Walnut Grove

Join Tim and John for this week's episode, as they talk about Camp.
 
Theme: What God Did at Camp Key Scripture: Psalm 78:4 (ESV)
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."
What Made This Year's Camp Special?
Camp Theme
Rescued: The Mission of the Cross
Four major truths:
We needed rescue because of sin.
Jesus paid our ransom.
We are redeemed for a purpose.
We are reconciled to God through Christ.
Discuss:
Why this theme was meaningful.
How every lesson pointed back to Jesus.
Favorite Moments
Each host shares:
Favorite Bible lesson
Favorite worship song
Favorite game
Favorite funny moment
Favorite conversation with a camper
Favorite meal (if applicable!)
Possible questions:
What surprised you?
What encouraged you?
What moment will you remember years from now?
Funny Camp Stories
Keep these lighthearted and wholesome.
Examples:
Camp mishaps
Silly competitions
Unexpected victories
Funny things campers said
Staff bloopers
Cabin moments
Important point: The fun helps build relationships that make spiritual conversations easier.
"People often remember the laughter before they remember the lesson."
The Best Part: Seeing God Work
Share ways God moved during camp.
Examples:
Campers asking spiritual questions
Decisions to follow Christ
Renewed commitments
Students asking for prayer
Worship that was heartfelt
Friendships strengthened
Emphasize: Only God changes hearts.
Camp Doesn't End When You Go Home
Talk about how easy it is to return to everyday life and lose momentum.
Encourage listeners to:
Keep reading Scripture.
Stay involved in church.
Pray daily.
Continue serving.
Stay connected with Christian friends.
Camp is a launching point—not the finish line.
Lessons Everyone Can Learn
Whether you attended camp or not, these truths apply to every Christian.
Lesson 1
We all need rescue.
Romans 3:23
Lesson 2
Jesus paid the price for us.
Mark 10:45
Lesson 3
God saves us for a purpose.
Ephesians 2:10
Lesson 4
The Church grows stronger together.
Hebrews 10:24–25
Lesson 5
Never underestimate what God can do in one week.
Sometimes one conversation... one sermon... one prayer... one decision...
can change a life forever.
Psalm 78 Connection
Why does Scripture tell us to remember?
Because remembering builds faith.
Israel repeatedly forgot God's works.
Christians should intentionally remember:
God's faithfulness
His provision
His salvation
His answers to prayer
When we tell these stories, we encourage others to trust Him as well.
Closing Challenge
Challenge listeners:
"Don't let what God did this week become just another memory. Let it become the beginning of something lasting. Continue seeking Him, continue serving Him, and continue telling others about the great things He has done."
Closing Scripture
Psalm 78:4
"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done."

Message: 7/26/2026
 
Colossians 1:13–14 (ESV)
"He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Supporting Scriptures
Luke 19:10
Mark 10:45
Ephesians 1:7
2 Corinthians 5:18–19
Romans 5:8
John 3:16
Introduction
Have you ever watched a rescue on the news?
Maybe someone was stranded on a mountain.
Caught in a flood.
Lost in the woods.
Or trapped inside a burning building.
When someone needs rescuing, they usually can't save themselves.
They need someone stronger.
Someone willing to risk everything.
Someone who comes looking for them.
That's exactly what Jesus did for us.
The story of the Bible is the greatest rescue story ever told.
We Needed Rescue
Sometimes people think Christianity is about trying harder to be a good person.
But the Bible tells us something different.
Before Jesus rescued us, we were lost.
Separated from God because of sin.
The Bible says,
"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
Sin isn't just doing bad things.
It's choosing our own way instead of God's way.
Like a sheep wandering away from its shepherd.
Like a traveler lost in a forest.
Like someone trapped without a way home.
That's where every one of us begins.
We needed rescue.
Jesus Came Looking for Us
Luke 19:10 says,
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
Notice something amazing.
Jesus didn't wait for us to find Him.
He came looking for us.
He entered our broken world.
