Embracing Weakness: The Journey of Becoming New

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Vulnerability as a Path to Growth

In the "Fellowship of the Withered Hand," we learn that true spiritual growth emerges from acknowledging our weaknesses and meeting God in those vulnerable places. This fellowship is not about showcasing our strengths but about finding strength in our shared humanity and vulnerability. By embracing our limitations, we open ourselves to God's transformative power, allowing Him to work through our brokenness. This journey is about authenticity and humility, recognizing that our spiritual path is a continuous process of growth and discovery. [09:43]

"For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:10, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a personal weakness you often hide. How can you invite God into this area today and allow Him to transform it into a source of strength?

Day 2: Building Authentic Connections

Our community has grown organically through genuine connections and shared experiences, highlighting the importance of authentic relationships in spiritual growth. In a world that often values superficial interactions, this community stands as a testament to the power of deep, meaningful connections. By supporting each other in our journeys, we create a space where spiritual growth can flourish. This is not about building something grand or impressive but about fostering genuine relationships that nurture our souls. [12:32]

"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your community who might need support. How can you reach out to them today to offer genuine connection and encouragement?

Day 3: The Power of Sharing Our Stories

Sharing personal stories and experiences can be a powerful way to connect with others and find common ground. Our diverse backgrounds and journeys enrich our community, reminding us of the universal need for connection. By opening up about our own experiences, we invite others to do the same, creating a tapestry of shared humanity. This practice not only strengthens our bonds but also deepens our understanding of God's work in our lives. [18:37]

"Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!" (1 Chronicles 16:24, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a personal story that has shaped your faith. How can you share this story with someone today to encourage and inspire them?

Day 4: Embracing the Journey of Spiritual Growth

Spiritual growth is a continuous journey that involves embracing challenges and stepping into the unknown. It's about becoming the person God calls us to be, one day at a time, in the context of our everyday lives. This journey requires courage and trust, as we navigate the uncertainties of life with faith. By embracing the adventure of faith, we open ourselves to the transformative work of God, trusting that He is with us every step of the way. [29:50]

"Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own." (Philippians 3:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to grow? What steps can you take today to embrace this journey with faith and courage?

Day 5: Inviting Participation in the Faith Journey

We invite everyone to be part of this journey, whether through providing feedback on the book, joining a prayer team, or sharing the content with others. Together, we can support each other in our spiritual growth and embrace the adventure of faith. This invitation is about creating a community where everyone has a role to play, contributing to the collective journey of becoming who God calls us to be. By participating, we not only enrich our own spiritual lives but also the lives of those around us. [24:36]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your faith community today? Consider one specific action you can take to support and encourage others in their spiritual journey.

Sermon Summary

In our gathering today, we shared a heartfelt conversation about the journey and community that has formed around "Become New." This initiative, born out of a mix of calling and personal pain, has grown into a space where we can embrace our weaknesses and find strength in our shared humanity. We began by sharing personal stories and locations, highlighting the diverse and widespread nature of our community. This diversity is a testament to the universal need for connection and spiritual growth.

The heart of our discussion revolved around the concept of the "Fellowship of the Withered Hand," inspired by the biblical story in Luke 6. This fellowship is about acknowledging our limitations and brokenness, and finding God in those places of vulnerability. It's a reminder that our spiritual journey is not about showcasing our strengths, but about meeting God and each other in our weaknesses. This community is not about building something grand or impressive; it's about genuine connection and spiritual growth.

We also touched on the origins of "Become New," which started as a simple act of sharing daily reflections and has grown through word of mouth into a supportive community. The survey results we discussed show a highly engaged group of individuals who are eager to grow spiritually and support one another. This engagement is a testament to the authenticity and depth of the content being shared.

Looking ahead, we are excited about upcoming projects, including a new series inspired by Paul Tournier and a book project that explores the 12 steps as a framework for spiritual growth. We invite everyone to be part of this journey, whether through providing feedback on the book, joining a prayer team, or simply sharing the content with others.

Ultimately, this community is about becoming the person God calls us to be, one day at a time, in the context of our everyday lives. It's about embracing the adventure of faith, even when it's scary, and trusting that God is with us every step of the way.

