Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
Ephesians 5:15-21

This will be our third year reading through the Bible as a church family! This particular reading plan was the first one Beau ever did after he encountered the Lord and began walking with Him. It will take about 15 minutes a day to read or listen to the passages. I'm excited to see and hear the revelations from each person's journey in the scriptures with Holy Spirit as our teacher. After each reading, you're encouraged to share before signing off. Your voice matters. We love getting to know you all and this is one way of building deeper fellowship and community with one another. Please join us! 

Will last year's winners hold onto their title???

Click the link below to enter the chili contest or simply bring a side, salad or dessert to share. We had a blast last year sampling all the different recipes. Come join the fun, cast your vote and fellowship with the community! See you Friday Jan 3rd at 6:30pm! 

Another opportunity to worship will be Tuesday November 19th at 6:30pm. Perfect time for "speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord,  always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20

Break out your favorite Christmas sweater and join us for First Friday Christmas Party!
Dec 6th @ 6:30pm

Click the link below to sign up to bring a dish/food item!

Hi Vineyard Family! Ash here. A while back I was reading through the Exodus story and ran across the song of praise the people of Israel sing after the Lord brought them across the Red Sea. That song includes a line I found to be very familiar!
"The Lord is a warrior, and the Lord is his name."
I read that and thought, OH! That's where that part of the House Prayer comes from. Well then of course I had to go find where the other parts came from (researching and making lists is one of my great joys in life). It won't suprise you that each part of the house prayer is very intentional. Here's what I found, and I hope you enjoy this breakdown as much as I enjoyed putting it together!

Blessed are You, the LORD our God, the King of the universe.
Many traditional Jewish prayers begin this way, including the blessing of the passover meal and the blessing of the wine for passover. Jesus would have used these prayers himself (see Matthew 14:22 as an example, where it says he blessed the meal)
A pdf of several of these prayers can be found here.

I love You Lord with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all my strength.
Deuteronomy 6:4-5 - The prayer known as “the Shema” was given to Israel at Sinai and was commonly recited daily by the Hebrew people.

Our Father, who is in heaven. Holy is Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the Kingdom. Yours is the power. Yours is the glory forever and ever.
Matthew 6:9-13 : Commonly called “The Lord's Prayer” or “the Disciples’ Prayer”, this is how we were instructed by Jesus to pray during his sermon on the mount.

Behold, the Kingdom of God is here…
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus responds to the question of when the Kingdom is coming by saying the Kingdom is here in their midst.

and Jesus is Lord!
Matthew 28:18-20 (Christus Victor!)  And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Romans 10:9-11: "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved".

The Lord is a Warrior and the Lord is His name!
Exodus 15:3-18 : The people of Israel proclaim this at the beginning of the “Song of the Sea” which is a song of praise to YHWH after he led them across the Red Sea and saved them from pharaoh's army.

I am a warrior in His army!
The reality that we are warriors against the powers of darkness is found across the New Testament, but some references include: 2 Timothy 2:3-4, Ephesians 6:11, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Corinthians 10:4

And I worship and serve King Jesus only!
Luke 4:8  And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’” We hereby acknowledge that Jesus IS the Lord in human flesh as well as the promised King.

Come Holy Spirit!
This is the famous prayer Lonnie Frisbee prayed in the early days of the Vineyard (Mothers Day 1980), and that itself was a reference to the Veni Sancte Spiritus prayer which is a traditional liturgy for celebrating the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

I surrender to your lordship.
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.”

Teach me,...
We see the Lord as teacher in various places throughout scripture. Here are a few examples:
John 15:26, John 16:13-15, 1 Corinthians 2:10-14, 1 John 2:27, Matthew 23:10

…lead me,...
A common prayer throughout scirpture, most notably in the psalms (Psalms 5:8,  Psalms 25:4-11, Psalms 31:3-5, Psalm 143:9-10, etc) and in the Lord's prayer (“lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil”)

… sanctify me.
Sanctifying us or making us holy is part of the work of the Holy Spirit: John 17:17, Hebrews 10:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:23, etc

Empower me to be a bold witness for You.
Acts 1:8  But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

To boldly speak Your Word and Your Truth in love.  
Ephesians 4:15 “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ”
Ephesians 6:18-19 “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,  and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,”

While You stretch forth Your hand in many signs and wonders and healings.
Acts 4:30  “while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

All for Your namesake!
God is cited repeatedly as doing work for His namesake and calling us to do the same: Psalm 23:3, Psalm 25:1, Psalm 31:3, Psalm 79:9, 1 John 2:12, Matthew 10:22-24 among others

All for Your glory!
Habakkuk 2:14 “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” ;
1 Corinthians 10:31, which says, "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God”

Amen!
Traditional closing to prayers, literally meaning “truly” or “it is so”
See the oxford languages breakdown of this word here

Things I'm thankful for this week:

Monday- Jesus is still setting the captives free! His name and blood have all power and authority over every spirit of darkness! He gives wisdom to His people on how to tear down strongholds.
A meal around the table with my family.

Tuesday- Major breakthroughs in hearts being open to the God who is love! Oh the testimonies to come!
The miraculous timing of events
Walking outside in MS in July and not dying from the heat
Simple church had the most people in attendance so far. The prophetic/encouraging words that came from several generations were spot on!
Communion with the brethren was so sweet.

Wednesday- An early morning spent meditating on the Scriptures surrounded by birds singing,
a book given by a thoughtful friend,
precious and faithful women who gather to listen to the Lord, pray and share scriptures to encourage one another.
Receiving text messages about how the Lord moved Sunday during the service and answered prayers
The tangible presence of God in the sanctuary
YOUTH GROUP!!! Last night the youth saw visions and received words from the Lord during worship. Prayers of faith were spoken over one another. They are encountering the Living Breathing God of Glory!!

