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Build Day 15 Building Community

March 4, 2022 by Mary Kathryn Tiller Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Nehemiah 12:27- 13:31
Jeremiah 31
Deuteronomy 31:9-13
John 2:19-21
Revelation 7:9-10

Build, Day 15

Throughout this Journey Theme, we have witnessed Nehemiah, a devoted man of God, courageously leading the Jews through the difficult work of rebuilding Jerusalem following their return from exile. They have encountered significant odds and great opposition, but God protected them and granted them favor.

In today’s portion of Scripture, we gather with the remnant of Israel as they celebrate the completion of the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 12) Can you imagine? After a brilliant procession around the wall, joy-filled songs resound off nearby hills as the people gather to offer sacrifices, praising God for all He’s done.

While the procession, music, and festive clothing were undoubtedly beautiful, one of the most stunning aspects of the Jew’s celebration was the way it honored God. They were not merely celebrating their success and hard work, they were celebrating the incredible, impossible feats the Lord had accomplished through their hands.

We do this, too! Have you ever celebrated your accomplishments while giving glory to God? Of course, we no longer offer animal sacrifices, but we can honor God through our prayer, praise, and parties. Whether we gather as a church family for a night of worship or invite a few friends to celebrate in our home, we can honor God’s sovereignty, grace, and faithfulness by thanking Him publicly for all He has done.

A Bright Beginning
This was a new beginning for the Israelites, another opportunity to live in the presence of the Lord, to be His people, and serve Him well. They were hopeful for the Lord’s restoration and their obedience as they recommitted themselves to the Lord and gathered together to listen to His Law.

Since the time of Moses, God had instructed His people to read the Law aloud regularly, especially during festivals and celebrations. (Deuteronomy 31:9-13) God knew the forgetfulness of the human heart, and He intended this practice to serve as an anchor, lest His people become swept away by the festivities and fall into sin.

Indeed, when the Jews read the Word of God that day, they encountered a forgotten section: the command for no Moabite or Ammonite may worship among them as their hearts would be led away to worship foreign idols. We see them repent and respond immediately, ejecting foreigners from their temple. Their swift action revealed hearts responsive to God.

A Disappointing Ending
After such a beautiful celebration and communal time in God’s Word, it is tempting to imagine the Jews living happily ever after in the presence of the Lord. Instead, chapter 13 opens to a shocking turn of events. After leaving Jerusalem to serve the Persian king, Nehemiah returns to find everything he’d established just a few years before has been upended.

–       The Temple storeroom, once overflowing with tithes of oil, new wine, and grain offerings, had been handed over as a personal “playroom” for Nehemiah’s enemy, Tobiah. (Nehemiah 6:1-2)

–       With the storeroom occupied and nowhere else to bring their tithes, the people stopped giving, leaving the Levites in a lurch. Unable to provide for their families, the Levites were forced to neglect their temple duties and find work in the fields.

–       Not only had the Levites abandoned their duties, but the Jewish merchants had abandoned the Sabbath, spending the holy day conducting business. And business was the least of it: the high priest’s own son had taken a pagan bride!

This is a painful and anti-climatic ending to what should have been a story of celebration and hope. What happened? What are we to glean from such a depressing ending?

The first lesson is this: even when things don’t turn out the way we expect, we can still praise God. Yes, the Jews quickly fell away from their fervent vows of obedience. However, their unfaithfulness does not diminish God’s faithfulness to them. God chooses to accomplish His plans through sinful people knowing we will stumble along the way.

The second lesson is this: even the greatest Bible teachers and the most beautiful churches cannot guarantee devotion to God. Nehemiah was a great leader and a righteous man, who accomplished many remarkable things! Yet, he couldn’t give the people what they needed most. More than a new temple, or a new wall, they needed new hearts.

While the book of Nehemiah leaves us wanting, that desire for redemption leads us to Jesus.

The Coming Kingdom
Some 400 years after Nehemiah, God sent a new Leader to establish a new Kingdom. Jesus. Like Nehemiah, Jesus would hold the Jewish people accountable and accomplish incredible works through the power of God.

