by Jessica Fields | Jun 15, 2023 | Doctrine
“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord’s glory, as the water covers the sea..” Habakkuk 2:14
What exactly is glory? It’s a concept that can be challenging to grasp. Glory is a captivating display that commands attention and admiration from others. When I think of glory, I’m instantly reminded of the joyful scenes of bath time with children. Those carefree moments when they skillfully evade the towel, gleefully darting through the house, dripping wet and unrestrained. In these instances, they authentically express their true selves, showcasing their unique and remarkable glory for all to witness.
Glory is often revealed in fragments, much like stepping into a teenager’s bedroom. The state of the bed, the pictures on the walls, the scattered clothes, decorations, and the lingering scent all reflect the occupant’s essence. Even in their absence, you can gain insight into their identity through the expressed glory of their personal space. Though not exhaustive, these elements provide an accurate representation, enabling you to begin understanding them through their unique glory.
Interestingly, in Hebrew, the word for “glory” (kavod) is linked to “heavy” or “weighty” (kaved). This connection suggests that glory possesses substance and significance beyond mere abstraction. Just as something weighty commands attention and respect, glory carries a similar weight, deserving reverence and honor. It is not fleeting or superficial but infused with depth and substance.
Take this week to reflect on the weighty glory of God. Seek intimate and authentic revelation from Him. Contemplate the substantial aspects of God’s glory as they manifest in your life and the lives of those around you. Express gratitude for His self-revelation through His glory and ask Him to use you as a reflection of His glory to others.
Missed this past Sunday’s message on the Glory of God? WATCH HERE
by Jessica Fields | Jun 8, 2023 | Doctrine
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that
you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13
In various religions and cultures, people worship and rely on multiple gods. Each god is associated with specific needs or desires. For example, they would seek favor from the rain god and the harvest god for
fruitful crops or pray to gods of war or sea for success in battle. They even turned to fertility gods or goddesses for the blessing of a child. That’s a lot of hoops to jump through and seems exhausting.
However, in Christianity, we experience a significant shift. Our faith centers around the worship of a single God who encompasses all aspects of life. Throughout Scripture, the Bible reveals that the God of the Old and New Testament, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, is the one and only God. This God created heaven and earth, reigns as the King of the Universe, and His name is Yahweh. He is the God of everything.
That’s why the apostle Paul, recognizing this truth, asks the God of hope to also fill his readers with joy and peace. Paul understands he doesn’t have to go to three places to find hope, joy, and peace. He can find it all in the One True God. And here’s the amazing part: God is so generous that Paul can boldly ask for overflow. This overflow means that hope, joy, and peace can abound to be shared with others.
So, when you’re in need today, look to God for everything you require. Remember, you serve the God of everything. Need patience? He’s your God. Need love? He’s your God. Need wisdom and insight? He is your God. Need forgiveness, companionship, energy, grace, mercy, or comfort? He’s your God. You can ask Him for whatever you need and even request the overflow to share His blessings with others.
Missed this past Sundays message? WATCH HERE
by Jessica Fields | Jun 1, 2023 | Praise and Worship
Remember is used 352 times in the scriptures. But memory is strange. There are moments I’d rather not recall, such as a foolish remark or decision that wounded my pride or, worse, hurt someone else. On the other hand, there are cherished memories I’d give anything to hold onto forever, baking cookies with my Grandmother, grad-school graduation night, or that last truck ride with my dad. Much like a stray cat, memory tends to wander in and out on its own whim.
Recognizing our tendency to forget, God incorporated the act of remembering into a way of life for His people. Keeping the Sabbath holy reminds us of our dependence on God. Coming together to the table of communion invites us to remember Jesus’ broken body and shed blood. Christmas calls us to remember the birth of Jesus, Immanuel – God with us. And on Resurrection Sunday, we rejoice in Christ’s victory over sin and death. Memory is a gift from God, one we must choose to use, lest we forget and become wandering strays seeking refuge in fear and rejection, feasting on the lies of our adversary.
Our faith is strengthened when we choose to remember God’s past faithfulness. By remembering who He is and what He has done, we stand confident in who we are and what we are called to do. Today, take some time and choose to remember. What about God do you need to remember? Who is He? (Father, Creator, Provider, Protector, Powerful, Loving, Merciful, Shelter). What has God done for you, your family, your community, or fellow followers of Jesus? This past week? Past month? Past year? Past decade? Past century?
by Jessica Fields | May 25, 2023 | Life and Faith
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
We are God’s workmanship. Not something manufactured off the conveyer belt or assembly line of creation. As a master craftsman works with a piece of wood or clay to create something hand-crafted for a unique purpose, so we are God’s handiwork. Some translations capture the true sentiment of this in proclaiming, “We are God’s masterpiece.”
In Jesus, you are God’s masterpiece, intricately crafted with purpose. Faith in Christ is not just about wiping out a sin debt; it completely transforms your position, identity, and purpose. In Him, you are unconditionally loved, completely forgiven, and fully accepted. Your past mistakes and societal labels no longer define you. The Creator defines you. In Christ, you are chosen, redeemed, and set free to represent God as His beloved child. Your true identity is not rooted in worldly achievements or disappointments but in the unchanging truth of who God declares you to be.
Embracing our identity in Christ empowers us to live purposefully, love boundlessly, and impact this world for Jesus and His Kingdom. Ask Holy Spirit to help you see yourself as God sees you. Ask for a deeper understanding (revelation) of your true identity in Jesus. Let this truth sink deeper, penetrating every aspect of your life, enabling you to walk confidently. Know that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, deeply loved, and called to fulfill a unique purpose in God’s kingdom.
by Jessica Fields | May 18, 2023 | Doctrine, Life and Faith
For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses. Matthew 6:14-15
Wow! The words spoken by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount leave no room for ambiguity. He boldly reveals the undeniable connection between giving forgiveness to others and receiving forgiveness from God. Forgiveness is not a matter of personal preference. It is a command by Jesus to His followers, and it plays a vital role in experiencing the fullness of God’s mercy. Paul echoes this truth in Colossians 3:13, where he urges believers to embody His forgiveness by extending it to others. Embracing this call requires patience, understanding, and a genuine willingness to release the offenses committed against us in response to the gracious forgiveness God has shown us. As recipients of His immeasurable forgiveness, Christians reflect His character, show others His grace, and extend forgiveness to those around us.
However, releasing offense and choosing to forgive is not always easy. Sometimes it may even seem impossible. Here are some helpful practices to remember when the opportunity for offense presents itself:
Take time daily to reflect on the profound forgiveness given to you by Jesus. Remind yourself of the depth of your own forgiveness, allowing it to fuel your ability to extend grace and mercy to others.
Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a choice. Waiting until you feel like forgiving may hinder the process indefinitely. Remember, delayed obedience is the first step toward disobedience.
Cultivate the practice of pre-forgiveness. As you start your day, even before your feet touch the ground, acknowledge that someone might offend you. Make a conscious decision to forgive them in advance. Make this commitment out loud by saying, “I choose right now to forgive anyone and everyone for any hurt or offense they may cause me today.”
Make it a personal goal to live an unoffendable life. Ultimately, the responsibility for being offended and living in a state of offense rests on us, not the offender. We have control over our attitudes and actions, and choosing not to be offended is a powerful testament to spiritual maturity and faith in Jesus.
Missed Pastor David’s message on Freedom in Forgiveness? Watch Here
