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The 75 Hard challenge, with over 2 Billion views on TikTok, involves a stringent regimen of exercise and self-development that calls for great dedication. The early church, however, exemplified a devotion far more eternally significant—a devotion ignited by the Holy Spirit. Our contemporary culture celebrates various devotions, from wellness to career advancement. While these pursuits offer temporal gratification, they pale in comparison to our essential devotion to Jesus Christ. As we anticipate Pentecost Sunday in our "Come Holy Spirit" series, let's delve into Acts 2 to unravel the essence of authentic devotion. In a world inundated with diverse pursuits, let's refocus our hearts on the ultimate devotion—to Jesus Christ. Acts 2 unveils a community wholly devoted to apostolic teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer. Their unwavering commitment stemmed from encountering the living God through the Holy Spirit. As we reflect on Acts 2:42-47, let's assess the depth of our devotion. Amidst the clamour of competing priorities, do we prioritize Jesus above all else? The early church's awe at God's active presence (Acts 2:43) in their midst prompts us to ask - when were we last awe-struck by God? The pursuit of awe lies at the heart of every devotion—yet true awe emanates from encountering the living God. In our modern pursuits, we risk idolizing temporal devotions, mistaking them for ultimate fulfillment. The pursuit of such "mute idols" offers no lasting basis for identity, worth, and security; only devotion to Jesus Christ, the embodiment of infinite value Himself, can satisfy our souls. The early church's devotion to Jesus was catalysed by His tangible presence through the Holy Spirit. Likewise, His promise remains unchanged—to be with us always (Matthew 28:20), indwelling us through the Spirit (John 14:23). This revelation calls for a shift in devotion—repenting from deceptive pursuits and embracing Jesus as our supreme devotion. Through self-observation and prayer, we invite the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts, filling us with faith, hope, and love for Him. As we journey towards Pentecost, let's recommit ourselves to Jesus Christ. Let's seek afresh the infilling of the Holy Spirit, birthing a Spirit-filled devotion that permeates every aspect of our lives. Today, let's align our hearts Jesus – as our highest devotion. Let's pray for one another, inviting the Holy Spirit to empower us for a life of unwavering devotion to Jesus Christ.

When we think of a Herd, what does that look like? Perhaps the image of sheep, mindlessly following one of their own comes to mind. In the animal kingdom A herd is a large group of animals that stick together for protection. By moving around and living together in a big group, they protect themselves from dangers like predators. We humans instinctively form herds as well for much the same reason… but they look different. Sometimes as we align ourselves with those around us we can see positive outcomes - living in a City we see the upside of human herding - with increased job opportunities and access to services. Living together can certainly have a wide array of great outcomes. The truth is that it is not always so positive however. Recently we have see the effects of herd mentality as people have become swept up in conspiracy theories or crazes. Crypto Currency for instance became the all consuming passion for many investors seeking to grab hold of the next big thing. The story of the book of Acts however is a exploration of what happens when we choose to take our direction from a shepherd, rather then the herd. Pentecost was a Jewish festival and part of the cultural religious observance of the region - these people were meeting together in the tradition of their fellow countrymen. As Peter was preaching it was to people who were part of a herd, it was a religious herd, they were devout, committed to pilgrimage and other religious expressions of their commitment to God. But Peter had a message for them. He shocked them! He tells them that they killed God’s promised saviour, they killed the Son of God. Far from being safe in the herd, Peter tells them that they are living as enemies of the God they are meant to be showing devotion to. Following the herd can take us to unhealthy places! The next part of Peter's message was key - he had good news for them. God had a bigger plan! Peter’s good news is that God always had a bigger plan, that by dying and rising from the dead, Jesus has conquered death, there is no longer anything that we need to be afraid of… We don’t need a herd!! We need a Shepherd! With Christ gone who would be the shepherd we so desperately needed? The Holy Spirit is Jesus’ gift to us… a Shepherd to be with us every moment, everywhere. This is the story of Acts - the gift of another way, a shepherd we could follow instead of instinctively falling in line with the rest of the herd. During Jesus ministry, he call himself the good shepherd, now Peter is telling the people, that Jesus is giving to humanity, the Holy Spirit of God, so that they can experience God as their shepherd every moment and every where. But we need to give up finding out identity and purpose in a herd… instead we need to find our identity with our Shepherd, God himself. Peter then tells us the response the people need to make… • REPENT! This means change your mind, realize the herd doesn’t really know the way to true life. • It means confessing our foolishness and sin and our need for a saviour and shepherd. • We need to accept the forgiveness that flows from the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf. • We need to accept the place Jesus has for us in his flock • We need to believe and trust that the Holy Spirit is for you as well, a gift for all who trust themselves to the Good Shepherd Jesus Take heart church! The herd mentality is real, but so is the gift of the Holy Spirit. Join with us in church each week as we continue to explore what life looks like with the Holy Spirit deeply involved in our worlds!

