God's in Pursuit
What is our only hope in life and death?
That's the first question in a set of questions in the New City Catechism. The answer? That we are not our own, but belong, body and soul, both in life and death, to God and to our Savior Jesus Christ.
This question and it's answer were glowing in my heart and mind as I walked with people in my life experiencing the thrill of new life and the sting of death in the same hours.
So whatever today, Monday, June 16, has brought into your existence, be reminded that your only hope is that you belong to a God who loves you. He is the Good, good Father we sang about yesterday.
Guys who get it! Join them!
I've been so encouraged to hear about the growing number of guys serving and investing in Community Kids! I asked if we could get them in a picture (See above) and we gave it our best shot! These are guys who get it. And I'm told there's 5 more! I'm grateful for these guys who get not only get being a dad, but being spiritual parents, too.
With yesterday's news of a growing preschool area, we need more of you! (At least 12 to be exact!) So, guys, contact krysta@loveshelbyville.com and join the Community Kids team!
It's fun to see leaders of all ages growing and taking shape!
Hearing from Josiah and McKenna was awesome! I loved praying as Daniel led us. I'm hearing about graduating 5th graders handing off leadership responsibilities to rising 4th graders. Katie has led us from Loving Shelbyville to sending people all over the globe. The EDGE band started practice this past week. Kenny is talking to Community Group leaders who are making preparations for fall.
It's really fun to see leaders of all ages growing and taking shape!
And if you're tempted to think that the changes you're making in your life don't matter as you move towards your purpose in God's kingdom, show up this weekend!
Juniper Hills is next week!
Speaking of next weekend, JUNIPER HILLS! I love this night of the summer! Get the details here
Even if you're not getting in the water, it's a great chance to hang out with your church family or invite someone you've been looking to invite into your life.
How God pursues us in our shame
I shared a story at the beginning of yesterday's sermon that still stirs up a lot of shame in me. I wrestled with it several times over the course of the afternoon.
This morning, I opened to Genesis 32 and God reminded me of how he pursues us in our shame. Jacob was afraid to face Esau - that's what shame does. It makes us want to hide our face. (Remember the Garden?) Jacob first sends tons of livestock ahead of him as a gift. Then, in the night, he sends his family away and he's left alone in the camp with his shame. And God shows up in the form of a man to wrestle with him. After a night of wrestling, he blesses Jacob, changes his name to Israel, and it says the sun shone on him. In Genesis 33:1 it says that Jacob looked up to see Esau. He regained the courage to face Esau because God had pursued him and wrestled with him in his shame.
Y'all. I'm so grateful that God is in pursuit of us.
Wrestle with him this week. And then realize he's a rock worth falling on..
Someone shared this song with me after yesterday's sermon..
This was a new song and artist for me, but it clearly comes straight from the passage we studied together yesterday. Give it a listen!