He walked where we walk.
He felt pain.
He faced temptation.
He experienced rejection.
Then He willingly went to the cross.
Why?
Because rescue always costs something.
Jesus paid the price we could never pay ourselves.
Ransomed by His Blood
Jesus said,
"The Son of Man came...to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
A ransom is the price paid to set someone free.
Imagine someone paying millions of dollars to free a prisoner.
Jesus paid something infinitely greater.
He gave His own life.
The cross wasn't an accident.
It was God's rescue mission.
His blood became the payment for our freedom.
Because Jesus died,
our chains can be broken.
Our guilt can be forgiven.
Our lives can be made new.
Redeemed for a Purpose
Being rescued isn't the end of the story.
Ephesians 1:7 tells us,
"In Him we have redemption through His blood."
Redemption means being bought back.
Imagine finding an old, broken bicycle in a junkyard.
Someone buys it.
Repairs it.
Paints it.
Makes it new.
That's what Jesus does with our lives.
He doesn't simply forgive us.
He transforms us.
He gives us a new identity.
A new family.
A new purpose.
A new future.
Reconciled to God
Sin separated us from God.
Jesus restored that relationship.
2 Corinthians 5 says God reconciled us to Himself through Christ.
Reconciliation means enemies become friends again.
Because of Jesus,
we can know God personally.
We don't have to wonder if He loves us.
The cross proves He does.
The Rescue Continues
Here's the incredible part.
God didn't rescue us just so we could keep it to ourselves.
He sends us into the world to tell others.
There are people around us every day who feel lost.
Hopeless.
Broken.
Afraid.
They need the same Savior we have found.
Our mission is to point them to Jesus.
Camp Is Not the Finish Line
This week you've learned about:
The Fall.
The Cross.
Redemption.
Reconciliation.
You've worshiped.
Prayed.
Studied God's Word.
Made friends.
Laughed.
Played games.
But none of this matters if it stays at camp.
When you leave,
the mission continues.
Jesus rescued you...
so you can help others find the Rescuer.
Think About It
Why did we need rescuing?
What did Jesus give to rescue us?
How has God changed your life?
Who needs to hear about Jesus?
What will you do differently because you have been rescued?
Challenge
As camp comes to an end, remember this simple truth:
You were rescued for a reason.
Live like someone who has been forgiven.
Love like someone who has been loved.
Serve like someone who has been served.
And tell others about the Savior who rescued you.

Join Tim and John for this week's episode, as they talk about how not to serve the Lord.
Lessons from the Life of Jonah
Running from God Never Works
Key Text: Jonah 1–4
Introduction
Most people know Jonah as:
"The prophet who got swallowed by a great fish."
But Jonah is about much more than a fish.
It is a story about:
God's mercy
God's patience
God's sovereignty
and God's relentless pursuit of people
The book of Jonah is unique among the prophets because it focuses less on Jonah's message and more on Jonah himself.
At its heart, Jonah is a story about what happens when a believer runs from God's will.
And it teaches a powerful lesson:
Running from God never works.
You can run from God's calling. You can run from God's plan. You can run from God's commands.
But you can never outrun God.
1. Jonah Ran
Jonah 1:1–3
God's command was simple:
"Arise, go to Nineveh..." (Jonah 1:2, ESV)
Nineveh was the capital of Assyria.
The Assyrians were:
violent
cruel
feared throughout the ancient world
Jonah didn't want them to receive God's mercy.
So instead of going east toward Nineveh,
he went west toward Tarshish.
The Problem Wasn't Ignorance
Jonah understood exactly what God wanted him to do.
His problem wasn't confusion.
His problem was disobedience.
Sometimes we ask:
"What is God's will?"
When the real question is:
"Am I willing to obey God's will?"
What Running Looks Like Today
People still run from God.
Sometimes by:
ignoring conviction
delaying obedience
refusing forgiveness
avoiding ministry opportunities
resisting God's direction
The details may change.
The principle doesn't.
