Embracing Holy Emotions: Love, Prayer, and Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Cornerstone. Today, we gathered to worship and reflect on the holiness of our emotions. We began with a heartfelt prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to open our hearts and spirits to receive God's presence. We lifted up various prayers and praises for our church family, including those who are ill, mourning, or celebrating milestones. We also celebrated the contributions of our missions committee and the positive impact of our gifts on the Native American community.
Our scripture for today was 2 Timothy 1:7, which reminds us that the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. We explored the concept of holy emotions, emphasizing that our emotions can be sanctified and used for God's glory. We discussed three key points: love, alertness, and prayer.
First, we focused on love, noting that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all exhibit emotions like compassion, joy, anger, and love. We are called to cultivate love in our emotional state, reflecting God's love in our interactions with others. Second, we talked about being alert to our emotions. Emotions should serve as a gauge, not a guide. They reveal what our heart loves, trusts, and fears. We must be vigilant, as the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking to devour us through negative emotions.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of prayer. When faced with emotional turmoil, we should present our requests to God with thanksgiving. Prayer not only brings us peace but also strengthens our faith and trust in God. We concluded with a reminder to utilize our church community for support and counsel, helping each other lift up our arms in times of need, just as Moses' friends did during the battle.
### Key Takeaways
1. Love as a Holy Emotion: Emotions like love, compassion, and joy are not just human experiences but divine attributes. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all exhibit these emotions, and we are called to reflect them in our lives. Cultivating love in our emotional state allows us to act boldly and joyfully, fulfilling God's will. [45:23]
2. Alertness to Emotional Deception: Emotions should serve as a gauge, not a guide. They reveal what our heart loves, trusts, and fears. The devil seeks to exploit our negative emotions, leading us away from God's truth. By being alert and discerning, we can navigate our emotions wisely and avoid falling into spiritual traps. [51:02]
3. The Power of Prayer: When faced with emotional challenges, prayer is our most potent tool. Presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving brings peace and strengthens our faith. Prayer helps us align our emotions with God's will, transforming our anxiety and fear into trust and hope. [56:28]
4. Community Support in Emotional Struggles: Just as Moses needed his friends to lift his arms during battle, we need our church community to support us in our emotional struggles. Trusted friends and mentors can provide counsel, prayer, and encouragement, helping us navigate difficult emotions and stay grounded in faith. [57:44]
5. Emotions as Indicators of Spiritual Health: Our emotions can indicate where we are spiritually. Positive emotions like joy and love often reflect a healthy spiritual state, while negative emotions like anger and anxiety can signal areas needing attention. By being mindful of our emotions and seeking God's guidance, we can grow in spiritual maturity and holiness. [55:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[06:30] - Opening Prayer
[17:20] - Prayers and Praises
[23:16] - Farewell to John Park
[27:26] - Prayer for Joys and Concerns
[39:17] - Memory Verse and Scripture Reading
[40:05] - Introduction to Holy Emotions
[45:23] - Love as a Holy Emotion
[50:33] - Alertness to Emotional Deception
[56:28] - The Power of Prayer
[59:22] - Practical Steps and Community Support
[01:00:58] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- 2 Timothy 1:7 (NIV): "For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."
- 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV): "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."
