JUNE 18, 2021 VOL.2 NO.24
WHERE YOUR PAIN BECOMES YOUR POWER: BROKEN TO BEAUTIFUL
From an early age through young adulthood, Lisa Brandreth experienced the hurt, brokenness, and scars that come from a life without her father and subsequently subjected to an abusive step-father.
Through Broken to Beautiful she hopes to create a safe space for growth and healing in others through sharing her story and struggles. Lisa believes we all have hurt but go through life keeping it to ourselves and feeling alone. Through her blog, she wants to provide a place where your pain can become your power. An international student from South Africa, Lisa is majoring in Business Information Systems with Consultative Selling at TCU. Click the above icon or here to access her blog.
WE’RE OPEN! IN-PERSON & ONLINE WORSHIP OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Please join your worship with ours! Choose from an array of worship experience options, knowing that in-person @ygchurch worship no longer requires reservations. Click the above icon or here for our current community health guidelines. Also find here a NAD compendium of resources pertaining to COVID-19. Our online options are on Facebook LIVE, YouTube, and our church online platform.
![HEALING BROKENNESS // YGCHURCH // SATURDAY // 10:15AM CDT Battle Belongs, Goodness Of God, Make Room, Healer #WorshipSet #Jun19 10:15AM CDT fb.com/ygchurch #DeepDive #ygchurchLisa [@lisa_brandreth] is the founder of the non-profit platform, Broken to Beautiful. Through sharing her story, she aspires to help others find healing from their own wounds. Lisa believes we all have hurt but go through life keeping it to ourselves and feeling alone. Through her blog, she wants to provide a place where your pain can become your power. An international student from South Africa, Lisa is majoring in Business Information Systems with Consultative Selling at TCU. She enjoys singing, dancing and staying healthy.In his own words, Jewlz Davis is a people person. He sees that his mission in life is to help people see people as people. He strives to do this through his work at the University of Texas Arlington, his involvement with @ygchurch, his work at summer camps, and his pursuit of a law degree from the University of Texas Law. Above all though, Jewlz loves Jesus and works to utilize his gifts areas of leading, speaking, and connecting with people to show Jesus to others. Don’t be surprised if you catch him laughing, dancing, swinging his hair, or giving out free hugs when you see him!______________ DEEP DIVE The deep calling of GOD is a life-long process with GOD and each other; It is a journey not a destination. It’s about a sacred space of transformation found in every day, listening to GOD’s voice and finding satisfaction in Him. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. –Jeremiah 29:13 [NIV]Join Younger Generation Church for their Summer series, “Deep Dive,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #DeepDive #ygchurch](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc9b01b3db2bd051138ccd/1623884684803-4SLUUNUN7MLZ3E5LAHZE/13C1ADC8-A220-4AB8-8F2F-8638EF03E44B.JPG)
HEALING BROKENNESS // YGCHURCH // SATURDAY // 10:15AM CDT
Battle Belongs, Goodness Of God, Make Room, Healer #WorshipSet #Jun19 10:15AM CDT fb.com/ygchurch #DeepDive #ygchurch
Lisa [@lisa_brandreth] is the founder of the non-profit platform, Broken to Beautiful. Through sharing her story, she aspires to help others find healing from their own wounds. Lisa believes we all have hurt but go through life keeping it to ourselves and feeling alone. Through her blog, she wants to provide a place where your pain can become your power. An international student from South Africa, Lisa is majoring in Business Information Systems with Consultative Selling at TCU. She enjoys singing, dancing and staying healthy.
In his own words, Jewlz Davis is a people person. He sees that his mission in life is to help people see people as people. He strives to do this through his work at the University of Texas Arlington, his involvement with @ygchurch, his work at summer camps, and his pursuit of a law degree from the University of Texas Law. Above all though, Jewlz loves Jesus and works to utilize his gifts areas of leading, speaking, and connecting with people to show Jesus to others. Don’t be surprised if you catch him laughing, dancing, swinging his hair, or giving out free hugs when you see him!
