from July 6, 2020

Special Speaker Jonathan Marshall brings us 5 ways to thrive as a Christian from Philippians chapter 4. 

from June 28th, 2020

Blessed are the peacemakers...

When we began this series, we had no idea how pertinent this message would be at this time in our nation. If there were ever a time we needed the sanity peace brings, it is now.

Peace is a combination of two vital elements: purity and price. When pure motives spring from eternal truth through sacrifice, peace is the natural byproduct.

Those who sacrifice do not always enjoy the fruit of their labors. Yet if they pay the ultimate price, they do so with the knowledge that they have purchased peace for others.

The greatest Peacemaker, Jesus Christ, is our example. Through His death we have peace with God. What a glorious truth and one we should give our all to offer others.

June 21st, 2020

Blessed are the pure in heart...

There was a preacher of years gone by who told a story of a man who was in great pain. He went to a doctor named Dr. Law who told him his problem was his heart. The man pointed to his hands, feet, eyes, and ears saying they were the cause of the problem. Dr. Law held fast to his prognosis--the man had a heart problem.

When the man finally came to the end of attempting to correct his symptoms himself, he finally admitted himself to Dr. Law.

"I cannot help you," said Dr. Law. "I can only diagnose your problem. Dr. Grace is the only one who can perform the heart transplant you need."

The man immediately went to Dr. Grace and was made whole that very day.

Downloadable sermon notes on gracewaydc.com/happy

Blessed are the merciful...

Mercy is a huge subject. Some say love is all we need, walking right past this rich, beautiful word.

We could compare them like this: love is the heart, mercy is the hand. Love is the intent, mercy is the action.

As always, God takes the lead. He reaches down to us, giving us what we don't deserve. Then He says, "If you really want to be happy, follow me. Show mercy to someone else and I'll give you more."

"Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness..."

You are what you eat. And what you eat you want more of. Whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually--continuing to make healthy choices is the key to satisfactory results.

Last time we talked about being controlled--plugging into the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me."

Today's thought is, "Stay in the yoke." Like hunger and thirst returns daily, so desire His righteousness until it be formed in you.  

Blessed are the meek...

Not weak. Though they rhyme, they are polar opposites. One buckles under every whim of passion, the other is a bulwark of strength and power under control.

Jesus promises those who commit to control will inherit the earth. True happiness is available on this earth as we learn meekness from the One Who not only lived it, but also gives it.

May 24th, 2020

Blessed are they that mourn...

It seems opposite of all things "happy" and in conflict with peace, joy, and love. Why would God call those who mourn blessed?

Understanding God's view of sin will help us catch the meaning behind the Beatitude. God is altogether good and will judge every sin and injustice. But, instead of looking at others, let's look inside. 

The comfort is worth the confession! You'll never be happy until you get real with God and help from God. 

We have been looking forward to this day for several weeks! Thank you for joining us for our brand new "Happy" series. I believe God is getting ready to change our lives through these eight habits of true happiness.

Blessed are the poor in spirit...

As she was speaking, her face shown with a light I've never seen in her. She has found the freedom of admitting need--of humbling herself before the One Who can cleanse her deepest hurts and set her free.

This is the first step in being truly happy. Humble yourself. Stop trying to control your image, other people, the pain of the past, and the fear of the future. Lay it all down at the feet of the Cross and admit your spiritual poverty. That's when heaven opens and true happiness can begin.

My wonderful mother went home to be with Jesus just over three years ago. She was an amazing woman of faith, tenacity, humor, industry, and most of all--unconditional love. I miss her very much and thank God for giving me a few years to tell her I loved her.

I once heard a reporter interviewing a career mom. She ended by saying, "It's good to see you can do something great and be a mom."

I'd like to go on record saying, if God allows you to be a mom, that's about the greatest thing you could ever do! GraceWay joins with heaven in honoring motherhood today.

May 3rd, 2020

Success is the continual implementation of the ways of God for your life. God wants you to flourish physically, relationally, financially, emotionally, spiritually, and vocationally--no matter the climate, crises or culture!