THE BREAKDOWN
Message Rewind

The Breakdown of Are You a Fan or Follower: The Answer May Suprise You

Happy Labor Day Reader,

I’m thrilled to share an exciting experiment I’m diving into: The Breakdown | Sermon Rewind! 📣💻

🗓️ Sundays are for inspiring sermons, and we’ve all experienced powerful messages that motivate and uplift us. But how do we ensure that the impact lasts beyond Sunday? 🤔

That’s where The Breakdown | Sermon Rewind comes in!

🎯 The idea is to help Sunday’s message stick and help you ENGAGE with it throughout the week, maximizing its impact on your life and journey. 📚🤝

Imagine carrying that empowering sermon with you, like a guiding light, as you navigate the ups and downs of your daily life. ✨

💡 Here’s How “Sermon Rewind” Works:

1️⃣ Every Monday, I’ll share key takeaways from an impactful sermon in a neatly crafted newsletter format. 💌🔑
2️⃣ You’ll dive into the core teachings, reflections, and practical applications to carry the message wherever you go! 🚀📝
3️⃣ Throughout the week, you are encouraged to discuss the sermon’s impact, share insights, and uplift each other. 🗣️💬

🚀 This experiment is about nurturing our minds and souls, building a stronger online community, and making a real difference. 🌟🌍

Together, we’ll inspire and uplift each other on Sundays and every day of the week! 🙌💖

🎥 Watch the Replay of Are You a Fan or Follower: The Answer May Suprise You!

​

Watch on YouTube

Sermon Overview

In this sermon, I was reminded of when the people of God were under Roman occupation and subject to heavy taxation.

The Pharisees, a group of religious elites known for their strict adherence to the law and traditions, significantly influenced the people of God. Jesus, however, rebuked them for their hypocrisy, calling them clean on the outside but rotting on the inside.

This led me to the second point of the sermon: Our walk with Jesus is not about perfection but direction. Jesus called ordinary people, like fishermen, to follow him. He didn’t require them to be perfect but to be willing to move in the direction he was moving.

The sermon also highlighted the conflict between Jesus and the religious elite, emphasizing that outward appearances do not fool God. Jesus tried to make us understand that faith is about trusting God even when life challenges him.

This faith is not just about believing in God but believing that God is who he says he is, even when life tells a different story. The sermon also differentiated between fans and followers of Jesus. Fans admire from a distance, and their commitment is superficial, based on feelings.

On the other hand, followers have a deep, unwavering commitment and trust that God will get them through whatever they are going through.

Key takeaways (YouTube Timestamps):

Key Takeaways:

1. Outward appearances do not fool God. He knows what’s going on inside us before we even act. [48:53]
2. There is a difference between fans and followers of Jesus. Fans admire from a distance, and their commitment is superficial, based on feelings. Followers have a deep, unwavering commitment and trust that God will get them through whatever they are going through. [50:26]
3. Faith is about trusting God even when life challenges him. It’s about believing God is who he says he is, even when life tells a different story. [51:15]
4. Our walk with Jesus is not about perfection but about direction. It’s about being willing to move in the direction Jesus is moving. [54:55]
5. As followers of Jesus, work happens on the inside before it happens on the outside. We shouldn’t be fooled by people who look like they know Jesus but don’t reflect his love and kindness. [57:18]

Daily Devotional

Day 1: Faith isn’t just seeing God’s promise; it’s standing on it when the ground shakes.​
​
Faith is about believing in God and trusting Him even when life’s circumstances challenge His promises. It’s about believing God is who He says He is, even when life tells a different story. This faith is not superficial or fleeting but profoundly rooted and unwavering, knowing God will see us through. [49:42]​
​
Jeremiah 17:7-8 – “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose trust is the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”
​
​Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge you faced. How did your faith in God help you navigate through it?
​
​Day 2: Worship isn’t a Sunday show; it’s a daily walk.​
​
True worship is not about looking good on the outside or when the cameras are on. It’s about living a lifestyle that reflects our faith in God, 24/7, 365 days a year. It’s about ensuring that what’s on the outside truly reflects what’s on the inside. [51:56]​
​
1 Samuel 16:7 – “But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.'”
​
​Reflection: How does your daily life reflect your faith in God?
​
​Day 3: Following Jesus isn’t about the perfect stride but the right direction.​
​
Our walk with Jesus is not about being perfect but about moving in the direction that Jesus is moving. It’s about leaving behind our old ways and following Him, regardless of past or present circumstances. [54:55]​
​
Philippians 3:13-14 – “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
​
​Reflection: In what ways are you striving to move in the direction that Jesus is moving?
​
​Day 4: Real change doesn’t start with a new look but a new heart.​
​
True transformation begins on the inside before it manifests on the outside. It’s not about appearing religious or using the correct language but about allowing God to work in our hearts and transform us from the inside out. [57:18]​
​
Ezekiel 36:26 – “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.”
​
​Reflection: How has your inner transformation affected your outward behavior?
​
​Day 5: Jesus didn’t just speak the truth; He rewrote our story.​
​
Jesus came to set the record straight, to correct misconceptions and false teachings about God. He challenges us to reflect on who we are and where we stand in our relationship with Him. [53:27]​
​
John 8:31-32 – “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'”
​
​Reflection: How has Jesus’ teachings challenged or corrected your understanding of God?

