Charting Your Course- Who Are You Listening To?

Pastor Brendon 

6 minute read

 

I can’t tell you how much I love Create Church.

I’m a pastor at a church in New Jersey, but every time I have an opportunity to come to Texas, I know God has something special planned. I know God has a special word for you today. In the vast sea of life, you can often find yourself in need of guidance, direction, and wisdom. The choices you make, the paths you take, and the voices you heed can determine your course. Studying the life of King David, a man after God’s own heart, you can uncover valuable revelation on how to navigate life’s seas by seeking the Good Shepherd’s voice and embracing a radical level of obedience.

1. Seeking Divine Counsel

When David was told, “Look, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah and are looting the threshing floors,” he inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and attack these Philistines?” The Lord answered him, “Go, attack the Philistines and save Keilah.”
1 Samuel 23:1–5 (NIV)

This passage reflects a wider range of times where, in light of having to make a tough decision, David asks the Lord for direction. Passages like this reveal a habit. Seeking divine counsel was an ordinary practice for David. In the midst of uncertainty, danger, and complex decisions, David turned to God for guidance. Like David, you have the SAME privilege of seeking counsel from the Holy Spirit, the source of all truth.

2. Embracing the Truth

“But I will send you the Comforter—the Holy Spirit, the source of all truth. He will come to you from the Father and will tell you all about me.”
John 15:26

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
John 8:32

I often get asked, “Pastor Brennan, how do you know what God wants from me?” The Holy Spirit is your answer. He is the divine compass, always pointing you toward the truth. His guidance isn’t limited to life-altering decisions; it encompasses every aspect of your life. When you allow the truth to permeate your heart and mind, it sets you free from deception, doubt, and confusion.

3. Obedience Is Better Than Hesitation

“Once again David inquired of the Lord, and the Lord answered him, ‘Go down to Keilah, for I am going to give the Philistines into your hand.'”
1 Samuel 23:4

Despite the initial fear and hesitation of David’s men, they chose obedience. They followed the Lord’s directive, and their obedience led to victory over their enemies and the salvation of the people of Keilah. Do you know that other people are going to follow your decision? Be an example of radical obedience.

In life’s tumultuous seas, you’ll face countless choices and challenges. The stories of David’s inquiries of the Lord reminds you of the importance of seeking divine counsel, embracing the truth, and choosing obedience. Inquiring of the Lord doesn’t guarantee perfect circumstances, but it aligns you with God’s will. Obedience, even in the face of uncertainty or fear, yields blessings beyond measure. So, who are you listening to as you navigate life’s seas? The Holy Spirit will guide your steps, illuminate the truth, and empower your obedience, steering you toward the purpose and destiny God has prepared for you. That’s a real promise!

Remember, as the saying goes, “Ships in the harbor are safe, but that is not what ships are built for!” What steps of obedience do you need to take today? What course correction is calling your name?

 

Charting Your Course-Three Keys to Navigating to Our Destination

Pastor Ellie 

6 minute read

God’s plan will stretch you.

This past week, when my husband had a last-minute change of plans, I attended an event on behalf of both of us, knowing that most people were expecting to meet Ryan. I walked up to a table, introduced myself to the man seated there, and told him about the journey that God had both me and my husband on. The man responded by laughing at me.

I responded with as much charm as I could muster and laughed with him, saying “I know! Can you believe it, isn’t this crazy?”

I went along with it, but I know that this is a time that God is stretching us.

In the journey of life, charting our course often means leaving behind the familiar, setting our sights on new horizons, and pressing forward with determination. In Philippians 3:7-14, the Apostle Paul shares three essential keys to navigating our course successfully. Let’s explore these keys and discover how they can guide us in our own journey of faith.

Key 1: Forgetting the Past

Paul begins by emphasizing the importance of forgetting what lies behind. He recognizes that dwelling on past successes or failures can hinder our progress. Just as a plowman must focus on the furrow ahead, so must you fix your gaze on the path before yourself. This requires letting go of past regrets and achievements to move forward unburdened by the weight of yesterday.

