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A powerful way to walk through this Holy Week

Have you ever stopped to think about what this week was like for Jesus? There's an app for that. EasterNow is an app that sends you notifications during the week at the times when significant events from Holy Week were happening. For example, as I write on Monday morning, Jesus is headed back into town towards the temple where he will flip tables and teach people. This app shares those details alongside passages and maps that bring the story into view as we prepare to celebrate his resurrection this weekend. Download it now!

The Lord is always doing more than we can see or grasp in the moment.

As we end our series in Judges, our team is preparing the series that begins April 27 from the book of Ruth: The Lord who has not left us. The book of Ruth tells an incredible story of God's faithful love and it's set during the time of the judges. It's a reminder that the Lord is always doing more than we can see or grasp in the moment. And that should give us HOPE!!

Children bring me a ton of JOY!

That thought culimnated as I watched our Community Kids singing yesterday during the Gathering, but it was something I actually got to experience throughout the weekend. From the group of friends that celebrated Magnolia's birthday with her, to wrestling and playing with my awesome nephews Kolby and Maddox, and even celebrating with my kids about ways they are growing, children bring me a TON of JOY! Thank you Lord for the gift of children!

Feeling the powerful undercurrent of prayer

Have you ever stood in the ocean and felt the pull of the undercurrent? It tugs at your legs and reminds you of how powerful the water can be.

That's how I feel about prayer in the life of Christ Community right now. There's an undercurrent tugging that reminds me of how powerful God is, how powerful our praying together is, and what the Lord might be leading us into.

DJ is leading us to more intentionally prayer during our Sunday gatherings.

Our prayer time in Community Group took extended time as we lifted names and stories of people we're praying will come to faith in Jesus.

People have texted me during times of specific prayer and asked how they can pray for me.

Our Pastor/Elders, feeling a burden to know more intimately God's will for us, have set a specific time just to pray.

I'm reminded of the power of the Living Water that flows from deep within us by faith through His Spirit.. We need you, Lord!

Shepherding a culture of vulnerability

Yesterday, we approached some tough topics, and while tough topics can sometimes have negative effects, they also invite us to be more vulnerable with one another - both about our brokenness and our need for Jesus.

One guy in a group I'm in recently shared a quote from the book we're reading and it poked through the denial and false self we often hold up:

"Hiding sin is burdensome. Manufacturing nonanswers to probing questions gets exhausting. Acting as if you're okay when you're not okay will sap you of your vitality." (LEAD by Paul David Tripp)

Shew. That quote alone led to a time of vulnerable sharing.

It's the same vulnerability I invited us to at the end of yesterday's sermon.

It's the same vulnerability I'm often scared to expose myself.

So how do we shepherd or care for a culture that craves the vulnerability that comes from believing the gospel? 

I'm reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 11:29: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

To be lowly, or gentle, is to care well when others are vulnerable. It's an opportunity we have to embody the gospel for one another.

With Jesus' help, let's shepherd a culture of vulnerability, CCC.

Love y'all!