Become More

God’s protective "hedges" often manifest not as physical barriers, but through the warmth of human connection. When we surround ourselves with a community of faith – people who know us, love us, and genuinely care – we are living within these divine boundaries. The church, at its best, becomes a living hedge: a place where we are known when we feel anonymous, where we are reminded of hope when despair sets in, and where we are loved as God calls us to love. This community isn't about surveillance; it's about mutual support, a shared journey of faith. It's the phone call, the comforting presence, the casserole in times of trouble. When we open ourselves to being known by others, and extend that same grace, we become part of this life-giving hedge for each other. We remind each other of who we are to God and to one another, keeping us close to the light and the love that nourish our souls. Embrace the embrace of community today, and be a hedge of love for someone else.

Today was the spiritual heart of our week at Rainforest Falls. We focused on the relentless, pursuing love of God and His willingness to go to the ends of the earth to give us a fresh start. In this episode, we talk about moving our kids past shame when they make mistakes, the power of a "clean slate" at home, and a mind-blowing animal fact about Tia the Giant Anteater's 2-foot-long tongue (hint: it's anchored in her chest!).

Imagine a carefully cultivated hedgerow, centuries old, strong and interwoven, not just a barrier but a vibrant ecosystem. This image can illuminate how God places "hedges" around us in life. These are not harsh, barbed-wire fences designed purely to restrict, but loving boundaries established for our safety and flourishing. God's desires for us, the limits God sets, are rooted in divine wisdom and care. They guide us away from harm and toward paths of abundant life. Sometimes, like wayward sheep, we might chafe against these boundaries, feeling confined. But if we trust the Shepherd, we realize these hedges exist to keep us close to what truly sustains us: love, peace, and connection. They are woven with purpose, providing shelter and strength, helping us stay tethered to the source of all good. Today, reflect on the protective wisdom in God's guidance, seeing limits not as punishments, but as expressions of profound love.

When life gets overwhelming, where do your kids go to feel safe? Today at VBS, we looked at the dramatic story of David hiding in the limestone caves of En-Gedi. In this episode, we explore the wild geography of David's hideout, how he chose mercy over revenge, and how we can make our homes emotional "sanctuaries" for our kids when they are stressed. Plus, learn about Dottie the Ocelot's built-in "security system" ears to share with your kids!

It can be unsettling to imagine being completely known – every thought, every action, every hidden part of our hearts laid bare. The Psalmist himself described this knowledge as "too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it," hinting at a human trepidation. We often try to hide our imperfections, our mistakes, and our vulnerabilities, even from ourselves. Yet, the profound truth is that God knows all of us, the triumphs and the missteps, the light and the shadow, and still, God loves us. There is nothing you can do to make God stop loving you. You are loved not because you are perfect, but because you are God's beloved creation. This unwavering love frees us from the need to pretend or to hide. It invites us into authentic living, both before God and with one another. Embrace the grace that comes from being fully seen, fully known, and completely loved. In this divine embrace, we find true liberation.

Our kids are the most monitored and tracked generation in human history, yet they often feel the most misunderstood. Today at VBS, kids explored Psalm 139 and learned that God knows them inside and out. In today's episode, we discuss the difference between "surveillance" and "sanctuary," how to create a home where kids can drop their masks, and a fascinating look at Seymour the Glass Frog—a tiny creature with a completely see-through heart!

The scripture tells us that God "searches" us. This isn't a casual inquiry or a benign observation. The original language of this ancient text suggests a more profound, intentional seeking. It’s the kind of search a loving parent undertakes for a child who has wandered, or a dedicated shepherd for a lost sheep. It's a quest born of deep concern, active care, and an unyielding desire for connection. This divine search reflects God’s immense love and investment in our lives. It means that even when we feel adrift or lost, God is actively seeking us out, not to condemn, but to gather us back into a place of safety and belonging. Our God is not an indifferent deity, but one whose very nature is to pursue us with compassion. Today, consider what it means to be the object of such intentional, loving pursuit. Allow yourself to be found by this active, relentless love that reaches into every corner of your being.

Welcome to Day 1 of the Parents Podcast for Rainforest Falls VBS! Today, our kids explored Genesis 1 and learned that they are created on purpose and with love. In this quick 5-minute episode, we dive into why ancient creation stories were so different from the Bible, how to help our kids fight modern "achievement culture," and a "secret weapon" trivia fact about Tango the Quetzal's crazy 3-foot tail feathers that will blow your kid's mind on the ride home.

O Lord, you have searched me and known me. These words from the Psalmist remind us that we are never truly alone, nor are we ever truly unknown. Before we utter a word, God knows it completely. When we sit and when we rise, our paths and our rest, even our most distant thoughts are discerned by the Divine. This is not the watchful eye of a distant observer, but the intimate gaze of a loving Creator. Imagine the profound peace in realizing there is nowhere you can go where God is not present. If you ascend to the heavens, God is there. If you make your bed in the depths, God is there. Even at the farthest limits of the sea, God's hand leads and holds you fast. This presence is not a burden, but a boundless embrace, a constant reassurance that you are always held within the divine love. Rest in this truth today: you are thoroughly, wonderfully, and lovingly known. Find comfort in the God who is always with you, in every moment and every place.

This sermon explores modern notions of 'situational awareness' through doorbell cameras and phone tracking, contrasting it with God's omnipresent knowledge as described in Psalm 139. It highlights that God's awareness is not for surveillance but stems from an active, intentional love, searching for us like a parent for a lost child or a shepherd for lost sheep. Ultimately, the message assures us that God's love provides protective boundaries, often manifest through community like the church, ensuring we are never truly alone or unseen, regardless of our triumphs or mistakes.