John 14 "Reaching Up, Reaching In, Reaching Out"

Happy 4th of July! This past weekend we joined two other churches in a retreat with the theme "Reaching Up, Reaching In, Reaching Out". God has revealed so much to me over this weekend and has given me such comfort and encouragement to serve Him.

Reaching Up

Lifting my hand to God and admitting that I need Him. Let God take control of my life. However, it is because God reach down to us first that we can "reach up" to Him in the first place. Because of Jesus Christ, because of His grace, which we do not deserve because of our sinful nature, we may once again come back to Him.

Reaching In

"We all need to grow and we need to help each other grow" (Pastor Paul Tracy). "Reaching in" is about personal spiritual growth that comes with dependence on God and encouragement from fellow brothers and sisters in a church community. We learn to love each other in the church and create unity when we focus on serving God. This will start to cause a change in all of our lives... for the better.

Reaching Out

Sharing how good God has been in our lives to people around us. Jesus said that we must do this as Christians and we will do it bigger than He did. We do not need to be afraid to invite people to know Christ because He will be with us when we do and all we have to do is ask.

In John 14 Jesus says, "If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you...Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." Whether it's reaching up, in, or out, God will always be there. It's really a vicious cycle that all Christians must learn to go through. A Christian that's not growing is like a seed that does not sprout or produce fruit - basically useless. God doesn't want us to be useless; He wants us to serve in His kingdom but He doesn't expect us to do it alone. What god can provide such peace and security like Jesus Christ can?

Dear God, I pray that you guide all of the ministries at church and you guide all of the members. Help us all to grow, help us to be like the seed that fell into good soil that bears good fruit and multiplies. Lord, help us to remain in you as you remain in us. Let us learn to reach up to you with all of our troubles, worries, and sins. Help us to reach in to our church and build each other up. Help us to encourage and love one another. Lastly Lord I pray you teach us how to reach out to those that we care most about and not be afraid. Help us to see where you need us to serve and speak for us when we are speechless. Help us to love you more and more each day. Thank you for your grace and mercy altho we are so unworthy. Amen.