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Reset with Bonnie Sala, PO Box 2035, Mission Viejo, CA (2025)

01/16/2025

The Myth of If-Then Christianity

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Here's a question for you: Should a life lived following Jesus be an inherently better life ?

Christian marriages falter. Christian-home-raised kids wander. Christian leaders fall…hard. And we disappointedly ask, "Why?"

Our confusion is the result of believing in "deterministic obedience," say authors, Dave Harvey and Paul Gilbert. It's easy to have "the oversimplified belief that if I'm a Bible-obeying spouse or a faithful parent, then my spouse will be faithful and my kids will be obedient…God will reciprocate with immediate and discernible fruit."[1]

You wouldn't hear this "if-then" thinking from the Apostle Paul in the Bible. Paul knew a lot about living out life as a follower of Jesus in the real world. He was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked you name it. But Paul reminds us that even in "shipwreck" all is never lost for the believer.

Paul gave us two lists you could call, What We Are , and What We Aren't (2 Corinthians 4:8-9). First, he says we shouldn't be surprised when we are:

Pressed on every side

Perplexed

Hunted down

Knocked down

But, here are the things we aren't:

Crushed

Driven to despair

Abandoned by God

Destroyed

Follower of Jesus, whatever you're going through here and now is temporary. Yes, the pain is real. But you are not alone in it, good will be worked in it for you and it will not be your undoing. This is our comfort. As Hebrews 6:19 says, we have "this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."

Resource reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

[1] Dave Harvey and Paul Gilbert, Letting Go: Rugged Love for Wayward Soul (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016), 58.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/the-myth-of-if-then-christianity-2/

01/15/2025

Nope, You Just Can’t Change Them

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:13-14

What's the key to love? Would you say that it's accepting another person "as is?"

In the beginnings of love and marriage, at first, we might not even notice the things we're soon tempted to complain about in the other person. But then when reality sets in, being problem solvers by nature, we strive to get the other person to change. This, of course, is usually attempted with the old reward and punishment routine. It may work with a mule, but not with your mate.

When we finally decide we can't change them, we tend to give up. How do you keep from that point of despair? How do you learn to live with differences?

The following practices can really help.

1) Keep your side of the street clean. This phrase means that we focus clearly on our own behaviors, some of which are no doubt irritating to our spouse. When we mess up, we own it and apologize—quickly and often.

2) Compliment more than you complain. Every single day, you can find something you can compliment your spouse on or thank them for. If you can't, it's probably "your side of the street" that needs work.

3) Pray together every day. This is a powerful practice. If you've never prayed together out loud, it will take some guts to begin, but probably nothing else is more powerful in keeping a marriage healthy. When you pray together, you reveal the concerns of your heart. You acknowledge that God is your help. Praying together is a concrete reminder that Jesus-centered marriages are made up of three persons, not just husband and a wife.

Resource reading: Colossians 3:1-17

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/nope-you-just-cant-change-them-2/

01/14/2025

Always Handfuls of Grace

Although He was a son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Hebrews 5:8-9 NIV

Writer Ann Voskamp says, "…there is not even one of us who hasn't lost something, who doesn't fear something, who doesn't ache with some unspoken pain."[1]

There is pain, often great pain, in living, and the follower of Jesus Christ isn't excluded from suffering. However, suffering in the life of a Jesus-follower and suffering outside of a life lived in relationship with Jesus are two entirely different things. Grace is available to the believer, "a grace that holds you when everything is breaking down and falling apart—and whispers that everything is somehow breaking free and falling together."[2] Our God, the Bible says, is all about redemption, and that includes working good in our pain.

Jesus' wounds made redemption of our pain possible God's own Son suffered! And the Bible points out the result: "He learned obedience from what He suffered." (Hebrews 5:8) If God's own Son went through the experience of learning obedience from suffering, I know He understands when I cry out to Him for strength to view my suffering as a pathway to good. But He also understands my cry for a way out.

Jesus-follower, your suffering is not fruitless, and it comes with this promise: "'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness'" (2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT). There have surely been "handfuls of grace" in your life. Remember when your car ran out of gas in front of the gas station? Or someone returned your lost wallet—with everything in it? If you begin to watch, you'll see those handfuls of grace in pain-filled valleys.

[1] Ann Voskamp, The Broken Way (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016), 19.

[2] Ibid. 20.

Resource reading: Hebrews 5:7-10

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/always-handfuls-of-grace-2/

01/13/2025

How God Works in You

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Hebrews 10:24 NIV

Have you noticed that God usually doesn't do things the way we would?

