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August 13, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
How Do I Escape the Mess I've Created?
OVERVIEW 👀 Pastor Paul Durbin walks us into Jonah chapter 2, where a rebellious prophet finds himself in the belly of a fish—and discovers that the pit is exactly where God does His best work. Using real-life whale stories, a scary swim in the Blue Hole, and honest moments from his own marriage, Paul reminds us that God has power over the deep, is present in the deep, and specializes in rescuing people who've made a mess of things. Whether you're in a valley, on a mountaintop, or just navigating the ordinary, God is there—and the way out starts with prayer, letting go of idols, and putting your full trust in Jesus alone.mess TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 What's the scariest body of water you've ever swum in (or refused to swim in)? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Jonah 1:17 — Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah 2:1-10 — 1 From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. 2 He said: "In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry. 3 You hurled me into the depths, into the very heart of the seas, and the currents swirled about me; all your waves and breakers swept over me. 4 I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.' 5 The engulfing waters threatened me, the deep surrounded me; seaweed was wrapped around my head. 6 To the roots of the mountains I sank down; the earth beneath barred me in forever. But you, Lord my God, brought my life up from the pit. 7 When my life was ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord, and my prayer rose to you, to your holy temple. 8 Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God's love for them. 9 But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you. What I have vowed I will make good. I will say, 'Salvation comes from the Lord.'" 10 And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. OBSERVATION 🔎 Where does Jonah say he called to the Lord from, and how does he describe that place in verses 2-6? According to verse 8, what happens to people who cling to worthless idols? What does Jonah declare in verse 9, and what does the Lord do immediately after in verse 10? APPLICATION 👋 When you find yourself in a "pit" of your own making, what's your first instinct—hide, fix it, run, or turn to God? Paul admitted that in tough moments he sometimes couldn't even open his lips to pray. It's worth asking honestly where our default reactions actually take us. Paul said the deep isn't scary to God—He speaks light and life into it. What's a "deep" area in your life where you need to hear God say, "Be free"? Sometimes we give power to memories, sins, or regrets that God has already declared powerless. Psalm 42 talks about God being present in the valleys, on the mountaintops, and in the ordinary (Mount Mizar—the "small" places). Which of those three is hardest for you to sense God's presence in right now? A lot of us look for God in the extremes but miss Him in the everyday. Paul confessed that he sometimes thought he had to "get his act together" before praying. Have you ever believed that lie? This mindset can quietly keep us from the exact conversation God is waiting to have with us. What idols might you be clinging to as you try to climb out of a hard season? Idols aren't always statues—they can be identities, relationships, mindsets, or comforts that take up the space God wants. Have you personally made the declaration that Jesus is Lord and Savior of your life, not just a wise teacher you follow at a distance? Paul reminded us there's a difference between admiring Jesus and surrendering to Him. When was the last time you prayed honestly in the middle of a mess instead of after it was cleaned up? Praying in the pit is one of the boldest acts of faith we can practice. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Set a daily prayer alarm this week—especially for the messy moments. When frustration, conflict, or discouragement hits, pause right there and talk to God out loud, even if it's just one sentence. Name one idol and hand it over. Write it on a piece of paper, pray over it, then tear it up or burn it as a physical act of letting go. Reach out to someone you know is in a "pit" right now. Send a text, buy them coffee, or simply sit with them. Be the presence of Jesus in their deep place. Read Jonah 1-4 in one sitting this week. Let the whole story shape you, not just the fish part. Share your story. Tell one person this week about a time God pulled you out of a mess—your testimony might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. PRAYER 🙏 Lord, teach me to pray in the pit, not just on the mountaintop. Meet me right where I am, mess and all. Father, show me the idols I've been clinging to. Give me the courage to lay them down and trust You alone. Jesus, thank You for going into the belly of the earth so I don't have to. Help me live in the freedom You bought for me. Holy Spirit, speak to the deep places in me that I've kept hidden. Bring light, bring life, bring freedom. Lord, help me be present for someone else in their pit this week. Use me to reflect Your rescuing love. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Big Idea: The pit is exactly where God meets us—and the way out is prayer, surrender, and trust in Jesus alone. Jonah's Story Is Real Modern whale-swallowing accounts Scripture records it as history Foreshadows Jesus (Matthew 12:40-41) God Has Power Over the Deep Genesis 1—God speaks light and life into the deep Revelation 20—the deep itself is thrown into the lake of fire He has power over the deep places in you God Is Present in the Deep Psalm 139—no place is hidden from Him Psalm 42—valleys, mountains, and the ordinary Psalm 46—an ever-present help in trouble The Pit Is Where God Finds Us Jesus came for the sick, the lost, the humbled The pit is His specialty Three Steps Out of the Mess Pray—talk to God right in the middle of it Abandon your idols—you can't climb out with full hands Put your trust in God alone—declare Jesus is Lord Takeaway: You don't have to clean yourself up to come to God—call out from the pit, let go of your idols, and declare Jesus as Lord.
August 13, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
August 2026
🐳 Jonah! On Sunday mornings in August, we’ll be looking at the life of Jonah — the rebellious prophet who God gave second chances to. You can follow along with the series here. 🗓️ August Calendar Our Google calendar is our one-stop "source of truth" for times and dates at Belay. Check it out below 👇 and let us know if anything's missing.Belay Calendar ‼️ Service Location for September 6 We will NOT be meeting at the Durbin’s (2510 Kohler Drive) for worship service on September 6. Meet us at the Annual Campout instead 👇 ⛺️ Annual Campout Our annual Belay Campout is just a few weeks away! Learn more and register here 👇camp 👋 New here? Are you new to Belay? We’d love to get to you know you better. Introduce yourself in-person sometime, or feel free to introduce yourself here 👇Introduce Yourself 💁♀️ Women’s Ministry Our Be-ladies are going through “The Gospel Way,” and are loving it. Interested? Check out the link here👇Women 📚 Latest Study Guides Did you know we create study guides for the sermons preached at Belay? Check out the latest guides here👇Guides 🙏 Prayer Rhythms We have prayer happening (at least) every Wednesday. Check out our calendar for the next time and location 💡 Be Inspired We create short inspirational thoughts based on our recent teachings and share them as a blog. Check out the latest posts here 👇blog 💵 Giving Your recurring gift to Belay makes our ministry in Boulder possible. Thank you for your continued giving.Online Giving
August 11, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
Why Partnership?
