Raised to walk in new life

I was raised Catholic; baptized as an infant, received first communion, and made confirmation. But as I grew up and life got busy my relationship with the church faded.

Life was filled with sports, travel, friends and family. Through middle school and high school we visited church on Christmas and Easter, and a handful of days in between. 

In college, I searched a little bit to find a church community, even attending Summit when it was first starting on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University. But I didn’t find a home. I was too preoccupied with collegiate basketball, drinking, partying, and friends.

Life continued, and in 2011, I retired from the NYPD on a job-related disability, eventually moving back to Southwest Florida. I was a bit of a lost soul, searching for something I thought would make me happy. I bounced around to a few different careers but felt trapped, mentally. 

In 2014, I was 275 pounds, drinking heavily, and in a lot of pain both physically and mentally. I realized that I was carrying inside of me a lot of resentment, judgement and anger. I began self-medicating with marijuana, thinking this was a healthy alternative to excessive alcohol consumption.

“I realized that I was carrying inside of me a lot of resentment, judgement and anger. ”

Between 2014 and 2020, I believed I was in control of my life, my emotions, and my thoughts.  I prayed and made attempts at attending church, but I always put my own needs before a relationship with Christ.  I was good at justifying my sins. I thought God would approve of me if I tried to be a good person and prayed.

In August, several significantly negative personal and professional events consumed my life. After increasing my marijuana use significantly, I wondered if it was now time to stop.  The approach I took, coupled with a downward spiral into depression, caused me two have several debilitating panic attacks in September.

While all were serious, one in particular caused me to sustain physical injuries. During the episode, I was certain I was dying and eventually caused myself to believe that I had. Barely breathing, my heart racing, I faded in and out of consciousness several times. During the two-hour panic attack, my wife and I prayed loudly to God.  Lying on the shower floor, I felt myself pass, but was woken with a jolt and tingling throughout my body. I was breathing and claiming that the Holy Spirit was here.  Fading in and out of consciousness several times, I experienced many things I could not explain.

Jeremiah saw me a few days later unable to walk, depressed, lost, confused, and having experienced something I struggled to put into words. We prayed together, and in those moments I vocalized my need for Jesus and the Holy Spirit.  I repented from my sins, and the 37 years I walked alone, acknowledging that Jesus is Lord and Savior.  For the first time in my life, I truly understood how and why Jesus died on the cross, for me, and for my sins, knowing that only He can save me.  

“For the first time in my life, I truly understood how and why Jesus died on the cross, for me, and for my sins, knowing that only He can save me.  ”

I had truly believed I lived a Christian life.  I now know that it lacked real faith in Jesus, and that no amount of good deeds would have ever been enough.  

I am incredibly excited for my relationship with Jesus to begin and for the opportunity to be baptized now as an adult.  I look forward to the next 37 years and am hopeful in knowing that I won’t walk alone. 

Recovery and Community - Blog

When I first walked through the doors of Recovery at Summit on a Thursday night, I was looking for freedom in one particular area of my life (lust). I wanted to get in, work the process as quickly as possible, and get on with life. In my mind, I was planning on sticking around for six to nine months.

Four and a half years later, I still love Thursday nights. God has brought freedom from the issue that brought me, and I have discovered several other areas where I needed God’s transforming power. I am deeply grateful for what God has done in me.

But healing in those broken places is only part of the story. The other big reason to love Recovery (besides the snacks) is the community. Many of us had never experienced a place of such vulnerability, acceptance, and love. We had never known a place where we could put all our joys and struggles on the table and be confident that nobody would run away or find us strange. Here we find the Church being the Church, a hospital for souls in a broken world.

When I read Romans 12:6-9, I see a picture of this Recovery community:

“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”

— Romans 12:6-9

A friend who is in a painful place because of addiction reminds me: “The opposite of addiction isn’t sobriety. The opposite of addiction is community.” That’s why churches need Recovery. We are able to be the minsters of reconciliation to and with each other.

But deep community isn’t just for Thursday nights. Recovery is a pitstop, a place to find safety and healing, to learn to tell your Grace Story, and to be launched out into your Personal Mission. Many men and women have come to Recovery for a season, received healing, and left to do other things. That’s awesome. We need safe and vulnerable people in every area of the church, and the lessons of love and grace we learn at Recovery are for all of Summit and all of the churches we serve.

This passage in Romans is not just for one ministry. This is a picture of all true Christian community. At Recovery at Summit, we want to be sober. Not just to avoid wrecking our lives, but because we have a part to play in making the Church, the Bride of Christ, ready for her Groom. Let our love be genuine, at Recovery, at Summit, and in every Gospel-centered body of believers.

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Find out more about Recovery here.

The Bread and Cup of Christ

THE BREAD AND CUP OF CHRIST
By Michael Girado

The bread and the cup. Two symbols central to Christian faith and practice. Two symbols central to the life and community found in the body of Christ. These symbols represent the core of our beliefs––the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But the bread and the cup are more than mere symbols. They are part of a sacrament or ordinance given to us by Christ himself, commonly referred to as The Lord’s Supper (Matt. 26:26-29, Mrk. 14:22-25, Luk. 22:14-20). It is a Christian rite or ritual accompanied by tangible elements meant to constitute something deep within the Christian experience. Within these two symbols are found the life-giving reality that binds the church together as one in Christ and empowers them to be grace-filled recipients who reflect life within the kingdom of God.

Over the last few months, we’ve been hindered from being able to come together to the Lord’s table. This season has hopefully created a longing in your heart to once again partake of the bread and the cup with the family of God. In his book, A Holy Meal, Gordon T. Smith helps us understand the Lord’s Supper and how it shapes life in the church. As we prepare to once again come to the table, we invite you to consider the depth of meaning found in this ordinance. Consider the fact that the bread and the cup are not mere symbols but are “the very means by which we participate in the intangible and spiritual realities without which there is no life” (Smith, pg. 24-25). As we understand its layered depth of meaning, we will more fully appreciate, enjoy, and be changed by this rich experience.  

I. COMMUNION IS AN INVITATION TO REMEMBER

As Jesus celebrates Passover with his disciples in the upper room, he institutes this ordinance with the following words: “Do this in remembrance of me” (Mark. 14:19). As we come to the table as a family, we are first called to remember. But this act of remembrance is more than just a mere recollection of certain events or “sentimental nostalgia.” Authentic remembering is recalling the past so that it “instructs, informs, and encourages us to live in the present in light of the past” (Smith, pg. 37). The table is a call to remember how the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ saves us and is continuing to transform us. It reminds us of our new identity as followers of Christ and now compels us to live in light of all that Christ has accomplished for us. 

But most importantly, this act of remembrance allows us to uniquely experience the one whom we remember. As Smith recognizes, “The most significant thing that happens…is not that we do this work of remembrance. Rather, in our remembering, the crucified and risen Christ is in our midst” (pg. 39). The table is not a “memorial service” to honor someone who has died. The act of remembering is a mysterious opportunity to encounter the risen Savior. We must come to the table regularly in order to remember this ancient truth. This remembrance allows the reality of the gospel and the very presence of Christ to change how we live in the present.

II. COMMUNION IS AN INVITATION TO FELLOWSHIP

Not only is Jesus present at the table, but so is his body–the family of God. It may seem like an obvious observation, but Smith reminds us, “In the Lord’s Supper, we are not merely eating; we are eating together” (pg. 47). Communion was never meant to be an isolated or individualistic activity. We are to come to the table together as the family of God, and as we do so, we “simultaneously affirm our shared identity and cultivate our unity” (pg. 47). The gospel reminds us that we not only have peace with God but that we now have peace with one another (Eph. 2:14). Therefore, Communion “is always a meal of the community of faith...wherein we both declare and experience the grace that we are at peace with one another” (pg. 49).

