Covenant Church at Creekside | Weekly Inspiration for Christian Living

When we grow closer to each other we grow closer to God, when we draw closer to God we grow closer together. We need to live in a space where we can ask and answer, "How is it with your soul?" Yet, churches actively ask "How is it with your mind?" Soul conversation is mostly absent. We teach about the Bible and scripture ignoring this deeper mission of soul. Scripture invites us to be authentic to God and to our brothers and sisters. But the next phase is vulnerability—an intimate space—caring, close, connected to others who are with us, and for us. Do you hold yourself back? Whether to protect yourself or to protect those you love so they don't have to deal with all your "stuff"? It's a rare thing in this world to be known out of a space of vulnerability. This, however, is Jesus' model of discipleship. We are growing and for us to grow we have to be honest about where we are. Do you yearn for more? How is it with your soul? If you would like to experience this for yourself, we invite you to participate in a small group at Covenant. To get started click the "Next Steps" button at the bottom of the page and choose "find a small group".

Jesus es Compasivo

The sinful woman is shunned by the religious community, unwelcome and barred. She's used and scorned, finding no solace, hope, or peace within the religious traditions of the time. Yet, her profound and overwhelming love for Jesus—this man who can forgive even someone like her—shines as she stands behind him. She is overwhelmed by grace—her tears flow, displaying her immense affection openly and unabashedly. A tale of contrasts emerges. Simon, the Pharisee, intrigued by Jesus' miracles and teaching, has invited him home. However, Simon's hospitality is adequate but minimal, lacking customary gestures like foot washing, anointing, and affection. Embarrassed by the woman's presence and emotional display, Simon mutters to himself that Jesus should know this woman is not worthy. In response, Jesus shares a story comparing the self-righteous and those who are sinful yet humbly and fully aware of their need for redemption, asking Simon, "Who loves him more?" Like the woman's response to Jesus, our lives should reflect the abundant and lavish forgiveness we've received, yet are we more like Simon than the woman? Confident in our own worthiness, we keep Jesus at arm's length instead of offering our whole selves to him in reckless abandon and experiencing a place where grace abounds.

Jesus es Inclusivo

Whoever was at Matthew's table in this passage—"tax collectors and sinners"—were most likely offensive. Capernaum was a major intersection of international trade. These are rich and influential tax collectors and people who most likely profited from selling things that catered to people's darker desires. The Pharisees are appalled that Jesus would deign to dine with this group of people, these "sinners". Yet, in his response to them, Jesus invites us to confront our own relationship with sin. He is there not for those who think they've got it all together, but for those who are confronted with the reality that they are unable to be righteous on their own. We have all sinned and fallen short. The first step in becoming a disciple is admitting you are aware of your own sin—to understand that Jesus came for you. Secondly, we are called to be keenly aware of the needs of others and to encourage one another on the path toward righteousness. All are welcome. Every one of us is a sinner in need of salvation. There is a spot for you at the table. And Jesus says to us, this is why I came.

La vida es el curriculum

From the very beginning, we are invited into discipleship to be sent. Disciples making disciples. The Church must be a disciple-making engine, establishing people empowered by the Holy Spirit, who when faced with the evil powers of this world are to be a remedy to restore it. We need to look at the model that Jesus laid out for us with his disciples. The disciples were not merely observers of Jesus but lived and experienced life with him. We need to BE with him and when our desire is to be with Jesus we are in lockstep with the original twelve.

Life itself IS the curriculum. We cannot proclaim that we are going to follow Jesus and isolate ourselves—we need to be in community. Jesus made the disciples one of twelve so that they could experience being with one another as they were with him. The model for Christians is clear in the biblical witness if you are following Jesus and experiencing life with others following Jesus the life you are living is growing your faith. To try to do it on your own is actually deterring your spiritual growth. Take the next step in discipleship. Make sure you are with others striving to be with Jesus as well.

Los ritmos de una vida resucitada

Passion for God is something you can't create--it comes from somewhere deep below the surface that our conscious mind can't interact with directly. However, through persistent rhythms of making our "home" in Jesus, our hearts can be stirred up to greater love for God.

Sin Jesucrito, no puedes hacer nada