Journey to Healing - The Path to Peace: Healing our Minds in His Presence

In His Presence: Where Broken Hearts Begin to Mend
From the Journey to Healing series
John 11:30–39 | Mother’s Day Message | Pastor Tammy Long
Quick Glance: For Your Heart Today
Whether this day brings joy or ache, Jesus sees you. He doesn’t rush your pain or silence your sorrow—He joins you in it. In John 11, we meet a weeping Savior, one who groans with compassion and heals with presence. This message is for the tender places in your heart.
3 Takeaways:
  • Jesus meets us where it hurts, offering empathy, not distance.
  • You are deeply seen and loved, even in the tender, broken places.
  • Healing begins in His presence—not when everything is fixed, but when we know we’re not alone.

If You Only Have a Moment
Sometimes we don’t have the time or space to take in a full message. But even now, in just a moment of pause, God can meet you.
Perhaps this simple prayer is enough for today:
“Jesus, here’s where it hurts…”
“Thank you that I don’t have to carry this alone.”
“Let your healing begin in me.”


Estimated reading time for the full message below: 11–13 minutes
Scripture Text: John 11:30-39
30 Jesus had stayed outside the village, at the place where Martha met him. 31 When the people who were at the house consoling Mary saw her leave so hastily, they assumed she was going to Lazarus’s grave to weep. So they followed her there. 32 When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them.
They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept. 36 The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?”
38 Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. 39 “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.
Introduction
Good morning, family—and Happy Mother’s Day. And what a special morning we’ve had thus far. I know for many, this day brings warm memories, joy, and celebration. But for others, it brings heartache, longing, or grief. And if we’re honest, some of us feel all of that at once. Joy and sorrow can sit right next to each other in the same row.

Some of you had mothers who nurtured you with tenderness. Others grew up without that kind of love. Some of you are celebrating your children today. Others are grieving children you’ve lost—or the children you never got to hold or have. And some of us are simply tired of carrying the weight of caregiving and parenting, but wouldn’t say that out loud.

Wherever you find yourself this morning, remember this: Jesus is with you. Right where you are. Right now. He sees your heart. He knows your joys and your pain. And He cares.

We’re currently in a sermon series called Journey to Healing—exploring the unique healing that only Jesus offers. Not just physical or surface healing, but healing that flows from His presence—touching our minds and our hearts. Jesus’ death and resurrection didn’t only forgive our sins—it began the restoration of everything that was broken when sin entered the world.

Now it’s important to say: Jesus can work through therapy, counseling, and community. Those paths are not only helpful but sometimes essential as part of the healing journey, too. But in this series, we’ve focused on the foundational healing that begins when we slow down, make space, and get in Jesus’ presence—remembering who we are and whose we are. When we experience Him personally, in our gut, spirit to spirit—and we’ve been using the spiritual practice of imaginative prayer to do that.
The Wounds We Carry
Last week we looked at healing our minds in Jesus’ presence. And today, we’re going to look at healing our hearts. Because Jesus doesn’t just touch what’s visible. He meets us in places that still ache—wounds we may have stuffed down but are still in our hearts.

Some of those wounds came from trauma—things that broke us open and left damage in their wake. But other wounds happened more slowly—a parent who was absent or emotionally unavailable, a friendship or marriage that ended painfully, a child you lost—or never got to meet. And if we’re honest, we may have some faith wounds too. Wounds from when God didn’t show up the way we hoped. Or from when the church didn’t reflect the heart of Christ and hurt us.

We learn to keep moving—wounds and all. We learn to function, lead, serve—while carrying pain that’s never really healed. But those wounds can still affect us. What’s buried can turn into bitterness. What’s unhealed can distort how we see ourselves, how we trust others, and how we relate to God.

And yet—here’s the hope that brings us to today: We aren’t without a helper to heal. Jesus meets us in our wounds. He weeps with those who weep. He loves us in the spaces that are tender. And in His presence—we can receive His healing touch.
Jesus Was Deeply Moved
Mary has fallen at Jesus’ feet, heartbroken. And she’s not grieving alone. The house is filled with mourners—and in that cultural tradition, they aren’t just quietly crying. They are wailing. Loudly. Grief was in the air—and it filled every space around Jesus.

And when He sees Mary’s anguish and hears the cries of those around her—Scripture says, “A deep emotion welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled” (v. 33). The Greek word used here is strong. It describes someone moved with forceful emotion. Not just stirred. Not just sad. But a deep groaning from the depths of His spirit. In other words, Jesus’ soul is deeply agitated.