In his letter to the Corinthians, we find the Apostle Paul correcting the church for neglecting this crucial aspect of the Lord’s Table (1 Cor. 11:17). The Corinthians had forgotten that Communion was a meal where the people of God were to come “together as a church” (1 Cor. 11:18). Instead, they were divided both physically and spiritually (v. 19) to the extent that Paul no longer considered the meal they celebrated to be the Lord’s Supper (v. 20). Paul’s response was two-fold. First, the Corinthians were to examine their lives for sin (v. 28), and secondly, they were to “wait for one another” (v. 33). The table challenges the individualistic and isolated culture of today’s world that we are tempted to embrace. The table reminds us that we are the family of God; sons and daughters adopted in love. And as the host of the meal, Christ empowers his children to live out this new reality in the world. We come together to this communal event and enjoy fellowship with Christ and with one another. 

III. COMMUNION IS AN INVITATION TO HOPE

At the end of his words of institution, Jesus tells his disciples, “I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom” (Matt. 26:29). Every time we come together to the table; we are reminded of Christ’s imminent return. Communion anticipates the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19) when we will feast with Christ and be fully satisfied in him. It is meant to create a longing for Christ and a desire for God’s kingdom to make all things new. Smith reminds us, “Each time we celebrate this special meal in the context of our worship…we declare…that evil, wrong, and pain do not have the last word. We eat together, yearning for another day; we eat knowing it is coming” (pg. 93-94).

With our eyes fixed on the future, communion also enables us to live in the present with enduring hope. We are proclaiming that we have been “born again to a living hope” and await “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Pet. 1:3-4). When we partake of the bread and wine, this hope is renewed afresh, and we are enabled to live with joy in a world of suffering and despair. We “rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory” because the hope of Christ assures us that we will obtain the outcome of our faith (1 Pet. 1:8-9). Smith encourages us that when we celebrate communion, “Our present is invaded and infused by the future. The gospel arrives on our doorstep, and we are enabled to live with hope in a discouraging world (pg. 95).” 

IV. COMMUNION IS AN INVITATION TO MISSION

The bread and the cup call the people of God to remember the gospel and the presence of Christ in our midst. It calls us to live within our shared identity as the family of God and cultivates our fellowship in Christ. It renews our hope and enables us to live with joy as we await Christ’s return. Communion then sends us back out into the world to live as a people who represent the gospel to every man, woman, and child. Although not explicitly stated, this reality is implied in Mark’s recording of the Lord’s Supper, as Jesus refers to it as the “blood of the covenant” (Mark 14:24). Those who partake of this meal are reminded that we are covenant people “called into a distinctive way of being in the world” (pg. 68). As a covenant people, we are “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation,” that we may now “proclaim the excellencies” of the one who called us out of darkness (1 Pet. 2:9).

Jesus also tells his disciples that he will drink of the cup again with them “in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:25). As we await that day, Smith remarks that “the Lord’s Supper reminds us that there are many who are yet at the table” (pg. 74). Mission should be the natural response for those who come to the table. Communion is meant to propel us back out into the world to proclaim the gospel and make disciples who will then enjoy the bread and the cup with us. Finally, Smith summarizes the invitation to the table as an event where “there is both the motivation and the grace to be all that we are called to be, to witness in word and deed to the very gospel that is portrayed in this meal. We move from table fellowship to the ministry of reconciliation” (pg. 75). This is the invitation of communion–to remember, to fellowship, to hope, and to mission.

Serve Our Schools Update

We’ve just been wrapping up our Serve Our Schools initiative this week! Thanks to your generosity, we’ve been able to bless the teachers and administrations of 14 different schools through purchasing school and sanitization supplies, smoothies, donuts, water bottles and more! You’ve also made it possible to make sizable financial donations which the schools will be able to utilize for needs that arise this year! We’ve done all this prayerfully, in the name of Jesus, and for his glory. Would you pray with us that our community would respond to the good news of the gospel?

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17 Years

By Orlando Cabrera

This week marks the 17th anniversary of the first official service of Summit Church on the campus of Florida Gulf Coast University. It has certainly been an incredible journey. The many miracles we have seen God do in our history are nothing short of amazing. So much has happened since 15 people came together in a living room to discuss what God desired to do in and through a new church in Southwest Florida.

God has blessed us richly! We have been privileged to partner with God and see the fruit that has come from His immeasurable grace. We have seen evidence of God’s power, grace, and love in a plethora of ways. All glory goes to Him! We can say with confidence that our God is good, mighty, and steadfast in all His ways.

When we set out to plant Summit Church 17 years ago, there was a vision, excitement, some apprehension, and an overwhelming sense that God wanted to do something special. But to be honest, we had no idea what it would look like. 17 years later, we have seen the Lord do immeasurably more than we could have imagined. Today Summit is one church in three growing and thriving congregations that are each meeting in their own facilities and striving to reach their geographies with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Since our inception we have been given the opportunity to plant churches locally, nationally, and internationally. The Lord has allowed us to link arms with many ministries around the world through our Xpansion ministry. Today we are working with missionaries, churches, and mission organizations in 14 different countries to bring the Gospel to every man, woman, and child. The generosity of God’s people has been a powerful characteristic of this church, and has resulted in just over 10 million dollars invested in ministries outside of our four walls. Again, we praise God for His faithfulness.

Ten years ago we launched Recovery at Summit. This ministry is focused on bringing healing, hope, and restoration to those who are struggling with a hurt, habit, or hang-up. We thank God for the amazing stories of life change through this ministry.

Over 9 years ago we launched our Every Child Initiative. Since the birth of this ministry – which is now central to who we are – we’ve seen families step forward and step out to be a Gospel response to the plight of vulnerable children. We thank God for the families and individuals that have responded to God’s call to foster, sponsor, adopt, and advocate for vulnerable children.

And on top of all of this I must mention the hundreds of people that have come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and have followed Him in obedience in believer’s baptism.

Summit, there is much to be grateful for and we have tons to celebrate, but we do not celebrate ourselves; we celebrate the Lord. Some of the first words spoken at Summit Church at our first service were from Psalm 115:1:

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness.”

Much has changed here at Summit, but I am grateful that this verse and the posture it called us to have remained central to our ministry.

So, with all that said, as a Church, let’s do the following:

#1. Take a moment to look back and remember all that God has done in your own life through this ministry. Whether you’ve been at Summit for 17 years, 17 months, or 17 days, if God has touched your heart and blessed your life with the grace that flows from Christ, THANK HIM for that. Let us be a thankful people. (Psalm 100)

#2. Remain in prayer with us. These 17 years have been incredible, but God is not done! The Lord is still moving and desires to reach every man, woman, and child with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So let’s remain committed and vigilant in praying that God would dispense His glorious grace. Let us be a praying people. (Colossians 4:2)

#3. Continue to embrace the mission as your own. Get connected in the life and ministry of the church, both inside and outside the walls of Summit. One of our convictions is that whatever God wants to do in the world today, He wants to do through all of Christ’s people. If you’ve trusted in Christ, God desires to use you in His redemptive mission. Join Him in this glorious, life-giving work. Let us be a missionally-driven people. (Matthew 28:18-20)

We cannot thank each of you enough for your support, encouragement, generosity, and partnership. Let’s “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14) as we seek to be godly people who represent the Gospel in the places we work, live, and play. We thank God for these 17 years and we expect great things in the future from Him, for the good of our city and the glory of His name. We love you Summit Family!

Holy Moments

By Ashley Johnson

I’m going to show my hand here and admit that I don’t love worshipping at home via Live Stream. I am certainly thankful for the option when we cannot gather, but it’s just not the same. And with little children at home, it’s a challenge.

