First worship night of the year! We’re so excited for this year and what it has in store for us as a church.

DAY 2 reading: Psalm 33:2 (TPT)

“Play the guitar as you lift your praises loaded with thanksgiving. Sing and make joyous music with all you’ve got inside.”

“I can’t play a musical instrument.” “I really can’t sing!” God has never asked something from me that He has not empowered me to do. “Have faith”, He says; “Oh here is the measure of faith you need”. “Be a conqueror”, He says; “Here is more than a conqueror!”

So if He needs me to do something to praise him, I don’t have to stress that I will never be able to, or I can’t, or I am not good enough. We just need to praise Him with all we have inside. Well, that’s just it isn’t it? What we have inside is the perfector of our faith, the author of our Hope. So I am not praising Him on my own or what I bring, I praise Him with the power of what Jesus has already achieved on the inside of us. He has perfectly put our brokenness back together.

So whatever God has placed on your heart to do to bring Him praise, get about doing, despite your flesh-oriented reservations. He has already achieved what it is He needs from you on the inside of you. What He desires is for you to live your life in the state of Christ’s accomplishments, and that state is a state of praise! It is a rock concert expression of all that Jesus has already done and not a dirge of what we think we still have to achieve.

OUR HOPE IS ALREADY INSTALLED AND NOW WE NEED TO RUN WITH THAT HOPE!

Plan for Hope – 22 Verses | 22 Days

For 22 days read Psalm 33 three times a day and then consider a verse by verse devotional each day.

DAY 1 reading Psalm 33:1 (NLT), Hebrews 10:10, James 1:2

“Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him.”

Godliness and purity are not something we readily attribute to ourselves. We may work our way into thinking that we are good people or at very least “better than those other people”. We may even strive to be in a place where we feel that we know our bible or have a good marriage. We don’t drink or cuss and we generally don’t lie. Compared to today’s standards we should be considered saints… right????

When we limit our identity to what we do and what we achieve, we also limit the glorious expression of life that God has placed in us. He says that it is when we reach a level of purity and godliness that we will naturally erupt in joy and praise. In fact, the scripture says that this joyous eruption is most fitting for the godly and the pure. So let’s consider this concept in reverse. If we are not naturally exploding with joy in our lives and spontaneously breaking out in unadulterated praise we may have a problem with godliness and purity. Don’t stress – we all have a problem with being godly and pure and as a result, finding that pure joy. But that did not stop our Heavenly Father from becoming so laser focussed on us having that joy that He made a way for us to be made completely godly and pure. He ensured that we could receive the joy that is allocated to the pure and godly through Jesus. “For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.” (Hebrews 10:10) Isn’t it awesome that we get to worship a Lord and Saviour that was sent not to judge or burden us but to establish our purity and godliness supernaturally so that despite the craziest of hardships, we could experience what is fitting, supernatural joy (James1:2)? 

There is a word for being godly and pure and that word is holy. Being holy means to be set apart from the sin and mayhem of the world to achieve something special on behalf of God. So when we switch off the noise of the world and focus on scripture and Christ – just as we are doing right now, we focus (worship) the process of being made pure, godly, and holy by Jesus and the joy that has been supernaturally attached to that worship becomes so overwhelming we begin to operate on a totally new level of joy.

HOPE 1 – When Dreams Become Reality

1 Peter 1:13-14 TPT

So then, prepare your hearts and minds for action! Stay alert and fix your hope firmly on the marvelous grace that is coming to you. For when Jesus Christ is unveiled, a greater measure of grace will be released to you.  As God’s obedient children, never again shape your lives by the desires that you followed when you didn’t know better.

Hope is not an elusive state of mind, but it is something that can be prepared for and acted on!

Dreams don’t become reality on their own.

And when we live lives where hope is never realized, we grow sick and tired and downtrodden. (Proverbs 13:12)

The Christian approach to ANYTHING is with HOPE and not fear.

Hope: a person or thing in which my expectations are centered as it relates to your future.

Hopelessness: the feeling that comes with knowing that the person or thing in which you placed hope will not, or even worse, had no intention of coming through.

