Embracing Jesus' Peace and Power in Our Lives
Summary
In today's message, I focused on the profound peace that Jesus desires to bring into our lives. I emphasized that Jesus is actively seeking to communicate with us, to guide us, and to provide for our every need. I reminded us that Jesus' heart is for us to experience His peace, healing, comfort, deliverance, direction, grace, hope, and love. I encouraged us to ask for what we need because God is able to meet all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
I spoke about the power of God, 'dunamis', which is the same power that raised Christ from the dead and is available to us when the Holy Spirit comes upon us. This power enables us to overcome the seeds of division, dissatisfaction, discouragement, and dismay that the enemy sows in our lives. I urged us to spend time with the Lord to understand His heart so that we can align with His will and build character through His grace.
I highlighted the importance of being people of 'kairos' moments, like the sons of Issachar, discerning the times and seasons and carrying Jesus into our situations. I encouraged us to be lights of hope and comfort, to receive the love of Jesus without condemnation, and to extend that same hope, peace, and love to others.
I used the analogy of Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey, suggesting that we can either carry Jesus as the Temple of the Lord in full glory or as a donkey, burdened but without the benefit. I challenged us to choose to bless, to pray in faith, to walk in peace, and to not let Jesus weep over us but to let Him rejoice over our willingness to receive and carry His presence.
I shared personal stories and illustrations to make the message relatable, including the importance of carrying Jesus with us wherever we go, as exemplified by a California Highway Patrol officer who instilled hope in those he encountered.
Finally, I concluded with a call to action, inviting anyone who felt touched by the message to come forward for prayer and to seek the Lord's guidance and peace.
Key Takeaways:
1. Jesus longs to communicate with us and provide guidance in every situation. When we face worries or disturbances, it's an invitation to trust in His goodness and love. By engaging in conversation with Him, we can receive the peace and direction He offers. This peace is not just for our benefit but also equips us to be peacemakers in the world around us. [01:21:12]
2. The power of God, 'dunamis', is like spiritual dynamite that can transform our hearts and attitudes. When we feel overwhelmed by negative emotions or situations, God's power can change our perspective, enabling us to love and bless even those we find difficult. This transformation is a testament to the real and active work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. [01:24:09]
3. We are called to be discerning of 'kairos' moments, recognizing when God is moving in our lives or calling us to bring His love and compassion to others. Like the sons of Issachar, we should seek to understand God's timing and align ourselves with His purposes, becoming vessels of His peace and hope in every circumstance. [01:31:51]
4. Carrying Jesus with us means embodying His love and presence in our daily interactions. We should not be like stones, mindlessly performing religious acts without heart, or like donkeys, burdened without benefit. Instead, we are to be temples of the Holy Spirit, radiating Jesus' glory and being a light to others. [01:34:01]
5. The enemy seeks to sow seeds of discord and despair, but we have the grace of Jesus Christ to empower us in every situation. By choosing to trust in the Lord and seeking His heart, we can overcome the enemy's tactics and build character that reflects Christ. This process is not easy, but it is possible and deeply rewarding as we grow in our faith and relationship with Jesus. [01:31:12]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Luke 19:41-44 - "And when he drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, 'Would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up a barricade around you and surround you and hem you in on every side and tear you down to the ground, you and your children within you. And they will not leave one stone upon another in you, because you did not know the time of your visitation.'"
2. Philippians 4:6-7 - "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."
3. Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Jesus' emotional response when He saw Jerusalem, and what did He say about the city's future? (Luke 19:41-44)
2. According to Philippians 4:6-7, what are we instructed to do instead of being anxious, and what is promised to us in return?
3. What does Acts 1:8 say about the power we receive from the Holy Spirit and our role as witnesses?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus wept over Jerusalem, and what does this reveal about His heart for the city and its people? (Luke 19:41-44) [01:08:46]
2. How does the peace of God, as described in Philippians 4:6-7, differ from the peace the world offers? What practical steps can we take to experience this peace in our daily lives?
3. In what ways does the 'dunamis' power of the Holy Spirit, mentioned in Acts 1:8, enable us to overcome negative emotions and situations? How can this power transform our interactions with others? [01:24:09]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by anxiety or worry. How did you handle it, and what could you do differently in light of Philippians 4:6-7? [01:15:46]
2. Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they did not recognize the time of their visitation. Are there moments in your life where you might have missed recognizing God's presence or guidance? How can you become more attuned to these 'kairos' moments? [01:12:06]
3. The sermon emphasized the importance of carrying Jesus' presence with us wherever we go. What are some practical ways you can embody Jesus' love and peace in your daily interactions, especially in challenging situations? [01:00:03]
4. The analogy of carrying Jesus as either the Temple of the Lord or as a burdened donkey was used in the sermon. How do you currently carry Jesus in your life, and what changes can you make to ensure you are reflecting His glory rather than feeling burdened? [01:34:01]
5. The sermon mentioned the seeds of division, dissatisfaction, discouragement, and dismay that the enemy sows. Identify one area in your life where you feel these seeds have been sown. How can you use the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome these negative influences? [01:31:12]
6. The California Highway Patrol officer's story was shared as an example of instilling hope. Think of someone in your life who might be struggling with hopelessness. What specific actions can you take this week to bring hope and encouragement to them? [01:00:47]
7. The sermon concluded with a call to action, inviting those touched by the message to seek prayer and guidance. Is there a specific area in your life where you need God's guidance and peace? How can your small group support you in this journey? [01:39:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Divine Communication
In a world filled with noise and distractions, it is essential to carve out space to listen for the voice of Jesus. He longs to communicate with us, offering guidance and peace in the midst of our worries and disturbances. This communication is not a one-way street; it's an interactive dialogue where we can pour out our hearts and in return, receive the assurance of His goodness and love. By engaging in this divine conversation, we not only find personal peace but are also equipped to be ambassadors of that peace in a world that desperately needs it. This peace transcends understanding and has the power to transform not only our lives but also the lives of those we touch. [01:21:12]
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." (John 14:27 ESV)
Reflection: How can you create a daily practice of listening for Jesus' guidance and peace amidst your busy schedule?
