Editor’s Note: Matthew 3:2 says, “The Kingdom of God has come near”, meaning it’s closer than we think, but we must choose to see it. Some of the best representations of the Kingdom are when differing cultures, nations, skin colors, occupations, walks of life, etc. come together in the most unlikely of circumstances. Our God is the Master of the unexpected. Can we get an Amen? The Yada Yada Prayer Group book series does and excellent job of painting a literary picture of what it looks like when God weaves life paths together by His divine and perfect plan. A group of women, who would never have chosen each other as friends…

It is rightly said that God wants an honest, authentic, sincere relationship with us. Paul goes so far as to say that this is one of the major, if not the major, goals of his discipleship ministry and teaching: The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a goodconscience and a sincere faith. — 1 Timothy 1:5, emphasis mine And the author of Hebrews reminds us that when we approach God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart. — Hebrews 10:22 This only makes sense because we can’t fake God out. After all, the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. — 1 Chronicles 28:9 This means that if…

Nashville, TN (August 9, 2019) International Christian music and worship group sensation Planetshakers has released Rain Part 3 on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Google Play and wherever you buy or stream music. The four songs on the new EP were recorded during the annual Planetshakers Conference at Melbourne Arena in Melbourne, AU this past April and broadcast-premiered live around the world via Daystar Television Network to millions in over 180 countries. All of the new songs were produced, written (or co-written) and mixed by Planetshakers’ Joth Hunt during a season in which he was battling cancer. Longing for a “refreshing touch of God’s presence” with the song “Fall On Me,”…

What He says He will do, He does. What He promises, He makes come true. — Numbers 23:19 NCV We need to learn to take God at His word. Sounds easy enough, especially when it’s smooth sailing. But in the midst of a storm, even the disciples of Jesus needed a reminder. On one occasion He told them, Let us go over to the other side. — Mark 4:35 NIV They did. En route to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, however, their boat encountered “a furious squall” (Mark 4:37 NIV). The sky opened, and buckets of water fell, and waves threatened to upend the boat. The disciples turned to Jesus and found Him sound…

Welcome!  Welcome to Session 1 of It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. Opening Discussion How would you define disappointment? Watch Session One: The Birthplace of Disappointment The Birthplace of Disappointment (28 minutes) This Week’s Statement to Hold Onto: What would happen in our lives if we really lived in the absolute assurance of God’s love in the midst of our disappointments? Genesis 2:5–9 7: Then the lord God formed a man 9: … trees that were pleasing to the eye Genesis 2:15–18 16: And the lord God commanded the man, “You are free…” 18: “… I will make a helper suitable for him.” Genesis 2:23–25 25: Adam and his wife were…

Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story, those He redeemed from the hand of the foe. — Psalm 107:2 NIV In our Western culture we seldom have enemies hunting us down. At least not the kind of enemies we read about in the stories of the Bible — Pharaoh pursuing the Israelites or Saul chasing David. What we do have is troubles — relationship troubles, health problems, loss and grief, feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. At times our troubles can seem so overwhelming that we wonder where God is and what possible purpose He could have. Our faith dwindles as we envision a grim future or a poor outcome. Surrender…

While God will never forget or abandon us, at times we will feel forgotten. It’s not that God is distant; it’s just that sometimes He feels distant. It’s not that God is preoccupied; it’s just that our struggles make us feel like we’re facing the world alone. What is amazing is that we are given full permission to voice this honestly. “How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever?” David lamented. “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?” — Psalm 13:1–2 We are allowed and invited to tell God how we really feel. This is the beauty of lament — unedited, unfiltered…