Each week, my soul craves what it needs most, but little hands pull on my clothes and little voices say my name over and over as if there were a fire in the home that needs immediate attention. I hate the tension between my flesh feeling frustrated by the interruptions, while the Spirit reminds me that my responses and actions toward my children teach them long-lasting and far-reaching lessons. It feels like a double-edged sword.

One Sunday, my husband was at the church during the stream so I was at home with the kids solo. I swore to myself that I was going to lean into the worship and not let the distractions bother me. There I was in the family room, standing and swaying with one toddler on my hip to keep her from crying while the second was saying “Mama? Mama? Mommy!” on my other side.

Being the godly mother that I am, I closed my eyes and started singing louder, trying my best to tune him out during the song. Tears streamed down my face as I recalled the familiar truths in the chorus.

“Mama… Mommy! Don’t cry!” My son was now yelling.

I snapped out of what I felt like was a holy moment and looked down at his big, hazel eyes begging to be seen.

“Don’t cry, Mama. I don’t want you to be sad,” he explained.

“Oh, buddy, I’m not sad. I’m crying because I know what we are singing is true … and I know it because God taught me so during the sad times in my life.”

That was the holy moment.

I’m not sure he completely understood, but I have been mulling over the concept for weeks. Isn’t it just like God to use what I felt was a nuisance to bless me with more of his perspective?

“This is my main point: The greatest comforts I’ve ever received have come through the greatest sufferings I’ve ever endured.”

We don’t feel the security of his rod and staff until we are threatened by harm. We don’t know the relief of his presence until we feel utterly alone. We can’t comprehend the greatness of his goodness until we recognize the depths of our badness. We don’t long to see his face until we find no comfort in this world.

Psalm 119 affirms this earthly suffering - godly wisdom exchange. It teaches us that our afflictions can lead us to understanding, and one beautiful ripple effect of godly wisdom is that it leads us to value God and his Word more than anything else … for in the law of his mouth we find true life.

“It is good for me that I was afflicted,

that I might learn your statutes.

The law of your mouth is better to me

than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

I will never forget your precepts,

for by them you have given me life.”

Psalm 119:71-72; 93, ESV

Hardship, trials, burdens, and pain can actually set us free. This logic doesn’t make sense apart from Christ. But once we put our trust in the Savior who suffered for our sake, we can begin to trust what the Bible says about the thoughts and ways of God.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,”

declares the Lord.

“As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

I’ve hung The Beatitudes on a wall in our home to remind me of these truths every day. Because every day I am met with opportunities to give myself over to the ways of my flesh or look to Christ to show me the way further into his Kingdom.

“You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you, there is more of God and his rule.

You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

You’re blessed when you are content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of competing or fighting. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.”

Matthew 5:3-11, The Message

It’s comforting to me that the Lord teaches us how to live as children of God in the big, hard moments and also in the small happenings of everyday life, and it’s truly incredible that he knits it all together for his glory and purposes and for our good.

Octopus Stress

By Orlando Cabrera

Our 15-year-old son, Max, has this unique way of expressing his feeling and thoughts. And even with all that we have learned about autism spectrum disorder, we never cease to be amazed by what comes out of his mouth.  One of the latest things we’re learning about from him is something he has deemed “octopus stress”. According to Max, octopus stress is the feeling you have when you are stressed out over multiple things at the same time. Those things may or may not be directly related to each other but they leave you feeling fearful, fatigued and/or stuck. 

After Max shared this with us, I couldn’t help but think about the times in my life that I have felt exactly like that.  Stress comes in many different forms and is a relentless enemy to our souls. As children of God, we were designed to find rest in Him.  But the list of potential stressors can seem endless and can lead us away from resting in the Lord.  Stress can disorient us and leave us feeling physically, emotionally and spiritually fatigued. And worse, it can feel isolating or shaming, like we’re ‘bad Christians’ for experiencing stress or anxiety.

Now there are all sorts of therapeutic approaches to stress and I believe there can be a place for those, but ultimately, the greatest agent of change in our lives is the Lord God Himself.  We have a Shalom God, a God of peace and wholeness. One who has made peace with us through Christ and delights in dispensing His peace upon us through His Word and through His Holy Spirit.  One of the greatest benefits of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the fact that we are in covenant relationship with God.  We are assured of His steadfast, covenantal love.  Stress cannot change that fact, although stress would want to cloud our vision and make us to lose sight of that love.

Consider the power in the truth of Lamentations 3:22-23 “ Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  That same truth permeates the pages of God’s Word. The presence, power and promises of God are assured to every believer in Christ. They don’t shift or change. They are as certain as the rising and the setting of the sun.

But stress would want us to forget that. 

So, here is some encouragement for those times when you feel “octopus stressed”.

1.  Don’t let the enemy shame you in your stress.  You’re not an illegitimate child of God or a failure as a Christian because you are battling stress and/or anxiety.  Remember that our security with the Father does not rest in our activity and behavior but in the perfect work of Jesus. That’s the glorious grace and truth of the Gospel (Ephesians 2:8-9/Titus 3:4-5).  Remember that God’s love for His children is unconditional (Romans 8:1) and He has not called us to a life of independence but dependence on Him (John 15).  In Him we find our strength, sustenance, peace and hope. The enemy knows that and wants to keep us from receiving it.

2. Let stress be an onramp to intimacy with God. When we encounter stress, we want to run from it or rid ourselves of it. That’s totally a natural response. But here’s one that we would be wiser to employ. Let the things that burden or overwhelm your soul, fuel your need, desire and pursuit of God. One of things stress can do for the child of God is remind us of the fact that He has not yet made all things new.  We are sojourners and pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11-12), and so we will continue to experience the pangs of sin even though we have victory through Christ and will ultimately be delivered from sin’s power and penalty.  God is not like man, He doesn’t grow weary of our neediness or our cries for His grace and intervention.  As a child of God, you are assured that the Lord will hear Your prayers (1 Peter 3:12/Psalm 4:3) and will draw near to you as you draw near to Him (James 4:8/Jeremiah 33:3). God is our greatest need, our greatest treasure and our greatest delight (Psalm 73:25).

3.  Draw strength, comfort and encouragement from the Body of Christ, the family of God.  This cannot be stated enough. We were made to live in community with God and with others.  I know that in times of stress there can be fear or shame in sharing our experiences.  Maybe we don’t want to be thought of as weak. Or maybe we don’t want to overwhelm anyone with our problems. But honestly, at the root of most of our excuses, lurks pride.  The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us isolated. We become easier targets when we are (1 Peter 5:8). So as you run to God, press also into your Christian community.  Remember that you are an integral party of the Body of Christ. Let others love you (1 Thessalonians 4:9), carry your burdens (Galatians 6:2), pray with you (James 5:16) and encourage you (Colossians 3:16/1 Thessalonians 5:11). And allow God to use you to do the same for others.

There is hope and there is peace, even in octopus stress. His name is Jesus.

Serve our Schools

Every year we have the privilege of serving our schools by partnering with them to meet the needs of students and families! In this unique year, after talking with teachers and the administrations, we’re taking a two-pronged approach.

1. We’ll be collecting funds to help teachers purchase needed supplies for their classrooms (Clorox Wipes, Hand Sanitizer etc.). You can contribute by going to our online giving service Pushpay and selecting “Virtual School Drive” to give.

2. Secondly, we’ll be collecting a wide variety of needed items to give directly to our school partners. You can find that list of items below. Purchase and bring any of these items back to your campus on Sunday, August 16th.

Thank you for your generosity as we seek to bless our community and represent the gospel to our school partners!

NEEDED ITEMS

Copy Paper 
Tissues
Hand Sanitizer
Clorox Wipes
Expo Markers
Ziplock Bags
Composition or Spiral Notebooks

Control & Surrender

Of all the times to struggle with control, the COVID-19 pandemic has to be one of the worst. Let’s face it; “Lock-Down” isn’t anyone’s favorite phrase, least of all a control-addict like me. Processing through my control issues has been something the Lord is working in my heart, especially as I walk through this season of engagement with my extremely patient fiancé. But what does it mean to fully release control over my life to God? Let’s look at what the Bible says. 

