Redemption Church Plano Texas

https://youtu.be/q9bs_jArVQ0?si=1R8u6nN7BVUDCw-m Welcome to week 4 of 30 Days of Purpose. And today is Pentecost Sunday. Pentecost Sunday 50 days after Crucifixion/Passover Acts 2 – The Holy Spirit is poured out Power for world-wide witness The Spirit came with power. But the power was not random, or goosebump feels. In Acts 1 the resurrected Jesus makes His followers a promise. Jesus has defeated death. Jesus has risen from the grave. Jesus is preparing His followers for what comes next. And He says in Acts 1:8: Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” Power for what? To be witnesses. Power for mission. Power for purpose. The resurrected Jesus promises power, but He also gives purpose. And that matters because sometimes we ask God for more power, but we have not discovered or surrendered to His purpose. We want God to move. We want Him to strengthen us. We want Him to help us. We want Him to open doors. But if we are honest, we still let distractions lead. That is not just a time management problem. That is a purpose problem. Stephen Covey popularized an idea called the Time Management Matrix. It separates life into what is urgent and what is important. Urgent means it demands attention now. Important means it actually matters. Notice… Important & Urgent Important but NOT Urgent Urgent but NOT Important NOT urgent & NOT Important Here is what I want us to focus on. A lot of the things that matter most are important, but they are not urgent. Your kids are important, but they may not feel urgent until there is a crisis. Your marriage is important, but it may not feel urgent until distance has already grown. Your prayer life is important, but it may not feel urgent until your soul is running on empty. Your health is important, but it may not feel urgent until your body starts breaking down. Your purpose is important, but it may not feel urgent until you wake up one day wondering what your life has been about. Important things rarely scream.Urgent things always scream. Your phone screams. Drama screams. Deadlines scream. Notifications scream. Other people's expectations scream. But God often whispers. Your soul whispers. Your family whispers. Your body whispers. Your calling whispers. Your purpose whispers. And if you only respond to what screams, you will miss what God is whispering. And that is why I am calling today's message: Busy… but Not Building Anything. There is a difference between having a full schedule and building a faithful life. There is a difference between doing a lot and doing what matters. There is a difference between being tired because you were faithful and being tired because you were distracted. If you do not define what matters, urgency will define your life for you. And God has a lot to say about this.Let's look at Nehemiah 6.  Nehemiah knew what mattered.Nehemiah 6:1-4 Nehemiah was a Jewish man living far from Jerusalem, serving as cupbearer to the king of Persia. That might sound like a nice royal job, but a cupbearer was basically a poison detector. He tasted the king's wine before the king drank it. So Nehemiah did not start with a dream job. He did not start in a perfect situation. He was living under a foreign empire, working close to power, but still carrying a lot of pain. One day, Nehemiah heard that Jerusalem was in trouble. The wall was broken down. The gates had been burned. The people were vulnerable. And something broke inside him. He cried.He prayed.He fasted.He asked God for favor. And eventually, God opened the door for him to go back and rebuild the wall. But this was not just a wall. It was restoration.Protection.Identity. Purpose. Nehemiah knew what mattered. And if you have ever felt like God put purpose in you, but you can never find the time to build it, pay attention to Nehemiah. In Nehemiah 6, the wall is almost finished. No gaps are left. Something terribly destructive happens… He gets a note from surrounding leaders who opposed the work send Nehemiah a message… Read these terrible words… Nehemiah 6:2“Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” Doesn't seem terrible or destructive. Seems friendly and neighborly.  They request a meeting. It sounds harmless. Just a meeting. Just a conversation. Just come down for a minute. Nehemiah says they were scheming to harm him.  …but I don't even want to focus on that… I want to point out this… They wanted him to stop what was important and busy himself with something that was urgent but not important. Do you see this? This is more destructive than you realize. They invite him to Ono, and Nehemiah basically says: “Oh no.” I am not coming down. When the urgent tries to steal the important we need to say Oh no. When distraction tries to interrupt obedience Oh no. When people pressure you into something God did not assign you… Oh no. Here is how Nehemiah responded. Nehemiah 6:3“I am carrying on a great project and cannot go down.” Nehemiah knew what mattered. He knew what he was building. He knew the work would stop if he came down. So he refused. Not every invitation is an assignment. Not every opportunity is your opportunity. Not every urgent request deserves your yes. Not every good thing is a God thing. When you know what matters, you can recognize distraction. I am doing something important!And I can't meet with you at this time. Nehemiah 6:4“Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.” How many times? Four times. The distraction came back.The pressure came back.The invitation came back. Important work is not just about one big decision. Important work is about repeated obedience. Distraction is repetitive, so obedience must become repetitive. The habit was not just building the wall. The habit was also refusing to be distracted. The apostle Paul says like this in Ephesians 5: Ephesians 5:15-16“Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Be careful how you live. Your time matters. Your attention matters. Your yes matters. Your no matters. Your wall matters. So let's make this practical. What is your wall? Nehemiah had a wall. What is yours? What is the good work God has put in front of you in this season? Not your whole life. Not ten years from now. This season. What matters right now? Your walk with Jesus?Your family?Your marriage?Your kids?Your health?Your calling?Your recovery? Your serving?Your peace?Your obedience? Call to Action: Don't Let Urgent Steal Important Today, I want you to take three steps. If you do not name what matters, urgency will name it for you. 1. Write it.I'm building ______, so I will not come down for ______. Pray over that answer. Do not just write something down. Ask God, “Is this what You are calling me to build?” Then keep it somewhere you will see it. Put it on your mirror.Put it in your Bible.Put it on your dashboard.Remind yourself of your purpose. 2. Start a conversation about your calling. (fill out a Connection Card) Use your connection card to start a conversation. Give us your prayer request.Learn more about your next step. Turn that card in today. 3. Come pray. Prayer is important. But a lot of us only pray when it becomes urgent. Today, make prayer important before life makes it urgent. If you need God to show you what matters, come pray. If urgency has been running your life, come pray. If you know what matters but need strength to stay faithful, come pray. We have people ready to pray with you. The resurrected Jesus promised power for purpose. Come pray and ask the Holy Spirit for power to build what matters.

https://youtu.be/JbwZn68o6tA?si=KaUJV7lc4chmBWDN Follow along with us! 30 Days of Purpose – Make Every Day MatterThere's a quote often attributed to Mark Twain that says: The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you discover why.I've thought about that a lot as a pastor. Some of the hardest phone calls I take are from people who need something. They need rent money.They need a bill paid.They need help with a crisis.They need a relationship fixed.They need a door to open. And I want to help. I have helped. But one painful thing I've seen over and over is this: Often they get the thing they asked for… but they are still empty. We don't just need something to get through the week. We need a reason to live. The money helped, but it did not heal them.The object solved a problem, but it did not give them purpose.The relationship brought comfort for a moment, but it did not become a reason to live. Are You Running on Empty or Filled for a Purpose?Welcome-3rd week of our series 30 Days of Purpose. I have a counterintuitive thought for us today. Meaning grows when your life flows outward.We assume more money, more comfort, more entertainment, more attention, and more convenience would make us more alive. But we are one of the most comfortable, entertained, wealthy cultures in human history… and we are still falling apart. Anxiety is rising.Depression is rising.Loneliness is rising.Meaninglessness is rising. More comfort does not always mean more peace.More entertainment does not always mean more joy.More connection online does not always mean more belonging in real life. Maybe the problem is not that we lack more. Maybe the problem is that too much of life only flows inward. Instead of giving you more statistics and studies for a minute… let me show you one of the most fascinating geographical places on earth. It's a place where almost nothing lives. No fish. No plant life. Almost nothing survives there. And what's strange is… it's not small. It's not dry. Water constantly flows into it. It is called the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea only flows in. Nothing flows out.The Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea… but nothing flows out. The Dead Sea sits over 1,400 feet below sea level, making it one of the lowest land formations on earth. Water flows in continually… but because it has no outlet, the water evaporates and leaves massive amounts of salt behind. The salt concentration becomes so extreme that almost nothing can survive there. That is why it is called the Dead Sea. It receives… but it never releases. There is a lesson here: What only flows inward eventually becomes lifeless. If life becomes consume, comfort me, entertain me, protect me, serve me, and bless me, eventually something starts dying inside of us.And honestly, church can become that too. If church becomes consume, comfort me, entertain me, protect me, serve me, and bless me, eventually something starts dying inside of us.Nothing that God created to live and flourish can survive  We were created to let life flow outward. This is exactly what Jesus taught us. John 7:37-3837 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” Jesus does not give us a pond, pool, or puddle.He gives rivers. Jesus fills you with life, so life can flow through you.He does not fill us so we can become spiritual Dead Seas.Mark 10:45:“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve…” Jesus did not come to be served… We see Jesus serve others constantly. Followers of Jesus hear me… we are not here to be served, but to serve. The fullest life ever lived was a poured-out life.Jesus healed.Jesus served.Jesus fed the hungry.Jesus protected the abused.Jesus washed feet.Jesus carried the cross. Jesus poured Himself out for us.Every day of his life his life was poured out for others.On the cross water & blood poured from his side. The life of Jesus is known today because he poured himself out for others.Not known for looks, riches, family name… Meaning grows when your life flows outward.What does this mean for you?Even if you are not known for your looks…Even if you are not known for trophies…Even if you are not known for fancy riches…You can be known and meaningful because you are refusing to just receive but to release. Let the life of Jesus flow! Where does your life need to flow outward? Start small. Serve someone. Everybody can do this. Encourage someone.Pray for someone.Help someone.Show up for someone. Start bigger. Start something. Maybe God is calling you to do more than one moment of kindness. Maybe there is something in your heart that needs to begin. A small study.A prayer group.A ministry idea.A community outreach.A way to help people.A place where lonely people belong. Don't wait until you feel fully ready. Purpose often starts small, but it has a habit of growing when you start flowing. Start huge. Lead something that outlives you. This is where purpose gets powerful. Not just:“What can I accomplish?” But:“What can continue blessing people after me?” Lead a ministry. Disciple people. Build something meaningful. Raise up others. Invest in kids. Develop leaders. Create something that keeps flowing long after you are gone. That's living water. That's purpose.Jesus has FILLED you for a purpose, but you must let that purpose FLOW. And let's be honest about what Jesus is talking about here. When Jesus said: “Rivers of living water will flow from within them…” He was talking about the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God living in people.The Spirit of God flowing through people. Some people have had an experience with God… but nothing has flowed in years. Some people believe in Jesus… but they are spiritually stagnant. Jesus did not say: “Barely survive spiritually.” He said rivers.Flow.Movement.Life.Power. We do not just need the Spirit around us.We need the Spirit flowing through us. Spirit Flow…  into our homes.…into our prayers.…into our serving.…into our conversations.…into our leadership.…through our church. We want to be a church full of the Spirit of God and flowing with the Spirit of God. So let's be that kind of Church.Let's be those kind of Christians. Come Grow, Come Flow Step 1 – Repent & refuse the world's pattern Repent of the Dead Sea way of  life.Repent of living only to consume. More for me.More comfort.More entertainment.More attention.More control. Repent of that and ask Jesus to help you flow. Step 2 – Make a commitment Start small. Serve someone.Start bigger. Start something.Start huge. Lead something that outlives you. Make a commitment to starting something. Step 3 – Take a faith-filled step Maybe you really need prayer?Maybe you need to come and receive Maybe you need to fill out a connection card with your prayer need and next steps. Maybe you need to ask God to fill you with His Spirit and surrender yourself to worship. And maybe for some of you… this may be your first real step toward Jesus. Your first faith-filled moment. Jesus is still inviting thirsty people to come and drink. So don't stay stagnant. Come.

