In a Nutshell

As we prepare our hearts for worship, Pastor Reuben reminds us that God is building His house—and that house is us! We are living stones, being transformed to host His presence and peace. Discover how to shift your focus from surface-level imperfections to the “gold” God has placed within every person, including yourself.

Anchor Verse (NIV)

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” – Romans 12:2a

Unpacking the Word

The sermon calls us to transition into a new season, reminding us that God is building us to be vessels of His presence and peace. Just as a physical building requires clearing out old rubbish before new construction, God often needs us to “pull down, tear down” old ways and traditions that hinder His work. This means discerning what is truly from God versus mere human tradition or culture, especially when it’s unhealthy or toxic. We must lay aside every weight and sin that prevents us from running the race God has set before us.

Crucially, the sermon highlights that “you don’t need discernment to see dirt, but you need to be discerning to find the gold beneath the dirt.” God sees the gold in each of us, made in His image, endowed with unique strengths, gifts, and talents. He doesn’t deal with us according to our “dirt,” but according to His grace and mercy. The church, meant to be a safe place, should be a place where we look for the gold in one another, rather than defining others by their flaws or blaming God for challenges. When we focus on God’s goodness, rejoice in His presence, and pray with intentional gratitude, we host His peace, joy, and power, making the church truly the happiest place on earth – not because of a lack of problems, but because of the source of all joy within us.

Faith in Action

• What “rubbish” or unhealthy traditions in my life need to be “torn down” to make way for God’s building?
• How can I intentionally look for the “gold” in others, rather than focusing on their imperfections?
• Action Step: Before entering the worship service today, take a moment to pray for God to reveal the “gold” in someone you are struggling to see clearly.

A Moment With God

“Father, prepare my heart to host Your presence. Help me to release what hinders Your building and to see others—and myself—through Your eyes of grace, recognizing the gold You’ve placed within. Amen.”

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