“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV) 

In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul reminds the believers in Corinth of the Lord’s promise to not let us be faced with trials beyond what we can bear. He will always provide for us a way out, but we have to take it. For me, that means constantly denying myself and my need for control. Temptation takes many forms. The immediate reaction to fear of losing control could take the form of rage or anger, followed by shame and guilt. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been cut off driving down I-75 and immediately found myself acting in anger and rage. This is always followed by a sense of shame. I will always fall short; I cannot expect to be in total control of my life 24/7. But no matter what the circumstances, God promises to “provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.”

The Bible also speaks into the anger and rage that can often accompany a control-addict. In Proverbs, Solomon equates a person without self-control to a fool. “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” (Proverbs 25:28) As Christians, our body is a temple. When acting in rage, we strip our temple of security, leaving us vulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. Whether it’s rage, deceit, or people-pleasing, our flesh will do whatever it takes to maintain control. Toxic shame is sure to follow, especially when those actions hurt those we love, or break trust with our closest friends and family. Where do we go from here?

Thankfully, there is hope. Because of Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice, we can live into the abounding grace that God offers us. Even so, it is easy to struggle with control when we are focused on worldly things instead of Godly things. In Romans 12:2, Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you will discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Left to our own devices, it is nearly impossible to pursue the desires of God, especially in a culture that glorifies wealth, possessions, sex, and countless others. Self-denial is not a popular concept.

Paul challenges us to let go of control. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12:12) How desperately I need to hear those words on a daily basis. No matter how perfect a day may seem, tribulation is always waiting around the corner. When it comes, do we rejoice in hope, or do we rage? Do we pray, or do we take matters into our own hands? How freeing it is to lay down control of our lives to the One who always satisfies.

-Dan Driscoll

Xpansion Update - The Millers in Thailand

From our Missionaries, Luke and Alyssa Miller serving in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

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Hey Summit! I wanted to update you on the food giveaway we held recently!  It was seriously amazing!

We held the event in a village outside of Chiang Mai. Before the event, we met with the village chief and received permission to share the Gospel and pray for people that wanted it. On the day of the event, we had over 20 volunteers, mostly youth. As people gathered and filled the room, Tan, one of our coworkers shared about Jesus. She asked if anyone knew who Jesus was, and in a room that was crammed full of people only one woman near the front raised her hand. It was a powerful and raw moment to see that only one woman had heard of Jesus.

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Tan continued to share about Christ and His love and a few of our youth volunteers also lead worship. Tan then asked if anyone would like prayer, and as people raised their hands the youth volunteers ran towards them and began talking to them and praying for them. It was powerful to see young people have such a desire and passion to reach others. Several people were healed immediately from leg and back pain! It was an incredible opportunity to share the Gospel and most of our team was available to talk with people and answer questions about Jesus.

Several people were healed immediately from leg and back pain! It was an incredible opportunity to share the Gospel.

Since families are pretty large out in the countryside, we decided to make a little over 200 packages that were bigger and cost about $13 each. Most families have several children, so we figured we would be able to feed approximately 400-500 people. After the event, we took a few hours and delivered food to other families in the area that were unable to come because of either disabilities or not having transportation. Some of the places we visited were just shacks in the jungle. One man we visited was living on a lounge chair underneath someone else's house. At each home that we visited, we delivered food and prayed with the families and individuals.

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Psalm and Shepherd (our children) were so excited about the event and wanted to help with everything! When we got home, Psalm said that she had the best day ever!

We want to say ‘THANK YOU’ to Summit Church for making this happen! So many lives were impacted because of your giving and we are honored to be a part of what God is doing alongside of you. 

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Luke & Alyssa Miller

Find out more about the Millers and their mission in Thailand by clicking here. 

Xpansion Update - With Asia Johnson

A Letter from one of our Members and Xpansion Partners, Asia Johnson.

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I want to thank Summit Church for supporting me in Chi Alpha this past year and the impact you have had on my life. I have been going to Summit since I was 17 years old and I am so grateful you are my home church.

I did a lot in Chi Alpha at FGCU this past year including leading a small group and even introducing a student to the Lord! We had large group on a weekly basis and fellowship events every Friday where many students would come to hang out with us on the library lawn. We started a prayer movement where we prayed for revival on the campus every Tuesday and Thursday at 4pm.

We also had a Pioneer Bootcamp training, where we learned how to start a Chi Alpha at a different campus and a Discover the Nations training, where we learned how to share Christ with international students. Both of these trainings are national trainings in Chi Alpha where they came down to Fort Myers to train us. 

We took two different mission trips during spring break, one in Puerto Rico and the other at Florida State University. I had the privilege to co-lead the trip to FSU where we worked with the Chi Alpha directors there to train their upcoming student leaders in evangelism. On this particular trip, we brought a student with us named Grace. She struggled and had a lot of fear towards sharing Christ with others. But by the end of the trip, she was regularly engaging with students and sharing scripture with them. It was amazing to see her transformation in just a week!

I got to lead this young lady to the Lord!

I learned so much personally this past year. I took many Biblical classes and courses, grew a lot in character, and learned how to be less focused on myself and more focused on others. I learned how to serve and encourage others well. God taught me how to love others well with His love working through me and now I have an even bigger desire to fulfill the Great Commission. 

As my internship at Chi Alpha has been coming to a close, I applied and was accepted to a gospel-centered film ministry called Moving Works. I have a degree in advertising, which will help me with this internship position. I also have a desire to one day become one of their filmmakers and that is why I am going to go to film school part-time as well.

Before I rededicated my life to the Lord four years ago, I wanted to use my God-given talents and passion for my own glory. I was even planning on going to New York to do so. God recaptured my heart and I rededicated my life to Him. Shortly afterwards I went on my first mission trip to Haiti with Summit where God told me I was going to be a missionary one day. I went through a season of growth where I learned how to surrender my life to the Lord in Recovery and then went through this internship with Chi Alpha to be equipped to be a missionary. 

It’s amazing how God has brought me full circle to be able to use my talents and passion for His glory now. It’s truly only a story that He can write. 

-Asia Johnson

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Asia is raising support to serve with Moving Works, a film company that produces gospel-centered films for global audiences including Japan, Germany and the Czech Republic. If you would like to support her, you can contact her directly at asiadanielle111@gmail.com.

To find out more about the Moving Works, visit https://movingworks.org/

Be Flexible: How to walk in wisdom and grace for the sake of the gospel.

“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”

      -  1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Pandemics are seasons of inconvenience. We can’t go to all the places we want to go, do all the things we want to do, or see all the people we want to see. We are under government mandates, work restrictions, and medical cautions. We have to make all kinds of adjustments in daily life, which is totally unnatural for people living in the most prosperous nation, in the most prosperous era in history.

We all react to this inconvenience in different ways. Some of us follow every rule, either for our own safety and sanity or for the sake of the vulnerable. Some of us just keep on with our regular lives, determined to not let fear rule us. All of us are on information overload, with data and opinions coming at us like an open hydrant. What does it mean to walk with Gospel wisdom in such a time?

Paul and His Rights

Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians (from Ephesus) around 54 AD. The Corinthian church was living in a metropolitan and polytheistic society, and the way they lived in that environment was causing division, immorality, and arrogance. They did not value godly sanctification, and they were living too much like their unsaved countrymen. Paul wrote to lovingly challenge them to live like the Gospel is true – to value eternal things more than present comfort.

