Transforming the Heart: Embracing God's Faithfulness
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Harvest Church! Today, we wrapped up our "Stories" series with a deep dive into my personal journey. I shared how the Chris Mathis you see today is a result of significant life changes, both physical and spiritual. Growing up, I faced many challenges, including a bad heart condition, not in the medical sense, but in terms of my motives and actions. I was a bubbly kid on the outside but had a lot of internal struggles. My heart was filled with bad motives, lies, and a need to prove myself constantly. This led to a life where I looked good on the outside but was dying on the inside.
I emphasized the importance of heart transformation, quoting the scripture, "Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." If you don't like the way you talk or act, you need to examine your heart. I shared how my life was filled with moments where I felt less than, especially growing up with two older brothers who constantly made me feel inferior. This led to a heart that was always trying to prove itself, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
But God had other plans for me. He brought people into my life like my wife, Lindsay, and mentors like Pastor Chuck and Stephanie Barano, who helped guide me and correct my path. I shared how God has been faithful in my life, transforming me from someone who was far from Him to someone who is now serving Him wholeheartedly. I quoted Philippians 1:6, which says, "I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished."
I also talked about the importance of having "but God" moments in our lives. These are moments where God intervenes and changes the course of our lives. My biggest "but God" moment was when I decided to stop running from God and lay my life at His feet. It was then that I began to see that through God, all things are possible. I encouraged everyone to be willing to do whatever God asks, as willingness is key to experiencing God's transformative power.
### Key Takeaways
1. Heart Transformation is Crucial: The condition of your heart determines your actions and words. If you don't like the way you talk or act, it's time to examine your heart. True change starts from within, and God is more interested in transforming your heart than just your outward appearance. [39:57]
2. God Uses People to Guide Us: Throughout my life, God placed key individuals like my wife and mentors to guide and correct me. These relationships were instrumental in my spiritual growth. Surround yourself with people who will speak truth into your life and help you stay on the right path. [52:00]
3. "But God" Moments are Life-Changing: These are moments when God intervenes and changes the course of your life. My biggest "but God" moment was when I decided to stop running from Him and lay my life at His feet. These moments are pivotal and can transform your entire life. [51:01]
4. Willingness is Key: God doesn't require you to be perfect or the smartest person in the room. He looks for a willing heart. Be willing to do whatever God asks, and you will see His transformative power in your life. [01:12:42]
5. God is Faithful to Complete His Work: Philippians 1:6 assures us that God, who began a good work in us, will continue it until it is finished. No matter the trials and tribulations, God is faithful and will see you through to the end. Trust in His faithfulness. [55:30]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[33:16] - Ways to Give
[35:46] - Introduction and Apology for Static
[36:02] - Recap of Stories Series
[37:21] - My Personal Journey
[38:56] - Importance of Heart Transformation
[39:57] - Examining the Heart
[41:31] - Early Life and Family
[45:05] - Struggles with Self-Worth
[51:01] - "But God" Moments
[52:00] - Key Relationships
[53:26] - Foundational Scriptures
[55:30] - God's Faithfulness
[01:01:43] - If God Did It for Me, He Can Do It for You
[01:12:42] - Willingness to Follow God
[01:14:32] - "But God" Scriptures
[01:21:06] - Prayer and New Members
[01:22:25] - Closing Prayer and Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Philippians 1:6 (NLT): "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."
2. Philippians 4:13 (NLT): "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength."
3. Luke 6:45 (NLT): "A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Philippians 1:6 assure us about God's work in our lives?
2. According to Philippians 4:13, where does our strength come from to do all things?
3. In Luke 6:45, what is the relationship between the heart and our words and actions?
4. How did Pastor Chris describe his heart condition before his transformation? [39:57]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is heart transformation crucial according to the sermon and Luke 6:45? How does this relate to the way we speak and act? [39:57]
2. How did God use people like Lindsay, Pastor Chuck, and Stephanie Barano in Pastor Chris's life to guide him? What does this suggest about the importance of community in spiritual growth? [52:00]
3. What are "but God" moments, and why are they significant in a believer's life? How did Pastor Chris's biggest "but God" moment change his life? [51:01]
4. How does Philippians 1:6 provide comfort and assurance during times of struggle and uncertainty?
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you feel your heart needs transformation? What steps can you take to allow God to work in those areas? [39:57]
2. Who are the key individuals in your life that God has used to guide and correct you? How can you show appreciation to them this week? [52:00]
3. Can you identify a "but God" moment in your life where God intervened and changed your course? How did that moment impact your faith journey? [51:01]
4. Are you willing to do whatever God asks of you, even if it seems challenging or uncomfortable? What is one specific area where you can demonstrate willingness this week? [01:12:42]
5. How can you remind yourself of God's faithfulness to complete His work in you, especially during difficult times? Is there a specific scripture or practice that helps you stay focused on this promise? [55:30]
6. Pastor Chris mentioned feeling less than and constantly trying to prove himself. Have you ever felt this way? How can you find your worth and identity in Christ rather than in external validation? [45:05]
7. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your outward actions align with a transformed heart? How can you hold yourself accountable in this area? [40:46]
Devotional
Day 1: Heart Transformation is the Foundation
The condition of your heart determines your actions and words. If you don't like the way you talk or act, it's time to examine your heart. True change starts from within, and God is more interested in transforming your heart than just your outward appearance. A heart filled with bad motives, lies, and a need to prove oneself can lead to a life that looks good on the outside but is dying on the inside. Heart transformation is crucial because "out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks." When you allow God to transform your heart, your actions and words will naturally align with His will. [39:57]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Reflection: What areas of your heart need transformation? Ask God to reveal any hidden motives or lies and to begin His work of transformation in you today.