______________
DEEP DIVE
The deep calling of GOD is a life-long process with GOD and each other; It is a journey not a destination. It’s about a sacred space of transformation found in every day, listening to GOD’s voice and finding satisfaction in Him.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. –Jeremiah 29:13 [NIV]
Join Younger Generation Church for their Summer series, “Deep Dive,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #DeepDive #ygchurch
YG LIFE // SATURDAY // 11:15AM CENTRAL
Immediately following YG’s worship experience, don’t miss out on the after party, YG LIFE. Always entertaining and informative with everything YG—concluding with a live prayer session with your requests and praises. Your hosts are Karla Dechavez and Adriana Manoucheri.
Part of Younger Generation Church since the beginning, Karla Dechavez has served as a @ygchurch worship leader for the past 17 years. An avid purse collector, she enjoys time with her hubby and energetic 6 year old and spends every day recruiting physicians to the DFW area.
Adriana Manoucheri has served the @ygchurch behind the scenes since moving to Texas in 2013. She enjoys spending time with her family of 4, and in her spare time enjoys working with power tools and building things for her home and for others.
Don’t miss YG LIFE, this Saturday, 11:15AM CDT! We’re open and you’re invited to join your worship with ours! Click link for all the deets, https://linktr.ee/yglife
#BEJESUS #BEYG PRAYERS: DANI QUAYE
Each week you’re invited to join your prayers with ours as we lend our focus to YGers who are serving as missionaries. This week let’s pray over Dani Quaye who in November began her service as a ESL teacher for the Seventh-day Adventist Sahmyook Language School in South Korea.
DEEP CHATS // WEDNESDAYS // 6:00PM CDT
Food, fellowship, and conversations on the Deep Calling Journey.
SWAU Student Center | Keene, TX | Wednesdays, 6:00 pm CT
Contact Pastor Michael at mgibson@swau.edu
COMING ATTRACTIONS
SDA SPEED DATING EVENT // JUNE 27TH
Join Adventist singles across the country, Sunday, June 27th for a nationwide SDA Speed Dating Event hosted by Lynk, a new 60 second speed dating and virtual event platform!
Register today at www.lynkdatingapp.com
AYP GATHERS: SUNSET SOCIAL // JULY 3 // 7:00PM CDT
Adventist Young Professionals in the Southwest USA has connected, engaged and equipped Adventist young professionals over the past months through engaging webinars. As we enter a post-covid world, the Southwest team is pleased to host our first AYP Gathers, a social event coming Independence Day weekend on July 3rd in Alvarado, Texas.
AYP Gathers: Sunset Social
The purpose of AYP Gathers is to facilitate a space for young adults to intentionally connect with each other and build a sense of community within our Southwest network. Our first AYP Gathers is called Sunset Social on July 3rd from 7 - 9 PM. Sunset Social will be held at one of our ambassador’s homes in Alvarado, TX, for a more intimate and casual setting just on the outskirts of Keene, TX. It will include fun icebreaker activities, a devotional talk, praise & worship, prayer, food, and fireworks. All activities will be led or facilitated by AYP Southwest leaders.
What To Bring
Attendees are encouraged to be one and bring one. This means we not only want people within our AYP Southwest network to bring themselves, but to also bring a young adult friend. Everyone needs to also bring their own lawn chairs for seating and fireworks (at their discretion). All other items will be provided by AYP Southwest.
“I have been long awaiting this opportunity to finally meet the AYP family in person and engage in ways we haven’t done in the past. This is an extremely joyful moment as we continue to build the foundation of our young adult community through meaningful fellowship, networking, and worship. I am looking forward to meeting you all and sharing more on the plans we have for the future. See you soon!” - Paulino Santos, SW Regional Director
While there is no cost to attend Sunset Social, registration is required and space is limited. Visit www.AdventistYoungProfessionals.org/southwest to secure your spot today. Upon registering, you will receive the exact address. Spread the word! We’ll see you on July 3, 2021
ATTENTION CONTENT CREATORS!
The Scratch and The Haystack are excited to announce a new Content Creators Search, empowering youth and young adult creators!
In partnership with Adventist Learning Community of The North American Division, we are equipping (new cameras, lighting, microphones, etc.) and empowering ($$) the next generation of Adventist content creators.
We would love your help of sharing this opportunity with the youth and young adults within your network. Please consider sharing this via your email lists, Facebook/Twitter/Instagram pages, newsletters, and bulletin inserts.