As a parent of two young children the concept of Radical Change - the title of todays blog lives with me. Parenting children, especially in the first few years is all change - all the time. This journey is peppered with first moments, each milestone a vivid memory in the mind of a parent. Ask any young parent about their child and you are sure to be be told about the most recent - perhaps a first step, first solid food, first words or like in our family with our second child a first full sentence uttered. To my mind the most critical of these moments is when a child begins to crawl. It’s easy to emphasize the first steps, yet the initial crawl is where true change begins. I recall our child first child, transitioning from a stationary baby to who for all intents and purposed was basically a small baby shaped paper weight in one moment upon learning the vital skills needed to propel himself, 'the destroyer of worlds’, a label we would use to mark his newfound ability to explore and, inadvertently, wreak havoc. For us as a family this was the inflection point - from now on everything would change. No longer could we assume that when we turned our back our little boy would remain where he was placed - and no longer could we assume that our house and everything in it would remain as we had so carefully curated it. Truth is that we were terrified. This radical change is intimidating for parents. Suddenly, the world becomes a place of chaos where everything needs safeguarding. This is why in our series ‘Come Holy Spirit’, we continue to explore the profound impact of welcoming the Holy Spirit into our lives. The Holy Spirit is not a passive comfort but he is a force that prompts significant, sometimes uncomfortable, changes. The early Christians, who were accustomed to a culture of structure, rules and order, found themselves perceived as unruly, a clear indicator of the radical transformation led by the Spirit. We read in Acts 2:1-13 that they had to be ready to become uncomfortable. This leads us to the question: DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT NEED TO SHIFT US OUT OF OUR COMFORT ZONES TODAY? I am reminded of a metaphor used to explain to me what life with the Holy Spirit should look like. When I was a young Christian it was explained to me that we often saw that Holy Sprit as a thermometer. A thermometer tells us what our temperature is - it lets us know if we are in a good place or not - it gives us a measure - is it too hot? Too cold? Basically it is about who comfortable we are. However the truth is that the Holy Spirit when active in our lives is not a thermometer, rather he is a thermostat. While we might be content with passivity, the Holy Spirit aims to actively set the temperature, pushing us beyond comfort to trust in His transformative power. In Romans 15:13, we find encouragement to trust in the Holy Spirit’s power to radically change our lives, filling us with joy, peace, and hope. This journey with the Holy Spirit requires continual trust, especially as we face changes and challenges. Just as a child’s first crawl signifies a shift towards greater interaction with the world, inviting the Holy Spirit into our lives represents a commitment to being shaped and influenced by God. This relationship is far from passive; it is life-changing and requires our willingness to be moved, to break from comfort, and to embrace the discomfort of growth and change. Our worlds are crying out for Christians who have the Holy Spirit inside: Why? Because when we invite the Holy Spirit in, and let him change us and activate us we stop being motionless - like the baby that can now move, we begin to have a real impact on the world around us. As a church, and as a community we can do any number of things, many of them good - but without the Holy Spirit's active involvement all these works will be fruitless. The world around us - our families, friendship groups, workplaces and all manner of connections are in desperate need of Christians who are willing to get a little uncomfortable so that they can see change!