Why Does Belay Have Partnership? It's a fair question. Why go through the trouble of formalizing something like partnership? Can't we just love Jesus and show up on Sundays? We could. But here's why we think partnership is worth it — and why we think you'll want to be part of it. 1. It Honors Our Spiritual Family Belay is part of the Assemblies of God — a global family of churches with a rich history of Spirit-empowered ministry. One of the things the AG asks of every church in the family is that we have a voting partnership (or "membership"). It's a simple way of saying, "The people of this church have a real voice in this church." We think that's healthy. And we're glad to belong to a fellowship that asks for it. 2. It Shares the Leadership Right now, as the lead pastor, I carry most of the decision-making authority at Belay. That's not ideal — and honestly, it's not biblical for the long haul. The New Testament church was led by teams, guided by the Spirit, and shaped by the voices of God's people. Partnership creates a way for more people to step into real, meaningful leadership. Partners vote on key decisions. Partners have a direct voice to the pastoral team. Partnership is how we move from "one pastor deciding" to "a church discerning together." 3. It Deepens Our Discipleship Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo sport. From the very beginning, He called people into a community that expected something of each other. Partnership names those expectations out loud. When you become a Partner, you're saying, "I want to pray, assemble, resource, take initiative, nurture unity, embody the vision, and respond positively — and I'm willing to be accountable to my church family for how I'm doing." That kind of accountability isn't a burden. It's how we grow. So… Why Partnership? Because it honors our spiritual family, shares the leadership, and deepens our discipleship. It's not about joining a club. It's about saying, "I'm in. I'm all in. Let's build this thing together." If that sounds like something you want to be part of, I'd love to talk. Grab me after a service, or reach out anytime.Partnership
August 4, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
You're Not Rebelling In A Vacuum
Imagine you’re on the boat with Jonah. A storm is tearing the boat apart, cargo is flying overboard, and hardened sailors are crying out to whatever gods they can name—all because one guy (Jonah) said “no” to God. Jonah wasn't rebelling in a vacuum. He never is. And neither are we. I think one of the sneakiest lies of American life is that our choices are just ours. My decisions, my body, my life, my business. But Scripture tells a different story. Your yes to God brings life to your spouse, your kids, your neighbors, your Belay community. Your no sends a different kind of ripple—one that makes their ride a lot rougher than it needed to be. That's not meant to shame you. It's meant to wake you up to how much your obedience matters. There are people in your life right now who are waiting on your yes—maybe without even knowing it. A kid who needs to see you repent. A friend who needs to hear you say, "I was wrong." A coworker who needs to see what surrender actually looks like. So here's a thought to chew on today: what would change for the people you love if you finally said yes to the thing God's been asking you to do? You might be surprised how many storms calm down when one person stops running.say yes
August 2, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
Are You Running From What God Is Calling You To Do?
OVERVIEW 👀 Pastor Paul Durbin opens a new series in the book of Jonah, walking us through chapter one and the story of a prophet who knew exactly what God wanted him to do—and ran the other way. Paul reminds us that God still invites regular, rebellion-prone people like us to partner with Him in His work, and that saying yes always beats running away. Through Jonah's storm, the sailors' fear, and Peter's contrasting obedience in Acts, we're challenged to stop running, surrender sooner, and trust that God's mercy keeps offering us another chance to say yes.running TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you.
You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season.
Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If you had to flee to a random city tomorrow like Jonah fled to Tarshish, where would you pick and why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Jonah 1:1-16 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 "Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me." 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, "How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish." 7 Then the sailors said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity." They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, "Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" 9 He answered, "I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land." 10 This terrified them and they asked, "What have you done?" (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, "What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?" 12 "Pick me up and throw me into the sea," he replied, "and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you." 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, "Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man's life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased." 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. OBSERVATION 🔎 What does the passage tell us about how Jonah physically responds to God's word—where he goes, what he does, and how he acts on the ship? Notice the sailors in this chapter. How do they change from verse 5 to verse 16, and what causes the change? What details does the text repeat or emphasize about Jonah "running from the Lord" and about the storm? APPLICATION 👋 Where in your life right now do you sense God calling you to something you'd rather not do?
Paul talked about how we often know the thing we're supposed to do but resist it. This question is a chance to get honest about where you feel that pull today. What's your version of "buying a ticket to Tarshish"—a choice you've made (or are making) to put distance between you and God's call?
Sometimes we don't outright refuse God; we just steer our life in the opposite direction. Think about jobs, relationships, habits, or distractions. Have you ever experienced a season where "the path of running got rougher"? What did that look like?
Paul pointed out that Jonah's escape seemed smooth at first, but eventually his world went haywire. Reflect on how God has used discomfort to get your attention. When has fear of what people might think kept you from being honest about your rebellion or struggle?
Paul talked about how pride and fear can keep us stuck. Consider whether there's something you've been hiding that God is inviting you to bring into the light. Where in your life have you settled for "empty worship"—saying the right words while your heart is somewhere else?
Jonah told the sailors he worshiped the Lord, but his actions said otherwise. This is a chance to check the gap between what you say and how you're living. Who around you might be affected by your obedience—or your rebellion—right now?
Paul reminded us that foolish decisions don't just affect the decider. Think about your family, friends, coworkers, and Belay community. What "preferred destiny" do you sense God has for you, and what would it look like to say yes to it this week?
