Break The Cycle

Break The Cycle

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:9 to 13; Matthew 16:13 to 19

Jesus is building his church, and he invites us to build with him. Success is not how big we build. It is whether we built what God called us to build, because everyone's work will be tested by fire. Come off the sidelines and become a co laborer instead of a consumer.

Jeremy begins with Jesus' promise to build his church and then shows that Jesus hands us keys and tools to build with him. Building is messy and loud, and sometimes God tears something down before he adds. Jeremy urges that anyone who comes to deconstruct must also be ready to build. He then reads Paul's words that we are God's co workers, with Christ as the only foundation, and that each person's work will be tested by fire. His main measure is faithfulness, not size. He would rather be one person obeying God's call than lead a huge church that was never called. He also gives hope to those who feel disqualified. A dirty cup does not need to be thrown away, it needs to be washed, and the blood of Jesus makes us enough. We stop being critics when we get in the water and start helping.

From the message: “Jesus doesn't need any more fans.”

Prayer: Jesus, you are the foundation and the builder. Wash me clean, take away my excuses, and put a hammer in my hand. Help me build only what you have called me to build, so that it lasts. Amen.

Break the Cycle Before It Breaks Your Faith

Scripture: Matthew 11:28 to 30

Jesus does not need more fans in the stands. He is calling every one of us onto the field. When we sit and consume, we slowly turn into critics, then cynics, then casualties. But when we say yes to Jesus and get in the game, we become encouragers, people of faith, and overcomers.

Jeremy paints a simple picture of two oxen sharing one yoke. A young ox that has never plowed is paired with an older, stronger one. The older ox sets the pace, steers around the rocks, and slows down for the mud. The younger one only has to listen to the footsteps beside him and keep walking. Jeremy says that when Jesus invites tired people to take his yoke, he is not handing us a recliner. He is inviting us to work next to him. He suggests that many of us are weary because we have been plowing alone, trying to serve Jesus without Jesus. The invitation is to walk with him, hear his voice, and do the part he gives us. That might be hospitality, generosity, encouragement, or setting up chairs early in the morning. Every gift counts the same, because we are all workers in his building.

From the message: “Jesus doesn't need any more fans.”

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for inviting me onto the field and not leaving me in the stands. Take my tired places and teach me to walk beside you. Show me the gift you have given me and give me courage to use it. Amen.

Take Your Next Step

Scripture: Exodus 4:1 to 5; 1 Samuel 17

Jeremy's story shows that big things start with small, faithful yeses. He hung tie dyed sheets and played drums for about a year. Then he saw skaters kicked out and rejected, so he built ramps from scrap wood with his dad. God uses what is already in your hands.

Notice how unglamorous the start was. Jeremy hung sheets, played drums, tore everything down, and did it again, for around a year. Later he saw teenage skaters chased off with a broom, sat with them under a bridge, and heard one say that nobody wanted them. He prayed, and he believed God told him to build a skate park, even though he had never skated. He asked construction sites for scrap wood, pulled out the nails, and built ramps with his dad from free plans that turned out to be the wrong size. His pastor said he had watched Jeremy faithfully hang sheets and play drums, and then gave him the funds. Jeremy's point is that you do not have to go looking for a calling. God has already put something in your hand, like a staff for Moses or a stone for David. Faithfulness with what is in front of you is the next step.

From the message: “Try to say, "God, I'm just here to say yes."”

Prayer: Lord, I give you what is already in my hands. Help me be faithful in small things and trust you with the next step. Open my eyes to people who feel overlooked, and use my life to show them their value in you. Amen.

Start a conversation

What is something small you were asked to do once that turned out to matter more than you expected?

Pray this week

God, thank you for inviting us to build with you and not just watch. Forgive us for the times we sat in the stands. Wash us clean, teach us to walk beside you, and give us the courage to take our next step. Use our hands for your kingdom. Amen.