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First, we have to remember to show ourselves grace. God created us in His image (Genesis 1:27); He did not create us as robots. Sometimes, that means we need to shift, adjust, and create new rhythms.
We see this clearly in the book of Acts through Paul's ministry. Depending on the city and culture he was interacting with, he adjusted his approach. He didn't water down the Gospel by any means, but he partnered with God in his travels and approached each group in a way that would make the most sense to them.
James was a servant of God and of Jesus. His letter is written to the "twelve tribes" that have been scattered. This book is filled with warnings and encouragement, which we still need today. James was reminding the twelve tribes what a life lived out for Jesus would look like — the trials, the suffering, the joy, the glory, the pitfalls, the traps, the sanctification. All of these are things we still encounter today. The context may be different, but our hearts still wrestle with the same doubt and uncertainty as anyone who is under persecution.
There's a moment in the Old Testament that feels strangely familiar today. In 2 Samuel 19, King David returns to his kingdom after a painful season of rebellion led by his son, Absalom. The people who once turned their backs on David suddenly scramble to return to his good side. Some people had regrets, others tried to cover up their disloyalty. A few had stayed faithful the whole time, quietly waiting for the King to return.
I'm not the first mother and probably won't be the last to say that surrendering my trust to God regarding my children is challenging. Between the planning, scheduling, coaching, talks, prayers, snuggles, kissing boo-boos, and all the fun-silly times, it's sobering to loosen my grip and remember my relationship with each of my children can only be measured as a brief reflection of God's intended plan for a whole relationship with each of them, and us.
Have you ever walked into a worship service on a Sunday morning weary from the week that brought you? Laundry --piled high, bills--pouring in. The two-year-old shoved his Hot Wheels car down the toilet. Life feels like an excerpt from Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, and peace feels like a faraway vacation.
Easter has always been a special holiday for many people. As a child, I looked forward to Easter egg hunts, dressing up, enjoying family gatherings, and eating delicious food. However, as I grew older, I came to understand that Easter is about much more than fun traditions. It is significant because of what it represents—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This truth has changed my life and is the reason I celebrate Easter with true joy and purpose.
Deciding to follow Jesus is the most important decision you’ll ever make. At New City Church, our mission is simple: To inspire you to trust in and live like Jesus. You don’t have to figure everything out overnight, but there are some next steps that will help you grow in your faith and experience the fullness of life in Christ.
Throughout history, God has used the unlikely and meek to accomplish significant work for His Kingdom, often when they stepped out in faith or took risks. Women, in particular, have faced many cultural challenges, but biblical stories illustrate how God amplified His strength through their faith and the risks they took, resulting in incredible blessings.
When I was 16 and realized that I had no idea what it meant to follow Jesus but had decided I was all in, I realized that if I could hang around the adults or young adults at the church I was attending, I might have a life of joy and peace as they did. It was an escape, of sorts, from a home without Jesus at the center.
Building abiding rhythms in our lives and setting aside intentional private time with the Lord is a precious and vital part of any relationship with Jesus. As we kick off our new sermon series, “Rise of the Kingdom,” we encourage all to take the time to abide in worship, prayer and the Word and dive deeper each day. A tool you can use as you seek to be in the Word through the daily scripture readings in this series is outlined by the structure of the Lord’s prayer.