Paul used the phrase "preferred destiny" to describe the life God is inviting you into. Dream a little—what might God do if you fully surrendered? LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Identify one area where you've been running from God and confess it out loud to a trusted friend or your house church this week. Reach out to someone God has put on your heart—a text, a call, a coffee—and speak the word of encouragement, apology, or prayer you've been putting off. Ask a Belay'er you trust, "Where do you see me resisting God right now?" and actually listen to their answer without defending yourself. Look for your own "Nineveh" this week—a person or place that's outside your comfort zone—and take one small step toward loving them well. Invite someone who feels far from God to share a meal, a hike, or a Sunday gathering with you, and be ready to share your own story of saying yes. PRAYER 🙏 Ask God to reveal any place in your life where you're running from Him, and give you courage to turn around. Pray for the people your obedience (or disobedience) is affecting—your family, friends, and community—and ask God to bless them through your yes. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you say yes sooner, before the storm gets louder. Pray for the "Ninevehs" in your life—people or places that need the good news—and ask God to send you. Thank God for His mercy that keeps offering another chance, and ask Him to help you receive it today. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: God keeps inviting ordinary, rebellion-prone people to partner with Him—and the wisest thing we can do is stop running and say yes. God Invites Regular People Into His Work The invitation goes back to the garden (Genesis 1:28) Isaiah's "Here am I. Send me." (Isaiah 6:8) Jesus extends the same call (Matthew 28:18-19) Running From God Never Really Works Jonah heads to Tarshish and Joppa Contrast with Paul (from Tarsus) and Peter (sent to Joppa) Saying yes opens doors we couldn't imagine (Acts 11:18) Rebellion Puts Us on a Fool's Errand Empty worship without obedience Foolish choices pile on foolish choices Fear and pride keep us stuck Three Takeaways From Jonah 1 Foolish decisions don't just affect the decider The path of running away doesn't get any smoother (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25) Even in our stubbornness, God keeps giving invitations to surrender
July 31, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
What is a Belay Partner?
What is a Belay Partner? Wondering what it really means to be a PARTNER at Belay? Here’s what it’s all about in one sentence: A Belay Partner is a follower of Jesus who makes a formal commitment to Belay—to personally invest in its vision, actively engage in the life of the church, prayerfully support its leadership, and willingly share in both its responsibilities and blessings. Belay PARTNERs: For a more complete picture of partnership, we can use the letters of PARTNER, and say that Belay Partners: Pray Partners pray regularly for the church, its leadership, people, and ministries. Ephesians 6:18; 2 Thessalonians 1:11–12 Assemble Partners assemble regularly with the church—attending officially scheduled worship services, contributing to life-giving fellowship, and engaging in corporate worship. Hebrews 10:24–25 Resource Partners resource the church financially through the faithful giving of a generous portion of their tithes and offerings. 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 Take Initiative Partners take initiative to serve the ministry of the church—discovering, growing and using their abilities and spiritual gifts to bless others. Acts 1:8; Romans 12:3–8; 1 Peter 4:10 Nurture Health Partners nurture and protect the health and unity of the church by seeking reconciliation and resolving conflict according to the biblical model. Matthew 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 1:10 Embody Partners familiarize themselves with, actively support, and personally embody the church’s vision, mission, values, and beliefs. Isaiah 30:8; Habakkuk 2:2 Respond Positively Partners respond positively to all partnership responsibilities detailed above and in our bylaws, and shall remain willing to help meet needs and serve as opportunities arise. Ecclesiastes 4:9–12; Acts 6:1–7 Next Steps If you’d like to take the next step or simply learn more about partnership, take a look at the articles below and/or simply reach out. I’m always happy to grab coffee or chat after a service. Pastor PaulPartnershipAssembleResourceTake InitiativeNurtureEmbodyRespond
July 30, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Pray
Belay Partners Pray If we imagine Belay Partnership as an actual ship, prayer is the sail. A sail doesn't do any good if it's never raised. But once it catches the wind, it moves the whole ship forward. Prayer works the same way. We all agree it's important — but until we actually pray, its power sits folded and unused. Yet when we pray, the wind of the Holy Spirit fills the sail and moves us in the direction He wants us to go. Jesus said it like this to his disciples: “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete." John 16:24 (NIV) In other words: "Your ship has a sail, but you haven't raised it yet! Raise it, and you'll be amazed at what happens." What Do Partners Pray For? Partners Pray for the Leadership of Belay. When Paul wrote to the Colossians, he didn't ask for comfort or an easier road — he asked for prayer that doors would open and that he'd speak clearly. “And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should." Colossians 4:3–4 (NIV) Belay's leadership need that same kind of prayer — open doors, clear words, and courage to keep going. Partners Pray for the Church. When the early church faced pressure, they didn't first pray for the trouble to go away. They prayed for boldness and for God to move. “Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29–30 (NIV) That's the kind of prayer that moves a church forward — asking God to make us bold, and asking Him to do what only He can do. Raise the Sail. Belay Partners pray. Not because prayer is a box to check, but because it's the sail that catches the wind of the Spirit. Without it, we drift. With it, we go wherever God leads. So let's raise the sail — for our leaders, for our church, and for the mission God has given us. And let's see what He does. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Partnership
July 29, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Assemble
