Pursue the Promises | Highlights
A summary of some of our favorite Blog post highlights from August-December.
We are wrapping up 2024, which means we are also concluding our Pursue the Promises 2024 all-church theme. Pastor Shane has been encouraging us to hold onto these promises and to anchor our lives to them. He’s also encouraged us to memorize each of the key Scriptures.
Members of our team have shared Blog posts related to each promise. We pray these posts, along with video posts by Pastor Shane, have been meaningful to you as you reflect on the promises of God.
Below please find a summary of our promises from the second half of the year, key verses and just a few of our favorite highlights from the Blog posts.
To access the full posts, visit our Blog page.
December | God Promises to Give Us Wisdom
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5)
Erin Arva
I love this phrase from the first Blog post that kicked off our December promise: “Wisdom is not just about knowing facts; it’s about understanding how to live well and make decisions that please God.”
When I read this, I think of trying to look at a situation from the Lord’s perspective…what would please and honor Him…and not be focused solely on my own emotions, which, if left unchecked, can certainly lead me astray. We need the Lord’s wisdom for so many things, such as handling conflicts in relationships, setting priorities and healthy boundaries, parenting our kids, and the list goes on.
Dave Reed
I think it is really cool that the Creator of the universe wants to give us direction. Even with our stuff that we don’t want to share with anyone else. His intentions are not to condemn us, but to help us grow and become the best versions of ourselves, and to look more like His son when others see us. Begin by embracing the responsibility of what we know.
November | God Promises to Give Us Perfect Peace
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3)
Pastor Lee
I am aware that it is much easier to sing songs of praise when things are going well or during celebrations. How much easier is it to sing songs of worship during Sunday morning services when hundreds of people are singing alongside of you as we usher in the presence of God? The gift that comes with singing songs of praise to the Lord that is often missed is when we sing during times of hardship, grief or trouble.
Karin Baker
Building trust is a journey…an ongoing process of surrendering our fears, doubts and anxieties into the hands of a loving God. Again, this does not mean turning a blind eye to the realities of life nor denying the existence of challenges.
As I continue to reflect on this verse, I’m reminded of the countless times in my own life when steadfast trust has been my saving grace. In moments of doubt and even despair, it has been that unshakable, steadfast commitment to trust the Lord in all things that has gotten me through.
Cristen Crossley
Peace isn’t a wish granted automatically because we said “yes” to Jesus. Peace is a choice we make because we have said yes and choose to trust in Him and His ways! We have to choose to say, “I trust in You, no matter what!” I trust in You with my finances. I trust in You with my health. I trust in You with my child. I trust in You with my relationship. I trust in You with…
October | God Promises to Give Us Eternal Life
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Melissa Ball
His promise is for you too. It can be the anchor in your life when you feel like everything is shifting and changing. If you are feeling scattered or your life is chaotic, know that God is with you, and His promise of eternal life is for you too. He loves you so much that He sent His only son so that you can have eternal life with Him. All for you. All for me.
Pastor Denny
Aren’t you glad that John 3:16 IS true? God DID love the world, and that means God loves YOU. God DID give His Son to die for your sins. The blood He shed on the cross is the only thing that can save you from your sins. God meant WHOSOEVER. That means young and old; smart or average; educated and not; lower class to upper class; wicked sinners like that thief on the cross with Jesus, and sinners like Nicodemus, who was religious and moral and sincere and earnest. And God’s offer of salvation IS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH ALONE. Not your church, or your religion, or your works, or how much good you have done will ever bring you eternal life.
September | God Promises That Nothing Can Separate Us from His Presence
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Sydney Wilson
Be encouraged today; if you are not raising the dead or seeing God move mountains in your life, you are still within His presence. He is always with you, in the big and in the small. He is always working, even if it's mundane. He cares for you, and that means every small detail. So today, if you are struggling to see Him and His presence, know that He is in all things at all times for all people.
Pastor Dan
I can’t imagine being in a place where I would regularly feel unprotected, vulnerable, separated. I know there are people in this world who aren’t as fortunate, who don’t have many of the comforts and securities that I enjoy.
But I thank God for His promise that, no matter where I go or what I do, nothing can separate me from His love. Nothing. If I cross the oceans, He is there. If I am in the middle of the valley, He is there. If I climb the highest mountain or dive deep into the sea, He is there. Nothing can separate me from the love, protection, safety, comfort and blessings of God!
Pastor Katie
There is a stream near our house and, when it rains, the stream is so powerful that it moves anything in its path. My son, Lincoln, likes to throw sticks in the stream when it gets this way. The flow is so strong that the sticks are swept down the stream. This is how I picture God’s love – when things get thrown my way and convince me I’m unloved, I let God’s truth, His mighty love, wash it away. Life will throw us many things, but let those sticks keep coming because they will never stop the powerful, sweeping, ever-flowing love of our mighty God.
August | God Promises to Give Us Power in Times of Weakness
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Jamey McClintock
Many times, when hardships come, our world is quick to blame God. Are we just as quick to give Him credit when good things happen? Or do we take the credit for the good? When we question God’s character and love for us, it makes it even more difficult for us to depend on Him.
Paul’s dependence on God made him so much stronger than he ever would have been without those trials. Maybe the reason we don’t experience God’s power is because we have avoided the things He sent to strengthen us.
