Jesus' invitation into apprenticeship is something we'll spend the rest of our time this side of eternity walking out. The crazy thing is that much of what he's calling us to do, or to obey, or to put into practice is simply us responding to what he's already done. Jesus is so good to us that not only has he seen us, saved us, invited & restored us back into God's family, but he's so kind to us that he also shows us how to follow him.
The command we focussed on this week was, 'rejoice & be glad". In Matthew 5:11 Jesus says "God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers." In verse 12 he tells us to rejoice and be very glad! For a great reward awaits you.
The purpose of the command from Jesus to rejoice & be glad, isn't to have an awkward hoard of deliriously smiley people who are constantly happy (think of Ned Flanders from the Simpsons). Neither is he asking us to deny the existence of our pain, or attempt to spiritually bypass our suffering, or push our loss deep down and never acknowledge it while we 'put on a happy face'.
Instead, in every season life has for us, Jesus as the one who loves us and the one we're following is taking us by the hand and inviting us to live from a place of what He's done and is doing in our lives rather than the circumstances we're walking through.
Here's some verses to mull over this week:
Maybe this song will say it better. Give it a spin this week as you dance on the grave that you once lived in...
Prayer Night Postponed
The Prayer Night tomorrow is being postponed - look out for details on when we will be doing this. As we hear every week, God does answer prayers so for now, if you have anything you'd like prayer for, then submit it to our men's prayer group by emailing Fred Van Staden directly (fredvanstaden@yahoo.com) or hit REPLY right now!
Coming Up
August
Wed 14 Aug Prayer Night - 645pm
Sun 18 Aug 3pm Moffat Gathering
Sun 25 Aug 3pm Moffat Gathering
Upcoming
Sun 01 Sep Worship Night: Stories, Communion + Meal - Venue TBC
Sun 29 Sep Worship + Communion - Venue TBC
Sun 03 Nov Worship + Communion - Venue TBC
Wed 13 Nov Prayer Night - 646pm
Sun 01 Dec Worship Night: Stories, Communion + Christmas Party
Our Mission
To help people find and follow Jesus.
Our Rhythms
Get to Know Jesus: how are you getting to know Jesus this week?
Invite people into your life: who can you intentionally open up your life to?
Gather and get involved: who can you connect, listen, share or pray with this weekend?
Our Giving
We are slowly being led to needs for our giving kitty! Please take time to ask God if there is someone in need around you whom God wants you/us to help!
Last month's giving: $10,964
Last month's expenses: $6,515
Balance: $66,521
Giving Kitty Oct-May: $5,000
Giving out Oct-May: $3,680
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17
If you would like to support what we are doing and our giving to those in need, you can get started giving to Open Road to meet the needs of our church or get in touch with any questions you may have.
Your Prayers
Do you have a prayer request? Hit REPLY and we will pass it on to our prayer team.
Good or God
Got a "good story" or a "God story"? Bring it with you on Sunday and share it with others, even with the whole group, if it's brief and encouraging!
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