Belay Partners Assemble To assemble is to gather together for a common purpose. It's not the same as attending a concert or catching a movie. Those are things you simply consume as a spectator. To assemble is to contribute. It communicates that you're part of a body, a people, and a shared mission. As we keep building our *Partner-ship*, assembling is like the hull. The hull essentially is the ship. It's the main body — the bottom, the sides, the deck. Without the hull, you don't have a ship. And every plank matters. Pull a few out and the ship begins to sink. The church works the same way. Without people assembling together, you don't have a church. Every Partner is a vital piece of the hull—a precious piece of timber holding us all together. You'd think this would go without saying. But somehow, it's easy to find reasons not to gather. The writer of Hebrews saw this coming: “... let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24–25 (NASB95) Notice why we gather: to stimulate one another to love and good deeds. To encourage. We can't do that from the couch. It only happens when we show up. Everyone Brings Something Paul told the Corinthians: “When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up." 1 Corinthians 14:26 (NIV) Did you catch that? Each of you has something. God has given every Partner something to bring to the gathering—a word, an insight, an encouragement, etc. When you don't assemble, a piece of the hull is missing. And our whole ship feels it. Built Up Together Paul says something similar to the Colossians: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts." Colossians 3:16 (NIV) Teaching. Admonishing. Singing. Sharing. This is what happens when we assemble — and it only happens when we assemble. Take Your Place in the Hull Belay Partners assemble. Not because it's a rule, but because every piece matters. Every Partner strengthens the ship. Every gathering builds us up for the voyage ahead. So let's keep showing up—for each other, for the mission, and for the God who put us on the same ship. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Assemble
July 28, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Resource
Belay Partners Resource Imagine setting sail on a long voyage — and never filling the ship with supplies. How far would you make it? Probably not more than a few days. Every voyage of any real length needs a well-stocked storeroom to make the mission successful. That's what resourcing is all about. As we build our Partner-ship at Belay, we need partners committed to keeping the “storeroom” full — a team of faithful givers who make it possible for Belay to meet ongoing needs, pay the bills, support missions, and prepare for the ministry ahead. Paul put it this way to the Corinthians: "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6–7 (NIV) Notice what Paul doesn't say. He doesn't guilt anyone into giving. He doesn't set a number. Instead, he points to the heart — decide in your heart, then give cheerfully and generously. How Do Partners Resource Belay? Partners Give Regularly. Paul told the Corinthian church to build giving into the rhythm of their week: "On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made." 1 Corinthians 16:2 (NIV) Regular giving is what keeps the storeroom stocked. A ship that only gets resupplied once in a while runs out fast. But a ship whose crew keeps the shelves full is always ready for the next leg of the journey. Partners Give Generously. Generosity isn't measured by the amount — it's measured by the heart. Belay Partners give a generous portion of their tithes and offerings because they believe in the mission and want to see it thrive. And here's the promise God attaches to generosity: "And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV) God supplies what we need so we can be part of the good work He's doing. Resource the Storeroom. Belay Partners resource. Not because giving is a bill to pay, but because it's how we keep the ship supplied for the voyage. Without a full storeroom, the mission stalls. With one, we're ready for wherever God leads next. So let's stock the storeroom — cheerfully, regularly, and generously — and watch what God does with it.Give Now Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Take Initiative
July 27, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Take Initiative
Belay Partners Take Initiative Belay is not a cruise ship. It's a Partner-ship. A cruise ship is designed to meet your every need. You pay for a ticket, step on board, and the crew works around the clock to keep you comfortable, fed, and entertained. You're a passenger. A guest. A customer Sadly, a lot of churches function that way—and a lot of church-goers fully expect them to! But when you enter a Partner-ship, something clicks: you're not a passenger. You're the crew. That's what taking initiative is all about. It's every Partner waking up to the reality that the ship doesn't run itself, and that God has placed each of us on board with something to contribute. Peter said it plainly: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV) Each of you. Not just the pastors. Not just the "super-Christians." Every Partner has been given something—and that something is meant to be used. Every Partner Has a Role Paul makes the same point to the Romans, using the picture of a body: "For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us." Romans 12:4–6 (NIV) Every crew member on a ship has a role. Some adjust the sails. Some navigate. Some cook, clean, repair, welcome new passengers, or keep watch through the night. No role is unimportant, and no role can be skipped without the whole ship feeling it. The same is true here. When Partners take initiative — discovering their gifts, growing in them, and putting them to work — the ship stays healthy, responsive, and ready for whatever's next. Initiative Is Powered by the Spirit Taking initiative isn't about gritting your teeth and volunteering for everything. Jesus told his disciples: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Acts 1:8 (NIV) The Spirit is the one who empowers us to serve. Our job is to be available—to step up, lean in, and let Him use what He's already put in us. Take Your Place on the Crew Belay Partners take initiative. Not because we're trying to earn anything, but because we've realized the truth: we're not passengers on someone else's cruise. We're the crew of a Partner-ship on mission with Jesus. So find your place. Discover your gifts. Grow them. Use them. And let's sail together toward everything God has for us. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Nurture Health
July 26, 2026 • 3 Minute Read
Belay Partners Nurture Unity
Belay Partners Nurture Unity If you're sailing the open seas under a cloudy sky, it can be hard to know which direction you're going. That's why every ship has a compass. One look, and the crew knows whether they're on course or need to make an adjustment. Church life can feel the same way. With ministry developing, relationships forming, and outreach happening, it's easy to lose track of whether things are going as they should. Even when everything looks fine on the surface, how do we really know if we're a healthy church? Is there something on board that can tell us? Something that cuts through the fog and shows us if we're still on course? There is. It's called unity. Unity is the compass of the church—and a healthy church is one that walks in unity. It's what Jesus prayed for: "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17:20–21 (NIV) It's what Paul told us to protect: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Notice the language — make every effort. Unity doesn't just happen. It has to be nurtured and protected. In other words, unity isn't the absence of contention — it’s what we contend for. Conflict is bound to happen. Any time real people do real ministry together, feelings get hurt, lines get crossed, and misunderstandings happen. Yet as those conflicts arise, we make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Jesus