Our perspectives are constantly shifting. Seasons change. Circumstances change. Emotions change. But God does not.
The challenge of faith is not asking God to align with us, but learning how to align ourselves with His will.
In this special one-week message, Perspectives, our speaking team explored a single truth from three angles: when our perspective drifts, alignment is restored through awe, devotion, and surrender.
Awe: Seeing God as He Truly Is
Pastor Howie Smith
Key Scripture: Isaiah 6:1–8
Isaiah’s world was shaken. A king had died. Stability was gone. And in that moment of uncertainty, Isaiah was given a vision of the Lord high and exalted, seated on the throne.
Awe begins with what we see.
When Isaiah’s eyes were lifted from earthly chaos to God’s holiness, everything else was re-ordered. The angels declared God’s holiness. The temple shook. Smoke filled the space. Awe stopped Isaiah in his tracks.
Obvious truths from awe
- Awe captures our eyes
When we see God clearly, lesser fears lose their grip.
“I lift my eyes toward the mountains. Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Lord.” (Psalm 121) - Awe transforms our minds
Isaiah’s vision reshaped how he understood himself.
“Woe is me… for my eyes have seen the King.”
Awe dismantles pride and renews perspective.
Romans 12:2 reminds us transformation begins in the mind. - Awe reorders our hearts
After cleansing, Isaiah responds, “Here I am. Send me.”
Awe leads to obedience, not avoidance.
Big idea: Awe is not emotional hype. It is the foundation for alignment. When we see God rightly, surrender becomes possible.
Devotion: Choosing God Again and Again
Pastor Erica Parrish
Key Scriptures:
- Deuteronomy 6:5
- Psalm 119:10–11
- 2 Corinthians 10:5
- Romans 12:1–2
- Matthew 6:33
If awe realigns our vision, devotion sustains that alignment.
Pastor Erica distinguished between desire and devotion. Desire is easy. Devotion is formed through daily choosing. Dating thrives on desire. Marriage survives on devotion. The same is true in our relationship with God.
Obvious truths from devotion
- Devotion is choosing Him daily
Loving God isn’t about intensity. It’s about consistency.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength.” (Deut. 6:5) - Devotion shapes our thought life
God’s Word must be hidden in our hearts so our thoughts can be corrected.
“Take every thought captive to obey Christ.” (2 Cor. 10:5) - Devotion requires full submission
Devotion isn’t partial. It includes our bodies, habits, time, and priorities.
“Present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” (Rom. 12:1–2) - Devotion aligns our will to God’s will
Augustine said it best: “Love God, and do what you will.”
When love is rightly ordered, obedience follows naturally.
Big idea: Devotion isn’t about feeling close to God. It’s about choosing Him when you don’t. When we seek Him first, anxiety loosens its grip and His will becomes clearer.
Surrender: Trusting God’s Process
Pastor Jason Parrish
Key Scriptures:
- Philippians 1:3–6
- Philippians 2:12–13
- Philippians 3:12–14
- James 1:12–18
- 1 Corinthians 10:11–13
- 2 Corinthians 12:8–10
Surrender is where awe and devotion ultimately lead.
God is a God of process. He finishes what He starts. Our responsibility is not control, speed, or perfection. Our responsibility is surrender.
Obvious truths from surrender
- Progress matters more than perfection
“Not that I have already reached the goal… but I make every effort.” (Phil. 3:12–14) - God works as we surrender
“God is working in you both to will and to work according to His good purpose.” (Phil. 2:12–13) - Growth requires right priorities
Pastor Jason outlined four decisions that shape a surrendered life:- Development over desire (James 1:12–18)
- Substance over style (Phil. 3:1–8)
- Transformation over temptation (1 Cor. 10:11–13)
- Grace over gain (2 Cor. 12:8–10)
- Weakness is not disqualifying
God’s power is perfected where we stop pretending we’re strong.
Big idea: Surrender is not giving up. It’s trusting God’s process more than your preferences.