Thursday- the ability to breathe,
my friend sending worship songs that are right on time for my heart,
The shapes of white clouds against a perfect blue sky, all the shades of green.....


Thank you, Lord. for Your lovingkindess that endures forever.

”Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”“   Joshua‬ ‭1‬:‭9‬ ‭

I love this verse. The Lord has brought this to my attention many times right when I needed it throughout the years. In it's context, The Lord is speaking to Joshua about taking over the role of leading the people of Israel into the promised land filled with other enemy nations. He gives commands and then He tells him why or how this will be possible.

Be strong. Be courageous. Don’t tremble. Don’t be dismayed. Why? Because the Lord your God is WITH you.  Courage comes from knowing who is with us. A  child is carefree in unfamiliar places when they are with a safe adult they trust. We encourage teens to always go WITH someone when they venture out. Personally, when Beau and I travel, I check my worries with my bags because I know that WITH him, I’ll get where I need to go. Being aware of who is with us is the key to having courage in the face of every situation.  

This week, like so many of you, I've been going over the events that led up to the death and resurrection of our Lord and having just read these accounts in Joshua, I found these familiar words in John 16 striking.
Jesus tries to prepare his disciples for the events coming and he ends his talk by saying this: "Behold, an hour is coming and has come for you to be scattered each to his own home and to leave Me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation but take courage: I have overcome the world."

If there was ever a time to have courage, it was this week for our King. He knew who He was and who was with Him so He fulfilled every single act fully God and fully man. He knows every fear, disappointment and cruelty that we could ever face. Our lives are His now that we have sanctified Christ as Lord in our hearts. We are In Christ and He is in us. Let's follow His example and be strong and courageous in the face of every day because we know our God is with us.

For His Glory,
Rachel Burnham

The dancers have been busy performing and traveling city to city very quickly with the transportation system there. So many people are totally unaware of the Gospel. The teams are working with local believers and churches to introduce the community to Jesus. They have been in schools, camps and had a sold out show in a secular theater. The dancers are boldly and courageously sharing their faith and praying with many people. The Lord is on the move and many are hungry!

She says thank you for the prayers!

Come see them perform next Wednesday night at 6:30 

I used to be really into the HGTV channel/home improvement network. Just ask my husband ;) I love that in a 30 minute episode a totally dilapidated home becomes beautiful and brand new! Ahhh if only that was real life. Anyway... back when everyone was stuck at home for weeks, I was inspired by all the ideas. I would pretty consistently share these ideas with Beau.  I became particularly fixated on wanting a white brick wall in my bedroom as a focal point. As soon as I became aware of this look, I started noticing it everywhere! Restaurants I visited, homes of people i knew, shops, etc. Those brick walls were always there but I never noticed them or gave them a thought before. Our minds are like this for more than just home decor. When we have something in the fore front of our thoughts, we see it more often.

Last week, I woke up five mornings in a row with no alarm at 4:49am. When something happens in a repeated pattern, I believe we need to pay attention.  As I was praying about this sequence, I felt lead to read Philippians 4:4-9. When I read those words, I knew the Lord was speaking to me! Here's what it says:

 " Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you."

In this passage Paul is encouraging the church of Philippi. History records this letter being written while Paul was in prison but his tone is anything but the woes of a captive. He commends the church to rejoice, not be anxious about anything, to pray, give thanks and realize that God's peace guards them. He compelled them to fix their thoughts on good things and to practice what they learned and received continually. I don't think this message will ever be something that doesn't apply to every follower of Jesus, regardless of the time or situation. We need to be reminded that there is a battle of the mind and the way we fight is by telling our thoughts where to go. We can direct them to abide in truth by the power of Jesus Christ. How powerful and transformative is it when we partner with Holy Spirit to meditate on His thoughts and presence.

Right now wherever you are, fix your mind on what's pure and noble. Our God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all. Think on what's good and practice gratitude. Rejoice. On purpose. Because Jesus Christ is Lord and you are deeply loved. Direct your thoughts because you can! And see the goodness of God take precedence in your vision too. We will see more of what we are looking for. Expect His goodness.

The Lord is near. The Kingdom is at hand.

For His glory,
Rachel

• Remove-  to eliminate or get rid of
• Illusion- a perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature, the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled

This seems pretty standard at first glance. Of course we want to be a part of removing anything that is not true or real. Definitely, we all want to see clearly and have His vision. Absolutely, I want to have nothing standing in my way of the truth and the reality of God..... and.......

Finding out we are wrong about something that we fully believed was true is just about one of the worst feelings. Ugh. Have you ever been wrong or found out you missed it? Yea....it's not my favorite either. (I can almost picture your facial expression thinking about it and it makes me smile because mine's the same.)  The person that is the most effective and faithful at showing me my error is Holy Spirit. Can I get an amen?  When I first realized that we could have a living, real relationship with the Holy Spirit and that He would speak to us, I woke up early every morning to ask God three questions as I read the Bible:

1. What do you say is true about me today?
2. Is there any lie that I am believing right now?
3. What do You say is true instead?

I can't tell you how many times question number two was answered with something I wasn't consciously aware of at the time. This practice really helped develop a heart posture of listening and receiving correction. It also helped me search and study the scriptures in a new way. Looking for His true will and intent. Romans 12:1-2 is a commonly quoted passage but wow when you really meditate on it...

ESV:
 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  

The Message:

So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

Removing illusions begins with humility and looking at what's really in my vision that's not lining up with God. When we agree to see clearly and have the Father's heart behind the demolition/excavation/removal process, it changes everything. The Lord only reveals to heal not to shame or destroy. His motive is shalom- complete wholeness. No one wants to live in a house that looks nice on the outside but is totally falling apart on the inside. Jesus called those white washed tombs. We must be diligent to renew our minds to the real, acceptable and perfect will of God and follow His lead in obedience. We are His house after all. He has better design plans than HGTV could ever even think or imagine!