2. God Pursued
Jonah 1:4–17
The moment Jonah ran,
God went after him.
"But the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea..." (Jonah 1:4, ESV)
Notice something important:
God loved Jonah too much to let him continue in rebellion comfortably.
The Storm Was Mercy
At first glance, the storm looks like judgment.
But it was actually mercy.
Had God left Jonah alone, he would have continued farther from God's will.
Sometimes the storms in our lives are God's way of getting our attention.
Not because He hates us.
Because He loves us.
The Great Fish
God appointed:
the storm
the sailors
the fish
The book repeatedly shows God's control over creation.
Jonah could run from Nineveh.
But he couldn't run from God.
Application
God's pursuit is one of the greatest expressions of His grace.
The same God who pursued Jonah still pursues:
prodigals
wanderers
and stubborn believers
3. Jonah Repented
Jonah 2
Inside the fish, Jonah finally did what he should have done from the beginning.
He prayed.
Sometimes God has to bring us to the end of ourselves before we look up.
A Prayer from the Deep
Jonah recognized:
God's sovereignty
his own rebellion
his need for mercy
He discovered that salvation belongs to the Lord.
"Salvation belongs to the LORD!" (Jonah 2:9, ESV)
Repentance Changes Direction
Repentance is more than feeling sorry.
It means turning around.
Jonah's heart began changing before his location changed.
That is always how true repentance works.
Application
No matter how far you've wandered,
God's grace is greater.
The road back begins with repentance.
4. Nineveh Responded
Jonah 3
After Jonah's deliverance,
God gave him a second chance.
"The word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time..." (Jonah 3:1, ESV)
What a beautiful phrase.
The second time.
God Is the God of Second Chances
Jonah obeyed.
He preached.
And something remarkable happened.
Nineveh listened.
From the king to the common citizen,
the people repented.
The Greatest Revival in the Book
The city humbled itself before God.
God showed mercy.
This reminds us that no person and no city is beyond the reach of God's grace.
Application
We often decide who deserves God's mercy.
God doesn't.
His mercy extends farther than we expect.
5. God Cared More Than Jonah Did
Jonah 4
Surprisingly, the greatest problem in the book isn't Jonah's running.
It's Jonah's heart.
After Nineveh repents,
Jonah becomes angry.
Why?
Because God showed mercy.
Jonah Wanted Justice
God wanted mercy.
Jonah loved his enemies being punished.
God loved seeing sinners repent.
The Plant Lesson
God caused a plant to grow and provide shade.
Then God removed it.
Jonah cared deeply about the plant.
But not about the people.
God responds:
"And should not I pity Nineveh...?" (Jonah 4:11, ESV)
The Real Question
The book ends with a question.
God asks Jonah:
Do you care about what I care about?
That question reaches across the centuries and confronts us too.
Lessons from Jonah
You Can Run from God's Will, But Not God's Presence
God always knows where we are.
God's Discipline Is Often Mercy
The storm may be God's way of calling us back.
Repentance Opens the Door to Restoration
Failure is not the end when we return to God.
God Loves People We Might Not Love
His mercy extends farther than ours.
God Cares About Lost People
The heart of God is always directed toward redemption.
Conclusion
The story of Jonah is not ultimately about:
a fish
a storm
a plant
or even a prophet
It is about God.
A God who:
pursues rebels
forgives sinners
restores failures
and loves the lost
Jonah ran.
God pursued.
Jonah repented.
Nineveh responded.
And throughout it all, God revealed a mercy far greater than anyone expected.
The message of Jonah remains as powerful today as ever:
Running from God never works.
But returning to Him always does.

Sermon Date: 7/19/2026
Bible Verses:
Acts 1:12-14
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new
Introduction
One of the biggest questions Christians ask is:
"What does God want me to do?"
Should I take this job?
Should I serve in this ministry?
How can I grow spiritually?
Where is God leading me?
Sometimes we wish God would simply write the answer across the sky.
