Claim Joy: A Final Thought

Claim Joy: A Final Thought

Author: Highland Park United Methodist Church - Dallas, Texas October 28, 2024 Duration: 27:46

Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide.

Throughout this sermon series, we have learned that joy is not dependent on our circumstances. But how do we claim joy in the midst of uncertainty or challenges? In Acts 9, Ananias is called by God to go find a man named Saul and minister to him. We know him today as the Apostle Paul, one of the most influential leaders in the history of the church. But at that time, he was a well-known Pharisee who persecuted Christians. Despite his concerns, Ananias obeyed and God used him to change Saul’s life and the course of history. Ananias was open to what God wanted to do and put himself in a position to experience joy by simply saying, “Here I am, Lord” (Acts 9:10).

When we have to go places we don’t want to go, or are asked to do things we don’t want to do, or to be with people we don’t want to be with, we can choose to claim joy with those three words: “Here I am.” No matter where we find ourselves in this current season, this simple prayer can help center us and make us available to what God might want to do in our lives.


The HPUMC-Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship) podcast brings the weekly message from the contemporary worship service at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas directly to you. This isn't about dry theological lectures; it's about experiencing the energy and connection of a live service, where ancient scripture meets the complexities of modern life. Each episode features Bible-based preaching delivered with a relatable and modern voice, intentionally crafted to bridge the gap between Sunday and the rest of your week. You'll hear sermons that tackle real-world issues-faith, doubt, relationships, purpose, and social responsibility-with practical wisdom and spiritual depth. This audio extension of the Cornerstone service is for anyone seeking a thoughtful, engaging exploration of Christianity that feels both grounded and genuinely relevant. Whether you're a longtime believer, someone re-examining your spirituality, or simply curious, this podcast offers a consistent source of reflection and challenge from within a vibrant, believing community. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration that aims not just to inform, but to transform daily living through a contemporary lens on timeless truth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

HPUMC - Cornerstone Sermons (Contemporary Worship)
Podcast Episodes
The Seed Effect [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:59
Hannah Buchanan
Imperceptible to Undeniable [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:35
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed in Matthew 13:31–33 reveals that the kingdom of God often begins in ways that seem small, hidden, and insignifican…
Bear and Bow [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:51
Hannah Buchanan
For Forty Days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:09
Rev. Matt Tuggle | Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Resolutions often fail because they demand an undefined, lifelong commitment; “forever” feels overwhelming. Lent, however, offers a grace-filled, 40-…
Portrait Mode: The Call [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:28
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. In this week’s sermon, we see Jesus interrupt ordinary life with an extraordinary invitation. Matthew 4 tells the simple version: four fishermen—Peter, Andrew, James, a…
Portrait Mode: Gameplanning Against Temptation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:01
Clcik/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Following his baptism, Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (Matthew 4:1). There, he faces three temptations that engage the whole human person.…
Reclaim Your Life (20 Minutes at a Time) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:06
Click/tap here to view the Sermon Reflection Guide. Psalm 1 invites us to reclaim our lives by paying attention to the habits that quietly shape us each day. Life is not formed by one defining decision but by the paths w…