So I invite you to ask the Lord those questions this week. Sit expectantly. He died and rose so that you would always have access.

For His Glory,
Rachel Burnham

In November of 2021, Beau and I went to the Vineyard National Conference in Phoenix, Arizona. We had been to several powerful meetings with dynamic teachers and the ministry of the Spirit. But the highlight of the trip for us was a lunch with Roger Cunningham and Ken Fish. These two longtime Vineyard pastors/itinerant ministers were sitting across the table and we simply asked "what advice would you give two people starting out in the ministry?"  As only Ken Fish can do, he proceeded to give us a timeline of events that has our society in it's current condition. He identified wars that took fathers from homes and mothers to work, the sexual revolution which led to further breakdown of morality and so on til present day. He talked about a whole generation who doesn't know who or what they are because there was no one in the home to solidify the identity of the family and nurture the gifts of each sex. The absence of the father and mothers from homes all over the world has led to the demise of societies and nations. With tears streaming down his cheeks, he looked us in the eye and said "Go home and be a mother and a father. Raise up sons and daughters unto God."   By the time his speech was finished, all of our eyes were leaking, moved by the sheer conviction and invitation of it.  God desires His whole family. Or His family whole.  And He's placed on our house the joy of being fathers and mothers made in His image. And oh what a beautiful house full we have here!

So what does it look like to mother and father as a Christ follower? Kingdom fathers and mothers begin from a place of love. They are children of God Almighty first and foremost. (Psalm 139:14-16) They get their validation, sense of belonging and affirmation from their heavenly Father over all other opinions. They know He is the One True Source. The Limitless One with a long and loving gaze directed right at their face.(Romans 8:16) From that place, they see with the Father's eyes towards His kids and His creation. Can you imagine what would happen to the world if a group of people addressed every day life from this posture?

Now I know that are you're already doing the things that mothers and fathers do in your every day life, maybe even without realizing it. Based on several articles and popular polls, here is a list of common ways people view the gifts of each role:
Mothers:
Nurture
Encourage
Give hope
Share wisdom
Teach skills/ train for life
Comfort/ Give emotional support
Cook/provide nourishment
Help achieve goals
Provide connection/ reduce loneliness

Fathers:
Role models
Instill and affirm identity
Share wisdom and life lessons
Provide stability
Give support and protection
Set clear boundaries and discipline
Meet physical needs
Care for and challenge
Lead in ethical values of family

This isn't about biological parenting or being in a specific age range. This is about taking our roles seriously about making disciples as we go and loving people into the family of God. Deborah Thorne, a former member, recently attended one Sunday morning while on a visit after years of living in Germany. She told me after the service that our house was filled with mothers and fathers more than so many churches she has been to over the years and nations she's visited. I told her yes I agree but then she said "No, it's like really significant and special. I don't think you understand."  Sometimes we get so familiar with what we have around us, we aren't as aware of just what a gift we really have been given. (Maybe that's a word for each of us. Open our eyes to see the beauty of the lives you gave us, Lord.) I am grateful and want to honor this significant part of who God has called us all to be and how beautifully I see this lived week by week.

So sincerely, thank you for showing up!  Being present is the absolute number one desire of any kid. Their parents' presence. Keep showing up in your day to day activities! No one can replace you! Thank you for modeling what it looks like to love, obey and worship King Jesus for the current and next generation. Thank you for encouraging and affirming the call of God over one another. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and stories of lessons learned.  I know of marriages benefitting right now simply by watching some of you love your spouse. Thank you for calling out the good in the men and women in your circles and in this body. Keep speaking life and blessing in what can feel like an echo chamber of death sometimes. Thank you for providing meals for the youth, special events and for families in need. Food and hospitality is a priceless gift. Thank you for noticing when someone is feeling sad or down and moving towards them with compassion and Spirit led, hope-filled words. Thank you for giving your most precious assets- your attention, time and money to benefit the lives of others.  I see you.
But most importantly... Your heavenly Father sees it all and delights in you!

If you're still reading this... I have one thing I encourage you to do this week.
Sit in the long and loving gaze of your Father. Ask Him "what do You say is true about me right now?" Write it down. Just minutes of a conversation with your dad can change everything.

See you Sunday!

For His Glory,

Rachel Burnham 

Our Lord is calling us to lead from behind with humility and honor. It almost seems like a contradiction at first glance. When I think of a leader, I usually imagine someone charging out front. Going before the people to show them where to go. That is a true picture of leadership. But the image that our God wants us to grasp is leading the way and style of Jesus. The living, breathing, first born of all creation, the exact representation of our Father. So how is He telling us to do this? Jesus didn't lord over the people His rulership and commands although He had every right to. He didn't use force or impressive, coercive speech. He didn't bribe or make faulty deals. He shared His words of life with all that would freely listen and receive. He sacrificed so many ways but one was that He modeled humbling Himself in complete obedience and honor to His Father and the ones that he was given. He showed honor to the most unlikely characters during his ministry. He has certainly continued this pattern for thousands of years! The proof of that is the person on the other side of this screen being called by His voice into this amazing journey of following Him. Wow, thank you precious Jesus.

Humility is defined as the freedom from pride or arrogance; the state of being humble or low. C.S. Lewis said "humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking about yourself less." I like that one. Bruce Wimberly has said "humility is just believing God."  There's simplicity and also a conscience decision in that statement.  We get to choose to be humble and simply believe Him. (1 Peter 5:6, James 4:10) Accepting what God has spoken about us as His beloved children, heirs to the Kingdom, deeply loved and the apple of our Father's eye. We are the ones He deemed worthy for such an extravagant sacrifice of pure love. We can argue with that or humbly accept that He is higher and greater than us so, He must be correct in His judgments. When we truly find ourselves walking in humility, we will do the only thing that could come next... honor.

