WHAT COMES AFTER SUNDAY?
Use the next steps, Bible plan, message recap, questions & resources below to go deeper.
this week's next steps
This Week's Message Recap:
This week’s message in the Stressed series focuses on the “battle for the heart,” based on Matthew 6:25–34. Jesus’ command to not worry is not just encouragement. It is a clear call to trust God completely. He reminds us that life is more than our basic needs, and if God faithfully provides for birds and flowers, He will also provide for us. Worry may feel normal, but it does not belong in the life of a believer because it reveals something deeper about what we trust.
At its core, worry is a heart issue. Jesus teaches that we cannot serve two masters, and when we focus too much on outcomes, security, or material things, it shows a divided heart. Real trust in God means following Him no matter the situation, not only when life goes as planned. The message challenges us to consider whether we would still trust God if He did not answer our prayers the way we want. A surrendered heart chooses to trust Him even in fear and uncertainty.
When we fully trust God, we experience peace. Letting go of control and surrendering our worries to Christ frees us from anxiety about the future. Like the faith shown in Daniel 3, we are called to trust God regardless of the outcome. This daily process of surrender, taking every thought captive and giving it to Christ, shapes us into people with undivided hearts who are fully devoted to Him.
At its core, worry is a heart issue. Jesus teaches that we cannot serve two masters, and when we focus too much on outcomes, security, or material things, it shows a divided heart. Real trust in God means following Him no matter the situation, not only when life goes as planned. The message challenges us to consider whether we would still trust God if He did not answer our prayers the way we want. A surrendered heart chooses to trust Him even in fear and uncertainty.
When we fully trust God, we experience peace. Letting go of control and surrendering our worries to Christ frees us from anxiety about the future. Like the faith shown in Daniel 3, we are called to trust God regardless of the outcome. This daily process of surrender, taking every thought captive and giving it to Christ, shapes us into people with undivided hearts who are fully devoted to Him.
Questions to Consider:
- What specific worry has been occupying your heart lately, and what does it reveal about where your trust is placed?
- In what areas of your life might you be trying to “serve two masters” instead of fully trusting God?
- How would your perspective change if you truly believed God is enough, regardless of the outcome?
- What does it look like for you practically to “seek first the kingdom of God” in your current season?
- How can you begin the daily practice of surrendering your thoughts and worries to Christ this week?
Resources for Study:
Recommended Reading:
Winning the War in your Mind by Craig Groeschel
The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer
Get out of Your Head by Jennie Allen
Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
The Answer to Anxiety by Joyce Meyer
Get out of Your Head by Jennie Allen
Anxious for Nothing by Max Lucado
Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer
VENTURE music Playlist
PAstor's Unfiltered Podcast
