Winning Your Spiritual Battles

In the conversation for Sunday, June 3, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us the reality of spiritual warfare and the strategies necessary for us to overcome in the battles in which we find ourselves. 

Sacred Reading 00:00-13:10, Conversation 13:10-48:15

The truth is that, although we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not human but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to bring down every deceptive argument and every imposing defense that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (Phillips)

• Acknowledge the battle is spiritual 
• Be aware of your weapons
• Capture unto Christ

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

The truth is that, although we lead normal human lives, the battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The very weapons we use are not human but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds. Our battle is to bring down every deceptive argument and every imposing defense that men erect against the true knowledge of God. We fight to capture every thought until it acknowledges the authority of Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 (Phillips)

The Practice of Remembering

In the conversation for Sunday, May 27, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice encourages us to take some focused time to remember the times and ways God has worked on our behalf in the past so that we can trust that God will meet us today.

Sacred Reading 00:00-13:15, Conversation 13:15-42:30

I will remember the deeds of the Lord.
I will remember your ancient miracles.
I will reflect on all your actions
and think about what you have done.
Psalms 77:11-12 (GW)

• How we focus our past informs our future
• Remembering reconnects us
• Reflection grounds us
• How to set a memorial

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord;
yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago.
I will consider all your works
and meditate on all your mighty deeds.”
Your ways, God, are holy.
What god is as great as our God?
You are the God who performs miracles;
you display your power among the peoples.
With your mighty arm you redeemed your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.
Psalms 77:11-15 (NIV)

In Between Promises: The Destiny of Hope

In the conversation for Sunday, May 20, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us some ways to navigate the seasons in between the promises we have received from the Lord.

Sacred Reading 00:00-15:50, Conversation 15:50-39:18

“So don’t ever worry about tomorrow.” – Jesus
Matthew 6:34 (GW)

• Set an Anchor:

However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived”—
the things God has prepared for those who love him—
these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (NIV)

• Live Fully Today
• Watch for Creeps
• Remind Yourself
• Share and Declare

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

“Don’t ever worry and say, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ Everyone is concerned about these things, and your heavenly Father certainly knows you need all of them. But first, be concerned about his kingdom and what has his approval. Then all these things will be provided for you.”
“So don’t ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:31-34 (GW)

From Disappointment to Hope

In the conversation for Sunday, May 13, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us the key to transforming disappointment into hope by identifying the sources of disappointment and then resolving it with Christ.

Sacred Reading 00:00-13:30, Conversation 13:30-47:05

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.
Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire. Don’t despise what God has revealed. Instead, test everything. Hold on to what is good. Keep away from every kind of evil.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (GW)

Stand Firm and Suit Up

In the conversation for Sunday, May 6, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice continues from previous two Sundays by sharing with us the principles of personal power. This week’s talk focuses on the components of the armor of God, which are areas of power that when we commit them to the Lord, we overcome the enemy in our lives. 

Sacred Reading 00:00-12:45, Conversation 12:45-46:01

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:14-18 (NIV)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.
• I waited patiently for the Lord.

He turned to me and heard my cry for help.
He pulled me out of a horrible pit,
out of the mud and clay.
He set my feet on a rock
and made my steps secure.
He placed a new song in my mouth,
a song of praise to our God.
Many will see this and worship.
They will trust the Lord.
Blessed is the person
who places his confidence in the Lord
and does not rely on arrogant people
or those who follow lies.
You have done many miraculous things, O Lord my God.
You have made many wonderful plans for us.
No one compares to you!
I will tell others about your miracles,
which are more than I can count.
Psalm 40:1-5 (GW)

Be Strong and Put On

In the conversation for Sunday, April 29, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice continues from last Sunday to share with us the principles of personal power. This week’s talk focuses on putting on the Lord’s power, identifying the nature of your challenges, and trusting in the Lord’s power to see you through your current challenges. 

Sacred Reading 00:00-19:22, Conversation 19:22-42:33

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11 (NIV)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)

Empowered Again

In the conversation for Sunday, April 22, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us the principles of personal power, which can apply spiritually, emotionally, and physically. He encourages us to examine our lives to see where we are lacking power, identify the things that challenge our power, and strategies to tap back into our source of power. 