In these verses Paul is writing about going out of his way to make all kinds of people comfortable with him. He wasn’t willing to violate the Word of God or his conscience, and he wasn’t being fake. But he was willing to be extremely flexible for the sake of his Christian family. When he was with other Jews, he followed the Jewish customs. When he was with Gentiles, perhaps he ate huge plates of bacon. He was willing to bend on all the things that didn’t matter as much, so he could have a voice for the Gospel.

Us and Our Rights

As believers begin to gather again in different environments, we each have opinions about what that will look like. Some of us have very strong opinions, and that’s fine. What is not fine is to let our personal desires become bigger to us than the Gospel – to assert our rights in ways that make others unable to experience our love.

When Paul was around his Jewish friends, he could have insisted on acting like a Gentile. When he was with his Gentile friends, he could have boasted about his lawfulness. But instead he became “all things to all people” so that the Gospel could be heard clearly above any of Paul’s preferences. The Good News was so very much bigger to Paul than his desire to do things his own way.

I am thankful for the Summit community, for how many are willing to be flexible to make everyone feel comfortable in our midst. When we follow in Paul’s footsteps, we are living out of love. We gladly recognize our earthly rights as citizens of America, and our freedom as citizens of God’s Kingdom. But we even more gladly bend our preferences for the sake of the Gospel.

Wisdom and Surrender

We don’t want to live in fear. Neither do we want to disobey those in authority without good reason. So, it can be a struggle to wisely surrender our preferences. Fortunately, we have an example even greater than Paul. The One who surrendered every privilege for our sake is with us and in us, giving us grace to help others feel loved. For the sake of the Gospel of Jesus, we can lay aside our own ways of doing things. He did it for us, and it cost much more than comfort or convenience. That’s why our response is joy – to gladly flex to make everyone feel welcome and safe in the family of God.

-Mark Siverling

A Call for this Moment and Beyond

Our nation currently finds itself in a state of unrest. Chaos and rage fill our streets. In all likelihood, many of you are probably struggling with many emotions. Our hearts are heavy as we wrestle to articulate our complicated feelings. It’s still struggle to collect our thoughts after watching a nine-minute video of George Floyd, a black man, gasping for air as an officer knelt on his neck. How can this officer, along with three others, mercilessly ignore his cry for help?

These times are not unprecedented. Since the fall of humanity, there have always been violent acts, disasters, and pandemics. But to get specific, for many people of color, the racism and oppression expressed today is nothing new. It’s been their reality for far too long. 

The civil unrest our nation is currently enduring has led to the destruction of businesses, private property, assaults against citizens and law enforcement officers, and more tragic deaths. We are heartbroken as we grieve and lament over this as well.

This post won’t offer a quick fix or cure. But as pastors, we invite you to slow down, reflect, and consider how the gospel would have us respond to this cultural moment. May Christ lead us to an earnest posture of prayer and a resolute hope that is expressed through our words and actions. So, take a moment to breathe in the life-giving Gospel air of Christ, and exhale the unchanging and unmatched truth of his grace.

As we consider and view these events through the lens of the Gospel, may we remember that…

The Gospel calls us to lament together as the people of God.

To lament is to express deep sorrow. It is God's invitation for his children to weep before Him as they cry out for his intervention. Lamenting is Biblical, spiritual, and should be our response for these times. Let’s quit arguing on social media and get on our knees as we weep before God, crying loudly for his mercy.

 Lament is also communal. We are directed to weep with those who weep. In these desperate times, consider those who are weeping. Even if you feel differently, this is an invitation to draw close to others in their suffering. Before we publish another post, let's make sure we've spent ample time lamenting. Doing so will better ensure that our words reflect the heart of God rather than the headline of a news story.

 "Hear my prayer, O Lord; let my cry come to you! Do not hide Your face from me in the day of my distress! Incline your ear to me; answer me speedily in the day when I call" (Psalm 102:1-2 ESV)!  

The Gospel breaks down the wall of hostility between different people groups.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul tells us that the agent of reconciliation between people groups is none of other than Jesus Christ himself. He writes that Jesus "is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility" (Eph. 2:14 NIV).

The good ‘ole days never existed. Only two people in all of history have ever experienced life without hostility. Then came the original sin, the fall of man which gave birth to all sorts of evils including racism and hostility. The answer to our sin-problem is Jesus. You might be thinking––"I know that, but..."–– that response will lead us to apathy, thinking that nothing will ever change…or worse, maybe we simply don’t care about the issues of racism and injustice because we think they don’t directly affect us. Sit with that for a minute.

The Gospel breaks down the wall of hostility. It not only reconciles man back to God but it draws us towards one another! So that we actually learn to care about what affects the whole body of Christ, not merely our individual lives. We must never lose sight of that powerful truth. We must live as those who have been given the ministry and message of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18-19).

The Gospel demands that the Church speak against injustices in all forms.

The Church cannot afford to "sit this one out," so to speak. The pulpit isn’t a place to promote politics, worldly ideologies, or candidates. But too many of us are in danger of viewing the ongoing injustices as 'political' taboos that we shouldn’t address in church. As Christ-followers and Christ-imitators, that is not the reality. God's Word is clear: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Malachi 6:8 ESV). This isn’t a license to yell our opinions at our culture. This is a command to be lovingly present in the midst of it. It's a call to move toward those who are hurting and marginalized with greater gospel-intentionality. God has ordained his people to be a conduit of His grace and love. Christ in our hands and feet, Christ in our minds and on our lips.

We must decry the abuse of authority that continues to result in the unfair treatment and killings of black people in America. We must decry the violence against citizens and law enforcement officers and the willful destruction of cities, businesses, and lives. The gospel demands that we do both. We must be fully present, gentle and humble, yet confident as we raise our voices toward injustice and take proper action.

The Gospel fills us with hope for the future day of Christ.

The promise of the gospel is a day when true justice will be fully realized. The yearning of our hearts for God will be experienced without hindrance or delay. That day in all its glory will surpass our current reality of pain and suffering. That day will bring full understanding to all of the Father's providential and sovereign workings in human history.

In closing, let the picture of that day found in Scripture encourage you and fan your passion to represent the Gospel to EVERY MAN, WOMAN, AND CHILD...

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures, and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen” (Revelation 9:9-12).

Our hope is in Christ who reigns victoriously, now and forever. Let's fix our eyes on Him, dying to ourselves and living for Christ. Let's seek to live as peacemakers in a world desperate for justice and equity. Let's continue to proclaim the good news of the kingdom and represent the Gospel to a watching world. 

 - Orlando Cabrera, Michael Girado, Joe O’Neal

Mountain and Faith

Mountain and Faith

“Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him.”

            Mark 11:23 ESV

Towering, jagged rock blocks our paths. The mountain’s peak is too high to climb, and its base is too wide to circumvent. It casts a long shadow that clouds our minds with fear, doubt, and uncertainty.

How can I keep my family safe and healthy? Is my career in jeopardy? When will I feel the warm embrace of a hug from a loved one again? Why is this happening and when will it be over?

Pandemic Mountain has us all asking these questions. The rampant uncertainty, isolation, and fear manifest differently in each person. For me, there was anxiety about how COVID-19 would affect the good works God started in me.

When could I pursue marriage with the beautiful woman God brought into my life? Would the stall out of the economy affect lifelong dreams that were so close to coming to fruition? Could isolation plunge me back into dead habits and sin?

Those questions nagged at the back of my mind until they eventually made it to the front. Stress continued to build, and I felt helpless. In those dark moments I defaulted to this passage, recognizing how Jesus talked about the power of faith. I thought, if I could just believe hard enough, all the things I wanted would come true in a flash.

They didn’t. They still haven’t.

That brought on a whole new set of questions. Maybe I didn’t have faith. What if my faith wasn’t strong enough for God to act? It seemed so quick for the woman who touched the fringes of Jesus’ robe and was healed. Plus, I’m a millennial . . . instant gratification is kind of our thing.

