God’s Unfinished Masterpiece: Finding Hope in the Process
Have you ever started a project and felt overwhelmed by how long it remained unfinished? Maybe it was a home renovation that seemed endless, or a personal goal that felt increasingly distant. As I write this, I’m reminded of my grandmother’s quilting. She would spend months on a single quilt, meticulously piecing together fragments of fabric into something beautiful. The process was slow, sometimes messy, but she never doubted the final result. This image of patient craftsmanship brings to mind one of the most encouraging verses in Scripture. In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes, “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns” (NLT). Think about those words for a moment: “God, who began the good work within you.” This isn’t about our own self-improvement projects or New Year’s resolutions. This is about God Himself initiating a divine transformation in our lives. Just as an artist envisions the finished masterpiece before the first brushstroke, God sees the completed work of grace He’s developing in you. But here’s what truly amazes me about this verse – Paul’s certainty. He doesn’t say “I hope” or “I think” or even “I pray.” He declares, “I am certain.” In a world full of uncertainties, here’s a guarantee we can hold onto: God Finishes What He Starts Sometimes we grow impatient with our spiritual progress. We see our flaws, our struggles, our two-steps-forward-one-step-back journey, and we wonder if we’re getting anywhere at all. But God’s timeline isn’t like our timeline. He’s not rushed, not frustrated, and not disappointed by the process. Consider these truths about God’s ongoing work in your life: It’s Personal: God’s work in you is unique. He’s not creating a mass-produced product but a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. It’s Progressive: Growth happens in stages. Just as a sculpture emerges gradually from a block of marble, God shapes us day by day. It’s Persistent: God doesn’t abandon His projects. There’s no such thing as “halfway done” in His workshop. Perhaps you’re reading this today feeling incomplete, inadequate, or stuck in a spiritual rut. Take heart! The very fact that you can recognize your need for growth is evidence of God’s work in your life. Those growing pains you feel. They’re signs of His ongoing transformation. Being Unfinished Isn’t A Flaw – it’s a promise. It means God isn’t done with you… YET. Every challenge, every struggle, every moment of growth is part of His continuing work. Paul mentions this work continues “until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” This reminds us that our spiritual growth isn’t just about becoming better people – it’s about being prepared for eternity. Each day brings us closer to that final unveiling when God’s work in us will be complete. Until then, we can trust in God’s divine process and fully embrace the journey He has set before us. As we cooperate with His work and rest in His unwavering faithfulness, we look forward with hope to the beautiful transformation He is accomplishing in us. While God is the master artist, we’re not passive canvas. We can participate in His work by: Staying connected through prayer and Scripture Being open to His guidance Walking in obedience Remaining patient with the process Encouraging others in their journey Next time you feel discouraged about your spiritual progress, remember Philippians 1:6. God is still working. The masterpiece is unfinished, but the Artist is faithful. And His signature on your life guarantees the work will be completed. Take a moment today to thank Him for His ongoing work in your life. After all, being under construction means you’re in the Master’s hands – and there’s no better place to be.
The Eye Of The Storm
There’s nothing that can remind you of your weaknesses faster than a storm, literal or not. My family took a Florida vacation to Anna Maria Island. We stayed with some good friends who have been vacationing there since childhood. It was beautiful. The ocean was so calm and warm. Our kids spent hours swimming and exploring underwater with their goggles. They found lots of sand dollars, crabs, and shells. The Calm Before The Storm One evening, we were fishing off the pier in the bay, and a herd of manatees swam right up to us. Our friends said that in all the years of visiting the area, they had never seen a manatee near their home, let alone five of them. It was pretty amazing. The next day, we saw two green parrots in a tree in the front yard. Our friends insisted they were not aware that there were parrots on the island. Later that night, an entire flock flew overhead. There had to be at least ten or more parrots. It was absolutely beautiful. The adventure continued on day three, when we were swimming in the Gulf of Mexico. A light rain moved in, and the beach cleared. We stuck around and enjoyed the privacy of an empty beach. A group of us, including four adults and four teenagers were swimming when we noticed several curious dolphins moving in. They were swimming so close to us it was unbelievable. If we went underwater, we could hear the clicking of the dolphins communicating with each other. At this point, our friends said, I know you guys think this is probably typical for this area, but we have never seen anything like this. I love nature, but I also live in Illinois, so manatees, dolphins, and parrots are not part of my normal week. I was loving and appreciating this rare opportunity we were given. When I spend time in nature, I am so amazed by God. He is such an artist and an amazing designer and engineer. He thought of everything. Nature has a way of sustaining itself perfectly and it does not need our help. Spending time near the ocean is always a great reminder to me that I have not even witnessed a fraction of what God has created. The Storm Rolls In Our family vacation was amazing, until it wasn’t. The day we were scheduled to fly home, Hurricane Debby made an appearance. I have never been in a hurricane before and I don’t ever want to be in one again. While waiting for our plane to arrive at the airport, we experienced a tornado in the midst of a hurricane, as if things were not crazy enough. Our flight was canceled, leaving us stranded. Our friends were staying about 40 minutes away and were experiencing severe flooding and power outages, so going back to their house was not our best option. Due to the chaotic weather, the only flight we could get back home was 7 days later. Our dream vacation had turned south in a hurry. We decided to rent a car and drive the 18 hours home. It seemed like the only reasonable option. Keeping Faith In The Storm Driving through a hurricane is something I only want to experience once. I was trying to be the best co-pilot I could possibly be to my husband, who was white-knuckle driving our tiny rental car on a six-hour journey across the state of Florida. As we were driving off the island, I was looking around at the ocean. A few days ago, it was calm and beautiful, and today it was fierce and absolutely terrifying. I watched a large sailboat get tossed around like a toy in a bathtub. The boat was in a bay near the shore, and it looked scary. I cannot imagine being on a boat in the middle of the ocean during a storm. My mind instantly went to the Bible story in the book of Matthew. And suddenly a violent storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was being covered by the waves, but Jesus was sleeping. And his disciples went and woke him saying, “Lord, save us, we are going to die!” he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great and wonderful calm. The men wondered in amazement, saying “What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” While doing discipleship last year, my partner and I got into a discussion about “fearing the Lord.” The word fear can have a negative connotation and mislead people who are trying to understand scripture. A better explanation is that we must have respect for the Lord. We must have a reverence and awe for His power. It’s similar to teaching my 15 year twins to drive a car. I don’t want them to be afraid to drive, but I do want them to have a healthy respect for the responsibility they have been given to operate a vehicle that has the potential to be very dangerous. Safety In The Storm During our trip home, I took a screenshot of the weather app. Our vehicle was represented by a blue dot that was literally moving in the eye of the storm. As we drove north, we stayed right in the center of the swirling storm. We tried to stop only to find gas station doors locked. We decided to keep moving because we did not want to lose any more time than necessary. As we drove, the lyrics to the song Eye of the Storm by Ryan Stevenson ran through my head. “In the eye of the storm. You remain in control, And in the middle of the war, You guard my soul. You alone are the anchor, When my sails are torn, Your love surrounds me In the eye of
From Corporate America to Kingdom Building