This act of “forgetting” doesn’t mean erasing your memories; rather, it signifies not allowing the past to define or confine you. We learn from our past experiences, both good and bad, but we don’t let them dictate our future. Dwelling on past failures can breed self-doubt and paralyze us with fear. Conversely, basking in past successes can lead to complacency, preventing us from exploring God’s opportunities. To move forward successfully, you must release the grip of yesterday’s successes and failures and open yourself to the unknown of God’s future.

Key 2: Reaching Forward

To chart a new course, you must stretch yourself beyond your comfort zones. Paul compares this to enlarging the place of your tent and lengthening your cords. God often calls you to expand your horizons, build relationships with new people, and explore uncharted territory. Reaching forward means embracing change, even when it challenges your existing boundaries.

Reaching forward requires a willingness to adapt and grow. It involves stepping into situations that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Just as a tent’s fabric must stretch to accommodate more space, you, too, must extend yourself to embrace new experiences. The concept of lengthening cords implies that you are securing your growth, ensuring that you don’t revert to your previous, more limited state. In your spiritual journey, reaching forward means seeking fresh revelations of God’s character and His plans for your life.

Key 3: Pressing Toward the Goal

The final key is the pursuit of a higher purpose. Paul encourages you to press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. This upward call represents God’s special purpose just for you. It’s the ultimate destination of your journey. To navigate your course successfully, you must keep our eyes fixed on this goal, continually striving to align your life with God’s will.

Pressing toward the goal implies determination and perseverance. It’s not a passive waiting for God’s will to unfold but an active pursuit of His purpose. Just as an athlete exerts every effort to reach the finish line, you must be diligent in your pursuit of God’s calling. Your journey may be filled with challenges and obstacles, but the prize of fulfilling God’s purpose for your life far outweighs any difficulties you’ll encounter.

Charting your course involves three essential keys: forgetting the past, reaching forward, and pressing toward the higher calling. As you let go of past burdens, embrace new challenges, and pursue God’s purpose, you will become more attuned to His leading. Just as a ship sets sail to explore uncharted waters, so too can you set forth in faith, knowing that with these keys, you’ll navigate toward the prize of God’s calling in your life. May these keys guide you as you chart your course and fulfill the purpose God has for you. Embrace the adventure, for in your journey, you will discover the depth of God’s grace and the richness of His plan for your life.

 

Charting Your Course-Faith in Action

Pastor Ryan 

4 minute read

 

The changing seasons of life often ask you to set forth into the unknown. 

In the great mystery that is God, the only compass you have is faith. Yet faith without works is dead. True faith should spur you to action that leads to blessings beyond measure. I want to make this clear: waiting for perfect timing or relying solely on good intentions falls short; it’s the synergy of faith and works that propels you into God’s purpose. As you delve into the Scriptures, you must learn how faith in action transforms ordinary lives into extraordinary stories of obedience and friendship with God. One of the things I love most about Create is the stories of faith that I hear from your own lives. I remember feeling like God called me to ministry, yet it was five years later that Ellie and I began to see that come to pass. This is what I’ve learned and want to share with you. 

Perfect Timing is Overrated

In Ecclesiastes, you can see that those who endlessly observe external circumstances may never sow or reap. The allure of “perfect timing” can paralyze you, preventing you from stepping out in faith. Waiting for all the stars to align often means you never embark on the journey. Sometimes, you must take the leap of faith even when the wind is uncertain and the dark horizon seems ominous. God is big enough to absorb any mistakes you make along the way. 

Good Intentions are Insufficient

The book of James starkly reminds you that faith without works is dead. Good intentions alone cannot change the world or impact lives. To have faith is to move in obedience to God’s call, not merely to make lofty promises. Your faith is expressed through our actions, especially when you have the opportunity to help others. True faith is demonstrated through selfless acts of kindness and love, and it is by these deeds that we show the vitality of our faith. 