But throughout Scripture, God often leads people through a season of prayer before He reveals His direction.
Before Pentecost...
Before the birth of the Church...
Before thousands came to Christ...
There was a prayer meeting.
Acts 1 teaches us something important.
God's people prayed before they proceeded.
And perhaps that is where many of us need to begin.
God's People Waited in Prayer
Acts 1:12–14 tells us that after Jesus ascended into heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem.
What did they do?
They prayed.
Verse 14 says:
"All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer..."
Notice what they did not do.
They didn't panic.
They didn't invent their own plan.
They didn't rush ahead.
Jesus had told them to wait.
So they waited.
But waiting was not passive.
Waiting was filled with prayer.
Sometimes God's greatest work happens while we are waiting.
Waiting seasons are often preparation seasons.
God uses those moments to shape our hearts before He changes our circumstances.
Prayer Aligns Our Hearts with God's Will
Proverbs 3:5–6 says:
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding."
Most of us like having a plan.
We like certainty.
We like control.
But God calls us to something greater than certainty.
He calls us to trust.
Notice what Proverbs says.
Do not lean on your own understanding.
Our perspective is limited.
God sees the whole picture.
Prayer reminds us that God's wisdom is always greater than ours.
Too often we pray like this:
"Lord, bless what I've already decided."
Instead, we should pray:
"Lord, show me what You have already decided."
Prayer is not about convincing God to follow our plans.
It is about surrendering ourselves to His.
God Leads Those Who Ask
Psalm 25:4–5 says:
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths."
David doesn't assume he already knows.
He asks.
He seeks.
He waits to be taught.
That takes humility.
Sometimes we ask God to guide us while secretly hoping He agrees with the decision we've already made.
David simply says:
"Teach me."
There is a beautiful prayer every believer should pray regularly:
"Lord...
Show me.
Teach me.
Lead me."
God delights in leading teachable hearts.
Seeking God's Leading in Service
The disciples were not praying merely for information.
They were preparing for mission.
Jesus had already given them the Great Commission.
Now they were waiting for the Holy Spirit's power.
Likewise, we should seek God's guidance in how He wants us to serve.
Every believer has been gifted by God.
Every believer has a place in the body of Christ.
Some teach.
Some encourage.
Some serve quietly behind the scenes.
Some lead.
Some pray faithfully.
Some give generously.
Some reach people others cannot.
The question is not:
"Does God want me to serve?"
The answer is yes.
The question is:
"Where and how is God leading me to serve?"
Prayer helps us discover that calling.
Seeking God's Leading in Spiritual Growth
God is not only interested in what we do.
He is interested in who we become.
Sometimes we pray:
"Lord, what ministry should I join?"
But perhaps God first wants to ask:
"What kind of disciple are you becoming?"
Spiritual growth always precedes lasting ministry.
Prayer changes us before it changes our circumstances.
The disciples spent ten days praying before they preached one sermon.
Sometimes we want public ministry without private devotion.
God often works in the secret place before He works on the public stage.
Application
Ask yourself:
Am I truly seeking God's direction?
Or am I simply asking Him to approve my plans?
What decision do I need to place before God today?
A family decision?
A ministry opportunity?
A career move?
A relationship?
How is God calling me to serve?
Have I asked Him?
Have I listened?
Am I growing spiritually while I wait?
Waiting is not wasted when it is spent seeking God.
Conclusion
The disciples didn't know exactly what the next chapter would hold.
But they knew where to begin.
They prayed.
They trusted.
They waited.
And when God's time came...
The Holy Spirit filled them.
The Church was born.
The gospel spread across the world.
None of that began with strategy.
It began with prayer.
If we want God's direction...
We must seek God's face.
If we want God's power...
We must first learn God's presence.
And if we truly desire to serve Him well...
Our first step is always the same:
Kneel before Him.
For God does not merely guide busy people.
He guides seeking people.
 

Join Tim and John for this week's episode, as they talk about the daily needs to improve your faith.
