The people of Northgate have always craved a multi-generational community. It's in our DNA. It's written into our vision. And for the most part, we've got it! Pop in to any worship service or event at Northgate and you'll note the diverse range of ages. Groups, serving teams, coffee meet-ups, classes, and friend groups in our church benefit big-time from this intergenerational emphasis. And yet, with this incredible mix, we have noticed one group that is notably underrepresented: young adults. According to a study of 10,000 Gen Z (also knows as Zoomers), 68% consider themselves religious, and 77% consider themselves spiritual. However, the number of them who regularly attend any religious services is at an all-time low, and many Gen Z have little exposure to religion, Jesus, or the Bible. Those are dangerous numbers. Let's look a little closer at what's happening... Religious Affiliation One-third of Gen Z individuals identify as having no religious affiliation at all. Church Attendance Less than one-third of Gen Z individuals attend church even once a month. Stress and Mental Health More than 9 in 10 Gen Z adults report regularly experiencing at least one physical or emotional symptom due to stress. 6 in 10 Gen Z individuals say they are depressed. More than 5 in 10 Gen Z individuals say they lack the interest, motivation, or energy to do daily required tasks. Young adults are twice as likely as other Americans to battle depression and feelings of hopelessness. They're three times as likely to say their challenges are so severe that they might be better off dead, representing nearly a quarter of the young adult population. The statistics are sobering. Gen Z, the youngest of whom are approaching adulthood now, faces immense challenges — from stress and depression to feelings of hopelessness. Yet, amidst this darkness, our young adults shine as beacons of hope. They are the reason we must act, the reason we cannot remain passive. And so it was earlier this year, that our hearts were stirred with a vision for a thriving young adult community here at Northgate. We dreamed of a full-time young adult pastor who could ignite passion, purpose, and faith in the souls of our youth and the changing demographic in the neighborhood around us. Little did we know, God had already set in motion the path to fulfill this vision. Like pieces of a puzzle falling into place — we practically tripped over the perfect fit for our young adult pastor! She's a remarkable, entrepreneurial, Spirit-filled young leader, who is ready and willing to champion our cause. So, we have a solution within reach! God has already led us to the right person. But here’s the truth: it's going to require something from all of us , too. It’s a collective effort, a shared commitment to invest in the next generation. Here's what we're asking: For those not yet giving regularly, consider this your call to action. Start by giving something -- every little bit helps! You can even sign up for automatic giving online. For those not yet tithing, we would encourage you to take that step of faith; it’s a transformative journey that can help you break any hold that money has over your life as well as help fund so many life giving programs and the community support Northgate provides. And for those already blessed, consider increasing your generosity. The sooner we act, the sooner our young adult pastor can start her impactful work. She’s not just remarkable; she’s a dynamo of faith and passion. We can’t wait for you to meet her and witness the incredible journey ahead. Together, let’s embrace the power of generosity. Let’s invest in our future, in the hearts and souls of the next generation. The time is now, and the opportunity is ours. Join us in this exciting next chapter of growth, faith, and transformation at Northgate. "...to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

It’s been a “funny” couple of months. And when I say funny I don't necessarily mean "haha" funny. More like weird-funny. The year started pretty well, then got a little interesting when I picked up pink eye in both eyes. Not a big deal. Lots of people get it. It's usually just a major inconvenience. Well, major inconvenience was a nice way to describe this pink eye bout. It would not clear up or improve and I had to go on two rounds of antibiotics over the course of a couple weeks! I spent a lot of time at home. I wasn't contagious, but I wasn't up for being out and about with the beady, little red eyes I was sporting. So I enjoyed the pared down social life and spent time crocheting, enjoying some solitude, and time with the Lord. It was really nice. I was content to sit quietly and enjoy His peace. However, I spent so much time crocheting and being peaceful that my back stiffened up and I threw it out somehow. I still managed to get to meetings and to church but no sooner was I able to get back to normal life, then I was forced to slow down again. And the only position I was truly comfortable to be in was flat on my back. It was not only painful but a total bummer because, as you can imagine, it's very hard to crochet laying down... just sayin' . Understanding that this wasn't a major health crisis, though certainly not fun, I began thinking and wondering “ what is God showing me right now and what is He saying to me?" . So I began asking Him. And do you know what He said? Nothing . Like, really nothing. I heard “crickets” as the saying goes. I realize this doesn't really make for interesting reading up to this point but stay with me... After about a week I was feeling much better and back to normal life, when I notice a little bump in my hairline. Within about six hours, I notice another one. I thought “how strange” and my hubby offered, " maybe something bit you" . Then a troubling thought entered my mind, “could it be shingles”? The answer is "yes," it could be. And it was shingles. I got in right away to see a doctor and started on medication immediately. I will spare you all the not-so-interesting details about how things went with the shingles virus, except to share that the biggest concern and challenge was that the nerve band affected had my right eye in its path. The pain and blisters continued to pop up around my right eye but gratefully I never got a blister on my eye, which could have been dangerous. So once again, I was back at home with lots of balls of yarn and zero plans to go anywhere. I began to resume my question, "Lord, what do you want to say to me or show me right now?" I didn't hear anything audible or even receive words or thoughts but I continued to feel peace, warmth and the sense that I needed to be still and quiet. So that's exactly what I did. Collectively, it had been about 6 or 7 seven weeks of quiet time with God. My shingles had cleared, my back was much better, and my eyes were white again. Understanding I was likely on the other side of this “streak", I