Trusting God's Direction

This is the manuscript of the sermon delivered at Christ Church March 30, 2025.

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33 NIV)

We often find ourselves caught in the whirlwind of daily life. The demands of work, family, and personal goals, hopes and dreams can pull us in all sorts of directions, causing us to feel scattered and overwhelmed. In all this chaos, it is easy to lose sight of what really matters, which is our relationship with God and the pursuit of His will for our lives.

It is very important for us to keep our lives grounded in faith and to line up our priorities with what God wants. It's a process, not a quick fix. It means we have to check ourselves regularly and be open to letting God lead.

Matthew 6:28-34 NIV [28]  “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Text:

Matthew 6:33 NIV [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 

We often find ourselves caught up in all the activities of daily life. The demands of work, family, and personal goals, hopes and dreams can pull us in all sorts of directions, causing us to feel scattered and overwhelmed. In all  this activity and chaos, it’s easy to lose sight of what really matters, which is our relationship with God and pursuing His will for our lives.

So, today let's look at  the balance of faith and how we set our priorities to reflect God's will for our lives.

The key is for us to keep our lives grounded in faith so that our priorities line up with what God wants.  This means we have to check our own priorities and we have to be open to letting God lead us.

The Foundation of Faith

As we’ve been saying all year, faith is the foundation on which we should build our lives. 

Setting Priorities: God First

Jesus Himself emphasized the importance of prioritizing God above everything else.

Matthew 6:42-34 NIV [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

This is the secret to a fulfilling life. When we place God at the center of our lives, all other things fall into place. It means we should be looking at every decision we make, big or little, and asking, 'What would God want me to do?  What is God’s will in this matter?

Discernment and Guidance

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

But wait there’s more;

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV [11] For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

There’s even more;

Romans 8:28-30 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 

What all this means is that we have to surrender our own desires and ambitions, trusting that God's plans are greater than anything we could come up with.  

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV says [8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

We have to be open to, and aware of God's guidance, and allow Him to direct our steps. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV [5] Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; [6] in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

Practical Application

Setting priorities according to God’s will is not just an abstract concept; it has practical implications for our daily lives. For example:

1. Are we allocating our time in a way that reflects our commitment to God? Do we prioritize prayer, worship, and service to others?

Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV say [15] Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, [16] making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. [17] Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 

It's not just about scheduling time, it's about recognizing that every moment is an opportunity. Aligning with God's will means discerning how to use His gift of time for His purposes, whether it's work, rest, study, or recreation.

2. Are we using our resources to honor God, or are we consumed by materialism and greed?

1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV [10] Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. [11] If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. 

It's not just about tithes and offerings either, but it’s recognizing that all our resources belong to God. 

Psalms 50:9-12 NIV says [9] I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, [10] for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. [11] I know every bird in the mountains, and the insects in the fields are mine. [12] If I were hungry I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

Everything in the natural world, and by extension, everything in existence, belongs to God. God is the creator and sustainer of all things.

Colossians 1:15-16 NIV says [15] The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. [16] For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 

Aligning with God's will means using everything every gift for His glory.

James 1:17 says something that is very comforting 

James 1:17 NIV Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

3. Do our relationships reflect the love and grace of Christ? Are we prioritizing reconciliation and forgiveness?

God's will for our relationships goes way beyond surface-level interactions.

John 13:34-35 NIV [34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

This involves sacrificial love, and forgiveness.

1 John 4:19-21 NIV [19] We love because he first loved us. [20] Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. [21] And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.

We live in a world that often teaches us to hold onto grudges, to nurse our wounds, and to demand retribution.  When we make God’s will our priority we will put the needs of others before our own, and we will look for opportunities to forgive, to serve and uplift others.

4. Are we pursuing our goals in a way that aligns with God's purpose for our lives? Do our ambitions glorify Him?

Our ambitions, rather than being energized by the fleeting desires for wealth, power, or recognition, should be grounded in a deep desire to honor God and serve others.

