Finding Joy in All Circumstances
In a world filled with uncertainty, challenges, and heartaches, finding joy can be a struggle. Yet, the Bible—particularly the book of Philippians—reminds us that joy is not merely a fleeting emotion. It’s a choice we can hold onto, no matter what life throws our way. In Philippians, Paul encourages believers to find joy even in the midst of adversity. He offers a blueprint for us to follow when we’re struggling to keep our spirits lifted. Joy is a Choice, Not a Feeling Paul’s letter to the Philippians is often referred to as the “Epistle of Joy,” and for good reason. Despite being in prison, separated from his beloved church, Paul’s message was clear: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). His call to rejoice wasn’t based on his circumstances, but on his relationship with God. This is an essential lesson—joy isn’t something we simply wait for or hope will come our way when things go right. Joy is something we choose, something we cultivate even when life feels heavy. Just as Paul found joy despite being imprisoned and persecuted, we too can choose joy by focusing on the goodness of God in our lives. Joy Comes from Trusting God’s Plans In Philippians 1:6, Paul writes, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Even in uncertain times, we can rest assured that God is working behind the scenes. When we feel overwhelmed by life’s struggles, holding on to the promise that God has a plan for us helps us look beyond the present moment. Trusting that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28) brings us peace, which in turn nurtures joy. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect but rather recognizing that we are part of a bigger story. One that ultimately leads to hope and fulfillment in Christ. Joy is Found in Serving Others One of the most profound aspects of Philippians is Paul’s example of joy in serving others. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Sometimes, our joy can be found when we stop looking inward and start looking outward. Serving others, even in small ways, can bring immense joy into our hearts. Helping someone in need or offering a kind word can shift our focus from our problems and remind us of the goodness in the world. Serving others with a heart of love and humility aligns us with God’s will and fills our lives with purpose and joy. Peace Leads to Joy Paul also encourages believers to “do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Anxiety and worry are major joy-stealers, but Paul reminds us that peace comes when we bring our worries to God and trust that He is in control. When we surrender our fears to God and choose to trust in His peace, joy follows. It’s not a superficial happiness, but a deep, abiding joy that comes from knowing we are held in God’s care. The more we allow His peace to rule our hearts, the more we can experience the fullness of joy that only He can give. Joy is Rooted in the Gospel Finally, the ultimate source of our joy is the gospel—the good news that Jesus Christ lived, died, and rose again for our salvation. In Philippians 3:7-8, Paul says, “But whatever were gains to me I now consider 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…” The knowledge of Christ’s love for us, the security of our salvation, and the hope we have in Him is the bedrock of true, lasting joy. No matter how difficult our circumstances may be, the gospel offers a joy that cannot be taken away. As Paul reminds us, knowing Christ is the greatest treasure, one that brings peace and joy in all seasons of life. Holding On to Joy in Every Season So, how do we hold on to joy? By choosing to rejoice, trusting God’s plans, serving others, seeking peace, and remembering the gospel. These practices can transform our perspective, even in the midst of life’s challenges. It’s not about denying our struggles but about choosing joy despite them. As Paul shows us, joy is not about our circumstances; it’s about our focus. When we focus on God, His plans, and His promises, joy becomes a deep well that we can draw from, no matter what we face. Let’s hold on to that joy, knowing that in Christ, we have everything we need. We will be talking through the Biblical meaning of joy and how to achieve it. As a church we will be studying The Joy Challenge by Randy Frazee together. Purchase your copy of The Joy Challenge at the Minooka, Seneca, Coal City or Shorewood Campus for $10 and join a Lifegroup. There are groups meeting in the Minooka, Channahon, Shorewood, Joliet, Morris, Coal City and Seneca communities on different days of the week at different times. If you aren’t local, we even have online lifegroups available!
