by Live Original | May 21, 2020 | Life Advice |
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2
How can we truly be inspired when we are consuming so many things at once (from screens!)?
The answer is you cannot. You will only find temporary inspiration to be distracted by the next temporary inspiration. Ideas that God puts on our hearts fade so quickly and are replaced by another that we don’t truly become inspired. It’s consumption.
Unplug and step away. Sometimes we need to unplug to recharge. Our minds are often racing, scrolling, spinning.
There are so many incredible creators and influencers in our culture today who took time away to create something great: Joanna Gaines, Kanye West, Bob Goff. They have all taken breaks from social media, time with family, time to start something new.
That means you can, too! This is the first part of finding new inspiration.
Team LO has created a guide for you to pick either a half day or an entire day (if you can!) and make a choice to intentionally turn off your phone, clear your schedule, and get alone for some solitude and time with Jesus. Eliminate distraction so you can step into what this time has for you.
WHAT YOU NEED:
Journal
Bible
Pen
Playlist (we recommend “Everyday Worship” by Sadie on Spotify)
KEEP IN MIND:
In a world where we are constantly on the go, this won’t feel natural, that’s okay! Lean into it.
It might be helpful to tell a few people that you are taking a day. That way you don’t have to worry about people needing you.
You’re going to want to rush through this to get on to the “next thing”. Remind yourself that there is no next thing, and that is a beautiful thing. Don’t rush.
Pick a either a half day or an entire day (if you can!) and make a choice to in- tentionally turn off your phone, clear your schedule, and get alone for some solitude and time with Jesus. Eliminate distraction so you can step into what this time has for you.
Now it’s time to dive into the Word and spend some time in prayer. Write down verses, pray through them, and journal out your thoughts using the question guide below. Most importantly, let this time be what you need it to be with Jesus. It doesn’t have to look pretty, he just wants to spend time with you.
SCRIPTURE READING:
For anxiety: Psalm 94, Proverbs 12, Psalm 55, 1 Peter 5, Matthew 6:25-35
For fear: Romans 8, Isaiah 41, 1 John 4, Psalm 18
For peace: Psalm 23, Psalm 29, Isaiah 26, John 16, John 14, Psalm 4, Ephesians 6
For unmet desires: Mark 11:24, Luke 15, Mtthew 6, Jeremiah 29:11. Romans 5
For the waiting: Galatians 6, Genesis 29, Philippians 4, Psalm 37, Habakkuk 2:3
For experiencing God’s love: 1 John 3-4, Jeremiah 31:3, Matthew 27:32-28:20
QUESTIONS:
If you could sum up this season in one word, what would it be?
What area from the categories above do you most relate to in this season?
How can you see Jesus pursuing you right now? How can you see the ways God is providing for you right now?
What are 10 things you are grateful for today?
What’s one habit you can add to your life to inten- tionally unplug?
What’s one habit you need to eliminate from your life to bring you peace?
___________
Create more, consume less. It is different from the pattern of this world.
We can do it.
We would LOVE to hear how your unplug time went! Share in the comments below or message us on Instagram!
Want more encouragement from Live Original? Follow us on Instagram @legitsadierob and @liveoriginal.
by Live Original | Apr 9, 2020 | Life Advice |
What do you think of when you think of Holy Week? The triumphal entry? The last supper? Jesus on trial? Peter’s denial? Judas’s betrayal? Jesus’s mercy? The crucifixion? The tomb? The resurrection?
Each of those details make up one incredible, life-changing story. Our hope is that this week doesn’t feel like any other week. That it feels special. Holy, even. Maybe you’re sitting here today, thinking that it’s already Thursday (time flying for anyone else?!) and that it’s too late. It’s never too late. God is with us today, and there’s so much he wants for us to step into leading up to Easter.
We have put together a list of key descriptive words to walk you through the narrative of Holy Week in hopes to spur on a greater reality of all that has been done for us through Jesus.
We’ve also included scripture references for you to read through to soak up all the details that went into this monumental event. Enjoy working your way through these and remember, He is risen!
Hosanna
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:1-17
“And those who went before and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest!” Matthew 21:9
Did you know that Hosanna in Hebrew means “Save!” or “Please Save!”? The people that day couldn’t help but cry out for help in the presence of their Savior.
What will you cry out for help today? A family member? This sickness? Anxieties and worries?
Faith
Scripture Reading: Matthew 21:21-46
“And Jesus answered them, “Truly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ it will happen. And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith.” Matthew 21:21
You see, Jesus was speaking to them in terms they could understand. Moving a mountain was a common metaphor in Jewish literature for doing what was seemingly impossible.
