Monthly Archives: February 2025

A Sermon in Overland Park, Kansas

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Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters in Christ, I stand before you today in the heart of Overland Park—a city that so beautifully blends the suburban ideal with a dash of urban flair. Recognized for its high quality of life, we see it all around us: great schools that educate our children, top-notch healthcare that sustains us, and an economy anchored by thriving sectors like finance and technology. But let me tell you something, beloved—these blessings, as wonderful as they are, do not compare to the eternal promises of our God.

Now, I know we love our sports here in Overland Park. Whether it’s gathering for a Chiefs game or watching our kids play little league, we understand the value of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. But have we ever stopped to think of our faith as a team effort? Do we recognize that in this race called life, we are not meant to run alone? Hebrews 12:1 tells us, ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.’

Today, my friends, I want to challenge you. What is hindering you? What is entangling you? In a city that thrives on commerce and connection, are we connecting first and foremost with our Savior? Overland Park is a place of abundance, where our dining options are as plentiful as our shopping centers, but are we feeding our souls as much as we feed our bodies? Are we seeking the bread of life, or are we filling ourselves with things that leave us empty?

Jesus said in John 6:35, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’ Yet so many of us, even here in our prosperous city, live in spiritual starvation. We chase success, we run after financial security, we work hard for the good life, but we often neglect the best life—the one that is found in Christ alone.

You see, Overland Park is known for its balance. It’s a place where suburban peace meets a touch of urban excitement. But in our own lives, are we balanced? Have we let the distractions of the world drown out the voice of God? Have we become so consumed with the next big thing that we have forgotten to seek first the Kingdom? Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, ‘But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.’

I don’t say this to discourage you—I say this to remind you of what is possible when we align our hearts with God’s will. There is a greater quality of life than even the best cities can provide. It is found in walking daily with the Lord, in trusting Him with our worries, and in surrendering our plans for His perfect purpose.

My friends, we live in a city that values excellence. Whether in our schools, our businesses, or our beloved barbecue joints, we strive to be the best. But I ask you today—are we striving for excellence in our faith? Do we seek God with the same passion that we seek success? Do we love others with the same enthusiasm that we cheer for our sports teams? The Apostle Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:23, ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.’ Let us be a people who pursue Christ with all our hearts.

I want to tell you about a young man I met right here in Overland Park. He had everything—an impressive job in finance, a beautiful home, and all the trappings of success. But he came to me one day and said, ‘Natalie, I don’t feel fulfilled. I’ve got everything I ever wanted, but I still feel like something’s missing.’ And I told him, ‘That’s because you weren’t made to be filled by things. You were made to be filled by the Spirit of God.’ That young man began seeking the Lord, and today, his life is transformed—not because he gained more, but because he finally surrendered.

Beloved, there is no shortage of entertainment here in Overland Park. We have plenty to do, places to go, and experiences to enjoy. But do you know the greatest joy of all? It is knowing Jesus. It is walking in His presence daily. It is knowing that no matter what happens in this world, we have an eternal hope. The Apostle Peter says in 1 Peter 1:3, ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.’

Today, I want to invite you to take that step. If you have been running after everything but God, stop and turn to Him. If you have been weighed down by worry, let Him lift your burden. If you have been searching for meaning, know that you have been created for a purpose.

Overland Park may be known for its prosperity, but let us be known for something greater—our faith in Jesus Christ. Let us be a city on a hill, a light that cannot be hidden. Let our love for God shine so brightly that people cannot help but ask what makes us different. And when they do, we will point them to the One who is greater than any city, greater than any success, and greater than anything this world can offer.

As I close, I leave you with this: Let’s run this race together. Let’s seek God first. Let’s live in the fullness of His love. And let’s make Overland Park not just a place of great living, but a place where the presence of God is undeniable. Amen!

Christian Revival Dream in Olathe, Kansas

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Nestled in the heart of Kansas, Olathe, a city whose name means “beautiful” in the Shawnee language, was a place of peace and promise. With its abundant parks, thriving schools, and a robust economy driven by advanced manufacturing and logistics, it was a sanctuary for families and professionals alike. Yet, one night, within this tranquil city, a woman named Addison had a dream unlike any other—a vision so vivid and powerful that it left her breathless upon waking.