gave us the playbook: "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over." Matthew 18:15 (NIV) Notice what Jesus doesn't say. He doesn't say to vent to your friends, post about it online, or quietly pull away. He says to go — directly, humbly, privately — and work it out. That's how unity gets protected. That's how a church stays healthy. Check the Compass When we nurture unity, we're checking the compass. We're asking: Are we still walking together? Are there fractures to mend? Conversations to have? Forgiveness to offer? A partnership that never checks the compass drifts. A partnership that checks it often stays on course. Keep Us Pointed True Belay Partners nurture unity. Not because we expect everything to be smooth, but because we know unity is worth the effort. When Partners guard the unity of the church, we’re staying true with the compass—and the whole ship keeps heading where Jesus is leading. So let's keep watch. Let's do the hard work of reconciliation when it's needed. And let's stay united, so the world may believe in Him. Next Post in the Partner-Ship Series:Embrace
July 26, 2026 • 7 Minute Read
Where Will Your Name Appear in the Credits?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this closing message from Colossians, Pastor Paul Durbin walks Belay'ers through the final verses of Paul's letter—the part most of us skip like movie credits. But hidden in those names are seven roles that make a church thrive: testimony teller, unity bringer, relationship restorer, prayer warrior, faithful healer, helpful host, and mission completer. Paul invites us to picture the credits rolling on our own lives and asks the honest question: which of these roles will our name appear beside?credits TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 Do you stay for the credits at the movies, or are you out the door the second the screen goes dark? Why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Colossians 4:7-18 7 Tychicus will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts. 9 He is coming with Onesimus, our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10 My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) 11 Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews among my co-workers for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. 13 I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14 Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus: "See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord." 18 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. OBSERVATION 🔎 Paul lists a lot of names here. What descriptive words or phrases does he attach to each person, and what stands out about the way he talks about them? What specific actions or contributions do these people make to Paul's ministry, and how do those contributions differ from one person to the next? In verse 17, Paul sends a direct word to Archippus. What does the wording of that message suggest about Archippus' situation, and why might Paul say it publicly through this letter? APPLICATION 👋 Where in your everyday conversations are you most tempted to slide from testimony into gossip, and what would it look like to catch yourself and turn the corner? This is less about big sins and more about the small tone shifts in our talk about coworkers, family, or other Belay'ers. Onesimus took a huge risk to walk back into a broken relationship. Is there a relationship in your life where you've been "running by geography"—hoping distance will fix it Sometimes we change jobs, churches, or friend groups instead of stepping into the harder work of repair. Who in your life needs someone willing to do a little sleuthing and take initiative to restore a broken relationship? Could that person be you? Restoration rarely happens by accident. It usually takes one person willing to make the first awkward move. When was the last time you said "I'll pray for you" and then didn't? What would change if you swapped that phrase for "Can I pray for you right now?" Praying on the spot feels vulnerable at first, but it turns a polite line into a real moment. Luke stayed. Demas left. In the current season of your life, which one are you more like, and why? Faithfulness is usually tested in the unglamorous middle stretch, not the exciting beginning. What space has God given you—a home, an apartment, a backyard, a lunch table at work—that could become a place where ministry happens? Helpful hosts don't need big houses. They just need open doors and a willingness to make room. Is there a "ministry you have received" that you've set down—a call, a burden, a project, a dream? What would it look like to pick it back up this week? God rarely reassigns something He's clearly put on your heart. Sometimes He's just waiting for you to start again. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Text or call three people this week and share a specific "gold" you see in them—something good God is doing in or through their life. Identify one broken or distant relationship and take one small step toward restoration: a text, a call, a Culver's meet-up. Retire the phrase "I'll pray for you" for the next 30 days and replace it with "Can I pray for you right now?" Open your home (or your table, or your backyard) once this month for a meal, a study, or just hanging out with someone outside your usual circle. Write down the "ministry" or assignment you sense God has given you, and take one concrete step toward it this week—even if it's small. PRAYER 🙏 Ask God to help you become a testimony teller—someone whose words consistently build up rather than tear down. Pray for a specific broken relationship in your life, and ask God to show you your part in the restoration. Ask the Spirit to make you a real prayer warrior, not just someone who says the words. Pray for the Belay'ers around you—that our church would be full of faithful healers, not hurtful deserters. Ask God to remind you of any ministry you've set down, and to give you courage to pick it back up. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: The final verses of Colossians read like movie credits—and hidden in those names are seven roles that help a church thrive. Testimony Tellers (Tychicus) Share the good news, not gossip Look for the gold in people Choose positive talk over negative Unity Bringers (Onesimus) Take risks to build bridges Stop running from conflict Step into painful situations Relationship Restorers (Paul & Mark) Try again when it seems hopeless Sometimes we play the role, sometimes we need someone to play it for us Bury the hatchet, do the hard work of repair Prayer Warriors (Epaphras) Wrestle in prayer for others Stop saying "I'll pray for you"—start praying on the spot Real intercession is hard work Faithful Healers (Luke) Stay close, don't desert Be a healing presence, not a Demas Listen to the Spirit's promptings to reach out Helpful Hosts (Nympha) Open your space for the gospel Use what you have, not what you don't Ministry often happens around a table Mission Completers (Archippus) Don't quit when you get sidetracked Pick back up what God has assigned you Complete the ministry you've received Takeaway: One day the credits will roll on your life—may your name appear beside every one of these seven roles.