This word, faith, is a word daily used by followers of Jesus. But are we understanding what faith is?
Faith is trusting God to do the impossible.
To move the mountain.
To be your strength.
To fulfill his promises.
To fight for you and for me.
What mountain do you need him to move today, friend? In faith, trust him to do what seems impossible in your eyes.
Authority
Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:1-25
We see here the plot for Jesus to be killed thickened. The signs look like Jesus isn’t in control and isn’t in authority. But in God’s upside-down kingdom, authority is exactly what Jesus has. Jesus was in control all along, even unto death.
There is one woman who acknowledges Jesus authority in this scripture.
“While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.”
Aware of this, Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. Truly I tell you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Matthew 26:6-13
This woman saw past the circumstances. This woman knew her Savior could overcome anything. That day, she put on display who truly had authority and who all things in heaven and earth belong to. Jesus.
Unity
Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:26-75
Again, as we’ve been talking about this upside-down kingdom, we see in this passage how much disunity is displayed. But that’s exactly why Jesus came.
“Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “sleep and take your rest later on, See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinner. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.” Matthew 26:45
Throughout the passage, we see the betrayal of both Peter and Judas. One much more intentional than the other, but all the more we see disunity amongst the people that were closest to Jesus.
Some would think, “Why would Jesus be willing to die for these broken people?” But these broken people also represent each of us today. And there lies the reason for Jesus to take this path. But he came for those people. He came for each of us today. To restore what was broken. To restore unity.
Jesus is unity. Jesus is peace. Jesus is restoration. And because of this day, he set the stage for all that he was going to make new.
Atonement
Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:1-61
“And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God.” Matthew 50-54
This word “atonement” isn’t used on a regular basis today. It has a very specific meaning. To atone means to “make or become united or reconciled.” This is where unity and reconciliation actually took place. Jesus, with his last breath, paid the full punishment for our sins. He made a way for us to be brought back to our Creator.
This atonement was once and for all, for us all!
Hope
Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:62-66
There wouldn’t appear on this day that there was a lot of hope in sight. Jesus had died the day before, and his beloved friends and family were mourning as they buried him in the tomb. Pilate’s guards even took extreme measures to make sure that there would be no glimmer of hope.
Today we reflect and empathize with what his followers must have been feeling. Fighting to stay hopeful that Jesus would return like he said he would. Clinging to the words that he had said while he sat with them at those cherished family dinners.
With probably hundreds of questions running through their heads:
Did he really say he would come back?
He said the third day, right?
What if none of it was true?
Has he left us forever?
But Jesus’ promises were true all along. He was the messiah. He was returning. It would be three days. It all was true. What a hope we have in Jesus!
Resurrection
Scripture Reading: Matthew 28:1-20
“There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.” Matthew 1-10
That must have been the most beautiful greeting that has ever happened on this earth! A greeting of fulfillment, peace, and an everlasting hope in the One who came, died, and rose again.
What a friend we have in Jesus today and forever!
Want to join us this Easter? Sadie is joining Louie Giglio, Tim Tebow, Crowder, Passion City Music and more at Passion City Church online to celebration the hope we have!
Invite your families, friends, and anyone else to join online with us as we gather together from all over the world!
This will be Sunday, April 12th with services at 10am,1pm,5pm and 8pm Eastern Time.
by Live Original | Mar 27, 2020 | Life Advice |
Are you letting fear run rampant in your life right now?
Have you reached a place where you’re ready to deal with it?
Are you unsure where to start? That’s okay!
A great way to start combatting fear is to focus on the Word of God, and what He has done for you. When our minds are racing, scripture helps us focus on what is true. It’s not that things aren’t scary, but God has given you the power over them through His Word.
We have paraphrased the verses so we encourage you to get your bible out and study the scripture along with us!
Journal them, memorize them or offer them as prayers to God. The key ingredient to overcoming fear is not just speaking to it… It’s speaking to it in Jesus’ name with these words.
Here are 10 bible verses to help with fear:
1. Psalm 25:4-5
Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.
Friend, soak on this question for a bit: Where is your hope today? So often, we want to put out hope in something tangible, seen, and felt. But what we are forgetting is that faith requires hope in the unseen. The greatest part is, hope actually can be tangible. It’s in the very real, living word of God. And this verse is saying that God can lead us, teach us, and save us, all shown through this Psalm and all throughout scripture.
So today, let it be different. Make a choice to cast aside all worries, and all day, minute by minute, put your trust in Him.
2. Isaiah 41:10
Focus on who God is and all that he’s going to do in your life in this time. He will strengthen and uphold you.