As I prepare for The Village Christian Church’s new Shorewood Campus launch in the fall, I can’t help but marvel at the journey that’s brought me here. My path from corporate America to full-time ministry has been a testament to God’s perfect timing and provision. It’s a story of transformation, faith, and the power of following God’s call. Even when it leads you down unexpected paths. A Life of Service My journey of service began long before I entered the ministry. At 17, I left my hometown of Tampa, Florida, to join the Air Force. For eight years, I served as an air transportation specialist. This role took me from the Philippines to Nebraska and many places in between. Those years instilled in me a deep sense of duty and the importance of working as part of a team toward a greater goal. Little did I know then how God would use this experience to prepare me for His service. The Bible tells us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28, NIV. After leaving the Air Force, I dove into the civilian world, starting in the airline industry. Beginning as a baggage handler, I worked my way up to Regional Vice President. Within five years, I oversaw 84 aviation accounts across the central United States. This rapid ascent taught me valuable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and the power of hard work. My career then took me through various industries – from manufacturing and distribution to retail distribution. For the last 13 years of my corporate career, I was serving as a General Manager for a big name, corporate supply chain distribution center. This role proved to be, not just the pinnacle of my corporate journey, but also a crucial steppingstone towards my future in ministry. The Stirring of a New Calling Despite the success and satisfaction, I found in my business roles, there was always a sense that something was missing. I’ve been a person of faith throughout my life, but it wasn’t until recent years that I began to feel a strong pull toward full-time ministry. This calling, however, didn’t come as a sudden epiphany. Rather, it was a gradual realization shaped by a series of life experiences and divine interventions. As I reflect on this period of my life, I’m reminded of the words of Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God was quietly preparing me for a significant change, even when I couldn’t see it. A pivotal moment in my journey came about 11 years ago when my company asked my wife and I to transfer from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Salem, Oregon. I was less than thrilled about the idea of moving to the Northwest. We had no family, no friends, no connections, no roots in Salem. However, this move, which initially seemed challenging, became a crucial step in God’s plan for our lives. During our short couple of years in Salem, my wife, who was a new believer at the time, joined a ladies’ LifeGroup. Through this group, she experienced tremendous growth in her faith and knowledge of God’s word. This period was transformative for both of us, as we watched God work in our lives in unexpected ways. Financial Peace and God’s Provision One of the most significant experiences during our time in Salem was our participation in Financial Peace University (FPU). At the time, I thought I was making all the right financial moves. I had a good job, made great money, and had investments. However, as we went through the class, I realized I was making some poor financial decisions. One verse that stood out to me was Proverbs 22:7 “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” The idea of being a slave to anyone, much less a lender, didn’t appeal to me. Inspired by Dave Ramsey’s teachings, my wife and I attacked our debt with “Gazelle Intensity”. We paid off both our cars, all of our credit cards, and a personal loan – everything except our house. I found such peace in this and would later discover this was a crucial step in preparing us for the leap of faith we would take down the road. Looking back, I can see how God was preparing us even then for the transition to full-time ministry. Without this financial freedom, the move from corporate America to ministry would have been much more challenging, if not impossible. The Path to Ministry After two years in Salem, we were transferred back to Ohio. During our time there, we had the opportunity to help a pastor friend start a new church in Hebron, Kentucky. My wife and I provided leadership to the teams there for about six months, helping them get up and running. This experience gave us a taste of what it was like to be involved in church planting and leadership. We also became LifeGroup leaders at our local church in Ohio. Our group grew from about eight people to 22, and it was beautifully diverse – young and old, married and single, people from all ethnicities. This experience taught me the joy of shepherding a small community and watching people grow in their faith. During this time of searching and growth, I found myself increasingly drawn to Jesus’ words in Luke 9:23-24: “Then he said to them all: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.’” These words challenged me to consider what it truly meant to follow Christ wholeheartedly. The Call Becomes Clear After 2.5 years in Ohio, we
Back To School Wisdom
The end of summer conjures many different emotions from different people, here is some back to school wisdom for you… Summer’s End As summer winds down, it’s a time to look back on all the memories—whether it’s enjoying countless popsicles, patching up scraped knees, or splashing around at the pool or beach with friends. There have been moments of joy, sibling squabbles, and countless hours of cheering on your kids in their favorite activities, including America’s beloved pastime, baseball. Many of us have also savored family vacations and cherished quality time together. For working families, you might be thinking, “No, summer can’t be over yet! We haven’t done everything we planned!” That feeling of wanting more time is completely natural. And for those who stay at home, perhaps you’re looking forward to the routine of school days and a bit more quiet time. Both feelings are valid, and it’s important to remember: you are a great parents, no matter which perspective you have. God chose you to be the parent to your kids, and He knows you are the perfect fit for them. New Beginnings As we transition from summer to the school year, let’s embrace this new season with joyful, God-filled hearts. Our children, especially the little ones, are incredibly observant and absorb everything they see us do. Starting the school year with genuine faith and a desire to deepen our relationship with Jesus can have a profound impact on our families. When we model a life of bold, faith-filled living, it sets an inspiring example for our kids. They notice how we handle stress, how we worship, and how we live out our faith. These moments leave a lasting impression. Matthew 5:13-16 reminds us: “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Consider doing a family Bible study, praying together, listening to worship music, and having Jesus-centered conversations. Shine your light before your children and show them the joy of a faith-filled life. A fun way to grow in faith together is by attending family-friendly, Jesus-centered events. One such event is FamBlitz, which we will be hosting soon. FamBlitz is a live, Nickelodeon-style event that uses games and excitement to teach the whole family about Biblical principles. Parents and children play games together, learning and having fun while hearing the Gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect as a family through fun and laughter while growing in your faith. When your kids see you enjoying learning about Jesus, they’ll be inspired to do the same. Let your light shine brightly for them to see. Purchase Tickets for FamBlitz
Is God Right For Me?
I, like many Christians before me, have gone through a lot of spiritual change and transformation and have asked myself, “Is God Right For Me?” As I’ve taken time to reflect lately, I thought that I’d share my story. I grew up at The Village, with incredible and loving parents, who are still to this day two of my greatest supporters. We went to church every Sunday. I would go to Sunday school or to “big church”. Throughout my childhood we would often talk about the message and its meaning, as well as the important aspects of being a Jesus follower. Fast-forward to seventh grade, and I got baptized! It was an amazing moment, celebrated with my family, and was happy about my decision for the most part. There was a part of me that was filled with uncertainty. That was right before I went through what I like to call my “low spot”, which was eighth grade and my freshman year of high school. How Low Can You Go? A combination of toxic friends, a non-religious boyfriend, and stressful health issues followed by weight gain definitely put me in a low spot. I was seriously questioning if God even existed at all, often feeling uncomfortable at church, as if I didn’t belong or was an imposter. I was wondering if this whole God thing was really for me, and I decided that I would be just fine without him there. Uh-huh. I only felt empty, which pushed me away further. I was wondering how God could let me feel so empty and hollow if He really did love me. Fast-forward to January of Freshman year. I had a difficult breakup and just more emptiness. I finally told my parents about how lost I was, and they helped guide me in the right direction. They helped me to order my life, but I still hadn’t accepted that it was my struggling faith that was at the root of my problems. One Moment Changed Everything The emptiness persisted. Months later, in the spring of 2020, I had my moment, my epiphany, as I like to think of it. It was strangely sudden, and it caught me off guard, but I prayed. I don’t know why, it was over something trivial, but I remember thinking, “Thank you, God.” And that simple thought sparked this strange warmth in me. So I kept the conversation going, as if I were talking to my dad, just saying what was on my mind. I opened up my heart for the first time in ages. All of my regrets, pain, and secrets. Over the next few weeks, I prayed more often. Over the course of time, He cleansed me, of everything. I felt clean, even more so than what I felt at my baptism. I returned to Him, and He took me in with open arms. Since then, I’ve wavered on occasion. I go long stretches without praying very frequently, and then inevitably, I feel more overwhelmed and stressed than I otherwise would have. But there have been several moments, such as my mom’s cancer, where I shared my pain with Him, and His comfort has been greater than I could’ve imagined. A Pleasant Surprise The more I involve Him in my life, the more I find that I am content, and I see more joy around me, even in times of pain. I’ve learned that no pain I can experience can eclipse God’s goodness. When I go to Him, I feel at peace. For those of you who are wondering if this whole God thing is right for you, I might suggest that you take a moment to seek earnestly. No matter where you are in life, He will take you. He wants you; He wants your heart. His hand is always outstretched towards you, waiting for you. Don’t be afraid to take it. You may be surprised by where your life goes from there. Everyone is in a different place in life, there several places you can get connected. Learn More About Baptism Find a Lifegroup Serve At The Village How Can We Pray For You?
