Hearts and Honor

North Way Christian Community - PA

Hearts and Honor

October 29, 2023 • Dave D'Angelo • 2 Corinthians 5:17, Exodus 20:12, Luke 2:51, John 2:12, John 19:26–27

We are spiritual beings having a physical experience. With regenerated hearts, we look at things differently and live from the inside out, no longer driven by our flesh. The 10 Commandments are a path to freedom and flourishing. If we can’t honor our given family, how will we honor God? Honoring our father and mother keeps us in following Jesus. When we look at Jesus, we see that honor is respecting our parents and their authority. Honor involves being present, communicates appreciation, and provides for as opposed to always expecting from. When we live like Jesus, we live from the inside out.

Comparison to Celebration

December 3, 2023 • Dave D'Angelo • Exodus 20:17

We often think things will fill our lives, but covetousness only leads to emptiness. Coveting is the “gap of desire” between our reality and our expectation of reality. The longer we live in this gap, comparison and discontentment settle into our hearts. We start to distrust God and our hearts become disordered, which can lead to a toxic life. But what if we started to rejoice with those who rejoice? What if we celebrated others and practiced gratitude, regularly giving thanks to God? When it comes to celebration and rejoicing with others, our feelings first follow our obedience. God’s word leads to true abundance.

Power of Words

November 26, 2023 • John Reilly • Exodus 20:16, Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 12:34–37, Genesis 3:1–8, 1 John 1:9

Before we speak, our words start in our heart. God created us to have power in our words because we were made in His image. God’s words are full of power, goodness, and life. We are willing to bear falsehood to hide from God and to try to control how others see us. We are afraid that we are the only ones who struggle with sin. Our words can bring healing into our lives if we’re willing to stand before God to confess our sins and thank Him for His mercy, grace, and faithfulness.

Buried Blessings

November 19, 2023 • Paul Hunter • Malachi 3:7–10, Exodus 20:15, Matthew 25:14–30, Luke 12:32–34, Haggai 1:2–6

We feel entitled to our time, talents, and money. We often think that we aren’t stealing because it’s our own. However, it was never ours to begin with. When it comes to stealing, we are confused about ownership, and we use our resources on ourselves. Because our view of God is distorted, we hoard our abundance. Our blessings are buried and we mismanage what God has given us. God calls us to live below our means in all areas of life so we may be a generous light and example of His generosity to others.