Starts With V Ends With You

Are any of you major board game people like I am? Now, I'm not talking about “Candy Land” or the “Sorry” game. Not a mambo jambo game based on chance that’s over in 10 minutes. I’m talking about the longest game of Monopoly you’ve ever played or a strategy-filled game of Settlers of Catan. The games that take time and involve strategically outsmarting your opponents? That’s the kind of game I want to play. Maybe it's just because I am a guy and there are some of those building and conquering instincts in the fabric of my DNA, but I absolutely love the games where you conquer land or territories. In all these games, finding vulnerabilities in your opponent's defense is the name of the game. Sneak attacking, maneuvering, and positioning yourself in such a way that their vulnerabilities are exposed helps you win the night.

Now, what I find joy in, in board games, does not necessarily translate to the real world, but I believe there are some parallels to be drawn.

The Lord has placed on my heart the need for real vulnerability within the Church, and I mean the big "C" Church, not necessarily just Grace Community Church. I think this is one area that can be hard for Christians and humanity in general. Because of the sinful nature that is within us, there have been moments where individuals have weaponized someone's vulnerabilities or taken advantage of a vulnerable place in their life, and that can cause pain that rocks people to their core! This can cause us to throw up walls around our lives, where vulnerability is never allowed to show its face again.

Another danger that the Church faces is a “holier than thou” culture that never allows someone to be real with the mistakes and difficulties they might be currently facing. If the expectation is “I’m perfect, so you have to be too,” vulnerability will never safely be a part of normal routines within that community.

James 5:16 says, "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." I have personally experienced the power of this verse and the value of being vulnerable with your community. Whenever we hold our cards close to our chest or struggle in silence, it's almost as if we’re fighting two battles: one against the struggle itself, and the other being the human need for community. Life only gets harder.

We were created to be honest and vulnerable with God and with others. Jesus modeled it in His flesh as He was approaching the day He would be hung on the cross. He cried out to God and was vulnerable to the fact that His flesh did not want to endure the pain. He didn't bottle it up, push it down, put a smile on His face, and tell the disciples, “Life is good.” He begged the disciples to come and pray with Him, for He was “grieved to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38).

Vulnerability, I believe, is a spiritual discipline that requires more attention than we realize. Vulnerability does not just happen by chance. It takes intentionality. On a spiritual level, it takes the constant removal of pride and the laying of everything at the feet of Jesus through prayer and petition. The more we do this, the easier it gets, as is the case with any discipline.

Now I am going to say something that is somewhat difficult. Vulnerability in a community where it is not present starts with you. If you look around and think, “I have nowhere to be vulnerable,” or, “Nobody seems to be honest with their struggles,” there is a strong possibility that God wants a culture and community of vulnerability to start with you. You just might be the needed vessel God wants to use. One thing I have learned in communities of vulnerability is that it gets easier and easier the more people around you are doing it. So if it is not happening around you, I’ll say this: it starts with you. Almost every time I haven't wanted to share the darkest parts of my testimony or be honest about my current struggles in life, but in obedience, I share anyway, the Lord has blessed those moments immensely. It’s worth it. Be vulnerable.

Where do you need to be more vulnerable? For your own sake, for others' sake, and for the kingdom's sake?

Peace and Blessings,
Bryant Hart

New School Revival

What a wild ride of camp we had last week! Thank you all immensely for your prayers for both the students and for safety! As many of you know the van ride back was wild for a number of reasons (vans breaking down etc.). But, I don’t want that to distract from the great work God was doing in and through our group. 

If you were unaware our students served every afternoon from 12-4pm all over Fort Worth, Texas, in nursing homes, homeless shelters, and food banks. It was great to see their hearts and willingness to jump right in and help. A strong reason I believe in this camp organization is because of the training that the staff does with the students to teach them how to strike up gospel conversations and share their testimonies. With this, we had several students boldly step out of their comfort zones and do just that- share the gospel or their testimonies with COMPLETE STRANGERS. AMEN! Students being the Church and spreading God’s word, why wouldn’t we get excited for that?!