Honor is more than just a thing, it's an action word. As a noun, honor is defined as high respect or great esteem. Honor as a verb means 'to regard or treat (someone) with admiration and respect : to regard or treat with honor to give special recognition ; to live up to or fulfill the terms. If we are really grabbing this reality with both hands, honor is going to be as natural as breathing. Honoring God and people will be the byproduct of our simple believing that God has bestowed on each of us an incredible gift of mercy and grace. You are not going to lock eyes with a person that God is not actively, passionately loving. Today, our team prayed that our eyes are coated and saturated with His vision and perspective. When we see clearly, the actions will follow closely behind. Accepting Abba's love does something in you that you can't contain it just for yourself anymore. You were created to let the rivers of living water flow out of you!

A few months ago I shared a word on a Sunday about the cycle of humility going before honor and honor coming before glory.  As we continue to submit all that we are and all that we have to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, it leads us to honor Him and that inevitably causes the glory of God to be manifest for the world to see. Oh how we long to see the Lamb receive the glory He rightly deserves. From every life.... Yours is the Kingdom, Yours is the power and Yours is the glory forever and ever, amen.
 

• What do you need to submit to the Lordship of Jesus/ How do you feel the Lord asking you to humble yourself to receive from Jesus today?
• How can you actively honor the Lord and others this week?
• Where do you see the glory of God in your life?

Sit in His presence. John Wimber used to say "The power is in the Presence." Be confident that you can go boldly before His throne of grace to receive from Him.
Honor Him by your own personal worship time.  


Can't wait to be with you all Sunday! May our lives be thin places where heaven and earth meet. He loves you.

For His Glory,
Rachel Burnham 

It makes me smile every time I read this list of words. Two years ago the Lord was speaking to us and He is still continuing to make these things clearer. What a good and kind God to patiently and gently push us forward in His love for His purposes and plans.

When I think of "back to the basics" the first thing that pops in my mind is the foundations of life or basic human needs. Basic means fundamental and foundational. Basics are the essentials of our life and everything is built on top of them. We all "know" about the basics but easily they can go to the back of our minds until we get overwhelmed and then we are forced to refocus on them. Just like if we don't get the foundations of a structure or house correct, we'll have problems with the building with every changing season. The base level elements have to be established and maintained in order for us to live life and life to the full that dear Jesus came to give. They are the very basic necessities that keep us physically and spiritually flourishing.

Some basic physiological needs of humans are:
Air
Water
Food
Safety/Shelter
Rest
Love/Connection
Purpose

Well, well, well... Look at that. Jesus is literally the answer to all of these needs. :D Who here is surprised? Jesus is the Breath of heaven, Living Water, Bread of Life, Mighty God/Strong tower, Lord of the Sabbath, God is Love, and He alone holds our hope and purpose. How fun that we were created in Him and through Him.

Our spiritual needs aren't much different. We have basic needs and core practices to grow in our experience with God and abiding life with Jesus. The beautiful reality is when we come to our Father with a need, He is delighted to meet them. He gives freely to all who ask.  Matthew 7:11

Here are some spiritual basics:

Gratitude/Adoration of God
Silence/Solitude
Worship/Prayer
Scripture meditation
Service/Rest
Fasting/ Feasting
Community of faith/Fellowship of believers

There are places of growth for all of us in these areas. We are transformed each day by Holy Spirit as we surrender to His leading. We follow His voice. This is not about checking boxes or getting all these things "right" so that God will be happy with us. His pleasure and favor already was permanently decided. He loves you and me! He sent Jesus to make sure that you would KNOW His love. Being convinced of His love is the most important basic we can ever master. That we remain in the love of God. Keep receiving His love in every area of transformation.

Ask the Lord to grow you in being more aware of His presence. Here are some ideas:

• Breathe- Take deep breaths. Your very breath can be a prayer and worship to the Lord as you set your mind on the holy fact that HE CREATED YOU AND LOVES YOU. Psalm 139
• Water- Drink water. If you don't drink enough water, your body will not function the way it was created to. Choosing to drink water can be a conscious decision to choose health and life. As you drink remember that Holy Spirit is referred to as living water so as you drink water, ask Him to fill you again at the same time.  John 7:37-39, Ephesians 5:18
• Food- Choose healthy, nutritious foods. God has created colorful and delicious fruits and vegetables but so often in the hurry of life, we choose fast, processed stuff. Make the intentional choice to fuel your body well and practice thanksgiving. Value your body as a temple of God. Take care of it. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
• Abide in Christ. He is our shelter and strong tower. He is our shield and dwelling place. Rest in Him. As you lay down in your home, thank God that He is truly your protection. John 15, Psalm 23
• Rest. Take a 5 minute break in the quiet. This can be really difficult because everything we have ever known has told us our value comes from what we do. Culture may say that but our God says we are valuable because He gave His Son on our behalf. We did nothing to earn that, He just declared us worthy. We have to learn to enter into His rest. Sabbath, practicing silence and stillness. Be still and know that I am God and then I will be exalted among the nations. Psalm 51
• Movement- Go for a walk. Dance, Jump. Stretch. Exercise. Movement is a gift and if we don't use it, we lose it. Jesus walked so much. Even if its just around your home during these winter months, make a goal to move more than sitting still. Imagine Jesus walking with you, have a conversation and enjoy His presence.  Fellowship with Jesus.
• Community- We were created for loving relationships and connection with our Creator and each other. On purpose, foster healthy friendships of believers. Take the time to call, listen, encourage and pray with someone. Reach out. We are a people who listen to the Spirit for one another. Practice honoring the Christ you see in people around you. Let's build relationships of integrity and honesty as we pursue the Kingdom. 

So back to the basics we go! Let's not crash into this season, let's come in with gentleness. Our Savior made his debut as a gentle newborn and describes Himself as gentle in Matthew 11:29. Let's be like Jesus. He's the coolest.