What Do Waiting Rooms And The Church Have In Common?
What do waiting rooms and the church have in common? Last week, I was in a hospital surgical waiting room for 10 hours. What an interesting place to observe. I listened to the man checking in the families give the same speech dozens of times. Here’s your free voucher for a small drink and directions to the cafeteria, and the lockers are over there. It was nearly the same, word-for-word, each time. He was very friendly. Some of the visitors came in as families, all anxiously waiting to hear how the surgery went. Most were by themselves. Some fell asleep. Others were constantly calling or texting, passing on updates to family and friends after they had received updates themselves. Four times, if I remember right, there was what sounded like a nursery lullaby over the PA system. New birth was celebrated throughout the hospital. As surgeries finished, most visitors were greeted by a smiling nurse saying, “All went well, you can expect to see them soon.” A few were greeted by the surgeon, and their update was given in another room, behind a closed door. Great news, good news, and bad news given throughout the day—that was what stayed on my mind the most from that experience over the last few days. And it got me thinking about the church. Everyone Is Welcome At Church Some people show up on Sunday mornings after a terrible week, or even a terrible season. They buried a parent, marriage is full of tension, or the kids have been a struggle. Maybe all the above. Others show up full of joy, God has provided yet again! The friend they invited finally accepted and came with, and they had a great conversation about faith on the way over. The new job came with a pay raise and better hours. There was no fighting on the car ride over, and the kids got ready early enough to grab coffee on the way in. People are walking in, bringing great news, good news, and bad news, and it reminded me of what Paul said to the church after writing about what the church is: a body. Near the end of his description, he wrote, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” If I’m honest, it’s one of my favorite parts of the church. To the best of our ability, no one will suffer alone here. We may stumble over our words or not know what to say at all, but we suffer with you, even if we’re far from suffering. And we want to celebrate you, even if we’re in the midst of suffering. There’s something beautiful about that, so keep your head up and your eyes open. Look for those suffering and celebrating people—they’re all over the church, because they are the church. Suffer and celebrate together as you both look to Jesus, perhaps for very different reasons, because that’s what we do as the church. Connect In A Lifegroup. If you don’t go further than a church service, you’re missing out on all that God created for you! Life is better together so find a group and get connected.
Do You Feel Empty?
Are you missing a lasting satisfaction in life? Do the things that you are looking forward to having or achieving fade and leave you feeling empty again? I think I’m so passionate about Christ because I lived my life without Him for so long. Great on the outside. Inside – empty. Loving my kids and husband, of course, but constantly seeking something that I wasn’t aware I was missing. Can You Relate? I spent hours of mindless scrolling on TikTok or Facebook, emptying a few bottles of wine every night. Working out endless hours and tracking calories? Finding comfort in a political party? Binge-watching Netflix until 2 AM? Working on making the outside look great with material possessions and purchases? Brand names? The newest “fads”? I sought comfort in all of these things, yet none filled me. None of these could fill that void. When you’re living with that empty place inside that you’re not even aware of, life loses its beauty. When you love your husband or wife, but you complain about them, and you love your kids, but they’re exhausting and aggravating. You love your life, but to escape it if only for 15 minutes? Man, that would be amazing. I lived under the pretense that if I could only find “me time” for an hour, everything would somehow be better. That’s how I operated for so many years. I remember laughing off the idea of an “all-good, sovereign God” and mocking my closest friend’s faith (thank you for your forgiveness, both to my friend and to God). Jesus Fills The Void It wasn’t until Jesus literally grabbed my soul and turned me inside out that I felt that complete and total contentment. Purpose. Fulfillment. PEACE. Joy. The blessings in EVERY single season—yes, even the hard ones. Happiness in the chaos. Love inside our home. There was a black and white turning point in my life, and I’ll forever be grateful for that. I now see the true meaning of sacrificial love. Our marriage is radically transformed, renewed, and so much stronger. Our attitudes toward giving have changed so much. The way I look at those who are different from me is a complete 180 from what it used to be. Now we view our children as THE most important ministry. Not as interruptions or annoyances, but as physical proof of God’s blessings (even during temper tantrums and monumental, yes – monumental, fights). Spending hours in prayer and worship and connecting with the One who made you. Finding the beauty in everything. Living every moment in grateful response of the ULTIMATE sacrifice our creator gave for us. I remember reading a quote, and I can’t remember who it came from or what it was in. It went something like- “When you fully understand the magnitude of what Jesus did for you, you will live every single day of your life differently until you leave this Earth. If you aren’t living your life differently yet, then you don’t fully understand what he did.” From Emptiness To Peace It is my prayer that everyone would live to one day experience that peace and joy. A total and complete fulfillment that doesn’t leave you based on your circumstance. A peace that stays despite the bills, the pay cut, the kids’ school grades or sports shortcomings, or things in the news. That even in the midst of life’s terrible storms, your peace would not be shaken. That you could go confidently into whatever season of life you’re in, with the complete assurance that the creator of the universe is there, walking right alongside you. Check out these free Resources to help point to Jesus
That’s Why I Choose Kids
Kids’ hearts are pure and genuine, and well, they just get it. They have an unwavering faith and curiosity. Kids often have a natural curiosity about the world around them, including spiritual matters. A children’s pastor gets to witness and nurture this curiosity, answering questions about God, faith, and morality in ways that are understandable and meaningful to young minds. One night, during Pulse 45 student ministry, I witnessed an amazing act of kindness with my fifth-grade boys. I have a group that is highly competitive, and they dog each other constantly. We were playing gaga ball, and everybody was having a great time and laughing and being silly. I have one little boy who is quiet, shy, and awkward, yet shows up every week and participates. Usually, he doesn’t win anything. As I watched kids get out of the game, I noticed a group of four boys who huddled real quick between rounds, and then I saw them leave the game one by one. It was down to two boys, the super-competitive one and the shy, not-so-athletic one. The super-athletic boy lost the game on purpose, making my other little guy the winner. Fifth grade boys don’t normally act that way. But because of their love for Jesus, it’s easy for them to recognize and make a decision to allow something like that to happen. I was so touched and moved by their gesture. That’s why I choose kids. I receive messages from parents, that say, “Hey, what’s that song that you guys sing in Kid Village? My child keeps requesting it because they want to listen to it in the car.” Recently, a parent sent me a message that said, “My daughter and I pray before every single one of her gymnastics meets. I ask her what she wants to pray about, and she tells me. It’s usually me who does the praying. But today she prayed out loud, and was not afraid because you told her to go out and be bold. A parent shared with me that their daughter is president of the kindness club in their neighborhood. She was currently having the first meeting of the club and planning out ways that they are going to be kind. When you walk alongside a child who’s parent passes away, and they stand up and say at the visitation, “My dad is not dead, he lives on because He is with Jesus.” My very favorite is when a parent tells you that their daughter wants to go into ministry because of the impact the church has had on them. Matthew 19:14 says: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Kids Are Filled With Joy In Simplicity The simple, unguarded moments of joy and discovery that children experience can be a powerful reminder of the beauty in the world. It reinforces the values of faith, hope, and love in their purest forms. Kid spiritual growth is a journey. One that involves helping kids understand the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and community, and seeing these values reflected in their actions and interactions. Working with kids also means facing the challenges they encounter, from family issues to personal struggles. But walking alongside kids, I help navigate these difficulties with faith and resilience. When you work with kids, there is a reward of influence. One of the most fulfilling aspects of being a children’s pastor is seeing the long-term impact of your work. Influencing children in a positive, faith-filled direction can shape their lives and the lives of those around them for years to come. Kids also teach me. I often find that I learn as much from the kids as the kids do from me. The honesty, openness, and fresh perspective of kids can inspire and challenge adults to see their faith and the world in new ways. Check out Kid Village and Pulse 45 at all 3 of our campuses.