Moving and Working in Obedience is Faith

The story of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac, showcases faith in its most profound form. Abraham’s obedience, his unwavering commitment to do as God commanded, defined his faith. It was God who asked him to offer his son’s life as a sacrifice, and he complied – can you believe that?

Even when faced with an impossible test, he trusted God completely. His willingness to act on his faith, even in the face of the unimaginable, led to blessings and a covenant with God that still reverberates through the ages.

Faith with Works Brings You into Friendship With God

Abraham, the father of faith, was not only justified by his belief but also by his obedience. He wasn’t just a believer; he was a doer of God’s will. As a result, he was called the friend of God. This friendship emerged from a faith that worked harmoniously with his deeds, and it opened doors to blessings beyond measure.

As you chart your course through life, you must remember that faith, when activated through works of obedience, is the compass that leads us into the abundant blessings and friendship with God. Don’t let perfect timing or good intentions hold you back; instead, step out in faith, ready to respond to God’s call with unwavering trust and obedience.



Charting Your Course-Embracing the Unknown Journey

Pastor Ryan 

4 minute read

 

If you want to follow God, you’ll be no stranger to risk.

God’s plan for our life is like embarking on a journey without a clear destination, which might seem counterintuitive. Yet history is full of explorers who ventured into the unknown. In the same vein, our lives are marked by a call to explore the uncharted territories of faith. “Charting Your Course” is not always about knowing every step of the journey; sometimes, it’s about saying yes to God’s call even when the destination is unknown. Just as Abraham obeyed without knowing his path, our journey begins with that same resounding “yes.”

The Calling of a Lifetime Begins With You Saying Yes:

Abraham’s unwavering obedience to God’s call paints a vivid picture of faith in action. He left his comfort zone, stepping into the uncertain terrain of divine purpose. Similarly, God beckons you to respond to His invitation with faith, trusting that He who calls us knows the way, even when we don’t.

“By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going.”
Hebrews 11:8

The Calling of a Lifetime Will Cost You Everything:

Saying yes to God involves counting the costs, for it’s not a journey without sacrifice. Jesus reminds you that true discipleship demands commitment beyond the temporal, urging you to count the cost of following Him. Look at Jesus’ twelve disciples. They had a front row seat to history, and said yes to God. Eleven out of the twelve ended up being martyred for their faith– it was only the disciple John who died of old age. They followed a calling like Abraham.

“If you want to be my disciple, you must, by comparison, hate everyone else—your father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even your own life. Otherwise, you cannot be my disciple. And if you do not carry your own cross and follow me, you cannot be my disciple.”
Luke 14:26-27

The Calling of a Lifetime Requires that You See Your Destination as an Eternal One:

Abraham’s journey was fueled by the vision of a city with eternal foundations. In your pursuit of God’s call, you must fix our eyes on the eternal rather than the fleeting. As the apostle Paul teaches, your momentary struggles in this world are preparing for you an eternal weight of glory, reminding you that the unknown journey is leading to an unfading destination.

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Like explorers and pioneers, your faith propels you forward, discovering God’s purpose amidst uncertainty. In this journey, saying yes to God, counting the costs, and fixing your eyes on the eternal transforms the unknown into an adventure of faith, where every step is guided by the hands of the Divine Navigator.

Prayer- How to Pray

Pastor Banks 

4 minute read

 

As a Christian, one of the most important things we can engage in is prayer.

Despite the importance of prayer in Christian life, many of you may still have questions such as, “How often should we pray?”, “What do we pray about?’, or “Is He going to answer our prayer?” You may even be asking “What really is prayer?” 

If we look at prayer from the standpoint of a religious activity or ritual, it can appear intimidating and complex enough that we don’t want to do it at all. But the truth is that prayer is not as complicated as we make it out to be.