As we returned back to campus each night we would have a service after some free time and dinner where Chandler Snyder, the Dean of Students at Southwestern Seminary, and our camp pastor, would challenge all of us with the topic of revival as we walked through the book of Jonah. Our theme verse for the week was 2 Chronicles 7:14  “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” Chandler uncovered with us where revival begins, what revival requires, what revival leads to, and challenged us with what will we do with revival. The culmination of the messages was that the source of Revival is God and in order for revival to happen we must be willing to recognize the messy sin that we have, repent and turn from our sin and follow after God. Once we have done that, we should proclaim the hope of Christ and tell the story of what He has done for us and has done for every human being. This is a simple message right? One that we hear often. But the Spirit had gone before us and the TRUTH of this message set heavily on the chests of a lot of our students. Many expressed the conviction that they need to be more bold in sharing what God has done in their lives. Some confessed sin, repented, and are pursuing accountability. One student even fully committed their life to Christ for the first time. EXCITING THINGS! Christ moved mightily amongst our group and I am proud of the students and families we have at Grace Community Church.

So I'll turn this message back to you. Revival begins with God. It requires a call from God. It leads to action… obedience, confession, and repentance. Then it takes commitment to carry on the message. What is God’s call to you? What is He trying to teach you or tell you? How are you acting on it, and how do you need to carry it on? Ponder these questions and ask God to reveal Himself to you.

Lord, please bring revival to our church, to our community, to our world!

Peace and Blessings,

Bryant Hart

Look How Far We've Come

Does anybody remember crazy hair day in school? Was that even a thing before my generation? All through elementary and middle school, I looked forward to this infamous day when I had the opportunity to come to school with a gallon of hair gel, sculpting my hair into crazy formations, not to mention spraying blue, red, and green washable colors into my hair. I thought it was the coolest thing anyone could ever do. It was quite possibly the best day of the year other than field day! Evidence of this belief I held can be found on my Facebook. If you’re curious, my earliest profile picture displays my 6th grade crazy hair day to the fullest. (See picture below)

This was a moment in time for me. A moment, that at the time, I was extremely proud of. Looking back, I can now laugh at my strange enthusiasm and thank the Lord for the wisdom and maturity that he has given me. Now, I am still strange and have some crazy ideas, but I am definitely… Maybe… possibly a little farther down the road, a little more mature, and a little better off because of it.

I shared this image with a group of leaders recently to make the point that it is sometimes good for us to look back at where we used to be, in hopes that we would see just how far we have come. 

The same can be done in our spiritual life, and I think should be done as often as we can.  Stopping and pondering what God has brought us through, or given us a mature perspective on, can point us to thankfulness for His faithfulness. I know when I think of my story and what God has done in my life, I’m immediately drawn to praise because I recognize how unworthy I am, but how merciful, generous, and giving our God is. 

Even in seasons of difficulty the Psalmist Asaph says this in Psalms 77:11-15 

“I will remember the Lord’s works; yes, I will remember your ancient wonders. I will reflect on all you have done and meditate on your actions. God, your way is holy. What god is great like God?   You are the God who works wonders; you revealed your strength among the peoples.  With power you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah”

Remembrance can lead to thankfulness, faithfulness, a strengthening of faith, and much, much more. Take some time to remember today what the Lord has done in the past and trust that He will continue to be faithful in the future! 

Peace and blessings Grace family,

Bryant Hart

The Realest

Psalms in the summer. All of the Psalms in one summer? One hundred fifty chapters of Scripture in a row for back to back days all summer? I can almost feel the winces of pain that those three sentences caused you. I’m just kidding, I’m kiddingggg. I know we all read our Bibles faithfully 3 hours a day every day and sometimes even twice a day if we’re feeling extra spiritual. Also kidding… But seriously you might ask why should I read Psalms and to that I respond: why not join us in reading through the Psalms? What a great cop out right?

If you have no idea what I am talking about, allow me to fill you in. During Pastor Jack’s sabbatical there will be a MULTITUDE OF HEAVENLY HOSTS… (excuse me I can never say the word “multitude” without thinking of that phrase in scripture and saying it in my head with the best Morgan Freeman impression I’ve got)... During Jack's sabbatical there will be a multitude of guys filling the pulpit. Because of this, we wanted there to be some semblance of uniformity so we decided on everyone preaching from the Psalms. To add to the significance of this series we thought it might be an awesome opportunity for us as a church to read through the Psalms in our daily devotions and quiet times. Now that you’ve been filled in, here is a link to the actual plan that we can all read through together in the YouVersion bible app https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/32323. And if you are not into apps or you’re not super “techy” you can email the office at office@gccnewton.com and we will gladly give you a list of Psalms to read each day or you can pick up a printed copy at the connection desk. 

