Catalyst Church of Carrollton

You will never consistently live beyond what you believe about yourself. “This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I am writing to God's holy people in Ephesus, who are faithful followers of Christ Jesus. May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace. All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ. Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. God's purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God. And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. The Spirit is God's guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says. Ask the priests this question about the law: ‘If one of you is carrying some meat from a holy sacrifice in his robes and his robe happens to brush against some bread or stew, wine or olive oil, or any other kind of food, will it also become holy?'” The priests replied, “No.” Then Haggai asked, “If someone becomes ceremonially unclean by touching a dead person and then touches any of these foods, will the food be defiled?” And the priests answered, “Yes.” Then Haggai responded, “That is how it is with this people and this nation, says the Lord. Everything they do and everything they offer is defiled by their sin. Look at what was happening to you before you began to lay the foundation of the Lord's Temple. When you hoped for a twenty-bushel crop, you harvested only ten. When you expected to draw fifty gallons from the winepress, you found only twenty. I sent blight and mildew and hail to destroy everything you worked so hard to produce. Even so, you refused to return to me, says the Lord. “Think about this eighteenth day of December, the day when the foundation of the Lord's Temple was laid. Think carefully. I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn. You have not yet harvested your grain, and your grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, and olive trees have not yet produced their crops. But from this day onward I will bless you.” ‭‭Haggai‬ ‭2‬:‭11‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬   Transformation Doesn't Happen Accidentally.  God's Correction Is Proof of His Love.  God Blesses Obedience Before He Blesses Outcomes.    

“Does anyone remember this house—this Temple—in its former splendor? How, in comparison, does it look to you now? It must seem like nothing at all! But now the Lord says: Be strong, Zerubbabel. Be strong, Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people still left in the land. And now get to work, for I am with you, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. My Spirit remains among you, just as I promised when you came out of Egypt. So do not be afraid.' “For this is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: In just a little while I will again shake the heavens and the earth, the oceans and the dry land. I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. The future glory of this Temple will be greater than its past glory, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies. And in this place I will bring peace. I, the Lord of Heaven's Armies, have spoken!” ‭‭Haggai‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Glory doesn't always look impressive. 

“On August 29 of the second year of King Darius's reign, the Lord gave a message through the prophet Haggai to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. “This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: The people are saying, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the Lord.'” Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: “Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! “This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! Now go up into the hills, bring down timber, and rebuild my house. Then I will take pleasure in it and be honored, says the Lord. You hoped for rich harvests, but they were poor. And when you brought your harvest home, I blew it away. Why? Because my house lies in ruins, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies, while all of you are busy building your own fine houses. It's because of you that the heavens withhold the dew and the earth produces no crops. I have called for a drought on your fields and hills—a drought to wither the grain and grapes and olive trees and all your other crops, a drought to starve you and your livestock and to ruin everything you have worked so hard to get.”‭‭Haggai‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬ We don't have a resource problem. We have an excuse problem. Obedience isn't waiting for ideal conditions. Obedience is taking the next faithful step.

Romans 12:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will   Our Instinct becomes surrender  Romans 12:3-8 NIV [3] For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. [4] For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, [5] so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. [6] We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; [7] if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; [8] if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. Our instincts become humility and service  Romans 12:9-16 NIV [9] Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. [10] Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. [11] Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. [12] Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. [13] Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Our Instinct becomes love under pressure. 

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭24‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Your life isn't built on what you know, it's built on what you do!  Jesus didn't just preach it, He did it! 

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭15‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ You can fake faith, but you can't fake fruit, because your fruit tells the truth about your faith.

“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NKJV‬‬ The Broad Way Is Your Way.  The Narrow Way Is The Death Of Your Way. 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭7‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬ HOW DO WE GO AFTER GOD?  WE GO AFTER GOD BY SURRENDERING.  WE GO AFTER GOD BY SERVING.  WE GO AFTER GOD INTENSELY AND INTENTIONALLY.  WE'RE GOING AFTER GOD THIS SUMMER! 

Thanks for joining us! No matter where life has you right now, know that Catalyst Church is a place you can count on—for inspiration, encouragement, and a whole lot of love. We're here to live out our core values together and bring church to you—anytime, anywhere.  If this message has blessed you, share it with someone who needs it! #CatalystChurchOfCarrollton

Faithfulness is a process, and it begins with the posture of the heart. 1 Peter 4:12–13 “Do not be surprised by the fiery trial”   The Parable of the Sower Luke 8: 1- 15 Adversity Tests Our Witness Matthew 5:11–12 Blessed are those persecuted for righteousness. How We Treat Others Matters Matthew 25:31–46 Separating the Sheep from the Goats Love Is the Church's Greatest Witness John 13:35   “By this everyone will know you are my disciples…”

Control Blinds You.  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” “You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭1‬-‭5 ‭NIV‬‬ Control Makes You Desperate.  “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬ If what you value and invest in is unstable, your life will be unstable too.  Money will master you if you don't manage it. God won't give you more until you're faithful with less.  Stewardship isn't about the season you wanna be in, it's about being faithful in the season you're currently in.   