 
Five Things Every Christian Needs Daily
Simple Habits for Spiritual Growth
Key Texts
Matthew 6:11
Psalm 119:105
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Introduction
Physical health requires daily habits.
We need:
food
water
rest
exercise
Neglect those things long enough, and our bodies suffer.
The same is true spiritually.
Many Christians want spiritual growth, but growth rarely happens by accident.
Healthy Christians develop healthy habits.
These habits don't earn God's love or salvation. They simply place us in a position to grow closer to Him and become more like Christ.
Today we'll look at five simple practices every believer needs every day.
None of them are complicated.
None of them require special training.
But all of them are essential.
1. Daily Prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (ESV)
"Pray without ceasing."
Prayer is simply talking with God.
It is one of the greatest privileges of the Christian life.
Because of Jesus, we have direct access to our Heavenly Father.
Prayer is not merely presenting a list of requests.
It is:
worship
confession
thanksgiving
fellowship
dependence
A relationship cannot grow without communication.
The same is true in our relationship with God.
Jesus Modeled Daily Prayer
Throughout the Gospels, we find Jesus regularly withdrawing to pray.
If the Son of God needed regular prayer, how much more do we?
Prayer reminds us:
God is in control
we are not
He is our source of strength
Practical Application
Begin each day by talking with God.
It doesn't have to be long.
Start with:
praise
thanksgiving
confession
requests
The goal is consistency, not perfection.
2. Daily Scripture
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
The Bible is God's Word.
It is how He:
teaches us
corrects us
encourages us
guides us
Many Christians struggle spiritually because they try to live on a weekly diet of Scripture.
Imagine eating only one meal a week.
You wouldn't survive physically.
Neither can we thrive spiritually without regular nourishment from God's Word.
God Speaks Through His Word
The Bible reveals:
who God is
who we are
what Christ has done
how we should live
The more we know Scripture, the better equipped we are to:
resist temptation
discern truth
grow in wisdom
Practical Application
Read a portion of Scripture every day.
It may be:
a chapter
a Psalm
a section of the Gospels
Consistency matters more than quantity.
3. Daily Gratitude
1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)
"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Gratitude changes perspective.
Many of us naturally focus on:
problems
frustrations
disappointments
But gratitude helps us notice God's blessings.
Why Gratitude Matters
Thankfulness:
combats complaining
strengthens faith
increases joy
reminds us of God's faithfulness
Even on difficult days, there are reasons to thank God.
Consider:
salvation
forgiveness
family
friends
God's presence
His promises
Practical Application
Each day, intentionally thank God for specific blessings.
The more we focus on God's goodness, the less room there is for bitterness.
4. Daily Obedience
James 1:22 (ESV)
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
Christianity is not merely learning information.
It is following Christ.
Growth happens when we put God's Word into practice.
Little Acts of Obedience Matter
Most spiritual growth happens through ordinary obedience.
Things like:
speaking kindly
forgiving someone
telling the truth
serving others
resisting temptation
honoring God in daily choices
Small acts of obedience accumulate over time.
Why Obedience Matters
Obedience does not earn God's love.
It is our response to His love.
Jesus said:
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments." (John 14:15)
Practical Application
Ask yourself each day:
"What has God already shown me that I need to obey?"
Then act on it.
Daily Dependence on God
Matthew 6:11 (ESV)
"Give us this day our daily bread."
Jesus teaches us to depend on God one day at a time.
Notice He doesn't say:
"Give us this year our yearly bread."
He says:
"Give us this day."
God Wants Us to Trust Him Daily
Dependence means recognizing that everything we have comes from God.
Our:
strength
wisdom
opportunities
provision
all come from Him.
Many of us prefer self-sufficiency.
But the Christian life was never designed to be lived independently.
Daily Bread, Daily Grace
God often gives:
daily strength
daily wisdom
daily mercy
Just enough for today.
Tomorrow's grace arrives tomorrow.
Practical Application
Start each day by acknowledging your need for God.