But still why. “Why would I read through all the Psalms?” I could never make you read them but the few words that I might try to persuade you with are these: Praise, faith, despair, lament, anger, thankfulness, hope and Messiah. The gamut of emotions, feelings, and heart postures you can experience are wrapped up with the last 5 chapters that give praise to our Creator. The Psalms might just be the realest reflection of the human experience in a broken world that was ACTUALLY designed to display God’s perfection. Or to quote Pastor Kyle “No matter your season of life, there is a Psalm for you.” The Psalms are fascinating depictions of broken people experiencing life as real as it gets in the highest of highs and lowest of lows. They, the Psalms, are so relatable and so easily applicable to our lives on a daily basis. There is great value in reading the Psalms straight through. 

So let’s do it. Let’s read the Psalms together. Then let’s talk about it, pray about it. Let’s let this season be marked by our faithfulness to spend time with God and read His word. 

Love you Grace. Peace and Blessings,

Bryant Hart

Find It

Where’s your safe space? You know, the place you feel the most comfortable to completely be yourself and do whatever it is that you love the most. The place you sometimes do the embarrassing things you would never do around anyone other than MAYBE your spouse. My safe space is my car and I know for some of you it is your car too. I know this because I have definitely pulled up next to some of your cars at a stoplight and have caught you digging for gold if you know what I mean. Hey, no judgment here. Sometimes you got to do what you’ve got to do. But my car is my safe space where I practice my stand up comedy career that will never happen or to scream a song at the top of my lungs without a worry in the world of hitting all the wrong notes solely because no one is around. It’s just me! It is also, at times, the place that I have the most raw conversations with God, and the deepest moments of worship.

I absolutely love the moments that it is just me and God driving down I-135 southbound to Wichita, with a song full of truth on the stereo that I can belt out at the top of my lungs. If you have never done this I would highly encourage you to. If that feels too weird to you I totally get it. What is it that you offer to God in your safe space? Anyways, I just wanted to share a worship song that has been blessing me, is full of truth, and I have loved singing to God recently.

The song is called Altar by Joe L. Barnes. My favorite part is honestly in the bridge and it goes like this.

You don’t need four walls You don’t need an altar call

You’ll meet me right wherever I am (I know you will)

From a table in my house down to a stack of stones

You’ll meet me right wherever I am 

And though my feet may fail when things aren't going well 

You’ll meet me right wherever I am

And if I go astray I know you’ll find a way

To meet me right wherever I am

Singing this is a declaration of the Power of God. That no matter the situation I know my God is powerful enough and loving enough to show up. It’s a declaration that I know I have a God that is present with me wherever I go and wants a deep relationship with me. But that is right now when I feel like things are going well in life. 

This song is also an amazing prayer that I can sing in the moments that I feel so far from God. When I wonder if he is ever going to show up and when I even doubt his existence. One of my worship leader buddies shared a quote with me that I'm sure was a quote from somebody else, but it goes like this. “Sometimes we sing the words because we believe them. Other times we sing the words UNTIL we believe them.” That was simple but profound to me. The words in this song are true, but that doesnt mean I always believe them. It doesn't mean that I always want to sing them at the top of my lungs. But sometimes I need to sing them until the Spirit has time to penetrate my hardened heart. 

Where is your safe space? Find it. Maybe you need to “sing it until you believe it” this week. 

Peace and Blessings Grace,

Bryant Hart

Aaawwe Yeah

Salt Lake City Utah. Once home to Joseph Smith and now home to the epicenter of the Mormon religion. It also happens to be the place where several of my friends have moved to, settled down in, and are diving into doing ministry. I have a high regard for these friends and their commitment to sharing the true word of God in a place where a twisted version of the truth is so heavily ingrained in the culture and people. Which is super interesting in and of itself but maybe i’ll cover that topic in my next staff journal. Back to Salt Lake. Recently my wife and I flew out and visited Utah because one of our friends was getting married. Man, that place is absolutely beautiful beyond belief! From anywhere in the city you have a 360 degree view of snow capped mountains that reach above the clouds on a covered day. I am a strong advocate for Kansas sunsets because of the sheer amount of sky and color that our flat landscape can boast. But, I think that this place can take the cake when it comes to “the most beautiful sunsets” category. I know some people are ocean and beach people, but I am a mountain man through and through. So, you take the mountains and add a God painted beautiful sunset… Chef’s Kiss, there are few things better in this life that God shows us through his creation. 