https://youtu.be/ZrrZyYTb9-M?si=d7jwcxayE2DOR4dg Follow along with us! Welcome to Week 2 of 30 Days of Purpose. Last week: Why am I even here? Made on purpose, for God's purpose. Today is Mother's Day, and we are talking about a pressure that hits all of us. When You Feel Like You're Not Enough Personal pressure: pastor, husband, dad, leader, counselor, problem solver, encourager, planner, fixer. Sometimes I can do a lot…and still think: “I don't know if I'm enough.” Not because I do not care.Not because I am not trying.But because the needs are bigger than me. Mother's Day can bring that feeling right to the surface. Mother's Day can be beautiful and complicated For some, today is joyful. For some, today is painful. Some are celebrating their mother. Some are missing their mother. Some are grieving a relationship that was never what it should have been. Some are waiting, wanting, or praying to become a mother. Some are exhausted from invisible work nobody sees. Some are comparing themselves to another woman, another family, another home, another version of life. Culture often responds with a phrase that sounds encouraging: “I am enough.” I am Enough “I am enough” is not just a phrase anymore. It is an industry. Buy it – shirt, mug, bracelet, sticker,…probably a throw pillow, and maybe even a scented candle. I understand why people like it.It can help people push back against shame, comparison, and criticism. “I am enough” sounds encouraging, but it can become exhausting Eventually life will hand you a moment where the mug is lying. You are not enough for every situation. … to fix every person. …to meet every need. …to carry every burden. …to save yourself. You are not enough to be God. And that is not shame. That is grace. The Bible does not say, “You are enough for everything.” The Bible says, “God's grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:9) The Bible does not say, “You are the whole body.” The Bible says, “You are a part of the body.” (1 Corinthians 12:27) The Bible does not say, “You are the source of light.” Jesus says, “You are the light of the world,” because your light comes from Him. (Matthew 5:14) The Bible teaches this… Jesus is enough. His grace supplies what I lack. That is freedom. I do not have to be everything. I do not have to fix everything.I do not have to carry everything. I do not have to be God. I just need to be faithful with what God gave me. Scripture Gives Us Something Better 1. You Are Not the Whole Body, but a designed part 1 Corinthians 12 – Paul talks about a Boby.Your 1 body has many parts. It takes a lot of parts to make up 1 body. Paul uses this to talk about the Body of Christ – the Church.The Church is made up of a lot of parts. 1 Corinthians 12:12&14 12 Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.  14 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.1 Corinthians 12:27Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. Paul is saying… You are not the whole body. You are a part. (1 Corinthians 12)  That is not an insult. That is freedom. Paul does not say, “You are the whole body of Christ.” He says, “You are a part.” You are not called to be everything. You are called to be faithful with the part God gave you. A mom is not called to be God. A dad is not called to be God. A pastor is not called to be God. A leader is not called to be God. A friend is not called to be God. Needed? Yes.Gifted? Yes.Valuable? Yes.Everything? No. And that is grace. God placed the parts just as He wanted them Your part is not random.  Your gift is not an accident. Your role is not a social construct. Your personality is not a product of evolution.It is all created by God… created in you. Your ability to encourage, organize, serve, pray, lead, help, teach, create, give, comfort, or notice what others miss is not random. It is PURPOSE! Purpose begins when you stop trying to be every part and start being faithful with your part. Scripture Gives Us Something Better 1. You Are Not the Whole Body, but a designed part 2. Jesus Calls You Light Is Jesus the light of the world?  Yes – John 8:12Are you the light of the world… tempted to say no… But Jesus says yes! Matthew 5:14-1614 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Notice what Jesus does not say: You are the light when your house is clean. You are the light when your kids are perfect. You are the light when your emotions are stable. You are the light when your calendar is under control. You are the light when you finally have it all together. He says: You are the light of the world. Light has one job.Light just has to shine. Light does not have to be loud. Light does not have to be impressive. Light does not have to be what others desire. Light just has to shine. Your light shines through good deeds, not to glorify you, but so people glorify your Father in heaven. We shine in different ways… Serving, forgiving, creating, listening, encouragement…Hospitality, raising children with love, helping, giving…Staying faithful when it feels no one notices. You do not have to be everything. But you do have to shine. God's design is for you to shine. 3 Steps 1. Name the Script What “not enough” script have you been believing? I am not a good enough mom. I am not spiritual enough. I am not successful enough. I am not organized enough. I am not strong enough. I am not doing enough. Name it, because a lie you never name gets to keep talking. Replace it with truth: I do not have to be enough for everything.Jesus is enough. His grace supplies what I lack. 2. Find Your Part You have a part to play! What has God actually given me? What do people come to me for? What do I notice that others miss? How do I naturally help people? Where do I bring life? What gift has God placed in me? And help others find their part!Your family plays a part… does your family know this? Family Purpose Conversation What is one thing God has made each of us good at? Who around us needs encouragement, help, prayer, or kindness? What is one thing our family can do this week to shine? This week, have a family purpose conversation.We printed slips with these three questions. Grab one on the way out. “What is one thing God has made each of us good at? Who around us needs encouragement, help, prayer, or kindness? What is one thing our family can do this week to shine?” 3. Shine This Week Encourage one person. Pray for one person. Serve one person. Invite one person. Help one person. Tell someone about Jesus. Use one gift on purpose. This week, do not try to be everything.Just be faithful with what God gave you. This body needs you. This world needs you. You are a part of the body of Christ. We need you.We don't require you to do everything… we just need you to be you. You are the light of the world. This world needs you to shine.Wherever you go – you are needed! What if we accepted the call of Jesus to walk in purpose? What if we stopped comparing gifts and start celebrating them. What if mom's were not crushed under impossible expectations. Imagine a church where women are honored, men are faithful, children are loved, singles are seen, seniors are valued, and families live on purpose. Lord let us be a place where every person knows they have a purpose. Not everyone has the same gift, role, or story, but everyone matters. The body needs you. The world needs your light. God is glorified when you faithfully shine where He placed you. You are not enough… and that is okJesus is Enough One of the best ways to recognize this is communion. Deacons come – they bring the elements we need to take communion together. All are welcome to take communion with us.Raise your hand if you are needing the elements. The gospel is not: I am enough. The gospel is: Jesus is enough. His grace supplies what I lack. Communion is where we stop pretending to be enough. We do not come to Jesus saying, “Look how strong I am.” We come saying, “Jesus, I need You.” His body was given for us.His blood was shed for us.His grace supplies what we lack. On the night Jesus was betrayed, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said: This is my body, given for you. The body of Jesus was enough for our brokenness. Take and eat. In the same way, after supper He took the cup and said: This cup is the new covenant in my blood. The blood of Jesus was enough for our forgiveness. Take and drink. Jesus, thank You that we do not have to save ourselves.  Thank You that Your body was given and Your blood was shed. Thank You that Your grace is enough for tired people, hurting people, striving people, and people who feel like they are not enough. Amen. Communion reminds us: We are not enough to save ourselves, but Jesus paid it all. Not some of it. Not most of it. Not only the part we could not handle. Jesus paid it all. As we sing, this space is open for you. If you need prayer today, come. If you are tired from trying to be enough, come. If you are ready to surrender your life to Jesus, come. I am not enough. Jesus is enough. His grace supplies what I lack.