When we feel hopeless, we feel helpless. When we feel helpless, we feel powerless. When we feel powerless we start to live in fear!

2 Timothy 1:7 TPT

For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self-control.

Sound mind, self-discipline, focus, study, no fear of failure, and an over-comers mindset.

1 Corinthians 13:13

Until then, there are three things that remain: faith, hope, and love—yet love surpasses them all. So above all else, let love be the beautiful prize for which you run.

We hope IN God’s Love and we have hope BECAUSE of God’s Love.

Psalm 33: 22

May your unfailing love be with us Lord, even as we put our hope in you!

HIS HOPE IS OUR HOPE

Jesus still has the whole wide world in his hands. He is not in shock!

Jesus’ uncertainty: Jesus knew who would betray him.(Mark 14:17-20)

Most of what constitutes the story of the bible = uncertainty.(Joseph, David, Moses’ mother, Paul, Mary + Joseph)

In the midst of uncertainty – He institutes a celebration of His body and blood as the Hope of the World! (Mark 14:22-24)

We have to believe that God is still active and accomplishing his purpose, in the places of most uncertainty even when we can see no physical evidence.

We only get sick from a lack of hope when we focus on the failings of this world and what’s in our control. True hope comes from realizing the supernatural in our lives. The universe that Jesus’ hope made our new reality.

HOPE IS FOUND IN HIS WORD

Trusting in the “fairy story” words of Jesus, gives us an assurance and a hope that transcends the terror and pain of this world.

It wont….

But it will…

Allow you to go to bed at night with the confidence that God has not abandoned you.

It will motivate you to become more aware and be on the lookout for his Grace and intervention

It will keep you from leaning in directions that only make things worse

It will protect you from despair.

Seeing that which is hoped for becoming a reality is going to take a faith focussed mindset. No distractions. (Hebrews 11:1)

HOW?

Define what you are hoping for/solving (Nehemiah 1:3).Diligently Seek God (Nehemiah 1:4)Do The Work. (Nehemiah 2:17-18)

Psalm 33

It’s time to sing and shout for joy! Go ahead, all you redeemed ones, do it! Praise him with all you have, for praise looks lovely on the lips of God’s devoted lovers.

Play the guitar as you lift your praises loaded with thanksgiving. Sing and make joyous music with all you’ve got inside.

Compose new melodies that release new praises to the Lord. Play his praises on instruments with the anointing and skill he gives you. Sing and shout with passion; make a spectacular sound of joy—

For God’s Word is something to sing about! He is true to his promises, his word can be trusted, and everything he does is reliable and right.

The Lord loves seeing justice on the earth. Anywhere and everywhere you can find his faithful, unf

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HIS STORY – MY STORY

The Story of Light

THE LIGHT IS GOOD

Genesis 1:1-5

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Then he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.”

A PROMISE IN THE DARKNESS

Genesis 3:14-15

Then the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed more than all animals, domestic and wild. You will crawl on your belly, groveling in the dust as long as you live. And I will cause hostility between you and the woman,and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

THE PROMISE IS NO TALL STORY

John 1:1-5

In the beginning the Living Expression was already there. And the Living Expression was with God, yet fully God. They were together—face-to-face, in the very beginning. And through his creative inspiration this Living Expression made all things, for nothing has existence apart from him! A fountain of life was in him, or his life is light for all humanity. And this Light never fails to shine through darkness—Light that darkness could not overcome!

IS OUR STORY A TALL ONE OR ABOUT A FULFILLED PROMISE?

THE STORY IS GLOBAL

The story of Jesus when mixed with our testimony is the very story of Jesus overcoming Satan on a global level. It is not just about our individual stories. 

It’s about a global healing of the world. 

This is what the shepherds knew. This is what the prophets yearned for. This is why Angelic hosts celebrated.

This season is about the joy of a story with Jesus – that when our stories come together they lift the spirit of the world from darkness into the light.