Am I Worthy?
Have you ever been in a situation outside of your normal everyday routine and felt like you are not worthy, and worried that other people are going to figure that out? My husband and I recently had an amazing date night! We went to an Elevation Worship concert. We were long overdue for some good quality time, so I decided to try to maximize our day by making us dinner reservations at Ruth’s Chris before the concert. It was an absolute five-star night. As we pulled up to the restaurant, we noticed they had valet parking. My husband was driving and was more than happy to pull in and let the bored-looking young man park our car as we walked in, feeling like the ultimate fine diners. I held up my hand to stop him. “Don’t use valet!” I said. He looked confused. Why would we not, he said without saying it. I proceeded to defend my irrational decision by explaining that my car was a mess. We had multiple water bottles lying around and, of course, the melty remnants of my Starbucks iced coffee. I had sports equipment, multiple first aid kits, don’t ask, and a few shopping bags strewn about in the back seat. There was a sticky substance on the shifter, most likely from my addiction to cold foam. Not to mention, the outside of my car was filthy. We live in the middle of corn fields, so a thin layer of dust is standard for my vehicle. “Let’s just park ourselves and walk in,” I pleaded. I could tell my husband thought this was ridiculous, but he decided not to challenge my theory on why we were not worthy of valet service. As we walked past the valet section, my husband jokingly said, “Honey, look! That one is just like our old Lamborghini!” It did make me laugh, and as we walked, I saw something that stopped me for a moment. Amongst the luxury vehicles was a teal green, 1991 Toyota Corolla. I mean, it was mostly green except for the tan driver side door that must have been replaced after a crash. It had one remaining hubcap that was cracked in half and hanging on for dear life. The owner had expertly matched the red tape to the busted-out tail light, and from a distance, it almost appeared as if the plastic cover was still intact. I was honestly envious of the confidence, or sense of humor, that the driver of this car had in pulling right up to the front of this fancy restaurant. I love my grocery-go-getter, and in rural Dwight, it’s pretty fancy. I’m probably the envy of many in the school drop-off line, but why, when I pulled into a 5-star restaurant in Hoffman Estates, did I now feel embarrassed about my dirty midsize SUV? Have you ever felt like a 1991 Toyota Corolla in your relationship with Jesus? Have you ever felt unworthy, unclean or unqualified to sit with those who seemed to have a Lamborghini exterior? I think we feel unworthy in so many ways, and as a result, we disqualify ourselves for the love God so freely offers us through the gift of Jesus. It’s not just the current generation that believes the lie that they must clean themselves up before bringing their needs to Jesus. The Old Testament taught us this as well. There is a long list of people who were unable to approach the temple and worship God in their current state of sin and shame. Jesus came and completely turned all of this upside down. I love Him for that!! In Matthew 8:2, it says, “A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, can you make me clean?” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man, “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately, he was cleansed of his leprosy.” I see two important points in this verse. First, the man boldly came and kneeled before Jesus. He was not limiting himself to what society expected of him. He believed Jesus was the Savior he needed, and he bravely asked for what he needed. Secondly, Jesus did not hesitate. He was not limited by law. He went straight for the unclean and touched and healed him. God accepts us as we are. There is no need to clean it up before we come to him with our needs. Romans 5:8 says: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If you feel unworthy, you aren’t completely wrong in that feeling. You are worthy, but not because you are worthy. You are worthy because Christ has made you worthy. Feeling unworthy of God’s love devalues what Jesus accomplished for us on the cross. We are free to draw near to his throne of grace with freedom and confidence. Or, in other words, confidently pull that Corolla up to the valet. In God’s eyes, we all appear as Lamborghini’s because the blood of Christ covers us.
Seasons
Have you ever stopped to think about how different times in your life are similar to how the seasons change? What have you learned in the different seasons of your life? There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. -Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Some people are morning larks, while others tend to be night owls. I’m definitely in the first group. I love to wake up early when the house is still quiet and dark, pour a cup of coffee, light a candle, and nestle into my favorite spot in the front room. This is my devotional time, where I sit near the window and open the blinds so that I can see the first signs of morning as the sun peaks over the trees, read from my Bible, and end with prayer. It gets me off to a good start to my day. There Is Beauty In Every Season Recently, we had a snow day, so I got to sit and rest longer than usual. My devotional ended with this guided prayer. “God, how majestic is your name? When I look at the sky, I see glimpses of your glory. When I spend time in nature, I’m amazed by your creativity. And when I talk to the people you place in my life, I see your beauty reflected in their faces. You are so good and so worthy of all of my honor and praise.” As I prayed this prayer, I stared at the morning sky. It was gray and dull. The sun was coming up, but it was not a bright, warm sky. It was no longer dark; however, instead of an obvious source of glowing light from the sun, the sky was just an even shade of white as the storm clouds masked the sun itself. The snow had accumulated overnight, clung to the trees, and covered the ground. No other colors were visible except the white snow and the dark contrast from the bare trees. It was so simple, yet so beautiful. I was thankful for the extra time to just sit and watch the gentle flakes fall and accumulate on the snow-heavy branches. As little bits of daylight began to hit the fresh snow, it created a sparkle. It was as if someone had sprinkled tiny diamonds on the tips of the trees. My body was quiet and warm as I looked through the window at this perfectly painted winter scene. It was the stuff screensavers are made of. As I appreciated the artwork God had created that morning, my mind went back to the days during this past year when I had sat and looked at the same scene, yet it was so different. Necessary Changes Jesus said, “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near.” – Matthew 24:32 I remembered the summer season, when the daylight hours were plentiful. The sun rose early and set late, as the earth was closer to the sun. The nature around my house was busy, active and full of color. Every day, a new flower was blooming and bursting forth a new color to add to the mural of my flower bed. Each flower bloomed in its own time: first the peonies, then the lilies, and as the last lily lost its colorful petals, the shasta daisies bloomed; filling the flower garden with a fresh coat of white. “As long as the earth endures, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night.” – Genesis 8:22 As the season changed into fall, the same view of trees began to turn from bright green leaves into a mirage of rich, warm colors. A tree with beautiful, bright yellow leaves stood in the midst of the warm red and orange tones. It added the most unexpected and beautiful contrast. I was sad to see the final leaves drop to the ground. As winter approached and the days became shorter and the sun rose later and set sooner, a sort of sadness set in. I missed the days of beautiful colors, warm sunshine and signs of life. In the winter, everything slows down and an innate sense of hibernation seems to overtake all living things. The trees have a stark and stripped-down appearance. “He made the moon to mark the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down.” – Psalm 104:19 Preparing For The Next Season One year, we had unusually heavy snow in the fall before the trees had lost their leaves. The snow stuck to the leaves, and the weight of the heavy snow tugged the branches until a huge portion of the tree cracked under the weight and split the tree. It occurred to me how important and intentional the seasons are. God’s design is perfect. He thought of everything from efficiency to renewal, and He even cared enough to throw in beauty. “See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land. The fig
How Do You Share Your Faith In Jesus?
