JANUARY “It’s Time to Go Deeper”
SUNDAY’S SERMON SUMMARY
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Beats From Your Pastor’s Heart
GOING DEEPER REQUIRES SACRIFICE
Luke 9:23, “And he said to all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
Deepening our relationship with God often demands that we make significant changes in our lives, leaving behind comforts, overcoming sins, and eliminating distractions.
Jesus calls us to surrender our personal desires and place His will above all else.
In Luke 9:23, He emphasizes that true discipleship involves daily self-denial and a commitment to follow Him wholeheartedly.
Consider the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:28-31).
When Peter saw Jesus walking on the sea, he stepped out of the boat in faith.
For a moment, he experienced the miraculous by relying solely on Jesus’ strength.
However, as fear and doubt crept in, Peter began to sink, illustrating the importance of unwavering faith and dependence on God.
This narrative underscores that to truly deepen our walk with Christ, we must continuously step out in faith, trusting in His power rather than our own.
Identifying the obstacles that hold us back—whether it’s fear, sin, bad habits, or misplaced priorities—is crucial.
These barriers prevent us from fully embracing the transformative journey God has set before us.
By committing to fast from these distractions, we create space for God to work more effectively in our lives.
Fasting, in this context, isn’t just about abstaining from food; it’s about intentionally stepping away from anything that hinders our spiritual growth.
Sacrifice in our spiritual journey is not about losing something valuable; it’s about gaining a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God.
It requires making intentional choices to align our lives with His will, even when it leads to discomfort or significant changes.
Here are practical steps to embrace the sacrifices needed to pursue a closer walk with Christ:
Self-Denial: Begin each day by denying selfish desires and seeking God’s guidance. This could mean prioritizing prayer and Bible study over personal leisure or entertainment.
Identify and Overcome Obstacles: Take time to reflect on what holds you back from fully committing to God. Whether it’s fear, specific sins, or unproductive habits, acknowledge these barriers and seek God’s strength to overcome them.
Commit to Fasting: Incorporate fasting into your spiritual disciplines. Choose to give up something that distracts you from God, allowing you to focus more intently on His presence and guidance.
Embrace Change: Be willing to let go of outdated habits and embrace new practices that foster spiritual growth. This might involve changing your daily routine to include more time with God or altering relationships that negatively impact your faith.
Dependence on God: Rely on God’s strength rather than your own. Trust that He will provide the necessary power and wisdom to navigate life’s challenges as you strive to follow Him more closely.
Community Support: Surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and support you in your journey. Accountability partners or small groups can provide the necessary encouragement to stay committed.
Sacrifice is often misunderstood as a loss, but in the spiritual realm, it is a gateway to immense gain.
By giving up temporary comforts and addressing sinful patterns, we position ourselves to receive God’s abundant blessings.
This intentional shedding of what hinders our growth cultivates humility and fosters a deeper dependence on God.
As we let go of worldly distractions, we allow God to fill us with His Holy Spirit, empowering us to live out our faith with greater boldness and authenticity.
Embracing sacrifice means accepting that our journey with God will sometimes require us to step out of our comfort zones.
It may involve facing fears, changing long-held habits, or making difficult decisions that honor God’s will over our own preferences.
However, the rewards of such sacrifices are profound—transforming us into more Christ-like individuals and equipping us to live victoriously in a challenging world.
Prayer – Jesus, I surrender my comforts and distractions to You. Help me to prioritize Your will over my own desires and to take bold steps of faith. Strengthen me to overcome the obstacles that hinder my spiritual growth. Teach me to rely on Your strength and to embrace the sacrifices necessary for a deeper walk with You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
As we continue our journey of faith, let us remember that going deeper with God requires sacrifice.
It is through these sacrifices that we open ourselves to His transformative power and align our lives more closely with His divine purpose.
Let us support one another in this commitment, encouraging each other to deny ourselves, take up our crosses daily, and follow Christ with unwavering dedication.
Together, we can embrace the sacrifices needed to experience a more profound and victorious relationship with God, trusting that He will guide us every step of the way.
THURSDAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Michael Stanley
Mrs. Franklin – Joanie & Jeanie’s Mom – Vision Problems
Greg Schriener
Angela Bryan’s Sister
Ben Bruce
Carol Lawhead
Danny Jarrard
Darlene Wiggins
David Newby
Denise Hulsey – Jordan’s G’mother
Donna Plunkett’s Brother-in-law
Doris Loyd
Dr. and Mrs. Davis
Ellen Boyd
Eric Magnusson’s Mother
Eric Ward
Faith Burnette
Friend of Linda Hodge
Gail Sparks
George & Linda Alexander
George Calhoon
James Burnette
James Parker
Jessica Headrick
Jodi Bateman
John McClain’s Mother
June Cronan’s Sister
June Davis
Kailey Bateman
Kathryn Raines
Kim McClain’s Mother
Kim McClain’s Sister
Krista Hilscher
Larry Barker
Lee Cronan
Lillanna Magnusson’s Mom
Linda Breedlove’s Sister – Sarah
Linda Hodges’ Sister
Linda Lanier
Lonzo Christian
Lori Blount’s Mother
Mary William’s Granddaughter
Mary Williams
Mary Williamson – Dana Jackson’s Mom
Mike Bryan
Nora Allison
Pastor Driskell
Rose Fuller – Pruitt-Monroe Nursing Home, Forsyth GA
Scott Lanier
Steve Michaels
Tom Witcher