- Philippians 4:6 (NIV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 2 Timothy 1:7, what are the three attributes that the Spirit of God gives us? How do these attributes contrast with timidity? [40:05]
2. In 1 Peter 5:8, what metaphor is used to describe the devil, and what does this imply about the nature of spiritual vigilance? [50:33]
3. Philippians 4:6 advises us on how to handle anxiety. What are the steps mentioned in this verse for dealing with anxious thoughts? [56:28]
4. The sermon mentioned that emotions should serve as a gauge, not a guide. What does this mean, and how can this perspective help us manage our emotions better? [51:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit exhibit emotions like love, compassion, and anger help us in cultivating holy emotions in our own lives? [45:23]
2. What are some practical ways to be alert to emotional deception, as described in 1 Peter 5:8? How can we discern when our emotions are being exploited by negative influences? [50:33]
3. How does prayer transform our emotional state according to Philippians 4:6? Can you think of a time when prayer helped you overcome anxiety or fear? [56:28]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of community support in emotional struggles. How can the example of Moses' friends lifting his arms during battle (Exodus 17) be applied to our church community today? [57:44]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current emotional state. Are there any negative emotions that you feel are dominating your life? How can you cultivate more love and joy in your interactions with others? [45:23]
2. Think about a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed by negative emotions. How did you handle it? What steps can you take to be more alert and discerning about your emotions in the future? [50:33]
3. Prayer is a powerful tool for managing emotions. What specific emotional challenges are you facing right now, and how can you incorporate prayer into your daily routine to address them? [56:28]
4. Identify a trusted friend or mentor in your church community. How can you seek their support and counsel in times of emotional struggle? What steps can you take to be more open and vulnerable with them? [57:44]
5. Emotions can indicate our spiritual health. Reflect on the positive and negative emotions you experience regularly. What do they reveal about your current spiritual state, and how can you seek God's guidance to grow in spiritual maturity? [55:46]
6. The sermon mentioned that emotions should be a gauge, not a guide. How can you practically apply this principle in your daily life, especially when faced with strong emotions? [51:34]
7. Consider the role of community in your emotional well-being. How can you contribute to creating a supportive and loving environment in your church community? What specific actions can you take to support others in their emotional struggles? [57:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Love as a Reflection of Divine Emotion
Our emotions, such as love, compassion, and joy, are not merely human experiences but divine attributes. God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all exhibit these emotions, and we are called to reflect them in our lives. Cultivating love in our emotional state allows us to act boldly and joyfully, fulfilling God's will. When we align our emotions with God's love, we become vessels of His grace and mercy, impacting those around us positively. This divine love empowers us to overcome fear and timidity, enabling us to live out our faith with courage and joy. [45:23]
1 John 4:16 (ESV): "So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him."
Reflection: Think of a recent interaction where you struggled to show love. How can you reflect God's love more clearly in similar situations in the future?
Day 2: Alertness to Emotional Deception
Emotions should serve as a gauge, not a guide. They reveal what our heart loves, trusts, and fears. The devil seeks to exploit our negative emotions, leading us away from God's truth. By being alert and discerning, we can navigate our emotions wisely and avoid falling into spiritual traps. Negative emotions like anger, jealousy, and fear can cloud our judgment and lead us astray. By staying vigilant and grounded in God's Word, we can discern the truth and maintain our spiritual integrity. [51:02]
1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."
Reflection: Identify a negative emotion you frequently experience. How can you use God's Word to counteract this emotion and stay grounded in His truth?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer
When faced with emotional challenges, prayer is our most potent tool. Presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving brings peace and strengthens our faith. Prayer helps us align our emotions with God's will, transforming our anxiety and fear into trust and hope. Through prayer, we invite God's presence into our struggles, allowing His peace to guard our hearts and minds. This practice not only brings us comfort but also deepens our relationship with God, making us more resilient in the face of emotional turmoil. [56:28]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV): "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: What is one emotional challenge you are currently facing? Spend time in prayer today, presenting this challenge to God with thanksgiving.
Day 4: Community Support in Emotional Struggles
Just as Moses needed his friends to lift his arms during battle, we need our church community to support us in our emotional struggles. Trusted friends and mentors can provide counsel, prayer, and encouragement, helping us navigate difficult emotions and stay grounded in faith. Our church family is a vital resource for spiritual and emotional support. By leaning on one another, we can find strength and comfort, knowing we are not alone in our struggles. This communal support helps us persevere and grow in our faith. [57:44]
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV): "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to for support in your emotional struggles? How can you also be a source of support for someone else?