Do you feel a responsibility to share your faith in Jesus with those that are close to you? How can you encourage others to have faith in Jesus too? Who’s First? We had to leave the house for family pictures at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday. I have a beautiful wife and two gorgeous daughters. Between the three of them, they must have been in the bathroom for hours. Outfits. Hair. Make-up. All the stuff girls do to get ready. My girls are still young enough that they need their mom to do a lot of that for them. She had a busy morning. Would you like to guess what time I got in the shower? If you guessed 10:40 a.m., you’re not right, but you’re not that far off either. Christmas gifts work the same way in our house. My wife’s Christmas list includes me, the girls, our parents, a niece, extended family, work gifts, teacher gifts, and likely a bunch of other people I’m not even aware of. There may have been a few times when the both of us were thanked for giving a gift, and I didn’t even know what it was until it was unwrapped. She does a great job. My list is short. It’s her. Even then, I’ve had some off years. Is that how your family dynamic is when it comes to things like family pictures and Christmas gifts? One person only has to get themselves ready. Easy-peasy. No stress. The other is not just getting everyone else ready, but getting everything for everyone else ready. Invite People To The Party One is for themselves. One is for others. Which perspective do you hold when it comes to your faith and knowing Jesus? There’s a difference between viewing your faith as something that is only your own and something you lovingly want others around you to have. Your relationship with Jesus must be incredibly personal. It will not be judged based on your parents’ beliefs, what your Christian friends believe, or what kind of people you follow on social media. It’s between you and Jesus. But, God calls us to care about more than ourselves when it comes to developing that faith. We have to keep our eyes open for others. We have to help others reach that same faith. The way someone likely helped you do. Jesus tells us to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:16-20). We are told to love and serve others (John 13:34-35 and Mark 10: 43-45). We are told to train up the next generation to know God (Psalm 78:4-6 and Titus 2:4-6). That doesn’t mean we neglect our own faith, but it means we have a bigger perspective on what living out that faith means in the first place. It’s not just for you. It’s for others around you, too. There are plenty of passages throughout the Bible that compare the afterlife in heaven to a massive feast, celebrating with God and His people (Isaiah 25:6-9, Matthew 26:29, Luke 14:15 and Luke 22:29-30). May it be your goal and heart’s desire to not only get to that feast for yourself, but to take as many with you as possible. Check out the whole series “One At A Time” to learn about how to love others the way Jesus did. You can do an in depth study with your Lifegroup, a friend, your spouse or by yourself with the One At A Time Discussion Guides.
One At A Time – The Impact Of Personal Connections
In the midst of the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of the significance of individual connections. We want to equip you, so you are more aware and that doesn’t happen. There’s so much to learn from the timeless compassion of Jesus Christ. He prioritized personal connections one at a time and was never too busy to take time for the one person. His ability to support each person He encountered serves as a powerful example of the impact of genuine human interaction. “Love the lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31 Valuable Lessons From The Life Of Jesus As you look at the Bible and the life of Jesus, here are key takeaways: Cultivating Understanding: Jesus’ willingness to empathize with one person at a time provided opportunity for Him to provide meaningful support and guidance. By taking the time to truly listen and understand the experiences of those around you, you can have genuine empathy and better understand each other. You can build stronger, more meaningful connections, regardless of religious beliefs. You may have people in your life that are difficult to love. Jesus gives you the ability to love beyond what you think you are capable of and expand the limits of what it means to love other people one at a time. The world thinks of compassion as an emotion; Jesus shows that it is a verb. His compassion motivates you to bring hurting people near and give the outcast a place to belong. Valuing Relationships: Despite His busy schedule, Jesus always made time for the one. He valued relationships and took the time to build those. By prioritizing personal connections over superficial interactions, you can value relationships. Being Present: Jesus approached every encounter with undivided attention, ensuring that each person felt seen and heard. By practicing mindfulness and being fully present in your interactions, you can acknowledge the importance of every individual. Pay attention to when someone’s life is unexpectedly interrupted, and be ready to be present and help out. Promoting Selflessness: Jesus’ selflessness and willingness to prioritize the well-being of others exemplify the power of compassionate action. Human nature is to be selfish and think of ourselves first, but when you embrace a selfless mindset and consider the needs of others, you can contribute to a more compassionate society. Changing the world begins with changing your heart. See The Impact By incorporating these principles into your daily life, you will see the impact of focusing on individual connections in a world that often emphasizes mass interactions. Who do you see every day that might feel overlooked or invisible? We challenge you to actively seek out opportunities to notice and spend time with the one. Try it one person at a time and see how God will work in and through you. Jesus had a limited time on earth, but always had time for the one. You can have eyes for the one and to see people the way Jesus did. Jesus had a way of meeting people at key points in their lives and setting them out on a new course. Living with a “one at a time” mentality today means meeting people in these intersections to point them His direction. Explore the One At A Time Teaching Series To Learn More…
How Do You Trust His Plan?
Have you ever thought about this, trust is not something you can be taught, it’s something you have to experience. It wasn’t until I became a parent that I truly started to understand the relationship God wanted to have with me. In my early years of following Jesus, the Bible was a history book to me. It was a great collection of stories about past events that explained our existence and how the world came to be. It also prophesied how it would cease to exist. Furthermore, it was filled with many dos and don’ts, and the idea that God loves us was sprinkled in there as well. I was comfortable with the fact that God was the Creator, the Savior and the King of Kings. What I did not fully understand is that God is my Father. Then It Happened One summer day when my kids were young, we were doing our boring morning routine and getting ready to eat lunch. The kids were restless because the weather was beautiful, and they wanted to enjoy it. I had planned to pack them up and take them to the beach for a fun day of sand and swimming. I did not tell them the plan because, in the past, when I would tell them about our fun plans too early, the hours leading up to leaving were rough. They would get so excited that they would become time-blind and ask every few minutes when we were leaving. They would focus on all the excitement to come and have no focused attention for the tasks at hand, like getting dressed, eating lunch, brushing their teeth, etc. Out of sheer survival and being outnumbered, I learned to withhold exciting news until closer to our departure time. I knew we had a fun day planned, but my kids did not. They all turned on me quickly. They began grumbling and complaining that “we never do anything fun” and our house is “boring.” I will be honest; it was difficult to keep my composure during these unfair and untrue accusations. I said to the grumpy mob of kids, “Would you just trust me? You don’t know it, but I have a good plan for you today! First, I need you to eat your lunch.” As soon as the words left my mouth, I felt it. I just spoke scripture to my children. “For I know the plan I have for you declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” – Jeremiah 29:11 Life Lesson Learned My mind left the room for a few minutes as I took in the words I spoke. This is exactly how God, MY father, feels about me. How often do I grumble, complain, and fail to receive His goodness because I do not know the good plan He has for me? It also occurred to me that I don’t tell my children what is coming because, at their ages, they do not have the capacity to handle knowing things that are too far into the future. In order to both protect them and get the best out of them in the moment, I would give them information on a need-to-know basis. As their mom, I knew that I was bearing the weight and responsibility of what the future held. The planning and readiness were on my shoulders, not theirs. What I needed from them was obedience. I needed them to do what I asked of them and trust that I had a good plan and was capable of carrying it out. What a moment of total clarity! That day, I saw God as my Father. I am His child. I need to trust Him and be obedient. As I parented my own children, I could fully relate to who He is.
How Do You Forgive?