Some translations say “a deep anger.” Others say “a strong inward groaning.” Either way, Jesus has very strong feelings here. And it wasn’t just a passing feeling—notice in verse 38 it says He was still angry when He arrived at the tomb. The connotation of this word in Greek is to be deeply moved with displeasure and indignation.

It’s a holy “No” rising up in Him. No—to death. No—to grief. No—to the wreckage and sorrow caused by sin. A guttural response that this is not how life is meant to be for God’s beloved. Jesus—who is the resurrection and the life—feels that dissonance in His bones.

What’s more, there is an even deeper ache that causes Jesus to groan in His spirit. He’s not angry at Mary or the mourners, per se, as much as He feels a deep longing that they would see more clearly who He is—and comprehend that they could reach through their grief and hold on to the hope that was standing right in front of them.

I believe it troubles Jesus when we cannot see what He’s trying to give us—not because He’s displeased with us, but troubled for us. So yes—Jesus is deeply moved. He groans. He is troubled. Out of His deep love for us. A love so full, so engaged, and so present with our suffering, that it can’t help but shake with deep emotion.
"I Was This Mad": A God Story
A spiritual director friend once shared about a woman who had experienced deep trauma and pain. She had been asking the hard question many of us have asked: “God, where were You?

One day on a retreat near the ocean, during a violent thunderstorm, she found herself alone in the chapel crying out to God that same question. As she retells the story, she was in the chapel and found herself all but screaming in anguish above the noise of the storm: “Where were You? Where were you when I was defiled, used, and abused?”

And right at that moment, lightning cracked. Thunder roared. And the sky lit up the Atlantic. In the middle of her cries and the storm raging around her, she heard God say:

“I was this mad.”

And something clicked in her heart. For the first time, she could imagine a God who was not indifferent to her pain—but furious at what had happened to her. A God whose love was so deep that it trembled with righteous anger and grief. A God who had not abandoned her—but felt every bit of her pain with her.
Then Jesus Wept
Continuing in the passage—did you notice? With all the sorrow surrounding Lazarus’ death—with all the wailing and the heavy grief—Jesus doesn’t give a sermon. He doesn’t try to fix or explain. He doesn’t even defend Himself for not being there earlier.

The Bible simply says: Jesus wept.

Just two words. But they carry the full humanity and divinity of our loving God in tears.

He’s not weeping because He doesn’t know what comes next—He already knows He will raise Lazarus. But He still feels the grief. He still shares in the sorrow. Jesus sees Mary’s pain. He hears the cries. And does what love does—He joins her in it.
Healing Begins in His Presence
Before resurrection, before joy, before even hope—Jesus is present. And the truth is, that’s all we really need. We may not get the answer we’re seeking. We may not receive explanations or even resolution. God often doesn’t give details or answer why. Instead, He says, My grace is enough.

You don’t have to heal it on your own. You were never meant to. Healing begins in His presence. Not in pretending it’s not there. Not in simply declaring “it’s all good.” But in letting Jesus come close.
A Sacred Invitation to Meet Jesus
So today, you’re going to have that space. You don’t have to be strong. You don’t have to have it all figured out. I’m not asking you to open or unpack anything you aren’t ready to. I’m simply inviting you to say: “Jesus, here’s where it hurts.” And He will come.

Through this series, we’ve been using our holy imaginations to meet Jesus and experience His presence. Before we do that again, I want to share six different images—men and women of different backgrounds, ages, and stories. Each one is captured in a moment of grief, stillness, or quiet comfort—being held or seen by Jesus.

As you view these images, ask yourself:
– Which one speaks to you?
– Which one shows you what your heart may need today?

Let them prepare your heart to meet Jesus—the One who knows your wounds and wants to draw you close in healing love.
Guided Imaginative Prayer
Now, as we enter this next moment in prayer, this is not meant to stir up pain you’re not ready to unpack. It’s simply an invitation to rest in the presence of Jesus. If something surfaces that you want to talk about later, we’re here. But right now, this is a space to breathe and be with Jesus.

Begin by taking a deep breath and gently closing your eyes.
Imagine a place where you feel safe and still. It might be outdoors or indoors… a real place or imagined. Someplace quiet. Someplace peaceful.

What do you notice in that place?
What do you see? What do you hear?
Is there a scent in the air? A gentle breeze? The warmth of light?
Let your body relax as you rest there. Let this be your special place of calm.