Matthew 6:1-18 Why do I feel hurt, anxious, or empty when I don't receive recognition?   Do I exaggerate my achievements and hide my failures and weaknesses to protect my image?   How do I really feel when someone criticizes me? Do I dismiss it, take it as a personal attack, rationalize it, or truly consider it?    Do I blame others instead of examining my own role in mistakes?   Do I fish for compliments? Do I give compliments expecting it back in some way?   Do I steer conversations back to me, my perspective, my achievements?   Do I truly listen to others or am I waiting for my turn to speak?   Do I feel jealous or resentful when others succeed, even slightly?     Am I honest with myself about my intentions or do I justify them?

Jesus walked out of His grave so you don't have to stay in yours. “Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!”” ‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭43‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Move Your Stones. The Miracle is His. The Movement is Yours.  “Roll the stone aside” ‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬   What's Hidden Keeps What's Dead From Living.  “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man's sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” Jesus responded, “Didn't I tell you that you would see God's glory if you believe?” ‭‭John‬ ‭11‬:‭39‬-‭40‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Then he said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭NLT If you glorify God on Friday, God will glorify you on Sunday.  If you lift your pain higher than your Savior, your pain will define you. But if you lift Jesus higher than your pain, Jesus will redefine your pain

You can carry more than what carried you.   You have to Bring it To God for real.   Pray like you believe there is more.

“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.' But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. All you need to say is simply ‘Yes' or ‘No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭33‬-‭37‬ ‭NIV‬‬ We Pretend. We Omit. We People Please.  We Self Deceived. 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭30‬ ‭NIV‬‬ If you manage sin instead of removing it, it will eventually manage you. 

“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.' But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,' is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell. “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭21-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Stop Denying Your Anger.                                                                                        Stop Projecting Your Anger.                                                                            Surrender Your Anger.                      “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭38‬-‭48‬ ‭NIV‬‬

RECOGNIZING MY NEED FOR CHRIST Anchor Line: Transformation starts with honesty, not strength. SURRENDER Anchor Line: Surrender is choosing God's way even before you understand it. SEEKING HIM Anchor Line: Intimacy grows where intention lives. OBEDIENCE Anchor Line: Obedience is faith put into motion. Obedience activates gifting we didn't know we had Tie to audience: “God doesn't call the equipped—He equips the called.” . DAILY RELATIONSHIP & GOD'S ACTIVE PRESENCE Anchor Line: God doesn't just show up for big moments—He walks with us daily. “God doesn't want to be a Sunday visitor—He wants to be a daily companion.”

God doesn't just want to fix your habits, he wants to heal your heart. “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭27‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “It has been said, ‘Anyone who divorces his wife must give her a certificate of divorce.' But I tell you that anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes her the victim of adultery, and anyone who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you! Name one prophet your ancestors didn't persecute! They even killed the ones who predicted the coming of the Righteous One—the Messiah whom you betrayed and murdered.” ‭‭Acts ‭7‬:‭51‬-‭52‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Be Kind. Choose Empathy Over Apathy.  You Bring The Weather.  Glow Different In Your Generosity.  Be and Build The Church. 

“Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Start Serious! Stay Hungry! Fight Spiritually!  Finish Strong!  Fighting spiritually is fighting from victory, not fighting for victory. 10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 Helmet of Salvation.  The Sword of The Spirit. (The Spoken Word) 

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 Your Feet Fitted.  Shield of Faith. 

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit,which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10-17 Belt of Truth. Breastplate of Righteousness. 

Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.” ‭‭Pro ‭27‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬   For my people have done two evil things: They have abandoned me— the fountain of living water. And they have dug for themselves cracked cisterns that can hold no water at all!”‭‭Jer ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions…” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

1 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” 4 Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” 7 Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test. 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 “All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.” 10 Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 11:1-11 NIV 

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 NASB Is there room in your inn?  “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭3‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬ “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭11‬:‭28‬-‭30‬ ‭MSG‬‬

The message of Christmas is: I may mess things up, but I'm in them!  “In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don't be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!” Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she has conceived a son and is now in her sixth month. For the word of God will never fail.” Mary responded, “I am the Lord's servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” And then the angel left her.” Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

3 lessons that hit deeper at 40: I got some ish…but God ain't done with me.  “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.” ‭‭Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ I'm built different.  “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭139‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬ The first 40 was a setup for the next 20. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV

The way you see your past reveals your heart, shapes your present, and sets the trajectory for your future. Gratitude isn't just for the good moments, it's God's will for every moment.  1 Thessalonians 5:18-Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.  Habakkuk 3:17–18-Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. You can't honor God and not honor People. Rom 12:10-Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Philippians 2:3-Don't do anything for selfish purposes, but with humility think of others as better than yourselves.  

