The Well Church of the Nazarene

Mercy is making the choice to see those who have hurt us the way God sees them and not the way others, or man-made rights, or the law or even our own life experiences see them. When we submit to God the right or ability to control the situation as we see fit - and focus on controlling the things we can control (our actions, attitudes, and choices) - we are merciful. We are peacemakers.

To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to be obedient to God in submitting your will to Him and then allowing Him to mold and shape you into who He wants you to be. God alone can remove our character defects, but it's a process. And we don't have to have successfully completed the transaction of righteousness to be blessed. Instead, it's a "long, slow obedience in the same direction.

Celebrating four baptisms, two new local licenses, and one incredible testimony!

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals to us what we truly need to be in relationship with him--to walk with him, to be who he created us to be. The blessing of a pure heart is that we SEE God. We understand grace. And we SEE because we get what God is calling us toward and willingly let go of what blinds us. "Seeing God" is evidence of the change grace makes in our lives--what a pure heart leads to. 

Happy (or blessed) are those who have surrendered themselves to Christ’s care and control, for they are living the good life. And as difficult as this concept of committing and surrendering our life and will to Christ is, it’s been the call of Christ since the very beginning. Have you accepted that you are accepted? Are you ready to relinquish control? 

Mourning was a constant theme for those in exile, yet God promises to comfort those who mourn--replacing their mourning with joy.  But what is the source of mourning that leads to being blessed in this way?

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.

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. 

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?