Sacred Reading 00:00-14:32, Conversation 14:32-40:41

The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Romans 8:11 (NLT)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4 (NIV)

The Wanderer’s Road Home

In the conversation for Sunday, April 15, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us that even though we wander from time to time, God loves us and is always with us, extending his grace so that we find our home in him.

Sacred Reading 00:00-19:07, Conversation 19:07-48:02

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions —it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith —and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
Ephesians 2:4-9 (NIV)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

So God set another day when he says through David, “today”, just as he had said before. ‘Today, if you shall hear his voice, harden not your hearts’.
For if Joshua had given them the rest, we should not find God saying, at a much later date, “today”. There still exists, therefore, a full and complete rest for the people of God. And he who experiences his rest is resting from his own work as fully as God from his.
Let us then be eager to know this rest for ourselves, and let us beware that no one misses it through falling into the same kind of unbelief as those we have mentioned.
Hebrews 4:7-11 (PHILLIPS)

Gifts from the Unexpected

In the conversation for Sunday, April 8, 2018, Pastor Kim Nowlin shares with us that God has gifts of love for us that come in unexpected ways. Kim also encourages us to develop habits and adjust our perspectives so that we are in a more receptive posture to receive these gifts.

Sacred Reading 00:00-13:40, Conversation 13:40-55:36

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.
James 1:17a (NIV)

Sacred Reading
A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.
So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
James 1:2-8, 16-17 (NLT)

Flipped Faith

In the conversation for Sunday, February 25, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us that faith has a flip side. Even though we rejoice in hope, trusting that everything will be ok. We must also recognize that following Jesus will have its difficulties and risks. When we follow Jesus beyond the suffering we also discover the resurrection life as well.

Sacred Reading 00:00-11:45, Conversation 11:45-48:29

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.
Luke 9:23 (NIV)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

And Jesus said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.”
Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it. What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit his very self? 
Luke 9:22-25 (NIV)

Contentment: The Pathway to Inspired Living

In the conversation for Sunday, February 18, 2018, Pastor Kim Nowlin shares with us that contentment is a quiet confidence in who God is and how God has provided all we need. This contentment enables us to live with hope and encouragement so that we can be a source of hope and encouragement for others.

Sacred Reading 00:00-12:50, Conversation 12:50-58:22

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.
Psalms 23 (NIV)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me  all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever
Psalm 23 (NLT)

Keys to Growing Relationships: Forgiveness

In the conversation for Sunday, February 11, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice continues the series titled, Keys to Growing Relationships, focusing this week on forgiveness. In this talk, he shares with us how love covers a multitude of sins. 

Sacred Reading 00:00-26:00, Conversation 26:00-59:45

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Peter 4:8 (NIV)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. 
Colossians 3:12-15a (NLT)

Keys to Growing Relationships: Confession

In the conversation for Sunday, February 4, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice begins a series titled, Keys to Growing Relationships, focusing this week on confession. In this talk, he addresses the practices of self-examination, self-revelation, and humbled prayer. 

Sacred Reading 00:00-20:00, Conversation 20:00-53:25

You should get into the habit of admitting your sins to each other, and praying for each other, so that you may be healed. Tremxendous power is made available through a good man’s earnest prayer.
James 5:16 (PHILLIPS)

John Wesley's Holy Club Questions
The Litany of Humility

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

Make this your common practice: Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed. The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with. Elijah, for instance, human just like us, prayed hard that it wouldn’t rain, and it didn’t—not a drop for three and a half years. Then he prayed that it would rain, and it did. The showers came and everything started growing again.
James 5:16-18 (MSG)

The Life of Promise: Three Steps to Life Change

In the conversation for Sunday, January 28, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares an encouragement to take care of our physical bodies. Using the parable of the sower, he shows us the process to make positive changes for our physical bodies.