Now, become aware that you are not alone. Jesus is here with you.
You may not see His face clearly, but sense His presence—His warmth, His love, His care for you. This is a safe space to simply be with Jesus.

Now gently bring to mind a place in your heart that hurts.
You don’t have to explain it or unpack it. Just be honest. Offer it to Jesus and let Him sit with you in it. You don’t have to talk about it. He knows. Just be in His presence.

And in this quiet space, hear these words—not as a whisper from your imagination, but as the voice of the One who loves you most:

“I see you. I know where it hurts. I feel it with you. And I’m not leaving.”

Breathe in: that love.
Breathe out: whatever you’ve been holding.

Let His presence begin your healing.
Closing Reflections & A Prayer
Friends, that was just the beginning of a healing practice you can return to again and again. Jesus is always ready and available—to be with you, to share with you, and to begin healing the wounds of your heart with His love.

The circumstances may not change this morning, but maybe the healing some of us need most is to know that we are deeply loved by someone who will never leave us, never harm us, never turn away.

Earlier in the service, we heard our men’s chorus sing the song “Mama.” For many of us, it stirred deep gratitude—and for others, maybe grief or longing. But there’s more in those lyrics we can take with us today. If you revisit each line, you’ll see a reflection of the kind of love Jesus has for us.

“Loving you is like food to my soul…”
“Your love is like tears from the stars…”


It was written about a mother’s love. But everything true and beautiful in those words—Jesus embodies perfectly. He is the One who has never failed you. The One who weeps with you, stays with you, heals you.
Scriptures of Comfort
Psalm 56:8 – “You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle.”
Psalm 147:3 – “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
The Gift of Oil
As you leave today, we want to place something in your hands—a small bottle of anointing oil for all the women. This is our gift to you.

Throughout Scripture, oil has been a symbol of healing, of consecration, of the Spirit of God poured out. There’s nothing magical about it—but it is sacred when used as a reminder that Jesus is your healing, and that His presence goes with you.

You may choose to use this oil to pray over yourself, or someone you love, or simply keep it as a touchstone of God’s love that never leaves.

I’m reminded of a story one of our young adults shared:

When I was just a young boy, I remember my mother—full of faith and fire—taking whatever cooking oil she could find. With a trembling hand and a praying heart, she would anoint my head… and the heads of my brothers. She would declare protection, speak life, and call on the name of Jesus to cover us as we stepped out into the world.

That was her altar. Her act of faith.

Family, that same Spirit of faith covers us now.
So as you receive this oil, may you carry that same hope—into your home, your prayers, your healing.
A Prayer of Blessing
Lord Jesus,
You are the Healer of hearts—
the One who stays, who weeps, who restores.

As this oil is received today,
may it be a touchpoint of Your presence.
A sign of healing love,
a reminder that You are near.

Let it carry peace to the weary,
comfort to the grieving,
and hope to every heart that longs for wholeness.

May every woman who receives it know:
She is seen.
She is held.
She is deeply, fully, faithfully loved.
And may Your Spirit rest on every hand it touches,
and linger in every place it is shared.
In Your holy and healing name, Amen.