Our story becomes the story of living out the light as a message to others. Then we gain the goodness of the light and the joy of the season not just for ourselves, but for the whole world.

Matthew 28:19-20

Now wherever you go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teach them to faithfully follow all that I have commanded you. And never forget that I am with you every day, even to the completion of this age.”

We are called to be a light, to reflect the light of God and in turn create more light around us. Shine a light in the darkness. This season is the celebration of THE one and only light that brings us cheer.

John 8:12

Then Jesus said, “I am light to the world, and those who embrace me will experience life-giving light, and they will never walk in darkness.”

WHAT DOES A STORY OF LIGHT LOOK LIKE?

Matthew 5:14a

“Your lives light up the world…

Living the Christmas Story: 

If I am following Jesus, I do not walk in the dark. 

You are a light and we have light to share

We highlight who God is.

Light gives direction and so we live on purpose. 

When there is light, the darkness is gone. We have a clear way to see where we are going.

Light dispels fear. We live with love, power, and a sound mind 

Light sustains and creates light. 

Light is comforting. 

Following Jesus is comforting when we live in his Light. It’s the comfort we receive when we know we are living in his light. 

1 Peter 1:8-9

You love him passionately although you have not seen him, but through believing in him you are saturated with an ecstatic joy, indescribably sublime and immersed in glory.For you are reaping the harvest of your faith—the full salvation promised you—your souls’ victory!

You don’t have to fear coming to Jesus, because the joy that comes with Jesus is always available and always given.

Live in the message of cheer, the joy comes when you are living in the word.

God still offers the gift of joy. 

God keeps his

HIS STORY – MY STORY BECAUSE OF HIMTHE POWER OF INSIGNIFICANT STORIESThe power of a good story.Hallmark Christmas Stories…Insignificant People Doing Significant ThingsThe whole construct of Jesus’ story was based on Him arriving in without pomp and ceremony. God alighted from heaven and chose the most humble form to enter into the human story!

LUKE 1:28-38THE CALL COMES

Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Rejoice, beloved young woman, for the Lord is with you and you are anointed with great favor.”

DOUBTS CREATED BY SELFISHNESS

Mary was deeply troubled over the words of the angel and bewildered over what this may mean for her.

HIS STORY CHANGES EVERYTHING

But the angel reassured her, saying, “Do not yield to your fear, Mary, for the Lord has found delight in you and has chosen to surprise you with a wonderful gift. You will become pregnant with a baby boy, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be supreme and will be known as the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God will enthrone him as King on the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign as King of Israel forever, and his reign will have no limit.”

THE HOW BECOMES OUR EXCUSE

Mary said, “But how could this happen? I am still a virgin!”

HIS PROMISES CHANGE EVERYTHING

Gabriel answered, “The Spirit of Holiness will fall upon you and almighty God will spread his shadow of power over you in a cloud of glory! This is why the child born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What’s more, your aged aunt, Elizabeth, has also become pregnant with a son. The ‘barren one’ is now in her sixth month. Not one promise from God is empty of power. Nothing is impossible with God!”

HIS STORY MAKES OUR STORY SIGNIFICANT

Then Mary responded, saying, “Yes! I will be a mother for the Lord! As his servant, I accept whatever he has for me. May everything you have told me come to pass.” And the angel left her.His story is your story of being the greatest overcomer your circumstances will ever know!

OVERCOME NOT BY DOUBT BUT BY POWERONCE UPON A TIME…GENESIS 3:15

And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will strike[b] your head, and you will strike his heel.”

AND THEY ALL LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER…REVELATION 12:10-12Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,“It has come at last—salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ.For the accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down to earth—the one who accuses them before our God day and night.And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.Therefore, rejoice, O heavens! And you who live in the heavens, rejoice! But terror will come on the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you in great anger, knowing that he has little time.”

OUR STORY HAS LITTLE TO DO WITH OUR SUCCESSES AND EVERYTHING TO DO WITH HIS…

1 PETER 3:15

But give reverent honor in your hearts to the Anointed One and treat him as the holy Master of your lives. And if anyone asks about the hope living within you, always be ready to explain your faith.His story was because of you and your story is because of Him!