Still, the Holy Spirit kept that scripture cycling through my mind. I thought about it so much that it made it into a writing project on which I’d been working. That’s when, like a bolt of lightning, God opened my eyes to the fact that I’d been reading the scripture wrong my entire life.

Peace in the Process

Jesus isn’t describing an instantaneous process. Nowhere in the passage does Jesus say the mountain will immediately get up and throw itself into the sea. So often we hit our knees and bow our heads in faithful acknowledgement of God’s power with full expectation we’ll see a miracle. But, as the days pass, our faith gives way to doubt.

My doubt wasn’t in God, but instead, myself. I felt like my faith wasn’t enough for God to act. What did I have to change to move that mountain? What could I do within myself to change my circumstances?

I, me, my, myself. The gospel doesn’t hinge on me. I’m not the hero of my story. There’s nothing I could ever do in my own power that could move that mountain.

The gospel hinges on Jesus Christ. He is the hero of all our stories. He moves the mountain.

Realizing that I play no part in moving the mountain, makes me realize what Jesus meant when he said, ‘my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’. All we must do is speak in faith. God does the rest.

Instead of striving to force things to happen, I’ve called to mind all the times I’ve witnessed God act in my life. Remembering answered prayers, mended relationships, and the fruit He’s borne in our lives helps to continuously renew our faith. The more we call to mind what Jesus has done for us, the more certainty we can have that He will come through again.

Since coming to that realization, I’ve seen God shifting my mountains. Friends started reaching out to help me stay a holy path, providing the community I needed. New opportunities sprouted out of nowhere. The challenges of quarantine forged stronger bonds between my girlfriend and I in preparation for the life we hope to build together.

My mountains haven’t disappeared, but they’re moving.

Rest in the assurance that the mountain is moving. Rejoice at every inch it shifts and add that movement into your memory. Take solace in the certainty Jesus affirms with the promise of this verse. If we truly believe, all we need to do is speak to the mountain and it WILL come to pass, it WILL be done FOR US.

The Largest Mountain

Every mountain is different. Pandemic Mountain seems daunting to us all. So are depression, addiction, relational strife, anxiety, confusion, and every other scar we bear. However, when we examine the gospel, we’re not unlike another group that battled doubt.

I think of the disciples in the days following Jesus’ crucifixion, but before His resurrection. I often find myself ravaged by doubt when it feels like God is far. They were facing a mountain of dashed dreams and uncertain futures. Jesus felt far away and fear sent them into hiding.

Then came the resurrection. Jesus overcame sin, death, and the grave. On that day all the doubt, fear, and anxiety were eradicated by the greatest miracle the world will ever know.

Jesus moved the largest mountain any of us will ever face. He conquered every sin that cursed our existence. He moved the immovable, so we no longer had to live in sin’s shadow. Not only that, but He tossed it into the sea so it might never block the sunlight from reaching us ever again.

Jesus has already cleared our path. His sacrifice removed the mountain of sin that separated us from God. Now, our sin sits at the bottom of the sea and our path to our Father is clear.

Like Pandemic Mountain, we can surrender every obstacle to God and trust Him to move.

-Matt Lucas

Feeding our Community

On Tuesday, May 12th all three of Summit’s locations, along with Ocean Church in Estero and Cape Coral, participated in a drop-off Food Drive to benefit some of our Xpansion Community Partners including: Interfaith Caregivers in Estero, Helps Outreach in Naples, Ride Nature and Community Cooperative in downtown Fort Myers.

What a huge success it was as you all generously contribute literally thousands of pounds of food between all campuses of both churches. In addition to the food that was dropped off, there was nearly $60,000 donated to Summit’s Virtual Food Drive Fund!

“The Lord surpassed my expectations with the amount of food that was brought in after seeing so much fruit from the Virtual Food Drive.”

Adam Alexander

Over and over again we see in God’s Word the mandate for His people to love others and care for the poor, and it’s been truly amazing to see this body of Christ go above and beyond in doing so. 

Additionally, this Food Drive is a marker of God’s goodness and faithfulness to supply for those who are in need.

“I hope that people who are hungry get fed and that those people would be impacted by the love and generosity of God shown through His people.”

- Jeremiah Taylor

Thank you for faithfully representing the gospel of Jesus Christ and loving our neighbors in this tangible way!

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Pandemic and Community

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”

      Romans 12:11-15 ESV

How can we live as the family of God during a pandemic? This question has been on the minds of those who love the Church, both in leadership and in the body. It helps to remember that the Church has existed for about 20 centuries and survived every kind of circumstance you can imagine. The principles from God’s Word apply in any season.

A Strange Time

In Romans 12, Paul is telling the churches in Rome how to live together in light of the Gospel. The churches there were, like us, living in a strange age. The Jewish members of their churches had faced greater persecution than the Gentile members, and the churches were caught between two cultures. They were learning how to love one another well.

Likewise, this pandemic is affecting each family in our church differently. Some are business owners and are concerned about the future, others work in industries that are busy and getting lots of overtime. Some are healthy and thriving, others are sick or vulnerable. Some are struggling to teach kids at home, others don’t have school-age children. Some are mourning the loss of loved ones, others have not suffered that pain in this season.

Like the churches in Rome, who were coming from many different situations to live as God’s family together, we too are learning how to support one another in vastly different personal circumstances. We want to identify with our brothers and sisters and care for one another.

Don’t Be Slothful

This is a season for many of us to rest from busy-ness, but it is not a time to be slothful in zeal. There are still many needs to be met, and these are opportunities to be generous. We serve the Lord by serving one another. We contribute to the needs of the saints in a special way when people are vulnerable in their needs. Hospitality in this season is difficult when we can’t have people into our homes and churches. But we can creatively serve one another and meet each others’ needs (from six feet away).

Rejoice, Be Patient, Pray

We can rejoice, be patient, and be constant in prayer only because this is how God acts toward us. He rejoices over us (Zephaniah 3:17); He is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9), and He is constantly available to us (1 Peter 3:12). We are made in His image and He is making us more like Himself so we can represent God to one another. That’s true in every season.

Bless your Persecutors

Blessing our persecutors might mean being extra kind online. Or it could mean showing godly patience with grumpy people in stores. Or maybe going out of your way to serve someone who doesn’t know the Lord, showing them God’s care in a scary time. This pandemic is an opportunity for us to be calm and steady people who put their hope not in health and prosperity, but in the unshakable character of God. He can use our demonstrations of faith to do His transforming work in others’ lives.

Rejoice and Mourn Together

Rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep might be the most challenging part of this pandemic life together. We can’t go to weddings. We can’t go to funerals. We can’t put our arms around our hurting friends, or give high fives to our graduates.

Perhaps the best way to rejoice and weep together right now is to go low-tech. Phone calls are meaningful – they require more time and thought than clicking “like” on someone’s post. Letters and cards are a blessing– they are a tangible sign to another person that you’ve taken time to think about them and encourage them. Sending small gifts lets others know they are on your mind and heart. This is a great time to go back to simple ways of showing love for one another.

Even if we aren’t meeting on Sunday mornings, we are still the Church – the family of God and the body of Christ. It’s still our joy and privilege to love one another, as Jesus has loved us.

-Mark Siverling

Lessons from Quarantine

Lessons from Quarantine

“For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly,

      but the haughty he knows from afar.

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

      you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

      and your right hand delivers me.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;

      your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.

      Do not forsake the work of your hands.”

      Psalm 138:6-8 ESV

In Psalm 138, David reflects on his life and declares the Lord’s greatness and his care. In the midst of trouble and trial, God protected him. He believed that the Lord intimately cared about his life. As I think about my personal journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, my mind takes me back to one specific morning. It was back when social distancing and hand washing were only suggestions. Stores and restaurants were still open. I remember sitting at my dining room table feeling burdened. Yes, the virus was causing chaos everywhere, but that wasn’t the nature of my  burden. In the months prior, I’d experienced more than one heartbreak. Seasons change and so do friendships. I already felt alone and had been doing the hard work of trying to be vulnerable and make new friends. As a nurse, I’d recently moved to a new unit at work and was having a hard time transitioning.