Winners will receive:
- $1,000 worth of new gear (or $1k of upgrades)
- $250 cash every month
- Free consultation sessions with Adventist experts in social media, marketing, content creation, and production to help them be a better creator
- An on-going, dedicated social media expert to advise them as they create content
- Exposure via The Haystack’s channels and paid promotions
To apply: Creators can visit www.thehaystack.org/creators or scan the QR code in the attached graphic.
If you have any questions, feel free to email us (or ask Adam Fenner with Adventist Learning Community)! We are so excited to be supporting youth and young adult Adventists with 21st century methods.
Sincerely,
The Scratch News/The Haystack teams
www.thescratchnews.com || www.thehaystack.org
BAPTISM CELEBRATION SLATED NEXT FOR AUGUST 14
If you have interest in being baptized or wish to recommit your life to Jesus through re-baptism, we would love for you to join celebrations set for this Summer. Click the above icon or here to let us know and for more information.
PURSUE GOD
Last week’s teaching by Julian Humphrey-Davis & Lisa Brandreth, A Call To Prayer
DEEP DIVE: A CALL TO PRAYER
Prayer is the metronome that keeps us in rhythm with God
“For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me has himself given me a commandment—what to say and what to speak.” --John 12:49 [ESV]
_______________
DEEP DIVE
The deep calling of GOD is a life-long process with GOD and each other; It is a journey not a destination. It’s about a sacred space of transformation found in every day, listening to GOD’s voice and finding satisfaction in Him.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. –Jeremiah 29:13 [NIV]
Join Younger Generation Church for their Summer series, “Deep Dive,” Saturdays, 10:15AM CDT, fb.com/ygchurch #DeepDive #ygchurch
![THE TRUE PURPOSE OF PRAYER "This is to my Father’s glory..." — John 15:8When I was growing up, my family spent two weeks every summer at a Christian camp that catered to families and singles of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.It didn’t matter what denomination you came from, or whether you liked traditional or contemporary worship; we were united by a love of Scripture, a belief in the power of the Holy Spirit, and a desire to draw closer to Jesus.I remember the older woman who came every year from someplace in New Jersey. If you asked her what time it was, she never looked at her watch. Instead, her face would light up and she’d say, “It’s time to praise the Lord!”At the time, I thought she was a little bit crazy. I mean, I usually did want to know what time it was so I wouldn’t be late for lunch, arts and crafts, or the goofy worship-slash-exercise class held outside on the lawn, called Devotion in Motion. Sometimes, though, I didn’t really care what time it was. Sometimes I just wanted to hear her say it:"It’s time to praise the Lord!"The phrase seemed funny then, coming at random intervals and when there didn’t seem to be any reason for praise. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve begun to realize that old gal was onto something. It’s always a good time to praise God — particularly when you may otherwise feel discouraged, anxious, or weak.Which happens, right? There are plenty of times when we may not feel like giving God praise, times when grief, disappointment, worry, or even just plain old fatigue fills the radar screen of our emotions. But as my friend Sara Hagerty says, that’s actually the best time to adore.“Adoration,” she writes, “never requires us to shut down our emotions. On the contrary, it invites us to bring them — all of them — to God. God does not want our polished pretenses... He wants us to come honestly. So He invites us to wrestle.” [1]And as we wrestle — as we show up and (as Sara puts it) “sing your way into the truth”—something happens. The very act of praising (even when we don’t feel like it in the midst of our pain) releases the power of God into our lives.Fern Nichols, founder of Moms in Prayer International, understands this transformation. Praise, she writes, “changes our attitude; brings an awareness of God’s presence; defeats Satan; releases God’s power; brings a victorious perspective; provides peace; wards off the spirits of self-pity, depression, and discouragement; and produces strength in an anxious heart.” [2]In short, praise opens the door to hope.When we look at our lives through the lens of God’s character, everything shifts. Problems that once loomed impossibly large start to shrink. Everything finds its place in light of God’s attributes: His perfect holiness reveals our flaws; His mercy allows us to confess them; His faithfulness emboldens us to come before Him with our every need... which sets the stage for His glory.When we call on God, releasing His power through our prayers and our praise, our lives become places where He can perform. Our careers, our marriages, our finances, our friendships, our health — all of these venues, and more — are opportunities for God to showcase His splendor. That’s what Jesus is talking about in John 15:7–8 when He tells us to “ask.”This is to My Father’s glory, He says, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.