Kankakee First Church of the Nazarene - IL

AUGUST 9, 2026

God, Expose Me

Dave Anderson, Lead Pastor

Most of us pray “God, scan me quickly” — we want His presence and blessing but not full exposure. In this message, Pastor Dave walks through Psalm 139:23-24, where David prays one of the most courageous prayers in scripture: “Search me, O God, and know my heart.” As we enter 21 Days of Prayer, Pastor Dave challenges us to stop managing our spiritual appearances and invite God into the places we usually protect. The real issue is rarely what we do — it’s what’s driving what we do. God doesn’t reveal to shame us; He reveals to heal us. But we have to choose: comfort or transformation. We cannot be led by God in public if we are resisting God in private.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Pastor Dave said most of us secretly hope God doesn’t look too closely. Does that resonate? What places in your heart do you tend to keep protected from God’s examination?
David’s prayer is not about giving God information — God already knows everything. It’s about surrendering access. What is the difference in practice, and what would it look like for you to surrender access right now?
The sermon said “the real issue is rarely what we do — it’s what’s driving what we do.” What do you think is currently driving some of your recurring patterns of thought or behavior?
Pastor Dave described anxious thoughts as “divided thoughts” rooted in a lack of trust in God. Where in your life is anxiety revealing a gap in your trust of God?
He said “we cannot be led by God in public if we are resisting God in private.” Where might you currently be resisting God’s access, and what would it look like to open that door?
The sermon ends with a choice: comfort (“tell me I’m okay”) or transformation (“show me what’s not”). Which do you tend to reach for, and what would it look like to lean toward transformation during 21 Days of Prayer this week?

Discussion Guide

LAST WEEK'S QUESTIONS

LIFETRACK RETURNS IN SEPTEMBER!

No matter where you are at on your journey, Lifetrack is the first step that we encourage you to participate in here at Kankakee First Church. This is where you will learn about WHO we are as a church, WHAT we believe, and HOW we are structured to help you along your spiritual journey. Lifetrack is a four-step process that helps you discover your redemptive purpose and live the life God created for you. You will learn more about who we are as a church and who God has created you to be.
Lifetrack is also our onboarding for serving on our DreamTeam.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Our biannual spiritual practice of 21 Days of Prayer is happening Mon-Sat 6:45P-7:45P.

EMAIL ADAM TO SIGN UP

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Pray First shirts will be order on August 12th to have them back by the last week of 21 Dasys of Prayer. Get your shirt now!

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Jesus modeled for us the sacred sacrament of baptism and commanded that we follow suit. What is baptism? It is the way in which we declare that we are putting to death our life before Jesus and are being raised into new life in Christ - a life that exists only to honor and serve the one true king. Baptism is the step we take when we are ready to make Jesus Lord of our life. Are you ready to take that step?

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Join us for our annual serve day where we at K1 go and LIVE IT OUT in our community in big ways! Supporting local organizations like the Pregnancy Resource Center, the YMCA, the Kankakee School District and several others, Serve Day is a chance to show our community that WE love them - and more importantly - that JESUS loves them! There are roles for everyone - so find our fit and sign up to join us on Saturday, August 22nd!

SIGN UP FOR SERVE DAY HERE

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