While it took the Jews forty-six years to rebuild the temple, Jesus rebuilt it in three days. (John 2:19-21, Zechariah 6:12) Christ’s Kingdom, unlike Nehemiah’s, will be free from sin. In Nehemiah’s day, foreigners were excluded from worship, but in Jesus’ day, people from every nation and tribe will worship God together. (Revelation 7:9-10)

We began our journey with an amazing celebration between God and His people, but it didn’t last long. Thankfully, there is good news. Jesus will return, and when He does, a new era of rejoicing will dawn. Until then, Jesus is building a community of believers from all over the world, including you and me! One day we, too, will gather together and worship God for the incredible, amazing things He built through us . . .  and that celebration will never end.

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Posted in: Faithfulness, God, Hope, Power, Praise, Redemption, Sacrifice, Scripture, Worship Tagged: beginning, build, celebration, Community, Devoted, Nehemiah, protected, rebuilding

Training Day 8 The Necessity of Together

February 2, 2022 by Lesley Crawford 9 Comments

Read His Words Before Ours!

Psalm 122:1-4
Acts 2:42-47
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
2 Corinthians 6:14-18
Hebrews 10:24-25

Training, Day 8

As people entered the community centre, the atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation. Though their faces were masked, I could see the joy in their eyes, and I could hear it in their voices as we greeted one another.

We spent time together, worshipping and hearing God’s Word; then, at the end, people lingered to chat, pray, and enjoy conversation and fellowship.

In many ways it was just a normal Sunday morning, but when you haven’t had a “normal Sunday morning” for seventeen months, you appreciate it so much more! While our church had done a good job of staying connected online during the pandemic, it just wasn’t the same as being together. How grateful we were to finally gather face-to-face.

From the very start, when God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18), it was clear we were not designed to live in isolation, but were created for community and fellowship.

Acts 2:42-47 paints a beautiful picture of this fellowship at its best, describing the early believers spending time together, worshipping and praying, sharing food and possessions. It wasn’t merely something they did, but something to which they devoted themselves (Acts 2:42). This shared fellowship travelled far deeper than simple friendship. They lived their lives together with a shared purpose and “held all things in common.” (Acts 2:44)

Of course, the most important thing they held in common was their faith in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 highlights that true fellowship is only really possible between believers. While we can (and should) have friendships with non-Christians, there is a special bond only found with others who also walk with God for the Spirit Himself binds them together.

In a culture where Christian values are so different from most people around us, it is important we know there are others who stand with us and we encourage one another.

When we consider the description of the believers’ fellowship in Acts, I’m sure it is something we would all desire. Who wouldn’t want to be part of this loving community?

But the truth is that while fellowship can be a joy, there are also times when it feels more like a discipline.

While we have a common faith in Jesus, the church is made up of people who are diverse in every other way. We have different backgrounds and upbringings, different skills and personalities, preferences, and opinions. Additionally, we are all imperfect people who get it wrong at times and don’t always love others as well as we should. Sometimes, Christian fellowship can be a challenge and we may even be tempted to give up on it all together!

It’s interesting to consider Jesus’ example of fellowship. If ever someone could have done it alone, it was Jesus, but one of the first steps He took on beginning His ministry was to call a group of disciples to join Him and work alongside Him. (Matthew 4:18-22) Even though His disciples got it wrong on multiple occasions, often misunderstood each other and the Lord, and sometimes hindered Christ in His work, He still chose to do it with them.

On the night before He went to the cross, He prioritised fellowship with His disciples. He ate with them, taught them, and confided in them, asking them to pray for Him as He wrestled with the task that lay ahead.

He left them with an important reminder that their fellowship would have a lasting impact, not only for themselves, but for others who witnessed it.

“I give you a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)

The Christian life was never meant to be a solitary pursuit. This is shown by the number of times the phrase “one another” is used in the New Testament. This article contains a list. Christ gives instructions we cannot follow unless we are actively living in community with other believers; connecting with others allows us to grow in love, patience, humility, and service.