One of the days our friends were amazing hosts and took us up into the mountains for brunch and sightseeing around Sundance Resort. A Ski Resort and oasis that Robert Redford started in 1969. While there I had a moment, like many of you have had, where I was overcome with awe and wonder at the sight of God’s creation all around us. Then I was moved to thank God for who He is, His awe and wonder, His glory and majesty and how he loves me and how He even wants a relationship with me. It was a special moment where I connected with my creator on a deeper level giving him the worship that only He deserves. And then I got on a cheap Spirit flight back home and that moment was over. 

We have all had these experiences, if you have been a christian for any length of time. These spiritual mountain top experiences (no pun intended) where our relationship with God is easier and better than it seemingly has been in a long while. Those are great moments, and I know the highest of highs are not always sustainable. But, I believe the Holy Spirit has been challenging me in the couple of weeks following our trip that I need to be more in awe of God on a daily basis. Bringing God more of my praise solely because of who God is and He IS THAT GREAT. Why do I need a literal mountain to be in awe of my creator God? He is the sustainer and provider of every breath that I have, every experience that I have experienced, every relationship that I have built, and any hope I have ever received. I do not need a literal mountain, because I have something so much better. 

Take a moment to be in awe of who God is today. Take a second to praise him for all the things he has done for you, but also… just for WHO HE IS. 

If you need a little help doing so use Psalms 145 to pray through today! 

Psalm 145 Praising God’s Greatness

A hymn of David.

1 I exalt you, my God the King, and bless your name forever and ever. 2 I will bless you every day; I will praise your name forever and ever. 3 The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable. 4 One generation will declare your works to the next and will proclaim your mighty acts. 5 I will speak of your splendor and glorious majesty and your wondrous works. 6 They will proclaim the power of your awe-inspiring acts, and I will declare your greatness. 7 They will give a testimony of your great goodness and will joyfully sing of your righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. 9 The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made. 10 All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you. 11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom and will declare your might, 12 informing all people of your mighty acts and of the glorious splendor of your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom; your rule is for all generations. The Lord is faithful in all his words and gracious in all his actions. 14 The Lord helps all who fall; he raises up all who are oppressed. 15 All eyes look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time. 16 You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts. 18 The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. 19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. 20 The Lord guards all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked. 21 My mouth will declare the Lord’s praise; let every living thing bless his holy name forever and ever.

Peace and Blessings Church Family

Bryant Hart

Tools

What did you do during your Christmas break?  Celebrate Jesus? Relax? Spend time with family? Eat a lot of food? All of the above? Well of course we did the same. However, my wife Jillian and I just so happened to buy a house a week before Christmas break so we might have done a liiiittle more working than relaxing. On account of the current real estate market, my wife being a private christian school teacher and me being in ministry, we bought a good ole HGTV Fixer upper. Then proceeded to put on our best Chip and Joanna Gaines britches and make that thing look good as new *wink* *Sparkle.* 

In the process we ended up fully refinishing the original hardwood floors throughout the house, pulled off all the baseboards, redid some sheetrock, replaced two sinks, fixed(and are still fixing) garage doors, painted every single wall, repaired and painted the base boards and then put them back on, updated light fixtures, replaced locks and doorknobs and I think that's it. But as many of you know, that was just to get us in the house. Now we can continue to do many more house projects as we live in it along the way. 

Admittedly, as we were working on some of the bigger projects I thought to myself “is this even worth it?” “This is really hard work.” Several times I thought “I’m making this problem worse, I should just stop and let someone else do this.” But as we moved in we looked around and were extremely proud of the transforming results that were all around us. A sigh of relief and joy in accomplishment. 

Not to Jesus juke you but recently I have found myself -more often than I would like to admit-   in the same “is this even worth it” category but more so pertaining to my spiritual life. I get tired and worn out. I get distracted by the grass being greener on the other side. I get too focused on the immediate results of seeing life transformation happen before my eyes; and accidentally make results my god instead of truly dwelling with the only one that can cause life transformation in the first place. I think to myself  “I’m making my sin problem worse, I should just stop and let someone else do this.” 