Say:
"Lord, I cannot do this day without You."
That simple prayer reflects a heart of dependence.
Putting It All Together
Every Christian needs:
Daily Prayer
Talking with God.
Daily Scripture
Hearing from God.
Daily Gratitude
Thanking God.
Daily Obedience
Following God.
Daily Dependence
Trusting God.
None of these habits are spectacular.
But together they create a strong spiritual foundation.
Conclusion
Spiritual growth is usually not the result of one dramatic moment.
It is often the result of small, faithful habits practiced day after day.
Prayer. Scripture. Gratitude. Obedience. Dependence.
These simple disciplines keep us connected to Christ and help us grow into mature disciples.
As we faithfully practice them, God works in us and through us.
And over time, we discover that spiritual growth is not about doing extraordinary things for God.
It is about faithfully walking with Him one day at a time.
"Give us this day our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11, ESV)
One day.One step.One act of faithfulness at a time.
 
 

Text: Colossians 3:23–25
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." — Colossians 3:23–24
 
 
Reflection
If we're honest, there are times in every area of life when we have to stop and admit:
"We have to do better."
Maybe it's in our prayer life.
Maybe it's in our Bible reading.
Maybe it's in serving others.
Maybe it's in sharing the gospel.
Maybe it's in our marriages, our parenting, or our commitment to the church.
The first step toward change is not making excuses.
It's recognizing the need.
That is exactly what we learned from Nehemiah.
Before Jerusalem's walls were rebuilt, Nehemiah saw the need. He didn't ignore the brokenness or pretend everything was fine. He allowed the condition of God's people to break his heart.
Real change begins when we are willing to honestly say, "Something needs to change."
But seeing the need isn't enough.
Nehemiah opened his heart. He wept, mourned, fasted, and prayed. The condition of Jerusalem wasn't just a problem to solve—it became a burden to carry.
Then he sought God's face. Before he made plans, before he spoke to the king, before he lifted a stone, he knelt before the Lord. He understood that lasting change begins with God's power, not our own.
Finally, Nehemiah prepared to act. He didn't pray and then sitstill. When God opened the door, he stepped through it with courage and faith.
The same pattern applies to us.
If we truly want change in our lives, our families, or our churches, we must:
• See the need.
• Open our hearts.
• Seek God's face.
• Prepare to act.
Paul reminds us in Colossians that whatever we do, we are ultimately doing it for the Lord.
That changes our perspective.
We don't strive for excellence to impress people.
We don't serve just to receive recognition.
We work wholeheartedly because we are serving Jesus Christ.
Every act of faithfulness matters because our true audience is the Lord.
 
 
Application
Ask yourself today:
• Where is God showing me that I need to do better?
• Have I honestly acknowledged that need, or have I been making excuses?
• Have I taken it to God in prayer?
• What step of obedience is God asking me to take today?
Remember, change rarely happens overnight.
But it always begins with one obedient step.
Don't wait for someone else to rebuild the wall.
Ask God what part of the wall He has called you to rebuild.

Sermon Date: 7/12/2026
Bible Verses:
Luke 19:1-10
Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new
Introduction
There is something contagious about excitement.
People get excited about sports.
They get excited about vacations.
They get excited about a new grandchild, a new job, or a holiday.
But somewhere along the way, many Christians have forgotten how to be excited about Jesus.
The early disciples couldn't stop talking about Him.
The crowds followed Him from town to town.
People climbed mountains to hear Him teach.
Some tore holes through roofs just to get their friends to Him.
And in Luke 19, one man climbs a tree because he simply wants to see Jesus.
His name is Zacchaeus.
His story asks us a simple question:
Are we still excited about the Lord?
An Excited Heart Seeks Jesus
Luke 19:3 says:
"And he was seeking to see who Jesus was..."
Zacchaeus had everything the world said should make him happy.
He had wealth.
Power.
Influence.
He was the chief tax collector.
But something was still missing.
Money could not satisfy his soul.
