Grace Beyond GraceBeyondBrochure-Celebrate-Dec2017-web | Page 3

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. 3