REFLECTING ON THE JOURNEY
From the very beginning of this project we have anticipated that God would do
more than we ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20-21). However, it is one thing to antic-
ipate the movement of God, and another entirely to live in the fruit of that walk. As
you read through the following stories, what you’ll see is a small collection of folks
who represent the larger Grace Beyond journey. This is just a snippet of the many
members of our church family who have walked in obedience during this season and
received the blessing that comes with faithfulness. You will find people who prayed
for God’s wisdom and who followed His direction. You will find moments of unbe-
lief, moments of awe at God’s kindness and moments that remind each of us of
God’s great mercy.
Our hope is that in these stories you’ll see a reflection of your own. That you’ll
recall the ways you have seen God’s fingerprints in your own life these past few
years. That you will acknowledge the truth that God’s refining work on your heart
is greater than the surrender it requires. Together, may we come to this next bend
in the road with souls that, though a bit bruised and tired, are freer and more filled
with love for our Lord and for one another.
A SECOND CHANCE
The upcoming Commitment Sunday service
means so much to me because I feel the Lord is
giving people a second chance to be part of a mas-
sive blessing. Three years ago, when we had the
first commitment service, I was facing such a deep
personal crisis that I was simply unable to commit
to anything more than showing up for church.
Honestly, the last thing on my mind was “giving.”
Trish
Thompson
Therefore, brothers and
sisters, since we have
confidence to enter the
Most Holy Place by the
blood of Jesus, by a new
and living way opened for
us through the curtain, that
is, his body, and since we
have a great priest over the
house of God, let us draw
near to God with a sincere
heart and with the full
assurance that faith brings,
having our hearts sprinkled
to cleanse us from a guilty
conscience and having
our bodies washed with
pure water. Let us hold
unswervingly to the hope
we profess, for he who
promised is faithful. And let
us consider how we may
spur one another on toward
love and good deeds, not
giving up meeting together,
as some are in the habit
of doing, but encouraging
one another—and all the
more as you see the Day
approaching.
This past Lenten season the Lord convicted me to
Hebrews 10:19-25
participate in Grace Beyond with what I now refer
to as His “bonus” offering. At that time, only God
knew what would be coming at me personally. Not only did the Lord bless me with a
huge victory over the Enemy in court, He paid for it by multiplying my offering to cover
the exact amount of the court costs! Through this experience, Malachi 3:10-12 has be-
come very meaningful in my life.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see
if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I
will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord
Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
The Lord has taught me the importance of tithes and offerings to His church. This simple act of giving back to
God what already belongs to Him opens up the flood gates for Him to bless His church and us as individuals.
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