So when he heard Jesus was coming, he had to see Him.
Notice the language:
He sought Jesus.
He made an effort.
His excitement moved him to action.
Many people say they would like to know God better.
But desire without pursuit accomplishes nothing.
Jeremiah 29:13 says:
"You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Excited people don't wait around.
They pursue.
They make time.
They rearrange their schedules.
If we are excited about Jesus, we will seek Him through His Word, through prayer, through worship, and through fellowship with His people.
An Excited Heart Doesn't Care What Others Think
Luke 19:4 says:
"So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree..."
This is one of the most remarkable parts of the story.
Zacchaeus was a wealthy government official.
Men of his position didn't run.
Adults didn't climb trees.
He probably looked ridiculous.
But he didn't care.
Why?
Because seeing Jesus mattered more than preserving his reputation.
Sometimes our pride keeps us from expressing our faith.
We're afraid someone might laugh.
We worry about what people will think.
But excitement over Jesus will always outweigh concern for public opinion.
King David danced before the Lord with all his might.
The blind beggar cried out even when people told him to be quiet.
Mary poured expensive perfume on Jesus despite criticism.
People who truly love Jesus stop worrying so much about appearances.
Jesus Notices Those Who Seek Him
Luke 19:5 says:
"Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today."
Out of all the people lining the streets...
Jesus stopped for one man.
Think about that.
Jesus knew his name.
Jesus knew where he was.
Jesus knew his need.
Zacchaeus thought he was looking for Jesus.
But Jesus had been looking for him all along.
That is the beauty of the gospel.
We seek Christ because He first sought us.
He knows your name.
He knows your struggles.
He knows your past.
And He still calls you to Himself.
An Encounter with Jesus Changes Everything
Luke 19:8 says:
"Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor..."
Notice something important.
Jesus never tells Zacchaeus to give away his money.
The change comes from within.
A changed heart produces changed actions.
The greedy man becomes generous.
The dishonest man seeks restitution.
The selfish man begins thinking about others.
Real salvation always produces transformation.
Good works do not save us.
But a saved life begins to bear good fruit.
If we truly meet Jesus, people should notice something different about us.
Jesus Came to Seek and Save
The story ends with one of the clearest mission statements Jesus ever gave.
Luke 19:10:
"For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."
That is why Jesus came.
Not merely to teach.
Not merely to perform miracles.
Not merely to inspire people.
He came to save.
Every person in this room was once spiritually lost.
But Jesus came looking for us.
The Shepherd sought the wandering sheep.
The Savior sought the sinner.
The King sought the rebel.
That is grace.
Application
Let's ask ourselves a few questions.
Am I still excited about Jesus?
Has my faith become routine?
Do I still eagerly worship?
Do I look forward to opening God's Word?
Do I anticipate meeting with God's people?
What is keeping me from pursuing Christ?
Pride?
Distractions?
Comfort?
Busyness?
Like Zacchaeus, are you willing to climb whatever "tree" is necessary to draw closer to Jesus?
Has my encounter with Christ changed my life?
Is there evidence that Jesus has transformed me?
Would those closest to me see Christ at work in my life?
Conclusion
Zacchaeus began the day simply wanting to catch a glimpse of Jesus.
He ended the day with Jesus in his home and salvation in his heart.
Everything changed because he responded to Christ.
Church, we should never lose our excitement for Jesus.
Never lose the wonder of His grace.
Never lose the joy of His salvation.
Never lose the privilege of worshiping the King of kings.
Because Jesus is still seeking the lost.
Still changing lives.
Still calling people by name.
And He is still worthy of our greatest excitement.
So let us pursue Him with the eagerness of Zacchaeus...
Welcome Him with the joy of a redeemed heart...
And live every day excited to know and follow our Lord.
For there is no greater joy than walking with Jesus.
Amen.

Join Tim and John for this week's episode, as they talk about the how to wait on the Lord.
Lessons from Psalm 27
Key Verse:
"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27:14)
Introduction
Nobody likes waiting.