found myself at a good place to pause and look back on it all. There was no giant download or big ‘AHA moment”, (as Oprah used to say in the 90’s) , but I wanted to reflect back on that time and give it my best hindsight analysis. Here is what I realized... That season was a much needed side-by-side time with God. There was no major activity that took place or long conversation that unveiled a mysterious truth about who I am to Him or who I am for others. So to many of you it might sound really boring and uneventful. You may even be thinking “why am I still reading this and why does this matter?” But bear with me a little longer. I think it's possible that for men, this kind of side by side time together feels more natural. Ladies, I think we may tend to want to sit quietly with “others," even the Lord, so long as it's somewhat productive and something has been accomplished, learned, or gained at the end of it. Guys are more likely to accept it for what it is and not pressure themselves to produce, but rather just be there, in the moment. But being a woman, it's tough for me to just sit without expectations--I want to produce. Not this time though! I sat quietly and obediently, often with long periods of nothingness. Or so it seemed. And why does this matter? Because sitting side-by-side with the Lord is precisely what He calls us to! The verse Psalm 46:10 “Be still and know I am God'' comes to mind. God loves it when we still ourselves and fully consider who He is. Or another of my favorite verses, James 4:8 “ Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. During that quiet time of intentionally drawing near to God, I often looked out my windows and looked at God's creation. I always admire his handy work and marvel at all the ways that all the creatures and creation are so different, and yet the same. We are all absolutely dependent on God and one another. Another activity I engaged in during this time was watching the cars drive up and down my street, wondering where they were going and what they were doing. Who are they? What are their lives like? What joys and challenges are they facing? Before you label me a nosy-neighbor, know that I thought those things without judgment. It was with interest and intrigue at all the different lives around me and the dynamics within them. "Do they know God loves them?" was a question that came to mind often. I had no interest in thinking about who I was or the meaning of my life. I just sat side by side with the Lord and enjoyed who He is and thought about His kingdom here on earth. It made me remember that my street is part of the kingdom. My backyard is part of the kingdom. My grocery store. The Caribou I frequent. And, of course nobody had to tell me what I already knew, that even Home Goods (my absolute favorite) is in fact the Promised Land, and definitely part of the kingdom! But it isn't the stuff we get from those places that matters, is it? Just like God did with me, so He wants to do with you, and with all those people in all those places. He wants you, me and them to “be still and know He is God .” He wants us to stop and “draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us”. He loves to have side-by-side time with us, where we just dwell with Him, abide in Him and simply be with Him -- no agenda, no "what’s going to be my big takeaway". It's better than that! It's bigger than that! Its presence with the Lord, and you cannot be the same after knowing and experiencing it. Now to clarify, since this experience, I in no way feel that I can climb tall buildings in a single bound. And I certainly don't feel more powerful than a locomotive, like Superman. I feel absolutely the same as I did, albeit a bit more rested. What is different goes far beyond feelings. The shift that took place was in “the knowing." Knowing is 1000 times better than feeling. I no longer need to “feel” God's presence to “know” He is present. What I have come to know, in a way that I will never be able to un-know, is that God is at my side and He loves it there! That's not a small thing, it's huge. Most of us, including myself, often don't feel worthy of God's love, let alone to sit in His presence. Anytime that I want, I can do just as James suggested in James 4:8 I can “ draw near to Him and He will draw near to me”. I have noticed that I can come to that place of stillness so quickly now and know that I am in the presence of God. No sunset required. No cathedral with stained glass as the backdrop. No powerful worship song invoking my natural instinct to stop and praise Him. Those things are great and I have felt God's presence in those kinds of situations, but this is different. It's so much better than that -- it is wherever I am, He is too. He does go before me, as it says in Deuteronomy 31:8, but he also loves to sit side-by-side in the “no places” and the “no where's" of life. So, I’m encouraging you: the next time you’ve been taken out of the game, so to speak, do your best to not fret about it. Instead, try asking God "what should we do today?" Chances are He would love some side-by-side time with you. Stay there! Resist the temptation to move on too quickly. Ask Him what He wants to show you, then wait. It might take weeks, potentially. Maybe even months. And while I certainly don't wish a string of little ailments to accompany you, the reality is, that's life. Chances are you're in the midst of all sorts of things, and maybe far worse than what I have just experienced. It may even leave you to wonder where He is and when He will free you from this place you're in. That may make what I’m about to say may sound cliche, but its true. And here it is… God is with you. And the biblical call over your life is to “be still and know that He is God.” “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” . It's really not harder than that. Oh yeah, and that deep question we all struggle with, “ who am I?” That's not hard either, "I am a child of God! " With that simple truth, known beyond all feelings and doubt, that question can be laid to rest leaving you and me with so many other more useful questions to ask. Questions like “how can I be of help?” or “how can I be useful in this situation?” Those are the questions that make sense to ask when you just know that God goes before you, and behind you, and is always at your side. As I wrap this up, in my imagination I’m picturing God sitting next me. He’s looking over at me while patting my knee with his hand. He has a smile on His face and he says “you got it kid. ” He rises slowly and kisses the top of my head. There is nothing sweeter, there is nothing more full or more peaceful than being with Him, and never in my life have I been less worried about how it all makes me feel. I know the presence of God, and it's so good. I'm praying that you, and so many more, will experience the same when your season of stillness begins.

