In this week’s message, Pastor Jody and Dorothy shared with us that WHOLENESS IS ESSENTIAL. When our soul is not at rest, when we are unsettled, ashamed, feeling guilt and condemned, we want to run and hide. God asks, in a loving fatherly way, “Where are you?” God wants to make us whole, complete in Him.

I love the visual of a continual feast and not just because I like food. A feast makes me think of joy, laughter, the company of family, good friends, and holidays. I also think of how a feast offers a variety of foods to indulge, just like this life offers a variety of things to enjoy.

The question Pastor Ryan posed that is key to this new series is what have we learned is essential? What were some lifestyles we lived before COVID that we would like to leave behind and new lifestyles or things we want to bring with us as we reopen?

Who do you trust? Who do you believe, anymore? This isn’t an article to get you to believe something, this is an article to get you to think. An abundance of information is coming to you faster than you can process it. Information gluttony, it’s the American way. I can barely keep up with the amount of information, opinion posts and theories being shared online. Once, I’m done with one article or video, I have another ten to watch. (Ironically, I’m writing and contributing to the buffet)

When something is broken or worn, some people throw it away as if it’s purpose and time has run out. Others can see broken or worn things in a way that they restore or repurpose it. Maybe you’re like Pastor Ryan, he can see the potential, but doesn’t have the craftsmanship to see it through. Even when we can’t see the potential in ourselves, God sees it.

Identity matters…Identity is who you are or how others know you. Your true identity comes from God, but sin stole or caused us to lose who we were truly meant to be. The only one who should have a say in who we truly are is our creator. In order to figure out who you are, you have to know whose you are. You are God’s creation and when Jesus died and rose again for you, God was paying the ransom, cleaning you up and claiming you back from sin and this world. God is calling you home to be more than His creation, but His child that He dearly loves. When our identity is resurrected so is our understanding of who we truly are, who we were always meant to be and all the blessings that come with being a child of God!

What are you watering? It may seem like a strange question, but we get what we water. My granddaughter Ava was watering a dead plant, which seemed ridiculous. However, she kept watering it, and after a few weeks, a small green sprout appeared. The plant seemed to be dead, but Ava! It's the same with God. Situations, circumstances, relationships, possibilities may seem dead or impossible, but God!

Pastor Ryan opened with a story about his daughter watering a dead plant in a flower pot. Much to His surprise a new shoot from the plant broke through the soil weeks later. Ryan shared how that resonated with him to not give up hope.

We just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus. The resurrection is good news, because it is victory over sin and death. When we put our faith in the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are revived, resurrected and reborn, spiritually. But why do we need to be reborn or resurrected Spiritually? Because all mankind is dead, spiritually.

We hope today’s message was encouraging and helpful. Take a moment to process and discuss what God may be trying to say to everyone in your home or in your community group. If no one is with you, have a personal conversation with God, He is with you.