Key Takeaways

1. Embracing Weakness: The "Fellowship of the Withered Hand" teaches us that true spiritual growth comes from acknowledging our weaknesses and meeting God in those places. It's not about showcasing our strengths but about finding strength in our shared humanity and vulnerability. [09:43]
2. Community and Connection: Our community has grown organically through genuine connections and shared experiences. This highlights the importance of authentic relationships in spiritual growth, where we support each other in our journeys. [12:32]
3. The Power of Story: Sharing personal stories and experiences can be a powerful way to connect with others and find common ground. Our diverse backgrounds and journeys enrich our community and remind us of the universal need for connection. [18:37]
4. Spiritual Growth as a Journey: Spiritual growth is a continuous journey that involves embracing challenges and stepping into the unknown. It's about becoming the person God calls us to be, one day at a time, in the context of our everyday lives. [29:50]
5. Invitation to Participate: We invite everyone to be part of this journey, whether through providing feedback on the book, joining a prayer team, or sharing the content with others. Together, we can support each other in our spiritual growth and embrace the adventure of faith. [24:36]
** [24:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:11] - Introductions and Locations
[04:28] - Origins of Become New
[05:05] - Calling and Pain
[07:34] - Fellowship of the Withered Hand
[10:05] - Personal Journeys and Transitions
[12:57] - Community Growth and Survey Insights
[16:46] - Engaging with the Community
[19:21] - Current Projects and Future Plans
[22:10] - Book Project and Participation
[24:36] - Opportunities to Get Involved
[27:04] - Upcoming Series on Paul Tournier
[29:50] - Embracing Fear and Growth
[32:53] - Closing Thoughts and Invitation

Sermon Clips

"Yeah, literally uh uh it occurred to me one day you know I could talk into this and uh, um nothing can interfere with that and so that could be a good thing and I had a couple of friends my friend Sam said you know your calling is to try to learn and understand and seek to teach people and try to be helpful in that way so don't neglect it keep practicing your craft." [00:05:22]

"And the final session Paul taught and he told that story about the man with the withered hand and when he kept coming back to us Jesus asked the man with the withered hand to do the one thing he could not do which is to stretch out your hand and it is coming to grips with what am I not able to do not just emotional pain but spiritual pain failure sin brokenness in every respect where we meet God my strength is made perfect in weakness we meet God in that place of brokenness." [00:08:29]

"Somehow that notion has become I think a part of who we are together as a community, um we are not the company of the strong we are the fellowship of the withered hand and the worse your story the warmer you're welcome as our friend Mike says." [00:09:41]

"I think that this whole journey has been completely exercised there's a lot lack of a better word of that desire and just a complete there's one episode that you did the leave it there alter you know if you remember that one but it just feels like just dying to that and this isn't a church you know this isn't a church organization." [00:11:52]

"Yeah, and we just sort of kept doing it every day I think that first series we did it was an advent series and it was every day Monday through Sunday and I think it was after that I don't know 30 days straight that we're like we should probably take like weekends off because that deliverable is a lot to keep up but." [00:06:22]

"Yeah, I think joining the team inviting a friend yep and the other thing John just to let you speak to really quickly I've had uh several people reach out to me to ask are we a 501c3 is this something I can give to if I want to you know give generously what do you what would you how would you respond to that John." [00:25:40]

"Ultimately, this community is about becoming the person God calls us to be, one day at a time, in the context of our everyday lives. It's about embracing the adventure of faith, even when it's scary, and trusting that God is with us every step of the way." [00:29:50]

"Yeah, well I want to talk a little bit about what you just touched on John the book and kind of what's happening now so what's happening now is that we're going to just continue to provide content John I mean you're going to continue to provide content as you feel led and inspired and as conversations or topics feel relevant and important to have." [00:19:21]

"Yeah, I think on the whole what we see is that it's a really highly engaged community and that folks are are wanting more I mean we did a little bit of a you know what else would you be interested in that question and in-person gathering was something folks were interested in a digital journal online course a written journal things nothing 18 people are like I just like it how it is." [00:16:06]

"Yeah, I think that all comes to the heart of of what this community values and what it's built on which is this idea that the person we're becoming is actually the most important thing that it's not I need to go out there John you've given this talk and I know it's there's a lot of influence into this but this idea that the line between good and evil runs through every human heart." [00:33:01]

"Yeah, I think for all of us we're all coming to it from this same place I know for me I definitely carried this desire this edge for a long time of wanting to be something important you know I think that happens in churches especially when you're working in a church you're like I want to make a big difference that's that's the pure place that it starts I want to help people and then it can skew into like I want to be important." [00:10:47]

"Yeah, I think that this whole journey has been completely exercised there's a lot lack of a better word of that desire and just a complete there's one episode that you did the leave it there alter you know if you remember that one but it just feels like just dying to that and this isn't a church you know this isn't a church organization." [00:11:52]

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