HIS WORD IS ALIVE – RELEVANT YOUR TESTIMONY NEEDS TO BE AS RELEVANT AS HIS WORDFOR YOUR STORY TO BE RELEVANT, HIS LOVE FOR OTHERS MUST BE PREVALENT.A powerful testimony is spoken for the benefit of others.MATTHEW 5:14-16

“Your lives light up the world. For how can you hide a city that stands on a hilltop? And who would light a lamp and then hide it in an obscure place? Instead, it’s placed where everyone in the house can benefit from its light. So don’t hide your light! Let it shine brightly before others, so that your commendable works will shine as light upon them, and then they will give their praise to your Father in heaven.”

God wrote Jesus’ story into you. That story leads to o

Congratulations to the winner of this year’s SYTYCP competition!

All the contestants did such a great job and this won’t be the last time we get to hear from them!

RELATIONSHIPS THAT MATTER 7

AS FOR ME AND MINE II

Joshua 24:15b

But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.

THE GOD FOCUSSED FAMILY

We want our family to enjoy peace, happiness, and contentment, but so often we stumble through our most important relationships.

IT NEEDS A PLAN

It takes a plan. Family covenants do not just happen.

Parents, what is your plan to become not just a Christian family but a Christ-centered home?

Long after your kids leave home, your plan to build them into Christ-centered individuals will impact their lives.

One in three children under the age of 18 deal with at least one adverse childhood experience, while 14 percent experienced two or more adverse childhood experiences. About a quarter of all adverse childhood experiences are a result of immediate family breakdown. Family breakdown in turn is caused primarily through spousal or child abuse, but more commonly from overly authoritative, overly permissive, or uninvolved parenting, divorce, or separation.

Based on data from the National Survey of Children’s Health

Your marriage needs a plan

Your discipline needs a plan

Your encouragement needs a plan

Your finances need a plan

Their sex education needs a plan

Their moral compass needs a plan

Their personality and character development needs a plan

Kids, what is your plan to become an obedient, Christ-centered adult to have the emotional and spiritual grounding that will help you craft a Christ-centered family of your own? 

What kind of a person you will become needs a plan.

What kind of a parent you will be, needs a plan.

What kind of husband or wife you will become needs a plan.

Your path to marriage needs a plan

Your success in life needs a plan, not en excuse.

There is no entitlement in grace because there is no entitlement in the principle of sowing and reaping.

Many will get somewhere but not everyone gets somewhere on purpose!

THE PLAN

The family-altering qualities of righteousness, purity, peace, and persecution.

1. A FAMILY THAT HUNGERS FOR GOD

Matthew 5:6

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

A family that hungers for God is neither legalistic nor lukewarm.

Three ways to create a hunger for God:

Involve God in your daily conversations.Make church a non-negotiable.Show how seeking and serving God is fun.

ASIDE: Journal at every opportunity. Journaling is a sure way of identifying ways of implementing growth.

Watch out for this week’s grow notes – 20 family activities to add to your Family Plan!

FAMILY PATH COMING SPRING 2022

2. HAVING A PURE HEART

We live in a world where innocence and purity are not valued. They have been robbed from us.

ASIDE: Virginity is not purity. Losing your virginity is a covenant-bound event and so very much affects your heart. Give it away too soon and you quickly discover what a broken heart feels like.

Matthew 5:8

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

“They will see God.” – GOD FOCUSSED

Becoming a Christ-centered family will ensure our purity of heart because without Christ there is no such thing as a pure heart.

What is a pure heart?

Greek: katharos: To have pure motivations,  not having a hidden selfish agenda, an openness to the correction of our faults and failings, teachable, not entitled to our own desires, innocent, true, joined to a common cause and not self-serving, unstained by guilt or shame, genuine and sensitive to others.

The Worlds Plan:

Ephesians 4:18-19

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity…

A Christ-Centered Plan:

Psalm 119:9-10

How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according

The final semifinals are here! Who was one of your favorite contestants?