But now, God’s Message, the God who made you in the first place, Jacob, the One who got you started, Israel: “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your personal God, The Holy of Israel, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you: all of Egypt, with rich Cush and Seba thrown in! That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you! I’d sell off the whole world to get you back, trade the creation just for you. So don’t be afraid: I’m with you.

“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand-new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands. Wild animals will say ‘Thank you!’ —the coyotes and the buzzards— Because I provided water in the desert,

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬-‭5, 12-15 MSG‬‬

BOOK REVIEW

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You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

James 3:18 (MSG)

They committed themselves to the teaching of the apostles, the life together, the common meal, and the prayers.

Acts 2:42 (MSG)

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Point to Ponder: Community requires commitment.

Verse to Remember: “We understand what love is when we realize that Christ gave his life for us. That means we must give our lives for other believers.”

1 John 3:16 (GWT)

Question to Consider: How can I help cultivate today

the characteristics of real community in my small group and my church?