No Comments


Recent

Archive

 2024

Categories

Tags

.gppd 1 John 4:16 1 Chronicles 12:32 1 Chronicles 16:34 1 Chronicles 16 1 Corinthians 12:20 1 Corinthians 13 1 Corinthians 15:58 1 Corinthians 6 1 John 1:9 1 John 4:19-21 1 John 4:8 1 John 5:11-13 1 John 5:14 1 Kings 10 1 Kings 19:11-13 1 Kings 4 1 Peter 2:4 1 Peter 2:9 1 Peter 2 1 Peter 5 1 Samuel 17:45 1 Samuel 17 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 1st Peter 4 2 Chronicles 7:14 2 Corinthians 10:5 2 Corinthians 10 2 Corinthians 12: 8-10 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 2 Corinthians 1: 2 Corinthians 2:15 2 Corinthians 2 2 Corinthians 3:18 2 Corinthians 5:21 2 Kings 6:16-17 2 Peter 1 2 Peter 3 2 Samuel 6:11 2 Timothy 2:15 2 Timothy 3 2 truths and lie 2025 28 days of prayer and fasting 2nd Peter 1 4 Ps of Preparation 40th Anniversary 4th Commandment A Lifestyle of Thanksgiving AARP AI Abba Abel Abraham Abram Act 18 Acts 12 Acts 15:1-15 Acts 15:19 Acts 16 Acts 18 Acts 1:8 Acts 1 Acts 2-21 Acts 2:1-12 Acts 2:46-47 Acts 2 Acts 3:1-10 Act Adam Advent Africa Align with God's Word Align with God\'s Word Alignment with God Amazing Grace Amos 4: Anointing Oil Anxiety hijacks thoughts Asian Aslan Author Madeline L'Engle Author Madeline L\'Engle B. L. E. S. S. B.L.E.S. S. Babylonia Baccalaureate Back to the basics Barbara Taylor Barnabas Barna Believers do greater things Bethlehem Beyonce Bible Interpretation Bible Biblical Fasting Biblical Hope Big Story Book of Law Buffalo CS Lewis Caleb Can Do's of Success Can Do\'s of Success Cana Celebration Changing the World Christian Transformation Christian hope alive Christmas Christ Christ’s Presence in Pain Church Fellowship Cleopas Colossians 2:7 Colossians 4:2 Comfort in Loss Commit to stay the course Condemn Connecting With God Core is trust in God Council of Chalcedon Cultivate Sensitivity Culture Cush Cyrene Cyrus Daniel 1:1-11 Daniel 1:17 Daniel 2:47-49 Daniel 3 Daniel 5 Daniel 6 Daniel 7:4 Daniel 9:4-19 Daniel 9:4-6 David Deeply Loved Deep Depression Desantis Desmond Tutu Deuteronomy 11:2 Deuteronomy 33 Deuteronomy 4 Deuteronomy 6 Discern Diverse Diversity Divide Divine Divisiveness Dr. Howard Thurman Dr. Maya Angelou Easter Ebed-melech Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 Eden Educational Egypt El Roi Eleanor Rigby Election Elizabeth Embracing Peace Emmanuel Emotional Healing Enoch Ephesians 1:11-14 Ephesians 1:4-5 Ephesians 1:9-11 Ephesians 2:21-22 Ephesians 2:8-10 Ephesians 3: 6 Ephesians 3:10 Ephesians 3:17-19 Ephesians 3:20 Ephesians 3 Ephesians 4: 5-6 Ephesians 4:5-6 Ephesians 4 Ephesians 5:15-17 Ephesians 5:15-20 Ephesians 6: 10-17 Ephesians 6:10-18 Ephesians Esau Ethiopia Ethnic Eunuch Evangelize Eve Examen Exodus 12 Exodus 17:6-7 Exodus 19:10 Exodus 20 Exodus 33:20 Exodus 4 Ezekiel 3 Ezra Faith and Community Faith and Emotions Faith power to change world Family love Fannie Lou Hammer Farmer Fathers Day Father Fear Dance Feast of Trumpets Festival of Booths Festival of Trumpets Finding God First Nations Version First Nations Flock For a Borken Church Frances Schaeffer Gabriel Galatians 3:28 Galatians 4:4-5 Galatians 6:1-2 Galatians 6:12 Galatians 6 Gary Thomas Gen Z Genesis 14:13 Genesis 16:13 Genesis 18 Genesis 1: 26-31 Genesis 1:1 Genesis 1:27-28 Genesis 1:2 Genesis 1 Genesis 21 Genesis 22:14 Genesis 2 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 37-50 Genesis 3 Genesis 5 Gentile God always with me God and Jesus are one God cares God faithful God has a plan for me God in control God in us God knows me God loves me God respond God sees God trusted God will God's Holy Spirit God's Name God's Plan God's Powerower God's Story God's behavior not expected God's character God's footprints God's glory God's goodness God's hand of blessing God's help God's love God's power God's presence and power revealed God's presence God's sovereign God's throne God's timing God's unfolding story God's will and ways God's wisdom God\'s Holy Spirit God\'s Name God\'s Plan God\'s Powerower God\'s Story God\'s behavior not expected God\'s character God\'s footprints God\'s glory God\'s goodness God\'s hand of blessing God\'s help God\'s love God\'s power God\'s presence and power revealed God\'s presence God\'s sovereign God\'s throne God\'s timing God\'s unfolding story God\'s will and ways God\'s wisdom God\\\'s Holy Spirit God\\\'s Plan God\\\'s Powerower God\\\'s