Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

One of the most precious elements of a friendship is trust. It is invaluable to have someone dependable in times of need, someone who follows through with promises and is reliable in times of distress.

Proverbs 3:5-6, a familiar verse, carries profound wisdom. Often, during times of pressure, we default to relying on ourselves, thinking it is the safest option. However, the wisdom of Proverbs implores us to lean on the Lord rather than our own judgment during these times. We are invited to trust the Lord because He can do things beyond our understanding, beyond the natural!

Trust wouldn’t really be trust if God mapped out His entire plan for us before we were willing to jump on board with it. Trust requires us to place our confidence in Him even when we can’t see a way to victory.

The Lord promises to make our paths straight when we submit to Him. Submitting to God means including Him in our everyday decision-making and acknowledging His sovereignty in our lives.

We can demonstrate this submission by intentionally following His commandments to love the Lord and to love others (Mark 12:30-31). Our God has given these commandments because He knows that they will lead to our best life, a straight path.

ACTIVATION:

Take a moment to ask the Lord if there are any aspects of your life that you have not submitted to Him, and give Him permission to speak into that area.

John 15:15 (NIV)

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

Have you ever needed a friend who truly understands, a friend you can depend upon no matter the circumstance or the cost, a friend who, with just a glance, can brighten your entire day?

Do you know this friend who is merciful and kind, who does not envy, who is humble and does not demand His own way, the One who thinks no evil of you?

This friend finds no gladness when injustice or harm comes against you. This friend, your friend, rejoices with a song over you and bears all things.

He is waiting for you.

Be still today, stop and take a look! It’s well worth it when you discover He has always been there looking right back at you.

ACTIVATION:

Read John 15:15 aloud: "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

Pray the following prayer, either silently or aloud:

"Jesus, thank You for calling me Your friend. Help me to understand the depth of Your love and friendship. Teach me to walk closely with You and to trust You in every aspect of my life. Open my heart to experience Your kindness, mercy, and unwavering support. Amen."

After praying, listen for any words or impressions the Holy Spirit might give you about your friendship with Jesus. Write these down in your journal.

We are so glad you have taken time to join with us.

We trust you enjoy your visit and importantly, encounter God in our midst.

There are many ways to connect in at Gateway:

1. Enjoy the Sunday services - be free to come along and encounter God's grace, especially if you need some refreshing.

2. Meet the Pastoral team at the New Visitor lounge - come and say hello and we would love to hear your story.

3. Join a HUDDLE - these are groups that meet across the city every fortnight for TOGETHERNESS and TRANSFORMATION.

4. Come along to our Prayer and Worship nights - held on a Wednesday evening monthly, these nights are just that.... Prayer and Worship.

5. Look out for our next New Visitor lunch we host each quarter.... we would love to invite you along.

Consider messaging us how we could be praying for you and assisting you further at this time.

Contact us here.

We would love to help you discover and receive Jesus as your leader in life.

Simply ask Him to forgive your past mistakes, and become the Lord of your life.

The Bible says confess your sins (ask God to forgive your past mistakes), repent (turn your mind to God's opinion about you) and believe (place your trust in Him).

We hold a HUDDLE on a Tuesday evening to assist thoise who are exploring or just started to follow Jesus.

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Our next baptism service is Sunday September 3.

Contact [email protected] to express interest.

Our pastoral team will gladly walk you through the process.

What an exciting step to take!