In her dream, Addison found herself standing at the edge of a golden field, the wheat swaying under the warm, celestial glow of an unseen light. The air was thick with a sense of expectancy, as though something divine was about to unfold. In the distance, she saw a great city, its walls shimmering like crystal, and its gates wide open. As she stepped forward, she felt herself being drawn toward it, not by her own will, but by an unseen force of love and grace.

As she walked, she noticed a figure standing by the path—a man with eyes that shone like fire and hands that bore scars of unfathomable pain. He looked at her with a love so intense it melted every fear within her heart.

“Addison,” He called her by name, His voice echoing like a gentle whisper and a mighty thunder all at once. “Do you believe in the power of My miracles?”

She tried to respond, but her voice failed her. Instead, she fell to her knees, overwhelmed by the holiness radiating from Him.

He knelt beside her, lifting her chin with the touch of a Father. “The time has come for My people to awaken, to believe once more in the power that has never left them.”

As He spoke, a scene unfolded before her. She saw a man who had been forgiven a great debt, yet refused to extend the same mercy to another. She watched as he was cast into prison for his lack of grace, his cries echoing through the halls of judgment. Then the vision shifted, and she saw a treasure hidden in a field. A man, upon discovering it, gave up all he had to possess it, his joy uncontainable.

Tears streamed down Addison’s face as she realized what was being revealed to her. “Lord, is this what we have forgotten? Have we lost sight of mercy and the true value of Your kingdom?”

The Man before her nodded solemnly. “Many have allowed their hearts to grow cold. They have buried their faith under doubt, thinking My miracles are only stories of the past. But faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My Word does not return void, but accomplishes all I intend for it. Do you believe, Addison?”

She hesitated, then whispered, “I want to believe. Help my unbelief.”

At that moment, a great multitude appeared, clothed in white robes, standing before a brilliant throne. They were worshipping with hands lifted high, voices rising in perfect harmony. The Lamb stood in their midst, His presence illuminating everything around Him.

Then, Addison saw a man standing at a pulpit, speaking with fire and conviction. “God has made available to us all that is necessary for life and godliness! We do not lack anything! The Spirit of the Lord is upon us, and He is calling us to walk in the fullness of His power!” The people in the congregation responded with shouts of joy, their hearts burning with the urgency of revival.

As the vision continued, Addison found herself in a darkened city, where people walked aimlessly, burdened by invisible chains. Their eyes were hollow, their voices silenced by despair. Suddenly, four fierce angels were released from the heavens, shaking the very foundation of the earth. The people trembled, yet instead of repenting, many blasphemed God, their hearts hardened.

“Lord, why do they not turn to You?” Addison cried out.

The voice beside her was sorrowful. “Men love their darkness more than the light. But My patience is salvation, for I am not willing that any should perish. That is why I wait. That is why I call. The delay is not denial—it is mercy.”

A deep longing gripped Addison’s soul. “What must we do, Lord?”

His answer was simple yet profound. “Be a witness. Not merely in words, but in spirit and in truth. Let your life be the evidence of My presence. When My people walk in faith, miracles follow them. When they show mercy, they will receive mercy. When they hunger for righteousness, they will be filled. The time is now.”

Suddenly, Addison was back in Olathe, standing in the middle of the city, her heart pounding with urgency. The streets were as they had always been, the lights of the city glowing softly in the night. Yet something had changed—she had changed. The dream had been more than a vision; it had been a call.

She fell to her knees, lifting her hands to the heavens. “Lord, let Your will be done. Use me. Let me walk in faith, in mercy, in the fullness of Your Spirit. Let this city see Your light. Let Your people arise.”

As she spoke, the first rays of dawn touched the horizon, and Addison knew—this was only the beginning.

Healing in Manhattan, Kansas

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On a crisp autumn evening in Manhattan, Kansas, the town’s faithful gathered at a modest church nestled near the banks of the Kansas River. The sun had begun its descent behind the rolling Flint Hills, casting golden hues over the city affectionately known as The Little Apple. Inside, the pews filled quickly as people came expectant, drawn by the promise of healing and restoration. Leading the meeting was Sadie, a woman of unwavering faith whose gentle voice carried great authority.

The atmosphere in the church was charged with anticipation as she stepped forward, holding her well-worn Bible in one hand. “Tonight,” she began, her voice steady and filled with conviction, “we are going to experience the freedom that comes from listening to God. When you are teachable and open to His voice, you grow freer and freer. But when you refuse to listen, you end up bound.” She looked across the congregation, meeting their gazes one by one. “God is speaking to you tonight. Are you willing to listen?”

