Series Outline

30 Day Purpose Plan

I have reached the end of my day and thought:

I was busy all day, but what did I actually live for?

Why Am I Even Here? – Made for More

We know this question.

How we describe this…
“I’m just putting out fires.”

This Is a Widespread Problem

Why Am I Even Here? – Made for More

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.

God’s Purpose Timeline

Present tense – “You are God’s Handiwork

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

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

The kingdom is God’s reign in real life.

So what do you do with this?

3 Steps Toward Purpose

1. Realize you have a purpose

Ephesians 2:10 does not say you are God’s handiwork if you feel impressive.

2. Notice your design

Ask better questions.

3. Prioritize your purpose

DO NOT JUST PRIORITIZE GETTING THINGS DONE – PRIORITIZE YOUR SPECIFIC PURPOSE

Find Jesus. Follow Purpose. Go Change the World.

3. Prioritize your purpose

Imagine if we lived on purpose.

LIVE ON PURPOSE

1. Pray

2. Start the 30-Day Purpose Plan

3. Start a Purpose Conversation

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

Then… nothing

No breakthrough
No momentum
No return

That did something in me

I was tempted to quit… but didn’t quit

But I did… Level off. Give less. Believe less

That’s stagnation

Stagnation =

We know all about this, right?

We can get stagnant anywhere

Stuck Stats & Silent Drift

Doing life
Not feeling alive

The strong majority are just going through the motions.

We should change right… Change is hard!

Change Is Hard

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 =

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…

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 21:5
5 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 21:7-8
7 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 fish

Peter 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?

Career
Health
Relationships
Faith

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.

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.

*Handouts*
Welcome

I have watched relationships die…  

-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

If you have a relationship problem – YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

We don’t just have a divorce problem
We 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.

Peter:

How will Jesus respond to the denier who went back?

Jesus shows up on the shore.

Not with a lecture
Not with anger
With breakfast

Fish on the fire
Bread ready
A seat waiting

Jesus creates space for a conversation

He’s not coming to cancel Peter
He’s coming to restore him

John 21:15-17
15 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

Before Peter moved toward Jesus.
Jesus had already moved toward Peter.

Jesus Breakfast – Fish, Bread, Fire
Effort

Dead relationships don’t come back by accident
Someone makes a move

Jesus tries again, and again, and again

2. Jesus chose conversation over conclusion

Not:

Jesus keeps talking… reaching…

We tend to jump to conclusions
We assume
We shut the door
We end the story

We close the case
Jesus opens the conversation

3. Jesus meets Peter where he is

Remember the strange conversation…?

Love Is Often Lost in Translation

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 HONEST
Jesus 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 up
God’s purpose didn’t. Calling. Gifting.

Peter failed
but 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

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 gift
Go make it right
Then come back

Reconciliation matters so much
Jesus says pause worship to fix it

Don’t sing like everything is fine
while avoiding what needs to be faced

2. Start up the conversation

You’ve had arguments
with 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 win
Not to prove
Not to control

To open the door

Replace your made up story with a actual conversation

3. Restore someone

Someone around you thinks their story is over

Call them!
Speak life
Offer grace
Point them forward

Don’t treat people like they’re finished
 

Imagine with me…

People aren’t disposable
so relationships shouldn’t be either

But Jesus still shows up
Jesus still starts the conversation
Jesus still makes room

This is the Good news for you
Jesus died for your sin
Jesus rose again
Your failure is not final

This is your day.

If you’ve never confessed faith in Jesus, this is your day
If you’re ready to be free from your past, this is your day
If you’re ready to walk with Jesus, this is your day
Call to Action

1. Step out and reach out

Not just new believers
Anyone who needs help

Don’t hold back if God is calling you forward

2. Start the conversation

3. Take your next step

Prayer requests
Next step
Start a conversation with the church

*Handout*

Welcome!

God has spoken to me in clear moments 

Doubt says:

Shows up in:

I am calling this message:
When Doubt Won’t Shut Up

Because Doubt just does not quit… it:

Doubt doesn’t just show up in church.
We know that doubt shows up in life.

We Have a Doubt Problem

Doubt is not rare. It is normal.