Northgate families have pulled together this season to make some really amazing changes happen around our church with the "IT'S TIME" campaign. We've transformed the worship center, upgraded the lobby, and made several connections to the community. We're grateful to see God moving in so many exciting changes. Executive Pastor, Shannon Hepner, reflected on one such change last week: ... The unexpected happened. I cried when I looked at this carpet for the last time. For those who know me, that does not happen easily. Maybe you're like me, with a tendency to focus on the future and the "what's next." Especially when you feel like God is saying "IT'S TIME" to do that. As we've moved forward with so many projects around our facility, the excitement compounded while the dreams and plans become a reality. Then out of nowhere a flood of memories washed over me and God played a quick personal highlight reel of what this faithful old carpet has stood-for and stood-beneath. The truth is this carpet was never meant to be. It came about because of a mistake. An unsightly, ugly blemish in the concrete, right in the middle of the entrance to our worship center. God, as he so often does, redeems unsightly mistakes with more than we can imagine. Back then we barely had the means to build this building, let alone have a monogrammed carpet in the entry to our worship center. The original plan was concrete -- God's plan and provision was a beautiful, warm, inviting, monogrammed floor covering. His ways are always better than ours, and the way He gets things done is often a surprise. I have been walking over this carpet for over a decade. I raised my children in this church. We have walked over that carpet and through those doors for countless Due North nights, worship nights, weekend services, Christmas services, Easter celebrations, our kids' confirmations, their weddings, and most recently, our granddaughter's baptism. A sea of faces flooded my mind as the memories and history of this church and this entrance became, in that moment, a reminder and witness to the Glory of God, His promises, and the lives He has transformed. It served as a reminder of the thousands of God's faithful people who helped make this church a possibility and the continued generosity of His people to carry out the work and plans He has for this growing community. It's no wonder I have a lump in my throat and tears running down my face. I am acutely aware of God's faithfulness and the faithfulness of the people of this church, past and present. God has been clear that "IT'S TIME" to prepare His house for His people, known and unknown, and that has provided the opportunity to update and upgrade what He so generously provided in the first place. So as I have taken a moment to slow down from my instinct to look to "what's next," I bid farewell to this trusted old friend that has been a part of so many blessings in my life. I prayed over the men working on the new floor and God filled me with a joy for appreciating what has been, as well as abundant joy and anticipation of what is to come. ... Need a Kleenex? Us too. Countless families will be coming to worship and crossing over this same threshold in the years to come, many of them encountering Christ for the first time. We're praying that they build beautiful memories, friendships, and transformational faith, just as Shannon's family has. The new floors are in and the adjoining Coffee Spot renovation is almost done! Come in this weekend to see it!