Though fixing up our spiritual lives and fixing up our homes are two completely different things, the Lord has given me some practical parallels or realizations recently. For one, I need to use the right tools. There were several times in the fixing process of our home I either didn't want to make the burdensome trek ALL THE WAY to the garage to grab the right tool or I didn't have the right tool entirely. Then I ended up wasting my time on something that would have been resolved by just taking, what in reality is, a quick trip to the garage or going and buying the right tool at Ace. I sometimes have the same problem in my spiritual life where instead of just getting up and looking for the solutions to my sin in the greatest spiritual tool, the bible, I sit right where I am at struggling with the same issue while trying to muscle it myself. Why would I not take a trip into God’s word? Why would I not pick up the tool that God has designed specifically for this job of life? My flesh fails me. During this process there was a moment when redoing the floors that I truly believed I was making matters worse and ruining them more than I was fixing them and I wanted to just let someone else take over. I have the same moments in my spiritual life where I realize I truly am making things worse in my own life and I want to let someone else take over. Then DING, Holy Spirit light bulb. Every joy, every success, every life transformation, every greener pasture I have ever seen or experienced is because of our God! In those moments I do need to let someone else take over and it is our Savior.

I know the benefits of surrendering to our savior and spending time in the word. But my flesh fails me, and I stray away. I pray that you are in a season of strength and close devotion to the Lord. But if you are not, don’t worry, I hope you know you are not alone. The Lord has given us the right tools and has paid the righteous price so that we can live in devotion to him and community with him. 

The Tools

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

• 1 Peter 5:6-10  Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time,  casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you.  Be sober-minded, be alert. Your adversary the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.  Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kind of sufferings are being experienced by your fellow believers throughout the world. The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, establish, strengthen, and support you after you have suffered a little while. To him be dominion forever Amen.

Peace and blessings Grace

Bryant Hart 

Your Move

Deeply tragic are the events that transpired in Israel about a week ago. If you are unaware of what I am referencing, a terrorist group known as Hamas invaded parts of israel and began murdering hundreds of individuals as well as taking women, children and elderly as hostages. I am not a direct witness, nor do I really have any ties directly to Israel but when I heard this had happened my heart was immediately burdened for the people and families involved. I’m not an expert on history, war, or international relations so I can’t offer any explanation of the years of disarray and conflict in this region like others might be able to. However, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit I believe we have a direct line to God’s desire for the outcome of this situation: As well as the response we are to have as individuals a part of His big C, Church. 

I’m not saying that God is calling us all to do the exact same thing, some might be moved to more action than others. However, there are some responses I believe we should all experience or lean into if we are followers of Christ. But, no matter the circumstances we need to move closer to our creator.

When an event like what is going on in Israel happens, we should be moved to sorrow, empathy, and compassion. God loves his creation, he loves us, so even the loss of the most detestable person's life is the life lost of an image bearer of God. This should trouble us to a certain degree. Then this Sorrow, empathy, and compassion we’re experiencing should move us to cry out to the Lord in prayer. Praying for him to mend the broken, bring peace in the fighting, establish joy where there is only sorrow and that in everything he would intervene. For man alone is not able to stop evil, but only God is. 

Then after prayers of petition should come prayers of thanksgiving. Yesterday the staff had gathered for a time of prayer and after praying for Israel we began to discuss the tragedy of some of the events that took place. In this, Kyle said something that was simple but profound to me. “We should be grateful that this land, in our lifetime, has never known war.” He’s right; things like the events in Israel are not a normal occurrence in our country nor have they been, and I pray they never will be. But in that statement, I realized the gratefulness, and the thanksgiving I need to be giving to the Lord everyday for the safety that he has provided for me, my loved ones, and everyone in our community. I take that for granted and I definitely shouldn’t. I recognized my need to move closer to my creator.

Every event, every happening, every difficulty, every blessing we should be moved to interact with God more in one way or another. Sometimes it's in sorrow that we have to cry out to him. Sometimes it’s in pure joy that we need to praise him. No matter the circumstances God’s desire is that we would be brought closer to him. Then respond, by choosing to move in a direction that is closer to God. Where do you need to move to be closer to your creator? 

Bryant Hart

Pickleball Peace?