We wait:
in traffic
in doctor's offices
for test results
for prayers to be answered
for doors to open
for God to move
Yet one of the most common commands in Scripture is:
Wait.
David understood what it was like to wait on God.
Psalm 27 was written during a difficult season of his life. Enemies surrounded him. Uncertainty filled his future. Danger was real.
Yet instead of panicking, David learned something many believers struggle to learn:
God's delays are not God's denials.
Waiting is not a sign that God has forgotten us.
Sometimes waiting is exactly where God does His deepest work.
1. Waiting Is Part of Faith
Psalm 27:1–3
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?"
David begins with confidence, not because his circumstances were good, but because God was good.
Faith is easy when answers come quickly.
Faith becomes real when answers are delayed.
Many of God's people had to wait:
Abraham waited for Isaac.
Joseph waited in prison.
Moses waited in the wilderness.
Israel waited for the Messiah.
The disciples waited after the Ascension.
Waiting has always been part of God's plan.
Faith is not merely believing God can act.
Faith is trusting Him when He hasn't acted yet.
Application
Sometimes we think:
"If I had more faith, God would answer faster."
But often the opposite is true.
Sometimes God uses waiting to develop faith.
2. Waiting Is Not Wasting
Psalm 27:4–6
"One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after..."
While David waited, he did not become idle.
He sought God.
One of the greatest mistakes Christians make is assuming that nothing is happening during a waiting season.
But waiting is never wasted when God is involved.
Consider:
A seed grows underground before it appears above ground.
A child develops for months before birth.
Trees spend years growing roots before bearing fruit.
God often works beneath the surface before we see visible results.
What God May Be Doing While We Wait
Deepening our faith
Strengthening our character
Teaching dependence
Preparing future opportunities
Protecting us from bad timing
Waiting does not mean inactivity.
It means trusting God's timing while remaining faithful.
3. God Works While We Wait
Psalm 27:7–13
David moves from confidence to prayer.
He cries out:
"Hear, O LORD, when I cry aloud..."
David understood something important:
Even when he could not see God working, God was still working.
Many times God is active behind the scenes.
Think of Joseph:
While Joseph sat in prison, God was arranging events in Egypt.
Think of Esther:
While she lived quietly in the palace, God was positioning her to save a nation.
Think of Jesus:
For thirty years before His public ministry, God was preparing Him for His mission.
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good..."
Notice Paul says God is working.
Not that He worked.
Not that He will work someday.
God is actively working even when we cannot see it.
Application
The absence of visible activity is not the absence of God's activity.
God often works in silence.
4. Courage During the Delay
Psalm 27:14
David closes with a command:
"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!"
Notice he says it twice.
Why?
Because waiting is hard.
Waiting requires courage.
Anyone can trust God when the answer is immediate.
But courage is needed when:
the healing hasn't come
the door hasn't opened
the prayer hasn't been answered
the situation hasn't changed
Biblical waiting is not passive resignation.
It is active trust.
It is saying:
"God, I don't understand what You're doing, but I trust You anyway."
What Courage Looks Like
Continuing to pray
Continuing to worship
Continuing to serve
Continuing to obey
Continuing to hope
Even when nothing seems to be changing.
Practical Lessons from Waiting
When God says "wait":
Don't panic.
God is still in control.
Don't quit.
Faithfulness matters during the delay.
Don't assume silence means absence.
God may be working in ways you cannot yet see.
Don't waste the season.
Use waiting as a time to grow closer to God.
Don't lose hope.
God's timing is always wiser than ours.
Conclusion
Every believer will face seasons of waiting.
You may be waiting today:
for healing
for direction
for provision
for restoration
for answers
Psalm 27 reminds us that waiting is not a detour from God's plan.
Sometimes waiting is God's plan.
David's final words become our encouragement:
"Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!" (Psalm 27:14, ESV)
Because the God who asks us to wait is the same God who is faithful.
And He is always worth waiting for.