When God wants to work in our lives, He can change us instantly, in His power. I'd like that. But God usually changes us over time, and He uses others to help and encourage us along the way.

My friend Heather likens the process to a good cleaning of a dirty room. She says:

"At first, God shined a low power light [into my life] and allowed me to 'clean-up' what I saw that was obvious. Then He used a brighter bulb, and I was able to attend to the clutter and dirt in the newly seen edges of my being. My support team [isn't] afraid or shocked by my mess. They lovingly pick up brooms, mops, and dust pans and begin to help me clean up the debris and broken pieces. God lovingly shines light in the areas that need attention and surrounds me with people who are helping me clean out the areas that are too difficult to tackle on my own."

Thankfully, we don't make this journey toward Christlikeness alone, but with others who follow Jesus, what Heather calls her "support team."

"Spur one another on," the Bible book of Hebrews exhorts us (Hebrews 10:24). "Warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone," says 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NLT). Jesus-followers are "…to be encouraged and knit together by strong ties of love" (Colossians 2:2 NLT).

God works in each of us in His time. But He also uses fellow Jesus-followers to encourage us along the way!

Resource reading: Philippians 2:1-3

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/how-god-works-in-you-2/

01/10/2025

Sacred Keepsakes: Remembering God’s Care and Power in Our Lives

... remember well what the LORD your God did. Deuteronomy 7:18 NIV excerpted

We don't want to live in the past. But reflecting and remembering are powerful tools God uses in our lives.

There's a rock sitting next to Brian's computer. Celia has a tiny seashell in a drawer. When Brian and Celia hold these objects in their hands, they remember .

Celia remembers the day she escaped from an abusive relationship. Safely away from her abuser, she walked along a beach, talking to God and thanking Him. Her eyes fell upon a perfectly formed shell in the sand. She tucked it in her pocket and to this day, that little shell reminds her of the day that God rescued her.

God tells us to remember the times that He's intersected our lives. In Bible days, when He helped the Israelites escape slavery, He stopped the flowing water of a river so that the people could walk across it on dry land (Joshua 3)! Once they'd crossed, God told them to pile up stones at the place they'd crossed. The leader of the people told them, "In the future your children will ask, 'What do these stones mean?' Then you can tell them, 'This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground... [God] did this so that all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord's hand is powerful'" (Joshua 4:21-22, 24a).

Brian says this about his rock that sits next to his computer: "I like the idea that Israel chose stones as a memorial, as a witness to the work of God. I often hold a stone that I have placed next to my computer to remind me that God is my rock."[1]

Scripture says,"... remember well what the LORD your God did" (Deuteronomy 7:18 NIV excerpted). What could you use to remind yourself of God's powerful care for you?

[1] Heasley, Brian. Lectio355. "24-7 Prayer, Version 3.2.1, November 30, 2024. www.24-7prayer.com.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/sacred-keepsakes-remembering-gods-care-and-power-in-our-lives/

01/09/2025

What’s My Purpose?

Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6

The search for meaning is as old as humanity.

In 1943, Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist, was sent to a N**i concentration camp. There, amidst unimaginable suffering, he discovered something remarkable. Frankl later wrote, "Those who have a 'why' to live can bear with almost any 'how.'"[1]

Today, people across the world are still searching for meaning. We live in a time of constant change, where economic, political, and personal struggles can leave us asking, "Why am I here? What's the point of all this?"

Thousands of years earlier, a king named Solomon also wrestled with life's purpose. He wrote, "Everything is meaningless—completely meaningless!" (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Despite his wealth and wisdom, Solomon found that life without God lacked real significance.

Here's hope: Jesus comes to us saying, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6). In Him, we find our 'why.' One new follower of Jesus described meeting God at a time when she felt so purposeless she didn't want to live. That day Jesus appeared to her in a vision saying, "You are mine ."

The woman shared that those words answered her every question! Today, she's sharing the message of Jesus's love with those who have never heard. When we align ourselves with God's purpose, we're no longer tossed by waves of uncertainty. We become anchored in a love and mission far greater than ourselves.

What are you living for? Is it something that will last beyond this life? Jesus invites you to find meaning in Him—a meaning that doesn't fade with time or circumstance, but only grows deeper.

[1] Frankl, Viktor E. Man's Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, 2006.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/whats-my-purpose/

01/08/2025

This is the God Who Thinks Bigger Than You Do

'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.' Isaiah 55:8-9

What if God's answer to your prayer was closer than you ever imagined?

When Rose lost her husband, she had no idea how she'd handle all the practical things her husband had taken care of during their long marriage. She lived in a home that badly needed repairs, but she didn't know much about houses and had no idea who to trust. She couldn't think of what to do and so she prayed that God would send the right person to help her. Then she left to run errands.

