Flourish Week 1
Notes for the October 18, 2026 message:
Scriptures used: John 8:44; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Ephesians 6:10-18; Psalm 92:1-3, 12-15
Scriptures referenced: Genesis 3
Recognize the Lies You Believe
A life lie is a false belief we build our lives around—a false story we tell ourselves about ourselves.
False beliefs become false narratives, which become false identities and eventually false realities.
The enemy uses lies to create doubt about God, His character, and His plans for us.
When we believe lies instead of God's truth, we often end up living in shame and blame.
Remember That the Enemy Is Already Defeated
The enemy is limited in power, knowledge, and presence.
Jesus has overcome the world, and the gates of hell will not prevail against His Church.
We are called to stand firm in our faith, refusing to retreat when life gets difficult.
We don't stand simply to survive the battle; we stand with the purpose of moving forward.
Reject the Lies That Hold You Back
Lies we too often believe:
The lie of “my truth”: Truth isn't simply a feeling or personal opinion. Truth is found in Jesus Christ.
The lie of inability: We may believe we aren't capable of doing what God has called us to do. Instead, we should faithfully use the gifts He has given us.
The personality lie: We allow our personality or perceived weaknesses to limit us rather than trusting God's Spirit to work through us.
The lie of our past: Our history doesn't have to determine our future. In Christ, we are made new.
The lie that it's too late: God can continue to work through us in every season of life.
Choose Faith That Flourishes Through Every Season
Flourishing doesn't mean life will always be easy.
Our faith can flourish even in the middle of storms and difficult seasons.
Perseverance, carried by hope, often strengthens our faith.
We have a responsibility to walk by the Spirit rather than the flesh and to honor God with our lives.
Bookend Your Day With Praise
Like a ten-stringed harp, our lives should produce a melody of praise in every season.
Praise God for the good. Gratitude gives God the glory, while pride takes the credit for ourselves.
Praise God in the pain. Sacrificial praise means worshiping even when life is difficult.
Remain in God's presence. As we abide in Christ, we draw strength and life from Him.
When we praise God in both good and bad seasons, our lives become a continual melody of worship.
You Were Planted to Flourish in God's Presence
Through Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are sustained and strengthened by God.
Like the strong and enduring cedars of Lebanon, we can grow in resilience, strength, and lasting impact.
We are called to flourish in God's presence, grounded in faith and built on Christ.
The Bottom Line
Don't let the lies you believe determine the life you live. Stay rooted in God's truth, stand firm in faith, and flourish in His presence through every season.
Personal Application & Reflection
Take some time to reflect on these questions:
Identify the lie. What false belief about yourself, your past, or God's plans have you been believing?
Replace it with truth. What does God's Word say that challenges that lie?
Stand firm. Where do you need to stop retreating in fear and begin moving forward in faith?
Practice praise. What is one thing you can thank God for today? If you're walking through a difficult season, how can you offer Him praise in the middle of it?
Remain in His presence. What intentional step can you take each day to spend time with God through prayer, Scripture, and worship?
Your challenge this week: Begin and end every day with praise. Thank God for His goodness, trust Him in your struggles, and refuse to let the lies you believe define your life. Let His truth shape your identity, His Spirit strengthen your faith, and His presence help you flourish.
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