📢 Did You Enjoy This Week’s Sermon Rewind?

Let’s make every day a #SundayFunday filled with motivation and purpose! 🎉🎯

What do you think about The Breakdown | Sunday’s Rewind? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you again for joining The Breakdown | Message Rewind. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you! To a more productive you,

Thanks for reading! If you loved it, tell your friends to subscribe.

If you didn’t enjoy the email, you can unsubscribe here.

To change your email or preferences, manage your profile.

PO Box 6159, River Forest, IL 60305

THE BREAKDOWN
Message Rewind

The Breakdown of The Courage Code: Unlocking God’s Plan for Your Future

Happy Labor Day Reader,

I’m thrilled to share an exciting experiment I’m diving into: The Breakdown | Sermon Rewind! 📣💻

🗓️ Sundays are for inspiring sermons, and we’ve all experienced powerful messages that motivate and uplift us. But how do we ensure that the impact lasts beyond Sunday? 🤔

That’s where The Breakdown | Sermon Rewind comes in!

🎯 The idea is to help Sunday’s message stick and help you ENGAGE with it throughout the week, maximizing its impact on your life and journey. 📚🤝

Imagine carrying that empowering sermon with you, like a guiding light, as you navigate the ups and downs of your daily life. ✨

💡 Here’s How “Sermon Rewind” Works:

1️⃣ Every Monday, I’ll share key takeaways from an impactful sermon in a neatly crafted newsletter format. 💌🔑
2️⃣ You’ll dive into the core teachings, reflections, and practical applications to carry the message wherever you go! 🚀📝
3️⃣ Throughout the week, you are encouraged to discuss the sermon’s impact, share insights, and uplift each other. 🗣️💬

🚀 This experiment is about nurturing our minds and souls, building a stronger online community, and making a real difference. 🌟🌍

Together, we’ll inspire and uplift each other on Sundays and every day of the week! 🙌💖

🎥 Watch the Replay of The Courage Code: Unlocking God’s Plan for Your Future

​

Watch on YouTube

Sermon Overview

I was deeply moved by the sermon that took us back to the enduring tale of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17:37.

I emphasized David’s faith in God, who had previously delivered him from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear, and his belief that the same God would deliver him from the hand of the Philistine, Goliath.

This faith, the speaker suggested, was the key to David’s courage and his ability to face his fears.

Additionally, I highlighted that the cornerstone of David’s bravery lay in his faith and introduced what he called a “cheat code” for courage: declaring with conviction that fear is nothing but a liar, while faith serves as an amplifier in our lives.

Finally, we dug deeper into this idea, clarifying that our source of courage isn’t internal; it’s an external force rooted in our faith in God. I reminded them that fear can make us feel powerless, even incapacitated.

But our faith in God equips us with the resilience and courage to confront and conquer whatever obstacles stand before us.

I cited David’s response to Goliath’s insults as a vivid example, emphasizing David’s righteous indignation at the Philistine’s disdain for God’s chosen people and his steadfast belief in God’s ability to deliver them from peril.

Key takeaways (YouTube Timestamps):

1. Faith in God is the source of true courage. This faith allows us to face our fears and overcome challenges. [12:43]
2. Declaring with authority that fear is a liar and faith is an amplifier can help us confront and overcome our fears. [13:34]
3. Fear can make us feel helpless and overwhelmed, but faith in God gives us the strength and courage to face whatever challenges lie ahead. [14:11]
4. Like David, we should be indignant when our faith is disrespected and trust God’s power to deliver us.

Daily Devotional

Day 1: “Unpack Your Bags, You’re Moving to Trustville!”

God has a blueprint for your life; spoiler alert: it’s epic!

