Friday, November 7, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: Revelation 21

Inviting Jesus to lead your life is the most important decision you’ll ever make. 

I believe this with all my heart. But the next decision - to get involved in a life-giving church - is almost just as important. It is a critical step into the life God has designed us to live. 

We learn and grow more in community with other people than simply being around them in church on Sunday. That’s why CedarCreek promotes the importance of joining a Group. It is in the company of committed Jesus followers who become friends that God’s power is released in our lives. Without developing those relationships and coming to trust in their love for us, we cannot fully pursue the adventure God has for us. 

When it is only me, myself, and I, it’s easy to persuade myself that God wants me to do this, or go in that direction. Or, is it just me? In my Group, I have sisters who say, “God said what to you? Why don’t we look and see what Scripture has to say about that?” When we get clarity about God’s truth together, we can pursue a course that will glorify God and bring his Kingdom to earth as it is in heaven. 

Two are better than one, as Ecclesiastes says:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. … A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Three are even better, especially when the third is Jesus!

As I get older, community becomes even more dear to me. Like Thelma in last weekend’s featured movie, I want to be useful and add value to my community. But there are times when I need help and am too stubborn to ask for it (also like Thelma!). Isn’t this true regardless of our age? 

Are you surrounded by a life-giving community? If not, I invite you to seek out people who can point you toward Jesus and speak wisdom into your choices. It is truly a blessing when we choose to follow Jesus together instead of trying to do life alone.

Questions: 
Where do you go for help when making an important decision? Do you have a group of godly, trusted friends who know you and will help you?

Next Steps: 
If you're not in a Group, join one next semester! For now, stop by Guest Services at your campus and ask about ways to get connected now. It may take awhile to adjust to new people, but it’s worth the wait! 

Invite someone in your life who feels alone to church, or into your Group.

Prayer:  
Father, thank you for Jesus. Thank you that he modeled for us how to do life in close community. Forgive me for the times I've tried to push through alone and stubbornly refused to seek help. Help me to remain humble and acknowledge the places where I need others. Please give me people to do life with, and use us to help each other grow into the people you created us to be, all to your glory. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:
Romans 1:20
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

This post was written by Lauri White, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.