In a world dominated by the allure of instant gratification, where the desire for quick fixes and fast solutions infiltrates every aspect of our lives, from microwave dinners to the quick warmth of instant coffee, we often wish for the same speed in our spiritual lives. We wonder, can our connection with God be as instant as heating a 90-second rice sachet? As pressing a temptation as it might be to live a life of 'microwavable' faith, we need to ask - is this what a real relationship with God is? Would we prefer a microwavable marriage, friendship, or parenthood? Likely not, for we understand intuitively that depth, growth, and authentic connection takes time. This brings us to the heart of a compelling narrative that unfolds in the book of Acts, specifically in the moments following Jesus' ascension. The disciples, faced with the colossal task of establishing what would come after Him found themselves in a state of waiting—a command from Jesus Himself. This waiting was not passive but active and intentional, anchored in persistent prayer. It inspires a pertinent question for us today: what does our current prayer life look like? Are we engaged in constant and persistent prayer, as was the early church? The disciples' response to Jesus' ascension, to 'join together constantly in prayer' (Acts 1:14, NIV), presents a beautiful example for us. Their unyielding dedication to prayer wasn't out of a lack of activity or mere religious duty but from a deep understanding of their dependence on the Holy Spirit. They recognized that the task ahead could not hinge on human talents or abilities but a vital partnership with God. This narrative challenges our modern-day perspectives, urging us to examine our own persistence in prayer. It asks us to reconsider our expectations of prayer as a quick fix rather than a deep, ongoing conversation with God. The culture of the early church, as depicted in Acts, was drastically different from our current context. They lived in a time where prayer was woven into the daily fabric of life—a stark contrast to today's fast-paced, technology-driven society that rarely pauses for reflection or connection with God. This difference in cultural contexts serves as a reminder of the transformational yet challenging call to be in conversation with God amidst daily tasks and projects. Prayer was, and is, meant to be a living, breathing conversation with our King, not relegated to 'microwavable' moments - integrated into the very essence of our day-to-day existence. Understanding prayer as a partnership with God throughout our active lives, rather than an isolated activity, can radically shift our approach. It is about recognizing that God is not only interested in hearing from us when we have carefully curated words or specific requests but desires to be involved in the mundane, the ordinary, and the chaotic segments of our lives. This partnership model challenges us to see prayer not as a one-way transaction or a vending machine approach but as an ongoing dialogue with our loving Father who is deeply interested in every aspect of our being. So, how do we cultivate a life of persistent, constant prayer amidst the demands and distractions of the 21st century? It begins with a shift in perception—recognizing prayer as both a relational conversation with God and a partnership throughout our daily activities. It involves holding on to prayer with intention and perseverance, even when it doesn't fit neatly into our schedules or immediate expectations. It calls for a re-evaluation of our priorities, making room for God in the ordinary, and expecting Him to move in extraordinary ways through our continued dialogue with Him. The early church's reliance on prayer wasn't a matter of convenience but conviction. They knew their mission required divine intervention, guidance, and empowerment. As we reflect on their example, may we be inspired to hold on to constant, persistent prayer, embracing it not as a last resort but as the first step in our journey with God. The way forward might not be microwavable, but the depth, strength, and closeness with God we gain through persistent prayer are infinitely more satisfying and transformative.

What is Essential? Partnering with the Holy Spirit As we dive into our daily routines, there are often elements we deem essential. For many, like me, that morning cup of coffee stands as an indispensable ritual. But as we delve into the notion of life’s essentials, my cup of coffee is more on the trivial side. What is essential to your day-to-day life? As we move towards Pentecost Sunday, a line of inquiry inspired by the history As we move towards Pentecost Sunday, a line of inquiry inspired by the history recorded in the book of Acts leads us to consider: Is the Holy Spirit as crucial to our daily lives as other cherished rituals and commitments are? We’re journeying into the heart of Acts, unveiling the profound significance of the Holy Spirit in shaping the early church and, by extension, our lives today. Acts, penned as the continuation of Luke's Gospel, directs our attention quickly to continuing work of Jesus into the starting of the early church through the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus, in His final moments with the disciples, emphasized the imminent arrival of the Holy Spirit, marking a pivotal transition in their walk with Him. This divine promise was not merely an accessory but an essential catalyst for the newly forming church. The narrative unfolds, unveiling the Holy Spirit's multifaceted role: as the inspirer of Jesus’ teaching instructions, coming through a new baptismal empowerment, with an empowering effect on the early church’s witness to Christ. Each verse resonates with the resounding truth: the Holy Spirit is essential in the life of every believer. Yet, amidst the clamor of our modern world, we find ourselves navigating against the current, striving to make the Holy Spirit an essential of our daily living. However, our commitment to this essential partnership is non-negotiable, for it is through the Holy Spirit that we are empowered to live as authentic followers of Jesus. In the pursuit of enriching our relationship with the Holy Spirit, we are called by the command of Jesus in Acts 1:2 to freshly embrace the practice of waiting—a posture of surrender and expectancy. It is in this sacred space of waiting that we encounter the Holy Spirit, receiving divine wisdom, baptismal renewal, and empowering grace for witness. Let us heed the call to prioritize the Holy Spirit above all else. Just as coffee may pick-up our mornings, the Holy Spirit must permeate every aspect of our lives, guiding our steps and igniting our witness to the world. So, I ask you: Is the Holy Spirit truly essential to you? As we yield to His leading, may we embody the truth of Romans 8:14, boldly living our identity as children of God led by the Spirit. Together, let us embrace the essential partnership with the Holy Spirit, for in His guidance lies the pathway to abundant life and unwavering witness. Let us pray, seeking that His presence would saturate every aspect of our existence, today and always.