Professional pickleball is in absolute disarray. From the PPA offering out massive short term contracts to the MLP offering long term stable health care benefits! Each individual pro is being maliciously ripped from one side to the other. Okay, let me backup just a little bit. I understand some of you do not even know what pickleball is; let alone the fact that there are multiple professional organizations for it. Which is a total shame, because it is only the fastest growing sport in america! It’s enjoyable for anyone to play; 5 years old, 85 years old, retired professional football player, or recreational nap taker. It doesn't matter who you are, it is fun for everyone! I can also make a pretty strong argument for why it’s one of the most enjoyable to watch as well. But I won’t bore you with those details. 

If you’re still lost let me first explain what the sport actually is. Pickleball is a racket sport that is played using a wiffle ball and a pickleball paddle that is somewhat of a mix between a ping pong paddle and a tennis racket. Pickleball is similar to both those sports -Ping Pong and Tennis- in that the objective of the game is to hit a ball across the court, over a net, towards your opponent and hit it so well that they can't hit it back.  Though you might just now be hearing about this sport it has been around for approximately fifty to sixty years; and yes there are multiple professional organizations vying for the top spot right now.

In recent years there have been two organizations that have risen to the top of the pickleball sphere gaining many notable brand deals and millions of dollars in investment funds. The PPA (Pro Pickleball Association) and the MLP (Major League Pickleball). Both have different visions of how to move the sport forward and make it mainstream like Basketball or football. For a fan like myself it has been fun to watch these two pickleball juggernauts dual it out by introducing the next “brand new never before seen” thing over and over again. But last week while all the top Professional athletes in the world were in Kansas City for a PPA tournament, the Major League Pickleball executives dropped an atomic bomb of an announcement on the pickleball world. 

They were signing as many Pros in the space as possible to exclusive contracts that were higher paying than ever before and promised great benefits that also had never been offered in pickleball. On top of this they were poaching players that were previously PPA contracted players, stealing away many of the best athletes right under the PPA’s noses. They had completely blind sided the PPA. Now in a frenzy, it was time for the PPA to respond, and they did. They immediately started offering absurd cash contracts -funded by their billionaire owner- that were double what the MLP was offering. 

Now here’s the whole point of this. The players were now faced with a massive decision that might change the course of their life. I’ve listened to several podcasts from pros that were present while all these decisions were being made and all of them describe it as complete chaos. Everyone was non-discreetly in a corner on the phone talking to both organizations, their managers, and other pros. Trying to make a wise decision on which organization to go with definitely was no easy task. The players were faced with questions like, what if one organization doesn't get as much traction as the other and goes belly up? What if signing with one organization completely ruins relationships with everyone in the other. Then a multitude of other unknowns that no one can predict. All while trying to focus on playing in a tournament, that depending on the outcome, could directly affect their current livelihood. 

Though none of us are professional pickleball players we can all relate to the feeling of being torn in a thousand different directions. Activities, sports, homework, investments, entertainment. Trying to make wise decisions for our family. Serving at church in multiple capacities. Maintaining a good devotion time. Trying to take care of our mental health. Sabbath, what even is a sabbath??? Life can be overwhelming at times. Honestly it can feel overwhelming a majority of the time. But I want to give you the subtle reminder, though those things can cause chaos at times, God is always willing and ready to give you peace in abundance. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” Though it might be a simple reminder and one you have heard many times before, maybe it’s exactly what you needed today to get through to tomorrow. Take courage brothers and sisters because he has overcome this world and all of the stressful overwhelming situations we are in! 

Love you Grace, thank you for accepting me as one of your own. Oh and here’s a link to some sweet pickleball points if you want to indulge! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aRRy0kpiP0s

Bryant Hart

GREAT

I know that not everyone is a sports person, but there are a few events that come around every once in a while that I feel like are completely unmissable because of their importance on the World Stage. One of those is the Olympics of course but the other is the World Cup. Now if you’re telling me that you haven’t heard of the World Cup and you didn’t know it just ended recently…. Then no offense but I might have to attach a “Do you live under a rock” quiz below. If you seriously don’t know what the World Cup is let me fill you in a little and say it’s basically just the Olympics but for soccer. And yes it did just come to a conclusion with Argentina -who was lead by one of the greatest soccer players of all time Lionel Messi- beating France in a thrilling world final.