As she walked out of her house, she saw a man delivering construction materials to the home next door. "Do you do repair work on homes?" she asked the man? "Yes," he replied! "Oh, I've been praying that God would send me someone," she shared. The man smiled right back and said, "And I've been praying for extra work." The man was a pastor who needed income for his family and did home repair as a side job.

In her wildest imagination, Rose said she'd never have thought that God would meet her need this fast or this way! God reminds us that His thoughts are not our thoughts, neither are our ways His ways. He says, in the Bible book of Isaiah, "'My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,' says the Lord. 'And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9).

God promises that He'll generously provide all that those who follow Him need (2 Corinthians 9:8). Just because you can't imagine how He'll meet the need you are facing today, doesn't mean He can't and won't meet it!

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/this-is-the-god-who-thinks-bigger-than-you-do/

01/07/2025

Love That Speaks Volumes

Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18 NIV

Love comes in many different forms, and we all express it uniquely.

Krish shows his love by helping out. Whenever he wants to show care, he's there fixing something—like mending his grandmother's steps or making sure everything in her house works. For Kayla, love is shown through words and thoughtful gifts. She leaves notes for her family, picks flowers for her mom, or leaves a small baked treat for her dad.

Just like Krish and Kayla, we all have ways we naturally express love. Some of us use words to share our hearts, while others prefer acts of service or spending quality time. For some, it's the touch of a hug, while others express love through gifts. But it's not just how we give love; it's also about how we best receive it. Certain expressions of love might speak straight to our hearts, filling us with joy and connection.

Learning to speak what's been called each other's "love language"[1] takes effort, but that's what love does—it makes the extra effort to demonstrate care. It's a bit like learning a new language: you wouldn't tell someone you love them in Chinese if they only speak Arabic. You adapt, you learn, and you speak the language they understand.

Do you know the love languages of those closest to you? Ask them what means the most to them—how they best receive love. It's a small step that can make a big difference. The Bible says, "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth" (1 John 3:18 NIV). Jesus showed us the ultimate example of love by becoming human, understanding our needs, and living among us. When we speak the love language of another, our love looks like Jesus.

[1] Chapman, Gary, www.5lovelanguages.com.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/love-that-speaks-volumes/

01/06/2025

Celebrating 1,000 Episodes of 'Reset with Bonnie Sala'! 🎉

What an incredible milestone! Over the past 1,000 episodes, Bonnie Sala has shared powerful messages of hope, encouragement, and faith, helping countless listeners reset their hearts and minds. We’re so grateful for the impact this devotional has had and for everyone who has joined us on this journey.

Here's to many more episodes of inspiration and spiritual growth! 🌱❤️ Tune in to the 1,000th episode and be a part of this special moment. Listen now: https://ow.ly/eu3X50UyXyO

01/06/2025

Why Don’t We Pray?

The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth. Psalm 145:18

Why is prayer so often our last resort?

Maybe we hesitate to pray because we feel guilty—it's been a while since we last prayed. Guilt might lead you to assume that the time gap disqualifies you. Or maybe prayer feels like one more thing on your checklist, and you're just too tired to get to it. Or perhaps you don't pray because you think of God as distant and far too busy to bother with your everyday needs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yet just that feeling of distance can be enough to stop us.

For some, prayer just doesn't seem necessary. Life's going okay, and you're saving prayer for emergencies. Don't let your illusion of control make you forget that you need God. As one pastor once said, "We're more sinful than we ever dared believe, yet more loved than we ever dared hope."[1] God welcomes our prayers in our need.

Before getting onto a highway, we need an onramp. If you don't know where to start with prayer, here's your onramp. Your prayer can start today with "Help!" or "Thank you." It can begin with tears or silence, or just by saying Jesus's name. God wants an authentic relationship with you, so He'll meet you in your need or exhaustion, just as He'll meet you in joy.

The Bible's Psalms say, "The LORD is close to all who call on him, yes, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalms 145:18). Faith isn't about coming to God on a particular day or in a certain mood. It's about coming to Him anytime, every day, just as you are.

[1] Keller, Timothy. The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God. Riverhead Books, 2011, p. 48.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/why-dont-we-pray/

01/03/2025

God’s Presence in Our Anxiety

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

Asha struggles with anxiety. Sometimes she starts to shake and feels like she can't breathe.

When life feels uncertain, it's understandable to feel overwhelmed or panicked.

For many people, anxiety isn't just an occasional feeling; it's a real, ongoing struggle. It often feels tied to a need for control, especially if past experiences taught you that being in control was the only way to stay safe.