Imagine with me the weight of centuries of slavery, the relentless oppression of bondage, the despair of a life devoid of freedom. Yet, in the darkest hour, God intervenes. He hears your cries and delivers you from the shackles of Egypt. The miracles of God, including the parting of the Red Sea, stands as a testament to His power to break us free from our bondages, whether imposed from without or growing ensnarement from within. The truth is, liberation from physical bondage didn't guarantee freedom from the habits of slavery for ancient Israel. Despite witnessing miracles, the Israelites found themselves longing for the familiarity of their former lives. Egyptitis, as I called it on Sunday, had crept into their hearts over generations, manifesting as complaints and doubts and a pining for the old slave-patterns along their freedom journey out of Egypt. The parallels to our own lives are striking. Do we find ourselves at times ensnared by destructive patterns, enslaved by our own thoughts and behaviours? Do we yearn for change but sometimes feel powerless to break free? There is real hope for us! The resurrection of Jesus Christ offers a radical solution. Through His death and triumphant rising, He shattered the chains of sin-slavery and conquered death itself. His victory isn't just a historical event but a living reality, offering freedom from the deepest enslavements of our souls. Hebrews 2:14-18 declares a clear and radical hope: Jesus offers freedom from the worst evils, the deepest slaveries, and the strongest fears. His resurrection signifies not just an escape from death but a new way of living, infused with forgiveness, redemption, and eternal life. So, what does this mean for us today? It means we have the power to break free from the sins that entangle us, the habits that ensnare us, and the fears that paralyse us. It means confessing our struggles, seeking forgiveness, and declaring our freedom in Christ. Whether it's breaking destructive financial habits, overcoming relational challenges, or conquering personal fears, the pathway to freedom begins with acknowledging our need and embracing the transformative power of Jesus. As we reflect on the significance of Easter this year, let us remember that Jesus offers more than just a religious ideology or a set of moral teachings. He offers liberation, restoration, and new life. And as we seek Him, we will find the new and lasting freedom our souls deeply crave. So, let us boldly approach the throne of grace, confident in the assurance that Jesus has conquered sin and death, and find in His resurrection the ultimate freedom.

Back stories are really important for us to understand the context of someone’s words. I love the musical Wicked because it provides a back story for the famous book and film The Wizard of Oz. If you have never seen it, the musical will totally change your perspective of the characters ‘Wicked Witch of the West’ and ‘Glinda the Good’. As we look at more of Jesus’ words at the last supper it is important to understand the Biblical back story. When we read through the first chapters of the Bible (Genesis 1-4) we see that God’s original intentions for humanity are for them to: -          Enjoy a close relationship with him (Genesis 3:8a) -          Benefit from his perfect wisdom to make life good (Genesis 2:15-17) -          Live in peace (Genesis 1:31) But humans lost these wonderful blessings because of an unwillingness to trust God. -          Their relationship with God was broken (Genesis 3:23-24) -          Confusion reigns instead of wisdom (Genesis 4:8) -          Peace is lost and replaced by pain (Genesis 3:17-19) Now we can come to Jesus’ words in John 14:22-27 and make more sense of them: Now we can understand that Jesus is restoring God’s original intent for humanity. He is saying that we can live in this original intent. Jesus says that if we follow him, then we will experience ongoing relationship with God and experience the peace provided to us by the Spirit of God. Jesus will soon pay the debt of all the world’s sins. This means anyone can turn to Jesus and find true life. If we want to live daily in that life that God wants us to have then we must: 1.      Follow Jesus, his example and teaching 2.      When we follow Jesus we experience closeness to our heavenly Father 3.      We follow Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit and experience his peace Finally, Jesus makes clear that we can experience this restoration and salvation now, but it will be in the midst of a broken world. There would be no reason for Jesus to tell his disciples not to be afraid if all the world was going to be made good again. Instead, we live as well watered and healthy trees in a desert landscape until God’s promise arrives to make all things new (Revelation 21:3-4)