What comes to your mind when you hear the word forgive? That can be a loaded question, right?!? Is forgiveness something that you hope to receive, but you struggle to give? Whether you are a follower of Jesus or not, I would submit that this statement is true. “Not forgiving someone who has wronged you is like drinking poison and hoping that the other person dies.” Think about that for a moment. So often, when we hold on to the anger and bitterness, it just eats away at us. We’ve all had people who have wronged us in our lives. It may have been in the past, or it may be happening right now. Either way, we have a choice. You have a choice. Forgive that person, or let it eat you alive. Forgiveness is NOT EASY! Years ago, Staples had a fun advertising ad where they said they could easily fix all our office needs. Just hit the easy button and Staples will fix it. I so wish it was that way for us and forgiveness. There is a wild little book in the Bible called Hosea. In the book, God called Hosea to take back his wife, “Gomer” (yes, a very odd name for a lady). One problem for Hosea was that his wife had been unfaithful in their marriage. Hosea’s wife, Gomer, had cheated on him not once, but multiple times and was currently with another man. Talk about a tough marriage situation! God asked Hosea to take back his wife to symbolically show his people how He still loves us in spite of us turning our backs on him multiple times. (Hosea 3:1) Hosea boldly went out and took his wife back, and he loved her unconditionally. The people saw this and had an amazing one-sentence reply. “Come, let us return to the Lord.” (Hosea 6:1) So Simple—Return to God So often we humans like to make things so complicated, but it can be very simple. Let’s forgive others and forgive ourselves, and then return to God. Allow him to do his best work in us today. Who do you need to forgive? I encourage you to take a few minutes right now to think about that. Now I encourage you to go to God for comfort and peace. What do you need God to forgive in you? Be honest with yourself. I encourage you to go to God right now and allow him to forgive you immediately. Scripture encourages us so beautifully with this verse, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9) Check out this message on What the Bible Says About Forgiving.
How Do You Follow What God Says To Do?
The ways of the world are certainly different from the ways God says we are to live, aren’t they? I constantly see this pattern displayed in the media, TV shows, commercials, everywhere. It seems like society almost prides itself in complaining about their children, their spouse, their work. If we can’t commiserate together about how “aggravating” or “time-consuming” our family is, what other common ground do we share? Now, we are going to talk about God’s ways. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. – Romans 12:2 In a world that says “kids are so stressful,” God says they’re a blessing. In a world that says “you do you, as long as you’re happy,” God says to serve others before yourself. In a world that screams pride and accomplishments, God calls us to humility and recognize our flaws and desperate need of saving. In a world that thrives on badmouthing your spouse, God asks us to lay down our own life for them. What Are You Going To Build Your Life Upon? While the ways of the world may seem enticing, shiny, popular, and fulfilling… that happiness is only fleeting. Your circumstances can and will change, and building your life upon anything other than the solid foundation of Jesus will inevitably make your home fall apart. When I tell people we homeschool our 4 kids, they often look at me like I’m crazy. It’s almost always followed by the question, “how in the world do you do it?!?” Spoiler alert: I don’t. God does. Something I’m working on every single day is not placing all of my value and worth in what reading level my kids are on or how athletically gifted our kids are (or aren’t). If my children learn one thing in life and one thing alone – That God loves them, and they are HIS – then I can rest in that, feeling accomplished. A relationship with Jesus is and always will be my biggest goal for our children. The world will never satisfy their souls. Being number one on their little league team will never find them eternal peace. Having the most expensive pair of shoes will never cause them to repent of their sins. Making sure they “fit in” and are enrolled in every activity possible will never deepen their relationship with Jesus. There are times and places for sports, clubs, and things of that nature, of course… But prioritizing their spiritual life needs to always be first. Something That Lasts God tells us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.” He tells us to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to His commandments. Not only that, but to “repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.” Deuteronomy 6:5-7 The world says they should be reading at XYZ levels, going to Ivy League school, enrolled in 8,000 sports programs and extra activities, and so much more. God says all we need to do is love him & love others more than ourselves. God’s way wins. Every time. We would love to meet you and share more about what to do to take the next step. We are here to help. Contact us. Learn more about God’s ways and how to follow them, Check out Rooted.
It’s Time To Get Rooted In Your Faith
“This is the first time I’ve been honest with another person about my struggles.” “Before I felt like there were a lot of toxins in my life. I am feeling loved by the Lord and am happier after working through Rooted.” “I used to want to control everything in my life. Rooted has helped me to lean on my faith and surrender it all to God.” These are huge, life changing statements! In Rooted there were people who weren’t sure what they thought about God and hadn’t accepted Jesus when they started. There were also people that were long time Christians who needed to be refocused and recommitted to following Jesus. We had people that were lonely and looking to find community. Rooted changed all of that. It provided a new perspective. What Is Rooted It is hard to explain the journey called Rooted, but here are the key points of what it is: 10 weeks of intentionally serving with, praying with, and growing your relationship with God and the people in your group. Asking questions and receiving answers to BIG questions. Learning how to do the thing that many Christians are afraid or unsure of, which is sharing Jesus with other people. Share what Jesus has done in your life and practice telling your story in a safe environment. “I loved the camaraderie I experienced in Rooted. I loved the diversity of backgrounds, thoughts and opinions, arriving at the same common place and goal.” – Rooted Graduate Some people came to Rooted because they were signed up without their knowledge, some came ready to learn, some, unsure of what it would be and if it would hold any benefit for them. There were even a few people that came because they heard the announcement wrong and thought it was something else entirely! 10 % of the room dropped out over the 10-week period for various reasons. 90% collectively arrived at a place of thanksgiving, gratitude and joy. They had a stronger knowledge of God, who He is and how He speaks to them. This group was able to explore their purpose, why He allows suffering, how and why we pray, serve, and most of all, how very loved we are by our Father in Heaven. Take the plunge, make the commitment. If you are willing to follow the experience for 10 weeks, you will receive a maximum impact in your life. It is the best odds ever! Now is the time to experience real Life Change, Life Growth and Life Purpose! Learn more about Rooted…
FEAR – False Evidence Appearing Real
I was going through some of my old journals and found this acronym, FEAR, that I had gleaned from a bible study. It seems now is a great time to revisit this thought. I feel this accurately defines where much of our fear is coming from in a time such as this. Our society is entering new territory. Most of us have never lived through a pandemic of this magnitude. “Social Distancing” never existed until now. Schools, restaurants, sporting events and concerts are closed and canceled. Disney and Las Vegas are shut down for crying out loud. Paralyzed With Fear This is serious stuff, and it doesn’t just affect our country, this is a worldwide concern. So many uncertainties can paralyze us with fear. The main threat is our health and the health of those we love. Then, a concern that our healthcare system cannot handle the increased strain. And what about the health care providers that are on the front lines? They are courageously doing their jobs for the greater good, all while knowing their risk of exposure and illness is extremely high. The forced shut down across the globe is putting a major strain on the economy. Businesses are not operating. Therefore, they are not producing income to pay employees. Plus, there is a decrease in product manufacturing and distribution and many of these items are needed for survival; medications, food, water, and our beloved toilet paper. It doesn’t take much reflecting to get yourself and your neighbor into a full-blown panic. We are all aware that the media gobbles up opportunities like this, for reasons beyond me, to stir up fear and panic in people. I believe there is more “fake news” available at this very moment than real truth about COVID-19 and the effect it has and will continue to have on our world. Keep Calm So what do we do about it? Go to Facebook! There are enough news articles, funny memes, and ideas for decluttering your home to last you the rest of the year. Although I think this virus has provided some of the funniest memes known to man, however I don’t think this type of content is helping calm our anxious hearts! “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” -1 John 4:18 If you know Jesus, if you believe He paid a high price for your salvation, then you are made perfect in love. It’s really that simple. The word love gets overused in the English language and we forget the powerful impact it has. I mean, I “love” a hot cup of coffee and an early morning walk on a beach, but I don’t think that’s what we are talking about here. Actually, God is love, and Paul tells us exactly what that means in 1Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient and kind. It does not envy or boast. It is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way for it is not self-seeking. Love is not touchy or resentful. It keeps no records of wrongs. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness but rejoices when truth prevails. Love assumes the best in people, love endures, love never fails. When I read this verse I’m both encouraged and convicted. Some of these things I’m doing well. I’m loving others well, just as Jesus has called me to. Yet, other areas need some serious work. Called To Love How about you? As we live in a day to day rhythm right now are you loving others well? Are you being kind? Are you being patient with strained and overworked grocery store employees? What about your energetic, newly homeschooled children? How about your husbands who are secretly fearful about how they will protect and provide for their families? Or your wife who now has a major increase in her workload. She’s feeding children more often on limited supplies, keeping people entertained and healthy, possibly trying to work from home, all while trying not to lose her mind. Are you being arrogant or rude? Do you say “this is not a big deal” because you are a healthy middle-aged person? Have you thought about the mother or child with cancer, the elderly man with COPD, or the teenage girl with cystic fibrosis? Your lack of concern could be life threatening for them. You see, love does not insist on its own way. It is not self-seeking. Let me be totally honest right now. This is no time to be self-seeking. We need to love one another and look out for one another. As followers of Jesus, we have been given an enormous platform and an opportunity to show the world Jesus through our words, attitudes, and actions. We can show the world who Jesus is through our love!