Story God\\\'s footprints God\\\'s goodness God\\\'s help God\\\'s love God\\\'s power God\\\'s presence and power revealed God\\\'s presence God\\\'s sovereign God\\\'s throne God\\\'s timing God\\\'s unfolding story God\\\'s wisdom God\\\\\\\'s Powerower God\\\\\\\'s Story God\\\\\\\'s power God\\\\\\\'s presence God\\\\\\\'s wisdom God God’s Empathy God’s Kingdom and Will Goliath Good deeds Gospel Grandchildren Grandfather Grandmother Grandparents Day Grandparents Greater Things Ahead Greater Things In You Greater Things Greater Thins Start Here Grief and Compassion HBCU Habakkuk Hagar Halle Berry Harris He-La cells Healing and Restoration Healing in His Presence Healing our Minds Healings Begin Here Heart Barriers Heartache and Hope Heavenly Mother Hebrews 10:23 Hebrews 10:24-25 Hebrews 10:4 Hebrews 10 Hebrews 11 Hebrews 12:28-29 Hebrews 12:2 Hebrews 13:15 Hebrews 13 Hebrews 3:15 Hebrews 3:7 Hebrews 4:15 Hebrews 4 Hebrews 6:10 Henri Nouwen Henrietta Lacks His love for us Holy Place Holy Spirit Empowerment Holy Spirit Hope with God's Word Hope with God\'s Word Hosanna How graeat thou art Hubris Hype Image of God Imagine Immanuel Intergenerational Isaac Isaiah 25:6 Isaiah 26:3 Isaiah 35 Isaiah 41 Isaiah 42:6-7 Isaiah 43:1 Isaiah 45 Isaiah 53:3-6 Isaiah 53 Isaiah 58:6-10 Isaiah 58:9-12 Isaiah 61 Isaiah 65:24 Isaiah 7:10-14 Isaiah 9:2 Isaiah 9:6-7 Isaiah 9:6 Isaish 52 Ishmael Israel Jacob James 1:5 James 1 James 4: 1-3 James 4 James 5:7 James January 6 Jefferson Jehovah Rapha Jeremiah 22:3 Jeremiah 23:5 Jeremiah 29:11-13 Jeremiah 29:11 Jeremiah 31:33 Jeremiah 38 Jeremiah 39 Jeremiah 9: 23-24 Jeremiah Jerimiah 29 Jesus Weeps Jesus absorbed Jesus and You Jesus at center Jesus created a moment of personal encounter Jesus go to God Jesus going to God the Father Jesus is peace Jesus listened before he taught Jesus revealed truth gradually Jesus sees Jesus the princie of peace Jesus walked with them Jesus with us Jesus' resurrection Jesus Jews Jew Job 1:1-3 Job 37:1-14 Job 40 - 41 Job 42: 1-3 Job 42:2 Job 42 Job Joel 2 John 10:6-10 John 11:1-16 John 11:25 John 11:4-5 John 11 John 12:26 John 13 John 14:12 John 14:6 John 14:: 7-12 John 14 John 15:10-11 John 15:16 John 15:4 John 16 John 17 John 18:1-11 John 1:1-18 John 1:29 John 1:4-5 John 1 John 20:14-29 John 20:19 John 21: 1-18 John 21:1-14 John 21:15-18 John 2 John 3: 16 John 3:1-21 John 3:11-12 John 3:16 John 3:18 John 4:23-24 John 4:4-26 John 4 John 5:1-9 John 6:11 John 6:35-36 John 6:51 John 6:8-9 John 6:9 John 6 John 8:11 John 9:35-41 John 9:39-41 John Newton John the Baptist John 7:38-39 Joni Erickson Tada Joseph Judas Jude Judges 16 Jui Jitsu Juneteenth Karate King Darius King Herod King of Kings Kingdom Purpose Kingdom come Kingdom of God Kingdom of Heaven Kingdom King Knee jerk reactions Kobe Bryant Kush LGBTQ LGBTQ Laban Lacrae Laguna Woods Lamentations Lazarus Lectio Divina Lee Strobel Leviticus 16:10 Leviticus 18 Leviticus 19 Leviticus 20 Lewis Libya Lift Every Voice and Sing Light Listen in prayer Living Hope Living Stones Christian Church Living in Power Logos Lord's Prayer Lord\'s Prayer Lord\\\'s Prayer Lordship Love agent Love in action Luke 11 Luke 12 Luke 14: 12-24 Luke 14:18-19 Luke 14 Luke 15:10 Luke 15 Luke 1 Luke 22:14-20 Luke 22:32 Luke 23:34 Luke 23 Luke 24:13-34 Luke 2:13-14 Luke 2:8-14 Luke 2 Luke 4:14-20 Luke 4:18-19 Luke 4:18 Luke 4:40 Luke 5 Luke 7:18-35 Luke 8:26-36 Luke 9 MAGA Magdalene Magnificat Malachi 4 Mandela Many Mini Steps Mark 11 Mark 13:7 Mark 14:28 Mark 14 Mark 15:13 Mark 15 Mark 2 Mark 4 Mark 6:1-6 Mark 7 Martha Martin Luther King Mary Magdalene Mary Massah Mathew 22:39 Matthew 11 Matthew 14:22-33 Matthew 14 Matthew 15:14 Matthew 15:7-9 Matthew 16:13-17 Matthew 16:16 Matthew 17 Matthew 18:18-20 Matthew 18:21-22 Matthew 19 Matthew 1:18-21 Matthew 20 Matthew 21:1-9 Matthew 22: 36-39 Matthew 22:39 Matthew 24:6 Matthew 25:34-40 Matthew 25:39-40 Matthew 26:27-28 Matthew 27 Matthew 28:19 Matthew 28 Matthew 4: 17 Matthew 4:10 Matthew 4:23 Matthew 4 Matthew 5: 13-16 Matthew 5:21-22 Matthew 5:43-38 Matthew 5 Matthew 6:10 Matthew 6:14-15 Matthew 6:16-18 Matthew 6:33 Matthew 6:5-9 Matthew 6 Matthew Maxwell Meal With a Purpose Mental Health Mephibosheth Meribah Messiah suffering Messianic miracles Messianic prophecies Micah 6:8 Micah Middle East Milestones Mind Barriers Minister Paula Fuller Mother Teresa Mother’s Day Sermon Mourning with