https://youtu.be/-VkPX-_N9V0?si=_CUPOAwJg7AmJANK NEW SERIES – Simple theme – Make Every Day Matter. Stop living on autopilot. Start living with purpose. Series Outline May 10 Mother's Day: When You Feel Like You're Not Enough May 17 Running on Empty – Filled for a Purpose – serving from God's strength. May 24 Busy… but Not Building Anything – Jesus teaches us how to build a life that lasts. May 31 The Cost of Coasting – Grow Up. Go Out. – purpose moves outward into mission. 30 Day Purpose Plan We need a plan!  Scan to download. One simple step each day: Scripture, thought, action step, prayer. Three minutes a day. This series is not just something to hear. It is something to live. I have reached the end of my day and thought: I was busy all day, but what did I actually live for? I got things done: Answered messages Handled problems Made decisions Showed up Checked things off the list But underneath: Is this it? Is this what my life is supposed to be? Shows up: Driving home tired Scrolling and losing another hour Full calendar, empty heart Life looks fine outside, but inside you are not ok. This series – not just busyness… stress… bad habits…We are going after the deeper question: Why Am I Even Here? – Made for More We know this question. Wake up behind. Move through day reacting: Phone rings Text comes in Meeting gets added Bill is due Kid needs help Deadline moves closer Schedule changes Problem cannot wait How we describe this…“I'm just putting out fires.” Some fires have to be put out. If all we ever do is put out fires, we never build anything that lasts. If all we do is survive the week, we never ask: What kind of life am I actually building? Most of us are not rebellious. We are not shaking our fist at God. We are busy, tired, distracted, and unsure how to get from the life we have to the life we were made for. This Is a Widespread Problem 57% of Americans wonder at least monthly, “How can I find more meaning and purpose in my life?” More than 1 in 5 wonder that every day. (Lifeway Research) 89% of employees want purpose in their lives, but only 18% feel like work gives them the purpose they are looking for. (McKinsey) Only 59.2% of U.S. adults expected high-quality lives five years from now, the lowest level Gallup has measured in nearly two decades. CDC reports depression rose from 8.2% to 13.1% over about a 10-year span. Among adolescents ages 12-19, the rate was 19.2%. We are so focused on Achievement. Achievement is not bad. But achievement is not the same thing as purpose. Adults chasing achievement and unsure the future will be good. Young people looking at the same race and wondering if it is worth running. Maybe the problem is not that we need to achieve more. Maybe we have been chasing achievement without purpose. Deeper question: not “How do I get more done?” but “Why am I even here?” Why Am I Even Here? – Made for More That is why I named today's message Why Am I Even Here? But the answer is: You were made for more. If we want to know why something exists, ask the One who made it. Ephesians 2:10: For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. This verse answers: What was I made for? God's Purpose Timeline Present tense – “You are God's Handiwork Right now. Before you prove, perform, or produce. You are crafted by God. You are given – Giftings, strengths, personality, compassion, creativity, wisdom, encouragement, resilience, influence. God designed you! Everyone is a 10 at something. FIND THAT THING – It is your purpose. God put that thing in you. Past tense: Created in Christ Jesus. Not self-improvement. Not try harder. New creation. Already done. It is finished. God has already restored your purpose. Future: Good works prepared in advance. God created you and has designed your future. Before God created you, He created good work for you to do. Purpose is not: What do I want to do? What will I decide to do? Purpose is: What did God create me to do? Purpose is not invented. Purpose is discovered. When what God placed in you meets what God prepared for you, purpose comes alive. Past, present, future. 360-degree purpose in every direction. We should know what Jesus says about purpose. Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6: Jesus talks about worry, food, drink, clothes, tomorrow. Stuff we chase, stress over, and think will secure us. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Kingdom is not empty religion: Not denominationalism Not rule-keeping Not sitting in a church building Trying to keep all the religious rules The kingdom is God's reign in real life. God's will and purpose as ruling the force in you: Love Hope Peace Plan Purpose When forgiveness beats bitterness – that is kingdom. When generosity beats greed – that is kingdom. When service beats selfishness – that is kingdom. When obedience beats excuses – that is kingdom. When love beats fear – that is kingdom. When you fulfill what God made you to do – that is kingdom. Seek first. Not leftovers. First. All these things will be given. Not earned. Given. Grace. World: Achieve first, then maybe you matter. Jesus: Seek first the kingdom, and let God take care of the rest. Jar, big rocks, small rocks. Small rocks first – big rocks do not fit. Big rocks first – small rocks settle around them. That is Matthew 6:33. Seek first. Big rock – Purpose Faith Parenting Marriage Health Calling Career aligned with purpose Small stones crowd out the big rocks: Achievement chasing Distractions Errands Notifications Noise Pressure Small demands Decide what the big rocks are. Place purposeful things first. So what do you do with this? 3 Steps Toward Purpose 1. Realize you have a purpose We dismiss ourselves too quickly: Not talented enough… Not spiritual Not experienced Not outgoing Too old Too young Too many mistakes Do not know enough Ephesians 2:10 does not say you are God's handiwork if you feel impressive. It says YOU ARE God's handiwork. Stop dismissing what God designed. You were not created to do someone else's good works. Everyone is a 10 at something. Find that thing and use it for God. 2. Notice your design Culture: You can be anything. You can achieve anything. Love the confidence, but not completely true. You were designed to be something specific and unique. LeBron: obvious basketball giftings – height, strength, coordination, durability. He could be anything he wants… not true! World champion horse jockey? That would be ignoring his design. Sometimes we ignore what God placed in us because we chase what looks impressive in someone else. Ask better questions. Want to find your purpose… as these questions. What comes naturally to me that helps others? What breaks my heart or moves me? What do people come to me for? What gives me joy when I do it? ?? Encourager, hospitable, organized, creative, good with kids, good with people, compassionate toward hurting people – that can be purpose. Purpose is using what God placed in you to bless who God placed around you. 3. Prioritize your purpose Purpose cannot stay a nice idea. It has to become first priority. Jesus said, Seek first. Not leftovers, someday, or after everything else. DO NOT JUST PRIORITIZE GETTING THINGS DONE – PRIORITIZE YOUR SPECIFIC PURPOSE Church: We need things done. We do not want to plug you into a hole because something needs doing. We want to help you find what God created you to do. Find Jesus. Follow Purpose. Go Change the World. You may work in an office to pay bills. That matters. But where are you finding and fulfilling your purpose? Life is easier, more enjoyable, and more fruitful when operating in strengths. Easier because you are no longer fighting your design. Tools can help: StrengthsFinder Personality assessments Spiritual gift assessments Prayer Conversation Serving Paying attention to joy People who know you 3. Prioritize your purpose Prioritize it. Make space. Talk about it. Pray about it. Try something. Take the next step. Imagine if we lived on purpose. Imagine if we were not the 57% wondering every month how to find meaning and purpose. Imagine if we could say: I know God made me. I know God placed gifts in me. I know God has good work for me to do. Imagine if we stopped chasing disappointing achievements and started walking in God-designed purpose. Imagine if families asked: What did God put in us, and how can we use it? Imagine if work became a place to carry kingdom purpose, not just pay bills. Church stops being something we attend. It becomes something God does through us. LIVE ON PURPOSE 1. Pray God, show me what You placed in me. What good works have You prepared? Where do You want me to take one step? 2. Start the 30-Day Purpose Plan Scan QR code. Download. Start today. Scripture, thought, action step, prayer. Three minutes a day. Space for what matters. 3. Start a Purpose Conversation Connection card: Purpose conversation. Online: leave a comment – Purpose conversation. We will follow up, pray with you, dream with you, and help you take a next step.

https://youtu.be/AqsGR_q6_x0?si=KRLPue9hkLMaoer_ Follow along with us! Welcome I've had seasons where I worked really hard and felt like I had very little to show for it. When Effort Stops Producing Did the right things Stayed consistent Kept showing up Kept trying Believed it would matter Then… nothing No breakthroughNo momentumNo return That did something in me Stopped expecting Stopped believing Stopped reaching I was tempted to quit… but didn't quit But I did… Level off. Give less. Believe less That's stagnation Stagnation = Work without growth Effort without fruit Motion without movement We know all about this, right? We can get stagnant anywhere Career Relationships Health Spiritual Stuck Stats & Silent Drift The American Psychological Association reports that over half of adults feel emotionally disconnected. Doing lifeNot feeling alive Gallup reports only about 3 out of 10 people feel engaged in their work. The strong majority are just going through the motions. We should change right… Change is hard! Change Is Hard It takes about 66 days to build a new habit. That means real change… takes longer than we feel like sticking with it.We try.We don't see results.We stop and drift right back to what's familiar. Stagnation = Work without growth Effort without fruit Motion without movement Are you stagnant in an area of life? Are we wasting out time at Church…?Or does Jesus have something to stay for all of us who are stuck? John 21 gives shows us. And it is important, because Jesus does not meet the disciples at their best. He meets them… In an empty night. In a familiar routine. In a moment of stagnation. Here is the story. THE MOST AMAZING THING JUST HAPPENED! JESUS IS ALIVE …but the disciples are not preaching. Even though they had seen Jesus and spoken with him multiple times. The disciples are fishing. Back to what they know.Back to what's familiar.Back to routine. Because when we don't know what to do next…we go back to what feels normal. That's stagnation. It pulls us into the familiar. So here they are—after resurrection, after hope, after everything Jesus has done— in a boat,working hard,getting nowhere. And that's exactly where Jesus meets them. John 21:3“I'm going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We'll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing. See that last line? That's stagnation. Working hard.Getting nowhere. Effort… No fruit. Motion… No movement. Doing something… But not progressing. That is where a lot of us live. We're busy.We're tired.We're active. But we're not fruitful. John 21:4“Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.” Jesus shows up in their empty night. Jesus shows up in their frustration. Jesus shows up when nothing is working. They don't even know it's Him yet. But He's there. That's good news. Because sometimes Jesus is closer than we realize. John 21:55 He called out to them, “Friends, haven't you any fish?” “No,” they answered. No. Perhaps they mumbled.But at least they were honest. John 21:6 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. These are professional fishermen…Some guy on the shore suggests… Kind of funny. Almost like… “I should have gotten out on the other side of the bed this morning.” Same boat.Same water.Same nets.Different side? But one small shift… changed everything. Nothing changed around them. They do it.They don't argue.They don't analyze.They move. Can you do that? They obey before they recognize Him. The nets fill… too big to haul… The miracle happens before they realize it's Jesus. Clarity didn't come first. Obedience did. We want to know first. We want certainty. “Jesus, prove it's You… then I'll move.” But a lot of times— Jesus says: “Move and then you'll know it's Me.” John 21:7-87 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fishPeter doesn't hesitate. He doesn't think it through. He doesn't stay in the boat. He jumps and heads toward Jesus. Which is not normal. Fishermen don't do that. -Stay with the boat.-Secure the catch. But Peter?  He leaves the fish.He leaves the nets.He leaves the miracle. Knowing it's Jesus, matters more than what Jesus just did. The miracle was big. But Jesus was better. We get that backwards. We chase what God can do… and we miss God Himself. You've been praying for a job..Knowing it is Jesus… more important.. Praying for a miracle…Knowing it is Jesus… more important Right now…you may not recognize Jesus in your life. But this week— when you obey… there's going to be a moment. “That was Jesus.” And when that happens— Don't stay in the boat. Run toward Him. Lean into it.Act on it.Tell somebody. Call me.Call someone in this church. “Jesus just moved in my life.” So what do we do? Real steps. Break the Stagnation 1. Name where you stopped growing Where did it level off? CareerHealthRelationshipsFaith You can't change what you won't name. 2. Stop hiding in routine Have I confused familiar with fruitful? Just because I'm doing something doesn't mean I'm growing. 3. Pick one act of obedience Not ten things. One. Read, Pray, Move, Call, Join 4. Act quickly They didn't overthink it. They moved. Delayed obedience keeps us stuck.Action creates momentum. 5. Get comfortable being uncomfortable Growth won't feel natural at first. The other side of the boat felt strange… But that's where the breakthrough was. It may not be dramatic. Just a different step. One act of obedience can break stagnation. Now think about what happens if we actually live like this. Career starts growing again Health starts improving Relationships get stronger Faith comes alive We're not stuck We're not coasting We're not just going through the motions We're moving We're growing We're becoming fruitful And as a church— We're not just attending We're not just hearing We're responding… doing what God says. We don't get there by thinking about it We get there by moving. MAKE A MOVE #1 Do something different today Come receive prayer. Don't leave the same way. #2 Take a step toward connection Don't grow alone. #3 Commit to a Next Step         (Fill out the connect card) You are one step of obedience from changing everything.