Fasting Is A Way To Grow
Fasting may be a new concept to many, but it is a powerful tool that God gave us to grow in relationship with Him. When we put off a physical need, and we focus our energy on God, we learn to trust Him. It is when we acknowledge that He is the one true source of life that He moves us deeper into a place of dependence. Of course, God designed us to eat food, and he provides the food we need to live. Therefore, fasting is a great way to re-set and re-focus. It’s a way for God to remind us that He will take care of us and sustain us when we rely on Him. I fasted in January with the Elder team and am doing so again right now! When I fast I experience grace to draw closer to God and spend more time in prayer. Of course, it’s a struggle, but that’s the beauty of it. We need God’s grace to sustain us, otherwise we are weak on our own apart from Him. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert to begin His ministry. After 40 days with no food, Jesus was undoubtedly hungry. He experienced the same physical needs as we do. When Jesus was weak, Satan tempted Him to turn the rocks into bread to eat. When we are weak, God can show His strength in us. Read Jesus’ response to Satan: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” – Matthew 4:4 How fitting that Jesus’ answer was directly from the word of God in Deuteronomy 8:3. In this verse, the Israelites were wandering the desert with no food to eat. God provided manna from heaven each day, but only enough for that day. The Israelites had no choice but to trust God for their daily provision and sustenance. When Jesus responded to Satan with this verse, he declared that God is the ultimate source of life. Even if he ate the food that tempted him at that moment, it would not sustain him in the long run. God is our sustainer. The story of Daniel is another great example of God-honoring fasting. He was serving a wicked king, who had taken him captive. “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank.” – Daniel 1:8 Daniel put his dependence on God above his physical need and desire for delicious and filling food. He chose to fast from all food and drink except for water and vegetables. In the next few verses it says, “God gave Daniel favor”, and “Daniel became stronger and healthier than the other men who took all of the king’s food and wine.” Daniel put God before his natural desires, and God blessed him for it. I believe God wants to bless each one of us in the same way. When we choose to humble ourselves before God, rely on Him, and deny certain desires of the flesh, God responds with a breakthrough, answered prayers, and favor! I hope you are encouraged to trust God in this way, and ask Him for help in giving up something ordinary for a time, in order to gain something extraordinary for a lifetime- a closer walk with God!
Rightnow Media Equips You
When I was a little girl, I loved the library. It was one of my favorite places to go. I loved the wealth of information available at my fingertips, the smell of the books, the anticipation of learning something new or discovering a new author. At one point, we lived in a tiny town that didn’t have a library of its own. That was the worst possible scenario to me! One day, to my surprise, a library truck pulled into town and I quickly ascertained that they came once a week. Now I wouldn’t have to be without books, and the access to learning, growing… I still feel that way because I love to learn and discover. That is one of the reasons I am so ecstatic about Rightnow Media. What a wealth of information. It is like the “Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory” of Christian resources. Just about any topic at your fingertips with so many gifted speakers, teachers and authors. Immediate access to incredible conferences. So much love and pursuit of Jesus all in one place. We study, we learn, we receive encouragement and hope as Romans 15:4 tells us, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.” Rightnow Media Is For Everyone There are over 20,000 learning options. It is easy to access, simple to navigate, and a readily available option to engage with friends or family. Our Lifegroups can choose solid curriculum that meets the current needs and interests of the people that attend. All the groups can be studying something different but equally impactful. That is awesome! Age isn’t a factor. Our children, tweens, teens and adults can all find something to engage with. It is for those that are new to faith or born and raised with it. No one is left out. You can access it from any smart device, your phone, notebook, laptop, tv. Parents, how many times do we hand our children our phone to watch something? We put parental controls in place and we hope for the best! There is no need to worry when you use Right Now Media for children’s entertainment. They will be engaged with Christ-centered content geared for them. I have been aware of and have wanted to get Rightnow Media for quite a while. It seemed like a dream to be able to have this resource for our church, like a “someday” possibility. Now, that possibility has become a reality. The “library truck” has rolled into town and isn’t just available weekly but 24 hours a day for each and every one of us. I am ecstatic to offer Rightnow Media to our church community. It is absolutely awesome. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. I hope that everyone will take advantage of this opportunity and use it to get even more equipped to do the great things God has planned for us!