The Bible doesn't shy away from the reality of anxiety. David, a central figure in scripture, often faced intense fear and worry. In Psalm 56:3, he says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." Notice, David doesn't pretend his fear isn't there—he acknowledges it and chooses to turn to God as His source of strength and stability.

For many, dealing with anxiety may be a lifelong journey that includes counseling, medication, and other forms of support. God's invitation isn't to simply "stop worrying," but to gradually learn to bring our anxieties to Him, one at a time. The Bible book of Philippians tells us, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV).

Walking in God's peace is a practice of learning to consciously remember His presence with us. If you struggle with anxiety, know that it's okay to seek help. God walks with us, in different ways—through His living Word, the Bible, through prayer, community and professional support—to bring hope and healing over time.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/gods-presence-in-our-anxiety/

01/02/2025

The Unusual Richness of God’s Economy

And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Why would you ever want to sell something for less than it's worth?

After decades of living on a beautiful piece of property with a welcoming home and a barn, it was time for John and Jan to move. They listed the property for sale and began to pray about the purchase offers that came in. Some were over asking price! "This has always been God's property," Jan explained. "We really want another follower of Jesus to use the property to bless others."

Then they received an offer from a family who cared for foster children and wanted to use the barn for their church's youth activities. But their purchase offer was less than the asking price. A lot less . In no economic system on earth did this lower offer make sense. But John and Jan took that offer. Why?

"This makes sense in God's economy," they explained. John and Jan had lived simply all their lives and yet, they said, "We don't need the money." They took God seriously when they read in His book, the Bible, where it says that He "will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).

They had also lived generously, experiencing the blessings of living their lives following Jesus. The Bible book of 2 Corinthians explains the why behind those blessings God gives. It says, "And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others" (2 Corinthians 9:8). "In God's economy," Jan reminds all of us, "We can trust Him to supply all that we need, in ways only He can."

Have you experienced the unusual richness of God's economy in your life?

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/the-unusual-richness-of-gods-economy/

01/01/2025

When Pain Isn’t the End

I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God's right hand in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 1:19-20

Can you imagine a future when the pain you're in today is no more?

A woman struggling with health issues was often discouraged when people asked how she was doing. The reality was that her health hadn't improved; if anything, it was getting worse. So, she started responding, "Nothing the resurrection won't cure!"

For Christians, the word "resurrection" refers to God's power that brought Jesus back to life after He was killed. Jesus didn't just come back in a human body. He came back with a new, perfect body that would never die again. Then, the Bible says that He returned to heaven and is "... exalted to the place of highest honor in heaven, at God's right hand!" (Acts 2:33). Jesus is alive and reigning in heaven today.

The most wonderful source of encouragement for all followers of Jesus is the resurrection. When Jesus defeated death, it showed that God has power over everything that harms us. Jesus' return to life proves that no matter how broken or painful life can be, there's a promise of healing in Him that is stronger than darkness, death, and disease!

Are you a follower of Jesus? If you are, this is Jesus' promise to you: no matter how much pain you experience now, it's not the end of the story. One day, you'll experience a new life too, just like Jesus—a life without sickness, pain, or death. God's power that raised Jesus from the dead is already at work in us, giving us hope and strength to carry on. The writer of the Bible book of Ephesians says, "I ... pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised [Jesus] from the dead" (Ephesians 1:19-20a).

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/when-pain-isnt-the-end/

12/31/2024

When the End Needs to Come: Letting Go for Growth

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens ... a time to keep and a time to throw away. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6b NIV

There's an enduring proverb that says, "All good things must come to an end."

Yes, even good things have endings. And when it comes to bad things, endings can't come soon enough. Endings can be hard. Whether we're talking about a work situation, an unhealthy relationship or a habit that doesn't serve you, the Bible tells us that "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens ... a time to keep and a time to throw away" (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 6b NIV). God's care for us is always redemptive. His love for us is a love that always wants us to grow—to be more like Him and experience the peace, the security and the joy of what Jesus called, "Life to the full" (John 10:10 NIV).

The growing that we need to do often calls for what well-known clinical psychologist, Henry Cloud, calls "Necessary Endings."[1] In order to foster growth and positive change, we have to let go of unhelpful or damaging relationships, behaviors, and ways of thinking. Sometimes, God does the pruning that's needed in removing things from our lives. Scripture says, "He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful" (John 15:2 NIV). Other times, God brings truth to our lives and offers His strength and guidance in taking needed action.

Dr. Cloud reminds us, "Without the ability to end things, people stay stuck, never becoming who they are meant to be, never accomplishing all that their talents and abilities should afford them."[2] And we can add to that: never living the full life God created them to live.