What Does It Mean To Be A Disciple Of Jesus
Being a disciple of Jesus is a transformative journey, one that calls us to live out our faith in deep, committed ways. A disciple isn’t merely someone who knows about Jesus. Rather, a disciple is someone who follows Jesus in every aspect of life. As believers, we are invited to walk in His footsteps, reflect His love, and embody His teachings. But what exactly does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? Through the lens of Scripture, particularly 1 Peter 1:18-19 and 1 Peter 1:21-23, we can understand more fully the essence of discipleship. Redeemed by the Blood of Christ In 1 Peter 1:18-19, we read a profound statement about the cost of our salvation and the transformative power of Jesus’ sacrifice: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” (1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV) This passage highlights the incredible price Jesus paid for our redemption. The imagery of the “precious blood of Christ” reminds us that our salvation was not bought with mere earthly possessions. But with something far more valuable—Jesus’ own life. Discipleship begins at the cross, where we recognize the immeasurable cost of our redemption. Being a disciple of Jesus means understanding the weight of His sacrifice. Accepting His gift of grace and being forever changed by it. Living in light of this great truth, we know that our lives are no longer our own, but belong to the One who gave Himself for us. Trusting in God’s Plan In the following verses, 1 Peter 1:21-23, the apostle Peter reminds us of the foundation of our faith as believers: “Through Him you believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God. Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:21-23, NIV) Being a disciple of Jesus involves placing our trust in God’s plan of salvation. Jesus’ death and resurrection were not just historical eventst They are the heart of our faith and the basis of our hope. As disciples, we trust in God’s redemptive work through Christ. In doing so, our lives are shaped by this reality. We are called to purify ourselves by obeying the truth. To live in accordance with God’s Word and follow His ways. Discipleship calls us to a life of purity, not because we can earn our salvation, but because we are motivated by gratitude for the grace we have received. Living Out Love and Holiness At the core of discipleship is love—a love that is deeply rooted in God’s love for us. In 1 Peter 1:22, Peter urges believers to “love one another deeply, from the heart.” Discipleship is not about following a set of rules or adhering to a distant moral code. It’s about embodying the love that Christ showed us on the cross and extending that love to others. This love is sincere, not superficial or conditional, but comes from a heart that has been transformed by God’s truth. But love is not the only hallmark of discipleship. In verse 23, Peter writes: “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23, NIV) To be a disciple of Jesus means to be born again, to experience a spiritual renewal that comes through God’s Word. The Scriptures are the living and enduring word of God. It is through them that we grow and mature in our faith. Discipleship is not a one-time event but a continuous process of transformation. As we meditate on God’s Word, apply it to our lives, and allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we are being made into the image of Christ. A Life of Obedience and Holiness The call to discipleship is not a call to a comfortable life. It is a call to obedience, to living a life that reflects the holiness of the One we follow. Peter writes earlier in this chapter, in verses 14-16: “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:14-16, NIV) Being a disciple means rejecting the desires and patterns of the world and embracing the holiness of God. Discipleship calls us to live according to God’s will, even when it is difficult or counter cultural. Conclusion: A Life Transformed by Christ Being a disciple of Jesus means embracing the sacrifice He made for us, trusting in God’s plan, and living out a life of love, holiness, and obedience. It is a life that continually seeks to follow Jesus, not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude for what He has done. As disciples, we are called to be transformed by the Word of God, to love others deeply, and to live lives that reflect the holiness of our Savior. This is the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus—following Him, becoming like Him, and sharing His love with the world. We want to help you on your journey to follow Jesus! Lifegroups are a place to take a break from those busy demands of everyday life. They are a place to build authentic friendships – connect with friends, laugh, and serve together. Hang out with your people, love Jesus and each other and experience community. Find a Lifegroup near you today!
What Happens When You Let God Into Your Marriage?