Prayer is simply talking to God. 

Prayer is communicating with God. It’s the channel through which we can have dialogue with our heavenly father. The enemy knows this. His goal is to stop you and me from praying. 

All throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, all the people that we see who had great exploits were people of prayer. Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Joseph, David, Daniel, the prophets, Jesus and the disciples. Prayer is so important that, because the disciples observed Jesus praying so much, they went to meet Him and said “Teach us how to pray.” 

Before we begin, let’s look at two common reasons why we chose not to pray: 

1. Busyness 

In itself, busyness is not a problem, but it can weaken our spirit. It makes us tired, and our spirit is not aware of when the Lord is speaking to us. 

2. Sin 

Sin makes us feel insecure and ashamed. The cost of sin will take too much of our focus. We need to deal with the sin, so we can be free to enjoy our relationship with God.  

This is why we must pray: 

1. Prayer is a relationship and not a transaction

Prayer is not a one-way communication with God. Prayer is dialogue. We talk, He listens, He talks, and we listen. This is what makes our prayer life rich and enjoyable. If our prayer life is only a monologue after a while it becomes boring, and we don’t want to do it anymore.  

2. Prayer reveals God’s Plan 

When we grow and mature as Christians, we find many of God’s promises for our lives are conditioned on following and obeying Him on daily basis. The mind of God is reserved for all His children, but the plan of God is reserved for those who have a deep intimate relationship with Him. It’s the glory of the Lord to conceal a matter and the honor of kings to search it out. 

This is why we need to spend time with Him. The enemy is not going to stop coming. 

When I lost my sister to cancer six years ago, I was so crushed. My grief led me into seasons when I did not pray, which greatly impacted my intimacy with the Lord. Today a new battle takes place. My mom is dealing with stage 4 cancer. It’s easy for me to cave in and not pray because of past disappointment,but God gives me the grace to lift up my eyes and see that my help comes from the maker of Heaven and Earth. I was able to come out of that season after my sister passed away with my faith intact, and I am believing in God to do the same once more! 

The only chance that my mom has to beat this is through prayer, so I’ve got to pray. There are so many things in our life like that. 

If you’re looking for some practical help on how to structure your prayers, I want to leave you with this easy-to-remember acronym:

P – Praise Him

R – Reverence Him

A – Ask for His Plan

Y – Yield to His Plan



Prayer- Praying With Confidence

Pastor Ellie 

6 minute read

 

In the fast-paced rhythm of life, it’s easy to feel disconnected. Like many of you, I’ve wondered if our prayers are truly heard. But in the midst of doubt, there’s a secret anchor that secures my confidence, and it’s the power of prayer rooted in God’s will. In 1 John, you’re reminded that if you ask according to His will, He not only hears you, but answers you. This confidence is not a blind faith, but a firm trust that rests on the foundation of God’s Word. I want you to know the secrets of how to discover abiding in Him, asking according to His will, and experiencing the joy of answered prayer.

Remain in Him

At the heart of praying with confidence lies the concept of abiding in Christ, beautifully spoken of by Jesus in John 15. 

 

““I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. “As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.”

 

This abiding (which is mentioned 10 times!) is not a passive state, but an active choice to remain steadfastly in His presence, just as a branch remains in the vine. His life-giving words should shape your heart, grounding you in unwavering faith. Like Mary of Bethany, you can choose to place yourself at the feet of Jesus, soaking in His teachings, and allowing His truth to mark you. In the bustling world we inhabit, it’s easy to fall into the trap of busyness. Yet, prayer is more about listening than talking. Luke 10 recounts the story of Martha and Mary, sisters with contrasting approaches to Jesus’ presence. While Martha busied herself with tasks, Mary chose the “good portion,” sitting at the feet of Jesus to absorb His wisdom. In this hour, when distractions pull you from your purpose, let’s choose the “one thing” – to sit at His feet, to allow His Word to define you, and to let His truth penetrate your hearts. 

