Hi Restoration,“Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land that I give you, the land shall keep a Sabbath to the LORD. For six years you shall sow your field, and for six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its fruits, but in the seventh […]
Hi Restoration,I love when we hit this point in January. It feels like one of those old spinning tops where you pull the string hard and then let it go. We just pulled the string, Restoration.The Evening Service as started! 96 people showed up at 4:30 this past Sunday. Nathan preached. Chris Lugo celebrated the Eucharist. Emily […]
Hi Restoration,We have had a great week thinking about discernment. On Tuesday, Dr. Steve Macchia spent the afternoon with our staff and then, that evening, presented a wonderful lecture to about 100 of us on The Discerning Life. Scott did a great job facilitating questions from the audience.This Sunday, I will preach on ‘The Discernment of […]
Happy New Year Friends! “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 Perhaps you read it this morning? I am so grateful for our Resto Daily Prayer Guide and the way it keeps us together during the week. We […]
Dear Restoration,Like many of you, one of my favorite Advent soundtracks is Andrew Peterson’s, Behold the Lamb. I have had it on repeat for the last three weeks. The melodies are gorgeous and the lyrics push my heart to say what I know is true, even as the busyness, todo lists, crises, and unmet expectations clamor […]
Dear Restoration,This season of Advent has already been so meaningful as we create space and intentional practices to listen to the Lord.Our sanctuary is beautiful.The music of waiting and longing expresses the desires of our heart.The Advent retreat was a well-timed gift.Our Daily Prayer Guide is helping us hear from the Lord through His Scriptures. “Surely the Lord […]
Pictured Above: Selma, AL — Restoration’s Trip with Telos to the American South in November”Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord, or what man shows him his counsel? Whom did he consult, and who made him understand? Who taught him the path of justice, and taught him knowledge, and showed him the way of […]
Dear Restoration, A Prayer for your Devotions and your Table at Thanksgiving: Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you […]
Restoration,”Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers!For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb.Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.” (Psalm 37:1-3)As news continues to come in about the shooting at The University of Virginia last night, our hearts […]
Dear Restoration,As the rain soaks our land, I know that many of us will pause to give thanks for our veterans today. As you remember your loved ones, neighbors, and co-workers; as you perhaps think about your own vocation to serve in this calling; may the Lord meet you in your prayer-filled conversation and intercession.Our […]