Sacred Reading 00:00-23:35, Conversation 23:35-01:03:09

“The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.”
Matthew 13:23 (MSG)

Sacred Reading
A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

“Study this story of the farmer planting seed. When anyone hears news of the kingdom and doesn’t take it in, it just remains on the surface, and so the Evil One comes along and plucks it right out of that person’s heart. This is the seed the farmer scatters on the road.
“The seed cast in the gravel—this is the person who hears and instantly responds with enthusiasm. But there is no soil of character, and so when the emotions wear off and some difficulty arrives, there is nothing to show for it.
“The seed cast in the weeds is the person who hears the kingdom news, but weeds of worry and illusions about getting more and wanting everything under the sun strangle what was heard, and nothing comes of it.
“The seed cast on good earth is the person who hears and takes in the News, and then produces a harvest beyond his wildest dreams.”
Matthew 13:18:23 (MSG)

Living the Promised Live in 2018: Soul Care

In the conversation for Sunday, January 21, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares an encouragement to take care of our souls by scheduling regular times for self-care and by identifying things that either fill or drain our souls. Soul care requires that we become intentional in our practices that lead to health and walk away from things that keep us from health. The Lord can lead us in the appropriate practices for our soul care.

Sacred Reading 00:00-16:20, Conversation 16:20-47:07

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NLT)

Sacred Reading

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

Living the Promise: Intentional Living in 2018

In the conversation for Sunday, January 14, 2018, Pastor Stuart Nice shares a few strategies for living a more intentional life in the new year.

Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV)

Sacred Reading 00:00-10:00, Conversation 10:00-50:18

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day’s out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ’s law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
Galatians 6:1-3 (MSG)

You Can Do It! – Shawn & Damaris Smith, Now Is The Time Mission

In the conversation for Sunday, December 3, 2017, special guests, Shawn & Damaris Smith, share with us an update on the impact of last summer’s mission to Guatemala and issue an invitation for the mission this summer 2018. Shawn also encouraged us that if we are feeling like we can’t do a missions trip, the truth is, “You can do it!”
“Now is the time for missions, because there is never a good time to go.”

Sacred Reading 00:00-21:44, Conversation 21:44-01:09:22

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

     “And the one also who had received the one talent came up and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you scattered no seed. And I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the ground. See, you have what is yours.’
     “But his master answered and said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy slave, you knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have put my money in the bank, and on my arrival I would have received my money back with interest. Therefore take away the talent from him, and give it to the one who has the ten talents.’
     “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.
Matthew 25:24-29 (NASB)

The End of Complaining

In the conversation for Sunday, November 26, 2017, Pastor Stuart Nice encourages us to choose gratitude over complaining. In this talk, he explores why we complain, the dangers of complaining, and turning our complaints into empowerment.

Sacred Reading 00:00-12:00, Conversation 12:00-44:07

Do everything without complaining and arguing.
Philippians 2:14 (NLT)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

In everything you do, stay away from complaining and arguing so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them. Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless.
Philippians 2:14-16 (TLB)

Three Thoughts on Spiritual Growth

In the conversation for Sunday, November 5, 2017, Pastor Stuart Nice shares with us three thoughts on spiritual growth. 

Sacred Reading 00:00-17:15, Conversation 17:15-49:36

1. Spiritual growth will bring us to a wall that only God can bring us through.
2. Trinitarian relationship with God – the Holy Spirit is given within us to help us grow spiritually and accomplish God’s will for our lives.
3. You get what you focus on, scarcity or abundance. If you want to see God, focus on God. If you want to bless the world, ask God where to focus your giving.

You know that God anointed Jesus from Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Jesus went everywhere and did good things, such as healing everyone who was under the devil’s power. Jesus did these things because God was with him.
Acts 10:38 (GW)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart on God’s promises.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7:7-12 (NIV)

Connecting to Compassion

In the conversation for Sunday, October 29, 2017, Pastor Stuart Nice encourages us to acknowledge a need and allow our emotion to draw out the compassion to do something about it. 

Sacred Reading 00:00-14:45, Conversation 14:45-39:03

You know that God anointed Jesus from Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Jesus went everywhere and did good things, such as healing everyone who was under the devil’s power. Jesus did these things because God was with him.
Acts 10:38 (GW)

Sacred Reading

A note about the recording of the Sacred Reading:
The reader will pause between each of the four readings. The pauses have been left in the recording so that the listener can experience the rhythm of the gathering and even participate in the reading. Below are the guidelines for each of the four readings of the practice. 

• Read: Read the passage and receive it as God’s message to you.
• Reflect: Read the passage again and look for the word or phrase that the Holy Spirit highlights to your heart.
• Respond: Take the highlighted words and make them a prayer.
• Rest: Rest your heart in God’s promises.

I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
John 14:12-14 (NIV)