Marriage is so easy, said nobody ever! Hurting. Thriving. Painful. Great. Disconnected. Committed. So/so. However, you might describe your marriage; I think we can all agree that marriage is a journey! For my husband and me, it’s a ride we’ve considered to be wild… and worth it. Re/Engage is now one of the most significant parts of our marriage story and might be for yours too. A few years ago, we hit a rough patch. On the outside, few, if any, would have known. But God knew. And we knew. We were a little more than a year into attending church and started meeting with Pastor Charlie. He mentioned this “marriage ministry” called Re/Engage. For us, we had started to feel hopeless, to be honest, and figured it couldn’t hurt. Ummm. We were wrong. But in the BEST way! We quickly realized (our first time around, because we are two-time attendees) we were in a small pilot of the program. Initially, we felt intimidated. All of these other couples seemed to have it together, and we didn’t. Each week we met in a large group for a bit, but then spent the majority of our time in our small groups. This small group setting consisted of our leaders and three other couples. I wish I could say we instantly felt comfortable. In some ways we did. Everyone was nice and supportive, but we knew how much was hinging on this experience for us. We felt no one else would get it. By week 3, we started to warm up and share. This is what I mean when I say it was hard. It’s not easy to be honest and truly invest in the process. But each and every group member made us feel so loved. Everyone spoke with compassion, support, and, most of all, hope. We never felt judged and could hardly believe it. Halfway through, we were fortunate enough to feel like we had a “breakthrough.” It was a challenging week at home discussing the short homework, followed up by a vulnerable small group session. But after? Something had shifted. God was working! Was it smooth sailings after that, forever and ever happily ever after? Nope. But did it break down walls to open up healing, hope, and communication? Yes. Very much so. It’s been 2 years since we started our first Re/Engage class. God has been so faithful. We still disagree–and use our tools. Perfectly? Nope, but we try. We still have very different personalities… that we embrace and enjoy about one another. All the time? Sure… haha. Our experience is one we rave about and credit for helping us get to where we are today. No marriage is perfect. But we serve a GOOD God who is FOR marriages! So… why should you consider Re/Engage for your marriage? Maybe things feel hopeless or like you don’t even care anymore? There’s always hope. God is calling you. You can find support, tools, and more. You aren’t alone! Maybe things are so/so? God wants more for you! Re/Engage teaches you REAL tools you can USE that change things. It can be fun and good again! Maybe things are great? Awesome! Find community in deepening your connection with God and each other. Again, you are not alone! We promise. God has you, and we do too. Accept this invitation to Re/Engage and see how God will work in your marriage! Sign Up For Re/Engage or Learn More
New Year’s Resolutions: Embracing the New Life in Christ
As the new year begins, many of us are reflecting on the past year and making resolutions for the one ahead. Whether it’s a goal to get healthier, be more organized, or learn something new. New Year’s resolutions are an opportunity to start fresh and make positive changes. But as believers in Christ, we have an even deeper, more transformative resolution available to us. One that isn’t based on self-effort or temporary changes, but on the radical, life-changing power of God’s love. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun.” This scripture reminds us that, as followers of Jesus, we are not just setting goals to improve our outward behaviors or achieve personal success. We are, in fact, called to experience a complete transformation—a new identity in Christ. A New Year, A New You When Paul speaks of becoming a “new person,” he’s not referring to a mere makeover or surface-level change. He’s talking about a radical transformation that goes to the very core of who we are. In Christ, we are no longer defined by our past mistakes, our old patterns of sin, or our former selves. That “old life” that once governed our actions, thoughts, and desires has been replaced by a new life rooted in Christ’s grace and power. This truth offers us a profound sense of freedom and hope as we enter a new year. It means no matter what mistakes or failures we may have experienced in the past, we have the opportunity to leave behind the old and walk forward in the new life that Christ offers. Embracing the Power of the New Life Now as you think about your resolutions for the year ahead, consider this: What would it look like to make your relationship with Christ the foundation of all your goals? Instead of simply resolving to change your habits or circumstances, why not resolve to embrace the new life God has already given you through Jesus? Here are a few ways you can live out this “new life” in 2025: 1. Live with a New Identity One of the most powerful truths of the Christian faith is that, in Christ, you are a new