She opened her Bible to Psalm 23, reading aloud, “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Sadie paused, letting the words settle in. “This isn’t just about physical rest,” she explained. “This is about deep, soul-level restoration. The kind that heals wounds we don’t even realize we carry.”

As she continued, she referenced the various translations of verse three. “‘He restores my soul,’” she quoted. “Or, as another translation puts it, ‘He refreshes my life.’” She smiled as murmurs of agreement echoed through the room. “Some of us came in here weary, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But I want you to hear me tonight: The Lord is your Shepherd, and He is here to refresh and restore you.”

A soft “Amen” rippled through the congregation as Sadie pressed on. “Maybe you’ve felt lost, like you’ve wandered into a pit. But let me tell you something about shepherds. They don’t abandon their sheep. A good shepherd has a rod and a staff. That staff has a hook, and when a sheep gets tangled in the briars, the shepherd reaches in and pulls them out. Maybe you feel stuck, caught up in struggles you can’t escape. But the Good Shepherd is reaching for you tonight. Do you believe He can pull you out?”

A chorus of voices responded, “Yes!”

Sadie nodded. “He will pull you out of the pit. And do you know what else? That same staff is a weapon. When wolves come near, the shepherd doesn’t stand idly by. No, he wields that staff with skill, fighting off the predators that seek to destroy his flock. Our Shepherd—Jesus—is fighting for you. Whatever has come against you—sickness, fear, depression, lack—He is here to protect and deliver you.”

She turned to 1 Peter 5:8. “‘Your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.’” She closed her Bible and looked out at the congregation. “But listen to me: He ‘may’ devour you only if you let him. If you stay close to the Shepherd, if you follow Him, you are safe. The problem is, too many people try to see how close they can live to the edge and still be safe. They want to know, ‘How worldly can I be and still be saved?’”

A few heads nodded in recognition. Sadie continued, “That’s like a little boy who falls out of bed every night because he sleeps too close to where he got in. If you’re hanging onto the edge of faith, living just enough to get by, you are in danger. But if you press in, if you follow hard after God, you will be safe. Stay close to Him, so close that if He stops, you’ll bump right into Him.”

A hushed reverence filled the room. Sadie then moved into a time of prayer. “There are some of you here tonight who need healing. And I’m not just talking about physical healing—though that is part of it. Some of you need healing in your heart, in your mind, in your spirit.”

She walked down the aisle, pausing beside an older woman seated near the front. “Sister, God is saying you don’t have to carry that pain anymore. He is restoring your soul.” Tears welled in the woman’s eyes as Sadie gently laid a hand on her shoulder and prayed.

Moving to a young man in the second row, she said, “Son, you’ve been struggling with doubt. But God says He has not left you. He is leading you, even when you don’t feel it.” The young man bowed his head, and others reached out to lay hands on him in support.

The presence of God filled the church as Sadie continued to pray over the people. The weight of burdens lifted, peace settled in, and joy began to rise. “Psalm 23:5 says, ‘Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.’” She looked out at the congregation. “That means we don’t just have enough—we have overflow. God is a God of abundance.”

She laughed gently. “Have you ever thought about this? Doesn’t God know when a cup is full? So why does He let it overflow?” A few chuckles rippled through the audience. “Because He wants to remind you that He is a God of more than enough. You don’t just get by—you thrive. You don’t just survive—you walk in abundance. Healing is part of that abundance.”

Sadie lifted her hands. “Right now, I want you to receive. If you need healing, if you need restoration, if you need to be pulled out of a pit, I want you to lift your hands.” Across the church, hands shot up, and a wave of faith surged through the room.

She began to pray, her voice filled with authority. “In the name of Jesus, I declare healing over every body, every mind, every spirit in this place. I speak life where there has been death, wholeness where there has been brokenness. The Lord is your Shepherd. You do not lack. You do not lack healing, you do not lack peace, you do not lack strength. Receive it now, in Jesus’ name.”

Cries of worship and gratitude filled the sanctuary as people received their healing. Some wept, some laughed with joy, some stood silently, overwhelmed by the presence of God.

As the service closed, Sadie smiled. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow you all the days of your life. Go from here knowing that you are healed, restored, and abundantly blessed.”

The people left changed that night, carrying the truth of their Good Shepherd with them into the streets of Manhattan, Kansas. The Little Apple had witnessed a mighty move of God, and this was only the beginning.