For His glory,

Rachel Burnham 

1) the phenomenon of combustion manifested in light, flame, and heat
 2) burning passion


Fire is so complex. It can be seen as a positive or negative depending on its context. It can be dangerous and destructive if it gets out of control around dry areas and it can be necessary for life, purification and restoration. Fires warm the body from the harsh conditions and give light to help humanity travel through darkness. It was a symbol of the Lord's presence with the Israelites as they were navigating the journey away from slavery and learning how live as the people of God. They were physically dependent on Him for their shelter and their livelihoods. Fire is a word that describes passion and excitement. Have you ever heard the phrase "That person has a real fire in his belly about_____"  Well, you would have heard that if you're over the age of maybe 35 I would imagine but anyway, trust me, people said it! Fire is a specific description of our God. In Hebrews 12, it states "for our God is a consuming fire". Fire is essential for our life long journey of following Christ.

When the Gospel hits a heart with the understanding of truth and revelation of who Jesus is, what He's done and who we are in Him, we are lit on fire!  A new joy is birthed in our innermost being by His Spirit coming alive in us. We have a holy fire in our bellies! Do you remember being brand new? Have you ever seen a new born again baby believer? They can be extreme! Do you know anyone that seems fire-y, zealous for the things of God, passionate about His presence? Maybe you are a burning one right now or you have been one. Fire has usually two responses.... It is draws people in, it's contagious and lights other people's torches up or it is rejected because of the confrontation or conviction that we aren't "like that". So then the thoughts start to roll in..."Real Christians should  _________" "If you really loved Jesus you would be more like that person"  "That person is burning now but that wont last, wait until real life catches up to them." "That person claps too loud and acts like a fool, they get on my nerves."

Some of that is from the enemy and some of that is coming from a place of us being challenged by another's passion and freedom. It's ok. I know those feelings and thoughts too. You aren't alone on either side. We have to get real with what's going on in us or nothing will ever change.  I heard a sentence last week that was so good I want to share it with you. "Authenticity is the gateway to transformation. God can only transform the real you. Not the version that you pretend to be."  Whoa! Let's get to the point, sir!  There is nothing wrong with looking at the reality of the situation and where we really are currently. No shame, no condemnation. That's the gateway or the starting point to letting God burn off the excess, kindle the spark, fan the flames, throw new logs on the embers. That's all He is asking. For us to realize that where ever we are currently, He knows and He wants to come alongside and stir it up again for our sake and the sake of the world around us.

God is calling us to live in continual fire. To live as His burning ones. His lights of the world. Lamps burning brightly for all to see the God we serve. To illuminate what's been hidden in darkness. It will be hard to do that when we feel like all we are is a burned out signal of smoke from fires of old. Notice how that scripture said our God IS a consuming fire. Not WAS.. He IS. So let's tend the fires of our hearts like only we can. Let's stir one another up when the lights get dim. Let's fix our eyes on the One who's eyes are like fire and face is as bright as the sun. If we become what we behold, behold His radiance and be transformed wherever you are today. In what ever measure increases your fire. He is the light that is never conquered by darkness and that's exactly what you and I have access to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 365 days a year. We have access, let's acknowledge our need and do the things we know to do.

This week:

• Do internal inventory with Jesus. Ask Holy Spirit to show you what your flame looks like for Him right now? He only reveals what He desires to heal so NO NEGATIVE SELF TALK - (Don't talk about my friend like that. :) 
• Ask Holy Spirit to baptize you again. We must be continually filled with Him. .  
• Make an offering to the Lord. Repent of sins that keep you from that passion and first love reality. Repent of judgment against those who are at a different place than you. 
• Out loud, bless and pray for those you know are burning brightly for the Lord. Maybe even send them an encouraging message. 
• Look for someone burning that you can get close to. Invite them to lunch or coffee. Get close to the fire and catch it. 
• If you're burning, look for those that may be waning in the conditions of the atmosphere. Wind, waves, floods, persecution.... Be an encourager! Looking down on others is not of the mind of Christ. This life is hard so let's come alongside in love and not shame. Holy fires burn off and purify our hearts. Do all things with great love! 

 
You don't have to advertise a fire. 

Come Sunday, ready to light your fire and share Him with others around you. There's something holy and supernatural that happens when the body of Christ comes together in worship. A foretaste of heaven on earth. We were created for it. Draw near, brothers and sister!

Revelation 7:9-12
 After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.  And they cried out in a loud voice:“Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne,
and to the Lamb.”
 All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:
“Amen!
Praise and glory
and wisdom and thanks and honor
and power and strength
be to our God for ever and ever.
Amen!”

Pioneer- 1) One who ventures into unknown or unclaimed territory to settle. 2) One who opens up new areas of thought, research, or development. 3) A soldier who performs construction and demolition work in the field to facilitate troop movements.

I have shared before that every time you think a new thought or learn something new your brain creates a neural pathway. That looks like taking a machete to a jungle and paving a new path. The more you think that thought and meditate on it, the structure in your brain begins to resemble a paved wide-lane highway. Thinking is powerful. And the brain likes thoughts to travel on the path of least resistance. Hmmmmm. We have a culture and society that likes to take the easiest, most convenient path. Others do this, definitely not you or me.... But just for the sake of this email, let's pretend we are like that too. :)
We like fast food, faster check out lines and don't you dare get in the left lane if you're not going to put that pedal down! But what if the Lord is asking us to be pioneers of a different way of living and existing? With the world pumping out "produce more and faster", we are called to pioneer resting in Christ and letting Him do the producing through us.

We are built to choose and pave new paths to establish the culture of heaven on earth. Did you realize that? You were made to partner with God to bring heaven on earth. Jesus is our Forerunner. (Hebrews 6:20). He went first paving new paths of righteousness and mercy, showing what His Father desired to happen on earth. He says "if you've seen Me, you've seen the Father". So to follow Him, we keep going into new places and spaces with His authority by the power of His Spirit working within us to bring His Kingdom.

