OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLE

We serve an extraordinary God,

who uses ordinary people,  

to change the world

Psalm 8:3–4 (ESV): “When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?”

Matthew 10:29–31 (ESV): “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): “casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

If it matters to me, it matters to God

Psalm 32:5 (ESV): “I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah”

1 John 1:9 (ESV): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Hebrews 4:16 (ESV): “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Get honest. Get help.

Genesis 3:9 (ESV): “But the LORD God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’”

Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV): “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”

Revelation 2:4–5 (ESV): “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.”

Name the loss—invite God in.

• Spit/Saliva
• Mud/Clay
• Water
• Bread & Fish
• His Touch

1 Corinthians 1:27–29 (ESV): “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.”

John 6:9–11 (ESV): “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.

Put it in God’s hands.

Iron axes don’t float.

Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): “‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.”

Luke 1:37 (ESV): “For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Mark 10:27 (ESV): “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’”

What sank, can rise.

Lift it out.”

James 2:17 (ESV): “So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”

Philippians 2:12–13 (ESV): “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.”

John 14:12 (ESV): “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.”

REMEMBER

1.    If it matters to me, it matters to God.

2.    Get honest. Get help.

3.    Name the loss—invite God in.

4.    Put it in God’s hands.

5.    What sank can rise.

6.    Reach and lift.

God specializes in underwater miracles.