August 13, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
The Gospel Way
Hey ladies! 💕 I'm so excited to share what we'll be digging into together this season! We're going to be studying "The Gospel Way Catechism" by Trevin Wax and Thomas West. Here's a peek at what it's about: This book walks us through 50 essential Christian beliefs in a simple question-and-answer format — the same time-tested way Christians have discipled one another for centuries. It's designed to ground us in what we believe, help us spot the subtle lies our culture tells us, and shape a gospel-centered worldview that actually holds up in everyday life. In other words, it's deep truth made clear, memorable, and doable — perfect for growing together! I can't wait to learn alongside each of you, share what God is teaching us, and enjoy some good conversation (and probably some good snacks too 😉). Grab your book, bring a friend, and let's do this together! Love you all so much,
PattySee Meeting Times & Location on our Calendar
August 4, 2026 • 1 Minute Read
Campout 2026
Belay Church Campout Basic Details WHEN: Friday-Monday, September 4-7, 2026 (Labor Day Weekend) WHERE: Glacier Basin Campground, Rocky Mountain National ParkRegister What about Sunday morning? There will be NO service at 2510 Kohler Drive (The Durbin’s house) We will have a worship service at the campout in an amphitheater in the campground What should I bring? Tent or RV Sleeping Bag and/or blankets Pillow Toiletries Flashlight/Headlamp Meal Supplies (for yourself and to share) Cookware/Dinnerware NOTE: Belay is ONLY providing the campsite (a place to pitch a tent), Belay is NOT providing the basic gear you need to camp. What about meals? Please be prepared to provide for your own meals! We will likely be sharing a few "potluck" style meals, too. Please bring food items to share. What time is check-in & check-out? Campsite check-in is 3pm on Friday Check-out time is 11am on Monday. How do I register? Registration is free, but you’re welcome to make a donation (during the registration process) Spots are limited, so please register only if you’re nearly 💯 percent certain you can actually go.Register
July 12, 2026 • 5 Minute Read
Can You Trust God in the Pit?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this heartfelt message, Patty Durbin walks us through the life of Joseph and shows how God stays close, shapes character, and works good even in the darkest seasons. Drawing from her own story of growing up as an outsider in a broken home, Patty invites us to expect trouble, trust God's presence, worship through hard work, and adopt a kingdom perspective that sees setbacks as soil for something beautiful. Joseph's journey from pit to prison to palace reminds us that no pain is wasted when God is with us.in the pit TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 What's the weirdest dream you've ever had? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Genesis 37:2-36 Genesis 39:1-23 Genesis 40:23-41:57 John 16:33 1 Corinthians 10:13 1 Peter 5:6-10 James 1:2-4 Romans 8:37-39 OBSERVATION 🔎 In Genesis 37, what specific actions and attitudes from both Joseph and his brothers contribute to the family's brokenness? What details stand out? Throughout Genesis 39, the phrase "the Lord was with Joseph" appears multiple times. In what different circumstances does this phrase show up, and what happens as a result? In Genesis 41, how does Joseph respond when Pharaoh asks him to interpret the dreams? What does his answer reveal about how he has changed since chapter 37? APPLICATION 👋 Patty said we live in a time when we think that following Jesus should make life easier, but Jesus told us to expect trouble. Where in your life have you been surprised or discouraged by hardship because you expected the Christian life to be smoother? Joseph came from a deeply broken family, yet God still used him in powerful ways. What parts of your own family story have you assumed disqualified you from being used by God? Sometimes we treat our background as a limit rather than as raw material God can shape. Patty talked about the difference between pain and harm—sometimes pain is actually good for us. Can you think of a painful season that ended up producing growth in you? Or one you're in right now that might be doing the same? This helps us reframe our current struggles instead of only trying to escape them. Joseph "worshiped God in his work"—whether as a slave, a prisoner, or a leader. What would it look like this week for you to treat your everyday tasks as worship rather than just something to get through? Worship isn't just Sunday singing—it's the posture we bring to Monday mornings. Potiphar's wife tempted Joseph day after day, and he eventually ran. What temptation in your life do you need to stop negotiating with and simply flee from? God promises a way out, but sometimes taking it means leaving your coat behind. Joseph was forgotten in prison for two more years after helping the cupbearer. Where does it feel like God has forgotten you or left you waiting? How are you tempted to respond? Waiting is often where our character gets shaped the most. Patty said the 17-year-old privileged, proud Joseph became a humble 30-year-old servant through years of hardship. What is God trying to shape or soften in you right now through your current circumstances? God is more interested in who we're becoming than in how comfortable we are. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Reach out to someone this week who is in a "pit" season—send a text, buy them coffee, or simply sit with them and remind them they're not alone. Pick one job or task you usually dread and intentionally do it as worship this week, giving it your full heart as if you're serving the Lord. Identify one temptation or unhealthy pattern you've been flirting with, and put a real boundary in place—delete the app, change the route, tell a friend. Write down three "negatives" from your story and ask God how He might want to use them for good. Share one with a trusted friend or Belay'er. Invite someone new into your circle this week—someone who might feel like the outsider, the way Patty once did in her small North Dakota town. PRAYER 🙏 Thank God for being with you in every season—the pit, the prison, and the palace. Ask God to shape humility and steadfastness in you through the hard things you're walking through. Pray for someone you know who feels forgotten, discouraged, or overwhelmed by trauma. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you're negotiating with temptation and give you courage to flee. Pray for a kingdom perspective—that God would help you trust His plan even when your circumstances feel absurd. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: God is with us in every pit, prison, and palace—using every hardship to shape us into who He created us to be. Expect Trouble, Pain, and Betrayal Joseph's broken family Brothers' betrayal and the cistern Jesus promised trouble in this world God Is With Us "The Lord was with Joseph" in Potiphar's house The Lord was with Joseph in prison God walks with us in water and fire Worship God in Your Work Fleeing temptation with Potiphar's wife Serving faithfully as a slave and prisoner Every task can be worship Adopt a Kingdom Perspective Forgotten but not abandoned Humble Joseph before Pharaoh God shapes character through difficulty Nothing Is Wasted Manasseh—God made me forget Ephraim—God prospered me in my sorrow God restores, confirms, strengthens, establishes Takeaway: No pit is too deep, no prison too long, and no pain too great for God to redeem—so keep trusting, keep worshiping, and keep walking with the One who is walking with you.
