In the short-term, sanctification can easily be a discouraging process. Sin’s influence in our lives is deeply ingrained and won’t easily be defeated. However, this is where the great hope of the gospel comes into play. Paul tells us in Philippians that God will be faithful to finish the good work he began in us.
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 11
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 10
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 9
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 8
We want the church to be beautiful, but it’s actually broken. We want the church to be full of saints, but it’s full of sinners. We want the church to be the image of a radiant bride, but really we’re just a band of misfits.
But Jesus loves the church like a good husband loves his wife, both at her best and her worst. That is good news.
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 7
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 6
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 5
If you are struggling with doubt, plagued by fear that you aren’t strong enough to really trust God, take courage. You need only pray, “I believe; help my unbelief!” We can confess the weakness of our faith, comforted by our confidence that “God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9).
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 4
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 3
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 2
2016 August Prayer Initiative - Day 1
As our church family begins this prayer adventure together, it's good to reflect on the "pattern" prayer that Jesus gives us in Matthew 6. Jesus' guide for prayer has been the basis of Joe White's sermon series throughout July. The prayer begins with community: “our Father.” And it begins with gospel: “our Father.”
Prayer Initiative - Day 31
Prayer Initiative - Day 30
Prayer Initiative - Day 29
Prayer Initiative - Day 28
As we continue to pray for the needs of our church and for fruitful ministry, may we remember that our prayers, ministry goals and plans are to be rooted in His Word. Personally, and as a congregation, let us continually ask for a deeper love for His truth—that our roots would go down deep and drink from the benefits of the Living Water.
Prayer Initiative - Day 27
Prayer Initiative - Day 26
Prayer Initiative - Day 25
Prayer Initiative - Day 24
Jesus would view all of us through his lens of compassion. We all are like sheep without a shepherd. Millennials need for the Lord of the harvest to raise up laborers to love them, to show hospitality, to mentor them, to learn from them, and to introduce them to the good shepherd. May we all show the love and compassion of Christ for all generations, including the Millennials.