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 In the beginning God created the world, then Adam, and saw that it was not good for man to be alone, so he created Eve. From there families were built and communities began. Life “together”, with one another, really was God’s intention for us from the very start. It’s why we crave it, and why loneliness is such a hard feeling for us to walk in. It’s why we prefer to not sit alone with our own thoughts for too long. We were created to be in relationship with God and with one another. Have you ever had a time where you just dreaded going to that event, dinner party, or playdate? Thinking “Ugh, I just don’t want to go. I think I just would rather stay home in my comfy clothes and do nothing," o nly to realize after the event, just how much you enjoyed that time with people? Just how much you truly needed it? Satan loves when we isolate ourselves. This isn’t to say that time to rest and be alone is a bad thing. It can be rejuvenating and it is where we spend time individually talking to or growing in relationship with God. For the most part though, those times when we are “just not feeling like being in community”, are the times Satan is smiling. The more isolated he can get you to be, the more opportunity he gets to start creeping in with dark lies and sad thoughts. Being together is critical for our spiritual growth. It’s how we show God’s love to one another most clearly. Walking in relationship with one another allows us to carry each other through lows and trials that we cannot see through to the other side alone. It is where day-to-day troubles can start to melt away. Where we can be present and enjoy being in the company of people who "get it". It’s where we can learn, garner wisdom, relate with one another and occasionally laugh so hard we cry. It’s where we can be lighthearted and have some good old-fashioned fun. We're told that on this side of life, we must walk through difficulty. But one day we will reach Heaven, where we will be in the ultimate sin-free and suffering-free community together. Where we will get to enjoy being with one another all the time with no daily distractions, pressures, stressors, or illnesses pulling us away. It will be complete joy and goodness and kindness and pure fun! Until that day, when we do gather here, that is our little piece of heaven -- our glimpse into what it will look like on the other side of eternity. It’s why it feels so good once we get ourselves to do it. It’s why we feel rejuvenated and more prepared when we leave it. Being in community can make the hardships of life more bearable and allow us to realize we are not the only ones dealing with "that thing”. God not only listen to our prayers, but He is compassionate toward us. He sent Jesus to live a human life, to conquer sin and death, but also to empathize with us. When we read about Jesus’ life on earth, we see He spent most of His time gathered with people, in close relationships with His disciples, and with friends. He relates with us. He understands the depths of our pain in this life and the importance of providing people to help us through it. Our desire at Northgate is that no one feels as if they need to tackle life alone. Community is the heartbeat of our church. We want a safe, healthy, thriving body of believers, where all are welcome to come and experience the fullness God’s love and presence. From groups for grief or addiction, women's groups, a Men's BBQ and co-ed small groups, to youth programs, day camp and “Time to Play” for kids, we've intentionally created tons of spaces so anyone can find a place to belong. Embrace some kind of Christian community this summer! Whatever season you find yourself in, whatever the “thing” you are needing support through, we have ways for you to come and be in community. Whether you are already great at connecting or you are trying to dip your toe in, check out our events and groups to find ways you can experience a stronger sense of belonging. One thing that is guaranteed is God will show up and you will gain something you need out of it. "For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Matthew 18:20

I’ve never thought about leadership so much in my life. Though it’s always been a subject near and dear to my heart, it wasn't until recently that it’s been heavy on my brain – every single day. There are a handful of reasons why. In part, it’s because of my work as a pastor, leading here at Northgate. I want to lead well so I’m deliberate in my journey to become a better leader. I also support other leaders and pastors with the Alliance of Renewal Churches so they can lead well. Times are tough, and church leaders need a safe place for community, coaching, and spiritual nourishing. And then, of course, I’ve been steeped in the subject due to our current teaching series, “Follow the Leader,” working through Paul’s letter on leadership to Timothy. It’s an important letter, jam packed full of instruction for those who dare to lead. So, I’ve been thinking about leadership. A lot. And the impression I’m left with is simply how much the world needs good leaders. In a time filled with so many challenges, cultural division, and economic uncertainty, we need leaders who can bring hope, unity, and positive transformation. As we embrace Paul's teachings, many of us are striving to be those leaders. Northgate, it seems, is bursting with quality leaders. I see it every week in all of you: Kidnection leaders who pass on faith to kids. Group leaders caring for families in need. Missional living leaders who are looking out for the neighborhood. Hospitality leaders who love serving strangers. Interns who we’ve equipped and are now being sent to lead in other churches. The list goes on. Leaders who shine a light in the darkness and make a lasting impact for the greater good. Leaders who are living out their calling and graduating into new missions. I couldn’t be more proud! That’s why Northgate’s Board of Directors and I are so pleased to announce the commissioning of 3 of our leaders as pastors. It is with great joy and gratitude that we celebrate and soon-welcome Dan Braaten, Rachelle Carlson, and Shannon Hepner to Northgate’s Pastoral Team. When we commission pastors at Northgate, we are simply recognizing what certain leaders have demonstrated over time—a heart for pastoring. We are affirming the use of their God-given gifts by credentialing them, so that they may continue their ministry at an even greater capacity. Northgate has commissioned 5 pastors before in its 13-year history. At present, we have four pastors on our staff (Jeff Gustafson, Terry Kearns, Wayne Skaff and me) . We’re cranking out leaders like nobody’s business! Let me share a little bit about what we see in each of them…