May 3, 2026 • 2 Minute Read
The Book of Acts Ends on an Adverb
The book of Acts ends on an adverb. Seriously. Luke—one of the most careful, polished writers in the early church—stops his story mid-sentence on the word "unhindered." Paul is under house arrest, the verdict is unclear, the churches are scattered, and Luke just… puts the pen down. It feels like a mistake. But I think it's actually the point. The story wasn't over when Luke stopped writing. It still isn't. The Spirit who came at Pentecost, the gospel that cut three thousand people to the heart, the unnamed men and women from Cyprus who just started talking about Jesus to their neighbors—that whole movement keeps going. And somewhere in the middle of it is you and me. I think a lot of us read the Bible like it's a closed book about people who lived a long time ago. But Acts refuses to let us do that. It hands us the pen. It says: keep writing. Keep walking. Keep telling people about Jesus in your kitchen, on your hike, at the coffee shop, in the carpool line. You don't need a title or a platform. The gospel reached the Gentiles because of people Luke didn't even bother to name. That's encouraging to me. The story of Jesus at work in the world has always moved forward on the backs of regular people who simply stayed devoted and stayed available. So—where are you in the story right now? Name it. Tell someone. And then take the next small step. This thought is based on this recent sermon by Kevan Ho:View Media
May 3, 2026 • 9 Minute Read
Where Are You in the Story God Is Still Writing?
In this message, Kevan Ho walks us through a sweeping survey of the first half of the book of Acts, showing how the early church was born, shaped, and scattered—all in the rhythm of God's mission. From the confrontation of the gospel to a community marked by devotion, from facing real problems to being sent out by unnamed everyday people, Kevan invites us to find ourselves in this ongoing story. The book of Acts ends mid-sentence on purpose, because the story of Jesus at work through His people is still being written—and we're part of it.View Media TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If you had to describe yourself as a "devoted fan" of something (a sport, a snack, a TV show, a hobby), what would it be and how embarrassing is the level of devotion? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Acts 1:8 — But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 2:1-4 — When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:36-38 — Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified. Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" And Peter said to them, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:42-47 — And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 8:1-4 — And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church, and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Acts 11:19-21 — Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. Acts 28:30-31 — He lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. OBSERVATION 🔎 In Acts 1:8, what does Jesus connect the power of the Holy Spirit to? Notice the geographic progression—what does it suggest about the scope of God's mission? In Acts 2:42-47, what four things were the early believers devoted to, and what specific behaviors flowed out of that devotion? In Acts 8:1-4 and 11:19-21, who is actually doing the preaching as the gospel spreads? What do you notice about how God uses the scattering? APPLICATION 👋 Kevan said the Christian message is sometimes comforting and sometimes deeply confrontational. Where in your life right now do you sense God comforting you, and where might He be confronting you? This question helps us recognize that a healthy walk with Jesus includes both being held and being challenged. Kevan reminded us that confrontation isn't shaming—it's like a doctor honestly telling us the diagnosis so we can be healed. When the crowd was "cut to the heart," they asked, "What shall we do?" Is there an area of your life where the Spirit has cut you to the heart but you haven't yet responded with repentance or change? Repentance simply means turning around—stepping down as king of your own life so Jesus can take the throne. Kevan shared his own story of being fourteen and hearing the gospel for the first time as the song his heart had been humming all along. The early church was marked by devotion—to teaching, prayer, fellowship, and one another. What are you actually devoted to right now (be honest), and what would it look like to grow in devotion to Jesus and His people? Kevan pointed out that devoted people can spot casual fans a mile away. Devotion shows up in how we spend our time, our money, and our attention. Ananias and Sapphira's sin wasn't a lack of generosity—it was wanting to appear more than they were. Where do you feel the pull to "image manage" in your spiritual life? This is the gap between who we are and who we want to appear to be. Kevan said the church should be a safe place to bring our honest selves in search of grace. When you see problems in the church (any church, including Belay), what's your default reaction—withdraw, complain quietly, or humbly bring it forward in a way that seeks solutions? The early church had real problems—neglect, deception, persecution—and they didn't pretend otherwise. Kevan highlighted that truthful, humble complaints brought to leadership actually moved the mission forward. Looking back at painful or disorienting seasons in your life, can you see places where God was writing a bigger story than the one you were feeling in the moment? Kevan reminded us that the scattering of the early church looked like loss but was actually the spread of the gospel. Our pain isn't wasted in the hands of a redeeming God. The gospel went to the Gentiles because of unnamed people from Cyprus and Cyrene who just started talking about Jesus. Who in your life right now might God be inviting you to simply have a conversation with? You don't need a title, a degree, or an official role to live on mission. Kevan shared how his family came to Colorado with one simple motto: "We're going to make friends for Jesus." LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Pick one person this week who doesn't know Jesus and pray for them daily by name. Then look for one natural opportunity to invite them into your life—coffee, a meal, a walk, a hike. Practice radical honesty with one trusted person this week. Share something real you've been hiding or managing, and let them speak grace and truth back to you. Identify one rhythm of devotion (Scripture, prayer, fellowship, generosity) that's been slipping, and rebuild it this week in a concrete way—even if it's small. Look for an "unnamed" act of kindness or witness you can offer someone this week. No platform, no spotlight—just a quiet conversation, a meal delivered, a need met. If you've been carrying a complaint or concern about something in the church, bring it forward humbly and truthfully to a leader or a Belay'er you trust, with a heart for solutions. PRAYER 🙏 Ask the Spirit to show you where you are in the Acts story right now—and to give you courage to name it honestly. Pray for someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel. Ask God to soften their heart and to give you the words and the moments. Pray for Belay to be a community marked by devotion, honesty, and joy—not image management or casual faith. If you're in a season of pain, loss, or disorientation, ask God to show you the bigger story He's writing, even when you can't see it. Pray for the unnamed Belay'ers quietly living on mission—at work, in neighborhoods, in schools, in homes. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE Kevan opens by setting up the strange ending of Acts—Luke stops mid-story on the word "unhindered." The Great Commission in Acts 1:8 becomes the table of contents for the whole book: Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, the ends of the earth. Pentecost in Acts 2: the Spirit comes communally and propels the disciples into mission. Peter's sermon confronts the crowd with both their sin and God's love—they are cut to the heart and respond with repentance and baptism. Kevan shares his own fourteen-year-old story of hearing the gospel for the first time. Acts 2:42-47: the early church is marked by deep devotion—to teaching, prayer, fellowship, generosity, and one another. Ananias and Sapphira: the sin of image management and deception, and the call to radical honesty in community. Acts 6: real problems of neglect in the church, and the model of truthful complaint, humble leadership, and faithful problem-solving. Acts 7-8: persecution, the scattering, and the bigger story God writes in the midst of pain and loss. Acts 11: unnamed men and women from Cyprus and Cyrene take the gospel to the Gentiles—shifting the center of gravity to Antioch. Kevan ties it back to his own family's move to Colorado and the everyday mission of making friends for Jesus. The book ends "unhindered" because the story keeps going—through us. Where are you in the arc?