So what does pioneering look like today?  It looks like taking the heart and ways of God into our everyday environments until they start to mirror "as it is in heaven". The Lord is moving people into every space to establish His rule and reign. I know of people obeying His voice by making their way into governmental roles.  A couple recently left their careers of 20+ years to get teaching degrees just because they heard the Lord say "get into the schools"! This Vineyard Church has long been a place of pioneers. Our CMA brothers and sisters leading motorcyclists and gang members to Jesus in some of the hardest places to share the Gospel. Not to mention the history of missions to the nations this house has held for 40 years. We are rich with pioneering spirits here!

Pioneering can sound rather glorious but there is a really challenging side to it. It can be a hard ground we are traveling with little to no obvious fruit for seasons. It cost us the easy breezy way. There's the day in and day out of the discipline of pioneering a new way of parenting or running our homes. Men and women paving new paths of integrity and honor in the workplace when the norm would be to gossip and complain. Teens and young adults carving out lives of holiness and choosing Jesus in the midst of the popular "cool" things of the culture. Pioneering can be lonely. People that do new things are not always accepted by others at first. They are often judged and face criticism. In our Bible plan this week, we read Proverbs 29:25, "Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety".  When we rest in Christ, listen to what He tells us to do and then step out into that obedience, we are going to face opposition. But according to this verse, we are safe in fearing and trusting God alone. David recounts in Psalm 37 that he had lived a long time and he had never seen the righteous forsaken. Let us step out in obedience, with the confidence that the Lord really is the One we aim to please and He is where we rest secure. And oh the people coming behind us!! Can't you just see them?!? May they dance freely on the clear paths we break down with the Lord! Father, give us visions of them so we will not grow weary.

This week:

• Read and meditate on the Word of God. I suggest Psalm 37 or John 15 but every single bit is good! We are paving new ways of thinking and living in our minds first.
• Ask the Lord where He wants you to pioneer His heart and ways in your life.
• Reach out and encourage a friend you know who is paving a heavenly path in their life
• Spend time thanking the Lord for all the ways He has gone before you and for the people he has inspired to go first. 
• Enjoy His presence as you journey with Him. He goes everywhere with you. Psalm 23.

Grateful for all of you, pioneers. Don't quit, keep going!

For His Glory,

Rachel Burnham

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
 in all your ways submit to him,
  and he will make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6 

These words from 2020 are really ringing true as I go back and look over this list! During those months of praying and listening another common theme we sensed the Lord speaking was "the old structures are coming down and the new structures will be flexible". A few months ago we were honored to host Roger Cunningham for a weekend of teaching. During the first session on Saturday, Roger asked Bruce, Beau and I to stand up as he spoke a word he felt the Lord was releasing over the Vineyard church. He quoted Isaiah 43:18-19

“Forget the former things;
    do not dwell on the past.
 See, I am doing a new thing!
    Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness
    and streams in the wasteland."

The Lord wants to do a new thing in our body so we have been continually praying and seeking the Lord on what He wants our gatherings to be like. The church is His bride and His love so we want to come together and be sensitive to the moving of Holy Spirit. Jonathan Edwards, an American revivalist in the 1700s, once said, "The task of every generation is to discover the direction in which the Sovereign Redeemer is moving, and then to move in that direction.”  We desire to be a people who actively follow our Living God day by day. Lord, let Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Can you imagine what that would look like if we all started sincerely praying and desiring that in our hearts/thoughts, homes, relationships, workplaces, etc.  That's our heart motive as we move forward. Old structures of religion and traditions of men that weren't the plan of God have to come down while we all work with Him to rebuild structures of flexibility and freedom. Completely build on the unmovable foundation of Jesus Christ our LORD. From this we will not compromise.

The scripture doesn't refer to the former things as bad or insufficient. I think there's a temptation to believe that in our culture. There is a definite war against aging in everything we see. The fear of not being effective or needed comes without warning at any stage of life. Being pushed to the side or irrelevant starts sounding more and more like a logical outcome. But Vineyard Church, hear me.... That's not the kingdom of God or the heart of the Father. We honor the past and those that went before us so we can all take these next steps forward, Age was never a limiting factor to the miracles of God! The only thing that stops us from experiencing the breakthrough power of God in our lives is the condition of our hearts. Not our age, race, relationship status, financial situation or anything else humans deem as important .. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God except our own hardened hearts. Jesus talks about a people that have eyes but do not see, ears but cannot hear, hearts but they do not perceive... Sounds like Isaiah 43... My paraphrase would be "Hear Me, Don't get stuck looking back on the past, look up!. See what I'm doing right now. Become aware of My miracles! I'm doing the impossible and you haven't seen it before"  Let's fix our eyes, ears and hearts on Him and keep walking forward together.

As we are celebrating this week with our families, friends and maybe new acquaintances, lets be aware of what He is doing around us.
Look for God activity. What you look for, you will find.
Let's break up with the lies that __________________ (Fill in the blank) keeps us from moving forward and seeing miracles. There are no limits on our God!
Ask the Lord if there are any "old things" in your life that need to come down to allow Him to do a new thing in you.  
Try something that you've never done before.
Take time to be thankful. Oh so thankful. This life is such a gift! The air in your lungs, the movement of your body, the world and colors all around us. Make a list and breathe out thanksgiving to the Good, Good God of Heaven and Earth.

Remember there are NO LIMITS on love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control Let it flow!

For His Glory,

Rachel Burnham 

Click the link below for the worship playlist for Sunday. Can't wait to see you then! 

Whoa, big word to start off. Lets break it down a bit. 