As Paul writes to the Corinthians, he describes the church like a body made up of many different parts. (1 Corinthians 12:12-26) Each of us has a different part to play, but each part has value and significance. There are two main temptations we fall into when considering our role in the Body of Christ. Either we feel inadequate as we look at others’ strengths, comparing them against our weaknesses, or we look down on others, arrogantly becoming frustrated with those who are very different from us.

Paul warns against both these temptations, reminding us we are meant to be different, we need those who are different from us in order for the body to function correctly, and by working together, using our different gifts, we will more accurately reflect Christ to one another and to those around us.

It is worth persevering in fellowship because when it is done well, the impact is amazing, as evidenced by the believers’ report in Acts, “Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:47)

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Training Week Two! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Posted in: Christ, Community, Faith, Fellowship, God, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Joy, Love, Prayer, Worship Tagged: Devoted, friendship, Necessity, Together, training, Word

Advent Day 13 The Carol of Abraham & Isaac

December 22, 2021 by Sara Cissell Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Genesis 22:1-18
Hebrews 12:1-3
John 19:1-42

Advent, Day 13

Genesis 22 begins with the Lord directing His devoted follower, Abraham, to travel to Mount Moriah and offer Isaac as an offering of worship.
Isaac, the long-awaited son of Abraham’s old age.
Isaac, the miracle child through whom God promised to fulfill His covenant with Abraham.
Isaac, to be the first of Abraham’s descendants more numerous than the stars in the sky.

Isaac, to be bound and laid on an altar, his blood spilled by his father’s hand, his body consumed by flames.

Wait . . . what?

At first glance, this story seems to be nonsensical at best, contradictory to everything we believe about God’s character at worst. But dig in, sisters, because today we’re going to see how our good and loving God used Abraham and Isaac’s story to foreshadow the promise of Jesus’ sacrifice and the redemption it would bring.

Dashing through the snow in a one horse open sleigh . . .

While I don’t know the climate of the region through which Abraham and Isaac traveled to reach the site of their offering, I imagine snow probably did not dot the landscape, certainly not the drifts that come to mind when singing this classic Christmas carol. Singing carols of generations past and new lyrics to celebrate the season is a favorite tradition. Suppose we were to consider the threads of ancient biblical biographies as lines to a Christmas carol that all creation has longed to sing in preparation for the coming King?

It came upon a midnight clear, that glorious song of old…

Upon hearing the Lord’s voice, Abraham responded with immediate obedience.
He ensured that when he arrived at the correct location, he would have everything he needed to do exactly what the Lord had commanded. He had the wood, the fire, the knife, and Isaac. (Genesis 22:3)

When they reached the point of leaving the donkey and servants behind, Abraham put the wood on Isaac’s back and they finished the last distance to the burnt offering site, just the two of them. (Genesis 22:4-6)

Is anyone else catching the foreshadowing to Jesus’ sacrifice for us?
No, they weren’t singing songs of celebration, but a chorus of rescue was being woven by the Lord God just the same.

Abraham knew the burnt offering must be accomplished because the Lord had commanded it. God the Father knew Jesus’ sacrifice must be completed in order for us to have eternal communion with Him.

Isaac carried the wood. (Genesis 22:6)
Jesus carried the cross. (John 19:17)

Joy to the world, the Lord has come…

What went through Abraham’s mind as he bound Isaac? Did he wonder if the Lord would provide a substitutionary sacrifice? Did he start to process how the Lord might resurrect Isaac if no physical ram arrived? Did he believe he was truly saying goodbye to his promised heir and beloved son, Isaac?

No matter the answers to those questions, Abraham still raised the knife in preparation to spill Isaac’s blood as required for a true offering. Abraham trusted the outcome of his obedience to the Lord.

God the Father still allowed Jesus to be crucified. At any moment, He could have called down all the force of heaven to stop Jesus’ crucifixion, in His becoming the offering for our sins, but the Father knew the outcome of Jesus’ obedience and saw that it was for our eternal good. God saw the joy on the other side of the sacrifice: eternity with us.

