I throw all my cares before You

My doubts and fears don’t scare You

You’re bigger than I thought You were

-Bigger Than I Thought You Were

There is a very beautiful and challenging story found in Mark 9 starting with verse 14. It’s about a man who is trying to get his son some much needed help. Help that could only come from Jesus. You should read it. I’ll wait…

Ok, you probably have loads of questions after reading a story like that. Good. So do I. After meditating on this story, here are the two things that left me compelled and encouraged.

1) Put yourself in the shoes of this father. His son is in really, really bad shape. This man has got to be gripped with all sorts of fears and questions and possibly some anger or doubt; all the kinds of things that life has a way of throwing at us. But, instead of running away from God with all those things, he ran straight towards Him. He threw it all at the feet of Jesus. Even his honest faith. “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief” verse 24.

2) Jesus doesn’t turn him away. Not only did Jesus heal the boy, but He also helped the father surrender. In the Kingdom of God, surrender always leads to freedom.

Are there hurts, fears or doubts in your life that cause you to run away from Jesus instead of towards Him? Don’t be afraid. He won’t turn you away. He’s bigger than that. The King is on your side. Surrender it all. Find your freedom.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:6-8


written by Sean Curran

 

 

You’re the God who makes the giants fall   

You bring down the walls of Jericho    

You’re the God who gives the miracle    

We believe    

-More To Come

 

Remembering is a powerful thing. We are not promised every day will be the brightest and the best. We are living in a world broken by sin and filled with pain and heartache. In fact, I’m willing to bet that each and every one of us reading this right now have been disappointed, heartbroken, let down or walked through the valley of the shadow of death at some point in life. As sons and daughters of the living God, these are the times when remembering is crucial.

Our God has a perfect track record. He has never broken a promise and has never failed to keep His word. His ways are trustworthy and His heart is good. We can look back through scripture and see all the ways that He has been a deliverer, provider, protector, guide and Savior to His people. We can even look back on our own lives and see how His hands have held us, protected us and led us through desert seasons. These moments and miracles are markers. They are rocks of remembrance that we return to when we find ourselves in the fight of our lives wondering if He is with us. It’s God’s past faithfulness that gives us confidence for today and for whatever lies ahead.

Lift your eyes today and remember the God who holds you. He is good. He is powerful. He is near. He does come through. He is sovereign over all. He has a plan. He is Lord. He is not done. There is more to come.

Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Your faithfulness continues through all generations; You established the earth, and it endures. Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve You.

Psalm 119:89-91

 

written by: Kristian Stanfill

Photos by: Austin Bell + Brooke Bennett

                                                       

 

Strongholds bowing to the Savior

Resurrection power, over every circumstance…

-It is Finished

 

A lie is anything that leads us to believe the opposite of what God says about us. And a lie, over time, can become a stronghold — a battle that feels impossible to overcome. You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt imprisoned by a desire, a grief, a guilt, or bitterness. However, we were not designed to live a life of captivity. There is freedom for every one of us in the finished work of Jesus: His death and resurrection.  

Have you ever considered what Scripture means when it talks about resurrection power? It says that Jesus holds all authority over death and the same power that raised Jesus from the grave is available to us today. Think about that! Don’t move by it too fast. Resurrection power breathed life into Jesus’ dead bones. It took a body that was dead and began pumping blood through its veins once again. That unrivaled strength did what no man could ever do: it brought life from death, hope from hopelessness.

We can live in that power today. Though each of us will face unforeseen circumstances and undesired hardships, those things do not define us and we are not enslaved to them. What seems impossible becomes possible when there is resurrection power involved. Hurts can be healed. Offenses can be forgiven. Dead things can come to life.

Wherever you find yourself today, remember this: every stronghold must bow to the authority of Jesus. Today we claim not just any power over our circumstances, but the greatest of them all: resurrection power.

 

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.”

Romans 8:11

 

written by: Jeff Johnson

 

We Sing Because We’ve Seen.

 
What a remarkable time we had at LIFT 2017: A Collective of Worship Leaders, Musicians, and Creative! We had leaders and teams from over 450 churches who came together for a time of renewal and refocusing our hearts on Jesus. There were several different states, regions, backgrounds, and denominations represented at LIFT — but when we lift up the name of Jesus, we become one Church. It was truly a beautiful sight and sound to witness.

There were lots of great sessions and breakouts that happened this year, and because no one was able to go to all of them, we’re releasing several of them for FREE! You’re welcome to download these, share them, and hopefully encourage your team with them. Sign-up below to join our Passion Music and Passion Conferences email lists and we’ll send you a link to the watch / download page.

Also, don’t forget to register early for LIFT 2018. We’ll see you there!