Sounds like -“Something is wrong with me.” 

Sounds like “Eventually, they’re going to realize something is wrong with me.”

SELF-DOUBT is a major issue.

In other words – Doubt does NOT just visit – Doubts stays, loops, and will not shut up.

The Top Causes for doubting Christianity

NOT:

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:

Here is what I know…

You’ve got a doubt…

It’s showing up in:

“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.

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:

Thomas’ statement – “I need evidence”

Sounds:

Doubt disguises itself as intellect

But underneath:

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.”

He doesn’t cancel him.
He doesn’t replace him.
He doesn’t shame him.

Jesus comes back for him and meets him…

Did it make a difference?

John 20:28 (NIV)
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

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:

But underneath:

Theologically deep tv show…

Stop arguing with the mask
Start naming what’s underneath

Unmask the doubt.

2 Bring the real thing to Jesus

Thomas didn’t pretend – He was real.

Bring the real:

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:

Thomas never got a full explanation
He 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?

If you stopped letting doubt lead your future?

If you stopped letting doubt lead your relationships?

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

2. Be with Jesus – Don’t rush. Worship.

3. Take your next step – Fill out your Connect Card

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…

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 room
You 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 specific
General 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 people
God 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:

Turn it in today. We will follow up.

WELCOME
Follow along with us!
Happy Palm Sunday. (Hosanna)
We’re really glad you’re here… 

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

Aria
We 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.

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.

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)

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)

That doesn’t erase grief.
It changes the shape of the story. 

Practice 3) Bring it into the light (don’t do disappointment alone)

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.

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.

Key Scriptures: John 15:1-8, Mark 1:35-39
Big 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 spend
our money
our time
our 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 

That means most people around you are carrying this right now.

And it’s hitting the next generation even harder:

And it’s not just about being tired.

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 day
before 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 down
before you even think about recharging.

Is your phone more important than your soul?

Here are three simple moves to recharge your soul.

Soul Recharge
1) 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 Bright
CALL 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.

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.

3. Personal Evangelism is for Everyone

The mission field isn’t just in Lebanon; it is in your workplace, grocery store, and neighborhood.

Ministry Milestone Timeline

Scriptural Application

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 spend
our money
our time
our 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:

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 one
So 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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

If you don’t lead your money, your money will lead you.

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:

“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:21

Your spending patterns reveal direction. And direction can change.

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.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10

Wealth is built on consistency, not hype.

“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.

If you want a biblical starting point, evaluate three areas:

Giving reveals trust.

Start somewhere. Give intentionally — not emotionally.

Saving reveals wisdom.

Emergency savings protect your peace and reduce anxiety.

Living reveals priorities.

Cancel drift. Review subscriptions. Stop unconscious spending.

Drift always costs more than direction.

Yes. Scripture consistently teaches stewardship, faithfulness, generosity, and wisdom in managing resources.

A simple Christian budget often prioritizes giving, saving, and living — in that order.

Jesus teaches that money should not master us (Matthew 6:24). Financial peace grows when we align our money with God’s priorities.

Start by reviewing recurring expenses, creating a simple spending plan, building a small emergency fund, giving intentionally, and avoiding financial drift.

Continue the full Well Spent series here.

We created a free Well Spent Toolkit, including a 30-day Well Spent Challenge, to help you:

Download it here.

Follow along or use in your Connect Group.

Download the How to Budget Your Blessing sermon handout here.

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.

Pastor Chris Fluitt – March 1, 2026
Key Scriptures (NIV): Matthew 6:19–21; Luke 16:10–13; Matthew 25:14–30
Big 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 Spent
Today we’re starting a brand new series called Well Spent.

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

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.

“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.

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.

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?

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 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.

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.

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.

Your money reveals your heart. This is deeply spiritual.

If we’ve drifted, let’s repent.
Wasting?
Not saving?
Not giving?

How we spend reveals our direction.
Repentance is how we change direction.

Decide this week you will sit down with your numbers.

Stop burying, start managing.

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.”

What you give. What you save. What you live on.
Giving reveals trust. Saving reveals wisdom. Living reveals priorities.

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:

Download the toolkit and work through it this month.

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:

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.