• Interdependence- the quality or condition of being dependent or mutually reliant on each other.
• team- a number of persons associated together in work or activity: such as a group on one side

This topic can be an uncomfortable one. Everything in our culture and world pushes us to be independent and fully rely on ourselves as quickly as possible. Songs, movies, books and social media posts often reinforce the "do what's right for you" or "to thine ownself be true" mottos. And if we are honest, it can look really appealing sometimes.  Independence is often painted as freedom. Ask any teen closing in on that eighteen year old birthday. :) Freedom from responsibility and avoiding the relational pain and disappointment which often comes when we rely on one another. How many times do we get hurt by someone's lack of meeting our needs (or not meeting them in the way we wanted) and then declare "I'll never ask for help again." "If you want something done right, you've got to do it yourself." The real issue begins when we start to rely on ourselves completely and ultimately exalt ourselves as the god of our lives. This kind of independence can lead to loneliness, depression, anxiety, bitterness, stress and so many more negative health effects. Our physical bodies become sick and weak under this kind of pressure. You were never meant to carry it all alone.

   So if the enemy, our culture and the world says "you can be all you need", what does Jesus' life and words model for us to follow instead? He is the Way, the Truth and the Life after all.  A quick read through Matthew, Mark, Luke or John shows us that Jesus was first and foremost dependent on the Father for His very words, actions and strength. Second, He was interdependent on His team for so many things. He relied on them for travel, companionship, serving the multitudes, picking up His lunch, drawing water from a well, managing His money, preaching His message, healing the sick and casting out demons. He asked for their prayers when He was distressed. He asked for help with His mother when He could no longer be there for her. Jesus was the captain of the team and yet He continually pulled others in to use their gifts and talents to serve Him and the world around them. Their simple choices to do what Jesus asked and what was best for the mission is still having major effects on generations globally every single day. Simple obedience changes history. This is a phrase I've read, heard and sung many times but it is powerful in its simplicity. Our continual choosing of obedience in humility to invite others into the mission of God is shaping us into a whole, thriving, flourishing Body of Christ!

 Jesus Christ came to earth, emptied Himself of His rights to be God as the scriptures say in Philippians 2. He humbled Himself and shared the burdens of life with people around Him even knowing they would disappoint him. Does that blow your mind? Could Jesus have done a better job than all of them? My guess is yes. Especially the guy managing the money. Yikes! But He had a greater vision of the necessity that life and life to the full is actually really better together.  He relied on His Father for everything and then invited others to share the load of the work knowing that many hands make the work light. His love was so powerful it stayed the same in the midst of their shortcomings. Let our love grow to full unity like our precious Jesus of Nazareth.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15-16

So today, ask Holy Spirit for His insight into your heart and mind. (Psalm 139)
Read and meditate on Philippians 2 or Ephesians 4
Spend time to rid yourselves of any unforgiveness towards those who may have let you down or didn't meet your expectation. Forgive again. Ask the Lord to bless them and to open your heart to receive help again.
Ask the Lord for the name of someone you can send a message of encouragement or make a phone call to pray with them.
Is there a need you have seen and feel compelled to help? Don't wait anymore. While today is called today be obedient to the voice of Holy Spirit.  (Hebrews 3)
Are you feeling in need of encouragement yourself? Let someone in on the struggle.
There are no lone wolves in the Kingdom family of God. Only brothers and sisters.

Teammates champion each other because the whole team wins together! No matter the position or player, all are necessary for the victory! You matter to Christ and you matter to us. I say "TEAM JESUS ALL THE WAY!! Let's Go, Fam! Cheering you on!"

For His Glory,

Rachel Burnham 

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2

According to the scriptures, we are in a battle. Every.single.day. There's an all out war for our soul's affection and devotion. "If you don't think you're in a battle, that means you're already losing." I was recently in an assembly where a high school teacher made this statement as he taught the students about the reality of the spiritual battle going on around them. We acknowledge that as the Body of Christ, we are in the same spiritual battle that Jesus was in during His time on earth. When He stepped into a new place He would declare, "Behold, the Kingdom of God is here." This was a military move. It was a statement that they would say to announce the new rulership of a conquering king. The good news for us is Jesus, our conquering King, already won so we join Him as victors over the enemy and forces of evil. Jesus was tempted in every way that a human can be. He is our great High Priest who knows intimately the struggle of humanity. He left heaven to take on human flesh and live as we lived to know deeply our trials and pains and to overcome the obstacles that tangle us up. Luke 4 gives a snapshot of some of the early temptations that Satan brought to Jesus. First, He was enticed to take matters into His own hands when he felt hunger, weakness and needing something to satisfy his flesh. The enemy tempted Him to act in unbelief or even pride to prove He was the Son of God by jumping off a cliff to see God provide supernatural, angelic protection. Finally, Jesus was tempted to short cut the plans and purposes of the Father by obtaining the kingdoms of the world by bowing down and worshipping Satan. He victoriously won by the simple but powerful statement "it is written...."  It says in verse 13 that after this the enemy left Him for a more opportune time. Jesus would continue to face many more battles. As we read the gospels, we can learn the way He handled various trials. The enemy had no power over Him to win even when it looked like he had prevailed with the scene of the cross... If Satan only knew what power was to be revealed when that stone rolled back.... That makes me happy to think of the shock on his face. Ahhhh sweet, sweet victory.

The schemes of the enemy are not new. He recycles and repackages the same nonsense and destructive lies over and over. And with thousands of years studying humankind, he knows what we will fall for. Our Father's desire for us as His children is that we fearlessly stand firm against the schemes of the evil one and walk victoriously through this life, just like Jesus did. For a minute, imagine how would you walk onto the field with the knowledge that you already won before it ever began?  Did you see your head up, shoulders back, a little light in your step, maybe even a smile of assurance across your face....  Bingo! That's where we are going! Jesus' final words to His followers before He ascended were “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28- 18-20. All authority in heaven and on earth therefore go. He has all authority and we abide as one in Him. Let's not miss this, church!

