Wildflowers and a Truth Bomb

We started our new series, #BLESSED, this past weekend. Here’s a quote I shared that needs a second look.

“A blessed life is a life transformed, and blessed lives gathered in community are capable of transforming the entire world.” (Eric Kolbell, What Jesus Meant)

We are the people, united in the name of Jesus and gathered in community. We are the ones God WILL use to change this part of the world we live in. We are the transformed ones, the healed, the helped, the put back together ones.

Problem. Perhaps you don’t feel like you’ve got what it takes. Maybe changing the world is the furthest thing from your mind when you’re just trying to get through today.

More than that, maybe you feel like you don’t have what it takes. Maybe you’re anxious about your appearance, bank account, health, relationships or anything else that can easily preoccupy our soul.

Let the truth of Jesus’ words soak in:

“If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don’t you think he’ll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I’m trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.” (Matthew 6:30-33 MSG)

Lean into HIM. Trust HIM. And then, together, united and gathered in community, we will not only see God’s changes in us…but through us!

Adventure

Mountain biking is my exercise of choice, and for a multitude of reasons. Besides it being an amazing work out, the scenery can be breathtaking. 

One of the things I really like is exploring new areas. It’s always good going with someone who knows the way, but when it’s your first time on a trail your senses are as sharp as they can be because you never know what’s around the corner.

The adventure of life is best found in the relationships we have with others…especially when those “others” lead us back to the One who makes it all possible.

“And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!” (Psalm 85:5-7 MSG)

It’s Gettin’ Hot!

One thing we know about in Hemet/San Jacinto…HEAT. It always cracks me up when people seem surprised by how hot it gets, even though they’ve lived here for years. 

Hey! We live in the desert!! But hopefully this will make you feel better.

That was from our Valley just a few months ago. Oh, how quickly it all changes!

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42 NIV)

And remember, at Community you’ll not only get some cold water and A/C, but some ice cream too for you Saturday night peeps!

But First…

In Southern California we just aren’t used to the amount of rain we had this past winter. While things are turning from green to brown, or “copper” as I like to say, there are still signs of God’s watery blessing all around us.

We love the colors and beauty all around us, BUT FIRST there has to be water.

“You started the springs and rivers, sent them flowing among the hills. All the wild animals now drink their fill, wild donkeys quench their thirst. Along the riverbanks the birds build nests, ravens make their voices heard. You water the mountains from your heavenly cisterns; earth is supplied with plenty of water. You make grass grow for the livestock, hay for the animals that plow the ground.” (Psalm 104:10-14 MSG)

People, when in full bloom, can impact lives and transform cities. But first…???

We’ll be answering this very question as we introduce our summer series: #Blessed.

You want to be blessed? Want to be a blessing? #Blessed will be looking at what Jesus had to say about it. Grab a friend and start your #Blessed journey with us at Community this weekend!

Freedom Isn’t Free!

Today is way more than a day to grill out, jet around in the boat or sit in the shade with good friends. Today we remember the price that many were willing to pay for our freedom.

“The patriot’s blood is the seed of freedom’s tree.” — Thomas Campbell

Enjoy your extra time with family and friends. Thank God for the beauty of this day. Eat, laugh, hug and play, but most of all, remember…FREEDOM ISN’T FREE!

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13 NIV)