Day 2: Transformative Spiritual Dynamite
The 'dunamis' power of God is a transformative force that can radically change our hearts and attitudes. This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead, and it is available to us today. When we feel overwhelmed by negative emotions or challenging situations, this divine power can shift our perspective, enabling us to love and bless even those we find difficult. It's a testament to the real and active work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, shaping us to be more like Christ in every circumstance. This transformation is not superficial; it's a deep, spiritual renewal that empowers us to live out the gospel in tangible ways. [01:24:09]
"And what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might." (Ephesians 1:19 ESV)
Reflection: In what situation do you need to experience God's 'dunamis' power today, and how can you open yourself up to this transformative force?
Day 3: Discerning God's Kairos Moments
Recognizing 'kairos' moments—times when God is moving uniquely in our lives or calling us to action—is crucial for living a life aligned with His purposes. Like the sons of Issachar, we are called to discern the times and seasons, understanding when to step forward in faith and bring God's love and compassion to others. These moments are opportunities to be vessels of His peace and hope, to make a difference in our surroundings, and to demonstrate the reality of the kingdom of God in everyday life. By being attuned to these divine appointments, we can participate in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in the world. [01:31:51]
"From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command." (1 Chronicles 12:32 ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a 'kairos' moment in your life right now, and how can you actively engage with it to fulfill God's purposes?
Day 4: Being a Carrier of Christ's Presence
To carry Jesus with us is to embody His love and presence in our daily interactions. We are not to be like stones, going through religious motions without heart, nor like donkeys, burdened without understanding the benefit. Instead, we are called to be temples of the Holy Spirit, radiating the glory of Jesus and being a beacon of light to those around us. This means living with intentionality, allowing the love of Christ to flow through us in every word and deed, and being a tangible expression of His grace to a world in need. [01:34:01]
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV)
Reflection: What does it mean for you to carry Jesus into your daily interactions, and how can you more fully embody His presence?
Day 5: Overcoming the Enemy's Tactics
The enemy is adept at sowing seeds of discord and despair, but as followers of Christ, we are not left defenseless. We have the grace of Jesus Christ to empower us in every situation. Trusting in the Lord and seeking His heart allows us to overcome the enemy's tactics and build character that reflects Christ. This process is not without its challenges, but it is possible and deeply rewarding. As we grow in our faith and relationship with Jesus, we become more resilient and capable of facing whatever trials may come our way, all the while maintaining our focus on the eternal hope we have in Him. [01:31:12]
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV)
Reflection: What seeds of discord or despair is the enemy trying to sow in your life, and how can you counteract them with the grace and power of Jesus Christ?
Quotes
1. "I really believe that wherever you go you carry Jesus with you... carrying that light and being that light and bringing the hope of Jesus wherever you are... caring about people, seeing people, and caring about them." [01:02:01]
2. "God loves this city and for us to just capture a heart for the greater Kansas City area, asking for the Lord just to bless and bring an end to the violence... and just for the Lord to bring what he needs to." [01:03:14]
3. "God is able to meet all my needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus... This Heart of Jesus, This cairo's Heart in the moment when he comes in and he goes okay in this moment this is what I'm doing in your life." [01:22:32]
4. "You don't want to be a Stone, you don't want to be a donkey, you want to be the Temple of the Lord Jesus Christ, carrying Jesus in his full glory and being the light... choose to bless, choose to pray in faith, choose to walk in peace." [01:34:46]
5. "The enemy comes in to sew seeds of division, dissatisfaction, discouragement, dismay... thank God we have the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ which empowers us in every situation and it's character building for us." [01:31:12]
6. "You carry Jesus wherever you go... either you carry him as the Temple of the Lord Jesus Christ in the fullness of the glory and power or you carry him as a donkey." [01:34:01]
7. "I'm completely addicted to the presence of the Lord... the peace that passes understanding and gives you hope for the moment, that's what he's called us to live in." [01:18:08]
8. "You are the temple now because the presence of the Lord lives inside you... wherever you go is basically Jerusalem to some extent... Jesus wants to be with you to be a witness there in your Jerusalem to bring peace to your Jerusalem." [01:28:29]
9. "He desires for you to carry love, peace, and prayers of Faith everywhere you go... when you can't do it you go to the Lord and you say Lord I can't do this in this situation I need you to change my heart." [01:30:26]
10. "Jesus wept over it... he wept over the city when he saw her and he says would that you, even you, had known on this day the things that make for peace but now they're hidden from your eyes." [01:08:46]
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