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Philippians Times 5

At Restore we are in the middle of a series called "Renegade Joy".  We are taking an indepth look at the book of Philippians.  We are challenging everyone who attends Restore to read through the book of Philippians five times this week.

I began the challenge yesterday and decided I am going to read Phillipians through the lens of five different biblical translations or paraphrases (ESV, NIV, NLT, The Voice, The Message).  I am very excited about this challenge.

Will you join me?

Count Me In

Yesterday we kicked off our new series at Restore called "The Story of Everything."  We explored Elohim and how God is absolutely relational to the core.

We challenged everyone at Restore to go on a 30 day Bible Reading plan.  Over 160 people committed to daily reading their Bible.  We also gave away 75 3C journals to people who wanted to spend time journaling their experience.

I believe that this experience will change us individually and as a church.

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New Series - The Story of Everything

This Sunday we begin a brand new series at Restore.  I believe this series will be one those marker events in the life of this church and for everyone who is a part of this family. 

During these next six weeks we will look at what the Bible says about God, Sin, Jesus, Holy Spirit, the Church, and Eternity.  If we open ourselves up to it, God will change us as a church and as individuals. 

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A Journey Through Nehemiah

Restore is taking a journey together through the book of Nehemiah.  Over the next 13 days we are reading through this incredible book of the Bible to discover how God has placed a leader within each of us.

Sunday we kicked off the series looking at where Nehemiah found his motivation to lead... 

• on the ground,
• weeping,
• mourning,
• fasting, and
• praying before the God of heaven.

Does my heart break for my city like Nehemiah's did for his?  Sometimes, but not often enough.  We challenged everyone to begin to pray for 3 people in their lives...neighbor, coworker, family member or friend and watch for God to create opportunities to invite and include. 

And we are all planning on fasting at least one day before we launch our second service on September 14th.

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Journey Thru Acts - Day 23-28

I got the chance to read the last 6 chapters of Acts, but didnt get to blog on those.  I do have to say that taking the journey with Paul to Rome was intense.  If there were ever someone who experienced all that the legal system had to offer, it was Paul.  And then he survives multiple attempts on his life and a shipwreck.  And in the middle of it...he continues relentlessly to preach the Good News.   

Final Verses:   "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."  (Acts 28:30-31)

Journey Thru Acts - Day 22

Acts 22

Key Verse:  "You are to take his message everywhere, telling the whole world what you have seen and heard." (Acts 22:15)

Reflection:  I know that this statement was made to Paul.  But I feel like Jesus is saying this to me and to all of us...and everywhere means everywhere.  Not just on Sunday morning in a high school auditorium, but in my neighborhood, my kids school, where I should be working out, where I get my coffee, and my bagels, and my groceries...EVERYWHERE.  I need to hear this regularly.  I need to do this daily.

Prayer:  Father God, impress you message on my heart, fill my lips with you story.  Let me not be silent with what you have done and still doing today.

Journey Thru Acts - Day 21

Acts 21

Key Verse:  "Why all this weeping?  You are breaking my heart!  For I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but also to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus."  (Acts 21:13)

Reflection:  What's at risk for me?  Am I willing to sacrifice everything for the sake of my faith?  My life, my family, my success?  As I read these verses, I seem to have more questions than answers.  Is my faith deep enough to weather a storm like Paul faced?  I want a deep faith.  I want a life lived without regrets.

Prayer:  Lord,  let me walk in your presence.  To have roots that grow deep into the wellspring of life.  That can stand any storm that comes my way.  Deepen my faith.  Let me take risks for You and not me.

Journey Thru Acts - Day 20

Acts 20

Key Verse:  "And now beware!  Be sure that you feed and shepherd God's flock - his church purchased with his blood - over whom the Holy Spirit has appointed you as elders."  (Acts 20:28)

Reflection:  Oh what responsibility has been given to those who lead.  What a great task to feed and shepherd the flock.  When I read these words, I get excited.  That God in his infinite wisdom would choose to use broken, fallible people, like me, to be a part of leading His church. 

Prayer:  Oh Father,  I am part of that church which you purchased with the blood of Jesus.  I am not worthy or deserving, but I am chosen.  And for that I am eternally grateful.  Thank you for grace and for this calling.

Journey Thru Acts - Day 19

Acts 19

Key Verse: " The story of what happened spread quickly all through Ephesus, to Jews and Gentiles alike.  A solemn fear descended on the city and the name of the Lord Jesus was greatly honored."  (Acts 19:17)

Reflection:  A solemn fear...what did that look like?  Have I experienced that as I have drawn close to Jesus?  A fear not that pushes me away, but one that draws me in.  In reverence and awe.  I want to have that kind of fear.  That leads to honor and respect...and obedience.

Prayer:  God, I am in awe of who your are.  Of what you have done for me in the person of Jesus.  Of what you are still doing in me through your Spirit.  Let me keep my face bowed before you.

Journey Thru Acts - Day 18

Acts 18

Key Verse:  "He had been taught the way of the Lord and talked to others with great enthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus."  (Acts 18:25)

Reflection:  Apollos learned the truth about Jesus and was on FIRE.  And he couldn't keep it to himself.  I saw this in action tonight in my small group.  People's lives are being changed by Jesus and community and they can't keep it to themselves.  They are constantly telling others about the changes in their lives.  This is really really fun.

Prayer:  Father, thank you for Jesus.  Thank you for my small group.  Thank you for a purpose in life.