creation. Your worth is not based on what you do or don’t do, but on who you are in Christ. As you step into the new year, remind yourself that you are loved, accepted, and deeply valued by God. Let this identity shape the way you view yourself, others, and the world around you. 2. Leave Behind the Old and Step Into the New The past year might have been filled with regrets, failures, or moments of weakness. But in Christ, your past does not define you. Take time to reflect on areas where you need healing, forgiveness, or transformation, and then surrender those things to God. Trust that He is making all things new—including you—and step boldly into the new life He’s calling you to. 3. Live with a Purpose God has a unique purpose for your life. This year, seek to align your goals and resolutions with God’s will. Ask Him to guide your decisions, reveal your gifts, and open doors that lead you closer to fulfilling His plan for you. Instead of pursuing goals for personal achievement alone, let your resolutions reflect your desire to glorify God and serve others. 4. Pursue Holiness, Not Perfection Living a “new life” in Christ doesn’t mean we’ll be perfect—it means we are being transformed by His grace, day by day. This year, commit to growing in holiness by spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and engaging with your church community. Celebrate the progress you make, knowing that God is working in you and through you. 5. Extend Grace to Yourself and Others As you strive for growth and change, remember that God’s grace covers every shortcoming. When you stumble or fall short of your resolutions, don’t be discouraged. Instead, remember that you are a work in progress, and that God is faithful to complete the good work He began in you (Philippians 1:6). Extend that same grace to those around you, and be patient as you continue to grow in Christ. A New Year, a New Beginning in Christ As we enter 2025, let’s remember that the most powerful resolution we can make is not one focused on external changes, but one centered on the new life we have in Christ. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has made us new creations—able to live with purpose, joy, and hope. Let this be the year that you embrace the full reality of who you are in Christ. Don’t just resolve to change your habits; resolve to allow God to transform your heart. The old life is gone; the new has come! Let’s walk forward in this truth together, supporting one another as we grow into the people God has called us to be. Happy New Year—and may it be filled with new life in Christ! Join a Lifegroup and find friends that will encourage you as you grow in your new life! Get more information
Navigating Life’s Storms: Your Personal Guide to Hope
What would you give to have a guide to navigate life’s storms? Let’s be real. Life can feel like you’re constantly riding a roller coaster of emotions, expectations, and uncertainty. One moment you’re crushing your goals, and the next, you’re wondering if you’re even on the right track. Between career pressures, social dynamics, personal challenges, and future worries, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. “You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope.” – Psalm 119:114 (NLT) This ancient piece of wisdom offers something powerful: a perspective that goes beyond temporary struggles. When it talks about finding a “refuge,” it’s not suggesting you hide from life’s challenges. Instead, it’s about finding a source of strength in God that keeps you grounded when everything else feels chaotic. Imagine having a personal GPS for life’s most complicated moments—a navigation system that doesn’t just show you the route, but provides emotional and mental support along the way. A personal guide through life’s storms. That’s what this concept of refuge represents. It’s about discovering a resilience through God that doesn’t depend on everything going according to your plan. Understanding Your Personal Refuge Think of a refuge as more than just a physical safe space. It’s a mental and emotional sanctuary—a place of clarity, peace, and renewed energy. In practical terms, this means developing strategies that help you maintain perspective, process challenges, and continually grow by cultivating a relationship with God through prayer. Life isn’t about avoiding difficulties; it’s about building the strength and endurance to navigate them effectively. Each challenge is an opportunity to develop resilience, gain wisdom, and understand yourself better as God leads you to your purpose. Three Strategic Approaches to Finding Your Hope First: Develop a Growth Mindset Your current situation is not your final destination. Every setback, every challenging moment is potential fuel for development. Start viewing obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth. “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6 This means: Embracing challenges instead of avoiding them Seeing failures as valuable feedback, not personal judgments Continuously learning and adapting Believing in God’s capacity to help you improve and evolve When you adopt this perspective, you transform from being a passive recipient of life’s circumstances to allowing God to be an active architect