Operation 2012: The Best Sermon I've Ever Heard!

That statement sounds a bit hyperbolic, doesn't it?  I know what you're thinking, "Really, the BEST sermon you've EVER heard?  Seriously?"  But yes, and I've heard a lot of sermons.  I was born the daughter of a Southern Baptist Preacher, and for the first 21 years of my life I never missed a service and there were usually 3 a week (21 x 52 x 3=3276) and for the last 3 1/2 years, I've been a one sermon a week girl (52 x 3.5=182).  If you add in revivals, mission trips, conferences and the odd weekends, during the rebellious years, when I would go to church occasionally, I've definitely heard close to 4000 sermons in my short 37 years on this planet.  Honestly, some of those sermons were God-breathed just for me and some of them went in one ear and out the other.  But, this one, was amazing!  So amazing that I listened to it 3 times and plan on listening to it again.

What made it so special?

For starters it felt like it was only for me, but I realize it might not have been so I decided (in case someone else struggles with spiritual identity) to share my notes and some commentary (and a nice little link for the sermon, so you can listen too).

On what you think:

1) The thing you think about most, the thing that has your focus, has dominion over your life.

2) Focusing on what you don't want or what you want to change will bring about more of what you don't want.

3)  Seek first His kingdom and the power of His kingdom has dominion over your life.

That, my friends, is straight from Matthew 6:33!  So, instead of focusing on what needs to be "cleaned out" of your life, focus on Jesus first and let him straighten it all out.

On who you are:

Your parents did not think you up and bring you into existence, God did.  He came that you may have the life that He gave you in the beginning.

Your birthright and DNA determine who you are:
 
...and not the trauma of your birth circumstance

Did you hear that?  Even if you were the product of rape, an unplanned pregnancy when your mother was 14, dropped off at an ER and raised in an orphanage, etc.  You are not determined by that, your DNA is what it is, and it's not BIOLOGICAL (thank God)!  It's who God created you to be!  God conceived you, your biological parents were just the vessel!!!

For me, personally, this IS HUGE!  My mother is amazing!  I love her more than life itself, and credit the woman I am in large part to the strength that she has displayed throughout my whole life.  My father, on the other hand, was abusive, hypercritical, demented and evil when I was growing up (and he was a Pastor, so he made me good and angry at God).  I have been told, my whole life, that "he made me what I am, so I should be grateful to him and show him respect."  To be reminded today that GOD made me who I am, and not my biological parents, was SO healing and it may be for some of you too.

...and not the family that raised you

Did you grow up in a dysfunctional home?  Did you feel like you didn't belong?  Were you told that you would never be good enough?

Doesn't matter, that doesn't make you who you are!  God made you who you are, and that can't change!

...and not the forces set against you


Let's face it, Satan is the enemy of all that is Holy and he is DEAD SET against you fulfilling your destiny and becoming who you were created to be.  He sets forces against you, every day, especially if you're seeking God's will.


Doesn't change a thing!

...and not the hurt that has been inflicted on you


Bullied at school? Raped by a friend or family member?  Abused as a child?

Doesn't change one thing about who you are!

...and not the turnings of your heart or the leanings of your soul

Turned your back on God? Decided that he doesn't exist? Chasing false gods?

Doesn't change your DNA, doesn't make your birthright as His son or daughter any less real!

On discovering who you are:

Instead of working to learn everything you should know, become who you are.


The more time you look into your Heavenly Father's face, the more you will see your true self in His reflection. Remember you were made in His image!

That's it!  There is no list of rules to follow or steps to take, just spend time with your Father.  Worship Him, talk to Him, seek Him!  You don't have to know everything, you don't have to do everything.  Seek Him first, and all the rest...

...He'll add it, over and abundantly above what you could ever dream of asking!


In case you want to hear this AMAZING sermon for yourself, I've included the link!

Because God works in each of us differently, after you watch it, come back and tell me what it meant to you!  What did you learn?  What little nugget spoke directly to something that you have been facing?  I'd love to hear it!