Let
nothing
be
wasted

Why We Exist
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Scripture: Matthew 5:14-26; Matthew 13:44; Matthew 18:10-14

Reflection: As followers of Christ, we believe that we have found the most valuable treasure in the world. We have the joy of not only salvation in Jesus Christ but also that we get to be the sons and daughters of God. We exist to see those far from God rise to new life in Christ. We exist for the one who has wandered away from God. Since we have found the most valuable treasure in the world, we wish to share that with everyone.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Your son, Jesus Christ, to save me and welcome me into Your family. God, You are the most precious treasure talked about in Matthew 13. Help me, Lord, to have a passion to share that gift with others. God, use the platform that You have given me to reach those far from You.

By Him and For Him

Scripture: Psalm 127:1-2; 1 Peter 2:4-5

Reflection: God is the builder, and we are the stones. This is His church, His calling, His mission, and we have the joy of being a part of it. We exist to see those far from God rise to new life in Christ, but we understand that this cannot be done without Him leading the way.

Prayer: Almighty and Wise God, I thank You that You are in charge and that we are the tools that You use to build Your kingdom. As a church, we pray that You would lead us this year in the direction You have for us. God, align our hearts with Yours. We do not want to go anywhere, Lord, if You are not there. Continue, everlasting Father, to build this house and to watch over this city.

Ask, Seek, Knock
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Scripture: Matthew 7:7-11; Hebrews 4:14-16

Reflection: We have a good Father in heaven who wishes to bless His children. God wants us to ask Him for things in life. While we shouldn’t treat God like a genie and expect every demand to be filled out how we wish, we should approach His throne boldly to ask things of Him. He wants us to seek him. He wants us to knock on His door, expecting an answer. We as a church are asking God, boldly in unison, to lead and provide for us. We are knocking on the doors of heaven constantly waiting for God to open the door.

Prayer: Lord of heaven and earth, I’m awestruck that You allow us to approach Your throne with confidence. You invite us to ask, seek, and knock. God, I ask that You would make a way for Ascent Church to reach more people. God, we are seeking a new home and we are knocking on the doors of heaven so that You would provide. Father, we cannot and will not do this without You. Make a way in Virginia Beach for Your name to be proclaimed through Ascent in 2025.

The Generosity of God
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Scripture: John 3:16; Galatians 4:3-7

Reflection: Are you in love with the creation or the Creator? We often get so caught up in life and our own circumstances that we forget how greatly God has truly blessed us. Everything in your life–your relationships, home, career, your very breath–is a gift from God. Not only has He given you what you need in life, but He took it a step further by giving you His Son. In week one, we discussed how Jesus is the ultimate treasure. God knows what it is like to be generous and to give up what is most precious to Him.

Prayer: Abba, Father, all praise and glory to You. Thank you, Lord, that You have provided every good thing in my life. You said in Colossians 1:17, “And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” You are holding the universe together, Lord, with a thought. I thank You, God, that You are generous and kind towards us. Thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Love That Causes Action

Scriptures: 1 John 3:16-18

Reflection: When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, our love for others will only grow. We know true love through Jesus Christ and that calls us to love others. God has given to us so that we may be a blessing to others. As Christians, we are called to not only have the Word of God in our hearts but also to let that word lead us to action.

Prayer: Lord, King of my life, I cannot thank You enough for how You have blessed me. Continue, Lord, to work in my heart and cause me to grieve over what grieves You. Help me to have a generous heart that is willing and ready to take care of those in need. Give me the opportunity to care for the needs of others. Help me, Father, to trust that You will provide for my every need so that I may give to those in need.

The Heart of the Widow

Scriptures: Luke 21:1-4; 2 Corinthians 9:7

Reflection: God does not need our money, but He has chosen to work through us. Giving is about the heart, not the amount. When we give, we are saying to God, “I trust in You and that You will provide for me. You’ve given me more than enough so I wish to give to others.” God would rather we give a small amount in joy than a large amount reluctantly. When we give joyfully, we see how it blesses others and how God provides for us. That, in turn, calls us to give even more.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I thank You for looking at the heart and knowing me intimately. I pray, Lord, that You would give me the confidence to trust in Your provision. Help me take the first step in having a generous heart. I pray You would break the chains that money has on my life. I wish to be like the Widow, who gave out of trust and love for You. Lord, I know that You can work a miracle with anything, so I pray You would work through my giving.

The Church in Action

Scriptures: Exodus 35:4-9, 20-21; Exodus 36:5-7

Reflection: This is a beautiful story of how the church had a call to action from God and they responded in whole. We are the body of Christ and when we act in unison, there is nothing we cannot accomplish through God. Imagine what would happen in Virginia Beach and beyond if the church rallied as they did in Exodus. We want to be a generous people, where there is enough to do all the work–and more.

Prayer: Father, I am amazed by Your church and how You work through it. God, I thank You that I get to be part of something larger than myself. Lord, help us to rally together in unity to be a blessing to others. Stir in our hearts, Lord, to build Your church in Virginia Beach.

A Challenge from God

Scripture: Malachi 3:10

Reflection: Just as we learned in week three, God wants us to pray bold prayers. Here, God is challenging us to fully trust Him. As followers of Christ, we are called to be generous. We shouldn’t ask “How little can I give to please God?” but rather rejoice that we get to give! God wants us to give cheerfully, and He promises to bless us in return. A blessing from the Lord doesn’t mean a financial return. Rather, God will bless you by filling you with His Spirit. God is ready to open the windows of heaven to pour out His Spirit; we just need to trust Him and follow His commandments!

Prayer: Lord, give me the courage to trust in Your word. You’ve called me to bring a full tithe before You. God, help me to realize that I am the steward of what You’ve given me. Father, help me to multiply what You've given me so that I may bless others. Lord, You are the true treasure. Help me to love less of this world and to love more of You.