Day 5: Emotions as Indicators of Spiritual Health
Our emotions can indicate where we are spiritually. Positive emotions like joy and love often reflect a healthy spiritual state, while negative emotions like anger and anxiety can signal areas needing attention. By being mindful of our emotions and seeking God's guidance, we can grow in spiritual maturity and holiness. Emotions serve as a barometer for our spiritual well-being, revealing areas where we may need to seek God's healing and transformation. By addressing these areas, we can cultivate a more vibrant and holy emotional life. [55:46]
Proverbs 4:23 (ESV): "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent emotional experiences. What do they reveal about your spiritual health, and how can you seek God's guidance to address any areas needing attention?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our emotions, they can tell us where we are. And if you're driven by other emotions that are more negative, we're going to talk about that. We'll try to figure that out, why that is. Our emotions can tell us when we're not in a wholly emotional place. And God created us with all of these emotions. And I know you all have them. No matter how strong of a demeanor you have, we all have emotions to help us to feel, right? All of us are feelers. And God teaches us what God wants us to feel." [44:26] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Spirit of God does not make us timid towards love. We ought to be bold with loving one another, loving others. If you find yourself shrinking in fear or anxiety that's challenging, challenging you to love others, I want you to reflect on God a little bit more. Remember who God is. The Creator. The Creator of everything. The Creator of every moment. He knows it all. All the material world he has created. He holds all things." [47:51] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When you're in love with God, you're able to trust and have faith on a higher level. So, brothers and sisters, the first point is love. If you don't find yourself loving the people around you or yourself or your neighbors or your coworkers and your very bitter place, reflect on that. May the Spirit of God change your your bitterness, your depression, your anxiety, your ennui into joy more and more." [50:13] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "When you have emotional issues, when you're dealing with something and you don't understand it, it's very simple, pray. Philippians 4, verse six. Reese, if you'll lift up that slide. The Philippians 4, six verse. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Present your requests to God. God. Whatever you're anxious about or worried about or it's troubling you, just get on your hands and knees and pray to God about it and see what God will do." [56:07] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Despite our failure, God redeems us and gives us a name. We belong to God. Go into the world assured and confident that you are claimed by the one who gives life, who knows you inside and out. With all you do, share this grace with all you meet. In all you do, Jesus, Jesus, represent his love in this world. Amen." [01:00:58] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Emotions are designed to be a gauge and not a guide. A gauge and not a guide. Does that make sense a bit? Your emotions are giving you a reading, but it doesn't mean you have to give in to them every single time you're feeling an emotion. They ought to be a gauge for you. They'll give you a reading on where your hope is. They'll give you a reading on what you believe and what you value and how much you believe in it and value it." [52:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We need people in our lives to help us manage our emotions. Emotions, they reveal what your heart loves, trusts, and fears. What does your heart love, trust, and what does it fear? John Piper, he goes on to give a really great phrase, a motto. Pleasure is the measure of your treasure. Pleasure is the measure of your treasure. Your emotion, what makes you feel pleasure? Your pleasure is what tells you what you love. Pleasure is the measure of your treasure." [55:19] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The more you engage with your church community, the more you'll win, in wars. So continue to lift one another up. Let your emotions tell you when you're under attack and so that you can fight with the right promises of God. And that's always what I'm going to encourage you to do is read your Bibles. Know what God promises you. So when your emotions are under attack, when you're feeling out of control, go back to the scriptures teachings. Go back to those verses that have meant something to you." [59:22] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Utilize your church family. Utilize the Christian in your life that you respect and that you love and that you know loves you. And that you can trust. Go to that friend for prayer. Seek their perspective. Receive counsel from someone. Receive trusted counsel. And God will lift you up. He'll lift up your arms because of your friends and they'll help you through. I just hope that all of you can feel joy like in Inside Out 1 and 2. That joy can be felt more rather than sadness and depression and anxiety." [59:22] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We are all brothers and sisters. And for a time, John, or Cornerstone United Methodist Church is our home. Like every human family, our church family is formed and reformed over time. As members are born, as they die, as members are adopted into our family, and as they leave our congregation, for a new home in a different place. For a time, John has lived with us. We have shared with each other good times and bad. We have shared each other's joys and sorrows. We have lightened each other's heavy loads. Together, we've laughed and cried. Together, we've worshiped and praised God." [26:01] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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