https://youtu.be/-dA9YBUFBAU?si=F0ALBejCy5GZY36K *Handouts*Welcome I have watched relationships die…   Slow… Painful Not one big moment  Just distance  -Texts get shorter-Conversations get colder-Connection fades-Until finally – nothing. Some relationships don't explode – they slowly lose oxygen. You can be in the same room and still feel miles apart. Some of biggest regrets are dead relationships. Am I the only one? This is not a rare problem. Uh Oh… We Have a Problem 4 in 10 marriages end in divorce. 6 in 10 second marriages don't make it. Fewer people are getting married. 1 in 3 feel lonely. If you have a relationship problem – YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We don't just have a divorce problemWe have a dead relationship problem We don't even try to fix relationships anymore… We know how to block, mute, cut off, move on, unfriend, unfollow, snooze.We don't know how to repair. When the Relationship Is Dead – How to Start Again God cares about this subject.Jesus shows us how to repair relationships in John 21. Before we read – understand the moment. Third appearance after resurrection Jesus alive, but something still broken Peter: Denied Jesus 3 times. Hides.. Calling? No – Goes back to fishing  How will Jesus respond to the denier who went back? Jesus shows up on the shore. Not with a lectureNot with angerWith breakfast Fish on the fireBread readyA seat waiting Jesus creates space for a conversation He's not coming to cancel PeterHe's coming to restore him John 21:15-1715 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. Curious conversation.Jesus is repeating himself…Peter is repeating himself…What is even going on? 4 THINGS JESUS DOES TO RESURRECT A RELATIONSHIP 1. Jesus made the first move Peter goes back  Jesus shows up  Before Peter moved toward Jesus.Jesus had already moved toward Peter. Jesus Breakfast – Fish, Bread, FireEffort Dead relationships don't come back by accidentSomeone makes a move Jesus tries again, and again, and again 2. Jesus chose conversation over conclusion Three times: “Do you love me?” “Work with me… feed my sheep.” “I still want you Peter.” Not: You blew it  We're done  You had your chance  Jesus keeps talking… reaching… We tend to jump to conclusionsWe assumeWe shut the doorWe end the story We close the caseJesus opens the conversation 3. Jesus meets Peter where he is Peter – No more big talk – overpromise“I'll never leave you…” Just honesty  Remember the strange conversation…? Love Is Often Lost in Translation agapaō = committed, sacrificial love  phileō = relational, brotherly love  This explains the strange conversation. John 21:15-17 (altered)15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you agapaō me more than these?”“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I phileō you.”Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” 16 Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you agapaō me?”|He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I phileō you.”Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” 17 The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you phileō me?”Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you phileō me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I phileō you.”Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. 3. Jesus meets Peter where he is Jesus agapaō  –  Peter phileō These loves are not the same…Peter could not meet the level of love that Jesus had… These loves are not the same… but HONESTJesus will receive the honest love you can give… and grow you from there None of our love measures up to Jesus… but can we give honest love…? Allow him to grow us. 4. Jesus restores purpose “Feed my sheep” Peter messed upGod's purpose didn't. Calling. Gifting. Peter failedbut Peter wasn't finished Grace is not just “you're forgiven”Grace is “you still matter” That is how Jesus treated Peter… where do we start? START HERE 1. Make the first move Jesus made the first move, so can you.  Do we realize how important making the first move is? Matthew 5:23–24 (NIV)23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. Israelites would travel to Jerusalem…  Leave your giftGo make it rightThen come back Reconciliation matters so muchJesus says pause worship to fix it Don't sing like everything is finewhile avoiding what needs to be faced 2. Start up the conversation Stop assuming  Stop writing stories in your head  You've had argumentswith people who weren't even there We do EVERYTHING BUT have the conversation. Maybe the most spiritual thing you do this week is start the conversation Not to winNot to proveNot to control To open the door Replace your made up story with a actual conversation 3. Restore someone If Jesus restored Peter, we must restore people  Someone around you thinks their story is over Call them!Speak lifeOffer gracePoint them forward Don't treat people like they're finished  Imagine with me… A church that makes the first move  A church that starts conversations  A church that restores people  A church that sees purpose  A church that heals relationships People aren't disposableso relationships shouldn't be either Maybe your relationship with God feels dead  You drifted  You failed  You went back  But Jesus still shows upJesus still starts the conversationJesus still makes room This is the Good news for youJesus died for your sinJesus rose againYour failure is not final This is your day. If you've never confessed faith in Jesus, this is your dayIf you're ready to be free from your past, this is your dayIf you're ready to walk with Jesus, this is your dayCall to Action 1. Step out and reach out Prayer  Salvation  Burden  Not just new believersAnyone who needs help Don't hold back if God is calling you forward 2. Start the conversation This week  Honestly  Humbly  3. Take your next step Use the Connect Card  Prayer requestsNext stepStart a conversation with the church

https://youtu.be/V4x5XKVtAtw?si=Ym0n9fghg9tLzCCi *Handout* Welcome! God has spoken to me in clear moments  What always followed? Doubt  Doubt says: Did God really say that?  What if you're wrong?  What if this doesn't work?  Shows up in: College decisions  Career  Ministry  Health  Trusting God  I am calling this message:When Doubt Won't Shut Up Because Doubt just does not quit… it: Paralyzes me  Robs me of obedience  Stalls progress Takes my peace  Doubt doesn't just show up in church.We know that doubt shows up in life. We Have a Doubt Problem 52% of Americans have experienced doubt about their religious beliefs.(Barna – barna.com/research/doubt-faith)  Doubt is not rare. It is normal. 85% have low self-worth. Sounds like -“Something is wrong with me.”  70% have impostor syndrome. Sounds like “Eventually, they're going to realize something is wrong with me.” SELF-DOUBT is a major issue. Research shows that rumination, replaying negative thoughts over and over, is strongly tied to anxiety and depression. In other words – Doubt does NOT just visit – Doubts stays, loops, and will not shut up. The Top Causes for doubting Christianity Suffering – 23%  Hypocrisy – 22%  Evil/conflict – 19% NOT: Bible translation questions.  Textual inconsistency (Mark 16). Not intellectual. INTELLECTUALS YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE. If doubt were primarily intellectual, better arguments would solve it. But that is not the issue. The majority of doubt is NOT intellectual, but: Emotional  Relational  Experiential  Here is what I know… You've got a doubt… It keeps coming back.  You don't have an answer.  It's slowing you down. For some… it's paralyzing you. It's showing up in: Your faith.  Your career.  Your future. Your relationships.  “Will this ever work out?”“Will I ever succeed?”“Will I ever own a home?”“Will I ever have a happy ending?” You're not stuck because you don't care.You're stuck because doubt is interrupting your next step. If you don't deal with doubt…doubt will decide your direction. So… What does Jesus do with doubters? Let's turn to John 20 Read about “doubting” Thomas To be fair… All the disciples had self-doubt at the crucifixion. Questioned themselves. Hid and denied. Not confident. They had self-worth and impostor syndrome. This all changes when Jesus appears in a locked room.  “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord!”  KEY DETAIL John 20:24 (NIV)Now Thomas (also known as Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. Thomas missed the moment John 20:25 (NIV)So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” Others saw Jesus – not Thomas. Doubt gets loud when: You feel left out. Others have the story. You missed your moment. Thomas' statement – “I need evidence” Sounds: Logical  Intellectual  Doubt disguises itself as intellect But underneath: Afraid (emotional)  Lost Jesus (relational)  Trauma, betrayal (experiential)  How does Jesus respond to Thomas' doubt? John 20:26-27 (NIV)A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 27 Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Jesus shows up again. Speaks directly. Meets him personally. He doesn't cancel him.He doesn't replace him.He doesn't shame him. Jesus comes back for him and meets him… Relationally  Experientially  Emotionally  Did it make a difference? John 20:28 (NIV)Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Doubt → Worship  Resistance → Surrender  Doubt → Revelation Jesus didn't win an argument.He restored a man. THE TRUTH – The majority of doubt is NOT intellectual. Doubt is more likely rooted in experience, than ideas. What should you do with your doubt? 1 Unmask the doubt Doubt = disguise Looks like: Logic  Reasoning  But underneath: Fear (emotion) Disappointment (experience)  Hurt (relationship) Theologically deep tv show… Stop arguing with the maskStart naming what's underneath Unmask the doubt. 2 Bring the real thing to Jesus Thomas didn't pretend – He was real. Bring the real: I'm afraid. I'm disappointed. I don't know if I can trust. I don't know if I have what it takes. The Result – the Real Jesus doesn't just answer – He meets you 3 Take one step Faith does not mean 100% certain.Faith does not mean zero doubt. Faith is deciding who leads.Does fear lead… or does courage lead? Let faith lead and take one step today: Pray again  Trust again  Show up again  Try again  Thomas never got a full explanationHe got Jesus What is your doubt?What is it really?What is under the mask? -Is it fear?-Disappointment?-Something that didn't work out?-Something or someone you lost?-Something you prayed for… and it didn't happen? What is under the mask of doubt?Imagine if we didn't let doubt lead? If you stopped letting doubt lead your faith? You'd pray again. You'd trust God again. You'd actually believe He hears you. If you stopped letting doubt lead your future? You'd take the step. You'd apply for the job. You'd pursue the calling. If you stopped letting doubt lead your relationships? You'd open your heart again. You'd forgive. You'd stop assuming the worst. What if the thing holding you back is not your ability…Not your opportunity…Not your future… …but the voice you've been listening to? Action – Unmask your Doubt 1. Come meet Jesus – Pray Doubt is loud  Bring it forward  Don't carry it alone  And if you've never met Jesus… This could be your moment. 2. Be with Jesus – Don't rush. Worship. Not a song  Encounter Jesus  Be honest  3. Take your next step – Fill out your Connect Card Not ready?  Fill out connect card  Ask for help  Baptism / follow Jesus 

