So, we’re a few weeks into the upheaval that is coronavirus and I’ll admit it: I’m uncomfortable. Part of the discomfort is not just that my day-to-day routine has been disrupted, but that all my inner mechanisms for getting through life have been disrupted.
Read MoreA sacrifice of praise can only be offered in the midst of pain. Once the pain is gone, that sacrifice can’t happen. So, we can actually reframe our current distress as a divine opportunity. There is a special kind of praise we can offer only in this moment and a special connection with God that is achieved only in these times.
Read MoreOn this Easter Sunday we want to wish you and your loved ones a blessed time of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. The word below, from Ashlee Kinsel, is a timely reminder of God's sovereignty during this time of uncertainty.
Read MoreIt doesn’t take long for joy to feel eroded when we watch the news these days. Every headline seems to promote fear, anxiety and worry. We hurry to turn off the hyped dialogue and work even harder to calm ourselves after fear has started working on our faith.
Read MoreWho chooses the desert? Who wants the storms of life to roll in? Likely, none of us. We work hard to avoid actually needing to fully trust God - we’d rather not "go there" in terms of hardship, unknown and very present dependence - aka, the desert. We prefer easier times.
Read MoreMind renewal. Romans 12:2 says it is the key to transformation. But who would have known that the act of trying to think on purpose actually requires so much energy? I’ve probably heard more on this topic over the last few years than anything else, and yet I often find myself still not practicing the principles I’ve learned.
Read MoreIf you're anything like me, you may have sensed a building pressure the past week or so as our world began changing because of the coronavirus. With the roads seemingly empty and grocery stores even emptier, it can be easy to give in to fear or panic.
Read MoreLord, there is no place, no shelter, no distance we can go and not experience You with us. You are lovingly aware of our every move. We invite Your presence into our homes and our hearts. Stretch out Your mighty hands, and revive our souls. Give us eyes to see we stand among the land of plenty. Give us lips to speak aloud with hope and gratitude. Help us digest Your word daily and feed off of Your provision.
Read MoreLord, we pray today for the elderly among us. We bless this generation who came before, and who carry the stories of our past. We honor their service among us: fighting wars, raising families, navigating loss, adapting to ever more rapid changes in our world. They gave their time to our places of work and worship and built the communities in which we live.
Read MoreFather, your way has always been through family! You promise to take the lonely and put them in a family. You are the originator of "framily" - friends that are grafted in like family. For these gifts of relationship we are most grateful. Father, our hearts are tender toward those who live alone and are not near family. May they feel your adoption.
Read MoreAs we invite Your presence to invade our city in an even greater way that is experienced like never before, we are also inviting all of these good things that are within You to envelop us as You envelop us. Peace. Redemption. Restoration. Comfort. Love. Healing. We pray for everyone in San Antonio who has experienced loss during this time, whether that be loss of peace, finances, security, joy or even loved ones.
Read More"God always makes His grace visible in Christ, who includes us as partners of His endless triumph. Through our yielded lives He spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere we go" – 2 Corinthians 2:14 TPT
Read MoreHelp us see our deep interconnectedness and give us boldness to sow generously in one another, wholeheartedly demonstrating our love for You and our love for our business neighbors in these difficult days.
Read MoreJesus, you hold our city of San Antonio, you hold our leaders and you hold us.
You are the One who has gone before us, who is with us now and who will never leave us.
You have gifted us with these leaders for this very season.
So, your gym is closed right now and you’re figuring out other ways to stay in shape on your own. Bravo! While you tone and I eat nachos, I’d like to suggest we both consider a spiritual workout. Because this moment we are in is a divine opportunity to strengthen our inner man.
Read MoreWhen I first began reading the Bible, I was surprised how often scripture mentioned the Israelites forgetting God and the miracles He’d done for them. I found it puzzling that people could so easily lose sight of blessings and provision and miracles.
Read MoreGod is drawing us together, beautifying us, unifying us and moving in every part of our city. He says we are "Held." He has us, together, using Jesus’ own arms to wrap around us. Jesus encircles our city and stands watch over our city hall caring for our leaders. He honors their hearts and he is drawing us together to bless and support them. God is making us one - He cares so deeply about bringing us all together in unity. He will use each of us to bless, care for and bring healing to one another.
Read MoreSo what is God saying to you in the midst of this global Selah moment? Listen for what God whispers to your heart as you listen to the worship song at the end of this post. Share what you hear by encouraging and strengthening one another in the pause.
Read MoreWhatever it is, turn it into your bravest request to God. Do it today. This is your invitation. It doesn’t need to be formal. There are no magic words. If you don’t know the exact prayer yet, simply start there. Ask God to identify your area of need and the bravest prayer for it.
Read MoreI recently experienced some fear about the future. Maybe you can relate? I shared this fear with a dear friend and she offered to pray. As I closed my eyes and bowed my head, she blessed my heart to experience the peace and security that comes from relying upon Jesus. She prayed that I would experience peace that surpasses all understanding. She asked the Lord to reveal his provision and make known His wisdom.
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