We just talked about hope, and now we’re focusing on our focus. Where do your thoughts go during the day? Are they thoughts of anxiety, worst case scenarios, fear of the future? Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Paul here is telling us to re-shift our focus, and this requires a choice to do so. We won’t just fall into focusing on who God is, it first takes identifying what you’re focusing on and doing a heavily re-shift. When we focus on the one who is true, noble, right, pure, and lovely, we are assured peace, even in the midst of the storm.
3. Joshua 1:9
Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged. God is with you.
Fear is a very real thing, friend. In these uncertain times, fear is one of the quickest things to hit us. Maybe it’s first thing in the morning your first thought is one of fear and worry. But God tells us that even if that is the case, we don’t have to get discouraged, because God is stronger than our fear. He is more powerful than our worries. And He is the conqueror over all circumstances. The very fact that we have a God who is with us, for us, and fighting on our behalf can overcome any fear with a supernatural peace that surpasses understanding.
4. Hebrews 13:6
The Lord is your helper.
Who doesn’t want a little help these days? We sure do! Pastor Nicky Gumbel says that sometimes the most powerful thing we can say is “help”. We weren’t created to do it alone. We weren’t made to face our fears by ourselves. We were hardwired for community, dependence, and vulnerability. And God is enough to come to our rescue in times of fear and uncertainty. Hand over your anxieties today, knowing that He is a helper and longs to do just that.
5. Isaiah 35:4
Your God will come.
What a promise we can hold tight to! These days, we live in uncertainty of who will actually show up when times get rough. Even the people who love us the absolute most will fail to show up in our time of need. This is because we are human. But God promises to be near and come to us. We don’t have to doubt if He will be late either. He is always on time. Anxiety will never show up before God does.
6. John 14:27
Peace he gives to you. Do not let your heart be troubled.
Anyone read this verse and start singing “Good Grace?” This is exactly where that song comes from. Jesus says right after this that he doesn’t give to us like the world gives us.
The world gives: anxiety, fear, worry, uncertainty, unpredictability, inconsistencies.
Jesus gives: love, joy, PEACE, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
7. Deuteronomy 31:8
The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you.
Did you know that God isn’t just with you, but He’s also in front of you? Friend, you are covered on all sides today. God is like a shield around you, protecting you from hits the enemy tries to throw at you. If you are feeling anxiety today, pray out to God what is true: that He is before you, He is beside you, He is behind you, and no scheme of the enemy is going to get in the way of remembering where and who God is today.
8. Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious. Present your requests to God.
Let’s focus on the second part of this scripture. Present your requests to God. Friends, God already knows what’s on our heart and our minds. He knows all of our fears, our worries, and our thoughts. So, why do we present our requests to God? Sharing your anxieties and fears with God through prayer allows us to both invite Him into our hearts and surrender anything on our mind. Even a simple prayer can ease daily anxiety. So, when you’re feeling anxious, turn to prayer.
9. 2 Samuel 22:3
He is your stronghold, your refuge, your savior.
Wow. Read those words again: STRONGHOLD. REFUGE. SAVIOR. Anyone else feel like they need all three of these? Raising our hands over here. These times call for strength. These times call for refuge. These times call for a savior. It’s sometimes difficult to put our faith in something that is not of this world, something we can’t see. It’s difficult to not fully rely on people, government, and leaders for provision and safety. Friend, we have access right now to all three in Jesus. Rest in the truth that Jesus is your stronghold, your refuge, and your savior.
10. Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and our strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.
One of our team’s favorite verses is Psalm 46. David, the author of the Psalms cried out to God many times for help, for safety, for strength and so much more. It’s our turn. He is with us, and all we have to do is turn our faces towards him and declare against fear.
Repeat after us: WE WILL NOT FEAR. Choose to step into the refuge of God and say no to fear today. Continue practicing this every day in this season. Encourage yourself and others to no longer fear because of the great refuge in Jesus.
We are with you! There is a greater promise that the God of the universe will strengthen you.
Prayer: Lord help me identify what I am afraid of and show me how You are bigger and greater than that. Give me security and safety through your Word.
Want more encouragement from Live Original? Follow us on Instagram @legitsadierob and @liveoriginal.
by Live Original | Mar 23, 2020 | Life Advice, Sisterhood |
We don’t need to say it, we all know these are interesting days. In a time where we are being asked to distance ourselves and stay home, we are all learning how to still find community. As we try to connect during these days, we thought we’d send a few encouraging ways you can use the virtual world for the good & stay connected.