of your personal journey. Next: Create Your Personal Wisdom Collection Start collecting insights that resonate with you. This isn’t about blindly following advice, but curating a personal toolkit of perspectives that help you navigate life’s complexities. Consider: Keeping a journal to track your thoughts and the personal growth you have observed from allowing God to work in your life Saving quotes, Bible passages, or podcast insights that inspire you Following Biblical leaders and mentors who challenge and expand your thinking Regularly reflecting on your experiences and extracting meaningful lessons Your personal wisdom collection becomes a roadmap, helping you make sense of complex emotions and situations. Last: Build a Supportive Network You are not meant to face life’s challenges alone. Surrounding yourself with the right people can dramatically transform your ability to handle stress and maintain hope. “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” – Proverbs 13: 20 This means: Cultivating relationships with people who encourage your growth and faith Setting healthy boundaries with relationships that drain your energy Seeking mentors who can provide guidance and perspective Being willing to be vulnerable and ask for help when needed A strong support network acts like a safety net, catching you during difficult moments and helping you bounce back stronger. Find a Lifegroup – your people that will encourage you and help lift you up in challenging times. Your Invitation to Hope Hope isn’t about pretending everything is perfect. It’s about maintaining a trust in God of possibility and potential, even when external circumstances feel challenging. “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Philippians 4:11 Your journey is unique. Your challenges are real. But so is God’s promise to help you to rise, learn, and become stronger with each experience. Stay curious. Stay hopeful. Keep growing. Life’s storms are not going to leave you stranded when you have a place of refuge in God.
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 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.
Mind Your Own Business
Mind your own business! Anyone ever tell you this? Or maybe it’s something you have said out loud, or thought in your head? Any way you slice it, it doesn’t come off very gracious. But sometimes when we get sidetracked from “what we are doing” because someone else has stepped in our way or questions our plan, this phrase could easily flow off our tongue. What’s complicated is when that someone is God. Although it should be tougher to tell Him to mind His own business, I bet there are times we all have. We create a plan for our life and chart a map of our future, or at least what we hope our future will look like. But when our plotted course sets sail in a direction never purposed by God and all our striving hits roadblock after roadblock, are we able to shift our mindset and be open to a path we didn’t expect to be on? What if we paused, laid it before God and asked for His wisdom? What keeps us from letting go of “our” way and more readily walk in His? Proverbs 3: 5-6 encourages us to lean on Him: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. (NIV) Submitting all our ways to Him, doesn’t mean we can’t have input. God allows us to try things, to enjoy new experiences, and even helps us endure hard seasons. But, if we keep going day by day, feeding our own desires, never asking God what He has for us—we are going to miss the best parts. We all have beautiful gifts and abilities from God. I don’t want to waste them, do you? As followers of Christ, He is the only navigator we need. We can trust His leading even when we can’t see the entire path ahead of us. In scripture, we learn that our ways and thoughts don’t always line up with His: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV) At your next planning meeting (with yourself), try a fresh approach. Invite the Lord to sit at your table and ask Him for wisdom as you formulate your thoughts. Seek His guidance for any perimeters He may set for you. And most importantly, allow Him full access to “your business.” It will mean putting God in the driver’s seat and you rejoicing as a passenger. As you release control you will gain so much more. You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)
How To Improve Your Relationships
Taking The First Step To Improve Your Relationships As an adult, I took a step and began attending a bible teaching church. Now, I not only believe in God, but desire to know Him personally. He drew me to scripture, Bible study, and yes, even stirred an appetite to never miss church services. My relationship with Jesus continues to be more and more important to me. The more I learn, the more I want to learn. The empty place in my soul is now overflowing with His amazing grace! He put the offer on the table, and I seized it. Will you? I almost forgot the best part—it was free. Now, we know not every relationship lasts forever. Some end because of distance or a change in interests. There is a portion we lose because of arguments, betrayals, or misunderstandings. Even though some end, each shaped something in your life. Relationships are at the forefront of our lives and it