In all these moments, I felt an overwhelming loneliness. As the virus became bigger and scarier, I started to believe my needs were smaller and less important and the things that were close to my heart were cancelled. I was tempted to believe the lie that God had bigger, better, and global things to worry about, but the Holy Spirit intervened. I was quickly reminded that yes, God is powerful and greater than this virus, but that does not interfere with his ability to intentionally care for me. As I sat at the table that morning, I reflected on Psalm 138. All I could do was sit there in awe of the Lord. In the midst of trial and change, he was already preparing a way for me, streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:19)

Solitude

A couple weeks later, I was informed that I was exposed to COVID-19 at work, and a high risk exposure at that. I couldn’t believe it. Even after my test came back negative, I still had 11 days left of quarantine. Eleven days by myself, and in every single one of them I experienced the sweetness and intentionality of the Lord’s care. Loneliness did not overwhelm me. During my time in isolation, I found myself humming a song we sing together,

“I love your voice

you have led me through the fire

In darkest nights, you are close like no other

I’ve known you as a Father

I’ve known you as a friend

And I have lived in the goodness of God.”

I couldn’t help but think and feel that this is what the Psalmist meant when he said  he “lacked no good thing.” In the presence of the Lord, what was a valley in the shadow of death felt more like lying beside still waters and finding restoration for my soul.

During quarantine, I continued to come back to and reflect on Psalm 138. In verse 7, David writes, “I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.” God did protect my family and I from contracting the virus, but it was not the only way he preserved my life. In the gospel of John, Jesus warns that the enemy is waiting to rob us of life and to steal our joy. When my life and joy were threatened, the Lord stepped in, providing for my every need. He gave me the gift of time, lots of it. In those moments, as days blurred together, I no longer was busy or distracted. I had the time and space to process and heal, to grow.

I have a bad habit of minimizing my emotional aches and pains because I always have things to do and places to be, but not anymore. The Lord sought me out. I had time to be sad and angry, but to also rejoice in hope. I was able to read books, write songs, exercise, foster new friendships, and drink lots of coffee. I was able to find restoration in doing things I love. Please hear me, it was no vacation. But the Good Shepherd hosted me in the greenest of pastures.

“I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart;

      before the gods I sing your praise;

I bow down toward your holy temple

      and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness,

      for you have exalted above all things

      your name and your word.

On the day I called, you answered me;

      my strength of soul you increased.”

      Psalm 138:1-3 ESV

At the beginning of the Psalm, David opens with a resounding praise of thanks to the Lord for his steadfast love and faithfulness. Day after day, I found that I was able to do the same. After every conversation with friends, my heart would swell at the work the Lord has done. When a sweet friend delivered a latte to my doorstep as I secretly had been craving Starbucks for five days, it felt like a little miracle. When work friends asked if we could pray and sing together over Zoom, I felt the Lord reassure me that he has good things for me. I could go on and on. Some of these things may seem little, but it was exactly what I needed. At the end of my quarantine, all I had left was thanks to give to the Lord. In seeing and experiencing the Lord’s care, all I had left was gratitude. Gratitude may not have changed my circumstances, but it changed my perspective.

Lessons Learned

Here’s what I learned about myself in quarantine:

1) Sometimes, I am not still enough to see the Lord’s work in my life. Psalm 46:10-11 says, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of hosts is with us. The God of Jacob is our fortress.” Psalm 121:4 says the Lord who keeps Israel [his people] does not slumber or sleep. He is always working. This season removed me from my biggest distraction and idol: busyness. In return, I received the sweetest gift of rest for my weary soul.

2) Sometimes I am not looking for God’s goodness in my life. All throughout the scriptures there’s the invitation to seek the Lord with the reciprocal promise that we will always find him (Deut. 4:29, Jer. 29:13, Matt. 7:7, Prov. 8:17, Acts 17:24-28). Every time I turn to him, I never come up empty. My searching isn’t void. I would leave intentional time with the Lord with peace, comfort, joy, and wisdom. I never came back empty.

3) Sometimes I am not willing to do the work. While in the wilderness, the people of Israel were grumbling about their circumstances. In another dramatic outburst, they were crying about not having anything to eat and that God had brought them into the desert to die. The Lord heard them and sent them manna and quail from Heaven, another display of his glory (Exodus 16). The food did not just fall into their tents though; they had to get up and collect it. Every day (except for on the Sabbath). Sometimes I would rather sit and grumble than do the work of seeking out the glory of the Lord. Every day he remembered and acted on his promise to provide for them; they just had to get up and collect it. During quarantine, and every day, I need to be collecting daily bread. How else will I be reminded to look, see, and remember his goodness? How will I recognize his care if I don’t know him?

Seek the Lord

If you’re reading this, I assume that you have been isolated to some extent during this wild season. Maybe with spare time, you are feeling restless and more weary than when you were busy. Maybe you are at home and are more busy than before. And maybe there are some of you that fall somewhere in the middle. Here’s my invitation and challenge to all of us: “Seek the Lord while he can be found!” (Isaiah 55:6a), be still and look for his goodness, gather daily bread, and accept the rest that Jesus gives. Go outside and take a walk. Turn on your favorite song and dance. Weep over the things that grieve your heart. Seek the Lord in all of it! Jesus promised us abundant life, and his promise does not become null and void because of a global crisis.

With all of that said, I echo Peter’s encouragement to fellow believers:

 “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

      1 Peter 5:6-11 ESV

-Jeri-Nicole Kendall

Solitude & Service

Solitude and Service

I have always enjoyed spending time alone. Whether in deep devotion giving thanks to my Heavenly Father, or on a morning walk with a heart full of memories of my loved ones, solitary moments like these have always been life-giving and God-centering for me.  Naturally, one would think that this time of self-isolation and social distancing would be an introvert’s dream. While I have benefited greatly from God’s insights and guidance during this time with Him, He has also graciously allowed me to see that I do plenty of self-isolation and social distancing without the reality of a global pandemic.

How often am I surrounded by people and yet I might as well be miles away? How often have I let a word of encouragement go unsaid?  How often have I stood motionless, not allowing the warmth of a healing touch to ever leave my hands?  Unfortunately, plenty of times. Too many to count.

Two Miracle Stories

God recently drew my attention to the gospel of Matthew. As I read chapter 14, He began to open my eyes and instruct my heart to consider Jesus’s demeanor. Following the death of John the Baptist, we pick up the passage in verse 13.

Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” And he said, “Bring them here to me.” Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.

Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 

Matthew 14:13–27

In both accounts, Jesus went to a solitary place to seek solace and encouragement from God. Could He have a moment to mourn the death of His cousin John the Baptist who had just been killed? But each time He was interrupted by the needs and cries of others.

Jesus the Compassionate

Out of compassion, He came back to the crowds to heal the sick and minister to the needy. Even when his disciples had had enough and wanted to turn them away, Jesus continued to care for them and wouldn’t let them go away hungry. After a long day of ministering to and feeding over 5000 people, Jesus sends His disciples in a boat to the other side of the sea. He retires again to be alone. A strong wind arises and begins to batter the boat. Aware of their struggle, Jesus again leaves his place of solitude to return to His disciples by walking on the water to reach them.                

Jesus made a priority of spending time alone with God. The gospels reveal Him doing so often. But Jesus also made it a priority to be present with people. Can you think of a gospel record where Jesus wasn’t fully engaged? Even on the cross after being brutally beaten, mocked, and betrayed, He was engaged to His last breath.  For the soldiers nailing His hands to the cross He prayed, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” To His mother concerning the disciple standing with her He said, “Behold your son!” Likewise to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” When the criminal next to Him asked for help He assured him, “Truly you will be with me in paradise.” And finally realizing his work was done He cried, “It is finished!” Even in extreme misery Jesus was fully engaged. What a wonderful Savior!

