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With it being a new month, we've got a lot to look forward to: Longer days. A hint of thaw in the air. The bold optimism of people who are suddenly considering going outside again and in t-shirts, no less!
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Let's dive back into our latest installment of our series, The Heart of Christ!
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Gentle
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I recently saw a video montage of new dads holding their firstborn child for the very first time. As they stood in the hospital room with a small bundle of humanity in their arms, some smiled stupidly, others cooed and talked like babies themselves, while others were reduced to muddled messes bawling their eyes out with joy. Here were grown men with the power to do great harm to the weak, helpless baby in their arms, yet rather than engage in some act of "survival of the fittest," these fathers were extremely and appropriately gentle.
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Meek For Your Sake
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In Matthew 11:28-30 (our key passage for this blog series), Jesus tells us why we should take His yoke upon us and learn from Him: "for I am gentle..." The good ol' King James Version of the Bible translates that phrase, "for I am meek." The definition I've heard multiple Christians give of meekness is "strength under control."
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In other words, the hands that burst stars into space and pinched mountains into place are the same hands that can hold you and give you peace. The Son of God is not like the gods of mythology who rage and destroy simply for the pleasure of it. Rather, He entered the frailty of humanity in order to reveal His gentle heart toward us.
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If you've been angry at God lately or running from Him or are simply tired from all you've been carrying, don't just lean upon Jesus, but fall completely into His arms, for He is gentle toward you. Romans 2:4 reminds us that it is God's kindness that leads to repentance. Not His wrath. Not His power. Not His awesomeness or justice or perfection. It is His kindness, His meekness, His gentleness toward us weak, helpless sinners.
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So may you rest in His gentleness today like a newborn resting in its father's arms.
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Join us for Holy Week
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This year, our Good Friday service will be April 3rd @ 7:00pm. And we will be hosting two Easter services on April 5th @ 9:00am & 10:30am; they will both be the same gathering, so feel welcome to attend either service time. Invite your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors, and come celebrate Jesus' resurrection with us!
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To help us get the word out about our service times, please tune into our Facebook & Instagram pages and share our posts on social media.
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Serve at the Food Pantry
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Sign up to serve at the Food Pantry at Waverly City Hall on Tuesday, March 10th @ 4:15pm (setup) & 5:15pm (distribution). Let's show up for our community and get signed up today!
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Monthly Financial Update
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Here is our financial update as of February 28th:
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Budgeted YTD Needs: $34,121.00
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Actual YTD Giving: $24,808.02
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Riverwood 101
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At Riverwood, we invite you to be part of our mission to Gather, Grow, Give, and Go. If you have interest in becoming a Riverwood Partner, or just simply want to know more about the heart, mission, and future of Riverwood, please let us know!
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Riverwood 101 will be hosted after our Worship Gathering on March 29th @ 11:30am.
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