takes work to improve your relationships. Whether it be our family, friend circle, church family, or a ministry in which we serve, each one of these relationships has meaning and purpose. We value these connections and, therefore, nurture them. We take time to grow closer and share in each other’s joys and sorrows. They aren’t always easy, but when watered with honesty, love, time, and commitment, they bloom into beautiful blessings. “and let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds,” – Hebrews 10:24 You Were Created For Relationship Did you know you were created for relationship? Not just with other people, but with your Creator Himself. Wow! Talk about a valuable friendship. I can’t think of any other relationship that could top the one God offers. It might be difficult to believe He is interested in us, but He is. After all, God orchestrated a perfect plan, that we might know Him for eternity. We don’t always realize this offer is on the table, do we? Growing up, I thought going to church was a chore. I treated it as something I had to do because my parents told me to. I kept going week after week because of expectations or half-explained traditions. Furthermore, I never gave a thought to “who” might wait for my presence in that big brick building with stained-glass windows. It wasn’t a place of relationship for me, but a place of obligation. Sounds terribly sad, doesn’t it? So many years wasted when I could have had so much more. But God saw me. “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” – Zephaniah 3:17 Ask yourself, is there something within you longing for something greater? Is your soul nearing empty? God places the same offer before you. Will you take it? Walk into a genuine relationship with Him. You will find what you’ve been seeking, receive all that you need, and begin a journey of a lifetime. He sees you too. “And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:13 Do You Need Encouragement? We all need encouragement. One way to experience encouragement is to connect with others. Weare here for you. You are not alone. Join a Lifegroup and surround yourself with people who will lift you up and encourage your relationship with God Let Us Pray For You Talk To A Pastor
When It’s Hard To Trust God’s Plan
Trusting God’s Plan Whether you are the type of person who goes through life with a solid plan (and backup plan) or you fly by the seat of your pants, most of us would agree that sometimes life throws you a curveball. You have probably encountered something unexpected that seemingly tossed you off course. Perhaps it was a shifting relationship, a job loss, a health scare, or something else that left you feeling lost and uncertain. Have you found it hard to trust God’s plan? Do you find yourself questioning God? What if I told you that God welcomes your questions. When we encounter the unexpected, we often perceive it as a barrier. But in that, we are forgetting the greatness of God and His plans. Fortunately, nothing can disrupt God’s plan for us! If He establishes a barrier, He wants us to pivot. He is not keeping us from our purpose, He is ensuring it. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” But in the pridefulness of life, we forget to trust Him wholly. Fortunately, God is not afraid of you or your questions. He welcomes them when we allow them to bring us into a closer relationship with Him. His desire is for a close and personal relationship with every one of us. He knows that through our questions we can seek Him, find Him, and discover His plans for us. Purpose of Waiting Sometimes we grow anxious and weary as we await His great reveal. However, this waiting season is purposeful. It is preparation and, as followers, we benefit from using it wisely by growing our relationship with Christ and remaining obedient. Scripture promises us that. He is growing, pushing, and preparing you because Psalm 139:14 tells us we are, “fearfully and wonderfully made.” His plan for you is a special journey meant only for you. You will be called upon to carry out tasks that others are not equipped to do. He Understands While our journeys will be unique to each of us, we know they will be filled with triumphs and hardships alike. Changes to our plans can leave us feeling devastated and lost. But we can find rest and comfort in knowing our Christ the Lord lived as a man. He understands our struggles and not once has said this would be easy. What He wants are our obedience and trust. He is asking us to submit to His plan and carry out his work. We are truly doing the Lord’s work in obeying and trusting His plan. If you find yourself struggling, remember to seek a relationship with Him daily, especially when you are questioning Him. Remember that He isn’t afraid of your questions. He knows His plan for you is a great one. Spend time with Him in prayer. Read the Word. And take time to listen and look at what He is saying to you. Psalm 40:1 says: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.” If you invest in your relationship with him, you are certain to see His faithfulness. The Village also offers opportunities to help you in your walk with Christ. In addition to Sunday messages, we encourage you to Serve Experience Rooted Join a Lifegroup