“The true purpose of prayer,” writes R. A. Torrey, “is that God may be glorified in the answer.” [3]How fitting it is, then, for us to begin our petitions with that end in mind. How natural it is for us to come before God — to enter His courts — with praise. [4] And how comforting it is to know that there is not a single need we will face that God is not able, through His very nature, to address. When we are weak, He is strong. When we are uncertain, He is omniscient. When we need guidance, He is wise. When we know we’ve blown it, He is redemption and grace.In the prayer prompts to follow, you’ll find a collection of concerns — places where we need God to show up in the face of things like anxiety, loneliness, and grief — and Scriptures that reveal His presence there. If you don’t see your particular need in the mix, try working your way through the psalms. You’ll discover a God who is sovereign, powerful, omnipresent, faithful, full of wisdom, and more. Or use the alphabet as a praise prompt, thinking of words — Awesome, Beautiful, Counselor — that describe who God is. (I like to do this when worry and fear try to keep me awake during the night. I start naming God’s names — and I’m usually asleep again before I get beyond G or H!)God longs to reveal Himself — His character, His attributes, His nature — to us. Our struggles are His entry points, places where we can witness His goodness, His comfort, His power.Call on Me when you are in trouble, He says, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory. [5]And you will give Me glory. In other words, it doesn’t matter where we are or what sort of trouble we face. My little old camp friend was right: it’s always time to praise the Lord.READ➢ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:4–5)➢Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Habakkuk 3:17–18)➢ Through the praise of children and infants You have established a stronghold against Your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. (Psalm 8:2)REFLECT➢ God wants to satisfy us with His presence. He longs to show us His goodness and let us know how much we are loved. As C. S. Lewis put it, “It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men... In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.” [6]➢What has been your experience with praise? Do you hold back, wondering, as Lewis once did, why an Almighty God would need, or crave, our worship “like a vain woman wanting compliments”? [7] Do you wait to praise until you have a reason to rejoice? Or are you comfortable with the idea of “wrestling” in praise, worshiping God even in the midst of doubt, worry, or pain?➢ Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into praise. Read the psalms; sing an old hymn or a new chorus; let your adoration spill onto the pages of a prayer journal, along with your questions or pain. God welcomes it all. “Come near to Me,” he says, “and I will come near to you.” [8] Open your heart and enjoy God today.RESPONDHeavenly Father . . .➢ You are my PROTECTOR. You are a SHIELD to those who put their trust in You. (Proverbs 30:5)➢ You are WISE. Your UNDERSTANDING has no limit. (Psalm 147:5)➢ You are ALL-POWERFUL. You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You. (Jeremiah 32:17)➢ You are a FAITHFUL FRIEND. You will never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)➢ You are my COMFORT. You bind up the brokenhearted and comfort all who mourn, giving us the oil of joy and a garment of praise in place of the spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:1–3)➢ You are my GUIDE. You will guide me along the best pathway for my life. You will advise me and watch over me. (Psalm 32:8 NLT)➢You KNOW me. You know everything about me. You know my thoughts; You know everything I do; You know what I’m going to say even before I say it. You place your hand of blessing on my head. (Psalm 139:1–5 NLT)➢ You are the God of HOPE. When I am weary or discouraged, You fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You so that I will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)➢ You are my HEALER, physically and emotionally. You forgive all my sins and heal all my diseases. You heal my broken heart and bind up my wounds. (Psalm 103:2–3; 147:3)➢ Whatever I need, You are ABLE to bless me abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)➢ You are MERCIFUL. Because of your great love I am not consumed, for Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23)➢ You are my STRENGTH. I do not need to be fearful or dismayed because You have promised to strengthen me and help me; You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)➢ You are TRUSTWORTHY. You are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in You, and You help me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise You. (Psalm 28:7)➢ You are my HELPER in my weakness. Even when I do not know how to pray, Your Holy Spirit intercedes for me. (Romans 8:26) --Jodie Berndt________________________ 1. Sara Hagerty, Adore: A Simple Practice for Experiencing God in the Middle Minutes of Your Day (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2020), 32, italics original. 2. Fern Nichols, Every Child Needs a Praying Mom (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003), 61. 3. R. A. Torrey, How to Pray (Chicago: Moody, 1900), 75. 4. Psalm 100:4. 5. Psalm 50:15 NLT. 6. S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms (New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1958), 93, 97. 7. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, 93. 8. James 4:8.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc9b01b3db2bd051138ccd/1623940619961-GS4J8NHFYJSHFHJW2FHB/197468285_10159118919369557_9009561934196433893_n.jpg)
THE TRUE PURPOSE OF PRAYER
"This is to my Father’s glory..." — John 15:8
When I was growing up, my family spent two weeks every summer at a Christian camp that catered to families and singles of all ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
It didn’t matter what denomination you came from, or whether you liked traditional or contemporary worship; we were united by a love of Scripture, a belief in the power of the Holy Spirit, and a desire to draw closer to Jesus.