The manger scene wasn’t the beginning of the Christmas carol. Its chords echo all the way back through the prophets, the kings, and one man’s obedience to worship the Lord by offering his only son.

Do you hear what I hear? 

What must Isaac have been thinking when he asked Abraham where the lamb would come from? Did his trust in his father begin to waver at all as his dad bound him and laid him on the altar?

What sense of relief and exaltation must Abraham have felt when he heard the Lord tell him to stop his raised hand from killing Isaac? Did the bleating of the ram evermore become the sound reminding him of God’s faithfulness?

In the Genesis 22 account, we witness how Isaac trusted his father,
and in turn trusted the Lord.

Jesus trusted God the Father as He willingly allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross.

Isaac was spared by the ram in the bush the Lord provided.
We were spared from the cost of our sins by Jesus, the Lamb crucified.

Indeed,
O come let us adore Him . . .
The One who gave Himself that we might be forever rescued from the weight of our sin.
This is a carol, whose vibrancy has been building since time began.

Go, tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born…

Oh Lord, thank You for loving us with such intentionality and intensity! You knew of the sacrifice Jesus would make centuries after Abraham and Isaac lived. You commanded and documented a parallel story to help us see just how long You have been preparing our salvation.

Jesus, thank You for walking out the story to a completion Isaac never could have. Thank You for becoming the sacrifice that became the payment for our sins.

This Christmas, as the air is filled with Christmas songs new and old, may we embrace the Christmas gift the Lord anticipated giving us from the very beginning: Jesus and eternity with Him.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Advent Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Posted in: God, Jesus, Joy, Obedience, Rescue, Sacrifice, Trust, Worship Tagged: abraham, Advent, celebration, Christmas, Devoted, eternity, Hearing, Isaac, Lord, servant

Worship VIII Day 13 My Victory

March 24, 2021 by Paula Romang Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Ephesians 2:1-10
Colossians 1:15-23
Romans 7:21-8:3
Romans 8:18-39
2 Corinthians 4:7-9

Worship VIII, Day 13

We’ve all heard evangelists preach truth to the lost,
but have you ever preached truth to yourself?

It may sound odd, but it’s a beneficial practice. Reminding ourselves of the truth of Scripture impacts our real, everyday lives.

For example, His great faithfulness is equally true both in times of devoted worship and as we fold laundry. His plans for our hope and future remain, even as we potty-train our toddlers or wait in the car-rider line.

We’re often encouraged in church, yet promptly deflated as we smack headlong into life. Preaching truth to ourselves helps us remain in the confidence of worship and move forward in strength, rather than living in perpetual frustration. Hymns and worship songs provide excellent material for preaching truth to ourselves, and My Victory by Jimmy Needham is no exception.

“Never turning back to the way things were
I’m stronger now than I was before
I hear the sound that freedom brings
It’s ringing loud
Now I am free to lift my eyes
For grace is alive”

The first stanza prompts a glance over our shoulders, recalling life when Christ found us. As I remember from what He’s saved me, I rejoice! My empty life was suddenly infused with the breath of God. What was dead, is now alive!

“You are the hope that broke the dark in me
You are the light that shines when I can’t see
You are, You are, my victory”

Because Jesus is God in human form,
our divine Redeemer,
our death-conquering,
resurrected and ascended King,
He is the only one truly qualified to be our living hope.

Through His death and resurrection, Jesus purchased an all-access pass to the resources we need for a fruitful life in Christ. As believers, we have access to an arsenal of truth, a “truth trifecta,” we can use to fight lies in Jesus’ name. This truth trifecta is Scripture, prayer, and the indwelling Holy Spirit. 

Scripture is our “light when we can’t see,” our battle-sword, and our bedrock of truth. Therefore, Scripture’s words about God’s character, our sinfulness, His grace, and our victory in Christ are absolutely true, regardless of our feelings. Standing upon Scripture is standing upon truth. It is bedrock, especially in the heat of battle.

