The Well Church of the Nazarene

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Our world is filled with competing voices and value systems that seek to guide our lives, and these messages often prioritize our control, comfort, safety, and convenience. But Jesus gives us a different reason for living--a new direction through life's detours and delays. Because of Him, we have the ability to know who we are (and whose we are) and that our lives have purpose and meaning.

Called

The calling of the prophet Isaiah is quite dramatic, to say the least. But in the midst of this strange story, there is actually a pattern of an encounter with God that leads to a calling. And that pattern can be quite helpful for all of us as we determine what it is that God is calling us to. 

From Waiting to Relying

Some of Jesus' last words to the disciples were, "Go and make disciples of all nations, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit...but, first, wait."  He wanted them to wait to receive the gift and power of the Holy Spirit who, in turn, gave them the ability and boldness to make those disciples in ways they never could have imagined.

Just as the fire of the Holy Spirit fell on the disciples, that gift is meant for us, too, if we have surrendered all of ourselves to His will and way.  Are you willing to allow that fire to forge the relationship with the Spirit that transforms your story into His story?  

Prayer

It took Elijah three years to be shaped and prepared in the "forge." It required obedience, and listening--the most important component to prayer. 

Four in the Fire

Trial by fire is necessary for many, but we often miss out on glorifying God because we can't take the heat! We bow down. Conform. And what we fail to see is that God uses those fiery experiences of life to purge and purify us. The fire doesn't destroy--it burns out the impurities. It refines us. And when you're in the fire for His sake, you'll discover that you're never alone in the flame.

From Striving to Thriving

Spiritual formation is about God moving us, improving us, making us stronger, giving us purpose, and showing us what love looks like.

When we become comfortable, we put ourselves at risk without realizing it. But Jesus models for us what it looks like to be sharpened, and it's not for position, authority, or title. We are sharpened to serve! Let's stop striving under our own efforts and begin thriving in the purpose to which our refiner has created us!

From Attending to Attaching

We were created for community, and faith leads us into a relational process of formation where God uses our failures, struggles, and experiences to shape us until we find our place and purpose within our faith community. It's also in our gatherings that we are shaped. Our shared worship, in our accountability to one another, and within the safe spaces where we can be honest, vulnerable, and transparent... all of it resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

From Informing to Equipping

Belief leads to transformation. What informs us about God, Jesus, grace, hope, and love is more than knowledge. These pieces of faith equip us for purpose and ministry, resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

From Reaching to Making

Relationship with God requires growth, nurturing, and development. This growth shows itself as we move from reaching others to making disciples, and our character is forged over time--often through fiery trials. But allowing God to purify us is the first step toward transformation, and only when the Refiner sees a clear reflection of himself is the process complete. 

The Celebration of Living Water

Christ forgives, redeems, and is still making old things new. Bring your empty jar, everything you have been, and claim who you are in Christ! For God has renamed you, there is a spring of water inside you, and He is doing a new thing!