Romans 12:1-2 NIV [1] Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. [2] Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

We can trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, will guide and protect us when we surrender our selfish desires to His priorities, to His will for us. He will not lead us down a path to destruction; His purpose is always good and perfect.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

So we can release our grip on worldly ambitions and place our trust in God's unwavering guidance, knowing that He will lead us to a life that truly matters.

Romans 8:28-30 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 

The Reward of Obedience

When you do what God wants you to do, He will provide all the resources you need to accomplish what He wants done.  

We read this earlier today

Matthew 6:28-34 NIV [28]  “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. [29] Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. [30] If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? [31] So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ [32] For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. [33] But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. [34] Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

When we prioritize God's will we have the assurance that God is able to provide abundantly, so that we can carry out the good works. He set up for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV says For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. 

When we align our priorities with God’s priorities we experience a deep sense of fulfillment and purpose. We are no longer driven by fleeting temporary desires but by an eternal perspective.

A Call to Action

So let’s commit to a life of faith and prioritize God's will above all else. Let’s seek is guidance in every decision, trusting that He knows best. Let’s remember that true success is not measured by worldly achievements but by our faithfulness to God's calling. Let’s strive to live lives that reflect the glory of God, setting our priorities according to His perfect will.

Prayer 

Dear Lord, thank you for the message we received today. Help us to trust in your direction, even when we can't see the path ahead. Guide our steps and give us the courage to follow where you lead. Amen.

Faith That Moves Mountains

This is the manuscript of the sermon delivered at Christ Church March 23, 2025.

He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20 NIV)

We all have mountains. Mountains of fear, doubt, sickness, financial hardship, broken relationships, and spiritual struggles. These mountains can loom large, casting shadows over our lives, making us feel small and helpless.

Jesus uses the mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds, to illustrate that even a tiny amount of genuine faith can yield incredible results. Size isn't the issue, the source is.

Scripture

Matthew 17:14-20 NIV [14] When they came to the crowd, a man approached Jesus and knelt before him. [15] “Lord, have mercy on my son,” he said. “He has seizures and is suffering greatly. He often falls into the fire or into the water. [16] I brought him to your disciples, but they could not heal him.” [17]  “You unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy here to me.” [18] Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of the boy, and he was healed at that moment. [19] Then the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why couldn’t we drive it out?” [20] He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

Text

Matthew 17:20 NIV [20] He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” 

In our text we see a powerful promise from Jesus. A promise that with even the smallest amount of genuine  faith, we can move mountains. 

At its core, genuine faith involves a deep sense of trust and reliance on God. This means believing in God's existence, power, and goodness, even when faced with uncertainty or adversity.

Hebrews 11:1 NIV Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 

Look at this (stone/image). It's a symbol, a representation of the obstacles, the challenges, the seemingly insurmountable problems that we face in our lives. We all have mountains. Mountains of fear, doubt, sickness, financial hardship, broken relationships, and spiritual struggles. These mountains can loom large, casting shadows over our lives, making us feel small and helpless.

1. Understanding the Nature of Mustard Seed Faith

Jesus uses the mustard seed, one of the smallest seeds, to illustrate that even a tiny amount of genuine faith can yield incredible results. Size isn't the issue, its the source. 

Tremendous resides in even the smallest amount of genuine faith. A mustard seed  which is tiny when planted and cultivated grows into a large tree. Our faith when cultivated with the Word of God, prayer, and fellowship with other believers becomes a living, growing thing.

As we said in Bible Study last Wednesday faith is connected to hearing and understanding the message of Christ. 

Romans 10:17 NIV Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 

The mustard seed's growth depends on being planted in good soil. Our faith must be rooted in the solid foundation of God's character and His promises. Our confidence is in God, who is the foundation of our hope.

2. What are the mountains in your life? 

• Are they mountains of fear? Fear of the future, fear of failure, fear of what others think? 

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV tells us For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 

Fear, particularly a crippling or debilitating fear, is not from God. We are not to be afraid of circumstances or of people.