How do followers of the Way train for battle? Here are a few suggestions

1- Read, listen and meditate on the Word of God. Jesus destroyed what the enemy proposed by the word of God so we follow His example. He only had the Old Testament at that time and it was enough to shut that devil down! How much more now that we have access to the very words of the Living Word of God!  Renew your minds- Romans 12:1-2

2. Put on the full armor of God.- belt of truth, helmet of salvation, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, sword of the Spirit and praying at all times in the Spirit. This simply means being confident and settled in the truth of His word, our salvation, righteousness in Christ, authority of walking in peace regardless of place or territory, guarded by our faith in the Faithful One. Ephesians 6

3. Know your opponent. In every battle, the opposing forces study the way their enemy works. Don't be ignorant of the schemes. Satan's common tactics are: Offense, manipulation, selfishness, pride, deceit, jealousy, strife, greed, lust and every evil thing. As we study the Lord and know Him more intimately, it will be clearer and clearer the distinction between His voice and the accuser's.

4. Start your day with worship- Throughout the Bible there are stories of the worshippers marching out front before the battle began, a prophet assigning people to praise and worship the Lord and then the enemies were confused and turned on each other and many more supernatural victories all as a result of worship. As we worship our King, He does the impossible! Joshua 6, 2 Chronicles 20, etc

5. Shake up your routines-   Years ago I had a personal trainer that taught me how to use different machines and do certain exercises safely.  I'll never forget something he said one time while I was undeniably out of breath in between sets. He said "the biggest myth that people believe is that they can just maintain where they are by doing the same things. There is either building and getting stronger or you get weaker and shrink, maintaining is a myth." At the time I was only thinking of the physical truth of that statement but today it takes on a whole new meaning.  Ask the Holy Spirit if there is a new strategy or tactic He wants you to incorporate? Fasting from foods or entertainment, a more diligent study of scripture, disciplined prayer times, getting together with other believers, even practicing resting can be a new strategy?  

We desire Vineyard Jackson to be a house of prayer in an atmosphere of worship, so if you are feeling led to spend time during the week worshipping and praying in the sanctuary we want to make the building available to you. Please don't hesitate to ask.

For His Glory,
Rachel Burnham

Lord, our Lord,
    how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
    in the heavens.
 Through the praise of children and infants
    you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
    to silence the foe and the avenger.
Psalm 8:1-2

This week as I was praying, I found myself staring at the bulletin board in my office. It has many things on it but my eyes were drawn to a list of words. Back in 2020, we gathered as a leadership team on Saturday mornings to seek the Lord and listen to what He was telling us. We were desperate to hear from Him. Our group would take time to pray, listen and write down what we heard/sensed/saw and then circled up to share to practice discerning what the Lord was speaking to our congregation. It was always astonishing how Holy Spirit was saying very similar and connecting things to each of us. Different pieces of the puzzle going to different pieces of His puzzle. Over the course of that year, our precious Carla Hall put them all together in a list of 12 themes.  I want to share these words/themes with you over the next several weeks as an encouragement and a challenge to us. These words have no expiration date and we are more desperate than ever to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Especially in this beloved Vineyard.

1. Unity-  The Lord desires for us to be ONE with Him and ONE with each other. (John 17:20-23) He calls us to live abiding in Jesus (John 15)

Unity doesn't mean sameness or uniformity but it means united as a whole for a certain purpose or goal. As followers of Jesus this means we are united in deep love and commitment to fellowship with Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit and one another to see His glory cover the earth.  God desires a supernaturally woven together family! A whole, thriving, alive and healthy body, not just of a similar natural bloodline but united by the blood of Christ and Spirit of the Living God. (John 1:12) Whoa can you imagine it? I believe this looks like being a people who love each other in word and deed, who listen to understand rather than listen to respond, who are slow to speak and slow to get angry, who call out and believe the best in one another and who above all else humble themselves to agree with what the Lord says over our own thoughts, opinions and agendas. I think we would all say we want to be a part of a community like that!  And our Father wants it even more. This doesn't mean we will always agree on everything but we are invited to choose to work towards this together, honoring our differences. Sign me up!

Unity is a characteristic of the Kingdom of God and not of the kingdom of darkness. Unity is very powerful. And you better believe the enemy knows how powerful a united people can be. Satan has strategically united common enemies to steal, kill and destroy for ages. So let us not be unaware of his schemes (Ephesians 6).At the tower of Babel the people were united in their pride and arrogance to make a name for themselves. The Lord Himself said "what will be impossible for them because they are all united?." He gave them different languages in order to protect them from themselves and prevent that from happening. We, as believers, are united by the desire to see His Name lifted high and His glory in and through our lives. After all, Jesus said "the world will know you are My disciples by the way you love one another." (John 13:35) With the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave living in us as we press forward in unity, what will be impossible for the Body of Christ in this day? Let's make sure we know who we are partnering with.

How is the Lord speaking to you to partner with Him to bring unity in your home, community, workplace or church? Is there someone you need to forgive for an offense? Is there jealousy and strife among you? Is there pain and disappointment that you can invite Jesus into? Is there gossip, slander or resentment active in your relationships?
Let the Lord search your heart today. (Psalm 139)
Take time to confess and repent to the Lord and a trusted brother/sister of anything He brings to your attention. (James 5:16)
Receive His forgiveness and forgive yourself. He loves you and desires your freedom.
Ask Holy Spirit if there is a something specific for you to do to reconcile any relationships that He desires to be restored. As much as it is up to you, be at peace with all people. (Mark 9:50)
This is the desire of our Lord.


Thank y'all for pressing into the Lord! I cannot tell you how much I enjoy and love being a part of this family! We truly have sincere and genuine brothers and sisters in this place! What an honor!
See you Sunday~


For His Glory,
Rachel Burnham