"We fail to remember that God is as the Psalmist describes: an abundant fountain, a river of delights, a full house, a radiant light. The Psalmist knows God never operates out of scarcity. Where we must begin with Deeper is recognizing the ever flowing depths of the fountain of God. He is living water, because it is always abundant and always flowing. Scarcity mindset keeps us from going deeper, because we are afraid the safety net either isn’t there or doesn’t go deep enough. We won’t risk, because we can’t. We can’t possibly risk such things. There might not be anything left. There might not be any left for me. We are all like Goldilocks lamenting lost porridge, broken chairs, and occupied beds. But God always has room and always makes room. He is an overflowing fountain."
Keep Reading
Abiding through the fall at City Pres meant holding on for dear life to your life preserver ring hoping the other side of the rope is attached to the rescue boat, continually clinging, continually waiting. But abiding in the new year at City Pres is what I think we’re being called into: “Deeper.”
Keep ReadingOct 15
2020
"What I challenge you with, though, is to look at this season in the bigger picture, as a part of God’s story. We might not know what the future will look like and how this season will ultimately shape us as individuals and the world collectively, but we can hold on to the hope that this wasn’t a mistake and that God is using this season to show us more of Himself."
Aug 27
2020
"Often, patience and grace are seen together. God’s patience with us is grace. He gives us second chances all the time. He teaches, rebukes, disciplines, but ultimately, there is always grace seen in Him and by Him. He is patient with us, not letting us fall into despair, but provides hope in His Son, Jesus. By Jesus’s example, we see Jesus patiently endure all sorts of temptations, wrongs, and ultimately death on the cross. His patience is our grace."
Jul 23
2020
"As a fellow ‘either/or’ thinker, living in the gray can bring anxiety. I need direction, I like expectations, and I value rules. However, when I don’t follow directions, live up to expectations, or obey rules, I get anxious, too. The shame sets in and I forget who I am in Christ. Yet, the Gospel eliminates this - my works, or my lack of works, does not qualify me to be with Christ. It is Christ who qualifies me."
May 7
2020
"Therefore, as we receive Christ in faith, we are justified and sanctified because of Him. However, sanctification is a process - a process which Justin emphasized in the sermon on Sunday. We are still broken, fallible people while we reside here on earth. Our failures, our shame, and ultimately, our sinfulness, are constant reminders that we cannot renew ourselves by ourselves. We need Jesus."
Mar 18
2020
"God is always looking forward for us, allowing these struggles to shape us, but not be the end of who we are."
Sep 12
2019
"We have all experienced seasons of waiting. Whether it is waiting for Christmas to come, a baby to arrive, or a work project to be finished, we all know what it is like to wait. Waiting can bring uncertainty, stress, and pessimism. It can make you wish that time went faster or slower depending on the situation. However, waiting can also bring growth, faith, and hope. If God granted things instantly, we would only learn that our needs and desires matter first. We would not look at things in the midst of a bigger picture as God has done since the beginning. We would not rely on Him while we are waiting."