distant or unconcerned with our struggles. We need to trust His attentive care even when we can’t see His hand.

Exodus 3:17

Scripture: “And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.”

Cross-Reference:2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Analysis: God promises deliverance and blessing. His faithfulness ensures that His promises will come to pass, though they may take time.

Why We Struggle: Our insecurity grows when we feel impatient or doubtful. We may think God has forgotten His promises, especially when answers are delayed. Waiting stretches our faith, but His timing is perfect.

Head, Heart, Hand Application

  • Head (Know): God’s presence, sufficiency, and faithfulness—not our abilities or emotions—are the foundation of confidence. He sees, knows, and promises deliverance.
  • Heart (Feel): Instead of insecurity, feel secure in God’s unchanging love and provision. Even when circumstances feel unstable, His character remains steady.
  • Hand (Do): Take action despite feelings of inadequacy. Lean into God’s promises, speak truth with boldness, and trust His provision for today’s needs.

Key Takeaways

Insecurity stems from focusing on ourselves, not God.

God’s presence, sufficiency, and promises replace our doubts.

His plan involves timing, patience, and trust, even when it’s hard to see.

We are called to step forward in faith, trusting that He equips those He calls.

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Sermon Notes: The Power of a Quiet Place

The response to a stressful day

Mark 1:35 (NIV):

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Contextual Backdrop: What Preceded Verse 35

A Full Day of Ministry (vv. 21–34):

  • Jesus had a public confrontation with teaching spiritual truth in a public setting—especially under the scrutiny of religious leaders—requires focus, energy, and courage.
  • Jesus also encountered spiritual warfare while in the Synagogue.
  • He then went to Simon’s house and privately healed Simon’s mother-in-law.
  • That evening, an entire town gathered at the door with their sick and oppressed, and Jesus healed many and cast out demons.

This was physically exhausting, emotionally demanding, and spiritually intense—a 3-part drain on His humanity.

Analysis of Mark 1:35

“Very early in the morning”

  • The Greek word used (proi) suggests the last watch of the night, between 3–6 AM.
  • After a long day of demands, Jesus chooses to sacrifice sleep for spiritual restoration.

Insight: Even in exhaustion, Jesus prioritized what was most essential—spiritual connection over physical recovery.

“While it was still dark”

  • Darkness often symbolizes solitude and privacy. Jesus chooses a time when others wouldn’t seek Him out.
  • It also represents deliberate separation—He chooses a moment untouched by interruptions.

Insight: In our darkest, most quiet moments, God’s voice can be clearest—if we seek Him intentionally.

“Jesus got up, left the house”

  • “Got up” (anastas) implies decisive action, not passivity. He leaves a house full of people in need.
  • The act of leaving the noise was as vital as the prayer itself.

Insight: Personal maturity includes knowing when to leave the good to regain strength for the best.

“Went off to a solitary place”

  • The term erēmos means a desolate, uninhabited place—used earlier in v.4 and v.12 where John and Jesus experienced wilderness moments.
  • Solitude was not escape, but a strategy for alignment and empowerment.

Insight: In silence and separation, Jesus models that solitude is not weakness—it’s wisdom.

“Where he prayed”

  • The verb proseuchomai implies an ongoing posture of prayer, not a quick transaction.
  • Jesus does not review strategy or delegate tasks—He communes with the Father.

Insight: In stress, we tend to act. Jesus shows that we must first align—restoring our inner compass before reengaging the outer world.

The Results, Clarity of His Calling:

Mark 1:36 – 37 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

Key Takeaways for Stress-Filled Days

  1. The greater the demands, the deeper the need for communion with God.
  2. Isolation for prayer isn’t avoidance—it’s preparation.
  3. Stress isn’t a sign to grind harder, but to reconnect with purpose.
  4. Leaders must protect space to hear God, not just help others.
  5. Spiritual renewal often requires sacrificing convenience.

HEAD – What Do I Need to Know?

  • I must understand that spiritual strength requires intentional solitude.
  • Productivity alone does not sustain purpose—prayer is essential fuel, not optional refreshment.

HEART – What Do I Need to Feel or Believe?

  • I am not alone in my stress—even Jesus experienced pressure.
  • My worth is not in how much I do, but in how deeply I connect with God, especially in chaos.

HAND – What Do I Need to Do?

  • Set aside intentional, early moments in the day for prayer and reflection.
  • Learn to step away from demands to listen to God—not just for guidance, but for intimacy.
  • Build rhythms of retreat and realignment before re-engagement.