https://youtu.be/nzWe9M6kW30?si=9W3WaEUmFv8eo6aC I was racing to the Emergency Room… If you will allow me to be real and transparent, it felt over. I thank God every day that my son was revived. And I also know some families do not get that outcome.  I'm sharing this story because I know what it feels like… when it feels too late. Welcome to Easter at Redemption Church. We are glad you are here. You heard one of the darkest stories of my life. I know We all have dark stories. Stories where it felt too late. Your stories may be present… Groceries and gas are up. Paychecks are the same. Debt feels permanent. A lost job, or hours got cut. Unstable. Health is trending the wrong way Relationship disasters A cold marriage Anxiety is constant, and exhaustion is real. Regret is heavy, and self-forgiveness feels impossible. It feels too late. “Too late” starts deciding Too late does not just describe how you feel. It starts deciding what you do. You stop trying.You stop asking for help.You stop praying with expectation.You stop believing anything can change. And that's the problem with too late – it sounds like a conclusion.The end of the story…“Game over man… game over…” But Easter is not game over…The resurrection shows us that Jesus does not do dead ends. Let's go to John 20 to learn about the 1st Easter. John 20 says Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She was not headed to Church service, but a tomb.She was not rejoicing, but morning. The first Easter morning – and nobody is expecting a miracle. Nobody woke up thinking today is the day everything changes.Nobody showed up with faith that, Jesus is about to rise. It felt over. Mary was coming to visit a dead body. Mary sees the stone rolled away.“Praise the Lord Jesus is alive…” Nope She sees the empty tomb.“God is so faithful…”  Nope She even sees two angels sitting where Jesus had been laid.“She cries ‘they stole Jesus' body.” John 20:11-13 (NIV)11 Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12 and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus' body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.13 They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don't know where they have put him.” NOTICE THIS…Mary is experiencing the Resurrection Story but does even realize it… because “TOO LATE” was making her decisions.  Stone rolled away. Empty tomb. Two angels…  And she is still in grief. Still confused. Still assuming the worst. The Easter story was not driven by strong faith.It was driven by a strong Savior. This is not a story where everybody believed perfectly and then Jesus rose.Jesus rose while they were still doubting. Still grieving, confused, assuming it was over. So if your faith is shaky today, hear me clearly.You are in the right place. If you came in barely believing, you are in the same story.If you came in worn out, skeptical, disappointed, or numb… Because the resurrection does not start with their faith.It starts with His power. Back to John 20 14 At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. It is starting to get ridiculous.She sees the resurrected Lord… still nothing. 15 He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” So Mary is looking at Jesus… and her best guess is landscaper. The resurrection story had already begun.Mary had a front row seat.But she still thought it was over. God could be moving.Doors could be opening.Hope could be closer than we think. When “too late” has been making your decisions, you do not interpret life through resurrection.You interpret everything through loss. I have a question for us. When does the resurrection start for Mary? Evidence? No.Stone rolled away. Tomb empty. Supernatural? No.Two angels. Here is when the resurrection starts for Mary. John 20:16 (NIV)16 Jesus said to her, Mary. She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, Rabboni (which means Teacher). That's the moment. Not when the tomb is empty.Not when the angels show up.Not even when Jesus is standing right in front of her. The resurrection becomes real for her when Jesus makes it personal.When He says her name. That is what I want people to hear today. Resurrection is not just an event you hear about.It is a Savior who knows you.And calls you by name. Happy Easter… but here is the truth. You do not need another Easter sermon.You do not need another song.You do not need another religious gathering. You need to hear His voice.Hear His Voice Because the resurrection did not become real to Mary when the tomb was empty.It became real when Jesus called her name. Practice 1: Make roomYou cannot hear a voice you never make space for.This week: Five minutes. One prayer: Jesus, I am listening. Then sit in silence. Practice 2: Get specificGeneral prayers rarely touch specific pain.This week: Name the one place that feels too late. Pray: Jesus, speak life here. Practice 3: Hear Him with peopleGod often uses community to turn the volume up.This week: Don't carry this alone. Ask for prayer. Get with people. That's how Jesus brings life back. What if it is NOT TOO LATE?This is what life looks like on the other side of too late. People start hearing Jesus again.-stop pretending they are fine.-stop suffering in silence.-start taking one step at a time toward life. Homes start to change.Anxiety does not get the steering wheel.Debt is faced with wisdom and support.Relationships get honest.Faith comes back online. Resurrection Life can start for you right now. CALL TO ACTION – RESPOND TO HIS VOICE Jesus is alive. Do you feel him reaching out to you?  Here's what we're asking you to do.  1) COME FOR PRAYER If you need prayer for anything – anxiety, grief, addiction, marriage, finances, health – come forward when we open the response moment.Do not leave carrying it alone. 2) SAY YES TO JESUS If today is your day to follow Jesus – for the first time, or for the first time in a long time – come forward and tell someone on our team. We want to pray with you and help you take the next step. And maybe you are not ready to come forward… 3) TAKE A CLEAR NEXT STEP BEFORE YOU LEAVE If you are not ready to come forward, use the connection card. Check one box before you leave: I want to follow Jesus  I want to learn about baptism  I need prayer  I want a phone call Turn it in today. We will follow up.