Pastor David
When we feel burdened by the weight of our circumstances – whatever they might be – He invites us to cast our cares on Him and find rest. Plugging into Jesus as our power source during times of weakness allows us to release our worries and cares to Him. In Him, we can find the strength to keep going.
Members of our team have shared Blog posts related to each promise. We pray these posts, along with video posts by Pastor Shane, have been meaningful to you as you reflect on the promises of God.
Below please find a summary of our promises from the second half of the year, key verses and just a few of our favorite highlights from the Blog posts.
To access the full posts, visit our Blog page.
December | God Promises to Give Us Wisdom
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” (James 1:5)
Erin Arva
I love this phrase from the first Blog post that kicked off our December promise: “Wisdom is not just about knowing facts; it’s about understanding how to live well and make decisions that please God.”
When I read this, I think of trying to look at a situation from the Lord’s perspective…what would please and honor Him…and not be focused solely on my own emotions, which, if left unchecked, can certainly lead me astray. We need the Lord’s wisdom for so many things, such as handling conflicts in relationships, setting priorities and healthy boundaries, parenting our kids, and the list goes on.
Dave Reed
I think it is really cool that the Creator of the universe wants to give us direction. Even with our stuff that we don’t want to share with anyone else. His intentions are not to condemn us, but to help us grow and become the best versions of ourselves, and to look more like His son when others see us. Begin by embracing the responsibility of what we know.
November | God Promises to Give Us Perfect Peace
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3)
Pastor Lee
I am aware that it is much easier to sing songs of praise when things are going well or during celebrations. How much easier is it to sing songs of worship during Sunday morning services when hundreds of people are singing alongside of you as we usher in the presence of God? The gift that comes with singing songs of praise to the Lord that is often missed is when we sing during times of hardship, grief or trouble.
Karin Baker
Building trust is a journey…an ongoing process of surrendering our fears, doubts and anxieties into the hands of a loving God. Again, this does not mean turning a blind eye to the realities of life nor denying the existence of challenges.
As I continue to reflect on this verse, I’m reminded of the countless times in my own life when steadfast trust has been my saving grace. In moments of doubt and even despair, it has been that unshakable, steadfast commitment to trust the Lord in all things that has gotten me through.
Cristen Crossley
Peace isn’t a wish granted automatically because we said “yes” to Jesus. Peace is a choice we make because we have said yes and choose to trust in Him and His ways! We have to choose to say, “I trust in You, no matter what!” I trust in You with my finances. I trust in You with my health. I trust in You with my child. I trust in You with my relationship. I trust in You with…
October | God Promises to Give Us Eternal Life
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
Melissa Ball
His promise is for you too. It can be the anchor in your life when you feel like everything is shifting and changing. If you are feeling scattered or your life is chaotic, know that God is with you, and His promise of eternal life is for you too. He loves you so much that He sent His only son so that you can have eternal life with Him. All for you. All for me.
Pastor Denny
Aren’t you glad that John 3:16 IS true? God DID love the world, and that means God loves YOU. God DID give His Son to die for your sins. The blood He shed on the cross is the only thing that can save you from your sins. God meant WHOSOEVER. That means young and old; smart or average; educated and not; lower class to upper class; wicked sinners like that thief on the cross with Jesus, and sinners like Nicodemus, who was religious and moral and sincere and earnest. And God’s offer of salvation IS BY GRACE THROUGH FAITH ALONE. Not your church, or your religion, or your works, or how much good you have done will ever bring you eternal life.
September | God Promises That Nothing Can Separate Us from His Presence
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow – not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below – indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Sydney Wilson
Be encouraged today; if you are not raising the dead or seeing God move mountains in your life, you are still within His presence. He is always with you, in the big and in the small. He is always working, even if it's mundane. He cares for you, and that means every small detail. So today, if you are struggling to see Him and His presence, know that He is in all things at all times for all people.
Pastor Dan
I can’t imagine being in a place where I would regularly feel unprotected, vulnerable, separated. I know there are people in this world who aren’t as fortunate, who don’t have many of the comforts and securities that I enjoy.
But I thank God for His promise that, no matter where I go or what I do, nothing can separate me from His love. Nothing. If I cross the oceans, He is there. If I am in the middle of the valley, He is there. If I climb the highest mountain or dive deep into the sea, He is there. Nothing can separate me from the love, protection, safety, comfort and blessings of God!
Pastor Katie
There is a stream near our house and, when it rains, the stream is so powerful that it moves anything in its path. My son, Lincoln, likes to throw sticks in the stream when it gets this way. The flow is so strong that the sticks are swept down the stream. This is how I picture God’s love – when things get thrown my way and convince me I’m unloved, I let God’s truth, His mighty love, wash it away. Life will throw us many things, but let those sticks keep coming because they will never stop the powerful, sweeping, ever-flowing love of our mighty God.
August | God Promises to Give Us Power in Times of Weakness
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)
Jamey McClintock
Many times, when hardships come, our world is quick to blame God. Are we just as quick to give Him credit when good things happen? Or do we take the credit for the good? When we question God’s character and love for us, it makes it even more difficult for us to depend on Him.
Paul’s dependence on God made him so much stronger than he ever would have been without those trials. Maybe the reason we don’t experience God’s power is because we have avoided the things He sent to strengthen us.
Pastor David
When we feel burdened by the weight of our circumstances – whatever they might be – He invites us to cast our cares on Him and find rest. Plugging into Jesus as our power source during times of weakness allows us to release our worries and cares to Him. In Him, we can find the strength to keep going.
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