God has created each of us with a unique purpose and destiny planned for us. He loves us and desires us to live a life full of adventure and joy as we follow His special plan and design. It is an adventure to discover God’s purpose and design for your life as you learn how to follow His blueprint and live an epic life!

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

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

Reflection: Hey, listen up! God’s got a master plan for you, and it’s not just good—it’s phenomenal! So why are you letting fear set up shop in your mind? Kick it out and make room for trust! What fears are you letting crash at your mental space? It’s time to evict them. How will you let God be your day’s architect today?

Day 2: “Slaying Giants Like It’s My Day Job”

Your Goliaths don’t stand a chance when you’ve got the God of David on your side!

This phrase is a metaphor, referring to the biblical story of David and Goliath. In the story, David was a young shepherd who defeated Goliath, the giant warrior, with a single stone from a slingshot. Similarly, no challenge is too great to face with God on your side. All you need to do is trust God and let Him be your architect so He can create an epic life for you.

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:37 (NIV)

“The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Reflection: You’ve got giants? Cool story. David had them, too, and he didn’t even sweat. Why? Because he knew the God he served. Time to pick up your sling and stones! Have you ever witnessed someone disrespecting God’s people?

How did you respond, and how could you have challenged this disrespect in a godly manner? How can you actively stand up for God’s people every day? What practical steps can you take to challenge those who disrespect you? What’s your Goliath?

Name it so you can claim victory over it! How will you let your faith be your slingshot today?

Day 3: “Speak Life or Sit Down!”

Your tongue’s not just for talking; it’s for declaring victory!

When we speak words of life, we declare our faith in our God-given potential and our ability to achieve our goals. By speaking words of life, we declare that we can do all things through Christ and have the power to create a victorious life. By saying this truth, we can rely on God’s ability to deliver us from our giants and begin to live a life of victory.

Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”

Reflection: Words aren’t just words; they’re your life’s soundtrack! What are you playing on repeat? It’s time to switch tracks from fear to faith! What’s on your ‘Greatest Fear Hits’? Time to delete that playlist! What victory anthem are you going to declare today?

Day 4: “Faith is Not a Spectator Sport!”

Get off the bench! Your faith has some walking to do!

This phrase reminds us that faith is an active practice. It is not enough to believe in something; putting that faith into action is also critical. This is the only way we can manifest our faith’s blessings. Action brings change. Let’s look at what we can do to get our faith to life by declaring words of life and putting them into action.

Scripture: James 2:17 (NIV)

“Faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Reflection: Faith isn’t a sit-back-and-watch thing. It’s a get-up-and-go thing! You’ve got faith? Great. Now, put some feet on it! What’s one bold move you’ll make today to show your faith’s alive and kicking? How will you turn your faith into your personal action hero this week?

Day 5: “Victory’s My Middle Name”

You’re not fighting for the win; you’re fighting from the win.

Victory is already yours!” This means that you should approach the challenge with confidence that you will succeed. No matter your obstacles, you should remain focused on your goal and have faith in your abilities. This will give you the strength and determination to push through any difficulty. With that in mind, it can be said that with the right attitude and commitment, you can make a difference in the world!

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Reflection: Stop fighting like you’re trying to win, and start fighting like you’ve already won! Because guess what? In Jesus, you have! How does fighting for victory change your whole game plan? What’s one area where you need to start declaring, “Victory’s my middle name!”

📢 Did You Enjoy This Week’s Sermon Rewind?

Let’s make every day a #SundayFunday filled with motivation and purpose! 🎉🎯

What do you think about The Breakdown | Sunday’s Rewind? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you again for joining The Breakdown | Message Rewind. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you! To a more productive you,

Thanks for reading! If you loved it, tell your friends to subscribe.

If you didn’t enjoy the email, you can unsubscribe here.

To change your email or preferences, manage your profile.

PO Box 6159, River Forest, IL 60305

THE BREAKDOWN
Message Rewind

The Breakdown of How to Mess Up Your Life: How Small Choices Lead to Big Consequences

Happy Monday Reader,

I’m thrilled to share an exciting experiment I’m diving into: The Breakdown | Sermon Rewind! 📣💻

🗓️ Sundays are for inspiring sermons, and we’ve all experienced powerful messages that motivate and uplift us. But how do we ensure that the impact lasts beyond Sunday? 🤔

That’s where The Breakdown | Sermon Rewind comes in!