https://youtu.be/QCAHgH8llEI?si=LWFFQBXnrUmhGDCX WELCOMEFollow along with us!Happy Palm Sunday. (Hosanna)We're really glad you're here…  Palm Sunday Jesus, Jerusalem, Donkey.  People shouted, “Hosanna.”OK TO SHOUT IN CHURCH! Celebration – Jesus is King! Collision – (crowd had plans for Jesus).  Struggle: Sunday school vs Real world SS – beauty/heavendidn't always learn disappointment.  Real: death/evil/devil/enemies If you were handed a “pretty Jesus” and a “pretty life,” disappointment can feel like betrayal. WHEN GOD DOESN'T DO IT THE WAY YOU WANTED AriaWe had plans, faith, belief Plans: home/family footprint, trips/holidays/ordinary days.  Faith assumption: “God is going to heal her.”  Prayed/believed/asked.  Outcome: brain tumor / she passed.  We had plans. We had belief. We had faith. Yet, it didn't go how we wanted. It doesn't just break your heart.It changes what hope feels like. Our story isn't the only story in the room. When God doesn't do it the way you wanted, you start concluding things. God doesn't care. God forgot me. God helps other people, but not me.It's probably me. I'm the problem. It's probably that I'm a sinner. It's probably that I'm not worthy. Disappointment doesn't just hurt – it redefines. It redefines… God, yourself, future. You had plans. You had belief. You had faith.And it still didn't turn out like you wanted it to. How does God address this in His Word?Let's look at it together on this Palm Sunday. PALM SUNDAY THROUGH THE LENS OF DISAPPOINTMENT 1) They wanted a King + they were desperate I want to read part of Luke 19. Luke 19:36-38 (NIV) As he went along, people spread their cloaks on the road… the whole crowd of disciples began joyfully to praise God in loud voices… ‘Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!' They're not confused about what they want. They want a King. And they're shouting “Hosanna.” Hosanna is a pain word that means Save Us. It means: “Save us. Help us. Rescue us.” The tension: they didn't just want Jesus to save them.They wanted Him to save them their way. 2) They wanted saving their way. Under Rome: wanted overthrow, centurions cut down, Israel free, war + win.  They had plans… belief… faith.They assumed Jesus would execute their plan. 3) Jesus defines the kind of King He is How did Jesus arrive in this story? (Donkey) Don't overlook it!Reveals Jesus… fulfills prophecy. Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, Matthew 21:5 says Jesus came “gentle” riding on a donkey. Jesus is making a statement before He ever preaches a sermon. I am King.But I'm not the kind of King you can control. Do we want God's will to be done?Or do we want God to do our will? …God control my life?…God come under the control of my life? 4) Root problem vs visible problem They want Rome out. VISIBLE PROBLEM.Jesus is going to the root: sin, death, shame, and the powers underneath it all. ROOT PROBLEM. Empires cycle: Babylon → Persia → Greece → Rome. Remove one, another comes.  Jesus came to break the cycle at the source. But they had other plans. 5) Did Jesus not care? We think this sometimes… Luke 19:41 (NIV) As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it… Jesus wept. He isn't cold. He isn't detached.He sees what is, and He sees what's coming, and it moves Him. And Jesus says something else in Scripture that shows His heart: Matthew 23:37 (NIV)Jerusalem, Jerusalem… how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.  Jesus is saying… “I wanted it different.”“I longed for something else.”“I had plans, belief, faith. Yet, it didn't go how we wanted.” 6) Jesus knows disappointment. Palm Sunday gives you a King with tears.A Savior with compassion.A God who understands. What do we do with disappointment? What do you do when God doesn't do it the way you wanted? Practice 1) Talk to God honestly (like Jesus did) Garden prayer – Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done” Can you trust God with that? Jesus, here's what I wanted.Here's what happened.Here's what I'm afraid to hope for again.Help me trust You anyway. Don't edit your prayer. Bring the real thing. The real hurt and disappointment…  Practice 2) Ask Jesus to reframe the story (before you finalize the conclusion) Name the default verdicts: I'm not worthy / I'm the problem / God is against me.  Disappointment isn't the whole story. Jesus, reframe my story.  Aria reframe: We wanted her home with us. Weeping on a walk in the park… phone call…  “God wanted her home too – and God brought her home.”  That doesn't erase grief.It changes the shape of the story.  Practice this prayer: “Jesus, show me what You see.”  Practice 3) Bring it into the light (don't do disappointment alone) Silence feels strong, but it usually isn't healing.  TALK TO SOMEONE! trusted friend, pastor, small group, counselor.  Resource: Patricia Muller podcast “Life Interrupted.” Grief grows in isolation.Hope grows in community. Imagine the kind of church we could become if we lived this. A place where disappointed people don't have to fake it. Where grief isn't treated like weakness. Where questions aren't treated like rebellion. Where we carry hope for each other until we can carry it again. A church where “Hosanna” isn't just a word we sing.It's a cry we can bring. It is ok to cry out… Jesus save me. Jesus save me……not how I want you to save me…save me how YOU want to save me. We had plans…belief…faith. And it still didn't go how we wanted. So here's what we're going to do – not later, not someday – right now. I have 3 responses for you… Respond to King Jesus. Respond to disappointment. Worship team is coming back. We're making a space for prayer. Here is how to respond… Step 1 – Talk to God honestly. Jesus, here's what I wanted.Here's what happened.Here's what I'm afraid to hope for again.Help me trust You anyway. Don't edit… get real. Step 2 – Don't do it alone. Pray.Talk.Counsel. Step 3 – Invite one person to Easter and pray for them. Name the person… Pray for them. MAKE THE DECISION – invite them.

https://youtu.be/nSKmrRFOKNk?si=nr-Lo8SnBetwgZRI Key Scriptures: John 15:1-8, Mark 1:35-39Big Idea: Burn bright comes from abiding, not grinding.. Welcome back to Redemption Church in Plano Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt and I am glad to spend time with everyone in the room and everyone onlone. We are in the final week of our series called Well Spent. Every day we are spending something. We spendour moneyour timeour energy Today we are talking about how we spend our energy. The name of this message is Do Not Burn Out, Burn Bright. I try to get things done. I want to succeed.I want to do what's right.I want to stay positive.I want to get better, do better, keep moving forward. And when I don't accomplish it… you know what I do? I work harder. WORK HARDER That's what we're taught. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps.Work hard. Push through. Don't quit. We teach it to our kids.We celebrate it in our culture. And there is value in hard work. But I've had seasons…where I worked harder…and ended up hurting. Not succeeding.Not thriving.Just exhausted. Because working harder is not always the answer. Sometimes… you don't need more effort. You need a different source. And this isn't just me.  This is all of us. We're trying to keep up.Trying to stay ahead.Trying to hold everything together. And we're running out of energy. We are living without margin. We fill every hour.Answer every notification.Say yes to everything. And then we wonder why we feel empty. Burnout Burden Stats  77% of people say they have experienced burnout at their current job 57% say they feel burned out often or always(https://www.gallup.com/workplace/237059/burnout-symptoms-causes-cures.aspx) That means most people around you are carrying this right now. And it's hitting the next generation even harder: Nearly 50% of Gen Z says they feel burned out frequently(https://www.mckinsey.com/mhi/our-insights/gen-z-mental-health-the-impact-of-tech-and-social-media) And it's not just about being tired. Burnout is linked to anxiety, depression, and physical health issues(https://www.apa.org/topics/healthy-workplaces/work-stress) You don't burn out because you're weak.You burn out because you're overloaded and disconnected. We've been taught: work harder.Push more.Do more. But there's a problem: There's not enough energy to always work harder. God didn't design you to live at 100% output with 0% connection. If working harder could fix your soul…you'd already be healed by now. Jesus doesn't offer you a better schedule. He offers you a better source. John 15:5 (NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you… …you will bear much fruit.” Pause. Because in burnout culture, we fill in that blank. If you work harder…If you do more…If you push yourself… Then you will bear much fruit. But that's not what Jesus said. John 15:5 (NIV)  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” There are three things Jesus is teaching us here. 1) Fruit comes from connection, not pressure Remain in me. This is where the pressure of religion can get it wrong. You can go to church… and still not connect with Jesus. But Jesus says, apart from me… nothing. Why do we worship?So you can connect with Jesus. Why do we preach about Jesus?Because you need to connect with Him. Why do we pray?Because you need to connect with Jesus. You need to connect with Jesus. He's the vine.You're the branches. If a branch is cut off… it withers and dies. Because the life is in the connection. If you're disconnected from Jesus…you will burn out. 2) Jesus practiced withdrawal before He practiced power This is a secret weapon. It is counter intuitive, but Jesus teaches us this. Mark 1:35 (NIV) Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Very early… Jesus withdrew and prayed.Jesus unplugged. He went somewhere solitary. 3) Jesus practiced withdrawal before He practiced power Let me ask you: Do you have that rhythm? Or are you just running? Running and running and running… Do you ever pause before the next moment? Do you ever bring Jesus into your daybefore the day takes over? Some of you don't need to charge ahead. You need to withdraw. 4) Staying connected is how you stay alive Jesus didn't say visit me. He said remain in me. Stay connected. Not once a week.Not occasionally. Remain. Because when you stay connected… Life flows.Strength flows.Peace flows. Disconnect… and you wither. Let me ask you something. You probably know your phone battery percentage right now. You won't let it hit empty without charging it. But the truth is… You probably don't know the percentage of your soul. And you let it run all the way downbefore you even think about recharging. Is your phone more important than your soul? Here are three simple moves to recharge your soul. Soul Recharge1) Connect daily You need to connect with Jesus daily. Find a time. Build Him into your life. And we want to help you with that. We've got a 5-day challenge for you. It's going to be right here in the prayer space. Grab one before you leave. It will help you connect with Jesus every day this week. 2) Practice withdrawal Stop charging ahead. Pause. Before the meeting.Before the conversation.Find a solitary space and pray. “Here I am Jesus. It's just you and me.”“Jesus you are important and I will make time for you.” 3) Stay connected throughout your day Not just a moment… a rhythm. Talk to Him. “Jesus, help me here.”“Jesus, I'm with You.” Remain. And here's what's powerful… These three things don't just work with Jesus. They work in every relationship. You can connect daily with your spouse.Withdraw and give someone your full attention.Stay connected throughout your day. This will strengthen every relationship in your life. And if you're here and you're not sure about faith… Try this. Approach Jesus this way. Connect. Pause. Stay aware. See what happens. From Burn Out to Burning BrightCALL TO ACTION Right now, here's what we're going to do. #1 Take the 5-Day Challenge Before you leave, go to the prayer space and grab one.Online friends, we will share a link on our livestream – download it. Don't just hear this message. Practice it this week. #2 If you're exhausted – recharge Maybe what you need is rest. As we worship… Lift your hands.Open your heart. “Jesus, I want to be close to You.” Just rest in His presence. #3 If you're disconnected – connect Maybe what you need is connection. You need someone to pray with you. So make the move. Come forward.Let someone stand with you. We're going to worship right now. And this is your moment. Make the move.