Ask according to His will. 

Prayer is not a mere formality; it’s the raw cry of your heart before God. It’s the brokenness that leads to surrender, the tears that speak where words cannot. Sometimes our prayers are nothing more than a heartfelt “HELP!” Yet, even in your brokenness, God hears you. I remember after Ryan and I moved here from Atlanta, I went from being around him constantly, to being a mom at home with my young son. I felt incredibly isolated and lonely, yet it was in those moments that Jesus brought me closer together in prayer.

God’s Word is the compass that should guide your prayers toward His will. In a world where truth is often diluted, you must hold fast to the unchanging Word of God. There’s a movement going on today in our culture and some churches called Progressive Christianity – which is a rewriting of essential and important elements of biblical teachings to fit Western secular values. It believes there’s more than one way to get to heaven and acceptance of everyone without believing in the accountability of God’s Word. Basically, it is watering down God’s Word to Fit into one’s on definition of Christianity 

You must stand strong on God’s unchanging word. 

 

“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”

Prov. 30:5-6 (NKJV)

 

Our prayers are transformed when we align them with God’s Word, and the assurance of His will becomes our confidence.

Psalm 119:89 (ESV)

 

Praying with confidence is not a magical formula, but a journey of intimacy, devotion, and alignment with God’s Word. In the sanctuary of abiding, in the pursuit of the “one thing,” and in the authenticity of cries, you can find the transformative power of prayer. As you embrace the discipline of aligning your prayers with God’s will, you step into the realm of confidence – the firm trust that whatever you ask according to His will, He hears you and answers you.



Prayer- The Mind of Christ

Bob Beaudine 

4 minute read

 

It was during one of life’s challenging moments that I stumbled upon a revelation. While many of us naturally turn to friends, mentors, or self-help literature during tough times, I realized there was a more profound source of wisdom and understanding – a heartfelt dialogue with God.

My family experienced deep pain when my grandson, Beau, passed away. 

I needed to have a conversation with God. I didn’t know what I was going to say, but I knew it would be heartfelt. I needed a sanctuary for genuine communication. We all do.  Think of two chairs facing each other, one chair for you and another for God. This is not just about unloading your burdens, but also about pausing, creating a space to intently listen.

After the pain of losing my grandson, I needed to hear God’s voice. 

As I sat in one of those chairs, three pivotal questions resonated within me:

  1. Does God recognize my current predicament? Emphatically, “Yes.”
  2. Is any challenge too overwhelming for Him? Assuredly, “No.”
  3. Does He envision a prosperous path for me? With unwavering faith, “Yes.”

These questions helped me anchor my faith, ensuring I was receptive both to speaking my truth and to hearing His messages.

In my journey, I’ve found that the power of listening is often understated. While many perceive prayer as a one-sided conversation, my “Two Chairs” methodology showcases it as a symphonic dialogue. In those tranquil moments of reflection, I’ve found answers, comfort, and sometimes even more questions, guiding me toward personal growth and deeper faith.

For anyone inspired to embark on their “Two Chairs” journey, remember – the process is simple. Identify a serene spot, place two chairs, and approach with an open heart and mind. The emphasis isn’t on external perfection but on internal sincerity.

The “Two Chairs” experience isn’t merely a concept; it’s an open invitation. An invitation to delve deeper into your relationship with God, to discover solace and guidance in unexpected places, and to recognize that even in moments of solitude, we’re never truly isolated.

Should you choose to set up your chairs, be prepared. It has the potential to transform your perspective, your faith, and perhaps, your entire life.

I ask you today how deep are you willing to go? Are you up for the fight, or has the fight got a hold of you? Be like Gideon—unwilling to settle for anything but God’s plan. I want to go to church with people who are eager to obey God’s way and ready to bring His peace to every situation.