I remember the older woman who came every year from someplace in New Jersey. If you asked her what time it was, she never looked at her watch. Instead, her face would light up and she’d say, “It’s time to praise the Lord!”
At the time, I thought she was a little bit crazy. I mean, I usually did want to know what time it was so I wouldn’t be late for lunch, arts and crafts, or the goofy worship-slash-exercise class held outside on the lawn, called Devotion in Motion. Sometimes, though, I didn’t really care what time it was. Sometimes I just wanted to hear her say it:
"It’s time to praise the Lord!"
The phrase seemed funny then, coming at random intervals and when there didn’t seem to be any reason for praise. As I’ve gotten older, though, I’ve begun to realize that old gal was onto something. It’s always a good time to praise God — particularly when you may otherwise feel discouraged, anxious, or weak.
Which happens, right? There are plenty of times when we may not feel like giving God praise, times when grief, disappointment, worry, or even just plain old fatigue fills the radar screen of our emotions. But as my friend Sara Hagerty says, that’s actually the best time to adore.
“Adoration,” she writes, “never requires us to shut down our emotions. On the contrary, it invites us to bring them — all of them — to God. God does not want our polished pretenses... He wants us to come honestly. So He invites us to wrestle.” [1]
And as we wrestle — as we show up and (as Sara puts it) “sing your way into the truth”—something happens. The very act of praising (even when we don’t feel like it in the midst of our pain) releases the power of God into our lives.
Fern Nichols, founder of Moms in Prayer International, understands this transformation. Praise, she writes, “changes our attitude; brings an awareness of God’s presence; defeats Satan; releases God’s power; brings a victorious perspective; provides peace; wards off the spirits of self-pity, depression, and discouragement; and produces strength in an anxious heart.” [2]
In short, praise opens the door to hope.
When we look at our lives through the lens of God’s character, everything shifts. Problems that once loomed impossibly large start to shrink. Everything finds its place in light of God’s attributes: His perfect holiness reveals our flaws; His mercy allows us to confess them; His faithfulness emboldens us to come before Him with our every need... which sets the stage for His glory.
When we call on God, releasing His power through our prayers and our praise, our lives become places where He can perform. Our careers, our marriages, our finances, our friendships, our health — all of these venues, and more — are opportunities for God to showcase His splendor. That’s what Jesus is talking about in John 15:7–8 when He tells us to “ask.”
This is to My Father’s glory, He says, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.
“The true purpose of prayer,” writes R. A. Torrey, “is that God may be glorified in the answer.” [3]
How fitting it is, then, for us to begin our petitions with that end in mind. How natural it is for us to come before God — to enter His courts — with praise. [4] And how comforting it is to know that there is not a single need we will face that God is not able, through His very nature, to address. When we are weak, He is strong. When we are uncertain, He is omniscient. When we need guidance, He is wise. When we know we’ve blown it, He is redemption and grace.
In the prayer prompts to follow, you’ll find a collection of concerns — places where we need God to show up in the face of things like anxiety, loneliness, and grief — and Scriptures that reveal His presence there. If you don’t see your particular need in the mix, try working your way through the psalms. You’ll discover a God who is sovereign, powerful, omnipresent, faithful, full of wisdom, and more. Or use the alphabet as a praise prompt, thinking of words — Awesome, Beautiful, Counselor — that describe who God is. (I like to do this when worry and fear try to keep me awake during the night. I start naming God’s names — and I’m usually asleep again before I get beyond G or H!)