God's spirit empowers us. Every believer is given, in fact has been  indwelt by God's spirit, the Holy Spirit  who gives us the strength and ability to face challenges and to carry out God's purposes.

God's Spirit is characterized by love. It drives us to act with compassion and kindness.

God's Spirit brings self-control and sound judgment. 

• Is your mountain, a  mountain of doubt? Doubt in God's goodness, doubt in His ability to answer your prayers? 

Faith and doubt are incompatible.  I’m not talking about occasional doubts, which everyone experiences, but about a persistent state of wavering.  A genuine relationship with God requires trust and reliance. Doubt creates a barrier in that relationship.

James 1:2-8 NIV says [2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. [5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.

• Is your mountain a mountain of past mistakes? Regret, Guilt, Shame? 

God forgives those who confess their sins.  God's "faithfulness" and "righteousness" guarantee that He will forgive and cleanse us.

1 John 1:8-9 NIV [8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 

• Are your mountains physical or emotional illnesses? 

Trust in God's power to heal and forgive, and seek His intervention through prayer.  God has the power to heal and forgive.

James 5:13-15 NIV [13] Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. [14] Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. [15] And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.

Faith is about trusting in God's character and power, even when circumstances seem contrary.This trust is essential for believing that God can and will intervene.  God is sovereign and He has ultimate control over all things.

While faith is crucial, it's also important to acknowledge that we don’t always understand God's ways. 

Healing may come in different ways. It is wise to seek medical assistance in conjunction with prayer and faith. God can and does work through medical professionals, and medicine, and sometimes, although we may not like it, God's plan may involve suffering. 

It is important to remember that having faith does not guarantee that things happen the way we want them.   God's will is sovereign.

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV say [8] “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. [9] “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

What we do know is that God loves us and He proved it by sending His Son.  

Everyone knows this scripture. 

John 3:16 NIV [16] For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

And here's another one 

1 John 4:9-10 NIV [9] This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. [10] This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 

• Are your mountains  mountains of conflict in relationships? 

Remember the sermon from last week “Fruits of Faith”. 

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV [22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  

Cultivating and living out this fruit will greatly help in relational conflict. By grounding your approach in faith, you can navigate relational conflicts with greater wisdom, grace, and hope.

We have looked at 5 mountains today: the mountain of fear, the mountain of doubt, the mountain of past mistakes, the mountain of illness, and the mountain of relational conflicts.  None of these five may be your mountain but I am pretty sure that you have a mountain or two.  

The first step in moving mountains is recognizing and acknowledging them. When we do that then we can cultivate the faith to move them.  

3. How do we cultivate Mountain-Moving Faith

• The absolute first thing is to focus on God,and not the Mountain: When we fix our eyes on the size of our problems, we become overwhelmed. But when we focus on the greatness of God, our problems shrink in comparison. 

Philippians 4:5-7 NIV tells us [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• Pray with Boldness and persistence : Jesus encourages us to ask, seek, and knock. 

Matthew 7:7-8 NIV [7]  “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. [8] For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

Bring your mountains before God in prayer, believing that He hears and answers.  Don’t give up on praying for God's will to be done. 

Jesus gave us a parable that emphasized persistence in our praying. It’s in Luke 18:1-8. We talked about it a couple of weeks ago.  It's the parable about the widow  that kept going back to the judge until he granted her request.  

The parable also implies that we must trust in God's timing. God does hear our prayers and He will respond, though perhaps not always in the way or at the time we expect. Our persistent prayer is an act of faith. 

1 John 5:14-15 NIV [14] This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. [15] And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

• We need to speak God's Word to our mountains.

Isaiah 55:10-11 NIV God told Isaiah to tell the nation of Isreal that was in captivity [10] As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, [11] so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

God's word is powerful, effective, reliable and productive. God's word always accomplishes its purpose. 

2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV  says For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 

Amen is a Hebrew word and it carries a rich and significant meaning.  Essentially, "amen" translates to "truly," "verily," "so be it," or "let it be so." It's a declaration of affirmation, agreement, and confirmation. It signifies that what has been said is true and reliable. It's a way of acknowledging the truth and validity of what has been spoken.