Jesus NASA Nationalism Naturalist Need Nehemiah 1:1 10 Nehemiah 1 Nehemiah 2 Nehemiah 3 Nehemiah 4 Nehemiah 6:15-16 Nehemiah 8 Nehemiah anointing Nehemiah New Age New Life Covenant Church New Year New covenant Next Chapter Nicodemus Nubia Original Our Father Palm Sunday Passover Pathway of Wonder Paul and Silas Paul Pentecost Peter Peter and John Philippians 1:6 Philippians 2:3-4 Philippians 2:6-7 Philippians 4:6-7 Philippians 4 Philistine champion Phut Place Posture Practices Prayer and Fasting Prayer as Power Precision Preparation for prayer and fasting Preparation spiritual practices Priscilla Pro-life Process Promisd Land Promise from sufferings Proverbs 16:9 Proverbs 18:10 Proverbs 18:2-4 Proverbs 20:30 Proverbs 3:5-6 Proverbs 3:9 Psallm 23:1 Psalm 100:4 Psalm 103 Psalm 107:8-9 Psalm 116 Psalm 118:25-26 Psalm 119 Psalm 139:1-18 Psalm 149:3 Psalm 16:11 Psalm 19: Psalm 23:1 Psalm 23 Psalm 27 Psalm 28:1 Psalm 28:7 Psalm 33:12 Psalm 33:5 Psalm 34:8 Psalm 34 Psalm 39:7 Psalm 42:1-2 Psalm 42:5 Psalm 50:14 Psalm 69:30 Psalm 73:25-26 Psalm 78 Psalm 84:11 Psalm 89:14 Psalm 92 Psalms 16:11 Psalms 16 Psalms 24:1 Psalms 42 Psalms 5:11 Psalms Psaml 100:2 Psaml 150:3-5 Psaml 1611 Queen of Sheba Race Radiating Joy Rahab Reimagined Reject Jesus in hometown Responding like Jesus Rest for the Wounded Resurrection Sunday Revelation 19:9 Revelation 3 Revelation 5:11-12 Revelation 7:9-10 Rise and Rebuild Rise Road to Emmaus Roe Wade Roman 5:18 Roman Centurion Romans 10 Romans 12:18 Romans 12:21 Romans 12:2 Romans 12 Romans 16: Romans 16 Romans 5:1 Romans 5:8 Romans 6:3-5 Romans 8:18-25 Romans 8:23-25 Romans 8:26-27 Romans 8:28 Romans 8 Romans9 Roman Sabbath Sacred Pathways Samaritan woman Samaritan Sanctify Sarah Sarai Satan See Sensate Septima Clark Sermon Shabbat Sharing love Shepherds Simon Skepticism Social media Soloman Solomon South Bay Community Church Spiritual Authority Spiritual Disciplines Spiritual Growth Spiritual Harmony Spiritual Reflection Spiritual Renewal Spirit St. Ignatius Stand Stanford Star of Bethlehem Start in Epistles Start in Gospels Stay Connected Steward Supreme Court Tax collectors Thank Offering Thank The Case for Christ The Chosen The Journey of Many - Mini Steps Thomas Thurman Transformative Power Trump Trusting God in Suffering Tyre Nichols Unity in the Church Unity Uvalde Vision for future Walk in Obedience What Did Jesus Come to Do? When God Disappoints Who is Jesus Word of God Word Worldly Hope Your Divine Love Story Zechariah 2:10 Zechariah 4:1-6 Zechariah 9:9 Zechariah Zerubbabel abortion abundance abundunt abuse acceptance accept accountability partner accountability acknowledge action activate active listening activist adopted adoration adultery affliction afirmative action afraid agenda alabaster alive all hands on deck all is well alone already not yet altar amen amnesia angel anger angry animals anniversary annoint anointing anoint anticipate anticipating anxiety appeal application apply argue armor of God armor arrival ascetic ask people assemble assign attribute augustus authoritarian government awareness baby back to the future bad news banquet baptize barrier basketball battle be still beaaten so we could be whole beggars begin with prayer belief beloved community belt of truth benefit bible reading plan biblical birthday birth blame God blessings blessing bless blind blood boast body broken body bold witness boldness bold bondage book born again bread breastplate of righteousness breath broken brother build community build relationships calling from God calling call cancer caregiver care caring carol celebrate center challenges challenge character cherish child birth childlike faith childlike children child choice choose chosen people chosen church trouble church cicumcise cistern clarity close to God close cloud collective action colossians 3:15 comfort zones comforting comfort coming Kingdom of God coming commitment common communicate communion community support community companionship compassion fatigue compassionate compassion competent conception concern confess confidant confidence confident conflict confuse connection connect consecrate consequence consistent as a safe and steady presence consistent spiritual practice consistent contemplation contemplative prayer contemplative context of verse conversation convict correction correct cost courageous faith in God is root