Ever had one of those days where you feel like the world is closing in on you a bit? Discouragement and disappointment seems to sneak their way into our brains through the news, social media, our schools, at stores we shop in and through our day-to-day conversations. Satan is unashamed of showing his work in the world and it's tough to see that darkness permeating the places we live and work. It can feel daunting to defend our thoughts against that darkness when we see all the ways the world is stuck being “worldly” - but we're told to take heart, because Jesus has overcome the world. Brothers and sisters, we know we have a God who redeems. We know we have a God who is always at work. We know we have a God that is greater than he who is in the world. If we really want to see change for His kingdom, it’s important for us know the power of prayer, too! Prayers are answered. Not always immediately or in the way we expect, but the Bible does teach us that if we pray, God listens. So, why don't we start living like that were true? After all, the same power that raised Christ from the dead is available to us in the Holy Spirit. Instead of being passive, what if we proactively prayed? Prayed like never before? Not timidly and feeling unsure while we do it, but boldly on our knees asking God to make BIG changes in this world. What if we stopped those troubling thoughts in their tracks, and instead laid it at the feet of Jesus every time we start feeling a dose of discouragement bubble up? What if we all started praying for a powerful awakening to take place; in our church, in our city, in our communities, in our schools, in our leaders and for those who are far from Him? What if we started leaning into how free it feels when we give it to God? What if we prayed with gratitude for all the ways God has shown up in our lives and ask Him to do the same for others? What if we just prayed relentlessly? About everything. Prayer brings comfort and relief. It does! Whether we see the result instantly or not, saying it out loud and asking God for help provides a sense of relief. Think back and reflect on those desperate prayers you have prayed in your lifetime. Once you gave it to Him did you not feel it in the moment, His comfort starting to wrap you up? A burden is lifted from your shoulders in submitting and turning things over to God – admitting you don’t have the power, but HE does. Philippians 4, 6-7 tells us about this: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live Christ Jesus.” Did you catch all of that? Prayer can guard our hearts and minds!? His peace will surpass all the understanding that our worldly minds comprehend. God is so great in this! So let’s ask, what do we have to lose in praying like this? Conversely, what do we have to gain? What will we gain if we pray for an awakening? If we pray for even more change in our own hearts? If we pray for boldness in our faith and how we show Jesus to others in this world? If we pray for God to place people in our lives and open our eyes to people already there who need Jesus – for Him to work and speak through us? If we pray for strength to stand unashamed in God’s truth in a world that is falling for Satan's lies. If we pray to see others the way He sees them and love others as we love ourselves? We cannot lose hope and stop believing our God has the power to redeem all situations. If we start to let ourselves think our God is a God who cannot change hearts, change circumstances and radically turn people to Him, we are letting the enemy deceive us. Our world is not too far gone for God. He has already claimed victory on the cross! If we pray like this, God will show up. So, what are we waiting for? Lets start praying constantly and confidently! Here are two ways Northgate can help you get started: 1. We have a great prayer course beginning June 12th to equip you in praying like a warrior. Check out the details here and sign up to propel your journey in praying boldly.

We sense it in the air, we hear it in our prayers, we feel it in our bones. As a church, God is telling us it’s time to go on mission, it’s time to go public, and it’s time to get ready, as we help people become who God purposed them to be. It's time. Northgate is uniquely positioned as a church to reach the people around us and they need Jesus. So we refuse to be content with the status quo. We are responding to His invitation. The church is meeting it's budget this season ( a miracle in itself, considering recent inflation) . But we have an opportunity to do even more in the days ahead! Four things, in particular: 1. We’d like to update the outside of our building with some paint here and there, but mostly some new signage. Tons of neighbors drive by the building each and every day without realizing we’re a church! It’s time to change that and leverage what we already have to be seen . 2. We’d like to update the inside of our building with some new flooring and furniture, upgraded countertops in the coffee spot, and some final touches in our Kidnection spaces. Our building is nearly a decade old and it’s time to make some improvements that will make our guests see that we value them. 3. We’d like to update our technology. As you know, our website is the church’s new front door. People oftentimes watch us online long before they ever consider joining us in person. Knowing that, we’d like to make our livestream brighter and all the better. We hope to replace the large center screen and lighted wall with an LED screen, giving us a more immersive worship experience in house and, at the same time, improving the viewing experience at home. It’s time to update our technology. 4. We’d like to invest more dollars in our community. We've selected some ministries inside the church, specifically those designed with our community in mind, but also a number of ministries outside the church as well, many of which have been started by people right here at Northgate. A small group of Northgaters have already committed to giving over $150,000 toward this project, but we’d like to raise $100,000 in addition to that, for a grand total of $250,000. It may seem like a a lot, but as a wise woman, Helen Keller, once said, " Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much." If you want know more about where we’re headed, check out our message series, It’s Time. Or, if you're ready to jump in and join the movement, you can make your gift here:

DAY 1 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 We love one another when we know one another, when we live in community with one another. We can have nice thoughts about each other all day long but loving one another requires action and investment in each other’s lives. Which means it may not feel like we are investing in our own lives the way the world says we can, should, or deserve. And we may argue, “Who is the one-another I should love?” just the way an expert in the law argued, “Who is my neighbor?” And in that question, they were looking for a loophole to not invest in a certain group of people. We do that, don’t we? We look for loopholes. We think we’re looking out for ourselves, but really, we’re missing out on the ways God wants to bless us. Instead of loving one another, we love to look for “reasons” why something doesn’t apply to us, and we end up making excuses to not do what God has commanded. And that’s what this is; it’s a commandment to follow Jesus in all His ways. Loving one another looks like Jesus when: We thank God and pray for one another. (1 Thessalonians 1:2) We greet and offer hospitality to one another. (2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Peter 4:9) We accept and have fellowship with one another. (1 Corinthians 16:20, 1 John 1:7) We are devoted to and live in harmony with one another. (Romans 12:10, 12:16) We meet with and share with one another. (Acts 2:42-47) We encourage and spur on one another. (Hebrews 3:13, 10:24) We instruct and speak truthfully to one another. (Romans 15:14, Ephesians 4:25) We are humble, gentle, and patient, bearing with one another. (Ephesians 4:2) We are kind and compassionate, forgiving one another. (Ephesians 4:32) We submit to and serve one another. (Ephesians 5:21, John 13:14) We love and keep on loving one another. (1 Peter 1:22, Hebrews 13:1) We look most like Jesus when we love God with our whole self and love our neighbors as ourselves. And all our “one-another’s” begin with the church. We are the body of Christ. We are one with Him and we are one with one another. And when we do this, practicing it day after day, leaning into the Spirit and God’s heart for each person, it will not only be who we are inside the church, it will become who we truly are with everyone we meet. DAY 2 “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:22 God is faithful. How often do we need reminding of this truth? Throughout Scripture, and specifically in the New Testament, we read words like take hold, grasp, obtain, find, receive, and the like. There is an action we must take to participate with God in the faith that He gives. We can do none of this without God’s first giving to us. We can take nothing from God. We can’t take His authority, His peace, His wisdom, or knowledge. Nothing. He gives, we receive. When we ask, He gives more: wisdom, peace, faith, grace, mercy, and so on. He loved, so we love. When we grasp His love, He gives us more opportunities to love, not because they weren’t already there, but because we recognize in a new way how to love. He allows, so we can learn, grow, and understand. When we seek with a sincere heart, He reveals more of Himself. When we grasp with both our minds and hearts the loving ways of our Father in heaven, we will walk in His ways, and operate in accordance with His will. We obtain what we need because we know He is the One who has what we need. We set our roots deep in the foundation of our faith, planting ourselves in the soil of hope that does not disappoint. We read it, speak it, talk about it with one another so that we may be encouraged to remember, to not give up. We come together so that we can go and do the good things God has created us to do. As we keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, holding tight to Him, remembering His faithfulness, we will be found ready on that Day, whenever it may come, to see Him face to face. DAY 3 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Three short verses that absolutely stop us in our tracks. How can we do this? Always, continually, and in all circumstances? “How” is a common question with God. “How will you do this?” “How is this possible?” “If they can’t, how can we?” “How many times?” All things are possible with God. We can do whatever God has commanded us to do. He will never lead us somewhere He hasn’t already gone. He will never ask us to do what He hasn’t already done. When we rejoice always, we celebrate God and we celebrate life, because it’s in life that we have and experience relationship with God. God is life. Death is a separation from God. So whenever possible, we celebrate, encourage, and rejoice in the blessing of life lived with Him. In Christ, we live and move and have our being. In Christ, not even death can separate us from His love. So, we rejoice always. When we pray continually, we recognize that God is always with us. He is not distant. He is not unaware. We invite Him into all things, not hiding any part of our selves. He sees and knows, and in our hearts, we want to see and know His perspective so that as we ask, we can respond with wisdom and understanding. We don’t want to hinder any work of the Spirit in our own life or the lives of others. We don’t want to put stumbling blocks in anyone’s path. Our desire is to follow Him wholeheartedly. So, we pray continually talking with and listening to God about all things. When we give thanks in all circumstances, we demonstrate that He is good. We build ourselves up and encourage others that what one meant for evil, God meant for good. We remind ourselves that God works out all things for the good of those who love Him. We know that all good gifts come from our Father in heaven. Nothing good exists outside the goodness of God. So, we thank Him for what He is doing in and through every circumstance. Rejoice, pray, and give thanks always, continually, and in all circumstances. This is God’s will for you. DAY 4 “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 God has shown us what is good. We know our own desires for things to be “right” and to want to “make things right.” But too often we get justice confused with judgment and we don’t see a place for mercy in the mix. God knows that when we’re hurting, we want people to pay. We want them to get what they deserve. We want consequences to be severe, so it deters others from doing