Lionel Messi is known world wide as a magician when it comes to soccer. He has racked up multiple championships at the highest level of soccer, scoring more goals than anyone else over multiple seasons, and has been awarded the Ballon d’Or (best soccer player in the world) more than anyone else in history. (A record seven times!) His Skills are unmatched, his fame is immeasurable, and he is adored by millions across the globe. This can be shown by his recent instagram post -about the world cup win- receiving more likes than any other social media post on any platform.. ever… with over 70 Million likes!! The man is an absolute legend, and the Argentinian President just named a national holiday after him. But, despite all of the accolades, fame, and holidays made in his name he will never be as great as the one that came to save us from our sins.

This Christmas season has been different for me. Growing up I never really had many Christmas traditions and it always seemed to fall short of the expectation that I had for it. So Christmas was one of those days that just came and passed for me. I’ve grown up a christian all my life and celebrating Jesus’ birth was a regular thing. But for some reason, this year, it’s more special to me. This could partially be because of the recent life change of getting engaged and life in general being a little more exciting. Or it could be that I’ve been reading through the Old Testament the last month or so and have been refreshed on all of the prophecies that foretold Jesus’ coming. But in reality I think it is because I’ve spent way more time this year meditating on the reality that God came to humanity in the form of a baby with the intentions of being a servant and a sacrifice. I think I am just in awe of how great our Jesus is. He died for me, He rose for me, and He wants a relationship with me. There is no greater reason to celebrate or have a holiday than that and you can’t change my mind.

Lionel Messi is great. Christmas cookies are great. Spending time with family is great. But nothing is greater than our Savior being born, so that He could save us. Remember His Glory this Christmas season. Meditate on what he has done for you and let that flow out of you.

Merry Christmas Grace Family We love you, eat some good food for me! Bryant Hart

Slaves to Success

Focus Verse: Romans 12:1-2 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

How do we measure success? Oftentimes I measure success based on how many things I can accomplish. If I finish all of my projects around the house on a Saturday then: “That was a successful day.” I manage to find all the groceries on my grocery list in one trip: “That was a successful trip to the store.” I try making a new chicken parmesan recipe that I saw online, but after a taste test I just end up taking a Taco Bell run: “ Well, that was extremely unsuccessful.” (Even though taking a trip to Taco Bell is always a five star experience!) For many of us the minute details of what success looks like may vary- such as, if we get that promotion at work. Or, if we can manage to get the kids bathed, clothed, in bed and sleeping by eight o’clock. Some might consider this a miracle and not just a success and to that I might have to agree. But even in the details I believe our culture as a whole has made us slaves to assosiating “success” with “achievement.” The world tries to tell us if you are not achieving enough, you are not successful enough. “So go out and try harder.” “Achieve greater things.”

Oftentimes my day to day interactions with the Lord are greatly affected by this world view. Whether or not the Lord looks down on me with favor -in my eyes- is often dependent on how successful I can be for His kingdom. So I ask myself more often than I should; “Have I completed my devotion today and did I successfully pull a valuable lesson from His Word?” “Did I successfully have a gospel conversation with someone today and did they come to know Christ?” These are not bad questions to be asking ourselves as Christians. But in the same exact way that the world equates “success” with “achievement” I often equate God’s love for me with my ability to achieve for His kingdom's sake. But this just isn’t right. God is not conditional and does not offer His love more freely to the highest achiever.

In scripture we see time and time again that the Lord offers His love to every walk of life and every tribe and tongue. But what He seems to value above all else is not individual achievements, but individual obedience. In 1 Samuel 13:13-15 we see Samuel referencing David as a “man after the Lord’s own heart.” This is the moment where God speaks through Samuel, showing the eventual transferal of kingship from Saul to David. In this moment the Lord is lifting David up not because of his success, but because of his obedience. David had not led Israel to many victories as Saul had. David had not been king over an entire nation for a number of years. But David was seeking the Lord and being obedient in a time where Saul was not.

God’s measure of success is not like the worlds. It’s not based on achievement. Heavenly success as defined by God is to seek His face wholeheartedly in OBEDIENCE. Which brings me back to Romans 12:1-2. “1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Though I often misplace God's desires for my life, recently He has been teaching me that His favor is in my obedience. My ability to put aside my desires, and present myself as a living sacrifice for His name sake in obedience is all God wants from me. He does not need my achievements or accolades. He needs my obedience. So as I conclude, my challenge to you is to present yourself as a living sacrifice in obedience to our Father. By doing so you will step far beyond the success of this world and step into the fullness of life that only He has to offer.

You are Loved.

Bryant Hart