Being Present Like Christ

What a wonderful God to open my eyes and instruct my heart. To follow Christ requires me to engage with those I’m with. To express those words of encouragement and to reach out with a healing touch. This is what He is asking me to do.

Who is it that Jesus is asking you to be present with and respond to with His love and care?  Are you finding the rhythm of spending solitary times with the Lord to worship Him, find rest, and seek His will, to then reach out and engage with those He has placed in your life? He has graciously gone before us in practicing both solitude and service. Let’s follow Him as He leads us through this season and beyond.

-Al Minott

God is Our Refuge

God is Our Refuge

I don’t know about you, but there have been times during this season of quarantine when I just want to escape.  While I have no valid reason to complain, I continue to find my heart in a state of frustration and exhaustion from the stress… particularly from my children. 

They are at needy stages, don’t understand what is going on in our world, and are sad and frustrated by the ways they are being affected.  One of them is able to communicate this on a very basic level, but the other doesn’t have the ability to quite yet.  So, she clings to me and cries and won’t let me put her down. I am their refuge, but I am only a human and cannot bear the weight of their needs on my own.  Sometimes, I just want to cry myself.

My Place of Quiet Retreat

One day, I laid them down for naptime and escaped to the back yard.  I sat in a lawn chair under the shade of a tree and opened my Bible.  This is what I read:

“You are my hiding place and my shield;

I wait for Your word.”

Psalm 119:114, NASB

The Message says it this way:

“You’re my place of quiet retreat;

I wait for your Word to renew me.”

Psalm 119:114, MSG

That verse was like medicine for my heart.  The compression in my chest loosened as I considered the amount of times I’ve escaped to the bathroom just to take a deep breath away from the chaos.  The Lord was showing me that he wanted to be my place of quiet retreat and that he is a much better hiding place and shield than the bathroom door.  

My Rock and My Fortress

Scripture paints the best picture of who he truly is to his saints in Psalm 18:2, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”  I quickly realized that just as my children find comfort and security in me, so I can find the same assurance in my heavenly Father who is always inviting me to cling and cry to him.  He is the one, true refuge for our weary souls.  As Martin Luther so eloquently penned, “A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing.”

And when I do collapse into the cleft of the Rock of Ages, not only do I find a sufficient shield from the struggles of life, but I also experience renewal in my soul through his Word.  Jesus said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28).  He is always beckoning me to himself because he knows that he is the only source of peace that endures (John 14:27).  He alone can provide the energy I need to keep going when I feel like I have nothing left to give (Isaiah 40:29). 

Galatians 2:20-21 says, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” .  In Christ alone was the fullness of God pleased to dwell, and now, because of his life, death, and resurrection, that same spirit dwells within me, pouring life into my mortal body (Colossians 1:19; Romans 8:11). 

So, maybe you aren’t literally hiding from your stressors in a bathroom, but perhaps there are other ways you are trying to escape.  Television?  Work?  Exercise?  Chores?  Other people’s problems?  We have so many outlets to distract us and so many coping mechanisms.  Most aren’t bad in and of themselves, but they aren’t medicine.  My prayer for all of us during this strange season is to find refuge, strength, and true life in Christ and Christ alone.

-Ashley Johnson

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Learning to Pray by Praying

Learning to Pray by Praying

I heard a statement the other day by a writer I love (Andrew Peterson—songwriter, poet, novelist, if you’re interested). He was asked what some are of his favorite books on the writing process, and his answer struck a deep resonance with me. To paraphrase him: “Oftentimes I read those books because I’m procrastinating on actually writing. So I prefer the books that give me a broad overview and then force me to sit down and get to work. You learn to write by writing.” It stuck with me, mind you, because I myself am a bit of a procrastinator.

The Difficulty of Prayer
It got me thinking about another area of my life in which I often find myself procrastinating: prayer. Prayer rarely comes easily to me. More often than not, I sit down to actually pray and immediately I hear this loud voice of resistance rise up in my mind with all of the reasons why I shouldn’t be praying. “There are so many things to do today. You need to get ahead of your to-do list.” “Don’t you feel so awkward talking to someone who’s invisible?” “You shouldn’t pray for that, it’s too small to care about (or it’s too big for you to speak into!)” “Do you really think he’s listening?” These questions often sidetrack me into thinking about prayer (and about why I’m so bad at it) instead of praying.

 I’d like to suggest that the best way we learn to pray is by praying. I’d also like to suggest that the only way we quiet those voices is by praying anyway—even praying about those questions themselves!

Jesus and Prayer
Jesus didn’t give his disciples a rulebook for prayer. Instead, he gave them a compelling vision for it. He taught them principles, like the fact that “the Father knows what [we] need before [we] ask him.” (Matt. 6:8) He told them that it’s the “Father’s good pleasure to give [them] the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) He gave them the “Lord’s Prayer,” but most people agree that this was not meant to be prescriptive, but rather it suggests a posture of prayer that is seeking the kingdom of God and remembering that he cares about things as simple as “our daily bread.” But even before that, he had been modeling a vibrant life of prayer for his disciples, and he continued to invite them to “desolate places” away from the crowds where they could imitate him and learn to pray by praying themselves.

Reading and Prayer
There are some fantastic books out there on the subject of prayer. Some of my favorites are With Christ in the School of Prayer by Andrew Murray, Prayer by Richard Foster, and Prayer  by Tim Keller (I suppose with so many books on the subject, they were limited when it comes to original titles). But none of the books I’ve read on prayer made it easier to pray. They showed me a vision of prayer from the Scriptures, offered some suggestions on types of prayer and techniques for engaging in rhythms of prayer, but they never have removed the simple necessity of getting myself to sit still in the morning (or evening, or whenever) and talking with God.

I don’t want to discourage reading—I love to read, and the ease with which we can access the words of saints who have gone before us is a gift that God’s people have not always enjoyed. But at the end of the day, I still have to sit down and pray. I might fumble at the words. I might be clumsy. But every time I allow the concern over my eloquence to keep me from bowing my knees and praying, I think the enemy has won a small victory.

The Doorway of Prayer

Mary Oliver has this short poem on prayer:

It doesn't have to be
the blue iris, it could be
weeds in a vacant lot, or a few
small stones; just
pay attention, then patch

 a few words together and don't try
to make them elaborate, this isn't
a contest but the doorway

into thanks, and a silence in which
another voice may speak.[1]

I love this one. Prayer isn’t a contest for elaborate words, but a doorway into a place where “it is good to give thanks to the Lord” (Psalm 92), and a silent waiting into which we may hear God in the “sound of a low whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). Sometimes our prayers are as beautiful as a blue iris opening in the spring, sometimes they’re as ordinary as weeds poking up through cracks in the concrete. The point is to continually offer them to God, regardless of their eloquence.

Opportunities for Intimacy
Some of us may have a lot more time on our hands these days. What would it look like to take some of that time as an invitation to pray? Maybe we have far less time on our hands because we’re homeschooling—that might still be an invitation, but perhaps out of desperation! Maybe we are frustrated. Scared. Lonely. I know I’ve felt many of those things in recent days. All of those things are welcome in prayer. All of those things are opportunities for intimacy with God. Perhaps all of those things are what Paul referred to when he invited us to “let our requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:6-7)         

So if you’ve got the time, read some books on prayer. They’re helpful. But then, put all the books away, ask Jesus to teach you, and learn to pray by praying.

-Mathis Turley

[1] Oliver, Mary. “Prayer.” Devotions: the Selected Poems of Mary Oliver. Penguin Press, an Imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, 2017.