The Holy Spirit serves as our internal compass and intercessor. Because the Holy Spirit connects us to the same power-source that resurrected Christ, we’re empowered to live fruitful, flourishing lives in enemy territory.

Through the phenomenon of prayer, redeemed humans can enjoy free-flowing communication with God. For example, the psalms illustrate raw, unfiltered conversations with God; the writer is often an open book. Because the astounding privilege of being known and loved by The Ancient of Days is our reality, our deepest heart-cries and most treasured dreams are His immediate concern.

“My weakness Yours, Your mercy mine
My God, You’re not the leaving kind
I sing the song that freedom brings
It’s ringing loud
Now I am free to lift my eyes
My God is alive”

Here, we’re reminded of the paradoxes within Christianity. In our weakness, we are strong. Because we surrender our weakness to Him and in turn, are suffused with His strength. Instead of abandoning us to our sin, He redeems us, bestows riches upon us, and fights for us.

I know this is true, because for years He fought for me, empowering me in my weakness. Preaching Scriptural truth to myself, praying like an open book, and drawing strength from His Spirit sustained me as weighty circumstances threatened to crush me.

My preemie twins needed a skilled, compassionate mother; it was a rewarding yet exhausting and thankless task.

Matthew’s special needs intensified my load and isolation. His medical needs steadily increased, along with his seizures.

My solid (but previously untested) faith was called into action. Throughout our struggles, truth was my ever-present companion, and preaching it to myself, through tears of desperation, became my means of survival. Prayer became my lifeline, often resembling a signal flare launched into the darkness. Truth was my bedrock, prayer sustained me, and the Holy Spirit empowered me to care for my boys well in Jesus’ name.

“In times of trouble
When I’m not able
You are, my God, You are
My chains are broken
Your gates are open
Hallelujah”

How easily we can identify with Needham’s words! A quick scroll on social media screams of a world is in chaos. Covid19, political vitriol, and the “Cancel Culture” exasperate and disorient us.

Yet, He remains our foundation. When Matthew died, I stared numbly into his casket and was engulfed in a swirling fog of grief; yet He shared my burden, lifting my tear-stained face toward eternity and the temporary nature of my affliction.

The truth of Scripture stabilized me throughout my care-giving years and in my grief. For truth remains, no matter the circumstances; what is true in the sunlight is equally true in the pouring rain.

His Spirit gave me steely fortitude in heartbreaking circumstances; His Word and His Spirit spoke of eternity and our blessed hope.  Though we now dwell in enemy territory, building outposts of truth in occupied land, we know how this story ends. Jesus wins! Therefore, “we sing it out, we sing it loud! He is our victory!”

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Worship VIII Week Three! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Here’s a link to all past studies in Worship VIII!

Posted in: Christ, Faithfulness, Freedom, Future, God, Grace, Holy Spirit, Hope, Jesus, Mercy, Redeemed, Scripture, Strength, Worship Tagged: alive, Ascended, breath of God, Devoted, Great, He is, King, preach, rejoice, saved, Truth, victory

Seeds Day 3 Will You Say Yes?

May 8, 2019 by Merry Ohler Leave a Comment

Read His Words Before Ours!

Acts 2:42-47
Acts 4:32-37
Ezekiel 11:19-20
Matthew 5:14-16

Seeds, Day 3

The autumn sky was pitch dark outside my window, but I read my Bible by the light of the lamp as I sipped my coffee. As I turned the page, a question nudged my spirit.

Will you say yes?

I set my coffee cup down on the table beside me. “Yes to what?” I wondered aloud. “What are You asking me to do?” I waited, listening intently, but my question was met with silence so I turned my attention back to the Scriptures I had been reading. My children began to stir, and soon my once quiet time was peppered with squeals and laughter as our morning began with gusto.

A few days passed, but in the middle of the mundane, His quiet question pressed into my spirit again.

Will you say yes?