courageous faith courageous courage covenant coworkers create human created creation crippled crisis cross identity barriers crossroads cross crucify crushed for our sins cry cultural pride culture barriers cup curiosity curious custom daily dance dancing dark planets darkness all around us darkness inside of us darkness dark day of Jesus Christ day ddarkness deafness deaf death debate debt deconstruction deepen dehumanization deism deist delay deliver us democracy demon denominations dependent describe desensitization desire desperate devil die differences difficult dignity direct disciples disciple disconnect discontent disease distract distress disunity diverse voices divine power of God's Holy Spirit divine power of God\'s Holy Spirit divine power of God\\\'s Holy Spirit divine reading and reflection divinity of Jesus do for others do justice donkey door doubt dream each other eat together eat elder elevate embody embrace distraction embrace joy embrace emotion need emotional barriers emotions empathy empowered by the Holy Spirit encourage enemy enjoy present enthusiast environment essentials esteem eternal life eternal ethic ethnocentrism evaluate evangelism everyone evil examine heart exercise exhale exile expect expression external extraordinary life face of God factions faith as light in darkness faith in God faithfull faithful faith fall short family famine fasting fast fatigue fault favor fawn fear feast feelings feel fellowship fervor fight fillipinos parol finance financial need first fitness flight flocks focus follower forewarn forgiveness forgive fornicate fortress foster care crisis free gift free will freeze friends friend fruitful fruit fulfillment full life fullness fully God fully human future hope future gate generation generosity generous with grace generous gentle parenting gentle genuine giant gifts gift give glory godliness good news good works good grace graduate grateful great commandment great commission greater gift greed grief grieve groan grumbling guarantee guilt hallowed hand happiness hard heart harmony hate healed heart. healed heart healing community healing in Jesus' presence healing in Jesus\' presence healing peace healing prayer healing health need health heal heart helmet of salvation help heterosexual hidden figure hidden hide from God high priestly prayer history holy day holy nation holy space holy homeless homosexual honor one another honor hope floats hope in community hope in promises of God hope of Christ hope stenghthened in community hope thorugh Communion hope hospitality hot topics human condition of sin human heart humanity carry wounds humanity of Jesus human humble humility hurricane hurting people hypocriite hypocrite hypostatic union iceberg idenity ill imaginations in singing worhsip and prayer imaginative prayer in heaven inaugurate Kingdom incense indignant inequality inheritance initiate injustice inner life inner peace inside intellectual barriers intentional alignment with God intercede internalize Jesus internal interpret intervention interview intimacy with God intimate with God into arms inttellectual investment invite to share their hearts invite isolation ivers of Living Water jail jars journaling journey joyous joy judgement justice just key kill knowing God know lamb. lament lame last days lead us learn legacy life in Kingdom of God life with power and purpose lifeline lifelong lifestyle lifetime life limiting belief lion's den lion\'s den lion\\\'s den lioness lions listen with care listening listen living into prayer living sacrifice living loneliness lonely lonliness look lord lost love enemies love mercy love neighbors love neighbor love of Jesus love relationship of trust God love through difficulty love to others love loving relationship loving low income luke 19 luke 1:26-30 luke 24 make disciples manger marginalized marriage masterpiece master meek memory mercy messiah metaphorical lions millenial mind miracle misconception miss the mark mission misunderstand reality misuse mockery model prayer monarch money moral excellence moral mother character mother motive mourn movement multiply music mute mystery myths name nard nation trouble nationalist natural nature near God new life nonessentials not fear not hate not shrink back notice nurture obedience obey observe offering oil older olive trees omnipotent omnipresent omniscient oneness one open