written by Lena Jennings | read on 321sunday.com
Happy 3-2-1 Sunday,
Here are 3 sermon notes, 2 quotes, & 1 question to consider this week.
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3 Sermon Notes
I.
God is giving you permission to be human. Humans hurt, bleed, get discouraged and confused. Humans don't always know what to do. Stop judging yourself for not having all the answers - you're not omniscient.
Affirm yourself: "Lord, I believe but I need your help because I'm human. Sometimes it's hard, I get tired and weak. I feel pressure thinking if I'm not strong with unwavering faith, you won't come through for me. But in these moments, I release myself from the burden of always having to know what to do. I'm not God."
When you don't understand your humanity, you miss the essence of the gospel. You'll try to pull yourself out of struggles, thinking you got yourself into them. But the good news is God made you human intentionally. He didn't want another God - He wanted you, a human in need of His grace.
Source: Resting in the Arms of Jesus
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II.
God chose you. Now it's time to let go of doubts and fears. Stop focusing on reasons why you think this shouldn't be so. What do you need to embrace to move forward? What might be holding you back? We can cling so tightly to our limitations that we miss out on God's blessings. Release your self-doubt and reach for the gifts God has placed within you. Believe in the person God sees. Choose yourself – the true you.
Source: It’s okay to Feel Afriad
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III.
The miracle that God is going to do in your future is contingent upon your recognition of His presence here and now. God knows what you’re in the middle of, He knows whats ahead of you and what’s behind you.
Choose to focus on the faithfulness of God. Why not start a gratitude journal to celebrate all the ways He has shown up for you?
Source: Which one are you?
2 Quotes
I.
"Speak about the things in your life that you want to see more of.
There’s nothing wrong admitting the things that you wish were different and getting help with them. But stop elevating your requests to people who are not supervisors." - Megan Ashley
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II.
"The value of personal experience is worthless if not reflected upon in the light of God’s goodness. Things turn into blessings, in time." - Kirby Kaple
1 Question
When you pray to God, do you feel confident that He hears you?
If you ask according to His will, He hears you. He really does hear your prayers. Not only that, but as 1 John 5:14-15 says, "We know that we have what we asked of Him." If what you're asking is in God's will, you can be assured - you already have it. It may not be manifested yet, but if you have asked according to the Father's will, consider it done. If you don't have it in your hands right now, know that when the time is right, He will lift you up into that promise. Until then, we get to simply trust Him. So reflect on this: Are you asking God with an assurance that He hears you and faith that He will answer prayers aligned with His will?
Faith in Action
Two Questions, Two Outcomes – Finding Faith in the Unknown
In Luke 1, we see two encounters with an angel, two questions... but totally different responses. Zechariah asked for certainty and got muted, while Mary asked for clarity and became the mother of Jesus. So, when is it okay to ask God questions, and when does it cross the line? Let's dive into this story about faith, doubt, and finding God's plan in the unexpected.
Until next week,
Everything in this week’s newsletter was so on time for me! Especially the first sermon note about having permission to be human, and God wanting us for our humanity. I’ve been feeling a way about needing rest, not having answers and feeling uncertain about instructions He’s given me. But he wants to work with us and on our behalf. He wants our weakness and surrender. It’s one of the parts of His character I’m most in awe of!