Day 2: God Uses People to Guide Us
Throughout life, God places key individuals to guide and correct us. These relationships are instrumental in our spiritual growth. Surrounding yourself with people who will speak truth into your life and help you stay on the right path is essential. God uses these relationships to shape and mold us into the people He wants us to be. Whether it's a spouse, a mentor, or a friend, these individuals can provide the support and guidance needed to navigate life's challenges. [52:00]
Proverbs 27:17 (ESV): "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
Reflection: Who are the key individuals God has placed in your life to guide you? How can you be more intentional in seeking their wisdom and support?
Day 3: "But God" Moments are Life-Changing
"But God" moments are those pivotal times when God intervenes and changes the course of your life. These moments can transform your entire life, leading you from a path of destruction to one of purpose and fulfillment. Recognizing and embracing these moments is crucial for spiritual growth. When you decide to stop running from God and lay your life at His feet, you open yourself up to His transformative power. These moments are a testament to God's faithfulness and His desire to see you thrive. [51:01]
Ephesians 2:4-5 (ESV): "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Reflection: Can you identify a "but God" moment in your life? How did it change your direction, and how can you remain open to future divine interventions?
Day 4: Willingness is Key
God doesn't require you to be perfect or the smartest person in the room. He looks for a willing heart. Being willing to do whatever God asks is key to experiencing His transformative power in your life. Willingness means being open to God's plans, even when they don't align with your own. It means trusting that God knows what's best for you and being ready to follow His lead. When you have a willing heart, you position yourself to receive God's blessings and to be used by Him in powerful ways. [01:12:42]
Isaiah 1:19 (ESV): "If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are resisting God's call? What steps can you take today to cultivate a more willing and obedient heart?
Day 5: God is Faithful to Complete His Work
Philippians 1:6 assures us that God, who began a good work in us, will continue it until it is finished. No matter the trials and tribulations, God is faithful and will see you through to the end. Trusting in His faithfulness means believing that He is in control and that He will complete the work He started in you. This assurance provides hope and encouragement, especially during difficult times. Remembering God's faithfulness can help you stay focused on His promises and remain steadfast in your faith. [55:30]
1 Thessalonians 5:24 (ESV): "He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it."
Reflection: How have you seen God's faithfulness in your life? Take a moment to thank Him for His ongoing work in you and trust Him to complete it.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Change is not a bad thing. Amen? Change can be a very. Very, very, very good thing. And I know for myself and for my life, change was very, very much needed. Not only have I gone through a ton of physical changes, but, guys, most importantly, I've gone through a ton of heart changes." [38:56] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you don't like the way you talk, if you don't like the way you act, you should probably start looking at your heart. And so that's why that's something that's so, so important to me because in the past, I've always been a real bubbly kid. I've always been there to help out. I've always been kind of that kid." [39:57] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "But God. Can we say that together? But God. Do you understand that when those words are said in the Bible, but God, it's always followed by trials, trauma, bad things. And then the then the word of God will say something along the lines of but God or it'll say but because of God or it'll say something along those lines." [51:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If God did it before, he'll do it again. And my second point is going to be if God did it in me, guess what? He can do it in you. So let's jump into the first part. If God did it before, he'll do it again." [55:30] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If God can do it with me, he'll do it with you. I'm no one special. I'm not the smartest in the room. I have a hard time reading. I have ADHD. I stumble over my words and I mess up on the daily. But I'll let you know in. I'll let you know a little secret that I've learned throughout. My life willing. I'm willing. That's it." [01:12:42] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If you're speaking negatively towards these students, you're probably because you need to check something inside your heart because we were all young. I hate to say it like this because I'm not calling us dumb. We're not dumb. But it's just kind of a saying. We were all young and dumb at one point." [50:18] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I once was Saul. I once was somebody completely different than me. God called me out. After God called me out, my life has not been just sunshine, roses, and rainbows. I've had some pretty bad things happen. But yet I know, I am certain of this, just like Paul, that God started something in me. And he's going to be faithful and just to see it through." [01:00:35] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You can't get from where you are now to where God is calling you on your own. Trust me. I've tried and I've lost many years because of it. Listen, if God can do it with me, he'll do it with you. I'm no one special. I'm not the smartest in the room. I have a hard time reading. I have ADHD. I stumble over my words and I mess up on the daily. But I'll let you know in. I'll let you know a little secret that I've learned throughout. My life willing. I'm willing. That's it." [01:12:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "It was the moment that I truly laid my life down at God's feet. And I said, God, I'm tired of running. I'm tired of doing this on my own. I'm tired of doing this on my own understanding, on my own truth, on my own thinking, on my own motives, on my own. I said, God, I'm ready to do it your way. I truly gave God a try and I quit playing. It was then that I began to see through. God, that all things were possible." [01:10:11] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You have to be willing to do what is need to be done to get you from where you are now to where God wants you to be. Let me read you real quick and then we're going to wrap up. I'm going to read you a couple of scriptures. And these are some but God scriptures. I didn't give them to Miss Cindy, so they're not going to be on the screen. So you just have to listen to me. But these are some but God scriptures." [01:13:51] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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