the same. This is where we go in our hearts when we follow the sinful ways of worldly thinking. But God in administering justice doesn’t respond this way. I’ve heard it said that justice without forgiveness is just revenge. Forgiveness removes the need to get payback. God loves mercy! James writes, “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” (Exclamation mine.) He doesn’t hold justice and mercy in tension the way we do. God weaves justice and mercy together perfectly to change hearts, thinking, and actions so we can move forward in a new way. And since God loves mercy, His justice is always working to restore, redeem and reconcile. And when everything in us wants to fight against this, when we want God to judge, we are called to submit to His authority and Lordship. God knows these struggles within us, so He helps us in our walk with Him. He tells us what to do. Paul in Romans 12 says “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Instead of seeking revenge and judgment, we trust God as we carry out His commands. Paul goes on to say, “ ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” In humility, we trust God and the ways He calls to respond to the evil in the world. As we walk with Him, we seek to truly act justly and in love, embrace His mercy. DAY 5 “I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1 “I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” Psalm 130:5 In Romans 8, Paul says that we do not hope for what we already have. Having what we need, want, or desire means there is no waiting involved. Waiting means there is something not yet attained. We know that in Christ, we have all we need, and yet we also know we still lack something in this world. There is still confusion and chaos, worry and anxiety, famine and disease. There is division and strife in families and neighborhoods, between nations, ethnicities, genders, and religions. If Christ makes all things new, if he restores, redeems, and reconciles, then we know there is still more to come. There is still more to hope for. There is still more to wait for. And it’s easy to lose patience. “When God!” And when we do, when we start to grumble and complain that things aren’t improving quick enough for our taste, we go to His word to be reminded that God’s timing is perfect. When it’s time, He acts. He does not hold back what is good. We can say with full confidence: We’ve come to know you, Father, Son, and Spirit stilling ourselves and settling our hearts in your presence. We’ve asked for and allowed, even rejoiced in your conviction and work to help us turn from our sinful ways so that we can be holy as you are holy, fully devoted to you. We’ve given serious thought to your ways, to have faith in what we cannot see and hope in what is to come. We are alert and sober in how we think about what it means to live with you, or without you, for all eternity. We want to be strong and courageous in this world for the sake of your kingdom. We live unashamed of the gospel so that more may come to know you. We will live ready to see you face to face. We will not be caught off guard, worried about what you may find when you return. Help us be prepared for that day. And until then, whenever “then” may be, we cry out to you in our hurt, sorrow, and anguish. We turn to you and find joy, peace, and wholeness. We praise you in all things as we patiently wait for you with our whole being. You are faithful. Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

DAY 1 “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33 The troubles of this life are real. The desires of our hearts are real. The good things we want in and out of life are real. And God knows it all. He sees it all. And He truly has an answer to it all. Jesus. He’s not just the answer to the question in Sunday school or the Bible study. He is the answer to all of life. Because we live in a fallen world troubles are part of life. Trials, accidents, illness, they all come again and again. Jesus said we would even have troubles that come because we follow Him. But none of these have the final say and neither do we. We seek first the kingdom of God so when troubles come, we already know from where our help and provision come; we already know who to turn to and trust. We know who can and will bring us through the troubles of life. We think what we do and what we have proves something to the world about who we are, our value and worth. But these are determined before we ever breathe our first breath. We are made in the very image of God, wholly and dearly loved; our existence desired by the Creator of the universe. We seek first the kingdom of God so that as we come to know the truth about the Creator, we can know the truth about His creation. When we are confident in God, we can be confident in our identity, in who He has created us to be. The world will tell you how to get what you want, but so often, too often it’s a winding road through self-promotion, compromise and even deception. When we lay ourselves down doing what God says is right, we will be able to sacrifice what we think we want for what is truly best. We seek first the kingdom of God so we can proactively seek not only His best for ourselves, but His best for those in our lives, our neighborhoods, our places of work and school, our communities, and yes, even to our enemies. God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble. He will lift us up in due time. If our hearts truly seek God and His kingdom first, His righteousness will shine through his people. We will truly have everything that satisfies our souls. We will truly have all we need. DAY 2 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 The New King James version puts it this way: “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” I’ve heard it said that in Christ, we have “refrigerator rights” in the kingdom of God. Meaning, God’s house is our house. If He is our Father, His home is our home. The food in His refrigerator is there to provide for His children. Everything good and everything right we want to be true about our earthly father is completely true about our heavenly Father. He protects and defends, He encourages and elevates, He treats with respect and dignity, He honors and cherishes. He never leaves nor abandons, He never rejects nor despises, He never lies to nor manipulates, He never uses nor discards. He is completely present, never absent. In Christ we can have confidence that the doors of God’s throne room are thrown wide open for us, His children to