The Haves And The Have-Nots
We have all heard the phrase, “The Haves and the Have-Nots.” While many associate this time of year with gifts, time with family, and time away from work, it is also an unfortunate opportunity to polarize the “Haves” and the “Have-Nots.” Society and the media we consume, allows us to place ourselves into one of these categories. It affects how we value and see ourselves. Every commercial with a big bow on a brand new car can place us in a category. A category of a consumer who can go out today and buy that car in cash, finance it, or struggle to buy gas. There are families happy and thankful to gather on the holidays; meanwhile, there are families battling hardships, feuding, divorce, and loss. Many are able to take time away from their jobs, while some are just grinding away to find employment. These examples aren’t just generalizations. Our community represents all of these situations and everything in between and beyond. There is danger in believing the lies of this world – that you can be categorically placed based on your belongings or status. The dangers are on both sides. When we have the life the world tells us to have, we allow ourselves to build an ego and think that what we have is by our own doing. We set our value on what we have and pursue it beyond all else. How Can The Bible Help How can the book of Philippians help us navigate the abundance of advertisements and financial demands of the commercial Christmas season? Paul tells the church in Philippi about people with pursuits outside of Christ by writing, “Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things” Philippians 3:19 (NIV) We are also then setting our worth on things that can be taken away from us. We can lose our money, family, and jobs by matters out of our control or by our own human and sinful behavior. At that point, we are left defeated, lost, and devalued. The Danger The danger of the other side is clear and real to many of us. We think that because we don’t have the life we see in the media or in our community that we are without blessings and value. There are endless reasons to note why these are dangerous lies to believe. Paul offers encouragement for us who feel like a “Have-Not,” but long to be a “Have.” He writes, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider a loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” Philippians 3:7-8 (NIV) No matter what unattainable earthly thing we chase after, knowing Christ is far greater. A true relationship with Him requires submission of these desires. Paul reminds us that our societal system is broken and should not be used to determine our value, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” Philippians 4:12 (NIV) What Is The Secret? The secret is that Paul was in tune with the system of the “Haves and Have-Nots”. There is no need to condemn the “Haves” for having or bring to light those of us who are lacking. The point is to share Paul’s secret. In Christ, we all “HAVE”. An opportunity: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Phil 1:21; “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead” Phil 3:13. God within us: “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” Phil 2:13. Value: “so that you may become blameless and pure, ‘children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.’ Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky.” Phil 2:15 A home: “But our citizenship is in heaven.” Phil 3:20 Peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7 Strength: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Phil 4:13 What we HAVE cannot be taken away. Learn more about Philippians…
Be A Disciple – Take The Next Step
What is a Disciple? I would define a disciple as someone following Jesus, who helps others to find and follow Jesus. Finding Jesus can be a process and learning to follow Him is part of that, but teaching someone to find and follow Him may seem like another ballgame altogether! We don’t just automatically know what it looks like to live a life of someone who loves Jesus, we need to learn. Thankfully, there are many incredible options available for us at the Village; attending church and learning from the Pastor’s teaching, studying the Bible, the Rooted Experience, serving and joining a Lifegroup. Matthew 28:18-20 calls us to make disciples, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.” How Do You Do It? We typically understand the “what and why”, but the “how” can be tricky. What if we are asked questions, we don’t know the answer to? What if they are offended? We can easily be left feeling unsure, insecure or scared to share, however feeling equipped can make all the difference. Personal Discipleship After you have taken advantage of the opportunities listed above, the next step could be a personal discipleship. I love these words from one of our attenders who just finished her personal discipleship, “I had just ended Rooted; which significantly changed my perspective of God, Jesus, and my life. I wasn’t ready to disconnect from the deep learning Rooted offered, so I reached out for an option to continue learning. One of those options was a one-year personal discipleship with Sarah, one of the Pastors. As I started the discipleship, I was uncertain about what it would entail, but I knew it would be a commitment. Each week I learned so much more about what it means to be a follower of Jesus. Any question I had and real life experiences I was facing, Sarah utilized the study to improve my understanding of who I desired to be as a follower of Jesus and who my identity is in God. In addition, I felt challenged and God made me focus on things I did not want to face. Through this process God helped me learn to forgive myself and begin the process of my new life in Him. The book we used did such a great job at detailing every area of living a Christian life. It explained questions that I did not know I had and frequent questions people have about being a Christian. It empowered me to believe I am adequate to spread the Word of God and provided a way for me to express my daily life differently than the world. This study was a foundation to grow far bigger in God than I ever imagined. Now I know the Holy Spirit is giving me the strength, knowledge, and love to reach others. I cannot express how amazing an opportunity it has been to do this discipleship. I truly believe this is a blessing all people need to experience so they can honestly see the bones of what it looks like to be a follower of Jesus. Leave all the world’s misconceptions of what a follower of Jesus looks like and open one’s eyes to the humbling love of God.” Samantha Tyree What’s Next? Are you a devoted follower of Jesus? Who are you discipling? Are you willing to commit to walking with someone as a mentor and discipler? Or do you feel like you need a personal discipleship as a mentee or disciple? My prayer is that we will have people in each of these groups that will step forward. Imagine the steps we could take for the Kingdom of God with hundreds of followers feeling equipped to share and disciple others. The impact would be exponential!
Be Strong Even When It’s Hard
Have you ever noticed that anything that really matters in life is not easy? Parenting, marriage, relationships…they all take work. There are peaks and valleys and it’s not easy. The fact is, following Jesus can be hard. Our culture is not focused on Jesus even though that is something that really matters. I was recently at an event for Heart for Africa where a man said these words: When we follow Jesus, we don’t do so to make our lives easier. We follow Jesus and he leads us to make our lives matter! The Bible is a great place to find encouragement, especially during those hard times. I love the encouragement we receive from the writer in 1 Corinthians 15: So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (1 Corinthians 15:58 New Living Translation) Now let’s break that verse down so you can apply it to your everyday life: Be STRONG (even when it’s hard) Be IMMOVABLE (don’t move off from what you know is God’s Will) ALWAYS work enthusiastically (your life, your work matters) It’s USEFUL (not useless) when we live our lives for God. Feeling a little down and need a pick me up? Read this verse every day for the next 30 days. Know that God is calling you to make an important step for Him? Read this verse every day for the next 30 days Feeling like you don’t measure up or that God can’t use you? Read this verse every day for the next 30 days. Immerse yourself in that verse for the next 30 days…every day. See what happens and let me know. You matter to God and He wants to encourage you. Your life matters because of Jesus and His love for you and His leadership in you. Be strong and immovable.
What’s The Big Deal?
Pulse Student Ministries held a kickoff event for the 2019-2020 school year and the turnout was incredible – 119 students ranging from 5th graders through seniors in high school. The plan was simple: play games (bags, 9 square, spikeball, etc) and cookout burgers and hot dogs. The night was a success. The students had fun, the leaders had fun, and there seemed to be no problems. As leaders, we left the night excited and energized about the atmosphere, but why did we feel this good? What’s the big deal? What’s the big deal that we got a large turnout of students for some free food and games? That doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, right? WRONG. The atmosphere and community of Sunday night sets the tone for the year. When our students get together and have fun, it sets the heart of the group. Ready to praise, ready to grow, ready to love, ready to serve, and ready to yield. Life Change, Life Growth, Life Purpose When we talk about Life Change, Life Growth, and Life Purpose, it is God who does the work when we allow him to live in and through us. There is no age limit on this. He doesn’t check your ID or ask you to submit your high school diploma. He is actively pursuing our students without hesitation and that is a big deal. In 1 Timothy 4: 12, Paul tells Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” At this point, Timothy was not young as our students are young, but the message rings loud. Our students don’t need to be in worship or engaged in a lesson to live this charge out. As I watched and listened at the Kickoff; it was clear this example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity was set. It wasn’t set in a worship room or with open Bibles (don’t worry, we’ll open them plenty this year), but rather, the example was set over burgers and yard games. That is a big deal. Paul later writes in 2 Timothy 2: 20-21, “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” Allow God To Work We want the students to allow God to work in them and surrender themselves to be “instruments for special purposes”. With that comes the need to cleanse, to step away from what’s common. All we did was provide food and games. The students chose to step away from their “common” to have a little fun and most importantly, cleanse and prepare their hearts to grow. We will be moving into a series over the next four weeks titled, “What’s the BIG deal?” where we will dive into what the big deal is for our students navigating some of this world’s biggest confusions and temptations. For now, a cookout and some games provided much more than a few laughs and a full stomach. And yes, it was a big deal.
A Cheering Section Just For You
Have you ever had someone cheer for you? Have you ever wanted someone to cheer for you, but it just didn’t happen? Here at The Village we feel it’s very important to encourage and love everyone. When it comes to baptism especially, everyone should have a cheering section. Every Thursday The Village has a church service. Something special happened on July 25th, 2019. Mackenzie Eber was baptized! In our worship room we have 4 sections of chairs and the section in front of the baptistry (the tub where baptisms happen) seats about 60 people. Mackenzie’s many friends came to celebrate her life-changing decision to be baptized and filled this entire section! It was so great to see the love and support of her friends and family. On this day, I actually cut my sermon a little short because I could see the excitement in the faces of these students for their friend. They wanted to share in this moment of her committing her life to Jesus. You could not only see their excitement, but you could feel it. Everyone should have their own cheering section for when we make big decisions for Christ. It is definitely a time to celebrate! You Can Have The Opportunity We all get the opportunity to encourage and support others and we are all encouraged ourselves to see God’s work in others. This Bible verse from Hebrews sums it up perfectly, 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 (Hebrews 12:1) We have lots more baptisms scheduled in the coming weeks. If you’ve been thinking about taking this next step, I encourage you to talk to one of the Pastors at The Village. You can also learn more about baptism here, https://www.thevillagechristianchurch.com/about-us/baptism The section in front of the baptistry is now designated for friends and family, but the other 3 sections are also for cheering as well! ?