August Sermons

Acts 4:32-37 (CEV) “They spent their time learning from the apostles and were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together. Everyone was amazed by the many miracles and wonders that the apostles worked. All the Lord's followers often met, sharing everything they had. They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever needed it. Day after day, they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes, sharing their food happily and freely, praising God. Everyone liked them, and the Lord added others being saved to their group each day.”

Acts 4:32-37 (NLT) “All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. No needy people were among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need. For instance, there was Joseph, the apostle nicknamed Barnabas (“Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.”

“If every member of this church were just like me, what kind of church would it be?”

Jesus mentions this in John 14:16-17, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another ‘paraclete,’ a comforter and advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.”

 1, Comfort and Guidance:

·       The Holy Spirit comforts us in times of trouble, providing peace and reassurance. This comfort enables us to face difficulties with strength and hope.

·       The Spirit also guides us in making decisions and discerning God’s will, illuminating our paths with wisdom and insight.

2, Empowerment for Service:

·       The Holy Spirit empowers us to serve others, giving us spiritual gifts and abilities to contribute to the church and community.

·       This empowerment fosters a sense of purpose and belonging as we fulfill our roles within the body of Christ.

1. Encouragement:

·       Barnabas consistently uplifted those around him. He supported the apostle Paul during his early ministry, vouching for him when others were skeptical. This act of encouragement mirrors the Holy Spirit's role in affirming and supporting believers.

2. Compassion and Generosity:

·       He demonstrated compassion through generosity, selling land and using the proceeds to help needy people. This selflessness aligns with the Holy Spirit's call to love and serve others.

3. Mediating Relationships:

·       Barnabas acted as a bridge between different groups within the early church, promoting unity and cooperation. This mediating role reflects the Holy Spirit's work in fostering harmony among believers.

 The ministry of investing in self is the desire to see God work in, on, through, and for others, the way God has for you.

Our lives are measured by the love we give, the wisdom we impart, the laughter we create, the truth we tell, the tears we dry, and the wounds we heal.

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Start Small: Focus on the simplest things. It could be a warm cup of coffee, a sunny day, or a comfortable bed. Small comforts can be significant when times are tough.

Reflect on Basic Needs: Consider the basic needs being met—shelter, food, and safety. Recognizing these essentials can ground you in gratitude.

Look for Support: Consider the people who care about you. A supportive friend, family member, or even a pet can be a source of gratitude.

Revisit Past Experiences: Reflect on past challenges and how you overcame them. This can remind you of your resilience and strength.

Engage with Nature: Spend time outdoors, even just a short walk. Nature can inspire gratitude for its beauty and tranquility.

Limit Negative Inputs: Reduce exposure to negative news or social media that may contribute to feelings of helplessness or frustration.

Seek Inspiration: Read books, listen to music, or watch videos about wellness and gratitude. Sometimes, hearing others’ stories can spark your own reflections.

Give Yourself Grace: It’s okay not always to feel grateful. Acknowledge your struggle and allow yourself to feel your feelings without judgment.

“Life is a collection of moments. Make sure you spend them wisely.” — Unknown.

“Wherever you are, be all there.” — Jim Elliot.

“Each moment is a place you’ve never been.” — Mark Strand

Worship and Praise: Make time for prayer and worship. Worship helps us recognize God’s goodness, greatness, and generosity.

Seek the Lessons in the Struggle: Look for any lessons or insights that might arise from your current situation. There may not be a lesson, just a season.

Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate any small victories, no matter how minor they may seem. Recognizing progress can help you maintain a positive outlook.

“Then the Lord said to Elijah, “Go to the east and hide by Cherith Brook at a place east of where it enters the Jordan River. Drink from the brook and eat what the ravens bring you, for I have commanded them to feed you.” So, he did as the Lord had told him to and camped beside the brook. The ravens brought him bread and meat each morning and evening, and he drank from the brook. But the brook dried up after a while, for the land had no rainfall. Then the Lord told him, “Go and live in the village of Zarephath, near the city of Sidon. There is a widow there who will feed you. I have given her my instructions.”

·       The “pushed to what is next” theme goes beyond the typical messaging of self-indulgence and the prosperity gospel, which often focuses on bigger and better things for personal gain.