You’re not alone in this journey. You’ve got the Holy Spirit guiding you, and you’ve got a church family cheering you on. Let’s dive deep, spread wide, and journey far, knowing that the best is yet to come!

You’ve got this, and God’s got you!

 

Prayer- Speak to the Mountain

Pastor Ryan

5 minute read

 

This past week was rough. 

There were many frustrations and several disappointments. Things didn’t go how I wanted them to go. I thought I was on the same page as God. When things didn’t happen according to plan, I began to want to isolate myself from God and prayer became something I found uncomfortable. 

 

But everything changed when the Lord spoke to me. 

 

If you’ve ever wondered why your prayers don’t yield the desired results, you’re not alone. Many of you face those same moments of frustration, doubt, and even the temptation to give up.Today, I want to share that revelation with you— the one God spoke to me in that moment.

He said, “Speak to the mountain.”

You see, there is incredible power in our words when we pray. Instead of merely complaining or rolling our eyes at our mountains of problems, God invites us to speak to those very mountains. Have you ever experienced that faint whisper in your soul saying, “Speak to the Mountain”? It’s God’s challenging reminder to see obstacles as what they really are.

The obstacle becomes the way. 

 

Let’s unpack the keys to having power in prayer:

  1. Have Faith in God – When we believe in God’s omnipotence and goodness, we find the confidence to face any mountain that stands before us.
  2. Speak to the Mountain – Just as Jesus cursed the fig tree and saw it wither, we too can speak with authority to our obstacles and see God’s transformative work.
  3. Do Not Doubt in Your Heart – Doubt can hinder the effectiveness of our prayers. Instead, trust in God’s faithfulness, even in the face of uncertainty.
  4. Believe What You Say Will be Done – As you pray, align your words with the promises of God and believe that He will fulfill them.
  5. While You Stand Praying, Keep Forgiving – Unforgiveness can hinder the flow of God’s power in our prayers. Seek a heart that forgives and reconciles.


Now, you need to know for yourself these three crucial answers before entering into a prayer battle:

 

  1. Know Your “What?” – Like David, we must identify the cause of our battle. What is the uncircumcised Philistine (problem) that defies the living God?
  2. Know Your “Who?” – Understanding who we are in Christ empowers us to face our Goliaths with unwavering courage.
  3. Know Your “Why?” – David’s older brother tried to belittle him, questioning his motives, but David was clear. He had a cause, a purpose in this battle.

 

When David faced Goliath, he stood firm in the name of the Lord of hosts, demonstrating unwavering faith in God’s deliverance. His victory was not reliant on earthly weapons but on the power of God the Almighty.

Just as David’s faith brought down Goliath, you too can overcome your mountain by embracing the power of prayer. Remember that the battle belongs to the Lord, and He fights on our behalf. As we face our mountains, let’s declare with boldness, “The battle is the Lord’s!”

With hearts full of faith and mouths filled with God’s promises, we are equipped to overcome every challenge. So, my dear prayer warriors, speak to your mountains, trusting that God’s victory is already ours.

May the Lord be with you as you step into the power of your words in prayer!


Summer at Create-The Secret Place

Pastor Ryan

4 minute read

 

Today, let’s delve into the sacred art of prayer, a divine communication that connects us with the very heart of God. I want you to discover that God longs to draw you closer, inviting you into a deep relationship of worship, prayer, and intimate conversation.

As a pastor, I’ve seen many of you transition into new seasons in life. I have seen tragedy and triumph be a part of your every day life.  

In the midst of crises and moments of failure, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost. But fear not, for your Heavenly Father has a remarkable plan in play. With God, problems often open up profound possibilities for growth and transformation.

God wants to transform you today. I want to equip you on how the power of prayer makes that transformation possible. 