opposition oppressed oppress ordinary life other our weaknesses Jesus carried overshadow overwhelmed pain palm panic parable parents participation partner passion for life passion path patiently spoke through biblical scriptures patient patriot peacemaker peace peculiar people persecution persevere personal darkness personal invitation personal love from God perspective petitions physical abuse physical healing physical pierced for our rebellion plan for fasting plans plant seed plan pleasing plural you politic poor power of God power of worship power slource power source power practical steps for maturing believers practical steps for unbelievers praise pray for lost prayer pray pre-existance pregnant preparation prepare preparing place to meet with God presence present with us present preserve prevention preview priest prince principle priority prisoner prison pro-choice problem prodical promise salvation promise promote unity promotion proof prophecy prophet protection protect protest providence provide provision psychic numbing punish purpose for fasting purpose pursue herarts sing pursue reconciliation quarrels quarrel questions question racism radiance reactions react rebuild rebutting receipt receive reconcile reconciliation reconnect reconsruction redeem and restore redeem redemption through love and light reflect regeneration reign reimagine rejection rejoice relationships with others relationships relationship relation relative truth release to God release remember rememer remnant remourse repay repent repetition reputation reread bible resist resolution resource respect respond about social justice and equality respond with grace and kindness response restoration restore rest resurrection reveal revelation review God's presence review God\'s presence revolution rich riddle ridicule righteousness righteous risk rooted root royal priest rushed for our sins sacred sacrifice sad safety safe salt salvation same sex marriage sanctify save savior science and bible scribe scripture searcher seek justice self exam selfish selfless self send me senses sentiment separation from God serve in love serve with humility serve sexism sex shalom share love share your story share sharing Gospel shepherd staff shepherd shield of faith shoes of peace sick man at pool silence with God silence silent simple simplicity since sing sins sin slavery slave sleep sling social darkness social justice society solid gold lampstand solidarity solitude with God solitude song son sorrow soul friend soul on fire soul sounds sovereign God sovereign speak Jesus speak spiritual blind spiritual discipline spiritual gifts spiritual journey spiritual leader spiritual practices spiritual rebirth spiritually grow spiritual stable stake standing stay open to the conversation stone storm story strategic strength stress struggle success sudden suffering suffer suicide summer sabbatical supernatual supernatural support surprise surrender our expectations surrender to God dailyer surrender to God daily surrender survivor sword of the spirit take me talents tax collector tears technology temple temptation testimony tests test thank the King Jesus is the King we want Jesus to be thick thieves and robbers think thorn thought throne timeless time timing together tomb town trade traditionalist tradition tranform communities transform communities transform generations transform heart transform nations transform world transformation transform transfpr transition trauma treasure trees deep roots trial tribalism tribulation troubled times trust God trust Jesus trusting God trust truth point to Gospel truth turn around ultrasound unbelief unbeliever uncertainty uncomfortable unconcerned unconditional love understand unexpected united unity with God universe unpleasable unreasonable unreliable urge use me validate values vegetarian verbal abuse vibes victim village violence vision visit prison voice vulnerabilities waiting walk with God walking on water wall want to be made well wants war wash water wedding weep where worship whipped so we could be healed wholeness why wife will to surrender barriers willing heart winess wine wisdom wise witness love to world witness women wonder words of peace and reconciliation world trouble worldview world worry worship wounded abused disinherited by society wound wrestle writers of Bible wrong time younger your story youth