·       Rather than seeking prosperity and comfort “ONLY” in all of life’s affairs, we are invited to embrace the push as “USHERING” in a transformative step toward what is next for God’s glory and our growth.

Pay Attention to Changes: Notice when circumstances shift unexpectedly and subtly, like a job change or a relationship challenge. These can be nudges to redirect your path.

Open Doors: Look for new opportunities that arise. Sometimes, God opens doors that lead us in new directions.

Trust Your Instincts: Especially if you have a track record of following them successfully. God may guide you toward a decision or provide a sense of peace about a particular choice.

Restlessness: If you feel uneasy or restless about a situation, it could be a sign to reconsider your path.

Seek Wise Counsel: Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders. They can offer insights and perspectives that may highlight God’s nudges.

Listen to Others: Sometimes God speaks through the suggestions or experiences of others. Be open to what they share.

Acts of Service: Pay attention to opportunities to help others. A nudge might come in the form of a need you can meet, drawing you into service and community.

Coincidences: Unexplained coincidences or “God-incidences” can confirm that you are on the right path.

Peace in Decision-Making: A sense of peace about a choice indicates that God is guiding you.

Oswald Chambers wisely noted, “The greatest hindrance in listening to God is a strong will; we want to talk rather than listen.”

NASB (New American Standard Bible):

“Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”

MSG (The Message):

“We’re the best of friends, and I pray for good fortune in everything you do, and for your good health—that your everyday affairs prosper and your soul!”

TLB (The Living Bible):

“Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.”

After I have said or done something, I hope I can still be in a relationship with those I told it to or did it with.

 ·       Intentional Practice: Make it a habit to bless those around you, family, and even strangers. Simple acts of kindness and words of encouragement can have powerful effects.

·       Modeling Behavior: Lead by example. Share stories of blessings impacting your life and encourage others to do the same.

·       Acts of Service: Engage in acts of kindness. These actions reflect your desire for God's best for others.

·       Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledge and celebrate the successes of others, no matter how small. This reinforces a culture of support and mutual encouragement.

“Be the reason someone smiles. Be the reason someone feels loved and believes in the goodness in people.” — Roy T. Bennett.

Numbers 6:24-26

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.”

Proverbs 16:24

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Spiritual Blessings

“This is what the LORD says about Cyrus, his anointed one: I have held him by his right hand so he could conquer the nations ahead of him, strip kings of their power, and open doors ahead of him so that the gates would not be shut.”

Daniel 6:28 (GW) “This man, Daniel, prospered during the reign of Darius and Cyrus the Persian.”

Daniel 10:1 (ESV) “In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia, a word was revealed to Daniel.”

Embrace Compassionate Leadership: This means understanding the needs of others and creating an environment where everyone can thrive and flourish.

Engage in Constructive Dialogue: Meaningful conversations are essential in a world often divided by differing opinions.

Practice Values in Action: We must translate our values into tangible actions that contribute to the common and greater good.

· “It is not enough to be informed; we must also act on that information.” – Unknown

Foster Resilience and Hope: Life’s challenges can leave us powerless, but fostering resilience and hope is vital for our spiritual well-being.

Stay Informed: Educate yourself about local, national, and global issues. Understanding how various circumstances impact your community, context, and proximity which can help you engage more effectively.

· “If you don’t understand what is happening in the world, you will not understand what is happening in your own life.” – Unknown

· “In a world of information overload, it is critical to discern what is true and relevant.” – Unknown

Live by Example: Show kindness and respect to everyone, fostering a culture of acceptance.

As we reflect on the various human systems that govern our lives, whether in politics, family, education, or social structures, we recognize that they are all manifestations of administration.

Psalm 145:13 “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations.”

Psalm 22:28: “For kingship belongs to the Lord, and He rules over the nations.”

Matthew 6:10: “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”

• God's administration shapes our perspectives, influences our relationships, and equips us to navigate life's challenges gracefully and purposefully.

• May we be vessels of God’s kingdom on earth, reflecting justice, mercy, and love in every aspect of our lives.

• We must pray for wisdom to discern God’s will and strength to act according to divine governance as we await the fulfillment of the glorious kingdom.