In the annals of history, there are numerous instances where what seemed impossible became the norm. From the invention of the lightbulb to the advent of cars and airplanes, human ingenuity has defied expectations time and again. Yet, there's a particular statement, made over two millennia ago, that challenges our understanding of what's possible even today. In the upper room where the Last Supper took place, Jesus uttered words that have echoed through the ages: "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father" (John 14:12, NIV). At first glance, this declaration might seem audacious, even improbable. How could mere mortals replicate the miracles and teachings of Jesus, let alone surpass them? Yet, embedded within these words lies a profound invitation to transcend the boundaries of what we deem possible. Jesus isn't merely issuing a challenge; He's extending an invitation to participate in the divine work of redemption and restoration. It's a call to continue His legacy of love, healing, and sacrificial service. And the key? Faith. Just as Edison, Benz, and the Wright brothers ventured beyond the confines of conventional wisdom, believers are called to tap into a reality beyond what our senses perceive. It's a reality where miracles aren't just relics of the past but possibilities of the present. But this invitation isn't extended to the faint-hearted. It demands not only belief but also love—love expressed through obedience to His commands. And it's accompanied by the assurance of divine assistance in the form of God’s Holy Spirit, empowering us to live out the impossible. So, how do we respond to this divine invitation? We start by asking. We ask, in the context of our daily lives, for works of healing, provision, and opportunity to do what Jesus did to flow forth. We ask with faith, knowing that our requests are made in alignment with His willingness. As we step into the realm of what is only possible with Jesus promise and power, we become agents of transformation in our communities and beyond. We become bearers of hope, catalysts for change, and witnesses to the power of God in action. As we celebrate Easter, let's not just simply remember Jesus' death and resurrection but also embrace His challenge to continue His work. Let's dare to believe that with faith, love, and the help of the Holy Spirit, the impossible becomes possible. So, I leave you with a question: Are you ready to embrace the impossible and join Jesus in shaping history? If so, the journey begins with the ask of faith. We continue the journey next week, in church and here on our blog! Join us then.

In the vast expanse of the Southern Sea, a lone sailor, Tony Bullimore, faced a perilous ordeal during the Vendee Globe round-the-world single-handed race. Imagine the isolation, exhaustion, and emotional turmoil as his capsized boat left him stranded for four agonizing days. In those desperate moments, Bullimore's rescue by the Australian Navy felt nothing short of a miracle, giving him a new lease on life. Isn't this the Christian testimony? We were once dead to God, our purpose, and our destiny, until Christ's miraculous rescue brought us from the brink of spiritual death to life. Yesterday, in our church, I shared Tony’s story and the profound analogy it draws to our spiritual journey. We have now begun a new series, "Famous Last Words," leading up to Easter. This series delves into the last words of Jesus before His crucifixion, providing a fresh perspective on the significance of His sacrifice for our lives. We spent time together considering Jesus last supper table conversation as found in John 14:1-10 and focused on the comfort Jesus brought his friends. Like the disciples, who faced uncertainty and anxiety as Jesus foretold His death and betrayal, we too grapple with challenges in our lives. Jesus, in His reassuring sense of authority, declared to the disciples, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." He declared Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, urging them and us to keep Him central as we navigate our various concerns. Our troubles may vary—from financial strain to relational stress, or to fears about the future. Just as Jesus comforted the disciples in their anxious moment, His word is meant to resonate with us today. Understanding that Jesus is God with us offers a profound counter to whatever troubles we face. Because Jesus is God - the God of the universe, of all history, of all humanity, of all eternity, then: he is creative, and merciful, and redeeming, and full of hope for us amid our challenges. By committing His words as promises to our troubles, we find faith to overcome. Whether financial pain, troubled relationships, or fear of the unknown, boldly declaring that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life through them all transforms our perspective and our prospects! As we launch into this Easter season, let's listen to the famous last words of Jesus with fresh ears and open hearts. May His words build our faith in this important season of our calendar year! See you in church on Sunday.

Yesterday I encouraged us to take seriously the example of Mother Teresa, who was prepared to suffer deformity of her feet over decades in order to ensure that the worst pairs of donated shoes to her Missionaries of Charity order never went to the poor and sick that she served in Jesus name. She was determined to embody Jesus' love. Mark's Gospel recounts the story of four friends showcasing a similar extraordinary determination to bring their paralyzed friend to Jesus. It's Mark 2:1-12 where we witness an unusual determination of four friends who cut open a roof to lower their paralyzed friend to Jesus. The message is clear: when it comes to helping others encounter Jesus, social conventions, reputations, and even neighbourly pleasantries are not as important as getting people to Jesus. As we launch out into 2024, we have vision to see more people become more like Jesus so that together we can transform our communities. And I have been challenged by preparing God’s word this week – how determined am I to help other people encounter the hope and love of Jesus? Am I, and are we, willing to go against conventions and risk discomfort for the sake of someone encountering the transformative power of Jesus? To guide our intentional efforts in helping others encounter Jesus, we introduced the BLESS acronym: ·         Begin in prayer – we cannot impact people without the power of Jesus that guides us through prayer. ·         Listen to their questions – people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. ·         Eat together regularly – Jesus spent allot of his time on Earth, especially once he started teaching and demonstrating His Kingdom, eating meals with those around him. ·         Serve as needs arise – be one of the first to help. ·         Share your story – there will come natural opportunities to share your faith story as you build relationships with the people you care about. I’m someone who looks for structure to help focus my intentionality. Let’s draw upon this BLESS structure to build our impact for Jesus sake. This is why we launched C3 Church Wentworthville - to BLESS our friends, networks, and the region of Sydney in Jesus' name.

