Welcome!
Thank you so much for joining us at Grace and Peace Church! Below you’ll find song lyrics, scriptures, sermon notes, and information relating to this week’s service! Also take a minute to fill out our connect form. If you are new we have a FREE MUG for you at the back welcome table.
We’re so glad you’re here with us!
Grace & Peace to you!
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Announcements;
BEACH DAYS; August 13th 5:30-7:30pm @ Buccaneer Beach. Tacos Provided. Bring your own drinks.
Men's Retreat; October 9-11 Palomar Christian Conference center
Volunteer opportunities;
Rising Tide Ranch; 1st Saturday of the month. 9-12. 12-1 BBQ/testimony food is provided. RSVP by DM on Instagram or lisa@unleashedworldwide.com
Thanks for giving towards our mission to serve our brothers and sisters in Haiti! We have heard some of the progress of the work on the school that is being expanded and teachers are getting paid monthly to continue teaching. God is at work in beautiful ways!
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Liturgical Worship Readings
Daily Prayer;
Help me pay attention today.
I want to be so acutely aware of Your presence in every space.
Help me notice beauty that doesn't beg for applause, conversations that carry Your kindness, and the still, small ways You're working beneath the surface.
Let my feet be rooted, not rushed.
Let my heart be soft, not guarded.
And let my soul remember that You waste nothing—not even times of slowing down.
What word or phrase stands out for you today? What do you think God is saying to you?
James 3
THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE
13 Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace. -- James 3:13-18
Offertory Prayer
Faithful Father, thank you that you give the gift of abundant, eternal life. You have said that you are a Good Father who gives us good gifts. Your generosity overflows to us. Everything we have is a gift from you. As we bring our offerings to you, we give back to you from the abundant blessings you have given us. May our gifts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord our God. Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honor, and power and strength, be unto you our God forever and ever. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.THE LORDS PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
Offer Prayers of Intercessions, Petitions, or Thanksgivings to the Lord either silently or aloud. After each person shares we simply acknowledge by saying “Lord hear our prayer.”
Prayer of Gratitude
Heavenly Father, We come before you today with hearts full of gratitude. Thank you for your countless blessings and your unwavering love. Thank you for the gift of life, for the air we breathe, and for the strength you give us each day. Your grace and mercy sustain us, and we are deeply grateful for your presence in our lifes.
Thank you for our family, friends, and the community you have surrounded us with. Thank you for providing for our needs and for guiding us with your wisdom. Even in times of trial, we thank you for the lessons and the growth that come from trusting in you.
Lord, may we never take your blessings for granted. Help us to remain mindful of your goodness and to share your love and kindness with others. We praise your name and give thanks for all that you are and all that you do.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
SERMON NOTES
GP Mission: We are a community established on experiencing the life-giving grace and peace found in knowing Christ.
"We participate in God's mission as a people. There's individual actions, there's individual moments, but ultimately, this is a symphony." -- MARK SAYERS
Preaching/Teaching; We typically preach through the weekly passages of Revised Common Lectionary
Title: “What do storms reveal about your faith?”
Sermon by Nate Wells
Matthew 14:22–33
Jesus Walks on the Water
22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23 After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.
25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.
27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”
28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”
29 “Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
32 And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
FOCUS #1 — FOLLOWING JESUS DOESN’T MEAN AVOIDING STORMS; IT MEANS TRUSTING JESUS IN THEM
VS 22: Jesus “made the disciples get into the boat.”
They were in the storm precisely because they had obeyed Jesus.
“He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.”
— Job 9:8 NIV
Q; Where is Jesus asking me to trust him right now?
Isaiah 43:2 – “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.”
Jon Tyson; “Christian formation takes place when our knowledge of God becomes embodied trust—when faith moves from something we affirm to something by which we actually live.”
What situation in my life am I interpreting primarily through fear rather than through the character of Jesus?
FOCUS #2 — FAITH ISN’T NOT DOUBTING; IT’S CONTINUALLY TURNING TOWARD JESUS
There were twelve disciples in that boat!
VS 30: “When he saw the wind, he was afraid.”
His perception of what was most powerful changed.
What has the most amount of power in your life?
Dallas Willard definition of Disciple; “Someone whose central commitment is learning to do what Jesus taught.” * He specifically notes that disciples aren’t people who already “have things under control.”
Hebrews 12:2 — “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of faith.”
Dallas Willard and John Mark Comer use language of apprenticeship to Jesus which is helpful. Apprentices aren’t expected to begin as masters. They learn by following, practicing, failing, receiving correction, and trying again.
Where is Jesus asking me to trust him right now?
Maybe it’s:
a difficult conversation,
forgiving someone,
generosity,
confessing something,
serving somewhere,
changing a habit,
reconciling a relationship,
taking responsibility,
or simply trusting God in something you cannot control.
Action Step
Questions to dig deeper;
What does your anxiety reveal about what you believe you have to control?
When life gets difficult, what do you instinctively reach for before you reach for Jesus? Distraction? Work? Money? Your phone? Alcohol? Food? Another person’s approval? Solving the problem yourself?
What are you asking Jesus to remove that he may instead want to meet you in?
Blessing…
Rejoice in knowing that we never walk alone.
Know the grace and peace of Christ walking beside us, guiding and protecting us.
Share this comfort with one another and feel his presence each moment of each day. Amen
Lasting Change Haiti
The option to give toward the ministry we partner with in Haiti is always available…
God is at work in Haiti, and we’re grateful to share just a few of the wonderful things God allowed our team to accomplish this past week through your support and generosity.
Successful crops from all the beans that went out to churches and families
New roof for a church in need in Fond Lantanier
Bibles for Pastor Wilson’s Church
Microfinance loans for widows to start small business
Thanks to the funds you sent, the outreach was a huge blessing. We were able to purchase gas, water, and supplies—and most meaningfully, we bought Bibles. With support from LCH and the local church, they are now walking in new obedience and joy.
Bible Study Resources
Number one task of a Christ follower; Stay in that rhythm of receiving nourishment. A tree doesn’t work to receive but we choose what soil and if it’s near water source or in the care of a constant gardener.
Lectio Divina Journals
We use Lectio Divina Journals as a guide for our daily spiritual formation. If you would like to journey with us you can order a journal here or pick one up at the welcome table at church.
Through the Word
If you’re looking for a great simple way to study the Bible check out the through the word app, study plans, and other resources.
GP Bible Study
Join the Grace and Peace bible study to study with us in person.
Connect
First time visiting Grace&Peace? We would love to send you updates once a week on what’s happening and ways to connect further. If you have questions or prayer requests fill out the bottom form.