Let’s explore together the top five challenges that many of you face:

 

  1. Financial Crisis
  2. Health Crisis
  3. Marriage/Relationship/Family Issues
  4. Workplace/Career Challenges
  5. Personal Mental/Emotional/Spiritual Crisis

 

Amidst these challenges, you must grasp a critical truth:

 “Problems Open Up Possibilities, Possibilities are Opened Up by Prayer.” 

Shift your perspective and start viewing your problems through the lens of the Father. Jesus said to His disciples, “With men, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” 

Indeed, the Almighty Creator can accomplish what seems unscalable and insurmountable to us! I remember when Create Church was nothing but a dream, and yet God still had vision to make it happen!

As you deepen your faith, you begin to learn a valuable lesson about the power of the secret place. In Matthew 6, Jesus teaches, “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.”

In the secret place, God dwells, sees, reveals, and rewards. It’s a sacred space where you can pour your heart, knowing your Heavenly Father listens attentively to every word.

Daniel serves as a remarkable example of someone who faced challenges but continued to prioritize spending time in the secret place of prayer. Daniel encountered a severe problem when King Nebuchadnezzar, who demanded that his wise men reveal both the dream and its interpretation. Failure to do so would result in execution.

Daniel sought the mercies of the God of heaven in prayer. Watch this –  he did not despair. Instead, he chose to trust in God’s wisdom and might. He found peace (and the answer to the king’s dream) in the secret place. God revealed the dream’s interpretation to Daniel, leading to his promotion and favor from the king.

 

It’s vital to remember that the secret place isn’t just a hiding spot; it’s a realm of divine encounter and transformation. When you come to know God more intimately, you gain the wisdom and strength to navigate through life’s toughest situations.

Embrace the journey of prayer with an expectant heart, knowing that God delights in revealing His plans to those who seek Him earnestly. As you seek God in prayer, you not only find solutions to your problems, but you also draw closer to the heart of your Heavenly Father.

Summer at Create- How Deep Are You Willing to Go?

Alex Mathew

4 minute read

 

Hey there, amazing church family!

 

Over the past two and a half years, God has been stirring something incredible within us, and I can feel His goodness all around. You know what? He’s ready to promote us, to elevate us to new heights – not just in our jobs, but in prayer, faith, and supernatural experiences with Him. Here’s the thing, though, about promotions and breakthroughs—they often catch us by surprise. I had this amazing dream where God was gifting out mantles, and He’s asking each of us, “Will you grab a hold of this mantle?”

 

But the enemy knows how to distract us.

 

I know life can get a bit “notification-itis” with distractions galore, but it’s time to get back to the secret place—the war room. Prayer changes atmospheres, and when you pray regularly, miraculous things start happening. You have to fuel that fight in you, trusting God for the best care, answered calls, and victorious outcomes. Look at what Scripture says. Gideon was in charge of 32,000 men, but God said that was too many. What seems impossible with man is only possible with God. 

 

“The Lord told Gideon, ‘With these 300 men I will rescue you and give you victory over the Midianites. Send all the others home.’ So Gideon collected the provisions and rams’ horns of the other warriors and sent them home. But he kept the 300 men with him.”

 

You’re a warrior, just like Gideon. Sometimes, though, you might question yourself, but God is saying, “I’ve got you, O mighty warrior!” We may feel like we’re in a battle, but if you follow God’s way, He will work wonders through you. 

 

  1. Go deep in prayer 
  2. Go wide in faith 
  3. Go far in obedience

 

Together, we’ll experience Heaven invading our lives, changing everything for the better.

 

I ask you today: How deep are you willing to go? Are you up for the fight, or has the fight got a hold of you? Be the 300—unwilling to settle. I want to go to church with people who are eager to obey God’s way and ready to bring His peace to every situation.

 

You’re not alone in this journey. You’ve got the Holy Spirit guiding you, and you’ve got a church family cheering you on. Let’s dive deep, spread wide, and journey far, knowing that the best is yet to come!

 

You’ve got this, and God’s got you!