God longs to reveal Himself — His character, His attributes, His nature — to us. Our struggles are His entry points, places where we can witness His goodness, His comfort, His power.
Call on Me when you are in trouble, He says, and I will rescue you, and you will give Me glory. [5]
And you will give Me glory. In other words, it doesn’t matter where we are or what sort of trouble we face. My little old camp friend was right: it’s always time to praise the Lord.
READ
➢ Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:4–5)
➢Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. (Habakkuk 3:17–18)
➢ Through the praise of children and infants You have established a stronghold against Your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. (Psalm 8:2)
REFLECT
➢ God wants to satisfy us with His presence. He longs to show us His goodness and let us know how much we are loved. As C. S. Lewis put it, “It is in the process of being worshipped that God communicates His presence to men... In commanding us to glorify Him, God is inviting us to enjoy Him.” [6]
➢What has been your experience with praise? Do you hold back, wondering, as Lewis once did, why an Almighty God would need, or crave, our worship “like a vain woman wanting compliments”? [7] Do you wait to praise until you have a reason to rejoice? Or are you comfortable with the idea of “wrestling” in praise, worshiping God even in the midst of doubt, worry, or pain?
➢ Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you into praise. Read the psalms; sing an old hymn or a new chorus; let your adoration spill onto the pages of a prayer journal, along with your questions or pain. God welcomes it all. “Come near to Me,” he says, “and I will come near to you.” [8] Open your heart and enjoy God today.
RESPOND
Heavenly Father . . .
➢ You are my PROTECTOR. You are a SHIELD to those who put their trust in You. (Proverbs 30:5)
➢ You are WISE. Your UNDERSTANDING has no limit. (Psalm 147:5)
➢ You are ALL-POWERFUL. You have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for You. (Jeremiah 32:17)
➢ You are a FAITHFUL FRIEND. You will never leave me or forsake me. (Hebrews 13:5)
➢ You are my COMFORT. You bind up the brokenhearted and comfort all who mourn, giving us the oil of joy and a garment of praise in place of the spirit of despair. (Isaiah 61:1–3)
➢ You are my GUIDE. You will guide me along the best pathway for my life. You will advise me and watch over me. (Psalm 32:8 NLT)
➢You KNOW me. You know everything about me. You know my thoughts; You know everything I do; You know what I’m going to say even before I say it. You place your hand of blessing on my head. (Psalm 139:1–5 NLT)
➢ You are the God of HOPE. When I am weary or discouraged, You fill me with all joy and peace as I trust in You so that I will overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
➢ You are my HEALER, physically and emotionally. You forgive all my sins and heal all my diseases. You heal my broken heart and bind up my wounds. (Psalm 103:2–3; 147:3)
➢ Whatever I need, You are ABLE to bless me abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that I need, I will abound in every good work. (2 Corinthians 9:8)
➢ You are MERCIFUL. Because of your great love I am not consumed, for Your compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22–23)
➢ You are my STRENGTH. I do not need to be fearful or dismayed because You have promised to strengthen me and help me; You will uphold me with Your righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
➢ You are TRUSTWORTHY. You are my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in You, and You help me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise You. (Psalm 28:7)
➢ You are my HELPER in my weakness. Even when I do not know how to pray, Your Holy Spirit intercedes for me. (Romans 8:26)
--Jodie Berndt
________________________
1. Sara Hagerty, Adore: A Simple Practice for Experiencing God in the Middle Minutes of Your Day (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2020), 32, italics original.
2. Fern Nichols, Every Child Needs a Praying Mom (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003), 61.
3. R. A. Torrey, How to Pray (Chicago: Moody, 1900), 75.
4. Psalm 100:4.
5. Psalm 50:15 NLT.
6. S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms (New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1958), 93, 97.
7. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, 93.
8. James 4:8.
READING SCRIPTURE WELL
When it comes to the Bible, are you reading rationally or relationally? Be inspired by Edyta Jankiewicz commentary feature for the Adventist Review.
DOWNLOAD FREE “THE EIGHT CALLS OF GOD” DEVOTIONAL
As a guide for our journey together, download free this devotional series by Dr. Tara J. VinCross.