GATHER
Hebrews 10:25 – Do not neglect meeting together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
This week, Louie Giglio posted a graphic which said, “The Church has left the building”. We couldn’t have stated it better. Parking lots will be empty this week, youth groups won’t be meeting for a while and we do not know when the doors will open again. However, we do know that we are still called to gather. Can we encourage you to tune into your churches’ services if they are doing online gatherings? It might feel awkward to sing in your house alone or with a few family members – but how special is it to know that individuals across your city are doing the same? You are not alone! How comforting to know that The Body is still alive and active, even with the doors closed at your church? It’s a privilege to be a part of The Church during this time in history and I hope that when we do gather together again in our church buildings, we will be stronger than ever because of what has happened in our own homes.
If your home church doesn’t have an online service, here are a few we recommend:
Christ Church, Passion City Church, Church of the City Franklin, Cross Point Church
CELEBRATE
Romans 12:15 – Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Amidst the mass amount of hardship that is happening, we still have people around us celebrating birthdays, births, anniversaries etc. Just as much as we want to be there for those struggling, we also need to practice the discipline of celebration during this time.
This week was a dear friends birthday. We got creative and celebrated her via a “Virtual Birthday Party”. We all gathered over a Zoom video chat in our PJ’s. We shared original birthday poems to make her laugh and encourage her. We sipped our coffee together and sent her virtual gifts— like e-books and online gift cards.
We still have much to celebrate during these days. It might take some creativity, but hey, we will all remember, “that year when we had those “unique” celebrations”.
ENCOURAGE
Hebrews 3:13 – But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (ESV)
Do you know anyone who could use some encouragement? Um, probably most of us! How cool would it be if we went on “Encouragement Rants”? Let me explain— set your timer on your phone for 10 minutes and scroll your address book on your phone. Focus your mind on others. Take some time to send a few texts to those who you know might need a positive word in this time. Perhaps it’s someone who you know who lives alone, an older person who hasn’t left their home in weeks, someone who is sick, or someone you just haven’t talked to in a while. I think we would all be surprised with how much encouragement we can spread in just 10 minutes.
STUDY
Psalm 1:3 Blessed is the one.. whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law, day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers.
We never thought we would be so pumped to tune into an Instagram live – however, we have been following along with a friend who is doing an 8AM CST Instagram Live (shout out to Alex Seeley). Each morning she does little devotional and it has been the most wonderful way to start the day, with connection to other believers. This is a great time to dive into the Word of God alone during your own quiet times but it could also be a great time to study the word together. Host a morning devotional once a week on IG Live, start a group text thread with your small group and discuss a topic or question, or check out our LO Fam online community which has a variety of workshops and studies to dive into online.
SUPPORT
James 5:16b… pray for one another, that you may be healed.
Here’s a unique idea! Have you overcome a struggle in a specific area that you might be able to support another person in during this time? Many people find comfort in gathering together in small groups to encourage one another in specific areas, but are not able to gather in person right now. Is there way that you might be able to host a small group online during this time of isolation? Perhaps you could lead a 30-minute prayer time together online or be an accountability partner to someone you know who might need it during this season. Perhaps you’ve wrestled with anxiety, an eating disorder, grief, or another life controlling issue and could be support to those who need it now in their own recovery. Perhaps you are a mom at home who just needs the support of other moms who can share parenting ideas and tips.
If you are looking for a way to host a private gathering /small group online, we recommend checking out a convenient, free video conferencing website like Zoom.
HAVE FUN. BE KIND!
Proverbs 17:22- A cheerful heart is good medicine
Random Acts of Kindness! Perhaps, if you’re able, anonymously send someone some flowers, a book, some donuts!
Hidden Talent Challenge— can you juggle, tap dance, balance books on your head? Do you have unique ideas on how to pass time, funny cat videos, silly videos of your quarantined family? Send them out!
We all could use a good laugh these days. Sometimes the virtual world can be a dark place, so let’s shine a little light in it during this time and have some fun!
Want more encouragement from Live Original? Follow us on Instagram @legitsadierob and @liveoriginal.
by Live Original | Mar 17, 2020 | Life Advice |
“These are weird times.”
“Nobody alive has ever experienced anything like this.”
“Should we be scared or are people just over-reacting?”
These are a few things each of us have probably said in a conversation or overheard a hundred times over the past few weeks, and especially over the past few days. The impact that the coronavirus is having in the world is unprecedented. It has consumed every conversation, shut down some of our favorite restaurants, affected the economy, forced churches and sporting events to be cancelled, and has created mass hysteria over… toilet paper.
How is this affecting our country? The CDC has recommended as of March 15th that all gatherings of 50 people or more be cancelled or postponed over the next 8 weeks. And the following day on March 16th, the President recommended no groups over 10 should gather, even in homes.
