YOUR FAITHFULNESS IN GIVING MATTERS
As we step into this new season together, we’re reminded that every act of faith begins with trust. One way we express our trust in God is through giving our tithes and offerings. When we give, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from Him, and we partner with His work in and through our church. Your faithfulness in giving helps us continue sharing God’s love, serving our community, and stepping boldly into the plans He has for us. Let’s give with hearts full of gratitude and courage, trusting that God will provide for every need.
Follow this link to GIVE TODAY!
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE | MATTHEW 16:21-23
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.
22 Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!”
23 Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.”
TODAY’S BOTTOM LINE
SOMETIMES FOLLOWING JESUS MEANS SURRENDERING YOUR OWN PLAN.
When the story doesn’t go the way we imagined, we start to panic. We try to fix it, or protect Jesus, or redirect Him.
The deeper we go with Jesus, the more we learn: He’s not here to fit our plan. He’s here to reshape our hearts.
From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.*
Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. “Never, Lord!” he said. “This shall never happen to you!” —Matthew 16:21-22
Jesus wanted everyone in earshot to understand that there is no Messiah without a cross; no kingdom without surrender; no crown without sacrifice.
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” —Matthew 16:23
Peter doesn’t yet see that the cross is not a tragic end—it’s the beating heart of redemption.
It’s okay to feel confused.
It’s okay to feel disappointed.
It’s okay to say, “This is not the plan I thought I signed up for.”
But it’s not okay to stay stuck in that place, trying to force Jesus back into your old framework.
LET GO OF YOUR PLAN AND FOLLOW JESUS
NAME THE PLAN. What was the story you were telling yourself about how God was going to work? What were you expecting Him to do by now? Where did you think you’d be? Who did you think would still be walking with you?
PRAY THE PRAYER. “Jesus, not my will. Yours. I release the version of the plan I was holding. I don’t need to lead You. I want to follow You—even if it’s through suffering, confusion, or mystery.”
TAKE ONE STEP Just one. Maybe it’s forgiveness. Maybe it’s trust. Maybe it’s obeying even though it still hurts. Maybe it’s getting up tomorrow and praying again, even if it feels hollow.
SOMETIMES FOLLOWING JESUS MEANS SURRENDERING YOUR OWN PLAN.
WILL YOU OPEN YOUR HEART TO JESUS?
maybe this is your moment to do that—for the first time… or for the next time. If that’s you, we want to lead you in a prayer. You can whisper it in your heart. You can speak it quietly. But don’t let the moment pass you by—this is your moment to respond:
Jesus, I’m tired of holding the pen. I’m tired of trying to make the story go my way. Today, I surrender the plan I was holding…And I place my trust in You. Even when I don’t understand the road ahead—I believe You are good. You are near. And You are worth following. Forgive me for the times I’ve tried to lead. Thank You for not giving up on me. I choose to follow You again—or maybe for the first time. Not with all the answers, but with an open heart. Not with control, but with trust. You lead, Jesus. I’ll follow. Amen.
OUR BENEDICTION (for personal prayer and reflection)
May the beauty of God be reflected in our eyes,
the love of God be reflected in our hands,
the wisdom of God be reflected in our words,
and the knowledge of God flow from our hearts,
that everyone around us might see and believe.