I took a breath. So this is going to be one of THOSE kinds of conversations, huh? I thought. Okay, I’ll bite. “I don’t understand, Father,” I responded. “I don’t know what You’re asking. How can I give you an answer when I don’t even know what You’re asking me to do?”

Silence again. Go figure, I thought ruefully.

Another week or so went by before He pressed again, as I scrubbed pots and pans in my kitchen sink.

Will you say yes?

Conviction split through my spirit as understanding washed over me. He wasn’t asking me to do something in that very moment. He was asking if I would be obedient when He called on me.

Tears filled my eyes and repentance flooded my heart. Yes, Father. Of course, I will. Forgive me for putting my desire for knowledge and control above your authority. Yes. I will say yes, whatever it is You ask of me.

Have you ever been there, friend? Faced with the realization that your devotion to God was not as deep or all-encompassing as you had thought? Me too.

I think part of the issue is that we don’t understand what it means to really be devoted to something or someone. A quick Google search tells us the word devote is defined as giving all or a large portion of one’s time or resources to something.

Acts 2 tells us the early believers were devoted to four things:

  • the Apostles’ teaching (what we now know as Scripture)
  • to fellowship
  • to the breaking of bread
  • to prayer

Can we say the same, Loves?

If we are forced to take a hard look at our lives and where we consistently choose to invest our most valuable resources, can we truthfully say we give all or a large portion of our time or resources to studying the Word? To fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ? To eating meals together in our homes – with others who are not a part of our nuclear family? To prayer?

Or are we devoted to:

  • our favorite TV show?
  • our social media?
  • our relationships?
  • our career?
  • our self?

Will you receive a little more truth in grace from me today, friend? Do you think maybe one of the reasons the church in America is not seeing the exponential growth we see happening in other countries is because we don’t have our priorities and life rhythms in the right place?

What do you think it would it look like if we made a shift, right now, today?

What would it look like if instead of carving out fifteen minutes during our morning routine, we suddenly, passionately craved studying the Word day and night?
What would happen if we didn’t naturally have that desire, but we prayed and asked God to cultivate it in us?

What would it look like if we began to spend the majority of our time investing in the relationships of our families, yes, but also our other brothers and sisters in Christ? What if we began to open our homes and schedules, and began to pour into those who’ve been adopted into God’s family with us?

What would it look like if we began to share our meals and tables and hearts with others? If we began to organically introduce others to Christ, not through posts on social media or t-shirts with faith-filled sayings, but through the way we actually live and love as representatives of Christ on earth?

What would it look like if we became a people devoted to prayer, to dialoguing with the Trinity without ceasing?

Do you feel that, Love? If you have a personal relationship with Christ, that stirring is the Holy Spirit inside of you. As daughters of God and followers of Jesus, we were made to live this way. Anything less is not His best for us or those around us, and His Spirit within us cries out for more.

If you don’t yet have a personal relationship with Christ, that stirring is from Jesus, calling you to Himself. He longs to fill you and soothe your ragged edges. To replace your world-weariness with peace and your life with purpose. To replace your isolation with belonging.

He’s asking every one of us a question today, Loves. What will you say?

Father, we love You and praise you. Thank you for loving us enough to correct us. Thank You for providing a way for us to be with You always. Foster in us a hunger for Your Word, for time spent in Your presence, for fellowship with other believers. Show us when we are feeding habits that do not align with Your heart for us, and help us to recognize ways we can shift our lifestyles to model those who first followed You. We need a change in our country, in our world. We know that you are the only One Who can bring restoration and healing, and we are all in. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Embracing God’s fullness in our lives is rooted in scripture and memorizing His word is vital to our continued growth and depth with Jesus. Tap and hold from your mobile device to download this week’s verse and make it your phone’s lockscreen!

Thanks for joining us today as we journeyed into Seeds Week One! Don’t miss out on the discussion below – we’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Posted in: Attention, Deep, God, Jesus, Obedience, Scripture, Seeds Tagged: control, Devoted, knowledge, Mundane, Say, Stirring, Will, Yes?, You

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And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14