enter boldly with every request, with every desire, with every question, because it’s when we honestly lay it all out before God that we may receive mercy and find grace. It’s how we obtain what will truly help us in our time of need. It’s in trusting God, in our confidence that Jesus has truly satisfied the wrath of God that we can know in place of judgement, we will find and obtain mercy and grace in our time of need. James says we don’t have because we don’t ask, or we ask with wrong motives. John tells us that when we have confidence in God, when we desire what He desires, we have peace in our hearts in His presence. Jesus tells us that when we ask, we should expect good things from our Father in heaven. We have nothing to fear from God, so without hesitancy we come. He invites us to come to Him boldly and with confidence. DAY 3 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 We don’t have to think every thought that comes into our minds. And we don’t have to give space to every argument that comes our way. People have been rebelling against the authority of God since the beginning of time, and it all begins with our minds. It was the way the serpent deceived Eve and the way He stills operates in the world today. People will argue God’s Word. They will question His ways. “ Did God really say …? ” “ How could a loving God …? ” “ God understands our weakness and forgives, so we can’t be expected to… ” “ If God really cared, He would … ” And the list goes on and on. And they all make sense at some level. They all seem reasonable. And God invites us to reason with Him. Man corrupts authority by using it to their own advantage. Jesus says that those in authority lord it over, hold it over those under their authority. In other words, they use their authority for their own good, not the good of the people. Obedience to Christ is not about just doing what we’re told, it’s about trusting the One who’s telling us what is good, right, and true. When we respect Christ and His authority, when we truly know He has authority, we listen to and do what He says. We believe Him about what is good for us. We believe God when He says, “ This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased. Listen to Him!” God has absolute authority, and He wields it for our benefit. He sacrificed Himself to His own authority, and in doing so proved that we can trust His authority. Our minds do not have to be the devil’s playground. We can say “ NO! ” to every thought that sets itself up against the love of God, against His goodness and righteousness. We can take captive every thought and lay it before Jesus. No argument too big, no question too small. And then, in confident obedience believe what He says. DAY 4 “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1 Jesus, our perfect High Priest did for us what we could not do for ourselves. A few chapters earlier, Paul says that we were powerless to save ourselves; we were enemies of God. And Jesus did what no other priest could do, what no animal sacrifice could ever do. Jesus fully satisfied the wrath of God so that in place of judgment, we can receive mercy. He did this while we were still enemies of God. And Paul says, in view of God’s mercy, with God’s mercy at the forefront of our minds, because Jesus did this, there is a way of worshipping God that pleases Him. That is true and appropriate. It is a worship that is set apart as holy because it honors God in what He has done for us. Instead of a sacrifice that leads to physical death; while we live, we sacrifice our sinful nature that leads to spiritual death, in exchange for eternal life, even right now. Paul says that through suffering, which includes surrendering and sacrificing, willingly going somewhere we had not planned, experiencing things often outside of our control, and choosing to respond God’s way rather than our own, perseverance is produced. It’s what helps us keep going following after Jesus. And this perseverance shapes our character. It’s what the Holy Spirit uses in part to transform us into the image of Christ. Perseverance allows the refining process to continue. The most purifying refinement happens in the hottest of fires, so we can actually rejoice in the hardest of trials because we know we are becoming even more like Jesus. It sounds challenging, but as our character changes, our hope increases. There are tangible changes that encourage us that God is at work, and we know that He is not done with us. James refers to this as the maturing process. One of the best ways we can worship God is to let Him have His way in our lives by offering ourselves up for His purpose in the world. We already know we are secure in Christ. We already know that all good things come from our Father in heaven. Let our true and proper worship be a life fully sacrificed to the One who is holy and altogether worthy of our worship and praise. DAY 5 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 We, at least I, often read verses like this and think of the normal daily troubles that come my way. Car problems, the furnace or air conditioning not working, physical ailments, or just a rough day at the office. And while all these things are troubling, what I often don’t think of is the trouble that will come from following Jesus. In Matthew 5, Jesus says, “ Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” And in Matthew 10, He says, “Whoever does not bear his own cross” (being willing to be nailed upon it, for this is the only reason one carries their own cross), “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” What does it take to complete this building – the building of God’s temple, the body of Christ, the building of a life founded on Christ? In the beginning of John 16, Jesus warns about the world’s hatred for Him and as His disciples, the world’s hatred of us. He goes on to teach about the Holy Spirit and praying in His name. He has given us everything we need to endure, continue, and even rejoice in the midst of the troubles that come our way. We learn from and listen to; we engage with and pay attention to the Spirit within us. We will be prepared as we put into practice everything Jesus and first followers teach us through Scripture. Regardless of what happens to us, we can know the One who hears us, the One who will show us how to endure because He was able to endure it all for our sake. We were worth the cost. May we count whatever comes our way worth the cost for His. Take heart and have peace: Jesus lives! He has overcome the world.