This means that this past Sunday millions of people, instead of attending their local churches in person, joined online for pre-recorded sermons in their homes, desperate for truth and connection. The church was scattered and instead of being in auditoriums, they were found around TV’s, in circles on couches, trying to adjust to something that is appearing to be our new norm, at least for the next few months.
The reality is, these are weird times. No, we have never seen this in our lifetime. And whether people are over-reacting or not, people are afraid. Uncertainty is a feasting ground for the enemy to instill fear and kill peace in God’s people.
But Jesus is the keeper of peace. And peace is a promise He keeps.
So in a time of so much uncertainty, how are the people of God to respond? In a time where “social distancing” is encouraged (for good reason), how does the Kingdom of God reach beyond the social distance through prayers, radical love, and small gatherings?
A look at the early church…
In today’s western church culture of big auditoriums, blaring speakers, and moving lights, we are tempted to believe it has always been this way. That this is the best way for God’s kingdom move forward and people to come to know Jesus. If we look at the early church, the first church established after Jesus, we see something different that should offer us hope in this confusing and unprecedented time.
Acts 2:42
“All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to the fellowship, and to sharing in meals(including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.”
This is immediately following the day of Pentecost (when the Holy Spirit filled believers) when Peter preached a sermon that 3,000 people chose to put their faith in Jesus. These 3,000 people needed to learn what it looked like to be a Jesus follower, and the model they chose, looks really similar to the model we are being forced into today.
There are 4 things the early church did constantly that I believe God is trying to bring his church and his people back to:
1. Devoted to apostles’ teaching
With the current digital age we live in, solid Bible teaching is not hard to find. Between podcasts, church sermons, and IGTV there is an abundance of teachings to listen to. Though “apostles’ teaching” is not just listening to a good sermon, it is also being taught by the apostles’ firsthand. In other words, the Bible. In a time where we are basically being encouraged to not leave our house, friends, can we determine to not waste our time with distractions and just watching Netflix, but instead, DEVOTE ourselves to reading God’s word?
2. Fellowship
What would it look like if we gathered all around the country in groups of 10 to worship, open God’s word together, and pray? Small settings can feel unnatural and exposing when we are used to worshipping with thousands, but do not miss out on this opportunity to be seen and loved right where you’re at. Lean into this precious time by gathering a few friends and worshipping together! The early church did it, so can we. We encourage you not to isolate yourself during this time –
Call people. They may really need you.
Post words of life on your social media as you feel called. People are scrolling for hope right now.
Gather together if you can. For we were created for connection.
Continue to create. The world needs your gifts.
Write letters. Sweet words are honey for the soul.
Don’t stop singing. Your voice is an echo for God’s abundant hope.
Pray together. For where two or three are gathered together, God is there.
3. Sharing in meals
Not many of our churches probably still practice the Lord’s Supper (communion) weekly. The early church took every opportunity for communion because it served as a reminder of what Jesus had accomplished for them on the cross and establishing a new covenant. Try leaning into a time of communion/reminder this week. (Matt. 26:26-29)
4. Prayer
If the Coronavirus has taught humanity one thing it should be this: we are not in control. And friends, let me tell you, that is a good thing. We are fragile, weak, dependent beings who need a really BIG God. Thankfully, we have one.
In times of so much uncertainty and fear, our first response should not be to intake more information from the news or social media, it should be to pray. And here’s some free advice, don’t overcomplicate prayer. Pray for more faith, health, your family, pastors, government officials. And above all, pray for God to give you a deeper desire for his Word.
The important thing to know about these 4 ways of life is that EVERY believer practiced them, not just those on a church staff. The western church model at times can allow for Christians to slip into a “consumer” mindset. I will show up 10 minutes late, sit in the back of the auditorium for worship, laugh a few times at a really gifted communicator, then jet for the car not to get caught in parking lot traffic.
God never intended for church to be a place for entertainment and amusement.
The church gathering was never meant to satisfy your desires, rather it was meant to form your desires for Christ that go on to transform your life, your circle, and the world.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied” Matt 5:6
We don’t fully know the mind of God so we cannot confidently say what he is up to in this time. What we can cling to though is that small gatherings in homes is the way the church started and it is the way that God ultimately began to reach his people for his glory. We can be small, and He can can still be big.
Friends, it is time to be the church. It is time to fight fear with faith in a God who is unwavering. God is the, “alpha and the omega, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev. 1:8.
Want more encouragement from Live Original? Follow us on Instagram @legitsadierob and @liveoriginal.