Yesterday in church I told the story of Hattie May Wiatt. In the late 19th Century, through a simple act of faith as a 6-year-old girl, Hattie sparked a legacy that continues to impact lives today. Living near the crowded Grace Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Hattie expressed her hope for a larger space. Tragically, she passed away, leaving behind 57 cents with a note: 'To help build bigger so that more children can go to Sunday school.' This small offering, multiplied by the grace of God, eventually would birth Temple University and Hospital, impacting thousands of lives still to this day! Hattie May's story resonates with the sacrificial giving of the Macedonian Church in the Apostle Paul's time. Despite facing severe trials and persecution, they demonstrated a remarkable grace of giving, inspiring Paul to urge another church, the Corinthians, to excel in this grace also. We have now launched our Vision Builders offering, where we give above our tithe for the greater good. And the examples of Hattie May and the Macedonian Church challenge us. We have outlined a bold future direction for our church, calling for a purposeful commitment to see more people grow more like Jesus, collectively transforming our communities. But this is not possible without the grace of God. And this is where the Macedonians, described in 2 Corinthians 8:1-15, demonstrate a powerful testimony for us to draw from - we hear how the grace of giving created overflowing joy, rich generosity, and an eagerness to serve the Lord's people even under great pressures. Just as Hattie May and the Macedonian Church trusted in God's provision, we are called to let grace lead our financial lives. The counter-rational nature of this grace is powerfully testified to in this passage, challenging us to live generously even when faced with "cost of living pressures." As we consider our Vision Builders offering, remember that our generosity contributes to sharing the Gospel, supporting communities in need, church planting, local and global missions, intern programs, and future property needs. The challenge is to excel in the grace of giving, building a testimony like the Macedonian Church. Our faith goal of $600,000 may seem beyond us, but it is not beyond the grace of God. In this moment, let's seek the Lord together, gaining clarity on how we can participate in this act of grace. Just as Paul emphasized in 2 Corinthians, our gifts are acceptable according to what we willingly prepare to give. Let's embrace this opportunity to make a lasting impact, building a testimony that reflects the excellence of God's grace in our lives.

What does it mean to be nourished on the will of God? What is your favorite food… or foods (why limit yourself to one!)? Food delights our senses, satisfies longings and nourishes our bodies. Little wonder we get excited just thinking about our favorite foods. Have you ever wondered, ‘What was Jesus’ favorite food?’ An unexpected answer comes as he explains his actions to his disciples in the Gospel of John: Jesus found his greatest longings satisfied and his deepest needs nourished in doing the will of God. Think about this for a moment. No matter how successful we think we may be, Jesus is telling us that we will live a malnourished life if we live without paying attention to what God is asking us to do. In other words, to live a healthy and satisfying life, we need to make our priority to live like Jesus, seeking God’s will and doing it. Here are some truths for you to consider about the food that is ‘doing the will of God’. It is not drive through fast food! God’s will is not designed around our convenience. 2. The recipe to make this food comes from God, he always has all the ingredients we will need, we will lack nothing. 3.  It takes time to learn to follow the recipe God gives us, and that’s ok. Every man and woman who seeks to follow God will make mistakes. 4. It is a meal that is prepared in the midst of life. We do God’s will among the mundane things of life, but God’s plans are never mundane. We don’t escape the routines of life, but we see them infused with God’s power and wisdom. 5. We all bring a unique contribution that God puts together as a banquet that will nourish us and others. Never think your contribution is anything more or anything less than the contribution of someone else… God is the one who puts it all together to make an abundant banquet. We can take on the encouragement that Paul writes to the church in Corinth: Let’s add ‘doing the will of God’ to our list of favorite foods!