Speakers: Matt and Julie Hattabaugh Scripture Focus: 1 Thessalonians 2:13, 2 Timothy 1:7 Overview This message is a powerful testimony of faith, healing, and transformation from Matt and Julie, who have served in Lebanon since 2018. Despite the significant ongoing conflict in the Middle East—including over 800 strikes in a single week and the displacement of a million people—the work of the Gospel is not only continuing but expanding. The core of the message encourages every believer to receive the Word of God as absolute truth and to act as a missionary in their own daily lives. Key Takeaways 1. The Power of Receiving the Word The sermon focuses extensively on 1 Thessalonians 2:13, emphasizing that we must receive God's Word not as human words, but as divine truth. Action over Evidence: True faith involves believing and acting on God's promises even when there is no visible evidence. The Example of Abraham: Just as Abraham carried God’s promise for 25 years before seeing it fulfilled, we are called to persistent, patient belief. 2. Rejecting the Spirit of Fear In a region marked by violence, Matt describes fear as something that has no place in a believer's life. A Sound Mind: By claiming 2 Timothy 1:7, believers can replace anxiety with a spirit of love, power, and a sound mind. Peace in the Storm: Like a passenger focused on their destination during a turbulent flight, we can remain calm by trusting in God's ultimate plan. 3. Personal Evangelism is for Everyone The mission field isn’t just in Lebanon; it is in your workplace, grocery store, and neighborhood. The Story of Ali: Matt shared how a simple, prompted invitation to a Starbucks cashier led to a life-changing conversion, proving that God's power transcends cultural barriers. “Love, Grow, Serve, Go”: Every believer is called to be a “vessel” for God's work, whether locally or internationally. Ministry Milestone Timeline DateEvent / ActivityNotes2018Partnership EstablishedConnection with Redemption Church began.Feb 28School LaunchMinistry training school opened with 21 children.OngoingConflict ResponseMinistry continues despite strikes and displacement.May 2Graduation61 ministry students graduating; 23 already serving.FutureBeirut ExpansionPlans to expand to 4 new locations in Beirut. Scriptural Application ReferenceKey MessageLife Application2 Timothy 1:7Spirit of power and loveRejecting anxiety and fear.Galatians 3Redeemed from the curseWalking in healing and freedom.1 Thess. 2:13Receiving God’s TruthFaithful acceptance leads to transformation.2 Cor. 5:17New creation in ChristEmbracing a new identity in Jesus. Final Encouragement The Word of God is alive and powerful. We are invited to identify with these scriptural truths daily—declaring “I am a new creation” and “fear has no place in me”—and to pray for the same transformative power to work in our communities as it is currently working in Lebanon.

Follow along with us! Welcome everyone. I'm really glad you're here today – in the room and online. We are in week three of a series called Well Spent. The idea behind this series is simple but powerful. Every day we are spending something. We spendour moneyour timeour energy The question is not if you're spending your life. The question is how you're spending it. We have a Toolkit and 30 challenge to help you reset your money, time, and energy.Download it. Use it. Share it. What you invest in shapes who you become. In week one we talked about money. Today we are talking about something even more valuable than money.Because money can be earned again.But time cannot. So today's message is called Spend Your Time on What Lasts. And I want to begin with something I have had to admit in my own life. There have been seasons in my life where I was incredibly busy. Running from one thing to the next. And here is the uncomfortable truth. Most of the things I was doing were good things.Important things. Church things.But I started noticing something.Even though I was busy doing good things…Sometimes I was missing the best things.Moments with my family.Time with Jesus.Meaningful conversations.Quiet moments where my soul could breathe.And I had to face a truth that I didn't want to admit. BIG IDEA: Busy isn't the same as meaningful. You can fill your life with activity and still miss what matters most. We know what this is like right? The Age of Constant Distraction We live in what could honestly be called the age of constant distraction. The average person checks their phone 96 times a day.(https://www.asurion.com/press-releases/americans-check-their-phones-96-times-a-day/) that means: 672 times per week about 2,880 times per month over 35,000 times per year Over a lifetime, that can easily become millions of interruptions. Now combine that with another reality. The average American spends around 7 hours of screen time every day. (https://www.magnetaba.com/blog/average-screen-time-statistics)  That means nearly half of our waking life can disappear into screens. Harvard researchers discovered that 47% of our waking hours are spent thinking about something other than what we are doing.(https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101111141759.htm)  Almost half of life… we are mentally somewhere else. Distracted. Fragmented. Pulled in multiple directions. We are busy. But here is the deeper question. If we are so busy… why do so many people still feel like their life lacks meaning? Maybe the issue is not that we are busy. Maybe the issue is what we are busy with. And Jesus speaks directly into this. Luke chapter 10 tells the story of two sisters. Mary and Martha. Jesus comes to their home. Martha immediately begins preparing the house. Cooking. Serving.Getting everything ready. Luke says this. Luke 10:40 (NIV) But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. Notice what the Bible does not say. It does not say Martha was sinning.It says she was distracted.She was doing good things. Important things.But Martha becomes frustrated. And she says to Jesus, Luke 10:40 (NIV) “Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” Notice something here. Martha's concern was not that she was too busy.Her concern was that Mary was not busy like she was.Martha did not think she needed to slow down.She thought Mary needed to speed up. That sounds familiar. Sometimes when we feel overwhelmed we don't question our pace.We question why other people aren't keeping up.But Jesus answers Martha with incredible tenderness. Luke 10:41 (NIV)“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things… And then Jesus says something that might be one of the most important statements about priorities in the entire Bible. Luke 10:42 “Few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Let's pause right here. Because this is where the message lands.Jesus says Few things are needed. Indeed only oneSo here is the honest question. Do I believe Jesus?Because if I believe Jesus…my life should  reflect what He says. Look at your calendar.Look at your habits.Look at how you spend your time.Does my life look like few things are needed?Or does my life look like everything is needed? Few things are needed. Indeed only one. WHAT IS THE ONE THING? So what is the one thing? At its core, it is this – Being with Jesus.Mary sat at His feet.She listened.She was present.She chose relationship over activity. But this truth expands beyond quiet prayer moments. Because when you are truly with Jesus,you begin to value what Jesus values.You begin to love who Jesus loves.You begin to prioritize what actually matters. And what matters most in life has never been activity. It has always been relationship. WHAT IS THE ONE THING? Being with Jesus. Being with the people you love. Investing in these relationships. Because at the end of your life, you will not wish you answered more emails. You will not wish you attended more meetings. You will not wish you checked your phone more often. You will wish you spent more time with Jesus and with the people you love. Few things are needed. Indeed only one. Choose the better thing. So how do you actually live this out?Let me give you three practical ways to start choosing the better thing. The First 10 Before your phone.Before social media.Before the chaos begins. Spend the first ten minutes of your day with Jesus. Scripture. Prayer. Quiet. Center your heart before the world starts pulling at you. Research shows that couples who share spiritual habits like prayer and Scripture together report stronger marriages and higher relationship satisfaction. People who regularly engage Scripture also report greater peace and resilience in stressful seasons. When you invest time in what matters most, your life begins to reflect that investment. I challenge you to spend the first 10 with Jesus every day this week. The Better Part Block Schedule one protected hour every week. One hour where you intentionally invest in what matters most. A meaningful conversation. Prayer.Family connection.Encouraging someone.Community. This is why things like Connect Groups matter. Because life transformation rarely happens in crowds. It happens in relationships.Mary chose the better part.She slowed down.She sat down.She paid attention to Jesus. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is simply slow down long enough to be present. One Boundary If something matters, protect it.Build a boundary around it.Protect your time with God.Protect your family.Protect worship.Protect your church community. Something always comes up that makes it easy to skip Church and family time. You must build a boundary around what matters most. “Few things are needed. Indeed only one.” Are you ready to live differently?Are you ready to live simply? CALL TO ACTION I want to give you three invitations. Return to the one thing Maybe today you realize you have been running after many things. Busy.Distracted.Fragmented.And today Jesus is inviting you back to the better part.Back to His presence.Back to sitting at His feet again. Rebuild what matters at home Maybe the change you need is relational.Maybe it is time to pray with your spouse.Read Scripture with your family.Start spiritual conversations again.Invest in the relationships that matter most.Spend time on what matters with the people who matter. Reset your boundaries Maybe today you need to draw a line around what matters. Around worship.Around time with Jesus.Around the people you love. Few things are needed. Indeed only one. Choose the better thing. As our music team begins to play, this is a moment to respond. One thing matters right now. Choose it!