Is God speaking to you today about a necessary ending in your life?

[1] Cloud, Henry. “The Necessity of Endings.” Necessary Endings, Harper Business, New York, NY, 2011, p. 8.

[2] Ibid.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/when-the-end-needs-to-come-letting-go-for-growth/

12/30/2024

The One Question You Must Answer

"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Matthew 16:15

No one likes being interrogated. But there's a question that can't be avoided.

The leader of a powerful country was being questioned. He was accused of having an affair with a young female intern in his government. When questioned, he never gave his investigator an answer, but his non-answers were answers in themselves.

Today, there's a question that you and I can't avoid answering. It's a question that was asked by a man who claimed to be God. His name is Jesus Christ. While Jesus lived on earth, the Bible says that He asked His followers, "Who do people say that the Son of Man is?" referring to Himself. "People think you're a prophet," they told Him. "Then He asked them, 'But who do you say I am?'" (Matthew 16:13-15).

This is the question His followers had to answer then, and this is the question that every person must answer. Simon Peter, one of Jesus's followers, replied by saying, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God" (16:16), and Jesus told Peter, " ... my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being" (16:17).

How you answer, or never get around to answering, has eternal significance. Because Jesus also declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). If you're not sure of your answer, God promises to reveal His Son, Jesus, to earnest seekers. The Bible assures you of this: "If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you," (Jeremiah 29:13-14a).

One wise writer once pointed out that "Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important,"[1]

[1] Lewis, C.S. “Christian Apologetics.” God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics , Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, MI, 2014, p. 101.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/the-one-question-you-must-answer/

12/27/2024

Who Does Jesus Forgive?

Jesus replied, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Luke 23:43

What kind of a person does Jesus forgive?

It's easy to imagine Jesus forgiving someone for a small mistake—a careless word or a selfish choice. But when it comes to criminals, murderers, or people who have made wicked, deliberate decisions for years, forgiveness feels much harder to comprehend. Does Jesus really offer new life and hope to even sinners who mock Him?

The Bible tells that as He hung on a cross, two criminals were crucified beside Jesus. These men were guilty of their crimes; they were being executed as a public example. But in this moment, we see two very different responses to Jesus. One criminal mocked Jesus, clinging to his bitterness and pride, even as he faced his final moments. But the other criminal took a different path. He acknowledged his guilt and, in humility, asked Jesus for just one thing: "Remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42).

Jesus's response to this man is remarkable. He didn't hesitate or question the man's sincerity. Instead, He offered hope beyond imagination: "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43). In that moment, Jesus extended His mercy to a man whose life was characterized by wrong choices. This man didn't have time to prove himself or make up for his sins—he simply came to Jesus with a repentant heart, and that was enough.

No matter what your past looks like, your future isn't defined by it. When we come to Jesus, seeking forgiveness and new life, He offers it freely. The path forward may involve consequences, and it's not always easy, but with Jesus, there is always the promise of forgiveness and hope.

Today, He invites you to come to Him, just as you are.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/who-does-jesus-forgive/

12/26/2024

The Gift of Disillusionment: Your Key to Growth

You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:32

Have you ever felt the shock of your entire worldview shifting?

Disillusionment is defined as the feeling of disappointment when something you believed in turns out to be false. It's that moment when the reality you built your hopes upon crumbles, leaving you feeling exposed and uncertain. This may happen when a trusted person lets you down, a long-held belief proves untrue, or when life simply doesn't unfold the way you thought it would. It's a painful process, but it's also a step toward truth.

Think about it like this: imagine you've believed that success and happiness are tied to achieving certain milestones—a job, a relationship, or financial stability. But when you reach those goals and still feel unsatisfied, disillusionment sets in. You realize that what you placed your hope in couldn't fulfill you. This moment, though painful, is an invitation to shift your focus.

Disillusionment isn't the end; it's the beginning of discovering what's real. It's God's way of helping us shed false beliefs, revealing where we've been living in a fairytale. God invites us to live in His truth instead.

If you're in a season of disillusionment, don't shy away from it. Embrace it as an opportunity to let go of what isn't real. Allow God to speak truth into the places where lies have taken root. This is a painful but necessary step to grow deeper in your faith. The Bible says, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free" (John 8:32).

Remember, disillusionment isn't a disqualifier of your faith; it's the qualifier. God uses these moments to mature and refine us, bringing us closer to His heart and to the truth. As you embrace this season, trust that God is walking with you.

Listen at: https://www.guidelines.org/sermons/the-gift-of-disillusionment-your-key-to-growth/

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