EXPERIENCING GOD
Experiencing God: Knowing and Doing the Will of God by Henry T. Blackaby is a beneficial and easy to comprehend devotional guide affording the Christ-follower a Biblical template for the discipleship journey. Click the above icon or here for various resources associated with the book.
THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE
The Purpose Driven Life is a 40-day devotional guide that affords a basic template for the life of a disciple. It's YG Church's preferred discipleship primer for beginning the Christ-following journey. Click the above icon or here to review the variety of devotional resources available.
EXPERIENCE COMMUNITY
LET’S DO LIFE TOGETHER
During these extraordinary times, we benefit from innovating ways to connect and build community amidst the challenges that surround us. At Younger Generation Church, we want to encourage you to seek out ways to do life together while we abide by community health guidelines. Click the above icon or here for great group options to consider.
“Let us hold strong to the confession of our hope, never wavering, since the One who promised it to us is faithful. Let us consider how to inspire each other to greater love and to righteous deeds, not forgetting to gather as a community, as some have forgotten, but encouraging each other, especially as the day of His return approaches.” —Hebrews 10:23-25 [Voice]
THE DEEP CALL OF GOD
"Deep Calling: On Being and Growing Disciples" is a wholistic movement – discipleship and disciple-making – that emphasizes a life-long process, not a destination. It’s about making space for God in the every day, bearing witness to transformation in the ordinary. It’s about knowing truth and experiencing Truth. It’s about learning to listen to the voice of God. It’s about satisfying your longing with the only One who can satisfy your soul. All are invited. All are welcome to answer the deep call of God.
Discover more, taravincross.com/deepcalling
![FREE ACCESS TO RIGHTNOW MEDIA FOR ALL OUR MEMBERS! Our digital ministry library, Rightnow Media, offers tens of thousands of video-based Bible studies at your finger tips. Contact Pastor Tom [tom@arlingtonadventist.com] to gain access to our RightN…](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/58dc9b01b3db2bd051138ccd/1618229661763-RFZLGEMUQWGZ32LXZHQE/90138009_4162063123807616_2121405538586591232_n.jpg)
FREE ACCESS TO RIGHTNOW MEDIA FOR ALL OUR MEMBERS!
Our digital ministry library, Rightnow Media, offers tens of thousands of video-based Bible studies at your finger tips. Contact Pastor Tom [tom@arlingtonadventist.com] to gain access to our RightNow digital Bible study library.
INSPIRE HOPE // SHARE GRACE
REVIVE COMMUNITY CARE: WE ARE HERE TO HELP EACH OTHER
Inspire those around you with the hope of grace by volunteering with Revive Community Care! Participate and refer those in need, revivecommunitycare.com
NEEDED: DIAPERS & WIPES
Diapers of all sizes and baby wipes are donations that are needed and deeply appreciated. Many of the community families we serve have babies and small children. Please drop off your donations into the church foyer collection bins OR in the office during business hours. Click the above icon or here to find out more information from Heidi Jackson, our Revive Community Care director.
TEXAS YOUNG ADULT MINISTRIES
Especially for those young adults, post-high school through pre-parenthood, there is an array of great activities, ministries, resources and service opportunities. Ranging from campus ministry, to young professionals, and beyond, find a wealth of options and networks with Texas Young Adults. Click the above icon or here for their most recent eNewsletter and to subscribe. For more information contact Pastor Justin Yang.
YOUR GENEROSITY MAKES @YGCHURCH GROW, GLOW, & GO
We invite you to support @ygchurch financially. As you bless YG, our young adults overflow that blessing into our community and into the world. Your tax-deductible donation helps YG grow, glow, and go. Thank you. Click the above icon or here for ways to give.
How does your support overflow into the world? Click here for @ygchurch stories of overflow.
GRATITUDE
LIFT: A CREATIVE COLLECTIVE
Thanks to all who came out and all who helped out with LIFT 2021! We truly appreciate and admire all our artists, creatives, producers, and media gurus! We hope to have more opportunities to build community and enjoy hanging out!
Younger Generation Church is the vibrant young adult ministry of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church.YG's mission is to deepen our devotion to Christ Jesus through:
• Pursuing INTIMACY with God
• Experiencing COMMUNITY with each other
• Inspiring those around us with the hope of GRACE