July 5, 2026 • 6 Minute Read
What If God Himself Is the Blessing?
OVERVIEW 👀 In this message, Daniel Ziesing walks us through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 and reframes what it really means to be "blessed." Rather than treating blessing as a Christian buzzword or a list of good things we hope God will hand us, Daniel shows how Jesus is describing the good life—a life of flourishing that flows from being poor in spirit, mournful over sin, gentle, hungry for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemaking, and even willing to be persecuted. The heart of the message is simple and profound: God Himself is our greatest blessing, and every other gift is secondary to knowing Him.God himself TIPS 📌 For the greatest impact, invite a few others to go through this study guide with you. You don't need to do every section and question—use what fits your group or season. Let the Spirit highlight where to slow down and engage. ICEBREAKER(S) 🧊 If you could inherit any one thing on earth (a mountain, a taco truck, an NFL team), what would you pick and why? BIBLE PASSAGE(S) 📖 Matthew 5:1-12 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. He said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." OBSERVATION 🔎 What repeated word or phrase stands out most as you read through the Beatitudes, and what patterns do you notice in how each verse is structured? What kind of people does Jesus describe as "blessed," and how does that list compare to how the world typically defines a blessed or successful person? Look at the second half of each Beatitude (the "for they will…" phrases). What is Jesus promising, and who is the one doing the giving? APPLICATION 👋 When you hear the word "blessing," what usually comes to mind first—God Himself, or the gifts and circumstances He gives? This question gets at the heart of Daniel's message. It helps expose where we might be treating God's gifts as the main thing rather than God Himself. Where in your life are you tempted to trust your own strength or goodness instead of admitting you're "poor in spirit"? Being poor in spirit isn't weakness—it's honesty. Take a minute to consider whether pride is quietly running the show anywhere. Are you more likely to laugh off your sin or genuinely mourn over it? Daniel quoted Richard Wurmbrand: "I hear a whole lot of laughing in America, but very little weeping." True mourning over sin leads us to real comfort and repentance. What "authority ladder" are you climbing right now that God might be asking you to step off of? Meekness is a broken stallion—still strong, but usable. Sometimes God's blessing looks like being freed from a fight that was never worth it. Would you say you're hungering and thirsting more for God's righteousness, or for your own comfort, reputation, or preferences? This isn't about guilt—it's about honestly noticing what you feed on most. What we hunger for shapes who we become. Is there someone in your life right now who needs mercy from you—and how does remembering the mercy you've received change how you approach them? If we've truly received mercy, we tend to give it. Withheld mercy might be a sign we've forgotten our own. Where might God be calling you to be a peacemaker, even if it means people insult or misunderstand you? Peacemaking isn't avoiding conflict—it's bringing people to God, who is our true peace. That will cost something. LIVE ON BELAY 🏔️ Read Matthew 5-7 this week in one sitting and jot down one line that convicts you and one that comforts you. Pick one person you've been withholding mercy from and take a tangible step—text, call, coffee, or forgiveness—to extend it. Share your salvation story (or a moment you felt closest to God) with one non-believing friend or neighbor this week. Practice "poor in spirit" prayer each morning for seven days—start with, "God, I need you today," before asking for anything else. Invite someone who's mourning (a loss, a hard season, their own sin) out for a walk or a meal and simply be present with them. PRAYER 🙏 Thank God for being the greatest blessing—more than anything He gives, He Himself is the gift. Ask the Spirit to soften your heart to genuinely mourn over sin—yours, your community's, and the world's. Pray for meekness—that God would break any wild rebellion in you and use you fully for His will. Ask God to make you merciful in a specific relationship where mercy feels hard. Pray for boldness to be a peacemaker who brings people to Jesus, even when it costs you. WORSHIP 🙌 OUTLINE 📝 Main Idea: God Himself is our greatest blessing—every other gift is secondary. What "Blessed" Actually Means Makarios / esher: happy, flourishing, the good life Not what the world calls the good life Jesus is redefining human flourishing The Eight Attitudes of the Blessed Life Poor in spirit — free from pride, receive God's mercy Those who mourn — brokenness over sin leads to true comfort The gentle — broken stallions who inherit through God's will Hunger and thirst for righteousness — satisfied yet still seeking The merciful — full of mercy because they've received mercy Pure in heart — pure devotion, undivided loyalty to God Peacemakers — bring others to God, the source of peace Persecuted — both by inner flesh and outer world The Point Behind the Points Every Beatitude points back to God as the reward Blessings in Scripture are always secondary to knowing God Salvation and spiritual maturity share the same posture Takeaway: Any blessing we receive should help us see God more deeply, turn us to repentance, and move us to share His love with others.