You can't work what God gave you until you know what God gave you.  “In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.” Romans 12:6-8 NLT

Faithful Where You Are. “Slaves, obey your masters in all things. Do not obey just when they are watching you, to gain their favor, but serve them honestly, because you respect the Lord. In all the work you are doing, work the best you can. Work as if you were doing it for the Lord, not for people. Remember that you will receive your reward from the Lord, which he promised to his people. You are serving the Lord Christ.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NCV Faithful For The Right Reasons. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Don't give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.” ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭31‬-‭33‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Faithful With What You Got.  “All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God's grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭4‬:‭32‬-‭35‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Bonus message

“Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him—but some of them doubted! Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28‬:‭16‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”‭‭Acts‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1‬:‭26‬-‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ “Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.” ‭‭John‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Swing for the fences.

“There was a woman whose husband belonged to the group of prophets. When her husband died, she called out to Elisha for help. She said, ‘Your servant, my husband, is dead. He served the Lord faithfully. My husband was in debt to a certain man. Now that man wants to take my two children to be his slaves.' Elisha said to her, ‘How can I help you? Tell me, what things do you have in your house?' She said to Elisha, ‘Please sir, I have nothing in the house. All I have is a small jar of olive oil.' Then Elisha said to her, ‘Go to all your neighbours. Ask them to lend you empty jars. Make sure that you get a lot of them. Then take the jars into your house. Go in with your sons and shut the door behind you. Pour the olive oil from your jar into all the other jars. When each jar is full, put it in a safe place.' The widow left Elisha. She went into her house with her sons and she shut the door behind her. They brought the jars to her and she poured the oil into them. When all the jars were full, she said to one of her sons, ‘Bring me another jar.' But he said, ‘There are no more jars.' Then there was no more olive oil to pour from her jar. Then the widow went back to Elisha, the man of God. She told him what had happened. He said, ‘Go and sell the oil. Use some of the money to pay the debt to the man. Use the money that remains to buy food for you and your sons. Then you will live.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭EASY‬‬

“Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 1 Kings 17:7 NIV Message-“It's Time To Try Something New”  What brooks have dried up in your life?  Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.” “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don't have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.” Elijah said to her, “Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.' ” She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.” ‭‭1 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭8-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Catalyst Church of Carrollton 9/28/25 - "You Have___ But It Doesn't Have You" Week 4 of Detox Your Mind “If any of you are suffering, they should pray. If any of you are happy, they should sing. If any of you are sick, they should call for the elders of the church, and the elders should pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. Prayer that comes from faith will heal the sick, for the Lord will restore them to health. And if they have sinned, they will be forgiven. For this reason, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous person is powerful in what it can achieve.” ‭‭James‬ ‭5‬:‭13‬-‭16‬ ‭CEB‬‬  1. Call It Out. 2. Get Counseling, Coaching, and Community.  3. Take Your Meds If You Need Them.

Catalyst Church of Carrollton 9/21/25 -“Get Ahead Of It” Detox Your Mind 2025  If you don't get ahead of them, you'll get lost in them. 1. Face Your Thoughts. Lamentations 3:17-20-“Peace has been stripped away, and I have forgotten what prosperity is. I cry out, “My splendor is gone! Everything I had hoped for from the Lord is lost!” The thought of my suffering and homelessness is bitter beyond words. I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.”  2. Don't Trust Your Thoughts. Proverbs 3:5-“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” 3. Evaluate Your Thoughts.  ‭Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭40- “Instead, let us test and examine our ways… 4. Transform Your Thoughts. Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬ -“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”

Catalyst Church of Carrollton - 9/14/25 "Engineer Your Environment" Week 2 of Detox Your Mind “It is wisdom that helps a man to build a house. The house will have a strong foundation if he understands what is right. Knowledge will help him to fill its rooms with beautiful and valuable things.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭24‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭EASY‬‬  Engineer Your Environment: 1. Don't Just Remove. Replace. Luke 11:24–26-“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest… Then it returns… and finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked…” 2.  Plan Your Life. Proverbs 21:5-“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Ephesians 5:15–16-“Be very careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” 3. Fill Your Tank.  Mark 1:35-“Very early in the morning… Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” Exodus 20:9-10-“Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…” 4. Set and Reset Your Table. 1 Corinthians 15:33-“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”  Proverbs 13:20-“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” 

Catalyst Church of Carrollton - 9/7/25 "Get To The Root" “So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7‬:‭17‬-‭18‬ ‭ESV‬  Surface fixes don't heal deep wounds.  People pleasing is not who you are, it's how you survived. Rebellion is pain in disguise. Words wound.  Sex isn't the problem. It's a signal and a symptom.   Hyper independence happened because you got hurt too many times depending on others.  “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭17‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Pain can make you want to disappear.

Catalyst Church of Carrollton - 8/31/25 "Paper or Plastic"

Catalyst Church of Carrollton: 8/24/25 “Walk It Like He Talked It” Vision Month 

Catalyst Church of Carrollton - 8/17/25 "Lets Take This City!" “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭20‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬   “So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord. As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greece—throughout both Macedonia and Achaia. And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God. We don't need to tell them about it.‭‭1Thessalonians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬  Show up. Serve it. Celebrate it. Invest in it.