So in  cultivating your mountain-moving faith speak God’s promises over your situation, your mountain.  This means speaking God's Word aloud, declaring His promises, and confessing your faith in Him. It's about having unwavering faith that God will do what He has said He would do.  

Some sources indicate that there are around 8,810 promises in the Bible.  Within that number, it is stated that approximately 7,487 of those promises are made from God to mankind.  Find one or two or three that address your mountain and then declare them.  What does Philippians 4:6-7 say?

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Actively use relevant scriptures as the basis for prayer and declarations. This requires studying the Bible to know God's character, promises, and His will, so that you can speak them into your circumstances.

• Acting in Obedience helps in cultivating your mountain moving faith.  Sometimes, moving a mountain requires us to take a step of obedience, even when we don't see the entire path.  The principle here is that faith without action is dead. 

That’s what it says in James 2:26 NIV [26] As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

God sometimes requires us to take a step of obedience, even when we can't see the full outcome. This act of obedience demonstrates our trust in Him and opens the door for Him to work. It's about surrendering our control and allowing God to lead.

• We must Surrender to God's Will: Even with great faith, we must remember that God's will is supreme. He is sovereign.  Sometimes, He chooses to remove the mountain; other times, He gives us the strength to climb it. 

Houston reminded me of a song last Sunday called “Rough Side of the Mountain”.  Here are some lyrics

"Oh Lord, I'm striving, trying to make it through this barren land, And as I go from day to day, I can hear my Savior say, Trust me child, come on I'm gonna hold your hand.'I'm coming up on the rough side of the mountain, Holding to God, His powerful hand. I'm coming up on the rough side of the mountain, And I'm doing my best to make it in."

This song highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God during difficult times. It conveys a message of hope and perseverance, with the belief that God will provide strength and guidance. The song resonates with many because it speaks to the universal experience of facing challenges and finding strength in faith.

4. What are the Results of this  Mountain-Moving Faith we've been talking about?

• One result is overcoming things we think are Impossible: With God, nothing is impossible. Faith allows us to experience His miraculous power in our lives. 

When we trust God with our mountains, we experience His peace that surpasses all understanding.

Philippians 4:5-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

• Another result of mountain-moving faith is that it glorifies God.  Our testimonies of God's faithfulness encourage and inspire others and it brings glory to His name.

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV [14]  “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. 

God is calling us to a life of mountain-moving faith. He's not asking us to have perfect faith, but to have faith in a perfect God. Let us cultivate a mustard seed faith, a faith that is alive, growing, and rooted in His love. Let us bring our mountains to Him, believing that He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.

Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV [20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Let us leave here today, not with the weight of our mountains on our shoulders, but with the confidence that God is with us, and that with Him, we can move any mountain that stands in our way. 

Prayer

Lord, we acknowledge the mountains in our lives—mountains of fear, doubt, past mistakes, illness, and relational conflicts. We confess that at times, these mountains seem insurmountable, casting shadows of despair and hopelessness. But we remember your promise, that with you, nothing is impossible.

We ask for your help in cultivating a mountain-moving faith. Help us to focus on you, the mountain mover, and not on the size of our problems. Teach us to pray with boldness and persistence, bringing our requests before you, trusting in your perfect timing and your sovereign will.

Father, we ask that you teach us to speak your word, your promises, over our mountains. Help us to hide your word in our hearts, so that we may declare your truth with unwavering faith. Grant us the courage to act in obedience, even when we don't see the full path ahead,.

Lord, we surrender to your will, acknowledging that you are supreme. Help us to trust you, even when your ways are not our ways, and your thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Give us the strength to climb the rough sides of our mountains, holding onto your powerful hand.

We thank you for the results of mountain-moving faith: for overcoming the impossible, for experiencing your peace that surpasses all understanding, and for glorifying your name through our testimonies. May our lives be a testament to your faithfulness, inspiring others to trust in you.

Help us to remember that you are able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.