🎯 The idea is to help Sunday’s message stick and help you ENGAGE with it throughout the week, maximizing its impact on your life and journey. 📚🤝

Imagine carrying that empowering sermon with you, like a guiding light, as you navigate the ups and downs of your daily life. ✨

💡 Here’s How “Sermon Rewind” Works:

1️⃣ Every Monday, I’ll share key takeaways from an impactful sermon in a neatly crafted newsletter format. 💌🔑
2️⃣ You’ll dive into the core teachings, reflections, and practical applications to carry the message wherever you go! 🚀📝
3️⃣ Throughout the week, you are encouraged to discuss the sermon’s impact, share insights, and uplift each other. 🗣️💬

🚀 This experiment is about nurturing our minds and souls, building a stronger online community, and making a real difference. 🌟🌍

Together, we’ll inspire and uplift each other on Sundays and every day of the week! 🙌💖

🎥 Watch the Replay of How to Mess Up Your Life: How Small Choices Lead to Big Consequences

​

Watch on YouTube

Sermon Overview

In this sermon, I discussed the importance of the small choices we make consistently over time, using the biblical story of David and Bathsheba as an example.

I emphasized how being casual about our assignments and careless with our ambitions can have devastating consequences. While casually walking on his rooftop, David saw Bathsheba bathing and, driven by misguided ambition, made a choice that would have far-reaching effects.

Bathsheba, too, could have said no, but her actions suggest a lack of foresight. This story reminds us that we must be mindful of our actions and ambitions, which can lead us to remarkable achievements or devastating failures.

Key takeaways (YouTube Timestamps):

1. Small choices made consistently over time can have significant impacts on our lives. [10:43]​
2. Being casual about our assignments can lead to carelessness and potentially harmful decisions. [11:21]​
3. Misguided ambition can lead to devastating choices, as seen in David’s decision to pursue Bathsheba despite knowing she was another man’s wife. [11:59]​
4. Bathsheba’s actions suggest a lack of foresight, reminding us to consider the potential consequences of our actions. [12:36]​
5. Ambition can be both good and bad. It can drive us to achieve remarkable things, but if misdirected, it can lead to devastating outcomes. [14:01]​

Daily Devotional

Day 1: The Consequences of Casualness in Our Assignments​
​
In our daily lives, we are often given tasks or assignments, whether at work, at home, or in our spiritual journey. The way we approach these tasks can significantly affect the outcome. If we come to them with casualness, we may not give our best effort, and the results may not be as fruitful. However, we are more likely to see positive results if we approach them with diligence and commitment.
​
Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
​
​Reflection: Reflect on a recent assignment or task you had. Did you approach it with diligence and commitment, or were you casual? How did your approach affect the outcome?
​
​Day 2: The Danger of Misguided Ambition​
​
Ambition can be a powerful motivator, but when it is misguided, it can lead us down a dangerous path. It’s important to align our ambitions with God’s will and to seek His guidance in all our endeavors.
​
James 3:16 – “For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”
​
​Reflection: Can you identify a time when your ambition was misdirected? What were the consequences, and how could you have positively redirected your ambition?
​
​Day 3: The Importance of Discernment in Our Actions​
​
Discernment is a crucial aspect of our decision-making process. It allows us to distinguish between right and wrong and guides us in our actions. Without discernment, we may act impulsively and face negative consequences.
​
Proverbs 2:3 – “Indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding.”
​
​Reflection: Think about a recent decision you made. Did you exercise discernment, or did you act impulsively? How did your level of wisdom affect the outcome?
​
​Day 4: The Impact of Small Choices Over Time​
​
Every day, we make small choices that may seem insignificant. However, these small choices can add up over time and significantly impact our lives. We must make choices that lead us toward our destiny and align with God’s will.
​
Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
​
​Reflection: Reflect on the small choices you make daily. Are they leading you toward your destiny or away from it? What changes could you make to ensure they show you towards your future?
​
​Day 5: The Consequences of Ignoring Wise Counsel​
​
We often receive wise counsel from those around us, but sometimes we ignore it. This can lead to negative consequences and missed opportunities. We must listen to wise counsel and consider it in our decision-making process.
​
Proverbs 12:15 – “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.”
​
​Reflection: Can you recall a time when you ignored wise counsel? What were the consequences, and how could you have benefited from heeding the advice?

📢 Did You Enjoy This Week’s Sermon Rewind?

Let’s make every day a #SundayFunday filled with motivation and purpose! 🎉🎯

What do you think about The Breakdown | Sunday’s Rewind? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you again for joining The Breakdown | Message Rewind. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey with you! To a more productive you,

Thanks for reading! If you loved it, tell your friends to subscribe.

If you didn’t enjoy the email, you can unsubscribe here.

To change your email or preferences, manage your profile.

PO Box 6159, River Forest, IL 60305