Follow along with us! Struggling with money stress? Living paycheck to paycheck?Wondering what the Bible actually says about budgeting? You're not alone. Millions of people feel anxious about money — and many Christians quietly wonder how to manage their finances in a way that honors God without creating guilt or pressure. In this message from Redemption Church, we walk through practical biblical budgeting principles that help you: Lead your money instead of being led by it Reduce financial stress Build savings with wisdom Give generously without fear Create a simple plan that reflects your faith If you don't lead your money, your money will lead you. What Does the Bible Say About Budgeting? The Bible talks about money more than almost any other topic. Not because God needs your money — but because money reveals your heart. Here are four core biblical budgeting principles: 1. Your Money Reveals Your Priorities “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21 Your spending patterns reveal direction. And direction can change. 2. God Entrusts You With Resources In Matthew 25, Jesus describes stewardship as managing what belongs to the Master. Biblical budgeting begins with this mindset shift: You are a steward, not an owner. 3. Faithfulness Starts Small “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10 Wealth is built on consistency, not hype. 4. Money Is a Tool — Not a Master “You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matthew 6:24 Money makes a terrible master and an excellent servant. A budget is simply telling your money where to go. A Simple Christian Budget Plan (Give, Save, Live) If you want a biblical starting point, evaluate three areas: 1️⃣ What You Give Giving reveals trust. Start somewhere. Give intentionally — not emotionally. 2️⃣ What You Save Saving reveals wisdom. Emergency savings protect your peace and reduce anxiety. 3️⃣ What You Live On Living reveals priorities. Cancel drift. Review subscriptions. Stop unconscious spending. Drift always costs more than direction. Frequently Asked Questions About Biblical Budgeting Is budgeting biblical? Yes. Scripture consistently teaches stewardship, faithfulness, generosity, and wisdom in managing resources. How do Christians budget money? A simple Christian budget often prioritizes giving, saving, and living — in that order. What does the Bible say about money stress? Jesus teaches that money should not master us (Matthew 6:24). Financial peace grows when we align our money with God's priorities. How can I stop living paycheck to paycheck? Start by reviewing recurring expenses, creating a simple spending plan, building a small emergency fund, giving intentionally, and avoiding financial drift. RESOURCES FOR YOU Well Spent Series Hub Continue the full Well Spent series here. Download the Well Spent Toolkit We created a free Well Spent Toolkit, including a 30-day Well Spent Challenge, to help you: Get clear on your money, time, and energy Evaluate what you give, save, and live on Build a simple savings and spending plan Audit your calendar and commitments Reset daily rhythms so you don't burn out Cancel financial drift and take practical next steps Download it here. Printable Sermon Handout (PDF) Follow along or use in your Connect Group. Download the How to Budget Your Blessing sermon handout here. Take Your Next Step at Redemption Church You don't have to figure this out alone. Whether you're exploring faith, returning to church, or looking for a way to serve, we'd love to walk with you. Take your next step with serving, groups, outreach, giving, or sharing your story: Start here. Watch the Message Message TranscriptWell Spent 1 – How to Budget Your Blessing – Chris Fluitt at Redemption Church Plano, Tx Learning how to manage money God's way. Well Spent 1 – How to Budget a Blessing Pastor Chris Fluitt – March 1, 2026Key Scriptures (NIV): Matthew 6:19–21; Luke 16:10–13; Matthew 25:14–30Big Idea: If you don't lead your money, your money will lead you. Welcome back to Redemption Church. My name is Chris Fluitt, and I'm so glad you're here.If you're in the room, we love you.If you're joining us online, we love you too. Let us know where you're watching from. We are one church family. Well SpentToday we're starting a brand new series called Well Spent. Well Spent – Stop wasting. Start investing your time, money, and energy. Every single day, we are spending something.We're spending money.We're spending time.We're spending energy. The question isn't “Are we spending?”The question is “Are we investing?” Here's where we're going this month: Well Spent Outline March 8: Kingdom ROI – how to invest your life in what actually lasts forever instead of what fades by Friday. We will have special guests – Matt & Julie Hattabaugh, missionaries to Lebanon. March 15: Spend Your Time on What Lasts – how to stop being busy and start being meaningful. March 22: Do Not Burn Out, Burn Bright – Learn the rhythm of Jesus that keeps your soul strong instead of running on fumes. Value Add – Well Spent Toolkit Download the free Well Spent Toolkit with a 30-day challenge to reset your money, time, and energy. We built a free Well Spent Toolkit to help you live this out. You can download it today. It will help you with your money, your time, and your energy. Today, we're starting with money. Today's message is called: How to Budget a Blessing. Learning how to manage money God's way. “Where did it all go?Wasn't there money in this account?How did we spend that much there?” I've had tough months.Times where I struggled to get to pay day.Januarys that felt hard because Decembers were expensive. And I can tell you honestly, money stress steals peace. There's something about financial anxiety that just sits heavy. We know what this is like. Right? We know what it's like to swipe the card and hope.We know what it's like to avoid checking the balance.We know what it's like to think, “If nothing unexpected happens this month, we'll be okay.” The $truggle Is Real Stats • Around 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck.• More than 50% cannot cover a $1,000 emergency without debt.• The average household carries roughly $7,000 in credit card debt.• Nearly 40% of adults have little to no retirement savings.• 66% Americans say money is their number one source of stress. This is not rare. Money is a real problem – and we don't like to talk about it. But that's exactly why Jesus did talk about it. Not because He needed their money. Because He knew what money does to the heart. I have 4 quick lessons from Jesus on money and how to stop wasting and start investing. Your spending reveals your heart Matthew 6:21 Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. We cannot compartmentalize our heart and our wallet. They are in the same compartment. If our treasure goes toward comfort, our heart leans toward comfort.If our treasure goes toward the Kingdom, our heart leans toward the Kingdom. We like to say we care about generosity.But if our spending never reflects it, it's just talk. We like to say we're disciplined.But if the ledger says otherwise, something's off. Our bank account is not a verdict.It's not judging our soul.It's not saying God doesn't love us. Our spending is revealing direction.And direction can change. God has put you in charge of His money (stewardship) Matthew 25:14 He entrusted his wealth to them. This is a parable… a story Jesus tells to reveal a spiritual principle. The money in the parable never becomes the servant's money. It always belongs to the master. The master's money is entrusted to the servant. God is the master. God has put us in charge of His money. This parable has 3 servants, and they are all given different amounts from the master. The real difference wasn't the amount.It was what they believed about the master. The 2 faithful servants trusted the master and invested. The one wicked servant (strong language) said – “I was afraid of you,” and buried the money. What we do with our money reveals what we think about God.Fear buries.Trust invests. What do you think about God?Are you burying? Are you investing? Faithfulness starts small and gets practical Luke 16:10 Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much. Wealth is built on boring consistency. Not hype.Not emotion.Consistency. If we can't manage little, more won't fix it. Look back at the verse. God is looking for who can be TRUSTED with more. We often pray for MORE.Do we pray to be faithful and trustworthy? More money does not solve our issues.More faithfulness solves our issues. Money is a tool or a master Matthew 6:24 …You cannot serve both God and money Money makes a better servant than a king. You cannot serve both God and money. When money is master, anxiety rules. When God is master, money serves. A budget is telling your money what to do, and how to serve. It's not punishment.It's not stewed beans forever. It's declaring money is not my master. And at the top of that budget should be God. Why?? Because HE is the master who has entrusted us with His money. What does this mean for you? Here's the question. Is your money well spent? Is your money revealing the heart you want it to reveal? Look at three areas this week: What you give.What you save.What you live on. Giving reveals trust. Saving reveals wisdom. Living reveals priorities. Let's talk about what you give. As soon as I say that, a voice in your head goes, “I KNEW IT. You greedy pastors just want my money…” So let me calm that down. This is not about boosting our offering.We are not locking the doors and taking up a special offering. This is not about squeezing more out of you. Here's what I actually want for you: I want you to find a place to give that lines up with what you value and the kind of heart you want God to grow in you. It doesn't have to be here. Give somewhere. Give to a ministry that is feeding people.Give to an organization that is reaching students.Give to a person God puts on your heart. Next week we have missionaries coming from Lebanon.Prayerfully consider giving toward that.That would be amazing. But you don't have to. If you give here, if you give there, if you give somewhere else entirely… What I care about is that you become a giver. HERE IS WHY. Giving reveals trust.Saving reveals wisdom.Living reveals priorities. Giving reveals trust. Saving reveals wisdom. Living reveals priorities. How are you doing? Most of us DO NOT KNOW… BECAUSE we cannot evaluate what we refuse to examine. We have to sit down with the numbers. And when we don't, we become victims. There are companies happy to keep us that way. Some people are paying for duplicate subscriptions.Streaming services never alert them. Credit card companies profit when balances roll into the next month. We are victims – but often of our own drift. Drift always costs more than direction. So this week: Open your bank app.Look at recurring charges.Cancel at least one subscription. And download the Well Spent Toolkit. Work it. Imagine if we were a church that was well spent. Imagine if our families were well spent. Imagine teaching our kids how not to be victims in the marketplace. Imagine living in such a way that we could help more people. Imagine generosity that is planned, not pressured. Remember what God the master told the servants who managed the money well… Well done, good & faithful servant. Imagine God saying that about you.Well done, good & faithful servant. Well Spent Actions Your money reveals your heart. This is deeply spiritual. Repent If we've drifted, let's repent.Wasting?Not saving?Not giving? How we spend reveals our direction.Repentance is how we change direction. Make a Plan Decide this week you will sit down with your numbers. Stop burying, start managing. Surrender When we work on our money, we work on our heart. Over the next few minutes, I want breakthrough. If you need prayer about debt, anxiety, trust – come. Spend the next moments worshiping and seeking God. This is time well spent. “If you don't lead your money, your money will lead you.” Giving reveals trust. Saving reveals wisdom. Living reveals priorities. What you give. What you save. What you live on.Giving reveals trust. Saving reveals wisdom. Living reveals priorities. Download the free Well Spent Toolkit with a 30-day challenge to reset your money, time, and energy. Download the Well Spent Toolkit + 30-Day Challenge. We don't want this to stay just a Sunday idea.The Well Spent Toolkit gives you: A guided look at your money, time, and energy A 30-day Well Spent Challenge Simple worksheets to track giving, saving, and spending Space to review your calendar and commitments Practical prompts to cancel drift and build healthier rhythms Download the toolkit and work through it this month. What Is Your Money Revealing? This isn't about guilt.It's about direction. If your money has been leading you instead of you leading it, today can be a turning point. Consider these steps: Talk honestly with God about your money and your heart Make a simple plan for what you give, save, and live on Download the Well Spent Toolkit and start the 30-day challenge Ask someone you trust to pray with you and walk with you If you're local to Plano or joining online, you are welcome here. If you need prayer, have questions about Jesus, want to join a group, or are ready to serve, you don't have to wait. Take your next step here. Building real community in Plano

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Let's Pray TogetherChurch, before we dive into today's message, I want to pause and acknowledge the heaviness many of us feel. This […]

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Welcome to Redemption Church.We are not a mega Church, but we are a mighty Church. We are seeing God do BIG things […]

Welcome to Redemption Church.We exist to help people Find & Follow Jesus Christ.My name is Chris Fluitt. Last week we started our […]

Welcome to Redemption Church in Plano, Tx. My name is Chris Fluitt and I am have to say I am thankful for […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. Church PeopleThose People You've heard it.You've probably felt it. -“Oh, she's […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. We are excited to be a Church where you can ask […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. We are excited to be a Church where you can ask […]

We are excited to be a Church where you can ask questions and find answers. Last Week we answered a big question […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. We are excited to be a Church where you can ask […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. We are excited to be a Church where you can ask […]

The Message of Psalms 23Psalms 23 begins with a powerful declaration: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” This opening […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. Happy Father's Day Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. Summer Playlist Title  Last week – Crazy Peace for your Crazy […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. Summer is supposed to be the season of fun. Sunshine, road […]

Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx.My name is Chris Fluitt. Two Water Bottles– One is clean.– One has a few drops […]

RISE 5 – From the Grave to the Sky: Find Your Higher Purpose There was a time when all I wanted was […]

RISE – 4 – Failure is Only a Bruise, Not a Burial Happy Mother's Day Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano TxMy […]

Rise – 3 – Fear Holding You Down? How to Get Up! Welcome to Redemption Church of Plano Tx!Everyone Online!Everyone in the […]